Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080222877 | COMBINATION OF TUBE ASSEMBLY AND CLIP FOR WIRELESS ANTENNA GROUNDING - An antenna tube configured to accommodate a grounding clip and an antenna, the antenna tube having a cylindrical tube having an upper end and an inner end opposite the upper end; a circumferentially extending groove in the cylindrical tube located between the upper end and the inner end; and a tapered lip at the inner end of the cylindrical tube, wherein the grounding clip fits between the circumferentially extending groove and the tapered lip, and at least a portion of the antenna slidably fits into the upper end of the cylindrical tube. | 09-18-2008 |
20090085777 | KEYPAD FOR A WIRELESS DEVICE - A keypad for a wireless device is disclosed. The keypad comprises one or more key stems, each key stem having an upper key stem surface. The keypad also comprises one or more keycaps configured to be mounted over the one or more key stems, each keycap having a lower keycap surface for bonding to the upper key stem surface of each key stem with adhesive. The upper key stem surface includes at least one depression and at least one groove along a perimeter of the upper key stem surface. The depression and groove can help reduce the risk of adhesive flow to undesirable areas. | 04-02-2009 |
20090128368 | SPLIT KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a plurality of keys associated with alphanumeric characters including the letters A-Z. The keys are split into a left side section and a right side section. The left side section is oriented at least partially above the right side section, or the right side section is oriented at least partially above the left side section. The keyboard is stationary. A mobile communication device includes the keyboard. | 05-21-2009 |
20090135145 | TACTILE TOUCH SCREEN FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device includes a base and a touch screen display connected to the base and movable relative thereto. The touch screen display includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device. The electronic device includes a feedback mechanism including a switch moveable relative to the base for actuating in response to application of a force to the touch-sensitive input surface causing movement of the touch screen display. Operational components are connected to the touch screen display for operation of the electronic device. | 05-28-2009 |
20090144960 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING MULTI-COMPARTMENT SHIELDING CONTAINER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A handheld electronic device may include a portable housing and a shielding container within the portable housing. The shielding container may include a shielding frame and a shielding lid carried thereby. A printed circuit board may be within the shielding container. The shielding frame may include a planar base with at least one opening therein, a pair of opposing side walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of opposing end walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom. Also, the shielding frame may include at least one intermediate partition wall integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom to define a plurality of container compartments. The partition wall may also extend only partway between the opposing side walls to define at least one partition end gap therewith. | 06-11-2009 |
20090178911 | KEY DOME ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED TACTILE FEEDBACK - A dome assembly for use in a keyboard assembly of an electronic device is provided. The dome assembly includes a deflectable dome shaped element having a concave surface terminating at a periphery and a number of elevating members disposed on the element adjacent the periphery and protruding away from the concave surface. The elevating members serve to space the periphery from a mounting surface. The element is movable between an undeflected position and a deflected position. | 07-16-2009 |
20090236206 | KEYPAD WITH WATER AND DUST PROTECTION - A keypad suitable for use with a mobile communication or a handheld device. The keypad includes an actuator component formed from multiple materials and comprises a plurality of actuators, a sealing bead and/or a light guide. The sealing bead is formed from a flexible or compressible material such as silicone rubber. When the keypad is installed the sealing bead is compressed against the mounting surface in the device and provides a seal for the keypad against environmental agents such as moisture, dust and/or electrostatic discharges. | 09-24-2009 |
20090268387 | HANDHELD COMPUTING DEVICE HAVING DROP-RESISTANT LCD DISPLAY - A display for a handheld computing device includes a display panel, a display circuit board carrying display electronics for the display panel, and a light guide coupled to the display panel and the display circuit board. The light guide includes at least one snap clip for securing the display to a circuit board of the handheld computing device. The least one snap clip is configured to allow the display to move relative to the computing device when the display panel is mounted to the computing device. | 10-29-2009 |
20100066706 | METHOD OF MOUNTING THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ON PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCORPORATING THE SAME - A thumbwheel switch for a handheld electronic device is mechanically and electrically mounted on the substrate of a printed circuit board using SMT with the thumbwheel seated in a cutout in the substrate and with the top surface of the thumbwheel about flush with the top surface of the substrate so that the thumbwheel is ergonomically positioned on the side of the handheld electronic device at the level of the display. | 03-18-2010 |
20100084254 | SEALED DOME SWITCH FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing. | 04-08-2010 |
20100085217 | INPUT KEY SUBASSEMBLY FOR MINIMIZING EMISSION OF LIGHT FROM UNINTENDED PATHS - An input key subassembly for a handheld communication device is dislosed herein. The input key subassembly includes a dome overlay panel and a lightguide panel. The dome overlay panel includes a dome overlay layer and a dome switch having a peak facing frontally. The dome overlay layer has a front face located adjacent to the backside of the lightguide panel. The lightguide panel has at least one keystem and is located above a respective dome switch. A recessed perimeter region about the keystem has a height relative to the backside of the lightguide panel that is less than a height between the front side of the lightguide panel and the backside of the lightguide panel. | 04-08-2010 |
20100178957 | MOBILE DEVICE HAVING AN IMPACT RESISTANT INPUT - A mobile device is disclosed having an impact resistant input located in at least one of the corners. In the event that the mobile device is dropped and lands on the corner input, a shock-absorbing member absorbs the energy of impact to prevent failure to a contact or input cap of the corner input. | 07-15-2010 |
20100213041 | BACKLIT KEY ASSEMBLY HAVING A REDUCED THICKNESS - A backlit key assembly having a reduced thickness for an electronic device, and an electronic device having such a backlit key assembly are provided. The key assembly utilizes a local sink (recess) in a backing plate of the key assembly to lower the light source (e.g. LED) and flexible printed circuit board relative to the backing plate. The key assembly described herein provides a suitable leading space for the light source while permitting the overall thickness of the key assembly to be reduced compared with conventional backlit key designs. | 08-26-2010 |
20100213043 | KEY ASSEMBLY FOR A HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A ONE-PIECE KEYCAP - A key assembly for an electronic device having a one-piece keycap and an electronic device having such a keycap are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a key assembly for use in an electronic device, comprising: a keycap having a plurality of rigid key portions separated by mechanically deforming portions; and a flexible member having opposed first and second sides, the first side having a plurality of key stems which are attached to the plurality of key portions, the second side having a plurality of actuators for actuating dome switches of the electronic device. | 08-26-2010 |
20100220032 | COMBINATION OF TUBE ASSEMBLY AND CLIP FOR WIRELESS ANTENNA GROUNDING - An antenna tube configured to accommodate a grounding clip and an antenna, the antenna tube having a cylindrical tube having an upper end and an inner end opposite the upper end; a circumferentially extending groove in the cylindrical tube located between the upper end and the inner end; and a tapered lip at the inner end of the cylindrical tube, wherein the grounding clip fits between the circumferentially extending groove and the tapered lip, and at least a portion of the antenna slidably fits into the upper end of the cylindrical tube. | 09-02-2010 |
20110041316 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING MULTI-COMPARTMENT SHIELDING CONTAINER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A handheld electronic device may include a portable housing and a shielding container within the portable housing. The shielding container may include a shielding frame and a shielding lid carried thereby. A printed circuit board may be within the shielding container. The shielding frame may include a planar base with at least one opening therein, a pair of opposing side walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of opposing end walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom. Also, the shielding frame may include at least one intermediate partition wall integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom to define a plurality of container compartments. The partition wall may also extend only partway between the opposing side walls to define at least one partition end gap therewith. | 02-24-2011 |
20110073454 | KEY ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A MULTI-CHARACTER KEYCAP - A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches and a plurality of single-piece keycaps. Each keycap identifies a row of keyboard characters. Each keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character representing portions of the keycap. Each actuator has a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion. In a rest state in which the keycap is not depressed, at least some of the actuators preload at least some of the dome switches by exerting a force upon the dome switches. | 03-31-2011 |
20110073456 | KEY ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING ONE-PIECE KEYCAPS AND MULTI-TOUCH PREVENTING SUPPORTS - According to one aspect, a keypad for an electronic device includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of external contact portions defining a full row of the keypad. Each external contact portion corresponds to one of the switches and includes at least one of a text-entry character and a functional character. Each of the external contact portions is movable to actuate the corresponding switch. The keypad further includes a plurality of keycap supports. Each keycap support is disposed between adjacent external contact portions. After one of the external contact portions has been moved to actuate the corresponding switch, at least one of the keycap supports engages the keycap having the one of the external contact portions to inhibit the keycap from actuating at least one of the other switches. | 03-31-2011 |
20110102205 | KEYPAD STRUCTURE - A keypad structure comprises a plurality of dome switches. Each of the plurality of dome switches provides a first tactile feedback to a user when pressed. At least one vibratory element is electrically connected to the dome switches to actuate when one of the plurality of dome switches is pressed. The at least one vibratory element provides a second tactile feedback to the user. | 05-05-2011 |
20110115652 | DETECTION OF INTENDED KEY ACTIVATION ON A MOBILE DEVICE - A method and device are provided for preventing unintended activation of one or more hard keys on a mobile device. A capacitive sensor senses a capacitance level at a location on the keyboard, to detect whether a hard key is being actuated by a human hand or human skin. If the sensed capacitance level exceeds a key activation capacitance threshold, a key circuit connection is identified as being associated with an intended hard key activation. If the measured capacitance level is within an uncertainty tolerance below the key activation capacitance threshold, a secondary capacitance level is measured at a non-keyboard location. The key circuit connection is identified as being associated with an intended hard key activation when the measured secondary capacitance level exceeds a key activation confirmation threshold. Additional secondary indicators can be obtained based on size and shape capacitance pattern, timing information, and an active application or device state. | 05-19-2011 |
20110140932 | KEY ASSEMBLY - A mobile device is described herein in which the mobile device has a housing that includes a transition point and an actuator that can be flexible and that can be used to initiate a predetermined action. The actuator can include a transition point. The mobile device can also have a stiffening component that can be configured to engage the actuator and can also have a flexible circuit. In one arrangement, the flexible circuit can be coupled to the stiffening component and the flexible circuit can be configured to relay signals in response to a force being applied to the actuator. In another arrangement, the actuator can be positioned such that the transition point of the actuator substantially aligns with the transition point of the housing of the mobile device. | 06-16-2011 |
20110170728 | MICROPHONE BOOT FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A microphone boot for a portable electronic device and a portable electronic device having such a microphone boot are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a portable electronic device, comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB); a microphone attached to the PCB and defining an aperture therein; a frame enclosing the microphone and PCB and defining an opening therein; a cap attached to the frame and defining an aperture therein; and a microphone boot received in the opening in the frame and defining an acoustic channel between the aperture in the microphone and the aperture in the cap. | 07-14-2011 |
20110186413 | KEYBOARD DOME OVERLAY STRUCTURE - A dome overlay structure for a mobile device keyboard includes a plurality of dome switches, a circuit board disposed beneath the plurality of dome switches with each dome switch electrically coupled to the circuit board, a main overlay disposed over the plurality of dome switches, and a first adhesive dab centrally interposed between the dome switch and the main overlay with a second adhesive dab surrounding the first adhesive dab. Each dome switch has a central portion and a non-central portion. The first adhesive dab can bond the central portion of the dome switch to the main overlay. The second adhesive dab is configured to form a gap between the second adhesive dab and the non-central portion of the dome switch in an unactuated configuration and configured to contact the non-central portion of the dome switch in an actuated configuration. | 08-04-2011 |
20110203913 | KEYBOARD DOME STIFFENER ASSEMBLY - A keyboard dome stiffener assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of dome pads that each defines a venting aperture, a dome sheet disposed over the circuit board, and a stiffener disposed beneath the circuit board that defines a plurality of cutouts corresponding to each venting aperture. The dome pads correspond to a key of an associated keyboard to be assembled with the keyboard dome stiffener assembly. The dome sheet forms an air space associated with each dome pad that is in fluid communication with the corresponding venting aperture. The cutouts of the stiffener provide an air cavity between the circuit board and the stiffener. Each air cavity is in fluid communication with an air space, and when one of the keyboard keys is depressed, some of the air in the air space travels between the air space of the keyboard to the corresponding air cavity. | 08-25-2011 |
20110205700 | KEYPADS FOR MOBILE DEVICES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A keypad is described herein in which the keypad can have a keypad sheet and a keymat layer molded onto the back side of the keypad sheet. The keypad sheet can include a plurality of keys formed on a front side of the keypad sheet and a plurality of actuators formed on a back side of the keypad sheet and protruding from the back side of the keypad sheet. Slits are cut around at least some of the keys to provide the keys with flexibility. The slits do not pierce the keymat layer. | 08-25-2011 |
20110209975 | KEYPAD ASSEMBLY - A keypad assembly is described herein in which the keypad assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of domes positioned on the substrate and configured to translate operator action into a corresponding input for a machine. The keypad assembly also includes a dome overlay positioned over the domes and the substrate in which the dome overlay can create a sealed environment for the substrate and the domes. A light guide that directs light in the keypad assembly and an interlocking component coupled to the light guide can also be part of the keypad assembly. In one arrangement, the interlocking component can selectively compress the dome overlay to assist in the creation of the sealed environment. In another arrangement, the interlocking component can compress the dome overlay by bending the dome overlay at an edge of the substrate. | 09-01-2011 |
20110304554 | KEYPAD STIFFENER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - Embodiments described herein are directed towards a keypad stiffener and a method for manufacturing. The method may include forming a metal plate form. The metal plate form may include a metal grounding plate, at least one detachable island and at least one bridge. A bridge may mechanically connect the metal grounding plate to the detachable island. The method may also include forming a non-conductive molding mechanically coupling the metal grounding plate and the at least one detachable island and electrically disconnecting the detachable island from the metal grounding plate. Furthermore, subsequent to the electrically disconnecting, the at least one detachable island may be electrically floating with respect to the metal grounding plate. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306252 | SPRING FINGER GROUNDING COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A grounding component is provided for grounding electronic components. The grounding component includes: a base; a channel formed within the base; and a spring finger extending from the base, the spring finger having a fixed end and a free end. When the spring finger is in a first undepressed position, a knuckled portion of the spring finger lies proud of the base, and the free end of the spring finger lies substantially within the channel. A method for manufacturing the grounding component is also provided. | 12-15-2011 |
20120000759 | DEFLECTION WEB FOR A KEYPAD ASSEMBLY - A deflection web is provided for use in a keypad assembly. The deflection web comprises a plurality of actuators resiliently coupled together by a flexible membrane. Each actuator of the deflection web corresponds to a key of the keypad assembly, and for each actuator, the flexible membrane comprises a corresponding radially outwardly extending flange whose thickness varies in a direction from the corresponding actuator. In some instances, the thickness of the flange may increase as the flange extends a distance radially outward from its corresponding actuator. A method for creating the deflection web of the keypad assembly and a method for assembling the keypad assembly are also provided. | 01-05-2012 |
20120006667 | KEY ASSEMBLY FOR A MOBILE DEVICE - A key assembly for an electronic device comprises at least one key including a body having a first external contact portion and a second external contact portion. The first external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a first switch of a pair of switches. The second external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a second switch of the pair of switches. The body of the at least one key pivots about the first external contact portion when the second external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the second switch. The body of the at least one key also pivots about the second external contact portion when the first external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the first switch. | 01-12-2012 |
20120013488 | KEYPAD WITH WATER AND DUST PROTECTION - A keypad suitable for use with a mobile communication or a handheld device. The keypad includes an actuator component formed from multiple materials and comprises a plurality of actuators, a sealing bead and/or a light guide. The sealing bead is formed from a flexible or compressible material such as silicone rubber. When the keypad is installed the sealing bead is compressed against the mounting surface in the device and provides a seal for the keypad against environmental agents such as moisture, dust and/or electrostatic discharges. | 01-19-2012 |
20120033398 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING MULTI-COMPARTMENT SHIELDING CONTAINER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A handheld electronic device may include a portable housing and a shielding container within the portable housing. The shielding container may include a shielding frame and a shielding lid carried thereby. A printed circuit board may be within the shielding container. The shielding frame may include a planar base with at least one opening therein, a pair of opposing side walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of opposing end walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom. Also, the shielding frame may include at least one intermediate partition wall integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom to define a plurality of container compartments. The partition wall may also extend only partway between the opposing side walls to define at least one partition end gap therewith. | 02-09-2012 |
20120055770 | BACKLIGHTING ASSEMBLY FOR A KEYPAD - A backlighting assembly for use in a keypad assembly. The backlighting assembly includes at least one light emitting source configured to emit light; and a light guide assembly configured to receive the emitted light and direct the light toward the at least one key. The light guide assembly includes both a light guide film and a light guide frame for directing light from the light source toward the key(s). | 03-08-2012 |
20120055960 | ELECTRONIC MOBILE DEVICE SUPPORT APPARATUS - An electronic mobile device support apparatus includes a plurality of generally tubular finger receivers disposed adjacent a rear surface of an electronic mobile device. Each of the plurality of finger receivers defines a passageway configured to receive a corresponding finger of an electronic mobile device user such that the electronic mobile device is supportable thereby. | 03-08-2012 |
20120067712 | SEALED DOME SWITCH FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing. | 03-22-2012 |
20120073941 | BACKLIGHTING APPARATUS FOR A KEYPAD ASSEMBLY - A keypad assembly including a dome configured to operatively engage a switch sensor; a dome overlay guide operatively coupled by to the dome; a key corresponding to the dome and configured to operatively engage the dome; and a light emitting source, configured to emit light. The dome overlay guide is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitting source and direct the received light toward the keys. | 03-29-2012 |
20120075809 | GASKET AND DISPLAY ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC MOBILE DEVICE - An electronic mobile device includes a device housing and a spacer supported within the device housing. An outer panel is supported by the spacer, and the outer panel and the spacer together define an internal recess. A display configured to display information is supported by the device housing within the internal recess. A gasket is compressed between the device housing, the spacer, and the outer panel to inhibit debris ingress to the device housing. The gasket has a first side that engages the device housing and a second side that engages the spacer and the outer panel. | 03-29-2012 |
20120099258 | PUSH TO RELEASE COVER FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A cover assembly for a portable electronic device is described. The cover assembly has a cover comprising: two cover extensions extending substantially perpendicular from the cover. Each of the two cover extensions has an abutment towards a center. An angular spring with two wings and two upwards arcuate ends is included in the cover assembly, each of the wings forming a bias angle relative to a line between the two ends. Two housing extensions extend from a surface of the portable electronic device, each of the housing extensions has a protrusion mating the corresponding abutment, and a guide having a form substantially corresponding to the upwards arcuate end. When a force is applied to the center of the angular spring, the bias angle decreases and the upwards arcuate ends are urged upwards, thereby causing the abutments moving outwards, and unlocking the protrusions. | 04-26-2012 |
20120106035 | LATCH MECHANISM FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A latching assembly comprises a bracket, and a hook. The hook comprises: a top; a base having a first portion proximate to a first end and a second portion proximate to a second end. The second portion is inclined or sloped towards the top. A front surface extends from the first end to the second end. The front surface is substantially parallel to the surface of the second part at the first end, forming a first portion of the base for engaging the bracket. The front surface is further inclined or sloped toward the surface of the second part at the second end. When the bracket and the hook are engaged and the first part and the second part are separated by force, the bracket slides on the second portion of the base and the inclined or sloped front surface at the second end, thereby disengaging the bracket from the hook. | 05-03-2012 |
20120106092 | NAVIGATION TOOL HOLDER - A navigation tool holder for a mobile device can include a top holder, a bottom holder, and a cover layered on top of the top holder. The top holder defines an opening for receiving a navigation tool. The bottom holder is configured to matingly engage the top holder. A navigation tool housed between the top holder and the bottom holder. The navigation tool includes a top portion protruding through the opening of the top holder and a flexible circuit communicatively coupling the navigation tool to a circuit board of the mobile device. The cover layer on the top holder can surround the top portion of the navigation tool so that the cover maintains an alignment of the navigation tool with a housing of the mobile device. | 05-03-2012 |
20120112933 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a stiffener having a plurality of recesses defined therein, a flexible printed circuit defining a plurality of venting holes, each venting hole in correspondence with one of the plurality of recesses, and a dome sheet provided on top of the flexible printed circuit and including a plurality of domes, each of the domes in correspondence with one of the plurality of venting holes. | 05-10-2012 |
20120133328 | Charging Cradle - A charging cradle for a rechargeable medium having a charging contact. The charging cradle including a cradling-body, which includes a receiving area shaped to receive the rechargeable medium; a charging circuit having a charging and a non-charging state; a charging contact electrically coupled to the charging circuit and positioned to be alignable with the charging contact of the rechargeable medium; and a switch coupled to the cradling-body for interacting with the rechargeable medium to place the charging circuit in the charging state or the non-charging state. When the rechargeable medium is fully inserted into the receiving area such that the charging contact of the rechargeable medium is aligned with the charging contact of the cradling-body, the rechargeable medium, via the switch, places the charging circuit in the charging state, and when the rechargeable medium is not fully inserted, the switch places the charging circuit in the non-charging state to prevent short-circuiting of the charging circuit. | 05-31-2012 |
20120170230 | COMBINING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS - An apparatus includes a first printed circuit defining an aperture and configured for conductive communication between a first plurality of electronic components, and a second printed circuit configured for conductive communication between a second plurality of electronic components. The second printed circuit is fixed to the first printed circuit such that the second plurality of electronic components pass through the aperture, and the second plurality of electronic components are in conductive communication with the first plurality of electronic components. | 07-05-2012 |
20120206329 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION MODULE WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES - An optical navigation module comprising a rigid flange having a top surface. An optical navigation unit can be coupled to the top surface of the rigid flange with an electrical connection electrically coupled to the optical navigation unit. An alignment flange can be coupled to the rigid flange with the alignment feature including one or more alignment features. The alignment feature can be a hole adapted to receive an alignment pin to hold and align the optical navigation module. | 08-16-2012 |
20120206361 | KEYPAD HAVING A METAL GRID FOR USE WITH A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A keypad for a portable electronic device includes a keymat having a plurality of actuation members and a plurality of key caps. Each of the plurality of key caps is associated with a respective one of the plurality of actuation members. The keypad further includes a metal grid disposed between the plurality of key caps and the keymat. The metal grid is adhered to a bottom surface of each of the plurality of key caps. | 08-16-2012 |
20120241297 | System and Method for Keypad Light Guide Optical Features and Coatings - Systems and methods are provided for a keypad assembly with optical features and coatings. In one exemplary embodiment, the keypad assembly for a portable electronic device includes a keypad including a plurality of keys and a light guide for transmitting light from at least one light source. The light guide includes at least one light source feature and at least one light guide feature, and the at least one light guide feature and the at least one light source feature have applied thereto a highly-reflective coating. | 09-27-2012 |
20120255847 | KEY ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A MULTI-CHARACTER KEYCAP - A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches, a plurality of single-piece keycaps and plurality of actuators which activate the dome switches. Each single-piece keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions identifying a number of keyboard characters which are separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. Each actuator has g a first side which is engaged by one of the character-representing portions of the single-piece keycap and a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion. | 10-11-2012 |
20120267227 | Apparatus and Method Pertaining to a Key Assembly Having a Plinth-Receiving Key Mat - A key assembly comprises a contact-responsive switch and a keycap having a plinth extending from an underside surface thereof. A key mat disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch has a recessed area formed therein. This recessed area is sized and configured to receive the keycap's plinth. If desired, an adhesive can physically adhere the keycap to the key mat. By one approach, the key assembly also comprises a substantially-planar elastic layer disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch. If desired, this elastic layer and the aforementioned key mat are integrally coupled to one another. By one approach this elastic layer has at least one opening disposed therethrough. This opening (or these openings) can be disposed at least in part in common with the aforementioned recessed area of the key mat. | 10-25-2012 |
20120268903 | COVER FOR A FRAME FOR A DEVICE MOUNTED ABOVE A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The disclosure describes a cover for a frame for mounting a device above a printed circuit board (PCB) in an electronic device. The cover comprises: a surface to cover a bottom of the display device and to be located on top of a frame section of a frame that is mounted on the PCB and surrounds a surface device on the PCB; a raised region in the surface to allow a part of the surface device to jut above the frame section; and a depressed region in the surface to receive a feature on a bottom of the display device to allow the feature to extend into an interior cavity bounded by the frame section. | 10-25-2012 |
20120274485 | KEYPAD HAVING A CURVED SHAPE - A keypad for a handheld electronic device includes a dome support having a generally curved top surface, a plurality of domes, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of key caps. A flexible printed circuit board is attached to the top of the dome support and includes a plurality of substantially flat surface portions that are associated with substantially flat surface portions of the dome support. Each of the plurality of domes is attached to a respective one of the plurality of substantially flat surface portions of the flexible printed circuit board and is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of key caps has a bottom surface that is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of actuators and substantially parallel to a respective one of the plurality of substantially flat surface portions of the flexible printed circuit board. | 11-01-2012 |
20120287568 | HANDHELD COMPUTING DEVICE HAVING DROP-RESISTANT LCD DISPLAY - A display for a handheld computing device is provided. The device comprises: a display panel; a circuit board carrying display electronics for the display panel; a motherboard; and a resilient layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being adhered to the circuit board, and the second surface adhered to the motherboard, the resilient layer being positioned such that the resilient layer is disposed between the circuit board and the motherboard. | 11-15-2012 |
20130078930 | Mobile Communication Device with Receiver Speaker - An audio subsystem in a mobile communication device has a speaker. In one implementation, the audio subsystem has a higher-gain power amplifier, a lower-gain power amplifier, and a switching system configured to route signals produced by the lower-gain power amplifier to the speaker while the device is operative in a first mode and configured to route signals produced by the higher-gain power amplifier to the speaker while the device is operative in a second mode. In another implementation, the audio subsystem has a power amplifier coupled to the speaker and a power supply control controlled to provide voltage at a first voltage level to the power amplifier while the device is operative in a first mode and controlled to provide voltage at a second, higher, voltage level to the power amplifier while the device is operative in a second mode. | 03-28-2013 |
20130194738 | Latch Mechanism For Portable Electronic Device - A latching assembly comprises a bracket, and a hook. The hook comprises: a top; a base having a first portion proximate to a first end and a second portion proximate to a second end. The second portion is inclined or sloped towards the top. A front surface extends from the first end to the second end. The front surface is substantially parallel to the surface of the second part at the first end, forming a first portion of the base for engaging the bracket. The front surface is further inclined or sloped toward the surface of the second part at the second end. When the bracket and the hook are engaged and the first part and the second part are separated by force, the bracket slides on the second portion of the base and the inclined or sloped front surface at the second end, thereby disengaging the bracket from the hook. | 08-01-2013 |
20130233688 | BACKLIGHTING APPARATUS FOR A KEYPAD ASSEMBLY - A keypad assembly including a dome configured to operatively engage a switch sensor; a dome overlay guide operatively coupled by to the dome; a key corresponding to the dome and configured to operatively engage the dome; and a light emitting source, configured to emit light. The dome overlay guide is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitting source and direct the received light toward the keys. | 09-12-2013 |
20140131181 | Method and Apparatus Pertaining to Keypad Frets - A keypad comprises a keypad frame and a metal spacer disposed on a backside thereof. At least one metal fret having a plurality of metal standoffs is disposed amongst the corresponding keycaps. These metal standoffs connect to the metal spacer (for example, via laser welding). The keypad frame can include a plurality of registration components and the metal spacer can include corresponding registration component-receiving openings disposed therein. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133127 | Method and Apparatus Pertaining to Keycap Light Guides - An apparatus (such as a keyboard) has a plurality of keycaps and a corresponding light guide film disposed on the underside of those keycaps. The light guide film has a periphery, and at least portions of that periphery are thicker than in an interior portion of the light guide film. So configured, more light can be made available for backlighting purposes in the thicker portions than at the thinner portions. These teachings include determining the various (different) thicknesses to employ for the light guide film based upon desired backlighting of one or more of the plurality of keycaps. | 05-15-2014 |
20140202839 | KEY ASSEMBLY FOR A HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A ONE-PIECE KEYCAP - A key assembly for an electronic device having a one-piece keycap and an electronic device having such a keycap are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a key assembly for use in an electronic device, comprising: a keycap having a plurality of rigid key portions separated by mechanically deforming portions; and a flexible member having opposed first and second sides, the first side having a plurality of key stems which are attached to the plurality of key portions, the second side having a plurality of actuators for actuating dome switches of the electronic device. | 07-24-2014 |
20140340824 | SYSTEM AND FRAME FOR MOUNTING A DEVICE ABOVE A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The disclosure describes a system and a frame for mounting a display device above a printed circuit board (PCB) in within a housing of an electronic device. The system comprises: a frame section formed to be located on the PCB about a surface device on a surface of the PCB, the frame section comprises a plurality of connected bars, one of the plurality of bars having a depression in its top surface to allow a connector of the display device to fit against the frame section, the frame section being securable to the PCB such that at least a part of the surface device is surrounded by the frame section. | 11-20-2014 |
20150049024 | DOUBLE PRE-LOADED DEFLECTION WEBS FOR KEYPAD - A keypad for an electronic device is provided and includes a substrate comprising an array of dome elements, an array of frets, an array of mechanical keys disposed in rows interleaved between the frets, a first deflection web supportively disposed adjacent to the substrate and a second deflection web disposed between the frets and the keys and the first deflection web. The substrate is configured to pre-load the first and second deflection webs toward the keys. | 02-19-2015 |
20150049025 | DOUBLE PRE-LOADED DEFLECTION WEBS FOR KEYPAD - A keypad for an electronic device is provided and includes a substrate, a plurality of frets disposed with the substrate and a plurality of mechanical keys disposed with the substrate and arrayed in rows interleaved among the plurality of frets, at least one of the keys being deflectable toward a position at which a switch of a circuit is affected and a capacitive sensor layer disposed between the frets and the keys and the substrate to register movement of a capacitive element across the frets and the keys. | 02-19-2015 |