Portable communication apparatus having data input expandability

• US 20040106429A1
• Filed: 11/26/2003
• Published: 06/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Shigeri, Mitsuhiro, Park, Seung-Min, Hyun, Sang-Min, Lee, Ji-Young, Im, Jung-Hyeok, Kim, Sung-Kwon, Park, In-Gon
• Application Number:
  US10/723,161
• Publication Number:
  US 20040106429A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/550.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1666 Arrangements for reducing the size of the integrated keyboard for transport, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys G06F1/1664 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1671 Special purpose buttons or auxiliary keyboards, e.g. retractable mini keypads, keypads or buttons that remain accessible at closed laptop G06F1/1666 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1688 the I/O peripheral being integrated loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0214 Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position combined with translation movement H04M1/0235
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0247 comprising more than two body parts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/23 Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof by improving visibility H04M1/22

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable communication apparatus capable of providing data input expandability and thus convenient usability. The portable communication apparatus includes a main housing, a hinge axis extending across the main housing, a fixed housing fixed to a first peripheral portion of the main housing, the first peripheral portion being located at one side of the hinge axis, and a rotational housing rotatable about the hinge axis, the rotational housing being in contact with the fixed housing while surrounding the first peripheral portion of the main housing when the rotational housing is closed on the fixed housing, the rotational housing being most distant from the fixed housing while surrounding a second peripheral portion of the main housing when the rotational housing is completely opened from the fixed housing.

Claims

1. A portable communication apparatus, comprising:

a) a main housing;

b) a hinge axis extending across the main housing;

c) a fixed housing affixed to a first peripheral portion of the main housing, the first peripheral portion being located at one side of the hinge axis; and

d) a rotational housing rotatable about the hinge axis, the rotational housing being in contact with the fixed housing while surrounding the first peripheral portion of the main housing when the rotational housing is closed on the fixed housing, the rotational housing being most distant from the fixed housing while surrounding a second peripheral portion of the main housing when the rotational housing is completely opened from the fixed housing.

4. A portable communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotational housing has an upper surface provided with a camera lens and at least one fourth key, and has a lower surface provided with a third speaker device and at least one fifth key.

5. A portable communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixed housing comprises a fixed body and a pair of legs extending from at least two corners of the fixed body in one direction.

6. A portable communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotational housing comprises a rotational body and a pair of legs extending from at least two corners of the rotational body in one direction, the pair of legs having an opening formed between them so as to accommodate the main housing, each of the legs having a curved portion.

2. A portable communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the main housing has an upper surface provided with a first speaker device, a display and a plurality of first keys, and has a lateral surface provided with at least one second key.

7. A portable communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display is constructed as one unit for representing and inputting information.

8. A portable communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display has a center through which the hinge axis passes.

3. A portable communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fixed housing has an upper surface provided with a second speaker device and at least one third key.