Two part multi-function electronic device

• US 20060244728A1
• Filed: 04/29/2005
• Published: 11/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Finke-Anlauff, Andrea, Gunther, Torsten, Cordes, Lutz
• Granted Patent: US 8,531,402 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1628 Carrying enclosures containing additional elements, e.g. case for a laptop and a printer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• 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 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724092 Interfacing with an external cover providing additional functionalities
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/22 including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector

Abstract

A multi-function electronic device is constructed in two parts. A communication part is a self sufficient device for providing multiple functions, such as, cellular phone, PDA, camera, and others. A cover part has a receptacle for receiving the communication part. The cover part includes a lid that is movable from an open position to a position extending over the receptacle. A keyboard is constructed in the lid for use when the lid is in the open position and the communication part is in the cover part.

Claims

1. An electronic device for use in multiple applications comprising:

a communication part having top and bottom surfaces, said communication part adapted to enclose a plurality of electronic components arranged to provide multiple functions selectable by a user;

a cover part having a receptacle constructed therein adapted to receive said communication part and having a lid moveable between an open position and a position in which said lid extends over said receptable to provide at least a partial cover therefore;

a display screen mounted on the top surface of the communication part to display data and images in operational association with the plurality of electronic components;

a keyboard mounted on the lid and accessible for use in the open position, means in said receptacle to connect the communication part to the keyboard when said communication part is positioned in the receptacle, said keyboard being, thereby, in operative association with said display, to allow the input and display of data and images on said display screen.

2. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, wherein the display screen is arranged to be substantially coextensive with the top surface of the communication part to maximize the potential area on which data and images can be displayed.

3. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, wherein the display screen is touch sensitive.

4. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, further comprising a controller adapted to coordinate the operation of the display with the operation of the keyboard such that the data and images displayed are oriented in parallel relation to the keyboard when the keyboard is in use.

5. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, wherein the communication part is fully insertable into the receptacle of the cover part and, at least a portion of the display is visible for displaying data input by use of said keyboard.

6. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, wherein, the communication part is connected in the receptacle by a coupling that allows said communication part to be pivoted, wherein the entire display is visible and may be oriented at an ergonomic angle.

7. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, wherein the cover is constructed with a rear deck portion that partially defines the receptacle and said lid is pivotally mounted on said deck portion to allow the lid to be pivoted from a position extending over the receptacle to a position in which the lid is pivoted to rest on said deck portion and said keyboard is accessible for use.

8. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard comprises a full function QWERTY array of keys.

9. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 7, wherein said deck portion is constructed with a window, through which at least a portion of the display is visible, and said display is controlled to provide data and images according to a function available when said communication part is in the cover part.

10. An electronic device for use in multiple applications, according to claim 1, wherein the communication part is functionally independent of said cover part.