Frame structure
First Claim
1. A frame for an electronic device, comprising:
- an extruded frame structure having a generally planar base with particular dimensions and upstanding sides extending from the base, said frame structure supporting substantially all elements of the device;
at least one extruded fixing means for fastening a planar component of the electronic device to the frame structure by shaping of said fixing means, the planar dimensions of the component being smaller than the planar dimensions of the base, said fixing means having been extruded in one piece with said frame structure during the same extrusion process that formed the frame structure, and axes of said fixing means being essentially perpendicular to the base and extending from the upstanding sides of the frame structure; and
wherein also an electrical contact between the frame structure and said component is provided by shaping said fixing means.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to frame structures, particularly to mobile stations and other small-sized portable devices operating at high frequencies. The frame structure according to the invention is formed by extrusion, whereby the fixing means required for fastening components are formed into it during the extrusion. Such fixing means are preferably pin-like projections which can be compressed to a rivet fixing the component. Such fixing means can also be strip-like fixing edges which are bent over the component edges. With such fixing means it is possible to form at the same time both a mechanical fixing and a good electrical contact between the component and the frame structure. During the extrusion it is also possible to fasten to the frame structure parts made of other materials, such as fixing means of other types or other components, such as antennas.
56 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A frame for an electronic device, comprising:
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an extruded frame structure having a generally planar base with particular dimensions and upstanding sides extending from the base, said frame structure supporting substantially all elements of the device;
at least one extruded fixing means for fastening a planar component of the electronic device to the frame structure by shaping of said fixing means, the planar dimensions of the component being smaller than the planar dimensions of the base, said fixing means having been extruded in one piece with said frame structure during the same extrusion process that formed the frame structure, and axes of said fixing means being essentially perpendicular to the base and extending from the upstanding sides of the frame structure; and
wherein also an electrical contact between the frame structure and said component is provided by shaping said fixing means.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A device comprising:
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an extruded frame structure having a generally planar base with particular dimensions and upstanding sides extending from the base, said frame structure supporting substantially all elements of the device;
at least one extruded fixing means for fasting a planar component of the device to the frame structure by shaping of said fixing means, the planar dimensions of the component being smaller than the planar dimensions of the base, said fixing means having been extruded in one piece with said frame structure during the same extrusion process that formed the frame structure, and axes of said fixing means being essentially perpendicular to the base and extending from the upstanding sides of said frame structure, and wherein also an electrical contact between the frame structure and said component is provided by shaping said fixing means. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method to manufacture an electronic device, comprising the steps of,
(a) extruding a frame structure of the device and extruding a fixing means in said frame structure in the same extrusion step and as one piece, (b) fixing a component to the frame structure by said fixing means; -
(c) substantially supporting all elements of the device on said frame structure;
(d) dimensioning said frame structure whereby the planar dimensions of said components are smaller than the planar dimensions of said frame structure; and
(e) forming an electrical contact between said component and the frame structure by shaping said fixing means. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification