Abstract:
Multiple body element portable electronic devices are configurable to predetermined fixed orientations each of which define a respective different operative position wherein one body element is arranged to move relative to another body element from an overlapping closed operative position to a non-overlapping operative position to maximize the surface area relative to usage of each body element. The multiple body elements may be arranged for slidable, hinged and swivel movement with respect to one another.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices and more specifically to portable electronic devices having multiple body elements configurable to predetermined fixed orientations each of which define a respective different operative position.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The demand by users and the purchasing public that portable electronic devices, particularly mobile telephone devices, become increasing smaller and lighter while at the same time providing an increasing number of different functions in addition to the basic telephone communication functions places a premium on available surface space for the user interfaces necessary to carryout the intended functions and operations of the associated features. In addition, there is also a demand for larger size screens for displaying images, for example, taken with a camera built into the mobile telephone or for displaying received images such as streaming video. This demand has required the manufacturer of such devices to design and develop innovative device enclosures capable of reconfiguration from one operative position to another to provide the necessary user interface to operate the device and to accommodate larger size screens. One such commonly known prior art mobile telephone device enclosure is the “flip” phone wherein the cover of the device is hinged to a main body element which carries a user interface relative to usage and the cover is “flipped” to open the device to make the user interface assessable to the user. The inside surface of the cover carries a screen to display alphanumeric characters, graphics, images and other representations common to such mobile telephone devices and which are commonly known in the trade and by the consuming public. The “flip” phone enclosure configuration provides one method to expand the user interface surface and provide a larger screen display area while maintaining a relatively smaller size device enclosure compared to other mobile telephone devices wherein the user interface and the screen share a common surface area.  
         [0003]     Another prior art mobile telephone device enclosure as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 1A-1C  is the “slide” phone generally designated  10  wherein the cover  12  overlays a main body element  14  and is arranged for sliding engagement with the main body element  14 . The cover  12  carries a screen  16  and may include keys  18  to carry out various intended functions of the device when the cover  12  is in its overlying operative position as shown in  FIG. 1A . The device is configured to a second operative position when the cover  12  is slid by a user in the direction shown by arrow  20  to expose a surface  22  of the main body element  14  as shown in  FIG. 1B  wherein the surface  22  carries a user interface  24  which may be an arrangement of keys  26  in a desired pattern to carry out the intended function such as inputting a telephone number or entry of alphanumeric characters to the device in a well known manner. The device is returned to its closed operative position by sliding the cover  12  in the direction shown by the arrow  21 . Although such “slide” phones provide ease of usage in changing from one operative position to another operative position, the increase in effective user interface area provided by prior art “slide” phones is not as effective as “flip” phones because of the limited movement of the cover  12  with respect to the main body element  14 . As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1C , an overlap of the cover  12  and main body element  14  represented by the length  28  is typically a 50 percent overlap and results in a hidden area  30  between the cover  12  and main body element  14  to maintain rigidity of the “slide” phone in its extended open position and thus the hidden area  30  of the main body element surface  22  is not available for usage as a user interface or for any other function.  
         [0004]     Accordingly, there is a need to provide a portable electronic device that overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art portable electronic devices wherein one body element is arranged to move relative to another body element to increase the effective user interface area.  
         [0005]     It is an object of the present therefore to provide a portable electronic device wherein one body element is arranged to move relative to another body element from an overlapping closed operative position to a non-over lapping operative position to maximize the surface area relative to usage of each body element.  
         [0006]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable electronic device wherein one body element is arranged to move relative to another body element to maximize the surface area relative to usage of each body element for use as a user interface.  
         [0007]     It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a portable electronic device wherein one body element is arranged for relative movement with respect to another body element to configure the body elements in a number of different predetermined fixed orientations each of which define a different operative position.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In a first aspect of the invention, a portable electronic device is presented and has a first main body element having a first major surface relative to usage and a second body element having a first major surface relative to usage. The second body element is mechanically coupled and arranged for relative movement with respect to the first main body element to configure the first main body element and the second body element in a number of different predetermined fixed orientations, each of which predetermined fixed orientations define a corresponding different operative position of the portable electronic device.  
         [0009]     In a second aspect of the invention, the first main body element and the second body element are in overlying relationship with one another and the second body element includes a display constructed in at least a portion of its first major surface, and the first main body element includes a first keypad arrangement in at least a portion of its first major surface. The first main body element and the second body element are further arranged for slidable movement with respect to one another between a first operative position and a second operative position wherein in the first operative position the first keypad arrangement is covered by the second body element and not accessible by a user and wherein in the second operative position the second body element is slidably moved along a linear path in a first direction to expose the first keypad arrangement for access and use by a user.  
         [0010]     In a third aspect of the invention, the first main body element includes a second keypad arrangement in a different portion of its first major surface from the portion of the first keypad arrangement. The first main body element and the second body element are further arranged for relative slidable movement to a third operative position wherein the second body element is slidingly movable along a linear path in a second direction opposite to the first direction to cover the first keypad arrangement and to expose the third keypad arrangement for access and use by a user.  
         [0011]     In a fourth aspect of the invention, the second body element further includes a second major surface disposed opposite the second body element first major surface and in facing relation to the first main body element first major surface. The second body element further includes a camera imaging lens constructed in an end marginal portion of the second major surface whereby the camera imaging lens is exposed for taking pictures when the portable electronic device is in its third operative position.  
         [0012]     In a fifth aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided for coupling the first main body element to the second body element whereby movement of one of the first main body element and the second body element in one direction causes the other of the first main body element and the second body element to move in the opposite direction.  
         [0013]     In a sixth aspect of the invention, the second body element is nested within the first main body element in the first operative position. The second body element includes a first and second portion with each respective portion extending from opposite ends of the first main body element when the portable electronic device is in its second operative position. The first and second portions are further arranged for carrying respective portions of the first major surface whereby the first and second portions of the first major surface are exposed and accessible by a user.  
         [0014]     In a seventh aspect of the invention, the first and second portions of the first major surface are further constructed to carry a keypad arrangement.  
         [0015]     In an eighth aspect of the invention. a first sliding mechanism is provided for coupling the first main body element to the second body element wherein the first sliding mechanism has a major surface relative to usage and includes a keypad arrangement constructed in at least a portion of the sliding mechanism major surface. The first main body element and the first sliding mechanism and the second body element are in an overlying stacked relationship with respect to one another in a first operative position. The second body element is arranged for slidable movement in a lengthwise direction with respect to the first main body element and the first sliding mechanism to uncover the keypad arrangement constructed in the at least a portion of the sliding mechanism major surface for access by a user in a second operative position when moved from the first operative position. The second body element and the sliding mechanism are further arranged for slidable movement in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction whereby the second body element and the sliding mechanism move together to uncover the first main body element first major surface for access by a user in a third operative position when moved from the first operative position.  
         [0016]     In a ninth aspect of the invention, the second body element includes a display constructed in at least a portion of its first major surface.  
         [0017]     In a tenth aspect of the invention, the first main body element includes a keypad arrangement constructed in a least a portion of its first major surface.  
         [0018]     In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the keypad arrangement is a QWERTY keypad arrangement.  
         [0019]     In a twelfth aspect of the invention, a second sliding mechanism is provided for coupling the first main body element to the second body element and includes a major surface relative to usage wherein a first portion is exposed and accessible by a user when the second body element is in a fully extended configuration in a first direction defining a first operative position wherein a first portion of the first major surface of the first main body element is exposed and accessible by a user, and wherein the second sliding mechanism major surface further includes a second portion that is exposed and accessible by a user when the second body element is in a fully extended configuration in a second direction opposite the first direction defining a second operative position wherein a second portion of the first major surface of the first main body element is exposed and accessible by a user.  
         [0020]     In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the second body element has a second major surface relative to usage disposed on the opposite side of the second body element first major surface. A foldable hinge frame is provided for coupling the first main body element and the second body element. In a first operative position the first main body element and the second body element are in an overlying stacked relationship with one another and the second body element second major surface is exposed and accessible by a user and the first main body element first major surface is covered by the second body element. In a second operative position the second body element is unfolded along a first hinge axis to a first fully extended position whereby the second body element first major surface and the first main body element first major surface are exposed and accessible by a user. In a third operative position the second body element is unfolded along a second hinge axis to a second fully extended position whereby the second body element first major surface and the first main body element first major surface are exposed and accessible by a user.  
         [0021]     In a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the foldable hinge frame has a peripheral marginal surface area defining a window to permit access and viewing of the first main body element first major surface when the portable electronic device is in its second operative position, and to permit access and viewing of the second body element first major surface when the portable electronic device is in its third operative position.  
         [0022]     In a fifteenth aspect of the invention, the foldable hinge frame includes a keypad arrangement constructed in a portion of the foldable hinge frame marginal surface area on one side of the foldable hinge frame. The keypad arrangement is active and operative when the portable electronic device is in its second operative position.  
         [0023]     In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, the foldable hinge frame includes a keypad arrangement constructed in a portion of the foldable hinge frame marginal surface area on both sides of the foldable hinge frame. The keypad arrangement is active and operative when the portable electronic device is in a respective operative position wherein the keypad arrangement is exposed and accessible by a user.  
         [0024]     In a seventeenth aspect of the invention, a swivel arm mechanism sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element is provided for coupling the first main body element to the second body element. In a first operative position the first main body element and the second body element are in an overlying stacked relationship with one another and the second body element first major surface is exposed and accessible by a user and the first main body element first major surface is covered by the second body element. In a second operative position the second body element moves in a plane along a first arcuate path in a first direction from its overlying stacked relationship with the first main body element to a fully open orientation to uncover the first main body element first major surface for access by a user. In a third operative position the second body element moves in a plane along a second arcuate path in a second direction opposite the first direction from its overlying stacked relationship with the first main body element to a lengthwise extended orientation to uncover a portion of the first main body element first major surface for access by a user.  
         [0025]     In an eighteenth aspect of the invention, a keypad arrangement is constructed in the first main body element first major surface.  
         [0026]     In a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the keypad arrangement is a QWERTY keypad arrangement.  
         [0027]     In a twentieth aspect of the invention, a screen display is constructed in the second body element first major surface.  
         [0028]     In a twenty-first aspect of the invention, a pair of swivel arms are sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element.  
         [0029]     In a twenty-second aspect of the invention, a swivel plate mechanism made up of a pair of swivel plates sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element is provided for coupling the first main body element to the second body element. Each of the swivel plates has a major surface relative to usage. In a first operative position the first main body element and the second body element are in an overlying stacked relationship with one another and the second body element first major surface is exposed and accessible by a user and the first main body element first major surface is covered by the second body element. In a second operative position the second body element moves in a plane along a first arcuate path in a first direction from its overlying stacked relationship with the first main body element to a fully open orientation to uncover the first main body element first major surface for access by a user. One of the swivel plates is arranged for rotation along a second arcuate path and the other of the swivel plates is arranged for rotation along a third arcuate path with each of the swivel plates rotating from its respective sandwiched position as the second body element moves to the fully open orientation whereby each swivel plate major surface is exposed and accessible to a user when the portable electronic device is in its second operative position.  
         [0030]     In a twenty-third aspect of the invention, an input device is constructed in the swivel plate major surface.  
         [0031]     In a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, a swivel arm mechanism sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element is provided for coupling the first main body element to the second body element. The swivel arm mechanism has a major face surface relative to usage and has two pivot points spaced along a central lengthwise axis wherein the first pivot point is coupled to a first cooperating pivot located along a central lengthwise axis of the second body element and wherein the second pivot point is coupled to a second cooperating pivot located along a central lengthwise axis of the first main body element. In a first operative position the first main body element and the swivel arm mechanism and the second body element are in an overlying stacked relationship with one another and the second body element first major surface is exposed and accessible by a user and the first main body element first major face surface and the swivel arm major face surface are covered. In a second operative position the swivel arm mechanism and the first main body element are in an overlying stacked relationship with one another and rotated about the swivel arm mechanism first pivot point and the second body element first cooperating pivot whereby a portion of the swivel arm mechanism major face surface is exposed and accessible by a user and the first main body element first major surface is covered by the swivel arm mechanism. In a third operative position the first main body element is rotated about the swivel arm mechanism second pivot point and the first main body element second cooperating pivot along an arcuate path in a direction toward the second body element wherein a portion of the first main body element major face surface and the portion of the swivel arm mechanism major face surface are exposed and accessible by a user.  
         [0032]     In a twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, a first keypad arrangement is constructed in the first main body element major face surface, a second keypad arrangement is constructed in the portion of the swivel arm mechanism major face surface, and a display screen is constructed in the major face surface of the second body element.  
         [0033]     In a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, the first keypad arrangement is a QWERTY keypad arrangement. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0034]     Additional features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following written description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:  
         [0035]      FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of a prior art slide mobile telephone in its closed operative position;  
         [0036]      FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of the slide mobile telephone of  FIG. 1A  in its open operative position;  
         [0037]      FIG. 1C  is a schematic side view of the mobile telephone of  FIG. 1B  illustrating the overlapping area between the cover and main body element.  
         [0038]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone in a first operative position;  
         [0039]      FIG. 2B  shows the mobile telephone of  FIG. 2A  in a second operative position;  
         [0040]      FIG. 2C  shows the mobile telephone of  FIG. 2A  in a third operative position;  
         [0041]      FIG. 2D  is a rear schematic perspective view of the mobile telephone shown in  FIG. 2C ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone in a first operative position;  
         [0043]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic side view of the mobile telephone shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 3C  shows the mobile telephone of  FIG. 3A  in a fully open second operative position;  
         [0045]      FIG. 3D  is a schematic side view of the mobile telephone shown in  FIG. 3C ;  
         [0046]      FIGS. 4A-4I  illustrate schematically a third embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone having a sliding mechanism sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element whereby the mobile telephone has a closed operative position ( FIG. 4A ), a vertically open operative position ( FIG. 4D ) and a horizontally open operative position ( FIG. 4G ).  
         [0047]      FIGS. 5A-5H  illustrate schematically a fourth embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone having a sliding mechanism sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element whereby the mobile telephone has a closed operative position ( FIG. 5A ), a first vertically open operative position in a first direction ( FIG. 5E ) and a second vertically open operative position in a second direction ( FIG. 5G ) opposite the first direction;  
         [0048]      FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrate schematically a fifth embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone having a foldable hinge frame sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element whereby the mobile telephone has a vertical operative position ( FIG. 6B ) and a horizontal operative position ( FIG. 6C );  
         [0049]      FIGS. 7A-7D  illustrate schematically a sixth embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone having a pair of swivel arms sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element whereby the mobile telephone has an open horizontal operative position ( FIG. 7C ) and an open vertical operative position ( FIG. 7D );  
         [0050]      FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate schematically a seventh embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone having a pair of swivel plates sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element whereby the mobile telephone has a closed operative position ( FIG. 8A ) and an open horizontal operative position ( FIG. 8D ).  
         [0051]      FIGS. 9A-9F  illustrate schematically an eighth embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile telephone having a single swivel arm sandwiched between the first main body element and the second body element whereby the mobile telephone has a closed operative position ( FIG. 9A ), an open vertical operative position revealing a first user interface area carried by the swivel arm ( FIG. 9E ) and a horizontal operative position revealing a second user interface area carried on the first main body element and the first user interface area carried on the swivel arm ( FIG. 9F ). 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0052]     Turning now to the drawings and considering the invention in further detail, a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the portable electronic device of the present invention is illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and shows for purposes of explanation of the invention a mobile telephone generally designated  32  in  FIG. 2A  in a first or closed operative position. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the mobile phone  32  includes a first main body element  34  and a stacked or overlying second body element generally designated  36  arranged for relative movement with respect to the main body element  34  along a linear path in a first direction represented by arrow  38  and in an opposite second direction indicated by arrow  40  as discussed in further detail below. The second body element  36  includes a first major surface generally designated  42  relative to usage. The first major surface  42  of the second body element  36  may include a screen generally designated  44  constructed in at least a portion generally designated  46  of the first major surface  42 . The second body element  36  may also include a second keypad arrangement generally designated  48  in at least another portion generally designated  50  of the first major surface  42 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the second body element  36  is shown slid in the direction of arrow  38  with respect to the main body element  34  to a second or open operative position to reveal and expose a first keypad arrangement generally designated  52  carried in at least a portion  54  of a first major surface  56  relative to usage of the first main body element  34 . As can be seen, the first keypad arrangement  52  is covered by the second body element  36  and not accessible by a user when the mobile telephone  32  is in its first operative position. In its second operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the first keypad arrangement  52  is available as a user interface to operate the mobile telephone and any associated functions such as PDA functions in a manner well known to those skilled in the art and by the consuming public.  FIG. 2C  shows the mobile telephone  32  of  FIG. 2A  in an open or third operative position wherein the second body element  36  is slid in the direction shown by arrow  40  to reveal and expose a third keypad arrangement generally designated  58  constructed in the first major surface  56  of the main body element  34  in a portion  60  at the end  62  opposite the portion  54  of the main body element carrying the first keypad arrangement  52 . The third keypad arrangement  56  is usable as a further user interface to operate additional features and function of the mobile telephone  32 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the mobile telephone  32  in its open or third operative position may reveal a camera imaging lens generally designated  64  carried in a second major surface  66  disposed opposite the first major surface  42  of the second body element  36 . A user may aim the camera imaging lens  64  in the direction of the object or person whose image is to be captured and view the captured image on the screen  44  and operate one of the designated keys of the keypad arrangement  48  or  58  as required to activate the camera imaging function of the mobile telephone  32 . The second body element  36  may be directly attached for slidable movement with respect to the first main body element  34  as shown in a schematic side view in  FIG. 2E  which represents the closed or first operative position.  FIG. 2F  is a schematic representation of the open or second operative position of the mobile telephone  32  wherein the second body element  36  is shown extended in one direction relative to the first main body element  34 .  FIG. 2G  is a schematic representation of the mobile telephone  32  in its open or third operative position wherein the second body element  36  is shown extended in the opposite direction with respect to the second operative position. Alternately, the second body element  36  may be arranged for slidable movement with respect to the first main body element  34  by means of a sliding mechanism  68  sandwiched between the first main body element  34  and the second body element  36  to couple the first main body element and the second body element for relative movement with respect one another between the first, second and third operative positions as illustrated in  FIGS. 2H, 2I  and  2 J respectively. The sliding mechanism may be arranged such that movement of one of the second body element or first main body element causes the other of the second body element and first main body element to move in the opposite direction of the element being moved by the user. Such a mechanism may be motor driven and mechanically couple the second body element and first main body element through a set of gears, belts or other mechanical coupling devices well known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0053]     Turning now to  FIGS. 3A-3D , a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the portable electronic device of the present invention shows a mobile telephone generally designated  70  in a closed or first operative position in  FIGS. 3A and 3D . The mobile telephone  70  includes a first main body element  72  having a first major surface  74  relative to usage in an upwardly facing exposed configuration. A screen generally designated  76  is constructed in at least a portion of the first major surface  74 . Keys  78  are constructed in at least a further portion of the first major surface  74  and which keys are operated by a user to carry out the intended function. The keys  78  are shown carried in one end region  82  although other locations and placements are contemplated in accordance with the particular design and function to be carried out. In addition, the mobile telephone  70  may include a user input device generally designated  80  which operates in a well known manner to control the direction of movement of a cursor for example on the display shown on the screen  76  or to carry out other intended functions as well known and understood to those skilled in the art. The mobile telephone  70  includes a second body element further comprising a first portion  90  and a second portion  94  nested within the first main body element  72  and unexposed and inaccessible with respect to usage in the closed or first operative position. In the second operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3D , the first portion  90  and second portion  94  extend from opposite end regions  82  and  84  respectively of the main body element  72 . The mobile telephone  70  is reconfigured from its closed or first operative position to its open or second operative position the second body element first portion  90  is slid or extended away from the main body element in the direction as indicated by the arrow  88  and the second body element second portion  94  is slid or extended from the main body element in the opposite direction as shown by direction arrow  86 . The second body element first portion  90  has a first major surface  92  relative to usage which may include an arrangement of keys  98  to carry out an intended function and which first major surface  92  is exposed and accessible by a user in the open or second operative position. The second body element second portion  94  also includes a first major surface  96  relative to usage and which first major surface is exposed and accessible by a user and may carry an arrangement of keys  100  to carry out an intended function. The major surfaces  92 ,  96  do not have to carry keys and may be alternatively configured and arranged as required as an intended user interface to carry out the intended function.  
         [0054]     A third embodiment of the portable electronic device of the present invention is illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 4A-4I  which show a mobile telephone generally designated  102  having a sliding mechanism  112  sandwiched between the first main body element  110  and the second body element  104  and for mechanically coupling the body elements  110  and  104  to on another. The mobile telephone  102  has a closed or first operative position as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A, 4B  and  4 C wherein the first main body element  110  and the sliding mechanism  112  and the second body element  104  are in an overlying stacked relationship with respect to one another. The second body element  104  has a first major surface  106  relative to usage and includes a screen  108  constructed in at least a portion of the first major surface  106 . The second body element  104  is arranged for sliding engagement with the first main body element  110  in the direction as shown by the arrow  116  by means of oppositely disposed marginal legs  130 ,  130  extending lengthwise of the second body element  104 . The legs  130 ,  130  are received in and co-act with respective oppositely disposed channels  132 ,  132  located lengthwise in the marginal areas of the sliding mechanism  112 . The mobile telephone  102  has a vertically open or second operative position schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 4D, 4E  and  4 F wherein the second body element  104  is slid or extended in a vertical direction as indicated by the arrow  116  with the lengthwise marginal legs  130  sliding lengthwise in the channels  132  of the sliding mechanism  112  as illustrated in  FIG. 4E . The second body element  104  is slid vertically in the direction of arrow  116  to reveal a portion  134  of the sliding mechanism  112  and expose a major surface  120  of the sliding mechanism for use as a user interface. As illustrated in  FIG. 4D , the major surface  120  may carry keys  122  arranged to carry out an intended function.  
         [0055]     As illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 4G, 4H  and  41 , the second body element  104  and the sliding mechanism  112  are also arranged for slideable movement in a direction indicated by arrow  118  perpendicular to the lengthwise direction whereby the second body element  104  and the sliding mechanism  112  move together to uncover the first main body element  110  which exposes a first major surface  124  for access by a user in the horizontal open or third operative position. The first major surface  124  carries an arrangement of keys  126  configured to carry out an intended function and is illustrated for example as a QWERTRY keyboard in  FIG. 4G . The slide mechanism  112  includes leg portions  114 ,  114  which are slidingly engaged for movement in slide tracks  128 ,  128  along the marginal opposite end regions  136 ,  136  of the slide mechanism  112 .  
         [0056]     A fourth embodiment of the portable electronic device of the present invention is illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 5A-5I  wherein a mobile telephone  160  has a sliding mechanism generally designated  168  sandwiched between the first main body element  166  and the second body element  162 . The second body element  162  has a major surface  163  relative to usage and may carry a screen  164 . As illustrated in the side view shown in  FIG. 5B , the first main body element  166  has an upper or top edge portion  180  and a lower or bottom edge  186 . The second body element has an upper or top edge portion  184  and a lower or bottom edge portion  182 . The main body element  166  and the second body element  162  are arranged for sliding engagement with respect to one another by means of a sliding mechanism  168  in the form of a plate sandwiched between the two elements. Oppositely disposed legs  176 ,  176  formed in the second body element are received in a lengthwise channel  170  formed by oppositely disposed tabs  172  and  174  extending from the ends of the sliding mechanism  168  as illustrated in the fragmentary view shown in  FIG. 5D . The main body element  166  is likewise mechanically coupled to the sliding mechanism  168  by means of oppositely disposed legs  178 ,  178  received in the lengthwise channel  170  of the sliding mechanism  168  as illustrated in the fragmentary view shown in  FIG. 5D . It will be seen that such an arrangement allows relative lengthwise movement between the main body element  166 , the sliding plate mechanism  168  and the second body element  162 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5E and 5F , the second body element  162  is slid or extended in a first vertical lengthwise direction as indicated by the direction arrow  165  relative to the main body element  166  and the sliding mechanism  168  and which sliding movement of the second body element  162  also causes the sliding mechanism  168  to move in the direction indicated by arrow  165  to the first vertically open operative position. In the first vertically open operative position, the lower edge  182  of the second body element is in approximately alignment with the upper edge  180  of the first main body element wherein approximately 50% of the upper portion  167  of the sliding mechanism  168  supports the second body element  162 . The other half portion  169  of the sliding mechanism  168  supports the first main body element  166 . The sliding mechanism includes a first major surface portion relative to usage generally designated  188  and which portion is revealed or exposed when the second body element is extended fully in the direction shown by the arrow  165  with respect to the first main body element  166 . The first surface portion  188  may provide a user interface area and carry keys arranged as keypad or other desirable user input device to carry out an intended function. Also in the fully open vertical operative position, a first surface portion  190  of the first main body element  166  is revealed and accessible to a user. The first major surface  190  may function as a further user interface area and carry a keypad or other desired user input device in accordance with the intended function. The second body element  162  may also be moved in an opposite direction with respect to the first main body element  166  and the sliding mechanism  168  as indicated by the direction arrow  195  to a second vertical open operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 5G . In the second vertically open operative position, a second surface portion  192  of the sliding mechanism  168  is revealed and may be arranged as a further user interface and include a desired user input device to carry out an intended function of the mobile telephone  160 . Also in the second vertically open operative position, a second surface portion  194  of the main body element  166  is revealed and accessible to a user and likewise may carry a further user interface or user input device to carry out the intended function. Accordingly, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5H  provides for at least four different user interface areas in the mobile telephone  160 .  
         [0057]     A fifth embodiment of the portable electronic device of the present invention is illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 6A-6E  which show a mobile telephone generally designated  200  having a foldable hinge frame  212  sandwiched between a first main body element  202  and a second body element  206 . The second body element  206  is arranged for relative movement with respect to the first main body element  202  between a first or closed operative position as illustrated schematically by end and side views in  FIGS. 6D and 6E  respectively, and a vertical open operative position as shown in the top plan view in  FIG. 6B  and a third or horizontal open operative position as illustrated in the top plan view in  FIG. 6C . The first main body element  202  has a first major surface  204  relative to usage and may carry an arrangement of keys forming a keypad generally designated  224  to carry out an intended function. The second body element  206  includes a first major surface  208  and an oppositely disposed second major surface  210 . A screen  226  may be constructed in a portion of the surface  208 . The second body element  206  is hingedly connected to the folding hinge frame  212  by means of a hinge  211  along the first hinge axis  214  passing through the intersection of one end  209  of the second body element  206  and one end  215  of the hinge frame  212 . The second body element  206  is arranged for rotation about the hinge axis  214  in a direction indicated by the rotation direction arrow  230  as the second body element  206  is moved as indicated by the arrow  232  toward and away from the hinge frame first major surface  220 . The first main body element  202  is hingedly connected to the foldable hinge frame  212  by means of a hinge  219  formed between the intersection of one side  221  of the hinge frame  212  and one side  207  of the first main body element  202 . The first main body element  202  is arranged for rotation about the hinge axis  216  as indicated by the rotation direction arrow  228  when the hinge frame  212  is moved toward and away from the first major surface  204  of the first main body element  202  as indicated by the direction arrow  234 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6D and 6E , in the closed position the major surface  208  of the second body element  206  is rotated about the axis  214  into a facing face-to-face relationship with the surface  220  of the hinge frame  212 . The hinge frame  212  is rotated about the axis  216  in the direction of rotation arrow  228  such that the surface  222  of the hinge frame is in a face-to-face orientation with respect to the first major surface  204  of the first main body element  202 . When the second body element  206  is rotated about the axis  214  to the vertical operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 6B  the major surface  208  of the second body element  206  lies in substantially the same plane as the major surface  220  of the hinge frame  212  and the keys  224  are accessible by a user through a window  218  defined in the hinge frame. When the second body element  206  and the hinge frame  212  are rotated together about the axis  216  to the horizontal operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 6C  the major surface  222  of the hinge frame  212  lies substantially in the same plane as the major surface  204  of the first main body element  202 . The screen  226  is viewable through the window  218  in the hinge frame  212 . The keys forming the keypad arrangement  224  are arranged to carry out the intended function and may be for example a QEWTRY keyboard. Further, the device includes appropriate electronics to orient the display shown on the screen  226  from a vertical to horizontal orientation as required depending on the operative position of the mobile telephone  200 .  
         [0058]     A sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7D  which show a mobile telephone generally designated  250  having swivel arms  262 ,  264  sandwiched between a first main body element  252  and a second body element  254  for mechanically coupling the first main body element to the second body element. The second body element  254  includes a first major surface  256 . A screen  258  is constructed in at least a portion of the surface  256 . Keys  260 ,  260  are also provided in another portion of the surface  256  for use in operating and carrying out the intended functions of the mobile telephone. In the first operative closed position as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the second body element is in an overlying stacked relationship with the first main body element  252  such that the first major surface  256  of the second body element  254  is exposed and accessible by a user and the first major surface  276  of the first main body element  252  is covered by the second body element. The second body element  254  is moved from the first or closed operative position to a second or horizontal operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 7C  by moving or swiveling the second body element in a direction indicated by the arrow  274 . The second body element  254  follows along a curved path and retains its orientation relative to the closed operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . The second body element  254  is in a top-bottom configuration with respect to the first main body element  252  in the second horizontal operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 7C . An arrangement of keys forming a keypad  278  is constructed in the major surface  276  of the first main body element  252  and which keys are exposed and accessible to a user when the second body element is swiveled to its open horizontal position. The second body element  254  may be moved or swiveled with respect to the first main body element  252  and follow along a curved path indicated by the direction arrow  280  to a third or vertical open operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 7D . A portion of the key arrangement  278  is exposed for access and operation by a user in the vertical open operative position. The pivot arms  262  and  264  may be used to carry power and data connections between the first main body element  252  and the second body element  254 . Alternately, the data connection may be made via an optical link established and constructed between the first main body element  252  and the second body element  254 .  
         [0059]     Turning now to  FIGS. 8A-8D , a sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically therein showing a mobile telephone generally designated  290  wherein a pair of swivel plates  302 ,  304  are sandwiched between the first main body element  292  and a second body element  296  for mechanically coupling the first main body element to the second body element. The swivel plate  302  is pivotally connected at the pivot point  301  to the first main body element  292 . The swivel plate  302  is pivotally connected to the second body element  296  at the pivot point  303 . In a similar manner, the swivel plate  304  is coupled to the first main body element  292  at the pivot point  305  and coupled to the second body element  296  at the pivot point  307 . It can be seen that the connection arrangement between the second body element  296 , swivel plates  302  and  304  and the first main body element  292  form a parallelogram such that movement of the second body element  296  along the arcuate path indicated by the direction arrow  310  causes the swivel plate  302  to follow along the arcuate path as indicated by the direction arrow  312  and the swivel plate  304  to follow an arcuate path as indicated by the direction arrow  314  as the second body element  296  moves in the same plane maintaining its orientation as in the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 8A  to the open horizontal operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 8D . The swivel plates  302  and  304  move with the second body element  296  until the mobile telephone is in the horizontal operative position. The second body element  296  includes a major surface  298  which may carry a screen  300 . The first main body element  292  includes a first major surface  294  relative to usage and may carry an arrangement of keys arranged to carryout the intended function and may be a keyboard for example, a QWERTY keyboard. The swivel plate  302  includes a major surface  306  relative to usage and provides an area for a user interface such as a keypad arrangement or other user input device. The swivel plate  304  also includes a major surface  308  relative to usage and likewise may carry an arrangement of keys or other user input device. Power and data connections between the main body element  292 , swivel plates  302  and  304  and the second body element  296  may be carried via the pivot connections. Alternately, the data connection may be via an optical link between the main body element  292 , swivel plates  302  and  304  and the second body element  296 .  
         [0060]     An eighth embodiment of the portable electronic device of the present invention is illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 9A-9F  and show a mobile telephone  330  having a swivel arm body  338  sandwiched between a first main body element  346  and a second body element  332  such that the swivel arm body  338  mechanically couples the main body element  346  to the second body element  332 . The mobile telephone  330  has a first operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 9A  wherein the second body element  332  and the swivel arm body  338  and the main body element  346  are in an overlying stacked relationship with one another and the second body element major surface  334  is exposed and accessible by a user and the first main body element major face surface  348  and the swivel arm body major face surface  340  are covered. The second body element  332  is pivotally coupled at the pivot point  354  to the swivel arm body  338  at the pivot point  356 . The swivel arm body  338  is pivotally coupled at the pivot point  358  to the main body element  346  at the pivot point  360 . The second body element pivot point  354  lies on a lengthwise center axis  366  and is spaced a distance D 1  from the edge  372 . The pivot point  360  of the main body element lies on a lengthwise center axis  370  and is spaced a distance D 1  from the edge  374 . The pivot points  356  and  358  lie on a lengthwise center axis  368 . The pivot point  356  is spaced a distance D 1  from the edge  376  and the pivot point  358  is spaced a distance D 1  from the edge  378 . A user interface  342  is defined in at least a portion of the major surface  340  of the swivel arm body and may carry an arrangement of keys  344  to carryout an intended function. A user interface  350  is defined in at least a portion of the major surface  348  of the main body element  346  and may carry an arrangement of keys  352  to carryout an intended function. The mobile telephone  330  has a second or vertically open operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 9E  wherein the swivel arm body  338  and main body element  346  are rotated about the second body element  332  pivot point  354  and the cooperating pivot point  356  along an arcuate path as indicated by the direction arrow  362  to expose the keypad  334  for access and use by a user. The swivel arm body  338  is in an overlying stacked relationship with the main body element  346  in the vertical operative position as shown in  FIG. 9E . The mobile telephone  330  has a third or horizontal operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 9F  wherein the main body element  346  is rotated about the pivot point  360  and the cooperating pivot point  358  of the swivel arm body  338  along an arcuate path as indicated by direction arrow  364  to expose the keypad arrangement  352  for access and use by a user. The second body element  332  is rotated about the pivot point  354  and cooperating pivot point  356  of the swivel body  338  along an arcuate path as indicated by the direction arrow  364  whereby the orientation of the screen  336  is in a horizontal orientation. Power and data connections are made between the main body element  346 , swivel arm body  338  and second body element  332  via the pivot point connections. Further, the keys of the keypad arrangement  352  may be arranged to carry out an intended function such as for example a QWERTY keyboard.