Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20040058720?dq=5,371,548
Timestamp: 2014-07-29 05:59:15
Document Index: 284026472

Matched Legal Cases: ['art�32', 'art 3', 'art 101', 'art 101', 'art 101', 'art 101', 'art 101', 'art 101', 'art 103', 'art 103', 'art 103', 'art 103', 'art 104', 'art 101', 'art 101', 'Application No. 2001', 'Application No. 2001']

Patent US20040058720 - Portable information terminal device - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA hinge part (3) includes a first hinge part (1 f) as a fitted part, which is formed by cutting out one of side parts of a first housing (1), and a second hinge part (32 a), (3 b), which is a fitting part protruded from one of the side parts of an inner surface (2A) of a second housing (2) toward an...http://www.google.com/patents/US20040058720?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20040058720 - Portable information terminal deviceAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20040058720 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/671,818Publication dateMar 25, 2004Filing dateSep 25, 2003Priority dateApr 27, 2001Also published asCN1462538A, EP1395030A1, WO2002089462A1Publication number10671818, 671818, US 2004/0058720 A1, US 2004/058720 A1, US 20040058720 A1, US 20040058720A1, US 2004058720 A1, US 2004058720A1, US-A1-20040058720, US-A1-2004058720, US2004/0058720A1, US2004/058720A1, US20040058720 A1, US20040058720A1, US2004058720 A1, US2004058720A1InventorsTetsuya Kubo, Tsuyoshi Yamada, Tsutomu Abe, Mamoru YoshidaOriginal AssigneeTetsuya Kubo, Tsuyoshi Yamada, Tsutomu Abe, Mamoru YoshidaExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (4), Classifications (14), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetPortable information terminal deviceUS 20040058720 A1Abstract A hinge part (3) includes a first hinge part (1 f) as a fitted part, which is formed by cutting out one of side parts of a first housing (1), and a second hinge part (32 a), (3 b), which is a fitting part protruded from one of the side parts of an inner surface (2A) of a second housing (2) toward an inner surface (1A) of the first housing (1), and rotatably engages with the first hinge part (1 f), wherein the first hinge part (1 f) and the second hinge part (32 a), (3 b) are not bulged out of the inner surface of the first housing (1). With such a mechanical arrangement, when the first housing (1) is placed on a work surface and the second housing (2) is opened, the side part of the first housing (1) which is closer to the a first hinge part (1 f) is raised. Images(9) Claims(19)
[0079] When the portable information terminal device, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(B), is placed on a work table, for example, the table 5 horizontally set, and is used as an electronic notebook, the user first puts the lower housing 1 on the table 5, and fixes the lower housing 1 onto the table by one hand, and turns the closed upper housing 2 in an opening direction by the other hand. [0080] In this case, over a predetermined angular range from the start of its opening, a self-closing force by the self-closing means of the coupling pin 33 acts. Accordingly, at the start, the user must turn the upper housing by a relatively large turning force, while resisting the self-closing force. Thereafter, when the upper housing is tuned to open to a position defined by an opening angle as shown in FIG. 2(B), the self-closing force disappears, and the upper housing is put in free state. In this state, the user can open the upper housing by a light operation force. In this way, the upper housing 2 is opened to a position defined by a given opening angle, for example, 145� in the embodiment. At this position, the turning of the upper housing 2 stops and is locked. [0081] Further, when the upper housing 2 is further opened after it is opened, for example, at an angle of 90� during the turning of the upper housing 2, the second hinge part�32 a of the upper housing 2 is turned around the first hinge part of the lower housing 1 so as to be below the lower housing 1 as shown in FIG. 3(B). In this way, since the positional relationship between the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 1 is reversed along the vertical direction, the side part of the first housing 1 provided with the first hinge part 3A is raised up. That is, the inner surface 1A of the lower housing 1 inclines to this side where the user is present (at an angle 6� to 7� in the embodiment). [0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the elastic member 22 located at the end part of the outer surface 2B of the upper housing 2 are in contact with the table 5. When the user pushes the side of the upper housing 2, which is closer to the opening, and turns clockwise, the side of the lower housing 1 closer to the hinge section 3 is raised. At this time, the elastic members 22 serve as a fulcrum of the turning of the upper housing. [0083] Thereafter, the opening operation of the upper housing 2 is further continued, and then the upper housing is locked at the position of the angle stated above. As a result, the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 1 are stably fixed, thereby preventing vertical fluctuations of them. Accordingly, the user can stably operate the key switches 11 a of the keyboard 11, which are provided on he inner surface 1A of the lower housing 1. Further, even if the user pushes the key switchella by an excessive force, there is no chance that the upper housing 2 returns to close, as a reaction, since the upper housing 2 is locked. [0084] (Second Embodiment) [0085]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a portable information terminal device according to a second embodiment of the invention when it is in a closed state. Description of the second embodiment will be given placing emphasis on dimensions of the two housings of the portable information terminal device. [0086] The portable information terminal device generally includes a lower housing 101 as a first housing, an upper housing 102 as a second housing, a hinge section 103 coupling the lower housing 101 with the upper housing 102, and an antenna 104. The portable information terminal device may be switched between two functions; in an opened state, it functions as an electronic notebook, and in a closed state, it functions as a portable telephone set. [0087] The lower housing 101 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, is used as an electronic notebook in state that it is directed sideways such that the vertical side of the lower housing is a short side, and the horizontal side is a long side. An inner surface 101A of the lower housing is depressed to form a depressed portion 101 a. The upper housing 102 is put in the depressed portion 101 a. In this case, the upper housing 102 is put in the depressed part in a state that an outer surface 102B of the upper housing is protruded out of the upper housing by a height H (see FIG. 6). A keyboard 111 having key switches 111 a attached thereto, which are used for operating an electronic notebook function contained in the lower housing part 101 is provided on the depressed portion 101 a. [0088] A protruded part 101 c is provided on the lower housing 101, with a stepped part 101 b which adjoins the depressed portion 101 a of the inner surface 101A. A mouthpiece 112 is provided in the protruded part 101 c. The support member 113, which supports the antenna 104 while orienting it in a predetermined direction, is attached, by fitting, to a corner of the side part of the lower housing 101, which is located closer to the hinge section 103. [0089] A microphone, for example, for detecting a voice of a speaker when talking with the opposite party is disposed on the mouthpiece 112. A transmission unit coupled to the microphone of the mouthpiece 112 is provided in the lower housing 101. The mouthpiece 112 is located at the protruded part 101 c, so that it is exposed to outside even when the upper housing 102 is closed. Since the mouthpiece 112 is provided on the. lower housing 101, the speaker may talk with the opposite party even in a state that the upper housing 102 is opened. [0090] The upper housing 102, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, is used as a portable telephone set in a state that it is vertically directed such that the vertical side of the upper housing is a long side, and the horizontal side is a short side. The vertical side (long side) part of the upper housing 102 is shorter than the vertical side (long side) of the lower housing 101 by a length S (see FIG. 6). Since a part below the vertical side part is omitted or lacking, the protruded part 101 c of the lower housing 101 is always exposed to outside even when the upper housing 102 is closed. [0091] A LCD window 121 for displaying information, e.g., processing/management information, is provided on the inner surface 102A, which is opposed to the inner surface 101A of the lower housing 101. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface 102B includes an LCD window 123, an earpiece 124, a multi controller 126, and a dial switch 127 which are used when the portable information terminal device is used as a portable telephone set. [0092] The hinge section 103, as shown in FIG. 8, couples the upper housing 102 to the lower housing 101 in an openable and closable fashion. The antenna 104 is housed in the hinge section 103 in a state that it may be put in and out of the hinge section. In particular, the hinge section 103 is shaped to be flat so that the hinge section 103 itself is not expanded out beyond the inner surface 101A of the lower housing 1. Specifically, the hinge section 103 includes a first hinge part 103A as a fitted part, which is formed by cutting out one side of the lower housing 101, and a second hinge part 103B, which is a fitting part protruded toward the inner surface 101A of the lower housing 101 on the inner surface 102A of one of the sides of the upper housing 102 corresponding to first hinge part 103A, and rotatably engages with the first hinge part 103A. [0093] The antenna 104, as shown in FIG. 8, is placed in the hinge section 103 in a put-in and -out manner. When the lower housing 101 is placed on the upper surface 105A of the table 105 and used as the electronic notebook, the antenna 104 is inclined toward the upper surface 105A of the table 105 by an angle α. The antenna 104 is projected to have such a length that it does not contact the upper surface 105A of the table 105. Usually, a head part 104A of the antenna 104 is fixed so that a base part thereof is put in a support hole 113 a of the support member 113 (see FIG. 8). [0094] Operation of the portable information terminal device of the instant embodiment will be described. [0095] As shown FIG. 6, when the upper housing 102 is closed, the outer surface 102B of the upper housing 102 may be used for a portable telephone set. In this case, the user uses the terminal device such that a mouthpiece 112 thereof is put on his mouth of the user, and an earpiece 124 is put on his ear. Usually, the user holds by hand the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 101 vertically arranged. Since the upper housing 102 is shorter than the lower housing by the length S, a slight step is present at a boundary between the upper housing 102 and the exposed area of the lower housing 101. Particularly, in this use state, the part above the boundary is protruded sideways. [0096] When the portable information terminal device is vertically directed and used as the portable telephone set, the outer surface 102B of the upper housing 102 is horizontally extended beyond the protruded part 101 c of the lower housing 101. Accordingly, the user holds the lower end surface 102C of the upper housing 102 (see FIG. 6) by supporting the underside thereof by his hand or finger. By so doing, the terminal device is held in a state that the lower end surface 102C is caught by the hand or finger. Accordingly, such a trouble is prevented that the user mistakenly drops the portable information terminal device and the terminal device is damaged. [0097] Further, the antenna 104 is disposed slanted in a direction in which it becomes distant from the outer surface. 101B of the lower housing 101. Therefore, occurrence of a trouble that a vital organism part, e.g., user's head, is located close to the antenna 104 and as a result, the antenna characteristics of the antenna 104 is deteriorated, is minimized. Further, the adverse effect of electromagnetic waves on the body of the user is avoided. [0098] When the terminal device is used as an electronic notebook, for example, the lower housing 101 is placed on the table 105 horizontally set, as shown in FIG. 7. Then the user fixes the exposed protruded part 101 c of the lower housing 101 by one hand, holds both side parts of the upper housing 102, i.e., the side part of the antenna 104 side and the side part opposite thereto, by the other hand, and turns the upper housing 102 in the opening direction. [0099] In this way, the upper housing 102 is easily opened. When a self-closing force by the self-closing means (not shown) acts over a predetermined angular range from the start of its opening, the user must turn the upper housing by a relatively large turning force, while resisting the self-closing force. Thereafter, when the upper housing is tuned to open to a position defined by a given opening angle, the self-closing force disappears, and the upper housing is put in free state. In this state, the user can open the upper housing by a light operation force. [0100] A lateral-opening type housing is employed in this embodiment. If required, a vertical-opening type housing may be employed instead. [0101] While the invention has been described in detail and using specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. [0102] This application is based on the Japanese patent application filed on Apr. 27, 2001 (Patent Application No. 2001-132614) and the Japanese patent application filed on Apr. 27, 2001 (Patent Application No. 2001-132711), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0103] According to the present invention, the hinge section includes a first hinge part formed by cutting out one of side parts of the first housing, and a second hinge part which is protruded from a side edge of one of the side parts of an inner surface of a second housing opposed to the first housing toward an inner surface of the first housing, wherein the second hinge part is rotatably fit to the cutout part of the first housing in a state that the second hinge part is flush with the inner surface of the first housing. When the first housing is placed on the work table, and the second housing is opened till it is put in a use state, the first housing is raised. Accordingly, it inclines to the face of the user. The operationality is improved when the terminal device is used with opening the second housing. [0104] According to the present invention, the hinge section is not protruded from the inner surface of the first housing. In other words, the inner surface portion of the first housing may be formed flat. Accordingly, since no dead space is formed in the inner surface portion, the inner surface having a limited space may fully be utilized. This feature is convenient particularly for the small portable information terminal device designed giving the high priority to the portability. [0105] Further, the antenna is housed in the hinge section in a state that the antenna may be put in and out of the hinge section, and the antenna is slanted toward the work surface on which the portable information terminal device is placed. The antenna is housed in the hinge section with such a length that a tip end of the antenna does not contact the work surface. In other words, the antenna is housed avoiding its contact with the work table. Accordingly, even when the portable information terminal device is put on the work table made of magnetic material, e.g., iron, good sensitivity condition of the antenna is retained. Thus, a highly reliable terminal device is provided. [0106] Further, the invention provides a portable information terminal device wherein a second housing is coupled to a first housing in an openable and closable fashion, and the second housing is smaller than the first housing. Accordingly, when the first and second housings are folded together, an area which does not overlap with the second housing, viz., an area exposed to outside, is stepped down to thereby form a stepped part as closed. As a result, the user may firmly hold only the first housing simply and reliably by the hand with the stepped part at the boundary between the exposed area and the second housing as a handhold. Thus, he or she easily opens the housing. [0107] In particular when the terminal device is used vertically arranged, when an upper part of the stepped part is protruded, the user prevents the terminal device from dropping by supporting the stepped part by his hand or finger. Thus, a higher safety in use is secured. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8019394 *Jun 29, 2007Sep 13, 2011Motorola Mobility, Inc.Component packaging for handheld communication devicesUS8204560Dec 17, 2008Jun 19, 2012Motorola Mobility, Inc.Clamshell phone with edge accessUS8547689 *Mar 14, 2013Oct 1, 2013George MoserReconfigurable computerUS20100190530 *Jun 5, 2008Jul 29, 2010Kouhei WadaFoldable portable terminal* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification455/575.1, 455/575.3International ClassificationH04M1/02, G06F1/16Cooperative ClassificationG06F1/166, G06F1/1679, G06F1/1698, H04M1/0216, G06F1/1616European ClassificationG06F1/16P9M4, G06F1/16P9E2, G06F1/16P9P9, G06F1/16P1F, H04M1/02A2B4FLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionSep 25, 2003ASAssignmentOwner name: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., JAPANFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KUBO, TETSUYA;YAMADA, TSUYOSHI;ABE, TSUTOMU;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:014545/0796Effective date: 20030804RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google