Abstract:
An electronic device with interchangeable faceplate assembly is described. The assembly provides a faceplate with a viewing region, an electronic device having a device housing for interfacing with the faceplate, and a means for coupling the faceplate to the device housing to define a front viewing panel for the electronic device. A number of faceplate configurations may be implemented for coupling with the device housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    Household consumer electronics devices, such as alarm clocks, digital readout thermometers, radios, etc., typically have a housing that encases internal electronics performing the operations of the device. This housing may have a particular shape or “look” that is designed to be aesthetically pleasing to a user of the device. However, once the device is purchased, the consumer is stuck with a device having a certain look that is essentially unmodifiable. If a new look is desired for a particular type of device, for example an alarm/radio clock, the consumer must purchase a whole new clock with a different housing style, resulting in increased costs and an unnecessary extra alarm clock, thus being non-environmentally friendly.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0002]    In one aspect, an electronic device with an interchangeable faceplate is provided. Various faceplates having differing design characteristics may each be interfaced with a housing of the electronic device to define a front panel for viewing.  
           [0003]    In another aspect, the faceplates may each have a transparent or semi-transparent viewing region configured for alignment with a display of the electronic device when the faceplate is coupled to the device housing. In this way, information provided on the display (e.g., time, date, temperature, etc.) can be viewed through the faceplate.  
           [0004]    In another aspect, the device housing may have a hemispherical shape, or may have a square shaped or a triangularly shaped cross-section. The hemispherically shaped device housing may also have a footing extending from a lower portion of the device housing to support the electronic device in an upright position for viewing thereof.  
           [0005]    In yet another aspect, features are provided for coupling and decoupling various faceplates to the device housing. In one aspect, a pair of push-buttons are disposed on the device housing to releasably engage a faceplate. The push-buttons may be laterally spaced apart on the device housing and may each have a catch for securing a hook of a pin extending from the back side of the faceplate. To release the faceplate from engagement with the device housing, the push-buttons are inwardly depressed to release the faceplate pin hooks from the catches, allowing the faceplate to be pulled away from the device housing. Likewise, to secure a faceplate to the device housing, the faceplate pin hooks are inserted into the catches of the push-buttons to engage the catches and lock the faceplate with the device housing.  
           [0006]    In another aspect, a threaded ring is formed on a back surface of one faceplate and is configured for receiving a perimeter threaded region of the device housing. In this way, the faceplate may be screwed onto and off of the device housing.  
           [0007]    In yet another aspect, a flange extends from an upper point of the device housing adjacent to a front surface thereof and is configured to be frictionally fit within a slot formed on the back surface of the faceplate. To secure the faceplate onto the device housing, the faceplate is slid upward such that the slot engages the flange of the device housing. Removal of the faceplate is accomplished by sliding the faceplate in the opposite direction.  
           [0008]    In yet another aspect, the device housing has a circumferential ring with a plurality of bores; and the faceplate has a corresponding set of through-holes alignable with the bores. Fasteners may be inserted through the through-holes of the faceplate and bores of the device housing to secure the same together.  
           [0009]    In still another aspect, a pair of angled flanges are formed on the front surface of the device housing, and mating angled flanges are formed on the rear surface of the faceplate. Coupling of the faceplate to the device housing may be achieved by sliding the angled flanges of the faceplate over the angled flanges of the device housing either upwardly or downwardly, to frictionally fit therewith.  
           [0010]    In still another aspect, the faceplate may be secured to the device housing by forcing a ring of the faceplate around the perimeter of the device housing. The faceplate ring has an inner circumferential lip that is configured to fit over an outer lip of the device housing in an interference fit.  
           [0011]    The electronic device with interchangeable faceplate provides for more flexibility in the look of an electronic device. The faceplate may take on a variety of shapes and designs, such as seasonal designs (e.g., snowman, Christmas tree, pumpkin, Easter bunny, country flag), sports teams themes, color patterns (e.g., leopard print, camouflage), and others. Also, the multiple faceplates allow a consumer to have less clutter, as compared to multiple electronic devices, while still displaying a particular style or theme. For example, instead of displaying a seasonal item, such as a snowman figurine, on a desk next to the electronic device with faceplate, the consumer can merely attach a snowman faceplate to the device housing to display the theme, essentially providing a 2-in-1 product. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    FIGS.  1 A- 1 D show various views (perspective view, side view, front view and back view) of one electronic device with interchangeable faceplate;  
         [0013]    FIGS.  2 A- 2 D show various views (perspective view, front view, side view and back view) of another electronic device with interchangeable faceplate;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3A is a top cross-sectional view of another electronic device with interchangeable faceplate, taken along line  3 - 3 , showing one faceplate coupled to one device housing;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3B is a top cross-sectional view of the electronic device with interchangeable faceplate of FIG. 3A, showing the direction of depression of one pair of push-buttons of the device housing to release the faceplate from the device housing;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3C is a top cross-sectional view of the electronic device with interchangeable faceplate of FIG. 3A, showing the direction of movement of the faceplate away from the device housing subsequent to releasing the faceplate;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3D is a top cross-sectional view of the electronic device with interchangeable faceplate of FIG. 3A, showing the push-buttons returning to the original position after being released;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4A is a partial close-up view of the electronic device with interchangeable faceplate of FIG. 3A;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4B is a partial close-up view of the electronic device with interchangeable faceplate of FIG. 3B;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5A is an exploded view of another electronic device with interchangeable faceplate;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5B is a side view of the electronic device of FIG. 5A;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5C is a back perspective view of the faceplate of FIG. 5A;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6A is an exploded view of another electronic device with interchangeable faceplate;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6B is a side view of the electronic device of FIG. 6A;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6C is a back perspective view of the faceplate of FIG. 6A;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7A is an exploded view of another electronic device with interchangeable faceplate;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7B shows one fastener suitable for use with the electronic device with interchangeable faceplate of FIG. 7A;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8A is an exploded view of another electronic device with interchangeable faceplate;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 8B is a top view of the faceplate of FIG. 8A; FIG. 8B is a top view of the electronic device of FIG. 8A;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 9A is an exploded view of another electronic device with interchangeable faceplate;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the faceplate of FIG. 9A, taken along line  9 - 9 ;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9C is a back perspective view of the faceplate of FIG. 9A.  
         [0033]    FIGS.  10 A- 10 E show various design features of five interchangeable faceplates, respectively, and attached to an electronic device;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 11 and 11B each show various design features of two interchangeable faceplates;  
         [0035]    FIGS.  12 A- 12 F show various views (top view, front perspective view, back perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0036]    FIGS.  13 A- 13 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0037]    FIGS.  14 A- 14 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0038]    FIGS.  15 A- 15 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0039]    FIGS.  16 A- 16 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0040]    FIGS.  17 A- 17 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0041]    FIGS.  18 A- 18 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0042]    FIGS.  19 A- 19 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device;  
         [0043]    FIGS.  20 A- 20 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device.  
         [0044]    FIGS.  21 A- 21 F show various views (top view, front perspective view, back perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device.  
         [0045]    FIGS.  22 A- 22 E show various views (top view, perspective view, front view, side view, and back view) of another interchangeable faceplate attached to an electronic device. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0046]    FIGS.  1 A- 1 D show one electronic device and faceplate assembly  10 . Assembly  10  is formed by a faceplate  12  and an electronic device  14  contained within a device housing  16 . Faceplate  12  and device housing  16  may, for example, be made of moldable plastic or other composite material. Faceplate  12  has a front surface  17 , a back surface  18 , and a viewing region  19 , through which a display  20  (e.g., a digital display) of electronic device  14  may be seen. Front surface  17  may have various design features that are viewed by a user when faceplate  12  is coupled to device housing  16 . Viewing region  19  may be a window formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic), or may be through-hole in faceplate  12 . A number of input buttons  22  may be formed on device housing  16  for directing the operation of electronic device  14 , as seen in FIG. 1D. In an exemplary arrangement, when electronic device  14  is a combined alarm clock, voice memo recorder, and digital thermometer as shown in FIGS.  1 A- 1 D, input buttons  22  may include “Memo” button  24  for recording and playback of voice messages, “Cal/Clk” button  26  for toggling between a calendar and a clock display mode, Station button  28  for selecting a particular remote station for displaying the weather conditions (e.g., temperature) prevalent at that station, “Min/AM 2” button  30  for advancing the minute component of either the displayed time or an alarm, or for displaying a secondary alarm time, and “HR/AM 1” button  32  for advancing the hour component of either the displayed time or an alarm, or for displaying a primary alarm time. Device housing  16  has a pair of opposing sidewalls  34  that have a generally triangular shape. A rearward panel  36  extends between sidewalls  34  and is generally downwardly sloping. Input buttons  22  are preferably located on rearward panel  36 . A base panel  38 , upon which assembly  10  rests, extends between sidewalls  34  and below rearward panel  36 . A battery compartment  40 , seen in FIG. 1D, and housing a battery (not shown) for powering electronic device  14 , may be formed on device housing  16  such that battery compartment  40  extends from rearward panel  36  to base panel  38 .  
         [0047]    FIGS.  2 A- 2 D show another electronic device and faceplate assembly  50 . Assembly  50  is formed by a faceplate  52  and an electronic device  54  contained within a device housing  56 , similar to assembly  10  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. Assembly  50  may also have input buttons  62 . Faceplate  52  also has a viewing region  58  through which a display  60  of electronic device  54  may be seen. A pair of push-buttons  61  may be formed on opposite sides of device housing  56  for releasing faceplate  52  from engagement with device housing  56 . Input buttons  62  perform the same functions on electronic device  54  as input buttons  22  of assembly  10 , FIG. 1D. Input buttons  62  may have a generally oblong, convex shape. Alternatively, input buttons  62  may have a concave shape recessed into device housing  56  such that the fingers of a user may easily fit onto the structure of one particular button  62 , for initiation thereof. Device housing  56  may be hemispherically shaped, such as to form a half-sphere and may have a rearwardly extending flanged footing  64  to support device housing  56 . Electronic device  54  may be powered by a battery (not shown) in a manner similar to electronic device  14  of FIG. 1. Faceplate  52  may also have curved lower lip  66  forming a footing  68  cooperating with footing  64  of device housing  56  to support assembly  50  in an upright position.  
         [0048]    Detaching of one faceplate  102  from one device housing  104  of an electronic device  106  of another electronic device and faceplate assembly  100  is shown in FIGS.  3 A- 3 D. Faceplate  102  and device housing  104  may, for example, be faceplate  12  and device housing  16  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D, but is shown in FIGS.  3 A- 3 D as having generally the same overall shape as faceplate  52  and device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of faceplate  102  and device housing  104  of electronic device  106 , taken along line  3 - 3  though faceplate  52  and device housing  56  of FIG. 2C. Electronic device  106  has internal electronics  108  for performing the functions of electronic device  106  and a display  110  to provide digital readout. Electronics  108  may control the operation of input buttons on device housing  104  similar to input buttons  62 , FIG. 2D, as well as the illumination of display  110 . Display  110  may be a LCD display or other type of display. Depending on the particular type of electronic device  106 , display  110  may provide various data. For example, for an alarm clock, display  110  may show time, date/calendar, and alarm times, among other information. Display  110  may of course show temperature or other data depending on the particular electronic device  106 , such as weather forecast information. A frame  112  encloses the display  110  for mounting with device housing  104 . Device housing  104  has a pair of braces  114  configured to slidably receive bracing pins  116  below display  110  and extending from a back surface  118  of faceplate  102 , to guide and support faceplate  102  when engaging and disengaging with device housing  104 . Braces  114  and bracing pins  116  may be sized such that a friction fit is formed therebetween. Alternatively, bracing pins  116  may be configured to slide over braces  114  such that bracing pins  116  slidably receive braces  114  therein. A pair of push-buttons  120 , such as push-buttons  61 , FIG. 2C, are slidably mounted with device housing  104  and are configured to selectively couple and decouple faceplate  102  with device housing  104 . Push-buttons  120  may be located at laterally opposing positions on device housing  104 , proximal a forward side  122  thereof such that a user may grasp both push-buttons  120  with one hand. Push-buttons  120  may each also abut a compression spring  123  to bias push-buttons  120  outwardly. Faceplate  102  also has a viewing region  124  positioned above bracing pins  116 . Viewing region  124  of faceplate  102  is similar to viewing region  18  of FIG. 1A, and viewing region  58  of FIG. 2A, and aligning with display  110  such that a user may view display  110  through viewing region  124 .  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 3B shows the direction of movement of the push-buttons  120  to detach faceplate  102  from device housing  104 . Arrows  125  show the direction for applying a force to compress springs  123  and inwardly depress push-buttons  120  to release faceplate  102 . Each push-button  120  may have an arm  126  and a catch  128  extending from arm  126  for receiving a hook  130  of a pin  132  extending from back surface  118  of faceplate  102 . The inward movement of catch  128  releases hook  130  such that faceplate  102  may be pulled away from device housing  104 .  
         [0051]    Assembly  100  is shown in FIG. 3C with faceplate  102  fully detached. Device housing  104  is in the same state as in FIG. 3B, with push-buttons  120  depressed and springs  123  compressed before the force applied to push-buttons  120  is released. Each pin  132  and corresponding hook  130  slide out of a holding region  134  and through a slot  136  formed between a guide  138  and display frame  112  to travel away from device housing  104 . At this point, bracing pins  116  also slide out of the frictional fit with braces  114 .  
         [0052]    As the user releases push-buttons  120 , the laterally outward force of the compressed springs  123  will return the push-buttons  120  in the direction of arrows  140  to the position shown in FIG. 3D, which is the same as the original position shown in FIG. 3A, but with the faceplate  102  decoupled from device housing  104 . Thus, catches  128  are in position to receive hooks  130  of pins  132  extending from faceplate  102 . The user may then select another faceplate  102  having the same hook and pin arrangement, but for example, having a different perimeter shape and design pattern on a front surface, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and  10 - 20 , for attachment to device housing  104 .  
         [0053]    A close-up view of assembly  100  is seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and shows the details of one of push-buttons  120 . Push-button  120  may have a depression plate  142  and a frame  144  to interconnect arm  126  and catch  128  with depression plate  142 . Depression plate  142  may have a surface  146  that generally follows the shape of an outer wall  148  of device housing  104  and is generally aligned flush therewith when no force is applied to plate  142 . Arm  126  extends generally in a perpendicular direction from frame  144 . Holding region  134 , seen in FIG. 4B with push-button  120  depressed, is defined by the region between frame  144 , arm  126  and catch  128 . Holding region  134  is configured such that hook  130  of pin  132  fits therein to lock faceplate  102  to device housing  104 . Both catch  128  and hook  130  may have flat, parallel mating surfaces such that catch  128  and hook  130  may rest securely against one another. A slot  150  is also formed in frame  144  where guide  138  is mounted. Guide  138  has a guide plate  152  that abuts frame  144  to restrict the movement of push-button  120  to a lateral sliding motion. A fastener  154  is provided within a bore  156  of guide  138  to rigidly attach guide plate  152  to guide  138 . Spring  123  biases push-button  120  laterally outward so that catch  128  securely holds hook  130 , and extends over a support column  158 . Support column  158  extends laterally from guide  138  to guide the compression and extension of spring  123  against depression plate  142 .  
         [0054]    A user will apply an inward force to depression plate  142  of push-button  120  in the direction of arrow  125  sufficient to overcome the laterally outward force provided by spring  123  and compress spring  123 , thus moving frame  144 , as seen in FIG. 4B. Frame  144  moves laterally along guide plate  152  a distance that may be defined by the width of the slot  150  in which guide  138  is mounted. This movement will cause arm  126  and catch  128  to move laterally away from hook  130  and pin  132 . Both of catches  128  of the pair of push-buttons  120  release the corresponding hooks  130  of pins  132  of faceplate  102  to detach faceplate  102  from device housing  104 .  
         [0055]    To secure faceplate  102  to device housing  104 , bracing pins  116  are aligned with, and slid into, braces  114 , which aligns an angled surface of each hook  130  of one pin  132  with a corresponding angled surface of each catch  128  of one push-button  120 . When the user pushes faceplate  102  into device housing  104 , hooks  130  will push catches  128  laterally inward in the direction of arrow  125  as the angled surfaces of each contact one another. At this point, springs  123  will be compressed as depression plates  142  moves inward. When each hook  130  has moved past each catch  128  and into holding region  134 , spring  123  will extend and move the corresponding push-button  120  laterally outward to engage hook  130  and secure catch  128  against hook  130 , as seen in FIGS. 3A and 4A. Faceplate  102  is then secured to device housing  104 .  
         [0056]    FIGS.  5 - 9  show other ways of coupling a faceplate to a device housing of an electronic device, such as for faceplate  12  and device housing  16  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D or faceplate  52  and device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D. Those skilled in the art should appreciate other similar ways of coupling one faceplate to one device housing of an electronic device.  
         [0057]    FIGS.  5 A- 5 C show an electronic device and faceplate assembly  200  with a faceplate  202  and a device housing  204  for an electronic device  206 . Device housing  204  may for example have generally the same overall shape as device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D, and may have input buttons  208  with similar functionality as input buttons  62  shown in FIG. 2D, for controlling electronic device  206 . Faceplate  202  has a front surface  210  viewable when faceplate  202  is attached to device housing  204 , and a back surface  212 , with a threaded ring  214  formed on the back surface  212  thereof. Likewise, device housing  204  has a threaded region  216  extending around the circumference of device housing  204  near a forward side  218  thereof. Threaded region  216  has threads that match the pitch and angle of threads within threaded ring  214 . In this way, a user may grasp faceplate  202  and rotate or screw (e.g., clockwise) threaded ring  214  onto threaded region  216  to secure faceplate  202  onto device housing  204 . Conversely, faceplate  202  may be turned in the opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) to unscrew threaded ring  214  from threaded region  216  and remove faceplate  202  from device housing  204 .  
         [0058]    Another electronic device and faceplate assembly  300  is shown in FIGS.  6 A- 6 C. A device housing  302  for an electronic device  303 , like device housing  204  of FIGS.  5 A- 5 C, may be generally shaped like device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D and may have input buttons  304  similar to those of assembly  200 . Device housing  302  has an angled flange  305  that may be formed at an upper point  306  of device housing  302  adjacent to a forward side  308  thereof. Flange  305  has an arm  310  that extends downward and is offset from forward side  308  of device housing  302 . A faceplate  312  has a front surface  314  viewable when faceplate  312  is attached to device housing  302 , and, as seen in FIG. 6C, a back surface  316  with an upwardly facing pocket-type slot  318  formed thereon. Slot  318  is sized and configured to receive arm  310  of flange  305  therein in a friction fit. Faceplate  312  may be slid upward along forward side  308  of device housing  302  such that slot  318  slides over arm  310  to couple faceplate  312  to device housing  302 . Sliding faceplate  312  downward likewise decouples faceplate  312  from device housing  302 . Alternatively, arm  310  may be upwardly extending and slot  318  may be downwardly facing such that faceplate  312  is slid downwardly to couple faceplate  312  to device housing  302 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 7A and 7B show an electronic device and faceplate assembly  400  having faceplate  402  and a device housing  404  for an electronic device  406 . Device housing  404  may be similar to device housing  204  of FIGS.  5 A- 5 C, and may be generally shaped like device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D, with input buttons  405  similar to those of assembly  200 . Device housing  404  may have a circumferential ring  408  with a plurality of bores  410  in longitudinal alignment away from a forward side  412  of device housing  404 . Alternatively, bores  410  may be provided on forward side  412  of device housing  404  without ring  408 . Faceplate  402  has a front surface  413  viewable when faceplate  402  is attached to device housing  404 , and a plurality of through-holes  414  that are alignable with bores  410  of device housing  404 . A plurality of fasteners  416  are sized to extend into through-holes  414  of faceplate  402  and into bores  410  of device housing  404 , to rigidly connect faceplate  402  to device housing  404 . As seen in FIG. 7B, fasteners  416  may be rivet-type with a shaft  418  having a pair of flexible arms  420  each having a protrusion-type barb  422 . Fasteners may be of other type for removably attaching faceplate  402  to device housing  404 , such as screws. To insert the fastener  416  into one through-hole  414  of faceplate  402  and one bore  410  of device housing  404 , arms  420  may be pressed inward toward shaft  418  to fit within through-hole  414  and bore  410 . Barbs  422  have sloped leading edges such that barbs  422  slide more easily into through-holes  414  and bores  410 . The barbs  422  create a friction fit to aid in maintaining fasteners  416  within through-hole  414  and bore  410  to secure faceplate  402  with device housing  404 . To remove faceplate  402 , arms  420  may again be pressed inward toward shaft  418  such that barbs  422  are moved out of contact with through-hole  414  and bore  410 , and the corresponding fastener  416  may be pulled out of through-hole  414  and bore  410 . Once all fasteners  416  are removed, the faceplate  402  is decoupled from device housing  404 .  
         [0060]    Another electronic device and faceplate assembly  500  is shown in FIGS.  8 A- 8 C. Assembly  500  has a faceplate  502  and a device housing  504  for an electronic device  506 . Device housing  504  may be similar to device housing  204  of FIGS.  5 A- 5 C, and may be generally shaped like device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D, with input buttons  508  similar to those of assembly  200 . Device housing  504  has a pair of vertically-aligned angled flanges  510  formed onto a forward side  512  of device housing  504 , with an arm  513  extending laterally outward therefrom. Angled flanges  510  may be positioned on opposite sides of a display  514  of device housing  504 . Faceplate  502  has a front surface  515  viewable when faceplate  502  is attached to device housing  504 , and back surface  516  having a pair of vertically-aligned angled flanges  518  formed thereon, as seen in FIG. 8B, each with an arm  519  extending laterally outward therefrom. Angled flanges  518  of faceplate  502  are configured to mate with angled flanges  510  of device housing  504  such that arms  513  of flanges  510  frictionally fit between arms  519  of flanges  518  and faceplate back surface  516 . Faceplate  502  may be slid upward or downward along forward side  512  of device housing  504  such that flanges  518  of faceplate  502  engage with flanges  510  of device housing  504  to removably attach or detach face plate  502 . In another arrangement, angled flanges  510  of device housing  504 , and angled flanges  518  of faceplate  502 , may be horizontally-aligned such that faceplate may be slid horizontally in either direction along forward side  512  of device housing  504  to engage flanges  518  of faceplate  502  with flanges  510  of device housing  504 .  
         [0061]    FIGS.  9 A- 9 C show an electronic device and faceplate assembly  600  having a faceplate  602  and a device housing  604  for an electronic device  606 . Device housing  604  may be similar to device housing  204  of FIGS. SA- 5 C, and may be generally shaped like device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D, with input buttons  608  similar to those of assembly  200 . Faceplate  602  has a front surface  610  viewable when faceplate  602  is attached to device housing  604 , and a back surface  612  having a ring  614  formed thereon. Ring  614  has a circumferential lip  616  formed on an inner surface  618  thereof. Likewise, device housing  604  has an outer lip  620  formed around the circumference of device housing  604  and is configured to mate with lip  616  of faceplate  602 . Outer lip  620  is preferably located proximal to a forward side  622  of device housing  604  such that lip  620  may be received in a space  624  formed between circumferential lip  616  and back surface  612  of faceplate  602 . To couple faceplate  602  to device housing  604 , ring  614  is aligned to surround forward side  622  of device housing  604  and is pressed onto device housing  604 . At this point, circumferential lip  616  of faceplate  602  presses against, and if a sufficient force is applied, slides over outer lip  620  of device housing  604  in an interference fit; the inside diameter of circumferential lip  616  of faceplate  602  is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of outer lip  620  of device housing  604 . Faceplate  602  is then coupled to device housing  604 . To remove faceplate  602 , the user pulls faceplate  602  away from device housing  604  with a sufficient force as to overcome the interference fit.  
         [0062]    FIGS.  10 A- 10 E show one series of faceplates  700  each connected to a device housing  702  for an electronic device  704 , and each having the same structure and shape, but having varying design features. Faceplates  700  have a generally rectangular, or more specifically, square shape with rounded corners  706 . Faceplates  700  each have a circular groove  708  formed thereon. Sloped edges  710  surround a viewing region  712  where a display of an electronic device may be viewed. FIG. 10A shows a faceplate  714  having a wood grain pattern; FIG. 10B shows another faceplate  716  having a panther print pattern; FIG. 10C shows another faceplate  718  having a zebra print pattern; FIG. 10D shows another faceplate  720  having a camouflage print pattern; and FIG. 10E shows another faceplate  722  having a leopard print pattern.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIGS. 11A and 11B show two other faceplates with certain design features. Faceplate  800  of FIG. 11A is a Christmas tree-shaped faceplate having a viewing region  802 . Faceplate  804  of FIG. 11B is a snowman-shaped faceplate having a viewing region  806 .  
         [0064]    FIGS.  12 A- 12 F show another faceplate  900  with certain design features coupled with a device housing  902  for an electronic device  904 , such as device housing  16  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. Faceplate  900  has generally parallel upper and lower edges  906 , matching outwardly curved side edges  908 , and a viewing region  910 . An elliptical section  912  may have a first shading characteristic (e.g., darker shade), and an area  914  of faceplate  900  surrounding elliptical section  912  may have a second shading characteristic (e.g., lighter shade). Beveled regions  916  are formed proximal to upper and lower edges  906 .  
         [0065]    FIGS.  13 A- 13 E show another faceplate  1000  with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1002  for an electronic device  1004 , such as device housing  16  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. Faceplate  1000  has matching outwardly curved outer edges  1006  and beveled regions  1008  extending to edges  1006 . A series of indentions  1010 , such as elliptical or circular indentions, may be formed below a viewing region  1012  of the faceplate  1000 .  
         [0066]    Another faceplate  1100  is shown in FIGS.  14 A- 14 E with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1102  for an electronic device  1104 , such as device housing  16  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. Faceplate  1100  has matching outwardly curved side edges  1106  and matching inwardly curved top and bottom edges  1108 . Horizontally extending elongated indentions  1110  may be formed on faceplate  1100  near side edges  1106  on either side of a viewing region  1112 . A four-sided center section  1114  may have a first shading characteristic (e.g., darker shade), and an area  1116  of faceplate  1100  surrounding center section  1114  may have a second shading characteristic (e.g., lighter shade).  
         [0067]    FIGS.  15 A- 15 E show another faceplate  1200  with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1202  for an electronic device  1204 , such as device housing  16  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. Faceplate  1200  has matching outwardly curved side edges  1206 , outwardly curved top edge  1208 , and inwardly curved bottom edge  1210 . An indented center section  1212  may have an elliptical or circular shape to encircle a viewing region  1214 .  
         [0068]    Another faceplate  1300  is shown in FIGS.  16 A- 16 E with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1302  for an electronic device  1304 , such as device housing  16  of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. Faceplate  1300  has matching outwardly curved outer edges  1306  and generally has a convex shape between a viewing region  1308  and edges  1306 .  
         [0069]    FIGS.  17 A- 17 E show another faceplate  1400  with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1402  for an electronic device  1404 , such as device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D. Faceplate  1400  has generally parallel side edges  1406 , a straight bottom edge  1408  and an inwardly curved upper edge  1410 . A footing  1412  extends rearwardly near bottom edge  1408  to support faceplate  1400 . A center section  1414  surrounding a viewing region  1416  and generally having a pinhead shape may have a first shading characteristic (e.g., lighter shade), and an area  1418  of faceplate  1400  surrounding center section  1414  may have a second shading characteristic (e.g., darker shade).  
         [0070]    Another faceplate  1500  is shown in FIGS.  18 A- 18 E with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1502  for an electronic device  1504 , such as device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D. Faceplate  1500  has four matching inwardly curved outer edges  1506  and four raised areas  1508  position near rounded corners  1510 . A center section  1512  may have a raised hemispherical shape to surround a viewing region  1514 .  
         [0071]    FIGS.  19 A- 19 E show another faceplate  1600  with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1602  for an electronic device  1604 , such as device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D. Faceplate  1600  has generally parallel side edges  1606  and matching outwardly curved top and bottom edges  1608 . A center section  1610  surrounding a viewing region  1612  generally has a circular lower portion and a vertically straight upper portion, and may have a first shading characteristic (e.g., darker shade), and an area  1614  of faceplate  1600  outside of center section  1610  may have a second shading characteristic (e.g., lighter shade).  
         [0072]    Another faceplate  1700  is shown in FIGS.  20 A- 20 E with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1702  for an electronic device  1704 , such as device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D. Faceplate  1700  generally has an elliptical shape and may have beveled regions  1706  formed near lateral sides  1708  of faceplate  1700 . A vertically extending elongated indention  1710  may be positioned below a viewing region  1712 .  
         [0073]    FIGS.  21 A- 21 E show another faceplate  1800  coupled with a device housing  1802  for an electronic device  1804 , such as device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D. Faceplate  1800  has generally the same structure as the series of faceplates  700  of FIGS.  10 A- 10 E, but with design features varying from the faceplates  700 . Faceplate  1800  has a generally rectangular, or more specifically, square shape with rounded corners  1806 . Faceplate  1800  also has a circular groove  1808  formed thereon. A set of sloped edges  1810  surround a viewing region  1812 . A generally circular center section  1814  surrounds sloped edges  1810  and viewing region  1812 , and may have a first shading characteristic (e.g., darker shade), and an area  1816  of faceplate  1800  outside of center section  1814  may have a second shading characteristic (e.g., lighter shade).  
         [0074]    Another faceplate  1900  is shown in FIGS.  22 A- 22 E with certain design features coupled with a device housing  1902  for an electronic device  1904 , such as device housing  56  of FIGS.  2 A- 2 D. Faceplate  1900  has a generally rectangular, or more specifically, square shape with rounded corners  1906  and perimeter beveled region  1908 . A set of upper and lower sloped edges  1910  define a viewing region  1912  therebetween. A four-sided ring-shaped center section  1914  surrounds viewing region  1912 , and may have a first shading characteristic (e.g., darker shade), and an area  1916  of faceplate  1900  outside of center section  1914  may have a second shading characteristic (e.g., lighter shade).  
         [0075]    Since certain changes may be made in the above assembly without departing from the scope hereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein.