US5848152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Communication device having interchangeable faceplates and active keypad cover
Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
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Filing: 1996-12-04
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Granted: 1998-12-08
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Expires: 2016-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A communication device (1600) such as a portable radiotelephone handset features interchangeable faceplates including a first faceplate (1604) and a second faceplate (1804) which are removably attachable to a housing (1602). At least one of the plurality of faceplates includes a movable element (1802) such as a keypad cover. A sensor such as a switch (1574) detects the presence of the movable element (1802) and provides a detection signal to a controller (1560) which varies the operation of the communication device (1600) in response thereto.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Slipy
- 👤 Louis J. Lundell
- 👤 Jose T. Lo
- 👤 Nicholas Mischenko
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:45
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/02; H04M1/0202; H04M1/0206; H04M1/0208; H04M1/0214; H04M1/0216; H04M1/0241; H04M1/0245; H04M1/0249; H04M1/0279; H04M1/0283; H04M1/72; H04M1/724; H04M1/72448; H04M1/7246; B; B29; B29C; B29C65/00; B29C65/02; B29C65/06; B29C65/48; B29C66/00; B29C66/50; B29C66/51; B29C66/54; B29C66/542; B29L; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/34; B29L2031/3431
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A communication device comprising: a housing; a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor providing a detection signal in response to detection of a faceplate and a movable element disposed on the housing; and a controller disposed within the housing and coupled to the sensor, the controller implementing a first set of functions in response to a first state of the detection signal and a second set of functions in response to a second state of the detection signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A communication device comprising: a housing; a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor providing a detection signal in response to detection of a faceplate and a movable element disposed on the housing; and a controller disposed within the housing and coupled to the sensor, the controller implementing a first set of functions in response to a first state of the detection signal and a second set of functions in response to a second state of the detection signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A communication device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a faceplate disposed on the housing, the faceplate including a movable element movable between a first position and a second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A communication device as recited in claim 2 wherein the sensor comprises a switch which provides the detection signal when actuated and wherein the faceplate includes an actuator for actuating the switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A communication device as recited in claim 3 wherein the movable element is rotatable about an axis and wherein the actuator actuates the switch when the movable element rotates about the axis from the first position to the second position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
A communication device as recited in claim 4 further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the housing, the switch being disposed on the printed circuit board proximate a first end of the communication device, and wherein communication device further includes a hinge proximate the first end of the communication device for rotating the movable element about the axis, the hinge including the actuator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A communication device as recited in claim 5 wherein the switch and the axis are substantially coplanar.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A communication device as recited in claim 2 wherein the communication device comprises a radiotelephone configured for radio communication with a remote transceiver and wherein the first set of functions comprises establishing a radio link with the remote transceiver when the movable element moves from the first position to the second position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A communication device as recited in claim 2 further comprising a keypad disposed on the housing, the movable element forming a keypad cover for covering a portion of the keypad in the first position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A communication device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a keypad and a faceplate disposed on the housing, the faceplate omitting a movable element which covers a portion of the keypad.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
A communication device as recited in claim 9 wherein the communication device comprises a radiotelephone configured for radio communication with a remote transceiver and wherein the second set of functions comprises establishing a radio link with the remote transceiver in response to a keypress of a key of the keypad.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
A communication device as recited in claim 10 wherein the faceplate omitting a movable element may be removably interchanged with a faceplate including a movable element, the sensor providing the detection signal in response to detecting the faceplate including a movable element when the faceplate omitting a movable element is replaced with the faceplate including a movable element.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of operating a communication device, the communication device including a keypad and a faceplate, the method comprising the steps of: detecting presence of a keypad cover on the faceplate; if a keypad cover is present, detecting a position of the keypad cover; and if no keypad cover is present, awaiting a user input from the keypad.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of operating a communication device, the communication device including a keypad and a faceplate, the method comprising the steps of: detecting presence of a keypad cover on the faceplate; if a keypad cover is present, detecting a position of the keypad cover; and if no keypad cover is present, awaiting a user input from the keypad.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as recited in claim 12 further comprising the steps of: moving the keypad cover from a closed position to an open position; detecting movement of the keypad cover; and in response, initiating a communication link to a remote transceiver.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as recited in claim 12 further comprising the steps of: detecting a predetermined user input; and in response, initiating a communication link to a remote transceiver.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as recited in claim 14 wherein the step of detecting a predetermined user input comprises detecting a keypress of a link key of the keypad.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
119 words
A radiotelephone comprising: a housing having a front face; a keypad disposed on the front face; a first faceplate configured for attachment to the front face; a second faceplate configured for attachment to the front face, the second faceplate including a keypad cover movable between a first position and a second position, the keypad cover covering a portion of the keypad in the first position; a sensor for detecting attachment of a faceplate to the front face and providing a detection signal, the detection signal having a first state when the first faceplate is attached and a second state when the second faceplate is attached; and a controller responsive to the detection signal for varying operation of the radiotelephone.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
119 words
A radiotelephone comprising: a housing having a front face; a keypad disposed on the front face; a first faceplate configured for attachment to the front face; a second faceplate configured for attachment to the front face, the second faceplate including a keypad cover movable between a first position and a second position, the keypad cover covering a portion of the keypad in the first position; a sensor for detecting attachment of a faceplate to the front face and providing a detection signal, the detection signal having a first state when the first faceplate is attached and a second state when the second faceplate is attached; and a controller responsive to the detection signal for varying operation of the radiotelephone.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
51 words
A radiotelephone as recited in claim 16 further comprising a hinge at a first end of the second faceplate for rotatably moving the keypad cover between the first position and the second position and wherein the sensor comprises a switch responsive to position of the hinge for providing the detection signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
77 words
A radiotelephone as recited in claim 17 wherein the hinge comprises a cam journal defining a profiled recess, the cam journal rotating in response to rotation of the keypad cover, and wherein the switch includes an actuation arm movable between an open position and a closed position, the profiled recess selectively engaging the actuation arm to move the actuation arm between the closed position and the open position as the cam journal rotates with the keypad cover.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
A radiotelephone as recited in claim 18 wherein the first faceplate includes a fixed actuator positioned to retain the actuation arm in the open position while the first faceplate is attached to the front face.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
A radiotelephone as recited in claim 19 wherein the switch provides the detection signal in the first state when the actuation arm is in the closed position and provides the detection signal in the second state when the actuation arm is in the open position.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
46 words
A radiotelephone as recited in claim 20 wherein the radiotelephone is configured for radio communication with a remote transceiver and wherein, in response to the detection signal changing from the first state to the second state, the controller establishes a radio link with the remote transceiver.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
A radiotelephone as recited in claim 21 wherein, in response to the detection signal being maintained in the second state, the controller awaits a predetermined user input.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
A radiotelephone as recited in claim 22 wherein the predetermined user input comprises a keypress of a link key of the keypad.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
113 words
A communication device comprising: a housing; a keypad disposed on a front face of the housing; a faceplate configured for attachment to the housing, the faceplate selected from the group consisting of a faceplate including a movable element which is movable between a first position and a second position, and a faceplate lacking a movable element; a sensor disposed within the housing for providing a detection signal in response to attachment of the faceplate including the movable element; and a controller disposed within the housing, the controller implementing a first set of functions in response to the detection signal and a second set of functions in response to absence of the detection signal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
113 words
A communication device comprising: a housing; a keypad disposed on a front face of the housing; a faceplate configured for attachment to the housing, the faceplate selected from the group consisting of a faceplate including a movable element which is movable between a first position and a second position, and a faceplate lacking a movable element; a sensor disposed within the housing for providing a detection signal in response to attachment of the faceplate including the movable element; and a controller disposed within the housing, the controller implementing a first set of functions in response to the detection signal and a second set of functions in response to absence of the detection signal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
69 words
A communication device as recited in claim 24 wherein the communication device further comprises the faceplate including a movable element, and wherein in response to the detection signal, the communication device operates responsive to movement of the movable element between the first position and the second position and in response to absence of the detection signal, the communication device operates responsive to a predetermined user input at the keypad.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
A communication device as recited in claim 25 wherein the predetermined user input comprises a keypress of a link key of the keypad.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
149 words
A portable radiotelephone handset comprising: a standard housing having a front face; a keypad configured to be disposed on the front face; a plurality of faceplates, each faceplate configured for removable attachment to the front face of the standard housing for customizing appearance of the portable radiotelephone handset, at least one faceplate having a keypad cover movable between a first position and a second position, the keypad cover covering a portion of the keypad in the first position and exposing the portion of the keypad in the second position; a sensor for sensing attachment to the front face of the standard housing of a faceplate having keypad cover and providing a detection signal; and a controller which implements a first set of functions in response to a first state of the detection signal and a second set of functions in response to a second state of the detection signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
149 words
A portable radiotelephone handset comprising: a standard housing having a front face; a keypad configured to be disposed on the front face; a plurality of faceplates, each faceplate configured for removable attachment to the front face of the standard housing for customizing appearance of the portable radiotelephone handset, at least one faceplate having a keypad cover movable between a first position and a second position, the keypad cover covering a portion of the keypad in the first position and exposing the portion of the keypad in the second position; a sensor for sensing attachment to the front face of the standard housing of a faceplate having keypad cover and providing a detection signal; and a controller which implements a first set of functions in response to a first state of the detection signal and a second set of functions in response to a second state of the detection signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
46 words
A portable radiotelephone handset as recited in claim 27 wherein the at least one faceplate further comprises a body and a hinge coupling the keypad cover and the body, the hinge providing rotational movement of the keypad cover between the first position and the second position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
A portable radiotelephone handset as recited in claim 28 wherein the sensor provides the detection signal having the first state when the keypad cover is in the first position and the second state when the keypad cover is in the second position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
49 words
A portable radiotelephone handset as recited in claim 28 wherein the plurality of faceplates include a faceplate omitting a keypad cover and wherein the sensor provides the detection signal having the first state when the faceplate omitting a keypad cover is attached to front face of the standard housing.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
199 words
A method for operating a communication device, the communication device including a switch which is movable between a first position and a second position, and one of a first faceplate and a second faceplate disposed on the communication device, the first faceplate lacking a keypad cover and the second faceplate having a keypad cover, motion of the keypad cover actuating the switch between the first position and the second position when the second faceplate is disposed on the communication device and the keypad cover is present, the first faceplate including a fixed actuator for retaining the switch in one of the first position and the second position when the first faceplate is present, the method comprising the steps of: initially detecting a position of the switch, the position being one of a first position and a second position; in response to detection of the first position of the switch, determining that the communication device includes the second faceplate; subsequently, detecting position of the keypad cover in response to actuation of the switch by movement of the keypad cover; and in response to detection of the second position of the switch, determining that the communication device includes the first faceplate.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
199 words
A method for operating a communication device, the communication device including a switch which is movable between a first position and a second position, and one of a first faceplate and a second faceplate disposed on the communication device, the first faceplate lacking a keypad cover and the second faceplate having a keypad cover, motion of the keypad cover actuating the switch between the first position and the second position when the second faceplate is disposed on the communication device and the keypad cover is present, the first faceplate including a fixed actuator for retaining the switch in one of the first position and the second position when the first faceplate is present, the method comprising the steps of: initially detecting a position of the switch, the position being one of a first position and a second position; in response to detection of the first position of the switch, determining that the communication device includes the second faceplate; subsequently, detecting position of the keypad cover in response to actuation of the switch by movement of the keypad cover; and in response to detection of the second position of the switch, determining that the communication device includes the first faceplate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as recited in claim 31 further comprising the steps of: implementing a first set of functions in response to determining that the communication device includes the first faceplate; and implementing a second set of functions in response to determining that the communication device includes the second faceplate.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as recited in claim 32 wherein the second set of functions includes maintaining the communication device in a standby condition awaiting reception of incoming radio signals when the keypad cover is in the first position and awaiting user input to initiate communication when the keypad cover is in the second position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-12-07 | 2002-06-08 | 2002-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-06-08 | 2006-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-07 | 2010-06-08 | 2010-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |