US6006118A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keypad lightguides including compartments
Assignee: BlackBerry Ltd
•
Filing: 1997-12-05
•
Granted: 1999-12-21
•
Expires: 2017-12-05
Abstract
Abstract A lightguide for illuminating keypads within electronic devices, such as radiotelephones, supports additional components and is maintained in spaced apart relationship with a circuit board hosting electronic components. The number of separate components required within a radiotelephone is decreased and the amount of circuit board real estate available for electrical components is increased.
Inventors
- 👤 Shawn M. Stephenson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:11
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/02; H04M1/22; H01H2219/00; H01H2219/054; H01H2219/062; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/07; H01H2239/00; H01H2239/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 112
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; and a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding, and wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define at least one compartment between said lightguide and said circuit board face.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; and a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding, and wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define at least one compartment between said lightguide and said circuit board face.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board face within said at least one compartment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
150 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding within said at least one compartment; and a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
150 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding within said at least one compartment; and a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A electronic device according to claim 8 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 9 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 8 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electronic device according to claim 8 further comprising an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electronic device according to claim 8 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said at least one compartment.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
56 words
An electronic device according to claim 8 wherein said at least one wall portion comprises a plurality of wall portions depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define a plurality of compartments between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 8 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
142 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding; and a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
142 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding; and a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 16 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 17 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 16 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electronic device according to claim 16 further comprising an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electronic device according to claim 16 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said at least one compartment.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electronic device according to claim 16 wherein said at least one compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 16 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
84 words
A lightguide configured to illuminate a keypad of an electronic device via at least one light source located within said electronic device, said lightguide comprising: opposing first and second faces; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad within said electronic device; and conductive material that provides EMI shielding disposed on at least one of said first and second faces.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
84 words
A lightguide configured to illuminate a keypad of an electronic device via at least one light source located within said electronic device, said lightguide comprising: opposing first and second faces; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad within said electronic device; and conductive material that provides EMI shielding disposed on at least one of said first and second faces.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
A lightguide according to claim 24 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lightguide according to claim 24 further comprising vibration reduction means for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
A lightguide according to claim 24 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lightguide according to claim 24 further comprising an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
A lightguide according to claim 24 further comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face to define at least one compartment between said lightguide first face and another substrate when said lightguide is secured within said electronic device.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
A lightguide according to claim 24 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
132 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; and a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define a plurality of compartments between said lightguide and said circuit board face.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
132 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; and a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define a plurality of compartments between said lightguide and said circuit board face.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 31 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to and circuit board face within said at least one compartment.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
134 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising a plurality of wall portions depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define a plurality of compartments between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing; and a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
134 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising a plurality of wall portions depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define a plurality of compartments between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing; and a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
A electronic device according to claim 38 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 39 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 38 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electronic device according to claim 38 further comprising an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 38 wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding within said at least one compartment.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electronic device according to claim 38 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said at least one compartment.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 38 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
131 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define a plurality of compartments between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
131 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define a plurality of compartments between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 46 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 47 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 46 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electronic device according to claim 46 further comprising an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electronic device according to claim 46 wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electronic device according to claim 46 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said compartments.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 46 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
155 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define at least one compartment between said lightguide and said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding, a speaker secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
155 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define at least one compartment between said lightguide and said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding, a speaker secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 54 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 54 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 54 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board face within said at least one compartment.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said at least one compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
156 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define at least one compartment between said lightguide and said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding: a microphone secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
156 words
A radiotelephone apparatus comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components that receive and transmit telecommunications signals and having mounted therein at least one light source; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a keypad; a lightguide that illuminates said keypad via said at least one light source, wherein said keypad is secured to said lightguide and comprises a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide is secured within said housing in spaced apart relationship with said circuit board to define at least one compartment between said lightguide and said circuit board face, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding: a microphone secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
15 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 59 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 60 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
26 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 59 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board face within said at least one compartment.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
A radiotelephone apparatus according to claim 59 wherein said at least one compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electronic device comprising; a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding within said at least one compartment; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a speaker secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electronic device comprising; a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding within said at least one compartment; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a speaker secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 64 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 64 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electronic device according to claim 64 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said at least one compartment.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
56 words
An electronic device according to claim 64 wherein said at least one wall portion comprises a plurality of wall portions depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define a plurality of compartments between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 64 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
165 words
An electronic device comprising; a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding within said at least one compartment; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a microphone secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said light guide.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
165 words
An electronic device comprising; a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding within said at least one compartment; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a microphone secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said light guide.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
15 words
A electronic device according to claim 70 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 71 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electronic device according to claim 70 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said at least one compartment.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
56 words
An electronic device according to claim 70 wherein said at least one wall portion comprises a plurality of wall portions depending from said first face and configured to contact said circuit board face to define a plurality of compartments between said circuit board face and said first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 70 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
156 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a speaker secured to said lightguide; and an LCD Panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
156 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a speaker secured to said lightguide; and an LCD Panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 76 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 76 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electronic device according to claim 76 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said at least one compartment.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electronic device according to claim 76 wherein said at least one compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 76 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
156 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a microphone secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
156 words
An electronic device comprising: a housing configured to enclose electronic components; a circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a face thereof; a lightguide comprising opposing first and second faces and configured to illuminate a keypad via at least one light source, said lightguide comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face along peripheral edge portions thereof to define at least one compartment between said circuit board face and said lightguide first face when said lightguide is secured within said housing, and wherein said lightguide comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said housing and a second end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad on said circuit board face; a microphone secured to said lightguide; and an LCD panel secured to said lightguide.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic device according to claim 82 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic device according to claim 83 further comprising vibration reduction means positioned between said speaker and said housing for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electronic device according to claim 82 wherein at least one electronic component is secured to said circuit board within said at least one compartment.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electronic device according to claim 82 wherein said at least one compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic device according to claim 82 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
91 words
A lightguide configured to illuminate a keypad of an electronic device via at least one light source located within said electronic device, said lightguide comprising: opposing first and second faces; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad within said electronic device; a speaker secured to said lightguide; an LCD panel secured to said lightguide; and wherein the lightguide further comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
91 words
A lightguide configured to illuminate a keypad of an electronic device via at least one light source located within said electronic device, said lightguide comprising: opposing first and second faces; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad within said electronic device; a speaker secured to said lightguide; an LCD panel secured to said lightguide; and wherein the lightguide further comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lightguide according to claim 88 further comprising vibration reduction means for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
A lightguide according to claim 88 further comprising a microphone secured to said lightguide.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
41 words
A lightguide according to claim 88 further comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face to define at least one compartment between said lightguide first face and another substrate when said lightguide is secured within said electronic device.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
13 words
A lightguide according to claim 88 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
91 words
A lightguide configured to illuminate a keypad of an electronic device via at least one light source located within said electronic device, said lightguide comprising: opposing first and second faces; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad within said electronic device; a microphone secured to said lightguide; an LCD panel secured to said lightguide; and wherein the lightguide further comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
91 words
A lightguide configured to illuminate a keypad of an electronic device via at least one light source located within said electronic device, said lightguide comprising: opposing first and second faces; a keypad secured to said second face and comprising a plurality of translucent keys, each key having a first end extending through said lightguide and operably engageable with a respective contact pad within said electronic device; a microphone secured to said lightguide; an LCD panel secured to said lightguide; and wherein the lightguide further comprises conductive material that provides EMI shielding.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
14 words
A lightguide according to claim 93 further comprising a speaker secured to said lightguide.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lightguide according to claim 93 further comprising vibration reduction means for reducing speaker vibrations.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
41 words
A lightguide according to claim 93 further comprising at least one wall portion depending from said first face to define at least one compartment between said lightguide first face and another substrate when said lightguide is secured within said electronic device.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
14 words
A lightguide according to claim 93 wherein said electronic device is a radiotelephone .
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4349705A
Cited
US5555550A
Cited
US5130897A
Cited
US5746493A
Cited
US5867772A
Cited
US5739481A
Cited
US5708428A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-20 | 2003-06-21 | 2003-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-20 | 2007-06-21 | 2007-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-20 | 2011-06-21 | 2011-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |