(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`11 July 2002 (11.07.2002)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 02/054735 Al
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7:
`HOIH 13nO
`
`H04M 1/23,
`
`(21) International Application Number: PCT/USOl/49325
`
`(72) Inventor; and
`(75) Inventor/Applicant (jor US on!;~: NUOVO, Frank
`[US/US]; 1612 Stradella Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077
`(US).
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`26 December 2001 (26.12.2001)
`
`(74) Agents: RIVERS, Brian eta!., Nokia, Inc., MD 1-4-755,
`6000 Connection Drive, Irving, TX 75039 (US).
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`0031799.0
`
`29 December 2000 (29 .12.2000) GB
`
`(71) Applicant (jor all designated States except US): NOKIA
`MOBILE DEVELOPMENTS
`(NMD) LIMITED
`[GB/GB]; 51 Eastcheap, London EC3M UP (GB).
`
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
`~
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AT
`(utility model), AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA,
`CH, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, CZ (utility model), DE, DE
`(utility model), DK, DK (utility model), DM, DZ, EC, EE,
`RE (utility model), ES, Fl, F1 (utility model), GB, GD, GE,
`GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ,
`LC, LK, LR, LS, IT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN,
`MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG,
`SI, SK, SK (utility model), SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA,
`UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW.
`
`[Continued on next page}
`
`-
`~ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -== -~
`--
`~ -
`
`(57) Abstract: A hand held mobile
`telephone ( l) is disclosed comprising
`a front face (3) having a longitudinal
`extension greater
`than a
`lateral
`extension and having a plurality of
`openings therein, and a multiplicity
`of keys (7-13) each having an upper
`surface bounded by side walls. Each
`key (7-13) protrudes from one of the
`plurality of openings to provide its
`upper surface for tactile actuation by a
`user and a plurality of said multiplicity
`of keys are arranged along a common
`first axis, in the longitudinal direction.
`Further, at least one of said plurality
`of keys has a vertex, in the boundary
`of its upper surface, aligned on said
`first axis.
`
`(54) Title: A MOBILE TELEPHONE
`
`16
`
`-
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
`
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
`iiiiiiiiii
`
`--
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1028-0001
`
`

`
`W 0 02/054 73 5 A 1
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (Gil, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW),
`Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM),
`European patent (AT, BE, CII, CY, DE, DK, ES, Fl, FR,
`GB, GR, lE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI patent
`(BF, BJ, CF, CCf, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR,
`NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published:
`-
`with international search report
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid(cid:173)
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin(cid:173)
`ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0002
`
`

`
`wo 02/054735
`
`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`1
`
`A mobile telephone
`
`The present invention relates to a hand held mobile telephone, having an
`
`5
`
`adapted keypad.
`
`There exists a problem in current mobile phones, which is exacerbated as the
`
`miniaturisation of mobile phones continues. It is not always easy for a user to
`
`orient themselves with respect to the keys on a mobile phone so that they can
`
`10
`
`quickly and accurately actuate a particular key.
`
`It would be desirable to design a phone so that such orientation may be
`
`achieved effectively even as phones decrease in size.
`
`15
`
`It would be desirable for the design to allow orientation through the visual and
`
`tactile senses.
`
`In the prior art a hand held mobile telephone generally comprised: a front face
`
`having a longitudinal extension greater than a lateral extension and having a
`
`20
`
`plurality of openings therein ; and a multiplicity of keys each having an upper
`
`surface bounded by side walls, wherein each key protrudes from one of the
`
`plurality of openings to provide its upper surface for tactile actuation by a user
`
`wherein a plurality of said multiplicity of keys are arranged along a common
`
`first axis, in the longitudinal direction. Typically a phone would have a 3 by 4
`
`25
`
`array (4 lateral rows and 3 longitudinal columns) of identical keys arranged for
`
`alphanumeric input.
`
`In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least one of said
`
`plurality of keys has a vertex, in the boundary of its upper surface, aligned on
`
`30
`
`said first axis.
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0003
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`
`2
`
`The vertex is generally formed where two portions of a side wall meet at a
`
`point. The vertex may feel like a pointed or V shaped protrusion, where the
`
`angle formed at the interior of the key between two side wall portions is less
`
`than 180 degrees. The vertex may feel like a V shaped recess to the side wall
`
`5 where the angle formed at the interior of the key between the two side wall
`
`portions is more than 180 degrees. The key may be V-shaped having two
`
`vertexes. The first and second vertexes may have substantially the same
`
`orientation both being aligned with the first axis. The or each vertex provides
`
`a means for differentiating one key both visually and by touch from other keys
`
`1 0
`
`and thereby provides the user with an origin for orientation.
`
`The plurality of keys may be aligned as a non-contiguous series of keys, the
`
`series extending longitudinally. Each of the plurality of keys in series may
`
`have a vertex in the boundary of its upper surface, aligned on said first axis.
`
`15
`
`Each of the keys may be V shaped. The series of aligned vertexes provides
`
`the user with an axis of orientation, which is sensible by touch and sight.
`
`Preferably the first axis bisects the width of the front face.
`
`Visual sensibility may be improved if each of the plurality of keys aligned on
`
`20
`
`the first axis are identically shaped.
`
`Visual sensibility may also be improved when said first axis is an axis of
`
`reflection symmetry, for each of said plurality of keys.
`
`25
`
`The first axis may be an axis of reflection symmetry for the multiplicity of keys.
`
`Thus orientation with respect to the first axis may provide orientation for all of
`
`the multiplicity of keys.
`
`The multiplicity of keys may be arranged in rows extending laterally and
`
`30
`
`columns extending longitudinally, wherein each row comprises three keys
`
`including a central key, a left edge key to the left of the central key and a right
`
`edge key to the right of the central key, wherein the central key is one of said
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0004
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`3
`
`plurality of keys. Each of the keys in a row may be contiguous, forming in
`
`combination a V shape, and the keys in a row may protrude through a single
`
`V shaped opening in the front face.
`
`5
`
`The user may quickly locate the central key by touch or sight, and will thereby
`
`be quickly able to locate the other keys.
`
`The keys in a row may be contiguous and extend right across the front face,
`
`from one side of the front face to the other. The side edges of the face
`
`10
`
`therefore provide two axis for orientation.
`
`Each left edge key may have a vertex in the boundary of its upper surface
`
`aligned with a second longitudinal axis, parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
`
`The second longitudinal axis may or may not form an axis of reflection
`
`15
`
`symmetry for the left edge keys. Each left edge key may have the same
`
`shape e.g. comprising an inverted V shape, which is different to the shape of
`
`the central keys.
`
`Each right edge key may have a vertex in the boundary of its upper surface
`
`20
`
`aligned with a second longitudinal axis, parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
`
`The third longitudinal axis may or may not form an axis of reflection symmetry
`
`for the right edge keys. Each right edge key may have the same shape e.g.
`
`comprising an inverted V shape, which is different to the shape of the central
`
`and right edge keys.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Thus it is possible for different axes of orientation to be identified by different
`
`shaped keys, each axis having similarly shaped keys. Thus an axis of
`
`orientation defined by the left edge keys may be distinguished from an axis of
`
`orientation defined by the central keys or the right edge keys.
`
`Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with
`
`reference to Figures 1 to 25 of the accompanying drawings of which:
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0005
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
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`4
`
`Figure 1 is a perspective view of a communication device showing one
`
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`5
`
`Figure 2 shows front, rear, sides and top views of the communication device
`of figure 1;
`
`Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a communication device suitable for
`
`embodiments of the present invention;
`
`Figure 4 is an exploded view of the face of a communication device of one
`
`embodiment of the invention without keys;
`
`Figure 5 is a view of one layer of a light guide;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Figures 6a and 6b are sections through the communication device of Figure 1
`
`in the display region;
`
`Figure 7 is a perspective view of a side frame element and located rails for
`
`20
`
`constructing a casing
`
`Figure 8 is a perspective view of the rear of the device with the battery cover
`
`removed;
`
`25
`
`Figures 9a and 9b are sections through the communication device of Figure 1
`
`in the battery region;
`
`Figure 10 is a perspective view of the rear of the device with the battery cover
`
`in place;
`
`30
`
`Figures 11 a and 11 b are sections showing other embodiments of the
`
`invention;
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0006
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
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`5
`
`Figure 12 is a perspective view of part of the input region of the device
`
`illustrating the location of legends associated with keys;
`
`5
`
`Figure 13 a longitudinal section through the communication device;
`
`Figure 14 is a schematic section through the light guide illustrating the
`
`surfaces available for carrying the legends;
`
`10
`
`Figures 15 and 16 are perspective views of a partially constructed input region
`
`of the device;
`
`Figure 17 is a perspective view of keys of the device including their actuation
`
`mechanisms;
`
`15
`
`Figure 18 illustrates some of the keys illustrated in Figure 17, with the key tips
`
`removed;
`
`Figures 19a and 19b are front and rear perspective views of the outer shell of
`
`20
`
`a bezel respectively;
`
`Figures 20a and 20b are a graph showing force against distance for a key
`
`such as that illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, and a conventional key using a
`
`dome respectively;
`
`25
`
`Figure 21 is a bottom plan view of the device of Figure 1 (with the chin face
`
`protector omitted);
`
`Figure 22 shows a key arrangement according to an alternative embodiment
`
`30
`
`of the present invention; and
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0007
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`Figures 23 to 25 show front face protectors according to alternative
`
`embodiments of the present invention.
`
`6
`
`5 Embodiments of the invention will be described in greater detail below with
`
`exemplary materials being given for some specific or individual elements of
`
`the device. Where a material or veneer is discussed in relation to an element,
`
`the particular character of the element described is one of many or several
`
`that may be provided as options to a party commissioning a personalised
`
`10
`
`device in accordance with the invention.
`
`In addition the exact material or
`
`surface decoration of the element could be individually commissioned.
`
`The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 is a handheld communication device 1
`
`with a precious retainable casing 2. The casing 2 of the device has been
`
`15
`
`designed to be customisable to individual taste with precious materials. To
`
`enable individual devices to be created, the number of external parts that the
`
`casing is formed from is relatively large in contrast to existing communication
`
`devices.
`
`20
`
`The casing 2 has an optically permeable front face 3 providing a seamless
`
`transition from a display region 4 to an input region 5 that includes a key array
`
`6. The key array 6 includes a first group of alphanumeric keys 7, for entering
`
`telephone numbers, writing text messages (SMS), writing names (associated
`
`with phone numbers), etc. Each of the twelve alphanumeric keys 7 is
`
`25
`
`provided with a figure "0-9" or a sign "#"or"*", respectively. In an alpha mode
`
`each key is associated with a number of letters and special signs used in text
`
`editing. The key array 6 additionally comprises two soft keys 8, 9, two call
`
`handling keys 10, 11 , two scroll keys 12, and an on/off key 13.
`
`30
`
`The functionality of the soft keys 8, 9 may depend on the state of the
`
`communication device and position within the menu accessed using the scroll
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0008
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`keys 12. The current functionality of the soft keys 8, 9 can be shown in
`
`separate fields in the display region 4 just above the respective keys 8, 9.
`
`7
`
`The two call handling keys 1 0, 11 are used for establishing a call or a
`
`5
`
`conference call, terminating a- call or rejecting an incoming call.
`
`The two direction keys or scroll keys 12, in the handset illustrated are placed
`
`centrally on the front surface of the communication device between the
`
`display region 4 and the group of alphanumeric keys 7 perform a scrolling
`
`10
`
`function.
`
`The seamless face 3 is formed from an optically seamless light guide 14
`
`providing light to illuminate the display region 4 and key legends 15 located on
`
`the light guide 14 and associated with individual keys of the key array 6.
`
`15
`
`The front face 3 is overlaid with a pillow 16 providing apertures 17 to channel
`
`sound from a loud speaker 18 and providing an appropriate feel for an
`
`element of the device that will be located close to the user's ear. The front
`
`face 3 is surrounded by a bezel 19 that can be made from a precious metal.
`
`20
`
`This acts to protect the edges of the light guide 14 and can help in some
`
`embodiments in securing the elements of the casing 2 together.
`
`The keys of the key array in this particular embodiment are arranged to
`
`provide particular sensory guidance to the user. Aspects of the design also
`
`25
`
`allow the light guide 14 to be made from a wide range of materials including
`
`those that are brittle and so need to be carefully handled and protected from
`
`shattering.
`
`The casing 2 is formed from the front face 3 surrounded by the bezel 19, a
`
`30
`
`side frame 20 and a back cover 21. The interface between the side frame 20
`
`and the bezel19 and the side frame 20 and the rear cover 21 are shielded by
`
`rails 22, 23 in this embodiment. The rails 22, 23 hide raw edges from view
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028-0009
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`8
`
`and exposure to ensure that the device 1 is both long lasting and elegant.
`
`The construction of the casing 2 enables the casing 2 to be opened with ease
`
`to update the engine 24 inside when desired. The casing 2 is also designed
`
`to allow the device to accommodate different sized and shaped engines 24,
`
`5 which may be necessary through its life.
`
`Other elements of the design will be discussed in greater detail with reference
`
`to the later drawings. By way of introduction, the device will be briefly
`
`discussed with reference to its functional elements.
`
`10
`
`The communication device 1, includes the key array 6, a display 25, an
`
`antenna 26, an ear piece speaker 18, a polyphonic speaker 27, and a
`
`microphone 28. The communication device 1 is adapted for communication
`
`via a wireless telecommunication network, e.g. a wireless network. However,
`
`15
`
`the communication device could also have been designed for a cordless
`
`network. Fig. 3 shows schematically and functionally elements of the
`
`communication device 1. The microphone 28 records the user's speech, and
`the analogue signals formed thereby are AID converted by an AID converter
`before the speech is encoded in an audio part 29. The encoded speech signal
`
`20
`
`is transferred to processor 30. The processor 30 may support software in the
`
`phone. The processor 30 also forms the interface to peripheral units of the
`
`apparatus. These may include a Random Access Memory (RAM) 31 and a
`
`Flash Read Only Memory (ROM) 32, a SIM card 33, the display 25, and the
`
`key array 6, and perhaps a browser application 34, and a location module 35.
`
`25
`
`The browser application 34 can be used to request and receive information
`
`from the Internet. The location module 35 enables the terminal 1 to determine
`
`its current position.
`
`30
`
`The processor 30 communicates with a transceiver 36, e.g. a circuit, which is
`
`adapted to send and receive messages in a telecommunication network. The
`
`telecommunications network may be a GSM or W-CDMA network, but the
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1028-0010
`
`

`
`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`9
`
`invention may also be applied in connection with any other network, including
`
`but not limited to other kinds of wireless networks and various forms of
`cordless phone systems or in dual band phones accessing sets of these sys(cid:173)
`tems or networks. The audio part 29 speech-decodes the signal, which is
`
`5
`
`transferred from the processor 30 to the earpiece 18 via aD/A converter.
`
`The display 25 may form a permanent part of the casing or, to increase the
`potential for upgrading the engine throughout the life of the casing it may be a
`
`module that can be replaced to, for example, account for the inevitable
`improvements in graphics that may occur.
`
`10
`
`As discussed above, the front face 3 is optically permeable and acts as a light
`
`guide. The seamless light guide, passing light over the display region 4 as
`well as providing light to illuminate the key legends 15 reduces the number of
`
`15
`
`lighting elements required to illuminate the device and provides a seamless
`transition from one area of the front of the device to another. By using this
`technique for delivering light and also allowing the light guide 14 to form the
`front surface of the device 1 as in the embodiment disclosed, the device is
`visually striking, there being no visible transition from the display region 4 to
`
`20
`
`the input region 5 where the key array 6 is located.
`
`The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 has a light permeable front face 3 that
`can be formed from sapphire or a similar precious stone. As soon as a
`
`mineral such as sapphire is used in place of other more flexible light
`permeable materials such as plastics, additional problems are introduced
`In designing a durable device
`associated with the character of the material.
`
`having, for example, a brittle material for a front piece 3 there are many
`difficulties. In one manifestation of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 2
`
`and 4 to 6, the light guide 14 is an optically seamless composite layer. As can
`be seen most clearly in Figure 4, a plastics layer 37 that may be formed from
`Perspex or other transparent and/or translucent materials runs the entire
`length of the front face 3. There is a cut-out 38 for accommodating the ear
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1028-0011
`
`

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`PCT/USOl/49325
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`10
`
`piece speaker 18 that is optimised for use close to the ear. There is another
`
`cut~out accommodating a light pipe diffuser 39. This is located under the
`
`pillow 16 and extends across the width of the device 1 . By placing the light
`
`pipe 39 under the pillow 16, a bright area on the front face is avoided and the
`
`5
`
`light visible in the light guide will be diffused. LEOs 40, 41 are located at each
`
`side of the device at each end of the pipe 39. Light from the LEOs 40, 41 is
`
`channelled through the pipe 39 and diffused. The light pipe 39 in this
`
`embodiment is coated with reflective material so that light is channelled
`
`through the surface 42 that runs along the top of the LCD display 25.
`
`1 0 Embodiments without the coating provide some of the same advantages. The
`
`diffused light is accordingly channelled into and along the major axis of the
`
`light guide 14 to provide substantially uniform lighting for the LCD 25.
`
`In this way light is pumped into the light guide 14 along the major axis from
`
`15
`
`above the LCD 25. The light from the light pipe 39 illuminates the display
`
`region 4 and provides lighting for the input region 5. As illustrated in Figure
`
`15, additional LEOs 43 or other lighting elements are positioned along the
`
`edges of the Perspex layer or sheet 37 in the input region 5 to further
`
`illuminate the legends 15 for the keys of the array 6. The surface of extending
`
`20
`
`portions 78 of the Perspex layer or sheet 37 is shaped to channel light from
`
`adjacent top firing LEOs 43 or the like towards the upper surface of the main
`
`portion of the layer or sheet 37. This assists in providing substantially uniform
`
`lighting for the input region. The additional LEOs 43 or the like are shielded
`
`from view by the bezel 19 to avoid light spots being visible and encouraging a
`
`25
`
`uniform diffuse light across the light guide.
`
`The LCD 25 itself is bonded to the rear surface of the Perspex sheet 37 with
`
`an energy absorbing adhesive sheet 45. Using this technique and ensuring
`
`that there are no air gaps between the front of the LCD 25 and the Perspex
`
`30
`
`sheet 37, provides a robust solution for mounting the LCD 25. The surface of
`
`the LCD 25 that is delicate and generally needs a protective layer distanced
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1028-0012
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
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`from it is protected by the Perspex layer 37 adhered to one of its faces. The
`drivers 44 for the LCD 25 can be seen in Figure 5.
`
`11
`
`In the embodiment illustrated the Perspex layer 37 includes apertures 48 for
`
`5
`
`locating individual keys and allowing the key shafts 49 to travel to make
`contact with a printed circuit board 50 located within the casing 2 to register
`
`user input. An independently inventive key layout, suitable for use with the
`general concept discussed, will be described in greater detail below. As the
`
`key layout is likely to be one of the most enduring elements of the design, it
`has been designed with future requirements for the casing in mind. The
`
`10
`
`skilled man will be aware that modifications to the key arrangement can be
`made while still providing the flexibility to accommodate future engine
`requirements. For example, a joystick, or similar rotational device or multi(cid:173)
`directional key could be utilised for input as could other input mechanisms
`
`15
`
`traditionally used on laptop computers.
`
`As can be seen most clearly from Figure 4, the second layer of the composite
`light guide 51 is made in a number of sections 52- 58. This is to allow for the
`choice of brittle materials to be used for the second layer 51 . Sapphire has
`properties including its scratch resistance and optical clarity that make it
`
`suitable for use in this context although the material of this element is
`selectable a ceramic material could be utilised in this arrangement. Other
`suitable materials are glass and other minerals and precious and semi
`precious stones. When a transparent material such as sapphire is used,
`however,
`the
`light guide provides an external surface
`to the device.
`
`Arrangements for the second layer similar to those disclosed in concept in the
`illustrated embodiment are not necessary when the materials are not brittle.
`
`Alternative arrangements will, however, be apparent to the skilled man for
`accommodating brittle materials in this context.
`
`As mentioned above sapphire is brittle. When considering how to introduce
`such a material into a casing 2 that is to be long lasting and durable, problems
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1028-0013
`
`

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`wo 02/054735
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`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`arise. This is particularly the case when the device 1 will inevitably be
`subjected to knocks and is likely to be dropped many times in its long
`
`12
`
`5
`
`existence. All brittle parts are bonded to a carrier formed from e.g. plastic or
`In the embodiment described, the
`titanium in order to better absorb shock.
`sapphire is formed in individual sections 52 - 58 for ease of manufacture.
`Each of the pieces is adhered to the Perspex layer 37 using a UV curing
`In order to increase the
`adhesive based on hybrid acrylic technology.
`durability of the composite light guide 14 and strengthen it against damage,
`the sections 52 - 58 are adhered to a more flexible Perspex layer 37 leaving
`gaps 59 extending across the entire width. These gaps 59 act as hinges to
`allow the composite layer 14 to be relatively flexible along its major axis.
`In
`the embodiment illustrated, the layout of the key array 6 has been designed
`with this in mind. The alpha numeric keys 7 are arranged in groups of three
`extending across the whole width of the second layer of the composite 51.
`The function keys or soft key 8, 9 are also arranged in two groups of three.
`The soft keys 8, 9 and the top scroll key 12a follows the line of the alpha
`numeric keys 7. The call handling keys 10, 11 and the bottom scroll key 12b,
`which is displaced from the line of the others, defines the lower edge of one of
`the elements 57 and the upper edge of another of the elements 56. This
`20 makes the second row of keys 10, 11, 12b distinctive whilst still avoiding
`problems in manufacture of the elements 52 - 58. The specific key array 6
`illustrated has other properties and advantages that will be discussed later.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Although the embodiment described is designed with a brittle material such as
`sapphire in mind, the resultant arrangement could be formed from any
`
`25
`
`number of other materials including plastics that provide the required optical
`characteristics. Similarly different key arrangements could be used without
`departing from individually inventive concepts that are disclosed.
`
`30 When using a brittle material for a front face light guide 14 problems are also
`
`encountered when connecting the front face 3 to the rest of the casing
`elements. In the illustrated embodiment the edges of the brittle elements 52-
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1028-0014
`
`

`
`wo 02/054735
`
`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`13
`
`58 are protected by the bezel 19 that sits around the whole of the face. The
`
`bezel 19, in this embodiment, is formed from a bezel support 60 overlaid with
`
`a 0.5 mm thick metal sheet, the bezel cover 61. The metal sheet 61
`
`is
`
`bonded to the bezel support 60, that may be formed from plastic, with an
`
`5
`
`adhesive such as a two part epoxy adhesive or a two part acrylic adhesive.
`
`As the metal sheet 61 is relatively thin this keeps the weight of the casing 2
`
`down and also allows relatively precious metals such as titanium or gold to be
`
`used at relatively lower cost. The bezel 19 could, however, be a single part
`
`and/ or be formed from a single material for example titanium.
`
`10
`
`The transparent face 3 in this particular embodiment is securely held in place
`
`by a robust mechanism. The Perspex layer 37 to which the elements 52- 58
`
`are bonded extends beyond the area covered by the elements to provide a lip
`
`or edge 62 around the whole of the composite light guide 14. This edge 62 is
`
`15
`
`used to secure the front face 3 in position as it is tucked under the bezel 19
`
`that defines the perimeter of the front face and squeezed between the bezel
`
`19 and the side frame 20.
`
`As can be seen in Figure 1, the bezel 19 is punctuated with front face
`
`20
`
`protectors 63 whose function will be described in more detail later. These
`
`front face protectors 63, in this particular embodiment play a role in holding
`
`the casing elements together.
`
`The front face protectors 63 have a tip part 64 that extends over the bezel 19
`
`25
`
`and a shaft 65 that passes through the bezel 19 and into the plastic side
`
`frame 20. The shaft 65 may be tightened onto the frame 20 using a nut 95.
`
`In this case the nut stops the front face protectors from falling out of the
`
`device. In one embodiment the shafts 65 are screwed into the tips 64 at one
`
`end and into the side frame element 20 at the other although other manners
`
`30
`
`of connection could be employed. The shaft 65 and tip 64 could also be one
`
`piece rather than two. The bezel 19 and the Perspex layer 37 of the
`
`transparent face 2 are captured by the front face protector 63 and side frame
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1028-0015
`
`

`
`wo 02/054735
`
`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`14
`
`element 20 as can be seen in figure 9b. The front face protectors 63
`
`accordingly grip the transparent face 3 securely between the side frame 20
`
`and the bezel 19. The front face protectors 63 are only located next to the
`key array 6.
`In order to secure the transparent face 3 around its perimeter
`
`5
`
`additional screws 66 are added to draw the bezel 19 towards the side frame
`20 and squeeze the transparent face 3 in place.
`In one embodiment, the
`screws 66 thread through the side frame 20 and tap into the bezel support 60.
`Once the bezel support 60 is secured to the side frame 20 the outer shell 61
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`of the bezel 19 can be adhered to the support 60 to hide the tapped screw
`ends 66. Alternatively the bezel is stuck to the support first (a·sub·assembly)
`this sub·assembly is then screwed to the frame.
`
`As can be seen in the figures, although the more flexible transparent
`substrate 37 is overlaid by the bezel 19 secured in position by the front face
`
`protectors 63 and other connectors, the sapphire is maintained spaced from
`the bezel 19 so that it is protected from chipping or other damage as a result
`of contact. The edges of the sapphire elements do not protrude above the
`edge of the bezel 19 to provide further protection for the more vulnerable
`edges.
`In the arrangement described, the transparent face 3 is gripped in
`
`position between the bezel 19 and the side frame 20. The more flexible
`substrate 37 could, however receive screws or other fasteners to located it
`relative to the other frame members without damaging the more brittle
`sapphire layer. The choice of material for the bezel is one open to selection.
`
`Precious metals including gold, platinum, silver, steel amongst others would
`be suitable. The same applies to the material of the front face protectors.
`
`25
`
`Both these elements and others that the skilled man will realise are suitable
`could be encrusted with precious or semi precious stones such as sapphires,
`
`rubies, emeralds and diamonds amongst others. Other crystals or minerals or
`other materials and veneers could also be utilised.
`
`30
`
`To reduce the ingress of dirt or fluids a sealant 69 is located between the
`bezel 19 and the transparent face 3. One way in which this can be introduced
`
`Verizon Wireless
`Exhibit 1 028·0016
`
`

`
`wo 02/054735
`
`PCT/USOl/49325
`
`15
`
`is to paint a seal on the underside of the bezel 19 which when dry is
`
`compressed between the transparent light guide 14 and the bezel 19 when
`
`the bezel 19 and the side frame 20 are pulled together.
`
`5 As can be seen in Figure 6 or 9, a first rail 22 is located in the interface
`between the side frame element 20 and the front face 3. The rail 22 hides the
`
`discontinuity between the parts from sight and protects vulnerable edges to
`
`enhance the durability of the device 1. The rail 22 may be a stamped metal
`
`piece 'T' shaped in section extending around the perimeter of the side frame
`
`1 0
`
`20. The stem of the 'T' 68 is trapped between the side frame member 20 and
`
`the bezel 19 as these two pieces are drawn together on assembly. The stem
`
`of the T has apertures 70 that sit over corresponding projections 71 on the
`
`side frame 20 member to prevent it from being withdrawn from between the
`
`two parts when in position. The top of the T acts as a carrier plate to which an
`
`15
`
`additional extruded piece 72 is soldered or otherwise adhered to provide a
`
`seamless finish. The stem could instead be formed from a plastics material.
`
`The side frame member 20 in this particular embodiment is a plastic support
`
`73 with an exterior cover 74. The cover 74 may again be a metal sheet
`
`20
`
`formed, for example, from a precious metal or perhaps a wood ve