(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0211297 A1
`
` Grflfinetm. (m)PubgDaw: Sep.1,2011
`
`
`US 20110211297A1
`
`(54) MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH
`DISPLACEABLE LID MEMBER
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Jason Tyler Griffin, Waterloo
`(CA); Julia Allwright, London
`(GB); Benjamin Henley, London
`(GB); Martin Riddiford, London
`(GB)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`RESEARCH IN MOTION
`LIMITED, Waterloo (CA)
`
`(21) Appl. N05
`
`12/713,510
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 26, 2010
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H05K 7/00
`(2006.01)
`BZ3P 11/00
`(52) us. Cl. ...................................... 361/679.01; 29/428
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A mobile communication device, a corresponding connect-
`ing mechanism and method are provided. The device com-
`prises a connecting mechanism which rotatably couples a lid
`member and a base member at a linked end ofthe device. The
`connecting mechanism also translationally couples the lid
`and the base member. When the device is in the closed posi-
`tion, displacing the lid member of the device in the direction
`of the free end of the device may initiate movement of the
`device to the opened position.
`
`100\
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`US 2011/0211297 A1
`
`Sep. 1,2011
`
`MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH
`DISPLACEABLE LID MEMBER
`
`FIELD
`
`[0001] The application relates to mobile communication
`devices, and more particularly to mobile communication
`devices having first and second body members which may be
`arranged in opened and closed positions.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] A mobile communication device, such as a “flip
`phone” or “clamshell” type handheld mobile communication
`device, may have a linked end and an opposite free end. A flip
`phone device may include at least a first body member and a
`second body member which are coupled together at the linked
`end by a hinge or connecting mechanism such that the device
`can move between a closed position and an opened position.
`The first and second body members are commonly referred to
`as lid and base members respectively.
`[0003] The lid and base members may commonly include a
`graphical display and keyboard respectively. The graphical
`display and keyboard can be on respective inner surfaces of
`the lid and base members. In the closed position, the inner
`surfaces ofthe lid and base members may be adjacent and not
`accessible to a user of the device. In the opened position, the
`inner surfaces may be accessible, and the graphical display
`and keyboard may, therefore, also be accessible to a user of
`the device.
`
`[0004] Typically, a user of a conventional flip phone device
`must insert a thumb/finger between the two housings of the
`device to pry it open. Opening a device in this fashion can be
`difficult for some users to do conveniently while holding the
`phone in one hand. A user may need to temporarily loosen or
`release their grip on the device in order to use a thumb or
`fingers to pry open the device. A poorly gripped device could
`be dropped causing damage. Some conventional flip phone
`devices implement push buttons on the phone which initiate
`opening the device when pushed. Some push button configu-
`rations may also require a user to use their thumb and/or to
`temporarily loosen or release their grip to activate the push
`button.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Some embodiments will now be described in greater
`[0005]
`detail with reference to the accompanying diagrams,
`in
`which:
`
`FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile
`[0006]
`communication device according to a first embodiment;
`[0007]
`FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a lid member
`of the mobile communication device of FIG. 1;
`[0008]
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view ofa hinge assembly of
`the mobile communication device of FIG. 1;
`[0009]
`FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a slide mem-
`ber of the mobile communication device of FIG. 1;
`[0010]
`FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the slide mem-
`ber of FIG. 4A;
`[0011]
`FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a first base slide
`guide of the mobile communication device of FIG. 1;
`[0012]
`FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a second base slide
`guide of the mobile communication device of FIG. 1;
`[0013]
`FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a base mem-
`ber body of the mobile communication device of FIG. 1;
`
`FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the base mem-
`[0014]
`ber body of FIG. 6A;
`[0015]
`FIG. 7A is a cutaway top view of the mobile com-
`munication device of FIG. 1 in a closed position with the lid
`member and a user interface base cover cut away;
`[0016]
`FIG. 7B is a cutaway top view of the mobile com-
`munication device of FIG. 1 in a displaced position with the
`lid member and the user interface base cover cut away;
`[0017]
`FIG. 7C is a cutaway top view of the mobile com-
`munication device of FIG. 1 in an opened position with the lid
`member and the user interface base cover cut away;
`[0018]
`FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the mobile com-
`munication device of FIG. 1 in the closed position;
`[0019]
`FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the mobile com-
`munication device of FIG. 1 in the displaced position;
`[0020]
`FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the mobile com-
`munication device of FIG. 1 in the opened position;
`[0021]
`FIG. 9A is a side view ofthe mobile communication
`device of FIG. 1 in the closed position;
`[0022]
`FIG. 9B is a side view ofthe mobile communication
`device of FIG. 1 in the displaced position;
`[0023]
`FIG. 9C is a side view ofthe mobile communication
`device of FIG. 1 in the opened position;
`[0024]
`FIG. 10A is a cutaway perspective view of a mobile
`communication device according to a second embodiment in
`a closed position with a lid member and a user interface base
`cover cut away;
`[0025]
`FIG. 10B is a cutaway perspective view of the
`mobile communication device of FIG. 10A in a displaced
`position with the lid member and the user interface base cover
`cut away;
`[0026]
`FIG. 10C is a cutaway perspective view of the
`mobile communication device of FIG. 10A in an opened
`position with the lid member and the user interface base cover
`cut away;
`[0027]
`FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a slide magnet
`assembly of the mobile communication device of FIG. 10A;
`[0028]
`FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a base magnet
`assembly of the mobile communication device of FIG. 10A;
`[0029]
`FIG. 12A is a side view of the mobile communica-
`tion device of FIG. 10A in the closed position;
`[0030]
`FIG. 12B is a side view of the mobile communica-
`tion device of FIG. 10A in the displaced position; and
`[0031]
`FIG. 12C is a side view of the mobile communica-
`tion device of FIG. 10A in the opened position.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0032] According to some embodiments, there is provided
`a mobile communication device having a linked end and a
`free end, the free end being opposite to the linked end, the
`device comprising: a first member; a second member; and a
`connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism rotatably
`couples the first member and the second member at the linked
`end of the device such that the first member and the second
`
`member can move between an opened position and a closed
`position. The connecting mechanism also translationally
`couples the first member and the second member such that the
`first member is translationally displaceable with respect to the
`second member in a direction toward the free end of the
`
`device, thereby initiating movement of the device from the
`closed position to the opened position.
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`US 2011/0211297 A1
`
`Sep. 1,2011
`
`member 103 to the base member body 136 as will be
`explained in more detail below. The base member body 136
`and the user interactive base cover 108 may hereinafter be
`collectively referred to as the second or base member 138
`(shown in FIGS. 7A to 9C) of the device 100.
`[0041]
`In this embodiment, the lid member 103 and the
`base member body 136 have approximately the same length
`and width, although embodiments are not so limited. For
`example, a lid member could be longer or wider than the base
`member body or vice versa. In addition, various thicknesses
`ofthe elements ofthe device may be dependent on a particular
`implementation. For example, in some embodiments, a lid
`member, base member body, user interface base cover or
`other elements may be thicker or thinner than shown in FIG.
`
`0042] The direction extending from the linked device end
`101 to the free device end 102 is referred to herein as the
`
`1 [
`
`forward direction and the opposite direction is referred to
`herein as the backward direction. The direction extending
`perpendicularly away from the base member body 136
`toward the lid member 103, when the device 100 is in the
`closed position, is referred to herein as the upward direction
`and the opposite direction is referred to herein as the down-
`ward direction. An orientation in the upward and/or down-
`ward direction may be referred to as vertical. These reference
`directions are for ease of description and do not restrict the
`orientation ofthe elements ofthe device 100 including the lid
`member 103, the slide member 114 and the base member
`body 136 during use.
`[0043]
`In this embodiment, the lid member 103 is a gener-
`ally flat rectangular shape and includes an outer lid member
`surface 139 and an inner lid member surface 140 (shown in
`FIG. 2) opposite to the outer lid member surface 139. The lid
`member 103 will be described in more detail below.
`
`In this embodiment, the first lid magnet 104, the
`[0044]
`second lid magnet 106, the first base magnet 132 and the
`second base magnet 134 are each cylindrically shaped and
`axially polarized. The specific shape of the magnets is not
`limited to cylindrical, and, in some embodiments, the mag-
`nets may be of various sizes, shapes and polarity. As will be
`explained below, some embodiments may not utilize magnet
`pairs in lid and base members, but may instead utilize ele-
`ments such as shims or physical latches.
`[0045] The user interface base cover 108 of this embodi-
`ment includes an interface surface 142, which has a keyboard
`144. However, some embodiments may include additional
`interface elements in addition to or in place of the keyboard
`144.
`
`[0046] The stop washers 126 may be a standard ring type
`washer. The return springs 128 are standard compression
`springs that have an internal diameter large enough that the
`return springs 128 can be received on the first rail 116 and the
`second rail 118 of the slide member 114, respectively.
`[0047] The specific designs and shapes of elements such as
`the user interface base cover 108, the stop washers 126 and
`the return springs 128 are not limited to those shown in FIG.
`1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that these elements
`may be larger or smaller without departing from the scope of
`this application. Similarly, other types of washers, springs
`and covers may be used. Other elements which would per-
`form similar functions to those that will be described herein
`
`may be suitable. The specific elements shown and described
`herein are simply provided by way of example.
`
`13
`
`[0033] Other aspects and features of the application will
`become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon
`review of the following description of the specific embodi-
`ments.
`
`[0034] This application addresses the difficulty in opening
`conventional clamshell devices with one hand. Some aspects
`of the present application provide a mobile communication
`device including a connecting mechanism that may turn a
`linked end and a lid member of the device into a Virtual push
`button. The proposed connecting mechanism may provide a
`single-handed flip phone that the user can easily open simply
`by pressing forward (i.e. in the direction of a free end of the
`device) on a linked device end and/or a lid member. A user
`holding the device in the palm of one hand may be able to
`simply use an index finger of the same hand to apply force to
`the lid member at the linked end of the device, thereby open-
`ing the device. In this manner, the user may not need to release
`the thumb ofthe hand holding the device, and a good grip may
`be maintained. Essentially, the entire lid member and the
`linked end of the device may be thought of as a push button.
`[0035]
`For simplicity and consistency, inner surfaces of lid
`and base members are referred to herein as “inner” surfaces
`
`even when a device is in an opened position and the inner
`surfaces are accessible. Surfaces of the lid and base members
`which are accessible when the device is in both the closed
`
`position and the opened position will be referred to herein as
`“outer” surfaces.
`
`It is to be understood that embodiments are not
`[0036]
`limited to those having a graphical display and keyboard
`exclusively on respective lid and base members (or base cov-
`ers). In some embodiments, keys or a keyboard may also be
`present on the lid member. Similarly, in some embodiments a
`graphical display may be located on the base member or in
`other locations in addition to a graphical display on the lid
`member. A lid or base member may also have multiple graphi-
`cal displays with one or more on a surface other than an inner
`surface in some embodiments. Further, a keyboard may be a
`virtual keyboard provided on a touch screen display.
`[0037]
`It is to be understood that embodiments are not
`limited to flip phone or handheld mobile communication
`devices and some embodiments may be directed to other
`mobile communication devices such as portable computing
`devices.
`
`[0038] A first embodiment of a mobile communication
`device will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9C.
`
`FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile
`[0039]
`communication device 100 showing elements of the device
`100 as oriented when the device 100 is in a closed position
`(shown in FIG. 8A). The device 100 is only one example of an
`embodiment in accordance with this application, as will be
`apparent to one skilled in the art. The device 100 has a linked
`device end 101 and a free device end 102. The device 100
`
`includes: a first or lid member 103; a first lid magnet 104 and
`a second lid magnet 106; a user interface base cover 108; two
`hinge assemblies 110; a slide member 114 having a first rail
`116 and a second rail 118; a first base slide guide 120 having
`a first base slide rail hole 123; a second base slide guide 122
`having a second base slide rail hole 124; two stop washers
`126; two return springs 128; a first base magnet 132 and a
`second base magnet 134; and a base member body 136.
`[0040] The hinge assemblies 110, the slide member 114,
`the first base slide guide 120, the second base slide guide 122,
`the stop washers 126 and the return springs 128 collectively
`form a connecting mechanism 137 which couples the lid
`
`13
`
`

`

`US 2011/0211297 A1
`
`Sep. 1,2011
`
`Selected elements of the device 100 will now be
`[0048]
`described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6B.
`
`FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the lid mem-
`[0049]
`ber 103. The bottom perspective of FIG. 2 shows the inner lid
`member surface 140 rather than the outer lid member surface
`
`139 (shown in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the lid member
`103 has a first lid member end 146, a second lid member end
`148 opposite to the first end 146, a first lid member side 150
`and a second lid member side 152 opposite to the first lid
`member side 150. The lid member includes a graphical dis-
`play 154 on the inner lid member surface 140. The lid member
`103 further includes a first lid magnet hole 156 and a second
`lid magnet hole 158 defined in the inner lid member surface
`140. The first lid magnet hole 156 is located near the first lid
`member end 146 and the first lid member side 150. The
`
`second lid magnet hole 158 is located near the first lid mem-
`ber end 146 and the second lid member side 152. The first lid
`
`magnet hole 156 and the second lid magnet hole 158 are
`shaped to receive the first lid magnet 104 and the second lid
`magnet 106, respectively.
`[0050] The lid member 103 of this embodiment also
`includes a hinge extension 160. The hinge extension 160 is
`located at the second lid member end 148 and extends gen-
`erally downward away from the inner lid member surface
`140. The hinge extension 160 has a first extension side surface
`162 and an opposite second extension side surface 164 which
`are both substantially flat. The first extension side surface 162
`and the second extension side surface 164 are located inward
`from the first lid member side 150 and the second lid member
`
`side 152 respectively. A first hinge extension hole (not shown)
`and a second hinge extension hole 166 are defined near the
`center of the first extension side surface 162 and the second
`
`extension side surface 164 respectively. The cross-sectional
`thickness of the hinge extension 160 initially increases in the
`downward direction to accommodate the first hinge extension
`hole (not shown) and the second hinge extension hole 166.
`[0051] The lid member 103 further includes a raised
`bumper 167 on the inner lid member surface 140 near each of
`the first lid magnet hole 156 and the second lid magnet hole
`158, although embodiments are not so limited and some
`embodiments may omit such bumpers.
`[0052]
`Some embodiments may utilize a lid member with a
`different size and/or shape than the lid member 103 described
`above. For example, a lid member may be more or less long,
`wide and/or thin. A lid member 103 may provide any one of
`various ways to rotatably couple to a connecting mechanism
`137 (shown in FIG. 1) in some embodiments. In some
`embodiments, a hinge extension may be omitted or shaped
`differently than the hinge extension 160 shown and described
`herein. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other
`variations of a lid member not described herein are possible
`without departing from the scope of the application. The lid
`member 103 described herein is only an example of a suitable
`lid member 103 according to some embodiments.
`[0053]
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the hinge
`assemblies 110 of this embodiment. The hinge assemblies
`110 are adapted to provide a torsional force to bias the device
`100 toward the opened position. Each hinge assembly 110 is
`a standard torsion spring assembly including a cam end mem-
`ber 168, a torsion spring 170, and an adjustable hexagonal
`tension member 172. Turning the adjustable hexagonal ten-
`sion member 172 with respect to the cam end member 168
`adjusts the torsion force provided by the torsion spring 170.
`The cam end member 168 includes a substantially flat flange
`
`piece 174 which extends lengthwise in a direction opposite to
`the hexagonal tension member 172. One skilled in the art will
`appreciate that other known torsion hinge assemblies could
`be used to provide an opening torsional force in the device
`100. The hinge assembly 110 is shown only as an example
`and embodiments are not limited to those implementing the
`specific type of hinge assembly 110 shown in FIG. 3. Any
`hinge assembly which is suitable to provide a torsional force
`sufficient to drive rotation of a lid member away from a slide
`and/or base member could be implemented in some embodi-
`ments. For example a spring hinge assembly having a closed
`assembly body cylinder, and a cam end member at one end,
`could be utilized in some embodiments. Some suitable hinge
`assemblies may include a compression spring which acts on
`two cam surfaces where the profiles of the cam surfaces
`govern the resistance and driving angles of the hinge assem-
`blies. Some hinge assemblies may be tunable to provide tor-
`sion forces of varying strength. Alternatively, any force-pro-
`viding device suitable to be used to rotate or initiate rotation
`of a lid member away from a base member to open a mobile
`communication device could be utilized.
`
`In this embodiment, each ofthe first hinge extension
`[0054]
`hole (not shown) and the second hinge extension hole 166 of
`the lid member 103 (shown in FIG. 2) are shaped to receive
`one of the hinge assemblies 110, including the adjustable
`hexagonal tension member 172, but excluding the flange
`piece 174. The first hinge extension hole and the second hinge
`extension hole 166 are shaped such that the received hexago-
`nal tension member 172 is fixed in position with respect to the
`lid member 103.
`
`FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and rear perspective
`[0055]
`views of the slide member 114 of this embodiment. The slide
`
`member 114 is a generally flat rectangular shape with the first
`rail 116 and second rail 118 extending therefrom. The slide
`member has a front slide member end 176, a back slide
`member end 178, a first slide member side 180 and a second
`slide member side 182 opposite to the first slide member side
`180. The first slide member side 180 and the second slide
`member side 182 are each rounded. The front slide member
`
`end 176 is substantially flat. The slide member 114 also has a
`top surface 184 and an opposite bottom surface 186 which are
`both substantially flat. The back slide member end 178 is
`rounded. There is a slide member downward step 187 from
`the flat bottom surface 186 to the rounded back slide member
`end 178.
`
`In this embodiment, a hinge recess 188, which is
`[0056]
`shaped to provide clearance for the hinge extension 160 ofthe
`lid member 103 (shown in FIG. 2), is defined in the back slide
`member end 178 and the top surface 184. The hinge recess
`188 has a first hinge recess side surface 190 (shown in FIG.
`4A) and an opposite second hinge recess side surface 192
`(shown in FIG. 4B) which are both substantially flat. The first
`hinge recess side surface 190 and the second hinge recess side
`surface 192 are near the first slide member side 180 and the
`
`second slide member side 182 respectively and are spaced
`apart sufliciently to accommodate the hinge extension 160. A
`first flange recess 194 (shown in FIG. 4A) is defined in the
`first hinge recess side surface 190 and a second flange recess
`196 (shown in FIG. 4B) is disposed in the second hinge recess
`side surface 192. The first flange recess 194 and the second
`flange recess 196 each have a rectangular cross section
`shaped to receive the flange piece 174 of a respective hinge
`assembly 110.
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US 2011/0211297 A1
`
`Sep. 1,2011
`
`[0057] The first rail 116 and the second rail 118 are each
`substantially cylindrically shaped and extend forwards and
`perpendicularly away from the front slide member end 176.
`The first rail 116 and the second rail 118 are substantially
`parallel to each other. The first rail 116 is positioned near the
`first slide member side 180 and the second rail 118 is posi-
`tioned near the second slide member side 182. Each ofthe first
`
`rail 116 and the second rail 118 defines a circular groove
`200/202 around its respective circumference a distance away
`from the front slide member end 176. Each circular groove
`200/202 is shaped to receive one ofthe slide stop washers 126
`(shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the internal diameter of a stop
`washer 126 is slightly smaller than the diameter ofthe first rail
`116 and second rail 118 such that each stop washer 126 is
`restricted to the respective circular groove 200/202. Each
`circular groove 200/202 is spaced away from the front slide
`member end 176 by a distance greater than the length ofeither
`of the first base slide guide 120 or the length of the second
`base slide guide 122.
`[0058]
`FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the first base slide
`guide 120. The first base slide guide 120 is generally rectan-
`gular block shaped and has a front first guide end 204, a back
`first guide end 206, a first guide top 208 and a first guide
`bottom 210, which are all substantially flat. The first base
`slide rail hole 123 extends through the first base slide guide
`120 straight from the front first guide end 204 to the back first
`guide end 206. The first base slide rail hole 123 is shaped to
`slidably receive the first rail 116 of the slide member 114
`(shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The first base slide guide 120
`further includes a first user interface cover support strip 212
`which is positioned lengthwise across the first guide top 208.
`[0059]
`FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the second base
`slide guide 122. The second base slide guide 122 is shaped
`similar to the first base slide guide 120 and includes a front
`second guide end 214, a back second guide end 216, a second
`guide top 218 and a second guide bottom 219, which are all
`substantially flat. The second base slide guide 122 includes
`the second base slide rail hole 124 which also extends through
`the length ofthe secondbase slide guide 122. The second base
`slide guide 122 also includes a second user interface cover
`support strip 220 which is positioned lengthwise across the
`second guide top 218.
`[0060]
`It is to be understood that the specific design and
`details of the first base slide guide 120 and the second base
`slide guide 122 are provided only as an example. In some
`embodiments, base slide guides need not be block shaped and
`base slide guides may be larger or smaller than the first base
`slide guide 120 and the second base slide guide 122. User
`interface cover support strips may be omitted in some
`embodiments. In some embodiments, base slide guides could
`be designed with recesses or grooves to reduce the contact
`area between base slot guides and slide member rails in order
`to minimize friction between the elements. Any element suit-
`able to act as a guide for rails or other slide runners could be
`implemented in other embodiments. For example, some
`embodiments could utilize base slide guides which are not
`rectangular blocks (such as cylindrical or ring shaped, for
`example) which define holes shaped for receiving slide rails.
`[0061]
`FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear perspective
`views ofthe base member body 136 respectively according to
`this embodiment. The base memberbody 136 includes a front
`base body end 222, a backbase body end 224, a first base body
`side 226 and an opposite second base body side 228. The base
`
`member body 136 generally consists of an outer piece 230
`and an inner piece 232 although embodiments are not so
`limited.
`
`In this embodiment, the outer piece 230 includes a
`[0062]
`substantially flat base member bottom 234 which extends
`between the front base body end 222, the back base body end
`224, the first base body side 226 and the second base body
`side 228. The outer piece 230 is bounded by a curved lip 236
`with an upper edge 238 which forms the front base body end
`222, the first base body side 226 and the second base body
`side 228. The curved lip 236 and upper edge 238 include a
`first base extension 240, a second base extension 242, a first
`back rounded corner 244 and a second back rounded comer
`
`246 which curve inward from the first base body side 226 and
`the second base body side 228 respectively. The outer piece
`230, essentially, forms a rectangular bowl-type shape having
`a base body recess 248 which is shaped to receive the slide
`member 114. The base body recess 248 is formed between the
`first base extension 240 and the second base extension 242.
`
`The outerpiece 230 is shaped to receive the slide member 114
`(shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) such that a slight gap is present
`between the flat bottom surface 186 (shown in FIGS. 4A and
`4B) of the slide member 114 and the base member bottom
`234.
`
`[0063] The slide member downward step 187 (shown in
`FIGS. 4A and 4B) is approximately equal in depth to the
`thickness ofthe outerpiece 230 ofthe base memberbody 136,
`although embodiments are not limited. As mentioned above,
`a slide member suitable for use in some embodiments may be
`shaped differently than the slide member 114 (shown in
`FIGS. 4A and 4B).
`[0064]
`In this embodiment, the inner piece 232 of the base
`member body 136 is generally U-shaped and fits along the
`inside of the curved lip 236 of the outer piece 230. The inner
`piece 232 has a first arm section 250, a second arm section 252
`and a bridge section 254 connecting the first arm section 250
`and the second arm section 252. The bridge section 254
`extends along curved lip 236 at the first base body end 222.
`The first arm section extends partially along the curved lip
`236 at the first base body side 226. The second arm section
`extends partially along the curved lip 236 at the second base
`body side 228. The inner piece 232 has a substantially flat top
`inner piece surface 256 and which is approximately level with
`the upper edge 238 of the outer piece 230. The height/thick-
`ness of each of the first base slide guide 120 and the second
`base slide guide 122 (including the respective first user inter-
`face support strip 218 and the second interface support strip
`220) is also approximately equivalent to the height/thickness
`of the top inner piece surface 256.
`[0065] The inner piece 232 has a first inner piece side
`surface 258, a second inner piece side surface 260 and an
`inner piece end surface 262, which are each substantially flat.
`The first inner piece side surface 258 is a surface of the first
`arm section 250 opposite to the first base body side 226. The
`second inner piece side surface 260 is a surface of the second
`arm section 252 opposite to the second base body side 228.
`The inner piece back surface 262 is a surface of the bridge
`section 254 which is opposite to the first base body end 222.
`The first arm section 250 and the second arm section 252
`terminate at a first arm end surface 264 and a second arm end
`
`surface 266 respectively, which are substantially flat.
`[0066] The total length from either ofthe first back rounded
`corner 244 and the second back rounded comer 246 to the
`
`inner piece back surface 262 is shorter than the total length of
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`US 2011/0211297 Al
`
`Sep. 1,2011
`
`the slide member 114 (shown in FIG. 4A and 4B) including
`the first rail 116 and the second rail 118 (also shown in FIGS.
`4A and 4B).
`[0067]
`In this embodiment, a first base magnet hole 268 and
`a second base magnet hole 270 are defined in the top inner
`piece surface 256 near the first base body side 226 and the
`second base body side 228 respectively and near the first base
`body end 222. The first base magnet hole 268 and the second
`base magnet hole 270 are shaped to receive the first base
`magnet 132 and the second base magnet 134 respectively. The
`first base magnet hole 268 and the second base magnet hole
`270 are positioned so that they are vertically aligned with the
`first lid magnet hole 156 and the second lid magnet hole 158
`when the device is in the closed position (shown in FIG. 7A).
`[0068] A first base body rail hole 272 and a second base
`body rail hole 274 (shown in FIG. 6B as dotted lines to
`indicate where they are hidden from view by the inner piece
`232) are defined in the inner piece end surface 262. The first
`base body rail hole 272 and the second base body rail hole 274
`extend into and completely through the inner piece 232,
`shaped to receive the first rail 116 and the second rail 118 of
`the slide member 114 (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) respect-
`fully.
`[0069] The user interface base cover 108 (shown in FIG. 1)
`is a flat and thin generally rectangular member shaped to fit
`and be aligned with the upper edge 238 of the base member
`body 136 while providing clearance for the hinge extension
`160 of the lid member 103 (shown in FIG. 2). However, in
`some embodiments, a user interface base cover and a base
`member body may not be shaped complimentary to each
`other. For example, in some embodiments, a user interface
`base cover may be omitted or may only cover a part of a base
`member body.
`[0070]
`Some embodiments may utilize a base member with
`a different size and/or shape than the base member body 136
`described herein. For example, a base member body may be
`more or less long, wide and/or thin. In addition, a base mem-
`ber in some embodiments may include an integrated inner
`surface having interface elements rather than an attached user
`interface base cover such as the user inter