Palm, Incorporated

Palmone, Incorporated

Kenneth A Jenks

Troy Hulick

Steven J Shiozaki

May Tsoi

Max K Yoshimoto

Scott D Lincke

Gil Y Wong

Nicolas A Denhez

Mindy Chahal

Huy M Nguyen

Electronic device

One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a &ldquo;plug-in&rdquo; button module for a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the &ldquo;plug-in&rdquo; button module includes a button frame module having a membrane layer (e.g., thermo-plastic urethane or thermo-plastic elastomer) molded over it. The plug-in module can be snapped into the PDA over its button array. In this manner, the plug-in button module provides a seal for the buttons of the PDA that restricts dirt, grim, and other foreign particles from getting underneath them. Furthermore, since the plug-in button module is modular, it can be manufactured separately from the rest of the PDA in a wide variety of ways. For example, the membrane layer of the plug-in button module can be fabricated with different shapes, colors, hardnesses, decorations, textures, and opacities. In this manner, a user is able to personalize their PDA by snapping in a particular plug-in button module.

Integrated keypad interface for a personal digital assistant device

Handheld computer

A door mechanism is provided for a handheld computer. The door mechanism includes a detachable section that is extendable from an interior of the handheld computer's housing. The detachable section is biased to pivot towards the housing from the extended position. An interior of the detachable section includes a coupling structure to receive an external electrical component. The detachable section may be returned to a closed position to cause the external electrical component to make contact with an interior element of the handheld computer.

Door mechanism for handheld computer

An attachment mechanism is provided to couple an accessory device with a handheld computer. The attachment mechanism includes a spine adapted to detachably couple to an accessory slot of the handheld computer. The spine includes a deformable layer that deforms as the spine inserts into the accessory slot. The deformable layer expands within the accessory slot to couple the accessory device to the handheld computer.

Mechanism for attaching accessory devices to handheld computers

An embodiment of the invention provides for a housing having a first shell, a midframe, and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell each providing an exterior surface to the handheld computer. The housing is formed by coupling a cap to the midframe to form a portion of the housing. The portion of the housing is coupled to the first shell, and to the second shell.

Frame for a handheld computer

Antenna for a handheld computer

One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a nested flip cover lid for a portable computing system such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the nested flip cover lid includes an accessory rail spine, a hinge and a rigid material that is fabricated to nest within the top cover parameter bevels surrounding the display device of the portable computing system. Therefore, the nested flip cover of the portable computing system is designed and fabricated in order to add a minimal amount of thickness (e.g., 1 millimeter) to the overall portable computing system package. Furthermore, the nested flip cover may also be integrated with a latching mechanism in order to secure the nested flip cover closed when the portable computing system is not being used. In this manner, the latching mechanism keeps the nested flip cover aligned with the outer parameter of the portable computing system.

Nested flip cover lid for a hand-held computing system

A housing cap is provided for a handheld computer. The housing cap includes a structure having a length extending along a first axis and a height extending along a second axis. The structure includes a first exterior surface, a first strip and a second strip. The first exterior surface extends along the first axis, the first strip and the second strip each extending along the first axis and having a thickness. The first strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the first exterior shell. The second strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the second exterior shell. The structure includes an interior partially enclosed by the first exterior surface. The first strip and the second strip form an opening extending along the length of the housing cap opposite to the exterior surface. The opening is dimensioned to accommodate an antenna element and a segment of the frame for the handheld computer.

Housing cap for a handheld computer

A handheld computer is provided including a housing and a device slot formed into the housing. The device slot is configured to receive an elongated member. The flex member includes an internal structure to allow the elongated member to bend, while supporting the elongated member from yielding.

Growing community of inventors

Capitola, CA, United States of America

Kenneth A Jenks