Portable electronic device multipart housing electrical connection

A portable communication device comprising:

• a device housing;
• a part arranged to overlie at least a portion of said housing in a first position and arranged for pivoting movement away from said housing to a second position;
• a hinge connecting said housing and said part for providing said pivoting movement of said part;
• an electrical connector for providing electrically connection between at least one electrical component in said part and at least one electrical component in said housing, said electrical connector providing said electrical connection at said first and second positions of said part, but breaking the electrical connection during the pivoting movement of said part, said electrical connector comprising:
• at least one first contact supported at a first portion of said housing and connected to at least one of said components in said housing,
• at least one second contact supported at a second portion of said housing and connected to at least one of said components in said housing, and
• at least one third contact supported by said part and connected to at least one of said components in said part, said at least one third contact engaging said at least one first contact when said part is in said first position and engaging said at least one second contact when said part is in said second position.

A process for operating a portable electronic device comprising:

• providing a device housing;
• providing a part arranged to overlie at least a portion of said housing in a first position;
• pivoting said part away from said housing to a second position;
• providing electrically connection between components in said part and components in said housing when said part is at said first or second positions;
• and
• breaking the electrical connection during the pivoting movement of said part.