Method and apparatus for accentuating graphical elements on a mobile handset housing

A mobile handset comprising:

• a translucent housing having an outer and inner surface;
• at least one layer of an opaque coating upon at least said outer surface of said housing;
• graphical elements located on at least said housing outer surface, said graphical elements comprising a negative image within said coating so as to expose said housing outer surface through said graphical elements;
• and
• a backlighting source located within said housing for enhancing the visibility of said graphical elements, said backlighting source comprising at least one source selected from the group consisting of an electroluminescent panel and an array of light emitting diodes.

In a mobile handset comprising a split housing defining front and back portions, the front portion carrying a key pad including a plurality of spaced apart keys arranged in a convenient manner to permit user access to telephonic functions, a power source, a backlighting source such as an electroluminescent panel, and graphical elements including a plurality of symbols each corresponding to one or more telephonic functions, the improvement comprising:

• at least the front portion of said housing formed from light transmitting material;
• an opaque layer covering selected portions of said light transmitting housing front portion defining the edges of the graphical elements;
• and
• the electroluminescent panel arranged within the housing so that visible light is emitted through areas of said housing front portions not covered by said opaque layer.