Magnetic latch and release device and radiotelephones incorporating same

A radiotelephone comprising:

• a housing configured to enclose electronic components that transmit and receive radiotelephone communications signals;
• a flip cover hinged to the housing and pivotable, relative to the housing, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the flip cover is in overlying, adjacent relationship with at least a portion of the housing when in the closed position, and wherein the flip cover is disposed at an angle, relative to the housing, when in the open position;
• a spring member that exerts a biasing force on the flip cover to urge the flip cover to the open position;
• a first magnetic object disposed within the housing;
• a second magnetic object disposed within the flip cover so as to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic object when the flip cover is in the closed position;
• wherein the first and second magnetic objects are configured such that a magnetic attraction force therebetween is greater than the biasing force of the spring member such that the flip cover is maintained in the closed position;
• and
• a magnetic field generator disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second magnetic objects, wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to reduce the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic objects relative to the biasing force of the spring member such that the flip cover is urged to the open position by the spring member.

A radiotelephone comprising:

• a housing configured to enclose electronic components that transmit and receive radiotelephone communications signals;
• a flip cover hinged to the housing and pivotable, relative to the housing, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the flip cover is in overlying, adjacent relationship with at least a portion of the housing when in the closed position, and wherein the flip cover is disposed at an angle, relative to the housing, when in the open position;
• a spring member that exerts a biasing force on the flip cover to urge the flip cover to the open position;
• a first magnetic object disposed within the housing;
• a second magnetic object disposed within the flip cover so as to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic object when the flip cover is in the closed position;
• wherein the first and second magnetic objects are configured such that a magnetic attraction force therebetween is greater than the biasing force of the spring member such that the flip cover is maintained in the closed position;
• a conductive coil that encircles one of the first and second magnetic objects;
• and
• means for inducing electrical current flow through the conductive coil to reduce the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic objects relative to the biasing force of the spring member such that the flip cover is urged to the open position by the spring member.

An electronic device comprising:

• a housing, including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second housing portions are configured to be joined together to enclose electronic components;
• a first magnetic object disposed within the first housing portion;
• a second magnetic object disposed within the second housing portion so as to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic object when the first and second housing portions are joined together, and wherein the first and second magnetic objects are configured such that a magnetic attraction force therebetween maintains the first and second housing portions joined together;
• and
• a magnetic field generator disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second magnetic objects, wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to reduce the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic objects such that the first and second housing portions can be separated.

An electronic device comprising:

• a housing;
• an appendage hinged to the housing and pivotable, relative to the housing, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the appendage is in overlying, adjacent relationship with at least a portion of the housing when in the closed position, and wherein the appendage is disposed at an angle, relative to the housing, when in the open position;
• a first magnetic object disposed within the housing;
• a second magnetic object disposed within the appendage so as to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic object when the appendage is in the closed position;
• means for reducing the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic objects such that the appendage can be urged to the open position;
• and
• means for supplying a time-varying voltage to the magnetic attraction force reduction means when a page signal is received by the electronic device to cause at least one of the first and second magnetic objects to vibrate.