Mobile station body comprised of stacked elements
AssigneeNokia Corporation
InventorAndrew Julian Gartrell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved body design for a mobile station or other electronic device is provided. Unlike conventional mobile station bodies, which are comprised of durable polymer shells that are rigidly joined together (e.g., by ultra-sonic welding, adhesives, etc.) to enclose operational elements and circuitry, a replaceable and enhanceable body structure comprised is provided that is comprised of one or more stacked elements. The stacked elements are positioned one atop the next in a facing relationship. In one embodiment, the stacked elements define one or more apertures for receiving and enclosing one or more operational elements (e.g. a display, a keypad, an antenna, a mobile station engine, etc.).
Claims28
A mobile station, comprising:
- a body defining a first end, a second end, and a foldable region disposed therebetween, the body comprising a plurality of stacked elements, wherein the plurality of stacked elements define opposed surfaces and a perimeter edge extending thereabout, wherein the opposed surfaces are configured in a facing relationship, wherein at least a portion of the opposed surfaces of at least two of the plurality of stacked elements are structured to slidably translate relative to one another along a slide axis, and wherein the plurality of stacked elements are at least partially flexible within the foldable region such that the body is moveable between open and folded positions.
A method of manufacturing a mobile station comprising the steps of:
- stacking a plurality of replaceable stacked elements to form a body, the body defining a first end, a second end, and a foldable region disposed therebetween, the plurality of replaceable stacked elements each including opposed surfaces and a perimeter edge extending thereabout, wherein the opposed surfaces of the plurality of stacked elements are configured in a facing relationship, wherein at least a portion of the opposed surfaces of at least two of the plurality of stacked elements are structured to slidably translate relative to one another along a slide axis, and wherein the plurality of stacked elements are at least partially flexible within the foldable region such that the body is moveable between open and folded positions;
- and
- removably coupling at least a first cover to the body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.