David Michael Gaddy

US Patent:

8108016, Jan 31, 2012

Filed:

Aug 15, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/192211

Inventors:

David W. Gaddy - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB - Lund

International Classification:

H04M 1/00

US Classification:

4555754, 4555751, 4555753, 455566, 455 903, 4555501, 37943301, 37943304, 37943311, 37943312, 37943313, 16223, 16327, 16366, 36167906, 36167907, 36167908, 36167911, 36167926

Abstract:

A portable communication device includes a base assembly, a flip assembly and an intermediate assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly and the flip assembly by a dual sliding flip hinge assembly. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly is configured to facilitate sliding motion of the intermediate assembly along a first direction and along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly further facilitates rotation of the intermediate assembly upon sliding along the second direction. The base assembly, flip assembly and intermediate assembly may be configured to include respective displays and/or touch-input devices to provide a portable communication device with increased display area and/or control area with a smaller footprint often associated with conventional clamshell or slider portable communication devices.

US Patent:

20100041448, Feb 18, 2010

Filed:

Sep 15, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/210426

Inventors:

David W. Gaddy - Raleigh NC, US
Veli Matti Maata - Apex NC, US
Sang Beom Kim - Cary NC, US

International Classification:

H04M 1/03

US Classification:

4555753

Abstract:

A hinge assembly for a mobile communications device includes a first frame member having two spaced-apart portions with a first pair of opposing cam slots defining a first cam path. A second frame member has two spaced-apart portions with a second pair of opposing cam slots defining a second cam path and a second cam pin in the second pair of opposing cam slots. A first cam pin is in the first pair of opposing cam slots and is configured to move along the pin cam path. A second cam pin is in the second pair of opposing cam slots and configured to move along the second cam path. A third pin extends between the two spaced-apart portions of the first frame member. A fourth pin extends between the two spaced-apart portions of the second frame member. At least first and second links are provided such that the first link has a first end rotatably connected to the first cam pin and an opposite second end rotatably connected to the fourth pin. The second link has a first end rotatably connected to the second cam pin and an opposite second end rotatably connected to the third pin. The first and second frame members are configured to move between a closed position and an open position as the first and second cam pins move in the respective first and second cam paths when the first and second frame members are rotated between the closed position and the open position.