Apparatus for enabling a keypad in response to antenna extension
US5987311A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/67
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An antenna switch is provided on a portable telecommunication instrument, such as a cellular telephone, to enable operation of the keypad of the instrument when the antenna is extended. In one arrangement, an antenna switch comprises a pair of antenna position sensing contacts disposed on a printed circuit board at a position where electrical continuity is established between the contacts by an electrically conductive member on the antenna when the antenna is in an extended position. The present invention solves the problem of inadvertent activation of the instrument when the antenna is retracted. Thus, the instrument does not require a closeable cover over the keypad to prevent inadvertent actuation of the instrument.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.