Magnetic latch and release device and radiotelephones incorporating same
US6151486A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/0214
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic device, such as a radiotelephone, has a magnetic latch that maintains a flip cover in a closed position and an electromagnetic release conveniently positioned for one-handed operation by a user. A first magnetic object is disposed within the housing and a second magnetic object is 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. The first and second magnetic objects are configured such that the magnetic attraction force therebetween is greater than the biasing force of the spring member to maintain the flip cover in the closed position. A user-activated magnetic field generator is disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second magnetic objects and reduces 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.