Portable radio device with external antenna housing and lanyard through-hole features

Abstract

A rugged housing for a portable radio device is provided. The housing is formed by a front housing portion, a rear housing portion, and a battery cover. The front housing portion has a top surface with an offset tapered edge and does not have any user interface radio device controls. An antenna protective housing having an offset tapered edge and straight vertical sides is coupled to the top surface. The offset tapered edge of the antenna protective housing is aligned with the offset tapered edge of the top surface of the radio device. The straight vertical sides of the antenna protective housing are flush with the side housings of the radio device. A lanyard through-hole feature is positioned and protected by a contoured end of the top surface and is diagonally opposite the top end of the antenna protective housing. The top end of the antenna protective housing is inclined in the opposite direction to the lanyard enclosure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to communication devices, and more particularly to minimizing external controls of portable communication devices. Background Art

[0002] Communication devices such as portable radio devices are used in various communication environments, such as commercial, consumer retail, security, etc. Many portable radio devices utilize various top surface protruding elements, such as control knobs and external antennas. When the device is attached to a belt or worn in a pocket, the protruding elements of such devices may cause discomfort to the user. There is a strong desire to minimize the protruding elements on portable radio devices and, when there are protruding elements, to minimize the interference of these elements with the user's body. Robustness to provide protection under drop conditions is also highly desirable.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved portable radio devices. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and they are incorporated with the following detailed description and form a part of the specification to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain all of the various principles and advantages in accordance with the present invention.

[0005] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a portable radio device formed in accordance with various embodiments.

[0006] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a portable radio device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0007] Figure 3 is a front isometric exploded view of a portable radio device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0008] Figure 4 is a rear isometric exploded view of a portable radio device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0009] Figure 5 is a front view of a portable radio device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 6 is a rear view of a portable radio device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0011] Figure 7 is a first side view of a portable radio device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 8 is a second side view of a portable radio device in accordance with various embodiments.

[0013] Figure 9 is a top view of a portable radio device according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 10 is a bottom view of a portable radio device according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 11 Shows an example of a portable radio device tethered by a lanyard according to various embodiments.

[0016] Skilled artisans will appreciate that the elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0017] Before describing in detail embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it should be noted that these embodiments mainly reside in an improved housing construction of a portable radio device. Accordingly, components in the drawings are represented by conventional symbols where appropriate, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art benefited by the description herein.

[0018] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0019] Briefly, there is provided a portable radio device that includes a housing assembly configured to provide a modular antenna housing and a lanyard through-hole feature on a top surface of the radio device. The top surface control knob has been eliminated. The portable radio device can be worn in a pocket, on a belt, or tethered through the lanyard through-hole to facilitate user carrying without being hindered by top surface controls and to have higher ruggedness under drop conditions.

[0020] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a portable radio device 100 formed according to various embodiments. Figure 2Rear perspective view of a portable radio device 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows the assembled housing of the portable radio device 100, referred to as the portable radio device housing 102. The portable radio device housing 102 is formed of a plurality of rigid plastic parts.

[0021] Referring Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the portable radio device 100 can be a portable two-way radio device that can be used in various communication environments, such as commercial, consumer retail, security, etc. The portable radio device 100 includes electronics such as a controller, a transmitter, and a receiver (not shown) for transmitting and receiving communication signals such as radio frequency (RF) signals, audio signals, data signals, etc.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 , according to various embodiments, the portable radio device housing 102 includes a front housing portion 104 having a front surface 106, a first side surface 108, a second side surface 110, a bottom surface 112, and a top surface 114, the top surface having a flat planar portion with an offset tapered edge 116 relative to the front surface and the first and second side surfaces.

[0023] As Figure 2 shown, the portable radio device housing 102 further includes a rear housing portion 118 coupled to the front housing portion 104, the rear housing portion having a top profile edge 120 with a corresponding offset tapered edge 116' that intersects the top surface 114.

[0024] According to various embodiments and referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the portable radio device housing 102 further includes a lanyard through-hole feature 122 located at a first end 124 of the top surface, and the lanyard through-hole feature formed through the front housing portion 104 and the rear housing portion 118 passes through the offset tapered edges 116, 116'. The first end 124 of the top surface can also be referred to as the lanyard end.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the portable radio device further includes an antenna protective housing 126 for encapsulating an external antenna, and the antenna protective housing is coupled to a second end 128 of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the front surface 106 of the front housing portion 104 and the first side surface 108 and the second side surface 110 of the front housing portion include a plurality of user interface radio device controls 134 disposed thereon, and the top surface of the front housing portion does not have user interface radio device controls.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the plurality of user interface radio device controls 134 include a push-to-talk (PPT) button 136 and a pairing button 138 located on the first side surface 108 of the front housing portion 104. A plurality of radio device function keys 140, a display 142, a speaker grille 144, and a microphone 146 are located on the front surface 106 of the front housing portion 104. The microphone 146 is integrated with the speaker grille.

[0028] As Figure 2 shown, the plurality of user interface radio device controls 134 further include a USB port and an audio accessory interconnect port (shown in a subsequent view), and the USB port and the audio accessory interconnect port are covered by a dust cover 148 located on the second side surface 110 of the front housing portion 104.

[0029] The rear housing portion 118 includes an attachment feature 149 for a belt clip (not shown), and the attachment feature 149 is integrated in the rear housing portion, and the rear housing portion further houses a battery door 130. The battery door 130 is a detachable battery door, and it includes a charging pin 162 and a battery door latch 164. The battery door 130 is detachably coupled to the rear housing portion 118 through the battery door latch 164. A non-slip surface 132 is provided on the battery door.

[0030] Therefore, all of the user interface radio device controls of the plurality of user interface radio device controls 134 are located on the front surface 106, the first side surface 108, and the second side surface 110 of the front housing portion 104, and no user interface radio device controls are placed on the top surface 114 of the front housing portion.

[0031] The contour of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104 has an offset tapered edge 116 and does not have any user interface radio device controls to provide an improved surface, so that when the device is worn close to the user's body, the improved surface beneficially prevents the radio device controls from interfering with the user's body. The offset tapered edge 116 also provides improved robustness protection against dropping.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the offset tapered edge 116 of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104 forms a reduced cross-section, and the lanyard through-hole feature 122 passes through the cross-section with a gradually changing diameter represented by a front hole opening 122a and a rear hole opening 122b. The reduced cross-section of the lanyard through-hole feature enables engagement with a plurality of different lanyard engagement devices.

[0033] The lanyard through-hole feature 122 and the top end 150 of the antenna protective housing 126 are located at diagonal ends 152 relative to each other. The top end 150 of the antenna protective housing 126 is formed by an upwardly curved surface 154 that is inclined at a non-90-degree surface relative to the top surface 114. The top end 150 of the antenna protective housing 126 curves into a non-90-degree vertical length surface 156 towards the second end 128 of the top surface 114, thereby providing enhanced stability for the antenna under drop conditions. The non-90-degree vertical length surface 156 of the antenna protective housing 126 has offset tapered edges 158, 158' that are aligned with the offset tapered edges 116, 116' of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104, respectively. The antenna protective housing 126 is fixed and non-removable as described hereinafter.

[0034] The lanyard through-hole feature 122 is protected by a contoured inclined encapsulation surface 160 that is formed as part of the first end 124 of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104. The top end 150 of the antenna protective housing 126 is inclined upward relative to the top surface 114, and the contoured inclined encapsulation surface 160 is inclined downward relative to the top surface 114. The alignment of the offset tapered edges 158, 158' of the antenna protective housing 126 with the offset tapered edges 116, 116' of the top surface, along with the upwardly curved inclination 154 of the antenna top 150 and the downwardly curved inclination 160 that encapsulates the lanyard through-hole feature 122, combine to provide a single-form smooth contour. The opposing curved surfaces 154, 160 at the diagonally opposite ends 152 provide protection against drop impacts. The single-form smooth contour form factor beneficially provides protection for the radio device under drop conditions by dispersing the impact and avoiding antenna breakage as well as eliminating damage to the user interface radio device controls on the top surface. This form factor can also prevent the user from getting irritated with the control knob and antenna as occurred in past traditional (with top control knob and removable antenna) form factors. The elimination of the top surface control knob and the single-form factor with the antenna also minimize the discomfort of the user when the device is worn or tethered to a clothing article.

[0035] The portable radio device 100 is used as a handheld device, and its size is designed to fit in the user's palm and / or can be further carried by a lanyard (shown later) that can be attached through the lanyard through-hole feature 122. The lanyard can be a cord or strap capable of being attached to the lanyard through-hole feature 122 to allow the portable radio device 100 to be tethered around the neck, shoulder, wrist, and / or body-wearable clothing. When tethered to the neck, shoulder, wrist, or body-wearable clothing, the lanyard through-hole feature 122 located at the opposite diagonal ends of the top end 150 of the antenna enclosure enables the portable radio device 100 to tilt at a non-vertical position. Tilting the portable radio device 100 to a non-vertical angle prevents the antenna from directly poking the user, thus minimizing user discomfort.

[0036] Figure 3 is an isometric exploded assembly view 300 of the front of the portable radio device housing 102 according to various embodiments. Figure 4 is an isometric exploded assembly view 400 of the back of the portable radio device housing 102 according to various embodiments. Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , view 300 shows the front housing portion 104, which has a front surface 106, a first side surface 108 and a second side surface 110, a bottom surface 112 and a top surface 114, and the top surface has an offset tapered edge 116 relative to the front surface and the first and second side surfaces. The rear housing portion 118 has a top profile edge 120 for aligning and mating with the offset tapered edge 116 of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104.

[0037] The PTT button 136 and the pairing button 138 are formed from a single plastic part that protrudes through corresponding openings 236, 238 on the first side surface 108 of the front housing portion 104. The dust cover 148 covers the accessory port opening 248 and the USB port opening 249 on the second side surface 110 of the front housing portion 104. The display 142 and the radio device function keys 140 are assembled into corresponding openings on the front surface 106 of the front housing portion 104.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the front housing portion 104 and the rear housing portion 118 can be assembled together via screws (not shown) through a plurality of screw inserts 272 on the rear housing portion 118 and corresponding inserts 282 on the front housing portion. The battery door 130 includes a plurality of openings for receiving the charging pin 162 and the battery door latch 164. The battery door 130 includes alignment ribs 262 that serve as guides for fitting into the screw inserts 272 of the rear housing portion 118. The rear housing portion 118 includes a charging pin insert 362 for receiving the charging pin 162. The battery door latch 164 secures the battery door 130 to the rear housing portion 118.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the lanyard through-hole feature 122 is formed by a front hole opening 122a of the front housing portion 104 and a rear hole opening 122b of the rear housing portion 118, respectively. The front hole opening 122a passes through the offset tapered edge 116 at the first end portion 124 of the top surface 114 to align and match with the rear hole opening 122b of the rear housing portion 118. The tapered lanyard through-hole features 122a, 122b minimize slippage and facilitate the retention of the lanyard.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the front housing portion 104 further includes an antenna alignment tube 202 for receiving an antenna element (not shown). The antenna alignment tube 202 extends from the second end portion 128 of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104. According to various embodiments, the antenna protective housing 126 is coupled to the second end portion 128 of the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104, thereby covering the antenna alignment tube 104 and providing protection for the tube and the antenna element contained therein. Thus, the portable radio device 100 formed by the combination of the portable radio device housing 102 and the antenna protective housing 126 coupled to the portable radio device housing 102 protects the external antenna element by incorporating the external antenna element inside the entire device. The antenna protective housing 126 can be snap-fitted onto the antenna alignment tube 202 through attachment interfaces such as ribbed interconnect portions 204a, 204b located at the antenna protective housing 126 and the rear housing portion 118, respectively. Once snap-fitted together, the antenna protective housing 126 cannot be removed from the combined front housing portion 104 and rear housing portion 118. Thus, the attachment interface prevents the antenna from detaching from the portable radio device.

[0041] When the antenna protective housing 126 is snap-fitted to the second end portion 128 of the front housing portion 104, the antenna protective housing 126 forms a vertical outer side surface 166 that is aligned and flush with the second side surface 110 of the front housing portion 104. The non-90-degree vertical length surface 156 of the antenna protective housing 126 connects the second end portion 128 of the top surface 114, where the offset tapered edges 158, 158' of the antenna protective housing 126 are aligned and match with the offset tapered edges 116, 116' of the front housing portion 104 and the rear housing portion 118. Thus, the antenna protective housing 126 creates a single form factor having the top surface 114 and the lanyard through-hole feature 122.

[0042] Figure 5FIG. 500 is a front view of a portable radio device 100 according to various embodiments. The antenna housing 126 includes a straight vertical outer side surface 166 that is flush with the second side surface 110 of the front housing portion 104, thereby forming a single-form smooth linear surface with the entire device. The antenna housing 126 provides an inclined inner surface 156 that connects to the top surface 114 of the front housing portion 104. The top end portion 150 of the antenna housing 126 and the lanyard through-hole feature 122 are located at opposite diagonal end portions 152. The lanyard through-hole feature 122 is protected by the contoured surface 160 of the top surface 114. The upwardly curved surface 154 of the top end portion 150 of the antenna housing 126 combines with the downwardly curved surface 160 at the lanyard through-hole feature 122 along with the tapered offset edges 116, 158 and 116', 158' aligned along the top surface 114 and the antenna housing 126 to provide improved drop-impact resistance by avoiding sharp corners and edges.

[0043] Figure 6 FIG. 600 is a rear view of a portable radio device according to various embodiments. The battery door 130 is shown attached to the rear housing portion 118. The rear housing portion includes a belt clip attachment feature 149 formed by a slot-in latch for receiving a belt clip (not shown). The rear housing portion 118 has a recessed surface area 602 that provides space for the insertion and release of the belt clip. This view shows the tapered offset edge 158' of the antenna housing 126 aligned with the tapered offset edge 116' of the rear housing portion 118, which forms part of the top contour edge 120 of the top surface 114. The opening 122b of the lanyard through-hole feature 122 on the rear housing portion 118 is smaller than the opening on the front housing portion.

[0044] Figure 7Is a first side view 700 of a portable radio device 100 according to various embodiments. This view shows the first side surface 108 of the portable radio device 100, from which the antenna housing 126 extends. The PTT button 136 and the pairing button 138 are shown on the first side surface 108. The front hole opening 122a of the lanyard through-hole feature 122 in the front housing portion 104 of the radio device is larger than the opening 122b on the rear housing portion 118 of the radio device. The top contour edge 120 of the rear housing portion 118 includes a tapered offset edge 116', a recessed surface area 602, and a rear lanyard opening 122b. The top contour edge 120 aligns with a portion of the top surface 114 of the portable radio device and forms a part of the top surface 114 of the portable radio device. View 700 clearly shows that the tapered offset edges 158, 158' of the antenna housing 126 are aligned with the corresponding tapered offset edges 116 of the front housing portion 104 and the corresponding tapered offset edges 116' of the rear housing portion 118 respectively. The recessed surface area 602 of the rear housing portion 118 provides space for inserting and releasing the belt clip through the latch. View 700 shows the inner side of the antenna housing 126, which forms a favorable monomorphic smooth surface with the top surface of the portable radio device housing 102.

[0045] Figure 8 Is a second side view 800 of a portable radio device 100 according to various embodiments. This view shows the demarcation of the front housing portion 104, the rear housing portion 118, the antenna housing 126, and the battery door 130. This view shows the dust cover 148, which shelters the radio device control functions including the USB port and the accessory port shown in this exploded view. The antenna housing 126 provides a straight, smooth, vertical alignment through the vertical outer side surface 166 flush with the second side surface 110 of the front housing portion 104, thus highlighting the monomorphic form factor. This monomorphic form factor is particularly advantageous for counteracting damage and breakage of the antenna.

[0046] Figure 9 Is a top view 900 of a portable radio device 100 according to various embodiments. This view clearly shows the lanyard through-hole features 122a, 122b, which have a gradually changing through-hole diameter from the front housing portion 104 to the rear housing portion 118. The gradually changing lanyard through-hole features 122a, 122b prevent the lanyard from slipping, and the position diagonally opposite to the antenna facilitates tilting the device when tethered, and such tilting minimizes the stabbing of the antenna when the portable radio device is worn on the body.

[0047] Figure 10is a bottom view of a portable radio device according to various embodiments. The circular bottom edge 1002 further facilitates minimization of the device size, can advantageously fit within a user's palm, and minimizes shock upon dropping. The cutout 1004 within the battery door 130 provides space for finger insertion to facilitate removal of the battery door.

[0048] Figure 11 An example of a portable radio device tethered by a lanyard is shown according to various embodiments. The proportions of the portable radio device 100 are sized to fit within a user's palm, providing a lightweight, compact yet rugged device. Again, the lanyard through-hole features 122 located at opposite diagonal ends of the antenna protective housing 126 enable the portable radio device 100 to be tilted at a non-vertical angle when tethered to the neck, shoulder, wrist, or body-worn clothing. Tilting the portable radio device 100 to a non-vertical position rotates the antenna away from the user's body, thereby minimizing user discomfort and preventing the antenna from directly poking the user. The reduced cross-section of the lanyard through-hole feature openings 122a, 122b advantageously enables engagement with multiple different lanyard attachment devices and prevents the device from sliding on the lanyard.

[0049] The monolithic smooth contour form factor of the portable radio device housing provided by various embodiments beneficially provides protection for the radio device under drop conditions by dissipating shock and avoiding cracked antennas and damaged user interface radio device controls. The elimination of the top surface control knob and the provision of a non-removable antenna protective housing 126 prevent users from becoming frustrated with the control knob and antenna as occurred in past traditional (top control knob and removable antenna) form factors. The elimination of the top surface control knob also minimizes user discomfort.

[0050] The portable radio device formed according to various embodiments can incorporate various different operating features such as LTE, narrowband, Bluetooth, WLAN, and so on. Embodiments have provided a two-way portable radio device with a slender form factor, advantageously unencumbered by a top surface control knob.

[0051] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent should not be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims. The present invention is defined only by the appended claims, including any modifications made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Claims

1. A portable radio device, comprising: A portable radio device housing, comprising: A front housing portion having a front surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface, the top surface having an antenna protective housing for an external antenna, the antenna protective housing being coupled to a second end of the top surface of the front housing portion; the top surface having an offset tapered edge relative to the front surface and the first and second side surfaces, the antenna protective housing having an offset tapered edge, the offset tapered edge of the antenna protective housing being aligned with the offset tapered edge of the top surface, and the offset tapered edge of the antenna protective housing and the offset tapered edge of the top surface combining to form a single, smooth contour; A rear housing portion coupled to the front housing portion, the rear housing portion having a top contour edge aligned with and matching the offset tapered edge of the top surface; A lanyard through-hole feature located at a first end of the top surface for tilting the portable radio device at a non-vertical position when tethered, the lanyard through-hole feature being formed through the offset tapered edge and through the front and rear housing portions; and A battery door coupled to the rear housing portion.

2. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, The front surface of the front housing portion and the first and second side surfaces of the front housing portion include a plurality of user interface radio device controls disposed thereon, while the top surface of the front housing portion does not have user interface radio device controls.

3. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, The lanyard through-hole feature enables the portable radio device housing to tilt at a non-vertical angle so that when the portable radio device is tethered to a clothing article, the external antenna is rotated to a non-vertical position.

4. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna protective housing is flush with the second side surface of the front housing portion of the portable radio device.

5. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, The front housing portion further includes: An antenna alignment tube extending from a second end of the top surface of the front housing portion, and wherein the antenna protective housing snap-fits onto the antenna alignment tube.

6. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna protective housing and the portable radio device housing form a single form factor.

7. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna protective housing includes an inclined top end portion.

8. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, The lanyard through-hole feature has a tapered through-hole diameter.

9. The portable radio device according to claim 1, further comprising: A belt clip attachment feature integrated into the rear housing portion.

10. The portable radio device according to claim 1, further comprising: A non-slip surface, the non-slip surface being provided on the battery door.

11. The portable radio device according to claim 1, further comprising a push-to-talk (PTT) button on a first side surface of the front housing portion.

12. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, the antenna protective housing includes an inclined top end portion, and a top surface of the front housing portion is inclined in an opposite direction at the first end portion.

13. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, the antenna protective housing is connected to the front housing portion of the portable radio device housing through a ribbed attachment interface, thereby preventing the antenna protective housing from detaching.

14. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, the rear housing portion includes an attachment feature for a belt clip, and wherein the rear housing portion has a tapered offset edge having a recessed surface area for inserting and releasing the belt clip.

15. The portable radio device according to claim 1, wherein, the lanyard through-hole feature is positioned diagonally opposite to the top end portion of the antenna protective housing, wherein optionally, a first end portion of the top surface having the lanyard through-hole feature is inclined, and the top end portion of the antenna protective housing is inclined in an opposite direction.

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