The invention relates to portable communication devices and in particular to the casings of such devices. The casing has an operating face providing a key arrangement for operating face provides recesses in the input region for operation of the keys.
1. A casing for a portable communication device having an operating face for providing an arrangement of user input elements in an input region for user operation of the device, comprising an operating face providing recesses in the input region for operation of respective user input elements of the arrangement, the operating face comprising a layer of segments arranged to provide lateral discontinuities.
2. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the layer of segments is disposed on a substrate formed from a flexible material.
3. A casing according to claim 2 wherein the substrate provides a lip that protrudes beyond the extent of the operating face.
4. A casing according to claim 2 wherein the operating face and the substrate have the same optical qualities.
5. A casing according to claim 2 wherein the segments are formed from a material brittle with respect to the substrate.
6. A casing according to claim 2 wherein the lateral discontinuities extend to the full lateral extent of the substrate.
7. A casing according to claim 6 wherein the operating face is retained in place by gripping a lip between elements of a casing of the portable device.
8. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the laterally extending discontinuities are shaped to receive keys of a key arrangement.
9. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the operating face is longer longitudinally than it is laterally.
10. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the operating face is light permeable.
11. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the operating face is translucent.
12. A casing according to claim 1 wherein light sources for illuminating the operating face are provided at opposing sides of the operating face.
13. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the operating face comprises sapphire, or diamond or glass.
14. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the operating face comprises a mineral.
15. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the operating face comprises a precious or semi precious stone.
16. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the casing comprises a crystal.
17. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the casing comprises a jewel.
18. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the user input elements are seated in the operating face.
19. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the user input elements are individually mounted on the casing.
20. A casing according to claim 1 wherein the user input elements are keys with respective key shafts arranged to pass through the operating member such that the key will travel with respect to the surface to trigger a key stroke.
21. A portable communications device comprising a casing according to claim 1 .
22. A portable communications device according to claim 21 wherein the portable communications device comprises a radio telephone.
23. A casing for a portable communication device having an operating face for providing an arrangement of user input elements in an input region for user operation of the device, comprising an operating face providing recesses in the input region for operation of respective user input elements of the arrangement, wherein the operating face is formed from sapphire.