Distributed Mode Speaker for Mobile Devices

Abstract

A mobile communication device includes first and second housing sections movably connected so as to move relative to one another between open and closed positions. The first and second housing sections each include protected surfaces that overlap when the first and second housing sections are in the open position. A distributed mode speaker is disposed on one of the protected surfaces to protect the distributed mode speaker from damage.

1 . A mobile communication device comprising:
 a housing; and   a distributed mode speaker disposed on said housing, said distributed mode speaker including a speaker panel, a mode transducer to generate bending waves in said speaker panel to generate audible sounds, and a vibration transducer to vibrate said speaker panel to generate a tactile alarm.   
     
     
         2 . The mobile communication device of  claim 1  wherein the vibration transducer is further actuated at low frequencies to reproduce low frequency sounds.