Samsung has combined two popular cell phone form factors into one design, inventing the sliding-clamshell.

Photo: Samsung Invents Sliding-Clamshell Design Photo 1 - Opened

Having advantages of both sliding and folding phones, the new form is built from a soft cover, allowing the body to slide lengthwise as well as become extended and folded.

According to the patent application, clamshell phones have an advantage in portability due to their compact size; however the screen is typically very small. By contrast, sliding phones have large screens, but are often large. Additionally, LCDs on sliders are typically exposed without a protective cover, making them more susceptible to damage. Samsung's sliding-clamshell invention attempts to solve these problems by having a large, protected display while keeping a compact size.

The sliding-clamshell is similar in compactness to typical folding phones, with the addition of a transparent window protecting the screen beneath.

Opening the device, the soft external cover unfolds to become a track for the body, with a corrugated hinge linking the track in place. Sliding the body upwards, the phone unveils two keypad sections, reminiscent in layout to Nokia's 6800-series clamshells. Allowing consumers to use both hands in a horizontal view, the design is ideal for mobile gaming.

Often in conflict, manufacturers have thought of varied cell phone designs to improve usability while reducing size. Samsung hasn't released information on when, or if, it will manufacture a sliding-clamshell phone.

- Samsung Invents Sliding-Clamshell Design Photo 1 - Opened
- Samsung Invents Sliding-Clamshell Design Photo 2 - Closed
- Samsung Invents Sliding-Clamshell Design Photo 3 - Slide