http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/04/19/iphone.sensor.patent/
Apple's iPhone light, proximity sensor patent
updated 09:45 am EDT, Thu April 19, 2007
iPhone sensor patent
Apple's latest patent has surfaced relating directly to its forthcoming iPhone cellular handset, describing the device's methods for sensing or determining user activities and responding to those activities. The patent discusses iPhone's uses of artificial intelligence, accelerometer, and specialized sensors to lock the user-interface when certain actions are taken, likely when users hold the phone aloft beside the head to speak. Interestingly, the patent presents alternative embodiments to the original iPhone design, such as a flip top design.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
Flip top design
It's not so strange they want to hide the design of the phone when applying for a patent ahead of the product launch.