PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8989824-B2
Application Number: US-82420807-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic devices with improved switch assembly constructions

Abstract:
Electronic devices are provided with housings that can have smoother profiles and with switch assembly input components with knobs that can move along tracks in directions at least partially offset from the directions of anticipated resistive forces. The housings can include switch assembly input components with knobs that may move along linear tracks and switch assembly input components with knobs that may move along curved tracks.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a processor; 
 a housing; and 
 a switch assembly coupled to the processor and comprising:
 a curved track associated with the housing and comprising:
 a first curved extension; and 
 a second curved extension; 
 
 a knob configured to slide along the curved track; 
 a linear track; 
 a linear switch configured to slide within the linear track; and 
 a motion adaptor of unitary structure contacting the knob and the linear switch and comprising:
 a first end configured to slide within the first curved extension when the linear switch takes a first position; and 
 a second end configured to slide within the second curved extension when the linear switch takes a second position; 
 
 
 wherein:
 the motion adaptor is configured to slide the linear switch along the linear track in a linear direction when the knob slides along the curved track in a curved direction. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the knob is configured to slide in a curved direction offset from a direction of a resistive force applied to the knob such that the curved direction is offset from the direction of the resistive force by an angle of between 30° and 150°. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein a portion of the curved direction is capable of sliding the knob along a curved portion of the housing. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein a curved portion of the curved track is formed in a curved portion of the housing. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the motion adaptor comprises spaced switch grips that extend away from the knob and that extend about at least a portion of the linear switch, and wherein each of the spaced switch grips maintains contact with the linear switch when the linear switch slides along the linear track. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the linear track comprises a first linear track end and a second linear track end; 
 the curved track comprises a first track end and a second track end; 
 the first linear track end is adjacent the first user track end; and 
 the second linear track end is adjacent the second user track end. 
 
     
     
       7. A user input component for an electronic device, the input component comprising:
 a curved user track associated with a housing of the electronic device and comprising:
 a first curved extension; and 
 a second extension; 
 
 a knob configured for rotational movement along the curved user track; 
 a switch assembly configured for linear movement for changing an operational state of the electronic device and comprising: 
 an adaptor contacting the knob and the switch assembly, wherein the adaptor is of unitary structure and is configured for translating the knob movement along the curved user track to the switch assembly movement in a linear direction from a first functional position coupled to a processor to a second functional position coupled to the processor, wherein the adaptor comprises spaced switch grips that extend away from the knob and that at least partially sandwich a portion of the switch assembly therebetween, the spaced switch grips maintaining contact with the portion of the switch assembly during the linear movement of the switch assembly; and 
 wherein the adaptor of unitary structure comprising:
 a first end configured to slide within the first curved extension when the switch assembly takes the first function position; and 
 a second end configured to slide within the second curved extension when the switch assembly takes the second function position. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The user input component of  claim 7 , wherein the curved user track is along a surface of a housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The user input component of  claim 8 , wherein the surface is an at least partially curved edge of the housing. 
     
     
       10. The user input component of  claim 8 , wherein the rotational movement is along the curved user track in at least a first user direction, and wherein the curved user track is oriented along the surface to offset the first user direction from a direction of a resistive force applied to the knob. 
     
     
       11. The user input component of  claim 10 , wherein the resistive force is exerted by a case for the electronic device. 
     
     
       12. The user input component of  claim 8 , wherein a curved portion of the curved user track is along a curved portion of the housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
       13. The user input component of  claim 7 , wherein the adaptor comprises a unitary structure that is capable of maintaining contact with at least a portion of the knob and with at least a portion of the switch at all times as the adaptor translates the knob movement to the switch movement. 
     
     
       14. The user input component of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the switch track comprises a first switch track end and a second switch track end; 
 the curved user track comprises a first user track end and a second user track end; 
 the first switch track end is adjacent the first user track end; and 
 the second switch track end is adjacent the second user track end. 
 
     
     
       15. A method for changing an operational state of an electronic device, the method comprising:
 sliding a knob of unitary construction in a rotational motion along a curved track in a surface of the electronic device; and 
 associating the curved track having a first curved extension and a second extension with a housing of the electronic device; 
 translating the rotational motion of the knob to a linear motion with a unitary structure motion adapter contacting the knob; and 
 sliding a switch assembly in contact with the unitary structure motion adaptor with the linear motion along a switch track from a first functional position along the switch track where the switch assembly touches a first contact point coupled to a processor of the electronic device to a second functional position along the switch track where the switch assembly touches a second contact point coupled to the processor, wherein the first and second contact points are disposed through respective portions of the switch track; and 
 sliding a first end of the unitary structure motion adaptor within the first curved extension when the switch assembly takes the first functional position; and 
 sliding a second end of the unitary structure motion adaptor within the second curved extension when the switch assembly takes the second functional position. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the surface is at least partially curved. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the surface is a side wall of a housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the surface is an edge at an intersect of at least two walls of a housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , wherein a curved portion of the curved user track is in a curved portion of the surface of the electronic device. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the translating comprises maintaining a first contact between a unitary adaptor structure and at least a portion of the knob and maintaining a second contact between the unitary adaptor structure and at least a portion of the switch.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/878,909, filed Jan. 5, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention can relate to apparatus and methods for improving the construction of switch assemblies of electronic devices. 
     The proliferation of electronic devices (e.g., portable MP3 players) and the various ways in which such devices are being transported (e.g., in carrying cases attached to exercising users) have created a need for improved construction of switch assemblies for such devices. 
     Some known personal electronic devices include at least one user input component that allows a user to manipulate the function of the device, at least one device output component that provides the user with valuable device generated information, and a protective housing that at least partially encloses the input and output components.  FIGS. 1-4  show a prior art electronic device  100  including a user input component  110 , a device output component  120 , and a protective housing  130 . As shown, input component  110  is a switch assembly that includes a linear track  112  within which a switch  114  can slide between a first position (shown as solid-lined position  114 A) at a first point along the length of track  112  and at least a second position (shown as broken-lined position  114 B) at a second point along the length of track  112 . A user of device  100  can slide switch  114  along track  112 , either in the linear direction of arrow  116 B from position  114 A to position  114 B or in the linear direction of arrow  116 A from position  114 B to position  114 A, to change a functional state of device  100  (e.g., whether the device should power up or turn itself off). 
     A disadvantage of conventional electronic devices, such as device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , is that the surfaces of the housing are generally flat and form sharp edges and corners at their intersects, thereby creating abrupt portions susceptible to snagging as the device is inserted into a carrying case (e.g., a user&#39;s pocket). With further reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , prior art electronic device  100  may be inserted by a user into a hollow  141  of a carrying case  140  in the direction of arrow  150 , for example. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as device  100  is inserted into hollow  141  of case  140  in the direction of arrow  150 , the sharp edge  132  formed by the intersect of flat bottom wall  131  and flat left side wall  133  of housing  130 , for example, may inadvertently catch on a portion of case  140  (e.g., lip portion  142  at the top of side wall  143 ). This catching causes side wall  143  of case  140  to exert a resistive force on edge  132  of housing  130  in the direction of arrow  160 , generally opposite to that of arrow  150 , thereby hindering the efforts of inserting device  100  into hollow  141  of case  140 . 
     Another disadvantage of conventional electronic devices, such as device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , is that the switch of the conventional switch assembly input component tends to inadvertently slide along its linear track as the device is inserted into a carrying case, such as case  140 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , as device  100  is inserted further into hollow  141  of case  140  in the direction of arrow  150 , switch  114  may inadvertently catch on a portion of case  140  (e.g., lip portion  142 ). This catching causes case  140  to exert a resistive force on switch  114  of input component  110  in the direction of arrow  160 , generally opposite to that of arrow  150 , thereby inadvertently sliding switch  114  in the direction of arrow  160  (and of arrow  116 B) from position  114 A to position  114 B. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Personal electronic devices with housings having smoother profiles and with switch assembly input components having switches that move along tracks in directions at least partially offset from the directions of anticipated resistive forces are provided. 
     According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device that can include a housing having a first surface, and a switch assembly user input component having a user track in the first surface and a user knob capable of sliding along the user track in at least a first user direction, wherein the first user direction can be offset from a direction of a resistive force applied to the user knob. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a user input component for an electronic device. The input component can include a user track, a knob capable of rotational movement along the user track, a switch track, a switch capable of linear movement along the switch track for changing an operational state of the media device, and an adaptor coupled to the knob and the switch, wherein the adaptor can be capable of translating the knob movement along the user track to the switch movement along the switch track. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a prior art electronic device in a first stage of insertion into a carrying case, but with most of a side wall of the carrying case omitted; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the prior art electronic device and carrying case of  FIG. 1 , taken from line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the prior art electronic device and carrying case of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , similar to  FIG. 1 , but with the electronic device in a second stage of insertion into the carrying case; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the prior art electronic device and carrying case of  FIGS. 1-3 , taken from line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of an electronic device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the electronic device of  FIG. 5 , taken from line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , taken from line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-7 , taken from line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-8 , taken from line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-9 , taken from line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-10 , similar to  FIG. 6 , in a first stage of insertion into a carrying case, but with most of a side wall of the carrying case omitted; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-11  and the carrying case of  FIG. 11 , taken from line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-12  and the carrying case of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , taken from line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-13 , similar to  FIG. 11 , in a second stage of insertion into the carrying case of  FIGS. 11-13 , but with most of a side wall of the carrying case omitted; 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-14  and the carrying case of  FIGS. 11-14 , taken from line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-15  and the carrying case of  FIGS. 11-15 , taken from line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-16 , taken from line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-16 , similar to  FIG. 17 , but with another embodiment of a linear sliding switch assembly input component in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-16 , similar to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , but with yet another embodiment of a linear sliding switch assembly input component in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-17 , taken from line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 10 , in a first stage of actuation in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-17  and  20 , similar to  FIG. 20 , but in a second stage of actuation in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 22  is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5-17 ,  20 , and  21 , similar to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , but in a third stage of actuation according to the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Apparatus and methods are provided for improving the construction of switch assemblies of electronic devices, and are described below with reference to  FIGS. 5-22 . 
       FIGS. 5-10  show an embodiment of personal electronic device  200  including at least one user input component. The term “personal electronic device” can include, but is not limited to, music players, video players, still image players, game players, other media players, music recorders, video recorders, cameras, other media recorders, radios, medical equipment, calculators, cellular telephones, other wireless communication devices, personal digital assistants, programmable remote controls, pagers, laptop computers, printers, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the electronic devices may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to playing music) and, in other cases, the electronic devices may perform multiple functions (e.g., a device that plays music, displays video, stores pictures, and receives and transmits telephone calls). 
     In any case, these electronic devices are generally any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature electronic device having a user input component constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games, record videos, take pictures, and/or conduct telephone calls wherever the user travels. Miniature personal electronic devices may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held personal media devices, such as an iPod™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Illustrative miniature personal electronic devices can be integrated into various objects that include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, electronic devices that incorporate a user input component may not be portable at all. 
     Personal electronic device  200  can include at least one user input component (see, e.g., input component  210 ) that allows a user to manipulate a function of the device, at least one device output component (see, e.g., output component  220 ) that provides the user with valuable device generated information, and a protective housing (see, e.g., housing  230 ) that at least partially encloses the one or more input and output components of the device. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-10 , for example, housing  230  of device  200  can be hexahedral and may include top wall  229 , bottom wall  231 , left side wall  233 , right side wall  235 , front wall  237 , and back wall  239 . While each of the walls of housing  230  may be substantially flat (see, e.g., top wall  229 ), the contour of one or more of the walls of housing  230  can be at least partially curved (see, e.g., bottom wall  231  and right side wall  235 ), or jagged, or any other suitable shape or combination thereof, in order to contour at least a portion of the surface of the device to the hand of a user, for example. 
     Generally, housing  230  may be said to have a depth D defined not only by the lengths of edges  222  and  232  formed by the intersects of left side wall  233  with top wall  229  and bottom wall  231 , respectively, but also by the lengths of edges  224  and  234  formed by the intersects of right side wall  235  with top wall  229  and bottom wall  231 , respectively. Similarly, housing  230  may be said to have a width W defined not only by the lengths of edges  226  and  236  formed by the intersects of front wall  237  with top wall  229  and bottom wall  231 , respectively, but also by the lengths of edges  228  and  238  formed by the intersects of back wall  239  with top wall  229  and bottom wall  231 , respectively. Finally, housing  230  may be said to have a height H defined not only by the lengths of edges  221  and  223  formed by the intersects of left side wall  233  with front wall  237  and back wall  239 , respectively, but also by the lengths of edges  225  and  227  formed by the intersects of right side wall  235  with front wall  237  and back wall  239 , respectively. It should be noted that housing  230  of device  200  described above is only exemplary and need not be substantially hexahedral, and that, in certain embodiments, the intersects of certain walls may be beveled, and housing  230  itself could generally be formed in any other suitable shape, including, but not limited to, substantially spherical, ellipsoidal, conoidal, octahedral, or a combination thereof, for example. 
     As described above with respect to prior art media device  100  of  FIGS. 1-4 , a disadvantage of conventional electronic devices is that the surfaces of the housing are generally flat and form sharp edges and corners at their intersects, thereby creating abrupt portions susceptible to snagging as the device is inserted into a carrying case (e.g., a user&#39;s pocket). Therefore, one or more surfaces or intersects (i.e., “edges” if the intersects are of two walls, and “corners” if the intersects are of three walls (or three edges)) of the housing of device  200  can be curved or rounded such that the electronic device may be smoothly inserted by a user into a hollow of a carrying case without snagging on those one or more intersects. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , edge  232  formed by the intersect of curved bottom wall  231  and substantially flat left side wall  233  of housing  230  can be curved such that edge  232  does not catch a portion of a case  240  (e.g., a lip portion  242  at the top of a side wall  243  of case  240 ) as device  200  is inserted into a hollow  241  of case  240  in the direction of arrow  250 . Instead, curved edge  232  can smoothly slide past lip portion  242  and into hollow  241  of case  240  substantially in the direction of arrow  250 . 
     According to certain embodiments of the present invention, electronic device  200  can include at least one user input component that is a linear sliding switch assembly. As shown in  FIGS. 5-10  and  17 - 19 , for example, input component  210  can be a linear sliding switch assembly that includes a linear or straight and flat path or track  212  running along and through a portion of flat left side wall  233  of housing  230 . A switch  214  can slide within track  212  between a first position (shown as solid-lined position  214 A) at a first point along the length of track  212  and at least a second position (shown as broken-lined position  214 B) at a second point along the length of track  212 . A user of device  200  can slide switch  214  along track  212 , either in the linear direction of arrow  216 B from position  214 A to position  214 B or in the linear direction of arrow  216 A from position  214 B to position  214 A, to change a functional state of device  200  (e.g., whether the device should power up or turn itself off). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , for example, switch assembly input component  210  can also include one or more contact points (e.g., contact points  211 A and  211 B) running through track  212  under at least one of the functional positions of switch  214  (e.g., positions  214 A and  214 B). Each of the one or more contact points  211  of input component  210  can be coupled to a processor (not shown, but described in greater detail hereinbelow) of device  200  contained within housing  230 . When switch  214  is at a functional position along track  212 , the switch thereby touches a contact point and the function or logic of the processor of device  200  may be changed. 
     Track  212  of switch assembly input component  210  can be held in place within housing  230  in various ways such that switch  214  is accessible to a user external to housing  230 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , track  212  can be held in place about its top and bottom by external bracket portions  207  and internal bracket portions  209  of housing  230 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , for example, one or more of the functional positions (e.g., positions  214 A and  214 B) of switch  214  along track  212  may be substantially at the ends  213 A and  213 B of track  212 . Therefore, in order for a user to be able to slide the switch along the track, switch  214  can extend away from track  212  above the external portions  207  of housing  230  to a height h, such that a user (e.g., with its finger) may be able to exert a force on the side of switch  214  above external portion  207  of housing  230  to slide switch  214  along track  212  from position  214 A to position  214 B in the direction of arrow  216 B, for example. In this embodiment of input component  210  shown in  FIG. 17 , for example, a portion of switch  214  can extend from track  212  to a height h above the external portion  207  of housing  230 , thereby causing the profile of housing  230  of device  200  to not be smooth at the area where input component  210  resides. 
     As described above with respect to prior art media device  100  of  FIGS. 1-4 , another disadvantage of conventional electronic devices is that the switch of the conventional switch assembly input component tends to inadvertently slide along its linear track as the device is inserted into a carrying case. Therefore, a switch assembly input component of device  200 , such as input component  210  of  FIG. 17 , for example, can be oriented with respect to the geometry of the housing such that the media device may be inserted by a user into a hollow of a carrying case without the switch inadvertently sliding from a first position to a second position along the length of the track if the switch inadvertently catches on a portion of the case and the case, thus, exerts a resistive force on the switch. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , for example, switch assembly input component  210  can be oriented with respect to the geometry of housing  230  such that, if switch  214  (usually the portion of switch  214  extending from track  212  to a height h above the external portion  207  of housing  230  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 17 )) inadvertently catches on a portion of case  240  (e.g., lip portion  242  at the top of side wall  243  of case  240 ) as device  200  is inserted further into hollow  241  of case  240  by an insertion force in the direction of arrow  250 , whereby wall  243  of case  240  exerts a resistive force on switch  214  in the direction of arrow  260  generally opposite to that of arrow  250 , switch  214  may not inadvertently slide along track  212  from a first position (e.g., position  214 A) to a second position (e.g., position  214 B) due to the resistive force of the case. This can be done by orienting switch assembly input component  210  on the geometry of housing  230  such that the linear directions of movement for switch  214  along track  212  (i.e., the linear directions of arrows  216 A and  216 B) may not be parallel to and in the same direction as, but rather may be orthogonal (as shown) or at least opposite to, the direction of the anticipated resistive forces exerted by the case on the switch (e.g., the direction of arrow  260 ). Therefore, the movement for switch  214  along track  212  may also usually be orthogonal to or at least in the same direction as the insertion force (e.g., the direction of arrow  250 ), as the device is inserted into the case. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the upward resistive force of case  240  in the direction of arrow  260  can be substantially perpendicular to the direction of linear arrow  216 B (i.e., the potential direction in which switch  214  may slide along track  212 ). Also note, that if switch  214  were in position  214 B, the upward resistive force in the direction of arrow  260  would also be substantially perpendicular to the then potential direction  216 A in which switch  214  would be able to slide along track  212 . This orientation of track  212  with respect to housing  230  and the anticipated resistive forces to be exerted thereupon can prevent the resistive force upon the switch from inadvertently sliding the switch along its track and, thereby, inadvertently changing a function of the device. 
     Alternatively, or in addition to orienting the linear switch assembly with respect to the housing such that the potential directions of movement for the switch along its track may not be parallel to or in the same direction as the direction of anticipated resistive forces exerted by the case, and in order to prevent or at least mitigate the potential for inadvertent sliding of the switch, the portion of the switch extending from its track above the external portion of the housing can be reduced or removed. For example, in another embodiment of switch assembly input component  210 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , external portions  207 ′ of housing  230  about track  212  can be spaced away from switch  214  at the end (end  213 A and/or end  213 B) of track  212  by a width w, such that a user may be able to exert a force on the side of switch  214  between external portion  207 ′ of housing  230  and switch  214  to slide switch  214  along track  212  from position  214 A to position  214 B in the direction of arrow  216 B. This can allow the profile of housing  230  of device  200  to be smooth at the area where input component  210  resides, as the switch need not extend above housing  230  (e.g., to a height h, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 17 )). 
     Moreover, in yet another embodiment of switch assembly input component  210 , as shown in  FIG. 19 , one or more of the two ends (e.g., ends  213 A′ and  213 B′) of track  212  can be spaced away from one or more of the functional positions (e.g., positions  214 A and  214 B) of switch  214  by a distance d, such that a user may be able to exert a force on the side of switch  214  between end  213 A′ of track  212  (and external portion  207  of housing  230 ) and switch  214  to slide switch  214  along track  212  from position  214 A to position  214 B in the direction of arrow  216 B, for example. This embodiment can also allow the profile of housing  230  of device  200  to be smooth at the area where input component  210  resides, as the switch need not extend above housing  230  (e.g., to a height h, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 17 ). Therefore, the media devices of the present invention can reduce the chances of a switch assembly input component inadvertently changing states. This can be done by orienting the switch assembly with respect to the housing of the device such that the directions of movement for the switch along its track may not be parallel or collinear to the direction of anticipated resistive forces exerted by a carrying case (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). Moreover, this can also, or alternatively, be done by altering the geometrical relationships between the switch, its track, and the external portions of the housing about the track such that the profile of the device at the area where the input component resides may be smooth (see, e.g., the embodiments of  FIGS. 18 and 19 ). 
     Switch assembly input component  210  can be any type of switch assembly with a linear or straight track (e.g., track  212 ) and at least one contact point (e.g., contact point  211 A), including, but not limited to, a single pole single throw (SPST) switch, a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch, a single pole center off (SPCO) switch, a double pole single throw (DPST) switch, a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch, a double pole center off (DPCO) switch, a maintained contact switch, a momentary contact switch, a fader or limitless contact switch, or combinations thereof. 
     As described above, the contour of at least certain portions of housing  230  of electronic device  200  of the present invention can be curved (see, e.g., bottom wall  231 , right side wall  235 , edge  232 , and edge  234 ). Therefore, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, electronic device  200  can also include at least one user input component that is a curved sliding switch assembly residing at an at least partially curved portion of housing  230 . The curved sliding switch assembly can include a linear sliding switch assembly (e.g., a linear sliding switch assembly similar to assembly  210 , described above) and a motion adaptor coupled thereto that may translate the rotational motion of a sliding knob along a curved portion of the housing to a linear motion required by the linear sliding switch assembly for changing a functional state of the device. 
     In certain embodiments of the present invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 5-10  and  20 - 22 , for example, input component  310  can be a curved sliding switch assembly that may include a curved track  312  along curved edge  234  of housing  230 , within which a sliding knob  314  may slide between a first position (shown as solid-lined position  314 A) at a first point along the length of track  312  and at least a second position (shown as broken-lined position  314 B) at a second point along the length of track  312 . A user of device  200  can slide knob  314  along track  312 , either in the curved direction or path of arrow  316 B from position  314 A to position  314 B or in the curved direction or path of arrow  316 A from position  314 B to position  314 A, to change a functional state of device  200  (e.g., whether the device should power up or turn itself off). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , for example, curved switch assembly input component  310  can also include a linear switch assembly  1210 , which may be similar to any of the embodiments described above with respect to switch assembly  210 , and a motion adaptor  370  coupled between linear switch assembly  1210  and sliding knob  314  for translating the rotational motion of sliding knob  314  to a linear motion required by linear sliding switch assembly  1210 . Linear sliding switch assembly  1210  can be a linear or straight and flat sliding switch assembly that can include a linear track  1212 . A linear sliding switch  1214  can slide within track  1212  between a first position (shown as position  1214 A in solid-line in  FIG. 20  and in broken-line in  FIGS. 21 and 22 ) at a first point along the length of track  1212  and at least a second position (shown as position  1214 B in solid-line in  FIG. 22  and in broken-line in  FIGS. 20 and 21 ) at a second point along the length of track  1212 . 
     As described above with respect to the various embodiments of sliding switch assembly input component  210 , curved sliding switch assembly input component  310  can also include one or more contact points (e.g., contact points  1211 A and  1211 B) running through linear track  1212  under at least one of the functional positions of linear sliding switch  1214  (e.g., positions  1214 A and  1214 B). Each of the one or more contact points  1211  of input component  310  can be coupled to a processor (not shown, but described in greater detail hereinbelow) of device  200  within housing  230 . When linear sliding switch  1214  is at one of its functional positions along linear track  1212  (e.g., positions  1214 A or  1214 B), linear sliding switch  1214  can thereby touch a contact point and the function or logic of the processor of device  200  may be changed. 
     Furthermore, as also described above with respect to the various embodiments of sliding switch assembly input component  210 , linear track  1212  of switch assembly input component  310  can be held in place within housing  230  in various ways such that linear sliding switch  1214  may be accessible to adaptor  370  and sliding knob  314 , and, thus, a user external to housing  230 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , track  1212  can be held in place about its top and bottom by external bracket portions  1207  and internal bracket portions  1209  of housing  230 , respectively. 
     Motion adaptor  370  can be coupled to sliding knob  314  and sliding switch  1214  of linear sliding switch assembly  1210  in various ways such that, when a user of device  200  slides knob  314  in a rotational motion along a curved portion of housing  230  (e.g., along curved track  312 , either in the curved direction of arrow  316 B from position  314 A to position  314 B or in the curved direction of arrow  316 A from position  314 B to position  314 A), adaptor  370  can translate the rotational motion of sliding knob  314  into a linear motion that respectively slides linear sliding switch  1214  along linear track  1212 , either in the linear direction of arrow  1216 B from position  1214 A to position  1214 B or in the linear direction of arrow  1216 A from position  1214 B to position  1214 A, for example, to change a functional state of device  200 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, motion adaptor  370  can include wings  372 A and  372 B that may extend in opposite directions and into respective track extensions  312 A and  312 B formed within housing  230  about curved track  312  (e.g., by curved edge  234  of housing  230 , as shown in  FIGS. 20-22 ). Moreover, motion adaptor  370  can include spaced switch grips  374 A and  374 B that may extend away from sliding knob  314  and about at least a portion of linear sliding switch  1214 . 
       FIGS. 20-22  are cross-sectional views of curved sliding switch assembly input component  310  with sliding knob  314  rotated to three different positions along curved track  312 .  FIG. 20  (like  FIGS. 5-16 ) shows input component  310  with sliding knob  314  at first position  314 A proximal to first end  313 A of track  312 , and  FIG. 22  shows input component  310  with sliding knob  314  at second position  314 B proximal to second end  313 B of track  312 , while  FIG. 21  shows input component  310  with sliding knob  314  at an intermediate position between positions  314 A and  314 B. A user of device  200  can slide knob  314  along track  312 , either in the curved direction of arrow  316 B from position  314 A to position  314 B or in the curved direction of arrow  316 A from position  314 B to position  314 A, to change a functional state of device  200  (e.g., whether the device should power up or turn itself off). As shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , for example, the relationship between the geometry of linear sliding switch  1214  and the geometry of grips  374  thereabout can allow for motion adaptor  370  to maintain contact with at least a portion of sliding switch  1214  and sliding knob  314  at all times as knob  314  slides between positions  314 A and  314 B along curved track  312 , and, thus, as switch  1214  correspondingly slides between positions  1214 A and  1214 B along linear track  1212 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , for example, one or more of the functional positions of sliding knob  314  along track  312  can be at the ends of track  312  (e.g., position  314 A at end  313 A). Therefore, in order for a user to be able to slide the knob along the track, sliding knob  314  can extend away from track  312  above the external portion of housing  230  to a height h (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 ), such that a user (e.g., with its finger) may be able to exert a force on the side of knob  314  above the external portion of housing  230  to slide knob  314  along track  312  from position  314 A to position  314 B in the direction of arrow  316 B, for example. In the embodiment of component  310  shown in  FIG. 20 , for example, a portion of switch  314  can extend from track  312  to a height h above the external portion of housing  230  that forms the upper part of track extension  312 A, thereby causing the profile of housing  230  of device  200  to not be smooth at the area where input component  310  resides. 
     As described above with respect to prior art media device  100  of  FIGS. 1-4 , another disadvantage of conventional electronic devices is that the switch of the conventional switch assembly input component tends to inadvertently slide along its track as the device is inserted into a carrying case. Therefore, a switch assembly input component, such as input component  310  of  FIG. 20 , for example, can be oriented with respect to the geometry of the housing such that the media device may be inserted by a user into a hollow of a carrying case without the sliding knob inadvertently sliding from a first position to a second position along the length of the track if the knob inadvertently catches on a portion of the case and the case, thus, exerts a resistive force on the knob. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , for example, curved sliding switch assembly input component  310  can be oriented with respect to the geometry of housing  230  such that, if knob  314  (usually the portion of switch  314  extending from track  312  to a height h above the external portion of housing  230  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 )) inadvertently catches on a portion of case  240  (e.g., lip portion  244  at the top of side wall  245  of case  240 ) as device  200  is inserted further into hollow  241  of case  240  in the direction of arrow  250 , whereby wall  245  of case  240  may exert a resistive force on knob  314  in the direction of arrow  260 , generally opposite to that of arrow  250 , knob  314  may not inadvertently slide along track  312  from a first position (e.g., position  314 A) to a potential second position (e.g., position  314 B) due to the resistive force of the case. This can be done by orienting curved sliding switch assembly input component  310  on the geometry of housing  230  such that the potential rotational direction or directions of movement for knob  314  along curved track  312  (i.e., the curved direction of arrow  316 B in the stage shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  where knob  314  is already at position  314 A) may not even be partially tangential, collinear, or in the same direction as, but rather may be orthogonal or opposite (as shown) to, the direction of the anticipated resistive forces exerted by the case on the knob (e.g., the direction of arrow  260 ). Therefore, the potential rotational direction or directions of movement for knob  314  along curved track  312  may usually also be in the same direction as the insertion force (i.e., arrow  250 ), as the device is inserted into the case. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the upward resistive force of case  240  in the direction of arrow  260  can be substantially opposite to the potential rotational direction of curved arrow  316 B at its upper end (i.e., the only direction knob  314  may slide when knob  314  is at position  314 A). Also note, that if knob  314  were in position  314 B, the upward resistive force in the direction of arrow  260  would be substantially perpendicular to the then potential rotational direction of curved arrow  316 A in which knob  314  would be able to slide along track  312 . This orientation of track  312  with respect to housing  230  and the expected resistive forces thereupon can prevent the resistive force of the carrying case upon the knob from inadvertently sliding the knob along its curved track and, thereby, inadvertently changing a function of the device. 
     Alternatively, or in addition to orienting the curved switch assembly with respect to the housing such that the directions of movement for the sliding knob along its track are not parallel or collinear to the direction of anticipated resistive forces exerted by the case, in order to prevent or at least mitigate the potential for inadvertent sliding of the knob, the portion of the knob extending from its track above the external portion of the housing can be reduced or removed. For example, in another embodiment of a portion of switch assembly input component  310 , as shown in  FIG. 22 , for example, one or more of the functional positions of sliding knob  314  along track  312  can be spaced from a respective end of track  312  (e.g., position  314 B at end  313 B) by a width w, such that a user may be able to exert a force on the side of knob  314  between housing  230  at end  313 B of track  312  and knob  314  to slide knob  314  along track  312  from position  314 B to position  314 A in the direction of arrow  316 A. This can allow the profile of housing  230  of device  200  to be smooth at the area where input component  310  resides, as the knob need not extend above housing  230  (e.g., to a height h (as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 20  at position  314 A)). Therefore, the electronic devices of the present invention can reduce the chances of a curved switch assembly input component inadvertently changing states. This can be done by orienting the switch assembly with respect to the housing of the device such that the directions of movement for the knob along its curved track may not even be partially parallel or collinear to the direction of anticipated resistive forces exerted by a carrying case (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). Moreover, this can also, or alternatively, be done by altering the geometrical relationships between the knob, its curved track, and the external portions of the housing about the track such that the profile of the device may be smooth at the area where the curved switch assembly input component resides (see, e.g.,  FIG. 22  at position  314 B). 
     As mentioned above with respect to input component  210 , linear switch assembly  1210  of curved switch assembly input component  310  can be any type of switch assembly with a linear or straight track (e.g., track  1212 ) and at least one contact point (e.g., contact point  1211 A), including, but not limited to, a single pole single throw (SPST) switch, a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch, a single pole center off (SPCO) switch, a double pole single throw (DPST) switch, a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch, a double pole center off (DPCO) switch, a maintained contact switch, a momentary contact switch, a fader or limitless contact switch, or combinations thereof. 
     Moreover, it is to be understood that motion adaptor  370  of curved switch assembly input component  310  can be any type of motion adaptor that may be able to translate the rotational motion of sliding knob  314  into the required linear motion of sliding switch  1214  for changing a function of device  200 , including, for example, a ball and socket joint. 
     In certain embodiments of the present invention, a media device, such as device  200 , can be provided with a switch assembly input component that may be similar to linear switch assembly input component  210  or curved switch assembly input component  310 , but that may be oriented such that the directions or paths of movement for the sliding knob or switch of the assembly along its track are not necessarily orthogonal or opposite to the direction of anticipated resistive forces exerted on the knob. For example, according to certain embodiments of the present invention and as shown in  FIGS. 5-10 , for example, device  200  can be provided with a curved switch assembly input component  410  that may be a curved input component similar to curved input component  310 . Curved input component  410  can include an at least partially curved track  412  along the at least partially curved surface of right side wall  235  of housing  230 . A sliding knob  414  can slide within track  412  between a first position (shown as solid-lined position  414 A) at a first point along the length of track  412  and at least a second position (shown as broken-lined position  414 B) at a second point along the length of track  412 . A user of device  200  can slide knob  414  along track  412 , either in the at least partially curved direction or path of arrow  416 B from position  414 A to position  414 B or in the at least partially curved direction or path of arrow  416 A from position  414 B to position  414 A, to change a functional state of device  200  (e.g., whether the device should power up or turn itself off). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , for example, curved sliding switch assembly input component  410  can be oriented with respect to the geometry of housing  230  such that, if knob  414  inadvertently catches on a portion of case  240  (e.g., lip portion  244  at the top of side wall  245  of case  240 ) as device  200  is inserted further into hollow  241  of case  240  with an insertion force in the direction of arrow  250 , whereby wall  245  of case  240  exerts a resistive force on knob  414  in the direction of arrow  260 , generally opposite to that of the insertion force, knob  414  may not inadvertently slide along track  412  from a first position (e.g., position  414 A) to a second position (e.g., position  414 B) due to the resistive force of the case. This can be done, not by orienting the track of the input component orthogonal or opposite to the direction of the anticipated resistive forces (as with input components  210  and  310 , respectively), but rather by orienting switch assembly input component  410  on the geometry of housing  230  such that the potential directions of movement for knob  414  along track  412  (i.e., the directions of arrows  416 A and  416 B) may be offset from the direction of anticipated resistive force of the case (e.g., the direction of arrow  260 ) only by a sufficient angle θ. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the upward resistive force of case  240  in the direction of arrow  260  can be offset from the potential direction of movement for knob  414  along track  412  (i.e., the direction of arrow  416 B) by an angle θ that need not be a right angle or a straight angle, but that rather may be any angle in the range of between 1° and 179°, or in the range of between 30° and 150°. This can prevent the resistive force of the carrying case upon the knob from inadvertently sliding the knob along its track and, thereby, inadvertently changing a function of the device. 
     While the embodiments of carrying case  240  have been described above as including a hollow  241  for accepting a device  200  when it is inserted in the direction of an arrow  250  that is shown to be substantially parallel to the intersects of walls defining height H of the device (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11  and edges  221  and  223 ), it is to be understood that the direction of the insertion of a device of the present invention into a carrying case may have any orientation with respect to the geometry of the device. For example, the device can be inserted into a carrying case in a direction substantially perpendicular to the intersects of the walls defining height H of the device. Alternatively, the direction of insertion of the device into a carrying case can be curved, but that will not alter its fundamental nature as within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Furthermore, while the embodiments of an insertion direction  250  and a corresponding resistiveness direction  260  for and against device  200 , respectively, have been described above in the context of insertion into and a resistive force exerted by a carrying case  240 , it is to be understood that the resistive force against a device of the present invention can be exerted due to various other phenomena besides insertion of the device into a carrying case, including, but not limited to, resistive forces exerted by the wind or clothing of a user when he or she is exercising with the device, resistive forces exerted by the hands of a user when he or she picks up the device, or any other situation wherein the orientation of a sliding track of a switch assembly according to the principles of the present invention may mitigate the occurrence of inadvertent sliding of a switch. These various phenomena may not alter the fundamental nature of the directions of insertion and resistive force as within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In certain embodiments, electronic device  200  can also include at least one user input component that may be of a variety of forms other than that of a sliding switch assembly (see, e.g., input components  210 ,  310 , and  410 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , device  200  can also include one or more input components  510  that may take other various forms, including, but not limited to buttons, keypads, dials, scroll wheels, touch screen displays, electronics for accepting audio and/or visual information, antennas, infrared ports, or combinations thereof. 
     According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the position of one or more of input components  210 ,  310 ,  410 , and/or  510  can be widely varied relative to the position of another one or more of input components  210 ,  310 ,  410 , and/or  510 . For example, they can be adjacent one another or spaced apart. Additionally, each one of the one or more input components  210 ,  310 ,  410 , and/or  510  can be placed at any external surface (e.g., top, side, front, or back) of housing  230  that may be accessible to a user during manipulation of the electronic device. 
     Furthermore, in certain embodiments of the present invention, each one of the one or more input components  210 ,  310 ,  410 , and/or  510  of device  200  can be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating the device. By way of example, in the case of a music file player, the switch assembly functions of each one of components  210 ,  310 , and/or  410  can be associated with powering up or down the device, opening or closing a menu, playing or stopping a song, changing a mode, and the like. 
     As mentioned above, certain embodiments of electronic device  200  can also include at least one device output component that provides the user with valuable device generated information. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5-10 , device  200  can also include one or more output components  220  that may take various forms, including, but not limited to audio speakers, headphones, audio line-outs, visual displays, antennas, infrared ports, or combinations thereof. 
     Furthermore, in certain embodiments of the present invention, each one of the one or more switch assembly input components  210 ,  310 , and/or  410  can be integrated with some other input component  510  and/or output component  220  on the electronic device, such as switches, push-buttons, keys, dials, trackballs, joysticks, touch pads, touch screens, scroll wheels, displays, microphones, speakers, cameras and the like. Each of these individual interfaces may include switch assemblies either incorporated therein, such as a switch assembly on a joystick, or forming an integral part thereof, such as a switch assembly with a push-button thereon. 
     Housing  230  of electronic device  200  can also include a processor (not shown), a storage device (not shown), communications circuitry (not shown), a bus (not shown), and a power supply (not shown) for powering the device. The bus of device  200  can provide a data transfer path for transferring data, to, from, or between at least the processor, the storage device, and the communications circuitry. The processor (not shown) of device  200  can control the operation of many functions and other circuitry included in the media device  200 . For example, the processor can receive user inputs from input component  210  and drive output component  220 . 
     The storage device (not shown) of device  200  can include one or more storage mediums, including, for example, a hard-drive, a permanent memory such as ROM, a semi-permanent memory such as RAM, or cache, that may store media (e.g., music and video files), software (e.g., for implementing functions on device  200 ), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable device  200  to establish wireless communication with another device or server), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts, television shows, or other media that the user subscribes to), and any other suitable data. 
     The communications circuitry (not shown) of device  200  can include circuitry for wireless communication (e.g., short-range and/or long-range communication). For example, the wireless communication circuitry of device  200  can be wi-fi enabling circuitry that permits wireless communication according to one of the 802.11 standards. Other wireless protocol standards could also be used, either in alternative or in addition to the identified protocol. Another network standard may be Bluetooth®. The communications circuitry can also include circuitry that enables device  200  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device. Furthermore, additional electrical components (not shown) can be provided by device  200  for sending and receiving media, including, but not limited to, microphones, amplifiers, digital signal processors (DSPs), image sensors (e.g., charge coupled devices (CCDs)) or optics (e.g., lenses, splitters, filters, etc.), antennas, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, and the like. 
     While there have been described electronic devices with housings having smoother profiles and with switch assembly input components having switches that move along tracks in directions at least partially offset from the directions of anticipated resistive forces, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will also be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal,” “front” and “back,” “left” and “right,” “top” and “bottom,” “side” and “edge” and “corner,” “height” and “width” and “depth,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the devices of this invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of this invention. Moreover, an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention can be of any suitable three-dimensional shape, including, but not limited to, a sphere, cone, octahedron, or combination thereof, rather than a hexahedron, as illustrated by device  200  of  FIGS. 5-16 , for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070628
Publication Date: 20150324
Grant Date: 20150324
Priority Date: 20070105
Inventors: WANG ERIK L.
TAN TANG YEW
MITTLEMAN ADAM DUCKWORTH
DINH RICHARD HUNG MINH
HOBSON PHILIP MICHAEL
JOHNSTON ANDREW LEWIS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1671", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1671", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39594782