PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9575514-B2
Application Number: US-201514825147-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Enclosure features of a portable computing device

Abstract:
An enclosure for a portable computing device is disclosed. The enclosure includes a top case and a bottom case. The bottom case includes a retention feature that receives a snap member. The top case includes a tapered protrusion that is received by the snap member in order to secure the top case to the bottom case. Other features may be included. For example, the retention feature may also receive a tab member that secures the snap member to the retention feature. The retention feature and the tapered protrusion allow for alternate securing means between the top case and the bottom case. As a result, fewer fasteners are required to secure the top case with the bottom case.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An enclosure of a portable computing device, comprising:
 a first portion including a protrusion extending from an interior portion of the first portion, the protrusion including a tapered region; 
 a second portion including an interior region that includes a retention feature that receives a snap member extending from the retention feature, the retention feature further including a tab member that secures the snap member with the retention feature; and 
 wherein the tapered region engages the snap member to secure the first portion with the second portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the snap member comprises a wire capable of deforming to receive the tapered region. 
     
     
       3. The enclosure of  claim 2 , wherein the wire includes a U-shape. 
     
     
       4. The enclosure of  claim 2 , wherein the wire includes a first extension and a second extension, and wherein the first extension and the extension engage the tapered region to mechanically couple the first portion with the second portion. 
     
     
       5. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the tab member comprises an extension positioned around a portion of the snap member. 
     
     
       6. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the retention feature includes a grooved region having an additional material removable region allowing the snap member to pivot about the retention feature. 
     
     
       7. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion includes a top case of the portable computing device, and wherein the second portion includes a bottom case of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       8. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a top case including a protrusion, the protrusion including a first tapered region and a second tapered region; 
 a bottom case including a retention feature, the retention feature including a grooved region; 
 a snap member positioned within the grooved region, the snap member including a first extension and a second extension, the first extension and the second extension extending beyond the retention feature; 
 a tab member designed to secure the snap member with the retention feature; and 
 wherein the first tapered region and the second tapered region of the protrusion engage the first extension and the second extension of the snap member to secure the top case with the bottom case. 
 
     
     
       9. The portable computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the grooved region further comprises a material removal region. 
     
     
       10. The portable computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the snap member is capable of pivoting about the retention feature based upon the material removal region. 
     
     
       11. The portable computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the retention feature is integrally formed with the bottom case, and wherein the tab member is integrally formed with the retention feature. 
     
     
       12. The portable computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the top case includes rib structure that receives the protrusion, and wherein the tab member is separate from the retention feature. 
     
     
       13. The portable computing device of  claim 12 , wherein the protrusion is adhesively secured with the top case. 
     
     
       14. The portable computing device of  claim 12 , wherein the protrusion is integrally formed with the top case. 
     
     
       15. A method for assembling a portable computing device, the method comprising:
 receiving a snap member at a retention feature coupled with a bottom case of the portable computing device; and 
 receiving, at the snap member, a protrusion coupled with a top case of the portable computing device. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein receiving the snap member at the retention feature coupled with the bottom case comprises removing additional material in the retention feature to define a grooved region in the retention feature that allows the snap member to pivot about the retention feature. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein receiving, at the snap member, the protrusion comprises receiving, at the snap member, a tapered region of the protrusion. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein receiving, at the snap member, the protrusion further comprises:
 engaging the protrusion with the snap member; 
 extending the snap member from a first position to a second position; and 
 returning the snap member to the first position to engage the tapered region of the protrusion. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , wherein receiving the snap member at the retention feature coupled with the bottom case comprises:
 integrally forming a tab member with the retention feature; and 
 securing the snap member with the retention feature via the tab member. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 removing additional material in the bottom case to define a cavity in the bottom case; 
 and receiving, at the cavity, a portion of the protrusion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101,838, filed on Jan. 9, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to portable computing devices. In particular, the present embodiments relate to securing features of an enclosure of a portable computing device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable computing devices, such as laptop computers, generally include an enclosure or housing designed to enclose several internal components. In some cases, the enclosure includes a top case secured to a bottom case. The top case may be secured to the bottom case using several fasteners. For example, the fasteners may extend through an opening in the bottom cases and engage the top case, or a threaded region of the top case. 
     However, an enclosure with multiple fasteners has drawbacks. For example, removing these fasteners corresponds to additional time dedicated to rework or repair operations, as all of the fasteners by be required to be removed. Also, several openings may expose the internal components to contaminants (e.g., liquids, dust). Other issues, such as additional machining time and additional parts, can be associated with multiple fasteners. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an enclosure of a portable computing device is described. The enclosure may include a first portion including a protrusion extending from an interior portion of the first portion. The protrusion may include a tapered region. The enclosure may further include a second portion that includes an interior region that includes a retention feature that receives a snap member extending externally with respect to the retention feature. In some cases, the retention feature further receives a tab member that secures the snap member to the retention feature. In some embodiments, the tapered region engages the snap member to secure the first portion to the second portion. 
     In another aspect, a portable computing device is described. The portable computing device may include a top case that includes a protrusion. The protrusion may include a first tapered region and a second tapered region. The portable computing device may further include a bottom case that includes a retention feature. The retention feature may include a grooved region. The portable computing device may further include a snap member positioned within the grooved region. The snap member may include a first extension and a second extension, both of which may extend beyond the retention feature. The portable computing device may further include a tab member positioned within the grooved region and designed to secure the snap member to the retention feature. The tab member may include a first hook feature and a second hook feature. The first hook feature and the second hook feature are designed to secure the tab member to the retention feature. In some embodiments, the first tapered region and the second tapered region of the protrusion engage the first extension and the second extension of the snap member to secure the top case to the bottom case. 
     In another aspect, a method for assembling a portable computing device is described. The method may include receiving a snap member at a retention feature coupled with a bottom case of the portable computing device. The method may further include receiving, at the snap member, a protrusion coupled with a top case of the portable computing device. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a portable computing device in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of the embodiment of the portable computing device shown in  FIG. 1 , with the portable computing device in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an interior portion of the top case shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of an exterior portion of a bottom case that may be coupled with the top case (shown in  FIG. 3 ), in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an interior portion of the bottom case shown in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a protrusion engaged with a snap member, the protrusion and the snap member designed to secure the top case to the bottom case; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a portable computing device in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of the alternate embodiment of the portable computing device shown in  FIG. 7 , with the portable computing device in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of a portion of an embodiment of a substrate, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view the portion of the substrate shown in  FIG. 9  having undergone a material removal operation to form a portion of a bottom case and retention feature, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a plan view of the retention feature shown in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the retention feature having a grooved region defined by an additional material removal region, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of the bottom case having the retention feature shown in  FIG. 12 , further showing a tab member and a snap member; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of the retention feature, the tab member, and the snap member shown in  FIG. 13 , with the tab member and the snap member positioned with the retention feature; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of a portable computing device, showing the bottom case including a retention feature having a snap member in a first position and a tab member positioned within the snap member as well as a top case including a protrusion, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable computing device shown in  FIG. 15 , with the snap member extending laterally to a second position as the protrusion engages the snap member; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable computing device shown in  FIG. 16 , with the snap member returning to the first position when the tapered region of the protrusion engages the snap member; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature including a tab member integrally formed with the retention feature; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature including a first section and a second section that combine to retain a tapered region of a protrusion; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature that retains a flexible feature; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a retention feature formed from a wire form capable of retaining a protrusion; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the embodiment of the retention feature shown in  FIG. 21  applied to a portable computing device to secure a portion of the portable computing device; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a plan view of the retention feature shown in  FIG. 22 , with the retention feature receiving the first protrusion and the second protrusion; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a retention feature used to secure a top case and a bottom case of a portable computing device; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the retention feature shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature formed from a spring member; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of the retention feature shown in  FIG. 26  applied to a portable computing device; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a cross sectional view showing an alternate embodiment of a spring member having a protruding feature that engages a cavity of a bottom case of a portable computing device; and 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a retention feature that encloses a snap member within the outer peripheral region of the retention feature. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to features used to secure together structures of an enclosure of a portable computing device (e.g., laptop computing device). In particular, the disclosure relates to securing a top case of an enclosure to a bottom case of an enclosure. Generally, these features may be used as alternatives to using traditional fasteners extending through openings of the bottom case (or in some instances, the top case). In cases, the bottom case includes one or more retention features that may be integrally formed with the bottom case. The phrase “integrally formed” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to two or more structures formed from a single, unitary structure. For example, a single substrate (e.g., aluminum substrate) may undergo a material removal process to define the bottom case and the retention feature such that the bottom case and the retention feature are formed from the single substrate. The retention feature may further include additional material removed to define a grooved region. The grooved region includes a size and a shape capable of receiving a snap member used as a securing member for a protrusion, and in some cases, a snap member and a tab member used to secure the snap member to the retention feature (i.e., to secure the snap member at least partially within the grooved region). 
     The top case can include one or more protrusions, the number of which corresponds to the number of retention features of the bottom case. Each protrusion may include a tapered region, which includes, for example, a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion. In order to secure the top case to the bottom case, each protrusion is secured to a snap member (with each snap member positioned within a retention feature). The snap member is designed to include a preloaded force such that when the protrusion engages the snap member with a force greater than the preloaded force, the snap member opens or extends to receive the protrusion. The snap member then returns to its original position to engage the tapered region of the protrusion. The snap member coupled with the tapered region may define a retention force capable retaining the protrusion until a force greater than the retention force is applied to the protrusion and pulls the protrusion in a direction away from the snap member and the retention feature. 
     By using the protrusions and retention features described above, the number of fasteners may be reduced. Accordingly, the number of opening formed in the bottom case (or in some instances, the top case) can also be reduced. In some cases, the fasteners and opening may be eliminated. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-29 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a portable computing device  100  in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the portable computing device  100  is a laptop computing device made by Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. As shown, the portable computing device  100  includes an enclosure  102  that includes a lid portion  104  that receives a display panel (not shown). The lid portion  104  may further include an indicium  106  that may be a logo, letter, or symbol. In the closed configuration the lid portion  104  is proximate to a top case  108 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of the embodiment of the portable computing device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , with the portable computing device  100  in an open configuration. As shown, the lid portion  104  includes a display panel  112  capable of displaying visual content. The top case  108  may include several openings to receive a keyboard  114 . The top case  108  may further be coupled with (or secured to) a bottom case  110 . The top case  108  and the bottom case  110  may be a first portion and a second portion, respectively, that combine to define a base portion that encloses several internal components (e.g., memory, processors, batteries, etc.). In other embodiments, the lid portion  104 , the top case  108 , and the bottom case  110  are formed from plastic. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the lid portion  104 , the top case  108 , and the bottom case  110  are formed from a metal (for example, aluminum, steel, stainless steel). 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an interior portion  120  of the top case  108  shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The interior portion  120  of the top case  108  is generally associated with a region or surface not visible when the top case  108  coupled with a bottom case. For purposes of illustration, the internal components associated with the portable computing device  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) are removed. The top case  108  may be secured to the bottom case using several fasteners. Accordingly, the top case  108  may include several fastener receiving elements. For example, the top case  108  may include a first fastener receiving element  122  and a second fastener receiving element  124 . In some embodiments, the first fastener receiving element  122  and the second fastener receiving element  124  includes threaded regions to receive fasteners that include corresponding threaded regions. 
     In order to reduce (or in some cases eliminate) the number of fasteners and corresponding fastener receiving elements, the top case  108  may include alternative features used to couple the top case  108  with the bottom case. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the top case  108  may include a first protrusion  132  and a second protrusion  134  formed on a keyboard rib structure of the top case  108 . The first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  may couple with features on the bottom case, which will be described below. In some embodiments, the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  are formed from a hard plastic. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  are formed from a metal (e.g., aluminum, steel). Generally, the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  can be formed from any relatively dense material that resists breaking or cracking when a force acts upon the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134 . Also, in some embodiments, the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  are integrally formed with the top case  108 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  are adhesively secured to the top case  108 . In other embodiments, a solder or weld may be used to secure the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  to the top case  108 . Still in other embodiments, both the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  include a threaded region designed for threaded engagement with a threaded opening or threaded cavity of the top case  108 . This feature will be shown below. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of an exterior portion  140  of a bottom case  110  that may be coupled with the top case  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), in accordance with the described embodiments. The exterior portion  140  of the bottom case  110  is generally associated with a visible region or surface that is visible when the bottom case  110  is coupled with the top case  108 . The bottom case  110  may include several openings, each of which is designed to receive a fastener (not shown) such that the fastener engages a fastener receiving element (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to couple the bottom case  110  to the top case  108 . For example, the bottom case  110  includes a first opening  142  and a second opening  144 , each of which are designed to receiving a fastener. In this manner, a fastener (not shown) may extend through the first opening  142  and engage the first fastener receiving element  122  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). However, in order to reduce (or in some cases eliminate) the number of openings in the bottom case  110  and the number of fasteners used, the bottom case  110  may include several retention features. For example, the bottom case  110  shown in  FIG. 4  includes a first retention feature  152  and a second retention feature  154 , both of which are located on an interior portion of the bottom case  110  opposite the exterior portion  140 . The first retention feature  152  and the second retention feature  154  may include additional structural elements designed to receive the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), respectively. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an interior portion  160  of the bottom case  110  shown in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, the first retention feature  152  and the second retention feature  154  are located on a first side region  172  and a second side region  174 , respectively, of the bottom case  110 . However, it will be appreciated that the first retention feature  152  and/or the second retention feature  154  could be located anywhere along the bottom case  110 , such as the third side region  176  or the fourth side region  178 . Accordingly, the first protrusion  132  and the second protrusion  134  of the top case  108  (in FIG.  3 ) are generally located in positions corresponding to the location of the first retention feature  152  and the second retention feature  154 . Further, in some embodiments, the bottom case  110  includes three or more retention features and, accordingly, the top case  108  includes a corresponding number of protrusions. Also,  FIG. 5  shows the first retention feature  152  and the second retention feature  154  including a first snap member  162  and a second snap member  164 , respectively. This will be discussed below. 
     In order to provide a retention force between the top case and the bottom case, each retention feature may include a snap member designed to receive and retain a protrusion. As such, the snap members allow the protrusions to “snap” into the snap member. Also, the snap member may include certain flexible properties designed to allow the snap member to deform such that a protrusion, and in particular a tapered region of the protrusion, may be secured within the snap member. However, the snap member is also designed to return to its original shape (prior to engaging a protrusion or receiving some external force) in order to retain the protrusion. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a first protrusion  132  engaged with a first snap member  162 , with the first protrusion  132  and the first snap member  162  designed to secure and assemble a top case (e.g., top case  108 ) with a bottom case  110 . For exemplary purposes, the protrusion may be the first protrusion  132  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), the retention feature may be the first retention feature  152  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), and the first snap member may be the first snap member  162  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). Also, the first retention feature  152  may be designed to receive a first tab member  182 . The first tab member  182  is designed to provide a tension to the first snap member  162  such that the first snap member  162  remains tensioned with (and positioned within) the first retention feature  152 . Also, the first tab member  182  may include an extension  184  that may bend or curve around the first snap member  162  to further secure the first snap member  162  to the first retention feature  152 . 
     Also, in some embodiments, the first retention feature  152  includes a size and a shape that allows the first snap member  162  to pivot, or “float,” with respect to the first retention feature  152 . This allows the first snap member  162  to move in the x- and/or y-dimension. In this manner, when the first retention feature  152  is lowered in a direction toward the first snap member  162 , the first snap member  162  may adjust its positioning in the x- and y-dimensions to facilitate receiving the first protrusion  132 . The design modification of a retention feature allowing a snap member to pivot in this manner will be shown and described below. 
     In some embodiments, the first protrusion  132  is integrally formed with the top case  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the first protrusion  132  is a separate structure mounted in the keyboard rib structure  116  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and mounted into a “blind hole” formed in the keyboard rib structure  116 . A blind hole refers to a partial opening in a structure, with the opening not completely extending through the structure. Also, in some embodiments, the first protrusion  132  is formed from a metal injection molding (“MIM”) process. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the first protrusion  132  is formed from a material removal process similar to that of a screw. Also, the first protrusion  132  includes a tapered region  136  which includes a first tapered portion  137  and a second tapered portion  138 . The first tapered portion  137  and the second tapered portion  138  may include an angle with respect to an imaginary horizontal line  192  that is parallel to the bottom case  110 . The angles of the first tapered portion  137  and the second tapered portion  138  may be approximately in the range of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to the imaginary horizontal line  192 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the angles formed by the first tapered portion  137  and the second tapered portion  138  is approximately 45 degrees with respect to the imaginary horizontal line  192 . 
     The angle of the first tapered portion  137  and the second tapered portion  138  may be adjusted to increase or decrease the retention force defined by the force created between the tapered region  136  and the first snap member  162 . For example, by lowering the angle of the second tapered portion  138 , the retention force between the tapered region  136  and the first snap member  162  increases, and a force required to overcome the retention force to remove the first protrusion  132  from the first snap member  162  must be increased. In this manner, a snap retention force applied in a z-dimension to engage the first snap member  162  with the first retention feature  152  in a manner shown in  FIG. 6  does not comprise the pivoting, or floating, capabilities of the first snap member  162 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the bottom case  110  may include additional features, such as a cavity  194  that receives at least a portion of the first protrusion  132 . 
     In some embodiments, the first retention feature  152  is adhesively secured to the bottom case  110 . In other embodiments, the first retention feature  152  is welded to the bottom case  110 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the first retention feature  152  is integrally formed with the bottom case  110 . Accordingly, the first retention feature  152  is formed from the same material as that of the bottom case  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the first snap member  162  is formed from a metal (e.g., steel, carbon steel). Generally, the first snap member  162  may be formed from any material having relatively high yield strength. In this manner, forces applied to the first snap member  162  may cause some deformation to the first snap member  162 , yet the first snap member  162  will return to its original wire form shape when the force is no longer applied to the first snap member  162 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first snap member  162  is generally defined by a U-shape wire form. However, the first snap member  162  may be defined by other wire form shapes. For example, the first snap member  162  may include a semi-circular region along with one or more linear regions (or linear extensions). In some embodiments, the first snap member  162  includes nickel plating. Further, the nickel plating may be a relatively dark color, such as black. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the first snap member  162  is designed to extend beyond the first retention feature  152  such that the first snap member  162  is capable of retaining the first protrusion  132 , and in particular, the tapered region  136 . The portion of the first snap member  162  extending beyond the first retention feature  152  may be defined by a first extension  166  and a second extension  168 . As shown, the first extension  166  and the second extension  168  engage the tapered region  136 . 
     In some embodiments, the first tab member  182  is formed form a metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum). Also, the first tab member  182  may be independently formed with respect to the first retention feature  152 . However, in other embodiments, the first tab member  182  integrally formed with the first retention feature  152  such that only an extension (e.g., extension  184 ) defines a tab member used to secure the first snap member  162 . Further, the first tab member  182  may include a thickness approximately in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters. Also, in order to maintain the first tab member  182  within the first retention feature  152 , the first tab member  182  include a first hook feature  186  and a second hook feature  188 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     It will be appreciated that the various features shown and described in  FIG. 6  may be applied to other features associated with the top case and/or the bottom case. For example, the second retention feature  154  and the second snap member  164  (both shown in  FIG. 5 ) may include any feature previously described for a first retention feature  152  and a first snap member  162 , respectively. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a portable computing device. As shown, the portable computing device  200  includes a top case  208 . However, unlike the top case  108  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the top case  208  includes a tapered region. In other words, the thickness of the top case varies. For example, the first region  212  of the top case  208  includes a first thickness and the second region  214  of the top case  208  includes a second region  214  having a second thickness less than the first thickness. In this manner, the portable computing device  200  includes less material which may correspond to a device having less weight than traditional devices. Also, the portable computing device  200  may include a bottom case coupled with the top case  208  such that the top case  208  and the bottom case, also referred to as a first portion and a second portion, respectively, combine to define a base portion that encloses several internal components. 
       FIGS. 9-13  illustrate a portion of a bottom case being formed to include a retention feature and also designed to receive various structures, such as a snap member and a tab member.  FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of a portion of an embodiment of a substrate  202 , in accordance with the described embodiments. In some embodiments, the substrate  202  is formed from a metal (e.g., aluminum). The substrate  202  may undergo a material removal process to form a bottom case (e.g., bottom case  110  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of a portable computing device. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view the portion of the substrate  202  shown in  FIG. 9  having undergone a material removal operation to form a portion of a bottom case  210  and retention feature  252 , in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, the retention feature  252  includes a grooved region  254  extending around an outer region of the retention feature  252 . The grooved region  254  may be formed by a material removal process (similar to the removal process used to form the retention feature  252 ), and designed to receive and retain other structural features (discussed below). 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a plan view of the retention feature  252  shown in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, the grooved region  254  is generally symmetrical.  FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the retention feature  352  having a grooved region  354  defined by an additional material removal region, in accordance with the described embodiments. The grooved region  354  includes a volume greater than that of the grooved region  254  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). This may allow for additional movement and/or positioning of structural features positioned within the grooved region  354 . For example, the snap member  362  is able to pivot or rotate about the retention feature  352 . This allows for some flexibility or additional tolerance for placement of a protrusion (not shown) of a top case. In other words, the snap member  362 , having additional rotational movement due in part to the grooved region  354  of the retention feature  352 , can rotate or pivot in a direction toward the protrusion to mechanically interlock with the protrusion. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of the bottom case  310  having the retention feature  352  shown in  FIG. 12 , further showing a snap member  362  and a tab member  382 . The grooved region  354  of the retention feature  352  includes a size and a shape to receive both the snap member  362  and the tab member  382 . The tab member  382  is designed to retain the snap member  362  within the retention feature  352 . In this regard, the tab member  382  may include an extension  384  design to bend or deform in response to a force. When the snap member  362  and the tab member  382  are secured within the retention feature  352 , the extension  384  bends around the snap member  362 . In addition, the tab member  382  may be bent or deformed such that the tab member  382  does not lie in a two-dimensional plane. Also, during assembly, the tab member  382  may be secured first within the retention feature  352 . In this manner, the tab member  382  may create a pre-loading force to the snap member  362  when the snap member  362  is inserted into the retention feature  352 . Also, in some embodiments, the extension  384  integrally formed with the retention feature  352  and the system shown in  FIG. 13  does not require a tab member  382 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of the retention feature  352 , the snap member  362 , and the tab member  382  shown in  FIG. 13 , with the snap member  362  and the tab member  382  positioned with the retention feature  352 . In particular, the snap member  362  and the tab member  382  are both positioned within the grooved region  354 . With additional material removed, the retention feature  352  allows the snap member  362  to pivot or rotate with respect to the retention feature  352 . The arrows denote the snap member  362  clockwise and counterclockwise rotational capability with respect to the retention feature  352 . This accommodates for the bottom case (e.g., bottom case  310 ) and/or a top case to include some tolerances. For example, a protrusion designed to engage the snap member  362  may be positioned in different positions on a top case but if positioned within a specified tolerance, the snap member  362  can still receive the protrusion by some rotational movement. 
       FIGS. 15-17  illustrate an embodiment of a bottom case  410  having a retention feature  452  secured to a top case  408  having protrusion  432 .  FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of a portable computing device  400 , showing the bottom case  410  including a retention feature  452  having a snap member  462  in a first position and a tab member  482  positioned within the snap member  462  as well as a top case  408  including a protrusion  432 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The protrusion  432  includes a tapered region  436  that includes a first tapered portion  437  and a second tapered portion  438 . Also, the protrusion  432  may include a threaded region  442  designed for threaded engagement with a threaded opening  444  (or threaded cavity) of the top case  408 . For example, the protrusion  432  may be screwed into the opening  444 . Further, for additional securing, the threaded region  442  of the protrusion  432  may be adhesively secured with the threaded opening  444 . It will be appreciated that the threaded region  442  of the protrusion  432  is representative of remaining protrusions, and also, the threaded opening  444  may be representative of remaining threaded openings designed for engagement with the remaining protrusions. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable computing device  400  shown in  FIG. 15 , with the snap member  462  extending laterally to a second position as the protrusion  432  engages the snap member  462 . In other words, a portion of the snap member  462  extends or deforms in a direction away from the protrusion  432 . Generally, the lateral movement of the snap member  462  is along a plane parallel to the top case  408  as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable computing device  400  shown in  FIG. 16 , with the snap member  462  returning to the first position (shown in  FIG. 15 ) when the tapered region  436  of the protrusion  432  engages the snap member  462 . The relatively high yield strength of the snap member  462  allows for a deformation of the snap member  462  from the first position to the second position, then back to the first position when tapered region  436  is positioned in a manner such that the top case  408  engages the bottom case  410 . It will be appreciated that while the snap member  462  may be in a first position (as shown in  FIG. 17 ), there may some slight deformation or bending of the snap member  462  due to engagement with the protrusion  432 . Also, in cases where the grooved region  454  of the retention feature  452  includes an additional material removal region (e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), a force or tension exerted on the snap member  462  by the protrusion  432  limits (or in some cases prohibits) lateral movement of the snap member  462 . As such, the snap member  462  is less inclined to move due to vibration that may occur, for example, at a certain frequency generated by an internal component (e.g., a speaker module) within the top case  408  and the bottom case  410 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature  552  including a tab member  582  integrally formed with the retention feature  552 . Rather than include a separate tab member (e.g., tab member  382 ), the tab member  582  used to secure the snap member  562  within the retention feature  552  is already located on the retention feature  552 . Once the snap member  562  is positioned within the retention feature  552 , the tab member  582  may be deformed or bent to retain the snap member  562 . This allows for fewer parts in a portable computing device. Also, the retention feature  552  may be secured to a bottom case of a portable computing device (not shown) by means such as adhesive securing, soldering, or welding. Alternatively, the retention feature  552  may be integrally formed with the bottom case. Also, some embodiments, the retention feature  552  includes a grooved region (similar to the grooved region  354  in  FIG. 11 ) to allow the snap member  562  is able to pivot or rotate about the retention feature  552 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature  652  including a first section  654  and a second section  656  that combine to retain a tapered region  636  of a protrusion  632 . As shown, the first section  654  is designed to surround a portion of the tapered region  636  while the second section  656  is designed to surround a remaining portion of the tapered region  636 . In some embodiments, the first section  654  and the second section  656  are secured to a bottom case (not shown) by adhesively securing or by welding the first section  654  and the second section  656 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , the first section  654  and the second section  656  are secured by a first fastener  664  and a second fastener  666 , both of which extend through openings of the first section  654  and the second section  656 . Also, when a force is applied to the first section  654  and the second section  656  (for example, by the protrusion  632 ), a portion of the first section  654  and the second section  656  extend away from each other such that the tapered region  636  is secured between the first section  654  and the second section  656 . Then, the first section  654  and the second section  656  to return to their respective original positions to retain the tapered region  636 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature  752  that retains a flexible feature  760 . As shown, the flexible feature  760  is secured to a rib feature  780  located on a top case  708  of a portable computing device  700 . However, in other embodiments, the flexible feature  760  is secured directly to the top case  708 . The flexible feature  760  includes a central region  762  surrounded by several flexible portions, such as a first flexible portion  764  and a second flexible portion  766 . Prior to the retention feature  752  receiving the flexible feature  760 , when the flexible feature  760  engages an opening  754  of the retention feature  752 , the flexible portions—such as the first flexible portion  764  and the second flexible portion  766 —are actuated in a direction toward the central region  762 . Once the flexible portions extend through the opening  754 , the flexible flex portions extend away from the central region  762  and the flexible feature  760  is retained by the retention feature  752 . In some embodiments, the flexible feature  760  is formed from a polymeric material (e.g., plastic). The flexible feature  760  is designed to be a simple feature that allows for quick retention with few parts. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a retention feature  852  formed from a wire form capable of retaining a protrusion. The retention feature  852  includes a first snap member  862  and a second snap member  864 , both of which include multiple bends in the retention feature  852 . Both the first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864  are capable of retaining a first protrusion and a second protrusion (not shown), respectively. The first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864  are generally flexible in response to a force (e.g., from a protrusion) that bends the first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864  in order to receive their respective protrusions. Once the force is no longer applied, the first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864  bend to their original respective positions to retain their respective protrusions. 
     Also, the retention feature  852  may further include a first elongated region  866  and a second elongated region  868 . The first elongated region  866  and the second elongated region  868  may be able to twist or rotate about a longitudinal axis  870  (shown as an imaginary line extending through the first elongated region  866  and the second elongated region  868 ). Accordingly, first elongated region  866  and the second elongated region  868  may define a first torsional bar and a second torsional bar, respectively. The first elongated region  866  and the second elongated region  868  allow for additional flexibility in a portable computing device. For instance, the first elongated region  866  and the second elongated region  868  allow for the retention feature  852  to undergo stresses and other load bearing events (e.g., drop event of a portable computing device). 
       FIG. 22  illustrates the embodiment of the retention feature  852  shown in  FIG. 21  applied to a portable computing device  800  to secure a portion of the portable computing device  800 . As shown, the retention feature  852  may be secured to the bottom case  810  by, for example, a rail feature  820 . The bottom case  810  includes a first button feature  812  and a second button feature  814  that receive the first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864 , respectively. When a first protrusion  832  and a second protrusion  834 , both of which may be secured to a top case (not shown) extend through the first button feature  812  and the second button feature  814 , respectively, the first protrusion  832  and the second protrusion  834  engage the first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864 , respectively, such that first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864  bend to receive the first protrusion  832  and the second protrusion  834 . Then, after the tapered regions of the first protrusion  832  and the second protrusion  834  are positioned within the first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864 , respectively, the first snap member  862  and the second snap member  864  return to their original respective positions to retain the first protrusion  832  and the second protrusion  834 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a plan view of the retention feature  852  shown in  FIG. 22 , with the retention feature  852  along with the first button feature  812  and the second button feature  814  receiving the first protrusion  832  and the second protrusion  834 , respectively. For example, when the first protrusion  832  is positioned within the first button feature  812  and the first snap member  862 , the first tapered region  836  of the first protrusion  832  engages the first snap member  862 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a retention feature  952  used to secure a top case  908  and a bottom case  910  of a portable computing device  900 . The retention feature  952  is designed to engage a retention receiving feature  912  secured to the top case  908 , and also engage a bottom case  910  of a portable computing device  900 . In this manner, when the top case  908  is engaged with the bottom case  910 , the retention feature  952  applies a force to both the top case  908  and the bottom case  910  to provide a securing means between the top case  908  and the bottom case  910 . In some embodiments, the retention feature  952  is made from a hard plastic or hard foam material. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 24 , the retention feature  952  is made from a rubber material. Further, the retention feature  952  may extend around the outer peripheral region of the top case  908  and the bottom case  910 . 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the retention feature  952  shown in  FIG. 24 . In  FIG. 25 , the retention feature  1052  is molded to a retention receiving feature  1012  of a top case  1008  of a portable computing device  1000 . The retention feature  1052  may be made from any material previously described for a retention feature  952  (shown in  FIG. 24 ). When the top case  1008  engages the bottom case  1010 , the retention feature  1052  is deformed such that the retention feature  1052  is secured within a cavity  1014  of the bottom case  1010 . When the retention feature  1052  is within the cavity  1014 , the retention feature  1052  returns to its original (circular, non-deformed) shape, and the top case  1008  is secured to the bottom case  1010 . Also, the retention feature  1052  may extend around the outer peripheral region of the top case  1008  and the bottom case  1010 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature  1152  formed from a spring member. The retention feature  1152  may include a central portion  1154  designed to engage a top case (not shown) of a portable computing device. The retention feature  1152  further includes a first spring member  1156  and a second spring member  1158 , both of which are designed to bend or deform in order to create a tension against a bottom case (not shown) of a portable computing device. In some embodiments, the retention feature  1152  is formed from a dense material (e.g., hard plastic) or a metal (e.g., steel, aluminum). The arrows indication the ability of the first spring member  1156  and the second spring member  1158  to flex or bend in the direction of the arrows. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of the retention feature  1152  shown in  FIG. 26  applied to a portable computing device  1100 . As shown, the retention feature  1152  may be mounted on a retention securing feature  1162  coupled with the top case  1108 . The bottom case  1110  may include a hook member  1114  designed to engage the first spring member  1156  and create a force or tension between the hook member  1114  and the first spring member  1156 . It will be appreciated that the second spring member  1158  (shown in  FIG. 26 ) engages a second hook member (not shown) of the bottom case  1110 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a cross sectional view showing an alternate embodiment of the retention feature  1152  shown in  FIG. 27 . In  FIG. 25 , a retention feature  1252  includes a protruding feature  1266  on a first spring member  1256  that engages a cavity  1216  of a bottom case  1210  of a portable computing device  1200 . In particular, the cavity  1216  is formed on a protrusion  1214  of the bottom case  1210 . The protruding feature  1266  offers further tension and engagement (in terms of surface area) between the retention feature  1252  and the protrusion  1214 . In this manner, the top case  1208  may be further secured to the bottom case  1210 . Also, as shown the retention feature  1252  may be mounted on a retention securing feature  1262  coupled with the top case  1208 . Also, the first spring member  1256  is capable of bending or flexing in a manner similar to the first spring member  1156  (shown in  FIG. 27 ). Also, the retention feature  1252  may be formed from any material or materials used to form the retention feature  1152  (shown in  FIG. 27 ). 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a retention feature  1352  that encloses a snap member  1362  within the outer peripheral region of the retention feature  1352 . As shown, the retention feature  1352  is located on a bottom case  1310  of a portable computing device  1300 . The retention feature  1352  includes an opening  1354  designed to receive a protrusion (e.g., first protrusion  132 , shown in  FIG. 6 ). The snap member  1362  may be formed from any material or materials used to form the first snap member  162  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Also, the snap member  1362  includes a first extension  1364  and a second extension  1366  designed to bend or deform (designated by the direction of the arrows) to receive a protrusion, in accordance with the described embodiments. The first extension  1364  and the second extension  1366  can return to their original respective positions while engaging the protrusion, or a tapered region of the protrusion, once a force is no longer applied to the first extension  1364  and the second extension  1366 . 
     In the embodiments shown throughout this detailed description, some features may be located on different structural elements. That is, structures shown one portion (i.e., the top case or the bottom case) may be designed or formed on the corresponding portion (i.e., the bottom case or the top case). For example, in some embodiments, the first retention feature  152  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) may be located on the interior portion  120  of the top case  108  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first protrusion  132  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be located on the interior portion  160  of the bottom case  110  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150812
Publication Date: 20170221
Grant Date: 20170221
Priority Date: 20150109
Inventors: ROBINSON KEVIN M.
FARAHANI HOUTAN R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B5/065", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B21/186", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B5/065", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B21/186", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 56367550