PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9099264-B2
Application Number: US-201213607541-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Anti-rotational buttons

Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies with anti-rotational buttons in electronic devices are provided. The input component assembly includes a switch, a button positioned over the switch, where the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch, and at least one pin positioned underneath the button, where the at least one pin is operative to engage with a surface to assist in preventing rotation of the button, when the button is depressed towards the switch.

Claims:
What is claimed: 
     
       1. An input component assembly comprising:
 a switch mounted on a surface; 
 a button positioned over the switch, wherein the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch; 
 a first pin associated with the button and engaging a first feature associated with the surface prior to the button being depressed, the first pin extending a first distance from the button; 
 a second pin associated with the button and engaging a second feature associated with the surface once the button is depressed towards the switch, the second pin extending a second distance from the button; wherein 
 the first and second pins cooperate to restrict rotation of the button with respect to the surface. 
 
     
     
       2. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first pin has a length that is operative to engage with the surface even when the button is not depressed towards the switch. 
     
     
       3. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame that supports the switch, wherein the feature defines a hole in the frame. 
     
     
       4. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the surface defines a cavity within a device. 
     
     
       5. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a gasket positioned at least partially about the button, wherein the gasket is operative to assist in preventing the rotation of the button. 
     
     
       6. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first pin serves as a guide for alignment of an icon on the button with respect to another portion of the input component assembly. 
     
     
       7. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first pin is attached to a bottom surface of the button. 
     
     
       8. The input component assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first pin is attached to a frame, and wherein the surface defines a hole in the button. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing comprising an opening therethrough; 
 a surface fixed with respect to the housing; 
 a button positioned in the opening; 
 a first pin having a first length and configured to engage with a feature associated with the surface and the button prior to the button being depressed; and 
 a second pin having a second length and associated with the button; wherein 
 the second pin prevents rotation of the button in the opening only when the button is depressed toward the surface; and 
 the first and second lengths are different. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first pin has a length that is operative to engage with the surface even when the button is not depressed. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a switch positioned within the housing below the button; and 
 a frame that supports the switch, wherein the surface defines a hole in the frame. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the first pin is attached to the button. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising a gasket positioned at least partially about the button, wherein the gasket is operative to assist in preventing the rotation of the button. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first pin serves as a guide for alignment of an icon on the button with respect to another portion of the electronic device. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second pins are attached to a bottom surface of the button. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first pin is attached to the surface, wherein the button comprises a hole, and wherein the first pin engages with a surface of the button defining the hole. 
     
     
       17. A method for forming an input component assembly for an electronic device, the method comprising:
 positioning a button over a switch, wherein the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch; 
 positioning a first pin underneath the button, wherein the first pin is operative to engage with a surface that defines a hole prior to the button being depressed; and 
 positioning a second pin between the button and the surface; 
 
       wherein the second pin prevents rotation of the button only when the button is depressed towards the switch. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the positioning of the first pin comprises physically coupling the first pin to the underside of the button. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the positioning of the first pin comprises physically coupling the first pin to a frame underneath the button. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first pin serves as a visual guide for alignment of an icon on the button with respect to another portion of the input component assembly. 
     
     
       21. An input component assembly comprising:
 a switch; 
 a button positioned over the switch, wherein the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch; 
 a first mechanical feature positioned underneath the button and engaging a second mechanical feature prior to the button being depressed; and 
 an anti-rotational pin positioned underneath the button; 
 
       wherein the anti-rotational pin is operative to engage with the second mechanical feature to assist in preventing rotation of the button only when the button is depressed towards the switch. 
     
     
       22. The input component assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the first mechanical feature is operative to engage with a second mechanical feature even when the button is not depressed towards the switch. 
     
     
       23. The input component assembly of  claim 21 , further comprising a frame that supports the switch, wherein the frame comprises the second mechanical feature. 
     
     
       24. The input component assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the first mechanical feature comprises at least one tooth, and wherein the second mechanical feature comprises at least one notch formed in a surface. 
     
     
       25. The input component assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the first mechanical feature is on a bottom surface of the button, and the second mechanical feature is on a top surface of a frame. 
     
     
       26. The input component assembly of  claim 25 , wherein the first mechanical feature comprises at least one tooth extending from the bottom surface of the button, and wherein the second mechanical feature comprises at least one notch extending into the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
       27. The input component assembly of  claim 25 , wherein the first mechanical feature comprises at least one notch extending into the bottom surface of the button, and wherein the second mechanical feature comprises at least one tooth extending from the top surface of the frame.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to systems and methods for providing input component assemblies in electronic devices and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing input component assemblies with anti-rotational buttons in electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Electronic devices often include one or more input component assemblies for allowing a user to interact with the electronic device and manipulate the functions available with the electronic device. In some cases, one or more switches can be provided underneath a physical input element, such as a button or a key, of an input component assembly on a device. The switch may be positioned under a button such that, when the button is pressed, the switch may close an electrical circuit. In particular, a switch can include a dome that is positioned over a contact pad such that, when the dome is deformed with the application of force (e.g., via a button), the dome comes into contact with the contact pad and closes a circuit. 
     During construction of the electronic device, care is taken to properly position the button over the one or more switches and within an opening through device housing. Specifically, the button may need to be positioned within a housing opening so that an icon or a symbol on the button is properly aligned relative to the other components of the device. For example, the button may need to be placed within the housing opening of the device to ensure that the icon appears straight and is not displayed upside down or slanted off to one side when viewed by a user of the device. 
     After construction of the device, users interact with the device by applying force to the buttons. The force may not be applied evenly across the button and, as a consequence, the force applied may cause the button to rotate with respect to the housing. Over time, the repeated application of force that rotates the button may cause the button to become dislodged, out of line with the switch underneath, and/or otherwise repositioned so that the icon is no longer correctly aligned. 
     Accordingly, there is a need to reduce the tendency for electronic device buttons to rotate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies with anti-rotational buttons in electronic devices are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly may include a switch, a button positioned over the switch, where the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch, and at least one pin positioned underneath the button, where the at least one pin is operative to engage with a surface to assist in preventing rotation of the button when the button is depressed towards the switch. 
     In other embodiments, an electronic device may include a housing having an opening, a surface fixed with respect to the housing, a button positioned in the opening, and at least one pin configured to engage with the surface and the button, where the at least one pin prevents rotation of the button in the opening when the at least one pin engages with the surface and the button. 
     In yet other embodiments, a method for forming an input component assembly for an electronic device may include positioning a button over a switch, where the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch, and positioning at least one pin underneath the button, where the at least one pin is operative to engage with a surface that defines a hole, and where engaging with a surface that defines a hole for preventing rotation of the button when the button is depressed towards the switch. 
     In yet other embodiments, an input component assembly may include a switch, and a button positioned over the switch. The button may be operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch. The input component assembly may also include a first mechanical feature positioned underneath the button. The first mechanical feature may be operative to engage with a second mechanical feature to assist in preventing rotation of the button when the button is depressed towards the switch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters may refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device with an input component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken from line II-II of  FIG. 1 , before user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , similar to  FIG. 2 , during user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-3 , taken from line IV-IV of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-4 , taken from line V-V of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device with an input component assembly, similar to  FIG. 2 , before user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 6 , during user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an electronic device with an input component assembly, similar to  FIG. 2 , before user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 8 , during user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for forming an input component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of another illustrative process for forming an input component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     At least one anti-rotational pin may be incorporated into an input component assembly to reduce or eliminate the ability for physical input elements, such as buttons, of electronic devices to be rotated. One or more pins may be positioned within a device between a button and at least one surface below the button in order to reduce or provide more control over the tendency for the button to rotate. When force is applied to the button, one or more pins can engage with one or more surfaces to aid in stabilizing, controlling, preventing, and/or reducing the tendency for the button to rotate. 
     In some embodiments, each pin may fit within a hole in one or more layers of material and/or in one or more components within the device to engage with a stable surface defining the hole. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  100  can be any suitable device capable of receiving inputs through one or more input component assemblies, such as input component assembly  102 . The term electronic device can include, but is not limited to, media players, video players, still image players, game players, music recorders, voice recorders, cameras, radios, medical equipment, domestic appliances, vehicle instruments, musical instruments, calculators, cellphones, wireless communication devices, personal digital assistants, programmable remotes, pagers, laptops, computers, printers, and/or any combination thereof. Electronic device  100  may have a single function or multiple functions. 
     In one or more embodiments, electronic device  100  may be any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature mobile electronic device. Miniature devices may have a form factor that is smaller than a hand held device, such as an iPod™ Shuffle available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Illustrative miniature devices may be incorporated into various objects that include, but are not limited to, the following: watches, rings, necklaces, belts, headsets, shoe accessories, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, sports or fitness equipment accessories, key chains, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, electronic device  100  may not be portable at all. 
     Electronic device  100  can include one or more additional components to create a user interface for device  100 , some of which may be configurable to be controlled by one or more input assemblies of device  100 . For example, electronic device  100  may include input component assembly  102  that can allow a user to manipulate at least one function of electronic device  100 , one or more output component assemblies  104  (e.g., a display screen) that can provide the user with device generated information, and at least one protective housing  101  that can at least partially enclose a particular input component of input component assembly  102  and/or output component assembly  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  can be hexahedral. Although, it should be noted that housing  101  is only exemplary and need not be substantially hexahedral. Housing  101  can be formed in any other shape, including, but not limited to, the following: spherical, ellipsoidal, conidial, octahedral, or any combination thereof, for example. 
     Input component assembly  102  may be a dome switch assembly or any other type of switch assembly that may have an actuator that may be depressed and/or deformed to close an otherwise open circuit of device  100 , or to open an otherwise closed circuit. Input component assembly  102  may be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, glass, and/or any combination thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , input component assembly  102  may include a button  106  that may be positioned within or at least partially exposed through an opening  105  of housing  101 . Button  106  is circular and fits within circular opening  105 . Although depicted as circular, those with skill in the art will recognize that both button  106  and opening  105  can have a variety of shapes, such as square, rectangular, or any other shape. A top surface  107  of button  106  can have an icon  108  to indicate the location of button  106  and/or to represent functionality provided by button  106 . For example, button  106  may be made from the same material and have the same color as housing  101  and icon  108  may allow a user to locate button  106  on device  100  and differentiate button  106  from housing  101 . 
     Icon  108  can be any type of symbol, letter, numeral, text, shape, and/or any other representation or combination thereof. Icon  108  may be a representation of a functionality offered by device  100  and the functionality can be provided (e.g., instructions can be executed to provide functionality) when the user interacts with button  106 . Button  106  may be positioned within device  100  to ensure that icon  108  is properly aligned relative to the other components of device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when icon  108  is properly aligned, each of the four sides for icon  108  may appear to run parallel to corresponding sides of device  100 , and the curved edges of icon  108  may appear to be aligned with curved edges of device  100 . In another example, icon  108  may be text and proper alignment of button  106  within device  100  may give the appearance that the text of icon  108  was written on an imaginary line running parallel to a bottom side  103  of device  100 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 1 , a force or pressure may be exerted by a user or an object in the direction of arrow A on top surface  107  of button  106  (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a surface of housing  101  about button  106 ) and this pressure exertion may depress or deform an actuator of a switch that may be positioned below button  106  within housing  101  to actuate the switch. The switch may be positioned under the physical input element of input component assembly  102  (e.g., button  106 ) such that, when button  106  is depressed due to the user input force in the direction of arrow A, the switch may close an electrical circuit. In particular, a switch can include a dome that may be positioned over a contact pad such that, when the dome is deformed with the application of force in the direction of arrow A via button  106 , the dome may come into contact with the contact pad and may close a circuit. 
     In order to prevent or reduce tendency for rotation of button  106  about a potential axis of rotation X (e.g., to prevent rotation in either rotation direction R 1  or rotation direction R 2 ) when force is applied to button  106 , one or more features of button  106  may interact with one or more features of a fixed component within housing  101  and/or the housing  101  itself. Rotation may be prevented in order to maintain proper alignment of button  106  with respect to housing  101  or any other component of device  100  (e.g., to maintain proper alignment of icon  108  with respect to opening  105  and/or to maintain proper alignment of any other feature of button  106  with respect to any other feature of electronic device  100  (e.g., even if button  106  does not include an icon  108 )). 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken from line II-II of  FIG. 1 , before user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 2  illustrates input component assembly  102  in a natural, undepressed state, prior to activation of a switch  130  due to an application of force in the direction of arrow A on top surface  107  of button  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , one or more anti-rotational pins underneath button  106  may fit through one or more holes in one or more layers of material and interact with the material defining the hole in order to prevent rotation of button  106 . A first mechanical engagement feature, such as an anti-rotational pin  113 , may extend from a bottom surface  109  of button  106  and may engage a second mechanical engagement feature, such as a hole  123  that may be provided at least partially through any component of device  100 , such as a frame  122 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , pin  113  may extend at least partially into hole  123  of frame  122  when input component assembly  102  is in its natural, undepressed state. In some embodiments, anti-rotational pin  113  may be pushed further through hole  123  with depression of button  106  (e.g., in the direction of arrow A, as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Additionally or alternatively, an anti-rotational pin  115  may extend from bottom surface  109  of button  106 . However, unlike pin  113 , pin  115  may not extend into a hole (e.g., hole  125  in frame  122 ) when input component assembly  102  is in its natural, undepressed state. Instead, anti-rotational pin  115  may only be pushed into hole  125  upon depression of button  106  (e.g., in the direction of arrow A, as shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     Holes  123  and  125  can be created in any number of components and/or surfaces of components of device  100  positioned below button  106  (e.g., beyond button  106  in the direction of a user input force, such as the direction of arrow A). Each hole may be sized to receive at least a portion of a pin when button  106  is depressed, and such that a surface defining the hole may interact with the pin to prevent motion of the pin when button  106  attempts to rotate (e.g., about axis X). As shown, anti-rotational hole  123  may be formed to allow anti-rotational pin  113  to go completely through a component (e.g., frame  122 ). Alternatively, hole  125  may be a recess or an indentation in a surface of a component, such as in a top surface of frame  122 , and hole  125  may be formed by removing one or more layers of materials of frame  122 . 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be attached to bottom surface  109  of button  106 . Although illustrated as attached to button  106 , anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can be attached to any other surface at least partially below button  106 , such as frame  122 , a support plate for switch  130 , a flexible circuit within device  100 , or any other component of device  100 . When anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  are engaged in one or more holes, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can stabilize button  106 . Stabilizing can include, but is not limited to, the following: realigning a button, and/or reducing, eliminating, at least partially preventing, and/or providing a degree of control over rotation of button  106 . 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can prevent a tendency for an application of force to top surface  107  of button  106  to cause button  106  to rotate around a potential axis of rotation (e.g., potential axis X) or rotate about a pivot, such as using another component of device  100  as a pivot. For example, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can limit or control the use of another component or portion of a component of device  100  as a pivot for rotating button  106 , such as about potential axis of rotation X in directions R 1  or R 2 . By way of example, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may prevent, control, or limit a user&#39;s ability to apply a force on the outer edge of top surface  107  of button  106  and rotate button  106  about a pivot created by switch  130 , such as a dome of a dome switch underneath button  106 . 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can work in conjunction with a gasket  112  to stabilize button  106 . Gasket  112  can be designed and/or made from a material that allows gasket  112  to react to the application of force on button  106 , similar to a spring, and assist in stabilizing button  106 . Gasket  112  can be made from a material that yields and deforms to fill the space under button  106  to limit the ability for button  106  to rotate. Gasket  112  may create a fluid tight seal between housing  101  and button  106  to prevent fluid from entering device  100  through opening  105  in housing  101 . Alternatively, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may provide the primary source of stability or anti-rotational assistance to button  106 . For example, to protect a thinner gasket  112  from tearing when attempting to prevent rotation of button  106  (e.g., within opening  105 ), anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be designed to interact with surfaces defining holes  123  and  125  to prevent such rotation and to protect the integrity of gasket  112 . 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5  as having a cylindrical shape. However, those with skill in the art will recognize that pins with an alternative shape can be used to reduce rotation of button  106 , including, but not limited to, elliptical, conical, cubical, and/or any other three-dimensional shape or combination thereof. By way of example, anti-rotational pins can have cubical shape and engage with a surface that may define a circular shaped hole. Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be formed to have a shape that allows the anti-rotational pin to be repeatedly subjected to applied forces and stabilize the button. Although anti-rotational pins are depicted throughout as having a substantially uniform thickness, those with skill in the art will recognize that anti-rotational pins can vary in thickness and shape. Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can have a uniform thickness throughout and/or the thickness of anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can vary. For example, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be thicker on the bottom face of the pin that engages with a surface defining a hole below button  106 . 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may interact with a surface that defines holes  123  and  125 , respectively, that can engage anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  and prevent button  106  from rotating. Holes  123  and  125  may be any hole, recess, indentation, and/or cavity in any component of device  100 . Any surface that defines one or both of holes  123  and  125  can engage anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  and can stop movement of anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  to prevent rotation of button  106 . 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can be made of any material, including, but not limited to, glass, plastic, metal, rubber, or any other material or combination thereof. Each pin may be flexible or rigid, and the rigidity of each pin may vary along its length. 
     Although anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  are shown positioned on either side of switch  130 , any number of anti-rotational pins and any positioning of the pins can be utilized to stabilize button  106 . Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can be put in locations to offer any degree of stability, control, and/or reduction in rotation of button  106  desired. For example, it may be desirable to use only one anti-rotational pin that is not linear with potential axis of rotation X in order to prevent rotation of button  106  about potential axis of rotation X (e.g., just pin  113 , which may extend from button  106  in a direction parallel to axis X but offset from axis X). In another example, two pins on either side of potential axis of rotation X may be used (e.g., just pins  113  and  115  may be used). In another embodiment, four pins may be used that are equally spaced about potential axis of rotation X, such as pins  113  and  115 , as well as pins  113 ′ and pins  115 ′ that may extend within holes  123 ′ and  125 ′, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Some implementations may desire more allowance for rotation of button  106  and allow a user partially rotate button  106 . For example, embodiments may provide larger sized holes  123  and  125  with respect to the size of pins  113  and  115  to delay engagement of a surface of the holes by anti-rotational pins  113  and  115 , which may permit more rotation ability for button  106  before the interaction of the pins and holes prevent further rotation. In another example, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may fit snugly in holes  123  and  125  to ensure anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  almost always engage a surface of holes  123  and  125  to prevent even the slightest rotation of button  106 . Holes  123  and  125  may be sized to prevent rotation when a relatively greater amount of force is applied to button  106  by varying the diameter of holes  123  and  125  (e.g., gradual shrinking of the diameter of hole  123  and  125 ) or when a relatively greater amount of force is applied to one side or particular location of button  106  (e.g., ensuring an anti-rotational pin is not centered in a hole such that the pin will engage with one surface of the hole when the button is rotated in one direction (e.g., R 1 ) more quickly than the pin will engage with another surface of the hole when the button is rotated in another direction (e.g., R 2 )). 
     In some embodiments, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be designed with varying heights and materials to control the amount that button  106  can rotate. Design of anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  and holes  123  and  125 , respectively, may allow control over how much force is exerted and/or the speed at which the force is applied before rotation of button  106  is prevented. For example, shorter pin  115  may require more force in the direction of arrow A before anti-rotational pin  115  interacts with a surface defining hole  125  than a longer pin, such as anti-rotational pin  113 . Continuing with the example, as a result, shorter anti-rotational pin  115  may provide more ability to rotate button  106  by virtue of anti-rotational pin  115  requiring more force exerted in the direction of arrow A before pin  115  may prevent rotation (e.g., by requiring enough force in the direction of arrow A on button  106  to depress pin  115  into hole  125 ). 
     Similarly, the design and size of holes  123  and  125  may allow more control over the amount that button  106  can rotate. For example, if anti-rotational pin  113  is formed from a yielding, deformable material, then deeper hole  123  surrounding a longer portion of pin  113  may require more force be exerted by pin  113  in a direction of rotation (e.g., R 1  or R 2 ) before pin  113  before releasing such a deformable pin than might a hole that surrounds a shorter portion of such a pin. 
     In one or more embodiments, any number of anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be used as a visual and/or mechanical guide for construction of device  100 . Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can be attached to or incorporated into button  106  during formation of button  106 . Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can be positioned to serve as a visual guide for alignment of icon  108  and/or button  106  with respect to device  100  when button  106  is initially positioned within opening  105  of housing  101 . For example, pins  113  and  115  may be visible through holes  123  and  125  in frame  122  and the positioning of the pins may indicate how to position the button to properly align icon  108  with respect to device  100 . 
     An approach to ensuring the proper positioning of button  106  and alignment of icon  108  during construction may be to use anti-rotational pin  113  on the underside of a button  106  as a mechanical and/or visual marker for positioning and alignment during construction. To ensure proper placement of button  106  with icon  108  within housing  101 , anti-rotational pin  113  on the underside of button  106  may serve as a mechanical and/or visual guide for placement of button  106  and other parts of input component assembly  102  (e.g., frame  122 ) within housing  101  relative to button  106 . For example, when a frame  122  is being lowered toward the outer housing  101  and button  106  of device  100  during construction, frame  122  can be placed over button  106  so that anti-rotational pin  113  is visible through one or more holes (e.g., hole  123 ) in frame  122 . In this way, the visibility of anti-rotational pin  113  during construction ensures that icon  108  on the button  106  is straight and/or button  106  is properly placed over switch  130 . If anti-rotational pin  113  is not visible or does not fit through hole  123  during construction, then button  106  may not be positioned correctly and icon  108  may be misaligned for an end user. 
     In some embodiments, gasket  112  may be positioned and adhered at least partially about button  106  and opening  105  of housing  101  to hold button  106  and housing  101  in place while frame  122  is being lowered toward housing  101 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , similar to  FIG. 2 , during user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Force can be applied in direction A on to top surface  107  of button  106  to cause input component assembly  102  to be in an activated state, with a depressed button  106  that may activate switch  130  and close a circuit. In an activated/depressed state for input component assembly  102 , gasket  112  may serve as a water tight seal to prevent fluid from coming through opening  105  between button  106  and housing  101 . Gasket  112  may work in conjunction with anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  to help stabilize button  106  when force is applied from above in direction A. In some embodiments, gasket  112  may be relatively thin and may provide less assistance in stabilizing the button  106  than a thicker gasket. For example, a thinner gasket  112  may not expand to fill as much space under button  106  to assist in stabilizing button  106 . In such cases where device  100  has a thinner gasket  112 , anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be designed to offer relatively more stability for preventing rotation. 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be attached or coupled to bottom surface  109  of button  106  and/or button  106  may be manufactured to have anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  incorporated into button  106 . During manufacture of button  106 , icon  108  may be applied to top surface  107 . Icon  108  may be positioned on top surface  107  relative to anti-rotational pins  113  and  115 , such that anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may serve as visual and/or mechanical indicators for proper alignment of icon  108  within housing  101 . For example, icon  108  may be applied to top surface  107  relative to anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  to ensure that when anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  fit within holes  123  and  125  of frame  122 , respectively, that icon  108  is straight and displayed properly to indicate location of button  106  and/or functionality of activated switch  130  for button  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be positioned on either side of switch  130  of input component assembly  102  and on either side of potential axis of rotation X. Although input component assembly  102  is depicted in an activated state, it is not necessary for a circuit to be closed for anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  to engage with a surface that defines holes  123  and  125 , respectively, to prevent or reduce tendency for rotation of button  106 . For example, force may be applied in the direction A and prior to activation of switch  130 , anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be at least partially within holes  123  and  125 . 
     Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  may be designed and positioned to handle force applied with any particular strength and/or at any particular location on button  106  to prevent rotation about potential axis of rotation X in directions R 1  or R 2 . Engaged anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can stabilize button  106  and reduce the tendency for button  106  to rotate. Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  can limit, control, and/or prevent a tendency for an application of force on button  106  to cause button  106  to rotate when at least one of pin  113  and  115  engages with one or more surfaces that define at least one of holes  123  and  125 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3  and by way of example, surfaces of frame  122  surround the bottom portion of anti-rotational pin  113  and may provide surfaces that define hole  123 , and one or more of those surfaces that define hole  123  can engage or further engage anti-rotational pin  113 . In another example, hole  125  may be defined by surfaces formed with by a recess in frame  122 . In some embodiments, holes  123  and  125  may be in frame  122  that also supports switch  130  under button  106 . Alternatively, holes  123  and  125  may be in any other suitable component of device  100  within housing  101  under button  106 . Holes  123  and  125  may be provided through one or more components that are fixed in position relative to switch  130 , housing  101 , opening  105 , button  106 , and/or any other components that can provide surfaces that define holes  123  and  125  and do not move with rotation of button  106 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , when a force is applied to button  106 , pins  113  and  115  are able to extend within holes  123  and  125 . When anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  are engaged, anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  stabilize button  106  and reduce the ability for the application of force to rotate button  106  about potential axis of rotation X in directions of rotation R 1  and/or R 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-3 , taken from line IV-IV of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , button  106  of input component assembly  102  may sit within opening  105  in housing  101  of device  100 . Icon  108  may be aligned within opening  105  such that the bottom of icon  108  may run parallel to bottom side  103  of device  100 . Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  beneath button  106  may serve to prevent or reduce the tendency for button  106  to rotate about potential axis of rotation X in either directions R 1  or R 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-4 , taken from line V-V of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , beneath housing  101  of device  100  are anti-rotational pin  113  in hole  123  of frame  122  and anti-rotational pin  115  in hole  125  of frame  122 . Anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  are on either side of switch  130  which may be above frame  122 . In some embodiments, more than two pins (e.g., four pins  113 ,  113 ′,  115 , and  115 ′) are shown in  FIG. 5 , at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° around axis of rotation X) may be used to stabilize button  106 . Gasket  112  can aid anti-rotational pins  113  and  115  in preventing rotation of button  106  in directions R 1  and R 2 . Gasket  112  may also be coupled to button  106  and housing  101  to provide a water tight seal underneath opening  105  in housing  101  in which button  106  sits. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device with an input component assembly, similar to  FIG. 2 , before user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates an input component assembly  202  of a device  200  in a natural, undepressed state, prior to activation of a switch  230  due to an application of force in the direction of arrow A on a top surface  207  of a button  206 . Input component assembly  202  of device  200  may include anti-rotational pins  213  and  215  that may be attached to a frame  222  underneath button  206 , and that may fit within holes  223  and  225  that may be provided in bottom surface  209  of button  206 , respectively. When a force is applied at top surface  207  in the direction of arrow A, anti-rotational pins  213  and  215  may extend into holes  223  and  225 , respectively, and may engage with one or more surfaces that define holes  223  and  225 , respectively, to prevent or limit rotation of button  206  in either direction R 1  or R 2 . Gasket  212  may be coupled to button  206  and housing  201  to serve as a water tight seal for opening  205  of housing  201  within which button  206  may be positioned. Gasket  212  may aid in preventing rotation in conjunction with pins  213  and  215  in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of electronic device  200  of  FIG. 6 , during user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Force can be applied in the direction of arrow A on to top surface  207  of button  206  to cause input component assembly  202  to be in activated state, with a depressed button  206  that may activate switch  230  and close a circuit. In an activated/depressed state for input component assembly  202 , gasket  212  may serve as a water tight seal to prevent fluid from coming through opening  205  between button  206  and housing  201 . Gasket  212  may work in conjunction with anti-rotational pins  213  and  215  to help stabilize button  106  when force is applied from above in direction A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , anti-rotational pins  213  and  215  may be positioned on either side of activated switch  230  of input component assembly  202  and on either side of potential axis of rotation X. Although input component assembly  202  is depicted in an activated state, it is not necessary for a circuit to be closed for anti-rotational pins  213  and  215  to engage with a surface that defines holes  223  and  225 , respectively, to prevent or reduce tendency for rotation of button  206 . For example, force may be applied in the direction of arrow A and, prior to activation of switch  230 , anti-rotational pins  213  and  215  may engage with surfaces that define holes  223  and  225  in button  206  to prevent rotation of button  206 . 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device with an input component assembly, similar to  FIG. 2 , before user activation, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 8  illustrates an input component assembly  302  of a device  300  in a natural, undepressed state, prior to activation of a switch  330  due to an application of force in the direction of arrow A on a top surface  307  of a button  306 . Input component assembly  302  of device  300  may include an anti-rotational pin  313  that may be free-standing and unattached to a surface in device  300  (e.g., unattached to button  306  and unattached from a frame  322 ). Anti-rotational pin  313  may sit within a hole  323  within frame  322  and also within a hole  333  within button  306 , at least when a force is applied in the direction of arrow A at top surface  307 , or even when button  306  is not depressed. Engagement of pin  313  with surfaces defining holes  323  and  333  may prevent or limit rotation of button  306  in either direction R 1  or R 2 . A gasket  312  may be coupled to button  306  and housing  301  to serve as a water tight seal for an opening  305  between housing  301  and button  306 . Gasket  312  may aid in preventing rotation in conjunction with pin  313  in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of electronic device  300  of  FIG. 8 , during user activation of button  306 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Force can be applied in the direction of arrow A onto top surface  307  of button  306  to cause input component assembly  302  to be in an activated state, with a depressed button  306  that may activate switch  330  and close a circuit. In an activated/depressed state for input component assembly  302 , gasket  312  may serve as a water tight seal to prevent fluid from coming through opening  305  between button  306  and housing  301 . Gasket  312  may work in conjunction with anti-rotational pin  313  to help stabilize button  306  when force is applied from above in the direction of arrow A. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  1000  for forming an input component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. At step  1002 , a button (e.g., button  106 ) may be positioned over a switch (e.g., switch  130 ), such that the button may be operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch  130 . 
     At step  1004 , at least one pin (e.g., pin  113  and/or pin  115 ) may be positioned underneath the button such that the at least one pin may be operative to engage with a surface that defines a hole (e.g., hole  123  and/or  125 ), and wherein engaging with the surface aids in preventing rotation of the button when the button is depressed towards the switch. One or more anti-rotational pins may be positioned underneath the button of the device to provide stability when force is applied to the button (e.g., a force to depress the button for operating the switch below the button). An anti-rotational pin may be physically coupled to the button (e.g., pin  113  and/or pin  115 ), free-standing within the device (e.g., pin  313 ), and/or coupled to any other surface of a component in the device (e.g., pin  213  and/or pin  215 ). In some embodiments, an anti-rotational pin may interact with a surface defining a hole in the button (e.g., hole  223 , hole  225 , and/or hole  333 ). 
     It is to be understood that the steps shown in process  1000  of  FIG. 10  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  1100  for forming an input component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. A button may be constructed with at least one pin coupled to the underside of the button. Each anti-rotational pin can be formed to have a length and a shape to enable the pin to engage with a surface below the button. Several factors may determine the appropriate length of each anti-rotational pin including but, not limited to, the amount of space in the device between the button and the surface, the length required to engage with a surface defining a hole for limiting rotation of the button, the length required to allow rotation of button a desired amount, and/or any other factor. 
     Anti-rotational pins can be shaped to fit snugly within holes or have relatively more room to allow a desired amount of rotation before engaging with a surface defining a hole. Anti-rotational pins can be shaped differently than their respective hole. For example, anti-rotational pins can have a square shape and fit within a circular hole. Alternatively, anti-rotational pins can have the same shape as their corresponding hole. 
     Although  FIGS. 1-9  have been described with respect to at least one pin extending into a hole and interacting with a surface of the hole in order to prevent rotation of a button, it is to be understood that any other set of engagement features other than a pin and a hole may be provided to prevent rotation of a button in accordance with other embodiments. For example, a first mechanical feature (e.g., at least one tooth) may engage with a second mechanical feature (e.g., at least one respective notch) to prevent rotation of a button, like the engagement of gear teeth. For example, rather than a pin  113  extending from bottom surface  109  of button  106  into a hole  123  in frame  122  for preventing rotation of button  106 , a first mechanical feature of any other suitable type may extend from bottom surface  109  of button  106  and may engage with a second mechanical feature of any other suitable type within frame  122 . As another example, rather than a pin  213  extending from frame  222  into a hole  223  within button  206  for preventing rotation of button  206 , a first mechanical feature of any other suitable type may extend from frame  222  and may engage with a second mechanical feature of any other suitable type within button  206 . A set of first and second mechanical features may be any suitable set of corresponding features that may engage with one another (e.g., when a button is depressed or even when a button is not depressed) to prevent rotation of the button about an axis of potential rotation. 
     While there have been described systems and methods for providing input component assemblies with anti-rotational buttons in electronic devices, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up and “down,” “front” and “back,” “top” and “bottom” and “side,” “length” and “width” and “thickness,” “X-” and “Y-” and “Z-,” 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. 
     Therefore, 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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120907
Publication Date: 20150804
Grant Date: 20150804
Priority Date: 20120907
Inventors: SHEDLETSKY ANNA-KATRINA
ELY COLIN M.
HOBSON PHILLIP MICHAEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/058", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/50", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/058", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/50", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/058", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50232114