PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11543864-B2
Application Number: US-202016938766-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Speaker assembly for electronic device

Abstract:
Systems of the present disclosure include an electronic device with a chassis and a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly can include a speaker support surrounding a speaker and coupled to the chassis via a spring element. The spring element can be monolithically formed with a main body of the speaker support and be configured to reduce transmission of vibrations from the speaker to the chassis. For example, the spring element can include an arm that extends within an opening of the main body to connect the main body to a fastener secured to the chassis. The spring element can be provided with features that facilitate wide distribution of loads and relative movement between the speaker assembly and the chassis.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a chassis; and 
 a speaker assembly comprising:
 a speaker; 
 a monolithic speaker support surrounding the speaker, the speaker support comprising a spring element; and 
 a fastener securing the spring element to the chassis, wherein the spring element is configured to reduce transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker to the chassis. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the spring element allows the speaker support to move relative to the chassis within a range of motion while the fastener secures the spring element to the chassis. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the range of motion is parallel to a direction of movement of the speaker relative to the speaker support. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a keyboard coupled to the speaker assembly. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the speaker assembly comprises:
 additional spring elements; and 
 additional fasteners each securing a corresponding one of the additional spring elements to the chassis. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the monolithic speaker support is formed from a plastic material. 
     
     
       7. A speaker assembly comprising:
 a speaker; 
 a speaker support surrounding the speaker and defining openings; and 
 multiple spring elements each configured to receive one of multiple fasteners, the spring elements being configured to allow the speaker support to move relative to the fasteners within a range of motion, each of the spring elements comprising:
 a fastener coupling within a corresponding one of the openings; and 
 an arm connected to the speaker support and the fastener coupling, extending within the corresponding one of the openings and about the fastener coupling, and having a variable thickness along its length. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The speaker assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the speaker support comprises a main body defining multiple the openings extending through the main body, wherein each of the multiple spring elements is positioned in a corresponding one of the multiple openings. 
     
     
       9. The speaker assembly of  claim 7 , wherein
 the arm extends about at least half of the fastener coupling. 
 
     
     
       10. The speaker assembly of  claim 7 , wherein each of the spring elements is monolithically formed with the speaker support. 
     
     
       11. The speaker assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the spring elements and the speaker support are formed from a plastic material. 
     
     
       12. A speaker support for surrounding a speaker mounted to the speaker support, the speaker support comprising:
 a main body defining an opening extending through the main body; 
 a fastener coupling within the opening; and 
 an arm having a first end connecting to the main body and a second end connecting to the fastener coupling, the arm extending about at least half of the fastener coupling between the first end and the second end. 
 
     
     
       13. The speaker support of  claim 12 , wherein the arm extends from a first side of the opening, around the fastener coupling to a second side of the opening, and to the first side. 
     
     
       14. The speaker support of  claim 12 , wherein the arm forms:
 a first thickness at the first end and the second end along its length; and 
 a second thickness at a segment between the first end and the second end, the second thickness being less than the first thickness. 
 
     
     
       15. The speaker support of  claim 12 , wherein the arm extends at least once about an entirety of the fastener coupling. 
     
     
       16. The speaker support of  claim 12 , wherein the main body, the fastener coupling, and the arm are monolithically formed together. 
     
     
       17. The speaker support of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the main body further defines additional openings extending through the main body; 
 the speaker support further comprises:
 additional fastener couplings, each of the additional fastener couplings being within a corresponding one of the additional openings; and 
 additional arms, each of the additional arms connecting a corresponding one of the additional fastener couplings to the main body. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The speaker support of  claim 12 , wherein the main body, the fastener coupling, and the arm are formed from a plastic material.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to assemblies for electronic devices, and, more particularly, to speaker assemblies for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Design, heft, ease of portability, and overall aesthetic appearance are factors that many users consider when choosing an electronic device for personal use. At the same time, the assembly and overall functionality of the electronic device are also important to the user, since a durable assembly can extend the overall life of the device and thus increase its value to the user. Various factors that can be considered in the design of electronic device components can include weight, strength, durability, cosmetic appearance, manufacturability, and performance, among others. 
     One design challenge associated with the manufacture of electronic devices is the assembly of parts that provide different functions into a compact form factor. This design challenge generally arises from a number of conflicting design goals that include the performance of separate components and the user experience while interacting with the electronic device. While many designs and techniques used to provide assemblies for electronic devices have generally worked well in the past, there is always a desire to provide further designs and techniques for alternative aesthetically pleasing yet mechanically strong and lightweight electronic device assemblies. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device in an open state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary keyboard assembly having a speaker disposed there beneath, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a speaker assembly coupled to a chassis of an electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an enlarged view of the speaker assembly of  FIG.  3   , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     Embodiments described herein include assemblies for electronic devices, such as laptop computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, and the like. In some embodiments, audio system architectures can include positioning one or more speakers beneath a keyboard such that sound is directed through gaps between keys and/or the body. Vibrations generated by the speaker can be managed so that transmission of such vibrations to other components is reduced. 
     During operation, a speaker mounted within an electronic device may move in a manner that generates vibrations. At the same time, a user may operate a keyboard or another component of the electronic device by physically contacting such a component. The vibrations generated by speaker motion can tend to be transmitted throughout the electronic device. It can be desirable to reduce or eliminate transmission of such vibrations so that they are not perceptible by a user while in contact with the electronic device. It can also be desirable to achieve such results with an arrangement that minimizes cost in terms of components and time for assembly. 
     Systems of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device with a chassis and a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly can include a speaker support surrounding a speaker and coupled to the chassis via a spring element. The spring element can be monolithically formed with a main body of the speaker support and be configured to reduce transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker into other components. For example, the spring element can include an arm that extends within an opening of the main body to connect the main body to a fastener secured to the chassis. The spring element can be provided with features that facilitate wide distribution of loads and relative movement between the speaker assembly and the chassis. With such an arrangement, the speaker assembly can operate from within the laptop (e.g., beneath the keyboard) to generate sound without propagating excessive vibrations throughout the laptop. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 4   . 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. 
     Embodiments described herein can relate to assemblies for an electronic device such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, and the like. In some embodiments, audio system architectures can include positioning one or more speakers beneath the keyboard assembly such that sound is directed through gaps between keys and/or the housing. Vibrations generated by the speaker can be managed so that transmission to other components is reduced. 
     Referring first to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary electronic device in an open state is illustrated in right side front facing perspective view. An electronic device  100  can include a body  102  and a lid  104  having a display  106 . The lid  104  can be moved by a user from a closed position to an open position as shown. A display  106  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. The display  106  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), organic LCD (“OLCD”) and the like. The lid  104  can be coupled to the body  102  using a hinge assembly. 
     The body  102  can include a number of user input devices such as a touch pad  116  and a keyboard  118 . The keyboard  118  can include multiple keys  120  each having a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying to a user the key input associated with the particular key. The keyboard  118  can be arranged to receive a discrete user input at each key using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of the electronic device  100 . The touch pad  116  can be configured to receive a user&#39;s finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. 
     The electronic device  100  of  FIG.  1    further includes speakers  210  within the body  102 . The speakers  210  are operable as audio sources to emit sound waves, such as music and sounds, associated with various applications that can be executed on the electronic device  100 . The sound waves can be transmitted to a user through the keyboard  118 . Three speakers  210  emitting sound waves are shown in the  FIG.  1    for purposes of illustration, although it will be readily appreciated that more or fewer speakers may be used, as desired. The speakers  210  can include one or more piezoelectric speakers, one or more cone-type speakers, and/or one or more speakers of another type. 
     The gaps between the keys of the keyboard  118  allow sound waves generated within the body  102  to be propagated away from the electronic device  100 . In other embodiments, other apertures in the body  102  can be used to provide an audio propagation path from the interior of the body to the exterior. For example, vents used for air cooling of the processor can also be used to propagate sound waves from the interior of the body  102 . 
     One advantage of using the gaps between the keys of the keyboard  118  as a path for propagating sound waves can be that additional apertures do not have to be added to the body  102  for the purposes of sound propagation. The removal of dedicated apertures for sound propagation purposes can provide a design that is considered more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, manufacturing costs can be reduced since the machining of body  102  is reduced. Further, the removal of the dedicated apertures can eliminate potential entry points for dust and liquid that can adversely affect the electrical components housed within the body  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , is a cross section of an assembly for a keyboard and a speaker disposed below the keyboard. As shown in  FIG.  2   , a key  120  mounted to a support structure  176  is attached to the keyboard substrate  178 . The key  120  can be actuated towards the keyboard substrate  178  by applying a force to the top surface of the key  120 . An opening  164  slightly larger than the key  120  is provided in an outer layer  166  of the body  102  to accommodate actuation of the key  120 . 
     In some embodiments, a speaker assembly  200 , including a speaker  210 , can be disposed below the keyboard substrate  178 . The speaker assembly  200  is shown in  FIG.  2    as being located on and/or in a chassis  190  for the purposes of illustration and is not limited to this location. In some embodiments, the speaker assembly  200  can be integrated into the keyboard  118 , such as integrated into or mounted to the keyboard substrate  178 . Further, a speaker assembly  200  can be located below various keys  120  in the keyboard  118  and is not limited to a particular key location. 
     When the speaker  210  is mounted below the keyboard assembly, the keyboard substrate  178  of the keyboard  118  can include an opening  180  located above the speaker  210  to provide an audio transmission path for the sound waves generated by the speaker  210  and through the keyboard substrate  178 . In various embodiments, one or more openings  180  through the keyboard substrate  178  can be provided, such as a number of small openings or a single large opening. 
     The speaker assembly  200  can provide a speaker support  240  that supports the speaker  210 . The speaker support  240  can be mounted to the chassis  190  or another component of the body  102  of the electronic device, as discussed further herein. The speaker support  240  can surround at least a portion of the speaker and direct the speaker  210  in a direction away from a portion of the speaker support  240  (e.g., toward the keyboard  118 ). 
     In some embodiments, the speaker support  240  can optionally provide a chamber  244 , such as a tube, that can be connected to the speaker  210  to enhance (e.g., amplify) one or more sound wave frequencies emitted from the speaker  210 . The chamber  244  can include or be connected to an exit port  170 . While the primary direction of emitted sound waves from the speaker  210  can directed to the keyboard  118 , the exit port  170  associated with chamber  244  can be aligned with vents (e.g., vents used to provide air circulation and cooling to the main logic board located on a side of the body  102 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , after sound waves are emitted from speaker  210 , the sound waves can propagate through various paths within the body  102  of the electronic device. For instance, sound waves can propagate along paths from the driver of speaker  210 , through a gap between the chassis  190  and the keyboard substrate  178  of the keyboard  118 , through one or more openings  180  in the keyboard substrate  178  of the keyboard  118 , through a gap between the keyboard substrate  178  of the keyboard  118  and the outer layer  166  of the body  102 , and exit the body  102  between openings  164  between one or more keys  120  and the outer layer  166 . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  2   , a primary direction of the sound waves emitted from the speaker  210  can be parallel to the alignment of the opening  164  (e.g., parallel to the actuation direction of one or more keys  120 ) and perpendicular to a top surface of the speaker support  240  and/or a top surface of the key  120 . In other embodiments, the primary direction  184  can be in other directions. 
     During operation, the speaker  210  may move in a manner that generates vibrations. For example, the speaker  210  can move while it is supported by the speaker support  240  of the speaker assembly  200 . The vibrations generated by speaker motion can tend to be transmitted throughout the body  102  of the electronic device. It can be desirable to reduce or eliminate transmission of such vibrations so that they are not perceptible by a user while in contact with the electronic device. In particular, vibrations generated by a speaker  210  may be transmitted to a user operating the keyboard  118  if such vibrations are not managed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , an electronic device can be provided with a speaker assembly that is coupled to a chassis or other component by a spring element that isolates the speaker assembly from other components to manage transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker of the speaker assembly. As shown in  FIG.  3   , a chassis  190  can extend within or along a side of the electronic device. As used herein, a chassis  190  is any component that provides a support, platform, mounting, substrate, or surface for coupling a speaker assembly  200  thereto. It will be understood that a chassis  190  can couple the speaker assembly  200  to one or more other components. It will be further understood that the chassis  190  can be a portion of another component (e.g., keyboard) to which the speaker assembly  200  is directly coupled. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  3   , the speaker assembly  200  can include a speaker support  240  that extends along (e.g., parallel to) at least a portion of the chassis  190 . The speaker support  240  can surround at least a portion of the speaker  210 . For example, the speaker support  240  can attach to the speaker  210  on two or more opposing sides thereof. By further example, the speaker support  240  can extend around and attach to an entire peripheral edge of the speaker  210 . The speaker support  240  can optionally leave the speaker  210  uncovered on top and/or bottom surfaces thereof. 
     The speaker support  240  can include multiple spring elements  250  that facilitate coupling of the speaker assembly  200  to the chassis  190 . While the speaker support  240  of  FIG.  3    is shown with three spring elements  250 , it will be understood that any number of spring elements  250  can be provided. For example, the spring elements  250  can be provided in sufficient quantity and in an arrangement to secure to the chassis  190 . Each of the spring elements  250  can be secured to the chassis  190  and/or one or more other components, for example, by corresponding fasteners. 
     The speaker assembly  200  can be secured to the chassis  190  and any other components of the electronic device via only the spring elements  250 . Accordingly, transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker  210  of the speaker assembly  200  can be reduced by the spring elements  250 . Accordingly, transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker  210  are reduced rather than allowing vibrations to be fully transmitted to the chassis  190  or any other components of the electronic device. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , the spring element  250  can be formed in a manner that isolates the speaker assembly and effectively reduces transmission of vibrations. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the spring element can be at least partially formed within an opening  220  extending partially or entirely through a main body  242  of the speaker support  240 . The spring element  250  can connect the main body  242  to a fastener coupling  230 , which in turn facilitates securement to the chassis via a fastener  192 . For example, the fastener  192  can attach to both the chassis and the fastener coupling  230 . The fastener  192  can be an item (e.g., threaded screw, post, pin, and the like) that extends from the chassis to secure to the fastener coupling  230 . Additionally or alternatively, the spring element  250  can provide the fastener  192  as a component thereof or an attachment thereto, and the fastener  192  can attach to the chassis. 
     The spring element  250  can allow the speaker support  240  to move relative to the chassis within a range of motion while the fastener  192  secures the spring element  250  to the chassis. For example, the range of motion can be parallel to a direction of movement of the speaker relative to the speaker support  240 . Accordingly, as the motion of the speaker within the speaker support generates vibrations, transmission of the vibrations to the chassis can be reduced by the spring element  250 , so that transmission of the vibrations is reduced or eliminated rather than being transmitted to the chassis or other components of the electronic device. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the spring element  250  can suspend the fastener coupling  230  within the opening  220  provided by the speaker support  240 . The spring element  250  can be attached to the main body  242  at an outer end  260 . The spring element  250  can be attached to the fastener coupling  230  at an inner end  280 . Between the outer end  260  and the inner end  280 , the spring element  250  can provide an arm  270  that extends within the opening  220 . The arm  270  can extend at least partially about the fastener coupling  230 . For example, the arm  270  can extend from a given radial side of the opening  220  (e.g., at the outer end  260 ), about the fastener coupling  230  to an opposite radial side of the opening  220 , and to the original radial side of the opening  220  (e.g., at the inner end  280 ). By further example, the arm  270  can extend about at least half of the fastener coupling  230 . By further example, the arm  270  can have a curved shape and extend with an arc angle that is equal to or greater than 120°, 180°, 210°, 240°, 270°, 300°, 330°, or 360°. Where the arc angle exceeds 360°, the arm  270  can overlap itself in a spiral and/or helix shape. By providing a substantial length for the arm  270 , any strain imposed by speaker-induced movement can be distributed along the substantial length for enhanced shock absorption. 
     The arm  270  can have a variable thickness along its arc length. For example, the arm  270  can form a first thickness at the outer end  260  and the inner end  280 . The arm  270  can further form a second thickness at or along a segment between the outer end  260  and the inner end  280 , the second thickness being less than the first thickness. For example, the arm  270  can optionally have a minimum thickness at a segment halfway between the outer end  260  and the inner end  280 . At the smaller thickness portions, the arm  270  can provide greater flexibility. At the larger thickness portions, the arm  270  can provide secure attachment to the main body  242  and the fastener coupling  230 . 
     The speaker support  240 , including the main body  242  and the spring element  250 , can be a monolithic structure, rather than an assembly of separate parts. As used herein, a monolithic structure is one that is integrally formed of a single piece of material, rather than of separate pieces that are joined together by an interface. For example, the main body  242  and the spring element  250 , can be a unibody and/or unitary structure. By providing a monolithic, unitary, and/or unibody structure, the main body  242  and the spring elements  250  do not contain interfaces or discontinuities, such as those that occur in assembled parts. Accordingly, the monolithic, unitary, and/or unibody speaker support  240  can be fabricated to more precise and consistent dimensions as well as provide greater structural support. It will be understood that various processes can be performed to produce a monolithic structure. By way of example, a molding and/or injection process can be performed to produce a monolithic structure. By further example, multiple elements can be co-molded and/or co-injected. Such elements can include different materials, yet still produce a monolithic structure. 
     The speaker support  240 , including the main body  242  and the spring element  250 , can be of a material that provides protection to the speaker  210 . The material can be plastic, metal, and/or another material. The materials can be selected to provide adequate tensile strength for stiffness and robustness, as well as adequate flexibility to reduce transmission of vibrations. 
     By providing a monolithic part, the speaker support  240 , including the main body  242  and the spring element  250 , can be formed at once. For example, the speaker support  240  can be formed in a molding process, resulting in spring elements  250  that are readily formed and ready for securement to a chassis or other component. As such, no additional shock absorbers or other components may be required for assembly and securement to the chassis, thereby reducing the additional time and expense of such additional components. 
     The spring element  250  can facilitate movement of the speaker support  240  relative to the chassis. For example, the spring element  250  can provide a range of motion that is parallel to the movement of the speaker, parallel to the fastener  192 , and/or parallel to an axis extending through the opening  220 . Such motion can offset the effect of the vibrations of the speaker at locations to which the speaker support  240  is coupled. 
     Additionally, the spring element  250  can facilitate movement in other directions. For example, the spring element  250  can provide a range of motion that is parallel to the top surface of the speaker support  240  and/or the chassis. Such motion can provide shock absorption in multiple axes. 
     The properties of the spring element  250  can be selected to reduce transmission of vibrations and provide sufficient robustness. For example, the spring element  250  can be provided with a particular material, a length (e.g., arc length) of arm, a thickness of arm, and the like to provide the desired performance characteristics. For example, the spring element  250  can be tuned to isolate the speaker assembly for particular frequencies or ranges of frequencies. Accordingly, the spring element  250  can be formed in a manner that vibrationally isolates the speaker assembly from the remainder of the electronic device as the speaker of the speaker assembly generates vibrations. 
     While various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated with respect to a laptop, it will be appreciated that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to other devices. For example, a speaker assembly and the arrangements described herein can be included with an electronic device that operates a speaker during use. Such an electronic device can be or include a desktop electronic device, a display, a television, a portable device, a phone, a tablet electronic device, a mobile electronic device, a wearable device, a watch, and/or a digital media player. 
     While various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated with respect to speakers, it will be appreciated that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to devices that generate vibrations. For example, an assembly and the arrangements described herein can be included with an electronic device that operates a fan, a hard disk drive, and the like. It will be further appreciated that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to devices that include components that are to be protected from vibrations. For example, an assembly and the arrangements described herein can be included with an electronic device that provides a sensor, where the assembly can isolate the sensor from vibrations. Such isolation can protect the sensor from long-term damage as well as improve its sensing functions. 
     Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as clauses for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology. 
     Clause A: an electronic device comprising: a frame; and a speaker assembly comprising: a speaker; a monolithic speaker support surrounding the speaker, the speaker support comprising a spring element; and a fastener securing the spring element to the chassis, wherein the spring element is configured to reduce transmission of vibrations generated by the speaker to the chassis. 
     Clause B: a speaker assembly comprising: a speaker; a speaker support surrounding the speaker; and multiple spring elements each configured to receive one of multiple fasteners, the spring elements being configured to allow the speaker support to move relative to the fasteners within a range of motion. 
     Clause C: a speaker support for surrounding a speaker mounted to the speaker support, the speaker support comprising: a main body defining an opening extending through the main body; a fastener coupling within the openings; and an arm having a first end connecting to the main body and a second end connecting to the fastener coupling, the arm extending about at least half of the fastener coupling between the first end and the second end. 
     One or more of the above clauses can include one or more of the features described below. It is noted that any of the following clauses may be combined in any combination with each other, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, or C. 
     Clause 1: the spring element allows the speaker support to move relative to the chassis within a range of motion while the fastener secures the spring element to the chassis. 
     Clause 2: the range of motion is parallel to a direction of movement of the speaker relative to the speaker support. 
     Clause 3: a keyboard coupled to the speaker assembly. 
     Clause 4: the speaker assembly comprises: additional spring elements; and additional fasteners each securing a corresponding one of the additional spring elements to the chassis. 
     Clause 5: the monolithic speaker support is formed from a plastic material. 
     Clause 6: the speaker support comprises a main body defining multiple openings extending through the main body, wherein each of the multiple spring elements is positioned in a corresponding one of the multiple openings. 
     Clause 7: the speaker support comprises a main body defining multiple openings, wherein each of the multiple spring elements is positioned in a corresponding one of the openings. 
     Clause 8: each of the spring elements comprises: a fastener coupling within a corresponding one of the openings; and an arm having a first end connecting to the main body and a second end connecting to the fastener coupling, the arm extending about at least half of the fastener coupling between the first end and the second end. 
     Clause 9: each of the spring elements is monolithically formed with the speaker support. 
     Clause 10: the spring elements and the speaker support are formed from a plastic material. 
     Clause 11: the arm extends from a first side of the opening, around the fastener coupling to a second side of the opening, and to the first side. 
     Clause 12: the arm has a variable thickness along its length. 
     Clause 13: the arm forms: a first thickness at the first end and the second end along its length; and a second thickness at a segment between the first end and the second end, the second thickness being less than the first thickness. 
     Clause 14: the arm extends at least once about an entirety of the fastener coupling. 
     Clause 15: the main body, the fastener coupling, and the arm are monolithically formed together. 
     Clause 16: the main body further defines additional openings extending through the main body; the speaker support further comprises: additional fastener couplings, each of the additional fastener couplings being within a corresponding one of the additional openings; and additional arms, each of the additional arms connecting a corresponding one of the additional fastener couplings to the main body. 
     Clause 17: the main body, the fastener coupling, and the arm are formed from a plastic material. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200724
Publication Date: 20230103
Grant Date: 20230103
Priority Date: 20200724
Inventors: NEVILL, STUART M.
ROUSOUNELOS, Andreas
POULAIN, KIERAN
ROUSSEAU, MARTIAL A.
CORONA, DANIEL W.
MCCABE, ALIX V.
BROWNE, MICHAEL S.
LIU, BAO
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2819", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/029", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1688", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2896", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1688", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2888", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1688", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 79586243