PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9778690-B2
Application Number: US-201414502594-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Adaptive docking station

Abstract:
An aesthetically pleasing docking station that is able to accommodate electronic devices with and without cases. An actuator within the docking station allows the connector plug of the docking station to retract a variable amount such that little or no gap exists between the electronic device and the surface of the docking station. Other embodiments enable the top surface of the housing to translate vertically such that little or no gap exists between the electronic device and surface of the docking station.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
 a housing having an exterior surface; 
 a connector plug protruding from the exterior surface and configured to mate with the portable electronic device, the connector plug configured to retract within the housing after a mating event such that a distal end of the connector plug protrudes a first distance beyond the exterior surface after the mating event and protrudes a second distance, greater than the first distance, beyond the exterior surface before the mating event; and 
 a linkage securing the connector plug to the housing and having a first position before the mating event where a first end of the linkage is supported by a ledge such that the portable electronic device can be mated with the connector plug and a second position after the mating event where the first end of the linkage is moved off the ledge into a depression such that the portable electronic device contacts the exterior surface of the docking station. 
 
     
     
       2. The docking station of  claim 1  wherein the linkage is a component of an actuator disposed within the housing and coupled to the connector plug. 
     
     
       3. The docking station of  claim 2  wherein the actuator is configured to retain the connector plug in the first position before the mating event and allow the connector plug to move to the second position after the mating event. 
     
     
       4. The docking station of  claim 2  wherein the actuator is configured to retract and tilt the connector plug relative to the housing. 
     
     
       5. The docking station of  claim 2  wherein the actuator includes a tension spring that resists retraction of the connector plug within the housing and is configured to return the connector plug to an unmated position after the electronic device is demated from the connector plug. 
     
     
       6. The docking station of  claim 1  wherein the linkage includes a pivot on a first end and a tension spring attached to a second end. 
     
     
       7. The docking station of  claim 6  wherein the pivot is configured to translate and rotate. 
     
     
       8. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
 a housing having an exterior surface; 
 a connector plug protruding from the exterior surface; and 
 an actuator coupled to the connector plug and adapted to position the connector plug in a first position in which a distal end of the connector plug protrudes a first distance beyond the exterior surface before the portable electronic device is mated with the connector plug, and a second position in which the distal end of the connector plug protrudes a second distance beyond the exterior surface after the portable electronic device is mated with the connector plug wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance; 
 wherein the actuator includes a linkage securing the connector plug to the housing, wherein when the connector plug is in the first position a first end of the linkage is supported by a ledge and when the connector plug is in the second position the first end of the linkage is moved off of the ledge and into a depression. 
 
     
     
       9. The docking station of  claim 8  wherein the actuator is configured to retain the connector plug in the first position before a mating event and allow the connector plug to move to the second position after a mating event. 
     
     
       10. The docking station of  claim 8  wherein the actuator is configured to position the connector plug approximately perpendicular to the exterior surface in the first position and tilt the connector plug relative to the exterior surface in the second position. 
     
     
       11. The docking station of  claim 8  wherein the actuator is configured to retract and tilt the connector plug relative to the housing. 
     
     
       12. The docking station of  claim 8  wherein the actuator includes a tension spring that resists retraction of the connector plug within the housing and is configured to return the connector plug to an unmated position after the electronic device is demated from the connector plug. 
     
     
       13. The docking station of  claim 8  wherein the linkage has a pivot on a second end and a tension spring attached to the first end. 
     
     
       14. The docking station of  claim 13  wherein the pivot is configured to allow the linkage to translate and rotate.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to docking stations for portable electronic devices and in particular to docking stations for electronic devices that are aesthetically pleasing and can accommodate protective outer cases on the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently there are a wide variety of known electronic device docks that include a connector for electrically connecting to the electronic device. The connection between the dock and the electronic device may be established to provide power, to transfer data or other information, or for any other suitable reason. Consumers may equip their electronic devices with an outer protective case to protect them from damage. Myriad cases are available having a large range of dimensions and thicknesses. Some relatively thick cases may require the connector within the dock to extend a large distance from the dock to enable the electronic device to fully mate with the connector. If the dock is designed with such a connector, the use of a relatively thin case or no case at all may result in an unsightly gap between the electronic device and the docking station. 
     New docking stations may require new features to accommodate electronic devices with and without protective cases while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention pertain to docking stations for electronic devices. In some embodiments the docking station may be configured to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance while accommodating electronic devices with and without protective cases. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a docking station having a housing with an exterior surface and a connector plug protruding from the exterior surface. The connector plug may be configured to retract within the housing after a mating event such that a protrusion length of the plug after the mating event is less than a protrusion length before the mating event. Further embodiments may employ an actuator disposed within the housing and coupled to the connector plug. The actuator may be configured to retain the connector plug in a first position before a mating event and allow the connector plug to move to a second position after a mating event to minimize the gap between the electronic device and the docking station. 
     Some embodiments relate to a docking station having an outer housing encompassing an inner base. The outer housing may be configured to vertically and/or horizontally translate relative to the inner base. A connector plug may be secured to the inner base and protrude through an aperture in the outer housing such that a mating event of the portable electronic device to the connector plug causes the outer housing to vertically translate towards the inner base such that a protrusion length of the connector plug from the outer housing after the mating event is greater than a protrusion length before the mating event. 
     Further embodiments relate to docking stations having temporary latch mechanisms configured to secure the outer housing in a vertical position relative to the inner base after a mating event. In some embodiments the temporary latch mechanism may be released by a magnet placed proximate the outer housing, by pushing the outer housing towards the inner base or by pushing a button or other actuator on the docking station. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present invention. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of electronic devices with and without covers along with a docking station according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a docking station with an electronic device being mated to it; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 2  after the electronic device is mated and released by the user; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view the docking station shown in  FIGS. 2-3  with an electronic device having a cover, mated to the docking station and released by the user; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a docking station with an electronic device being mated to it; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 5  after the electronic device is mated; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a docking station with an electronic device being mated to it; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 7  after the electronic device is mated; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a docking station having different connector inserts; and 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  are perspective views of different connector inserts for the docking station shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to docking stations for electronic devices. While the present invention can be useful for a wide variety of docking stations, some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for docking stations that can be used with electronic devices that may employ protective cases, as described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular docking station  100  that may accommodate electronic devices with and without protective cases while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Docking station  100  may also accommodate electronic devices with different case configurations and thicknesses, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Docking station  100  has a housing  105  with an exterior surface  110  and a plug connector  120  protruding from the exterior surface and configured to mate with an electronic device.  FIG. 1  illustrates two electronic devices  125 ,  130  that are configured to mate with docking station  100 . The primary difference between electronic devices  125 ,  130  is that electronic device  125  has no case and electronic device  130  has a case  135 . Case  135  may have one or more openings so features of electronic device  130  may be accessed, as discussed in more detail below. Electronic device  125  includes a multipurpose button  140  as an input component, a touch screen display  145  as both an input and output component, and a speaker  150  as an output component, all of which are housed within device housing  155 . Device  125  also includes a receptacle connector  160  within device housing  155 . Receptacle connector  160  can be positioned within device housing  155  and configured to mate with corresponding plug connector  120  of docking station  100 . 
     Electronic device  130  with case  135  is configured similar to electronic device  125 , with a multipurpose button  140   a , touch screen display  145   a , speaker  150   a  and receptacle connector  160   a , however electronic device  130  additionally has protective case  135  surrounding a substantial portion of the exterior of the device. Protective case  135  is for illustrative purposes only and myriad protective cases, including cases of different thicknesses, may be used without departing from the invention. Case  135  may have an opening  161   a  so receptacle connector  160   a  may be accessed for communication and/or charging. Case  135  may be removable and may be made from plastic and/or elastomeric materials. 
     For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components of electronic devices  125 ,  130  and docking station  100  are not shown in  FIG. 1 . Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use with docking stations that are configured to be aesthetically pleasing (e.g., no gap between the electronic device and the docking station) when mated to electronic devices with or without cases. Additionally, in some embodiments, the docking station may provide improved usability of the electronic device by positioning it at an angle when docked for improved viewing and user access. 
     In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of docking stations according to the present invention, further context for the invention is provided in the following section by discussing one particular implementation of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , a simplified partial cross-sectional view of receptacle connector  160  of electronic device  125  being mated to plug connector  120  of docking station  100  is illustrated. A gap  255  between electronic device  125  and exterior surface  110  of docking station  100  may result and be aesthetically undesirable. In addition, electronic device  125  is oriented approximately perpendicular to docking station  100  which may make display  145  more difficult to see and make the device more difficult for the user to interact with. Docking station  100  is configured to eliminate or minimize gap  255  improving the aesthetic appearance, and in some embodiments may also tilt electronic device  125  rearward to improve the viewing angle for the user improving their ability to interact with the device. 
     Exterior surface  110  of docking station has an aperture  205  through which plug connector  120  protrudes to mate with electronic device  125 . Plug connector  120  is secured to an actuator  200  that enables docking station  100  to eliminate gap  255  and tilt electronic device  125 . Actuator  200  comprises a linkage  210  having a first end  215  coupled to tension spring  220  and a second end  225  having a pivot  230 . In some embodiments pivot  230  can both rotate and translate in slot  235  of track  240 . First end  215  of linkage  210  is supported by ledge  245  of track  240  so that electronic device  125  can be mated with plug connector  120 . In the state illustrated in  FIG. 2 , plug connector  120  has a first protrusion length  250  and is oriented approximately perpendicular to exterior surface  110  of housing  105 . Protrusion length  250  may be determined by measuring from a distal end  260  of plug connector  120  to exterior surface  110 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3 , a simplified partial cross-sectional view of electronic device  125  after being mated to docking station  100  and released by the user is illustrated. The weight of electronic device  125  has overcome the force in tension spring  220  allowing linkage  210  to translate to the right and rotate about pivot  230 . In other embodiments a user may push down on electronic device  125 . Further, first end  215  of linkage  210  has traveled downward along track  240  into well  305  until the bottom of electronic device  125  rests against exterior surface  110  of housing  105 . Thus, the bottom surface of electronic device  125  acts as a travel stop so gap  255  between electronic device  125  and dock  100  may be reduced or completely eliminated, resulting in improved aesthetics. Plug connector  120  has retracted within housing  105  such that plug connector  120  protrudes a second protrusion length  310  from exterior surface  110  of housing  105 . As illustrated, second protrusion length  310  (see  FIG. 3 ) is less than first protrusion length  250  (see  FIG. 2 ). Further, in some embodiments, electronic device  125  may be tilted relative to exterior surface  110  of housing  105  making display  145  more readable and accessible. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , an electronic device  130  with outer case  135  is mated to docking station  100 . This illustration demonstrates how docking station  100  accommodates both electronic devices without cases as well as those with cases.  FIG. 4  is identical to  FIG. 3 , except electronic device  130  is fitted with case  135 . The weight of electronic device  130  has overcome the force in tension spring  220  allowing linkage  210  to translate to the right and rotate about pivot  230 . Further, first end  215  of linkage  210  has traveled downward along track  240  into well  305  until the bottom of case  135  rests against exterior surface  110  of housing  105 . Thus, the bottom surface of case  135  acts as a travel stop so gap  255  between electronic device  130  and dock  100  may be reduced or completely eliminated, resulting in improved aesthetics. Because actuator  200  employs the bottom of electronic device  125  (or the bottom of case  135  if so equipped) as a travel stop, gap  255  will be eliminated regardless of whether or not case  135  is used and, within certain limits, regardless of the thickness of the case. Protrusion length  315  of plug connector  120  is greater than protrusion length  310  in  FIG. 3  because of the added thickness of case  135 . In further embodiments, electronic device  125 ,  130  may be tilted relative to exterior surface  110  of housing  105  making display  145 ,  145   a  more readable and accessible. 
     To undock electronic device  125 ,  130 , a user may apply an upward force to the electronic device which will cause first end  215  of linkage  210  to travel out of well  305  and up to ledge  245 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Once receptacle connector  160 ,  160   a  of electronic device  125 ,  130  is demated, tension spring  220  retains actuator  200  in the unmated position illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Thus, actuator  200  with tension spring  220  is configured to retain connector plug  120  in the first position (i.e., as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) before a mating event and allow the connector plug to move to the second position (i.e., as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) after a mating event. 
     In some embodiments aperture  205  may have one or more tapers  206  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4  to minimize the size of the opening on exterior surface  110  and to provide an adequate range of motion for plug connector  120 . Tapered aperture  205  may also result in improved aesthetics by having minimal clearance between exterior surface  110  of housing  105  and connector plug  120 . Other aperture  205  shapes may be used including rectangular, radiused and curved edges. In some embodiments a flexible insert may be employed such as an elastomeric grommet disposed within aperture  205  and around plug connector  120 . 
     In some embodiments plug connector  120  may be an eight contact axisymmetric dual orientation plug connector. One embodiment may employ a connector as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,745 which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. Plug connector  120  may include a connector tab  405  that extends from linkage  210 . Connector tab  405  may include a first mating surface and in some embodiments may include a second mating surface (not shown). A plurality of electrical contacts  165 ( 1 ) . . .  165 ( 8 ) (see  FIG. 1 ) may be disposed at the first and second mating surfaces. In some embodiments, electrical contacts  165 ( 1 ) . . .  165 ( 8 ) may be disposed on only one mating surface, particularly in embodiments employed in docking stations as the electronic device is always mated in the same orientation. Other embodiments may employ different plugs such as a 30-pin connector or USB type connector. 
     Although electronic devices  125 ,  130  (see  FIG. 1 ) are described and illustrated as one particular electronic device, embodiments of the invention are suitable for use with a multiplicity of electronic devices that are matable with a docking station. For example, any device that receives or transmits audio, video or data signals may be used with the invention. In some instances, embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited for use with portable electronic media devices because of their potentially small form factor and their use with docking stations. As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that may be used to present human-perceivable media. Such devices may include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple&#39;s iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., smart telephones such as Apple&#39;s iPhone devices), video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, as well as tablet (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPad devices), laptop or other mobile computers. Some of these devices may be configured to provide audio, video or other data or sensory output. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of a docking station  500  that may be used to improve the aesthetics and/or usability of an electronic device  130  mated with it is illustrated. Docking station  500  employs a different mechanism than docking station  100  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ), however it also accommodates electronic devices without cases as well as those with cases while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.  FIG. 5  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view of receptacle connector  160   a  of electronic device  130  with case  135  being mated to plug connector  520  of docking station  500 . Plug connector  520  protrudes through aperture  505  disposed in docking station  500 . Plug connector  520  is secured to translatable plate  580  disposed within housing  510  of docking station. Translatable plate  580  slides vertically along one or more guides  585  and is configured to allow connector plug  520  to move along a substantially rectilinear path. Translatable plate  580  has a tab  590  resting on a support  595  which is connected to a plunger  596  of a solenoid  597 . In this configuration plug connector  520  is supported in an extended position having a first protrusion length  550  above exterior surface  515  of housing  510 . Electronic device  130  may be mated to docking station  500  by mating receptacle connector  160   a  of electronic device  130  with plug connector  520  of the docking station. Gap  555  between electronic device  130  case  135  and exterior surface  515  of housing  510  may be aesthetically undesirable. 
     In this embodiment the mating event may be electrically detected by electronic device  130  and/or docking station  500  and solenoid  597  may be commanded to extend plunger  596 .  FIG. 6  illustrates plunger  596  in an extended position such that tab  590  of translatable plate  580  no longer rests on support  595 . The weight of electronic device  130  causes translatable plate  590  to travel downward along guides  585  until the bottom surface of case  135  of electronic device  130  rests on exterior surface  515  of housing  510 . Gap  555  between case  135  and dock  500  may be reduced or completely eliminated, resulting in improved aesthetics. As illustrated above, because the bottom surface of the case is used as a travel stop, gap  555  will be eliminated regardless of whether or not case  135  is used and, within certain limits, regardless of the thickness of the case. Further, in some embodiments, electronic device  130  may be tilted relative to exterior surface  515  of housing  510  making display  145  more readable and accessible. In other embodiments electronic device  130  may not be tilted and may be substantially perpendicular to exterior surface  515  of housing  510 . 
       FIG. 6  further illustrates plug connector  520  refracted within housing  510  such that the plug connector protrudes a second protrusion length  650  from exterior surface  515  of housing  510 , wherein the second protrusion length is less than first protrusion length  550 . During a demating event, a user may apply a vertical force to electronic device  130  pulling receptacle connector  160   a  and translatable plate  580  upwards along guides  585 . The demating event may be electrically detected by electronic device  130  and/or docking station  500  and solenoid  597  may be commanded to retract plunger  596 . Receptacle connector  160   a  may be fully demated from plug connector  520  and tab  590  of translatable plate  580  may again rest on support  595 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of a docking station  700  that may be used to improve the aesthetics and/or usability of electronic device  130  mated with the dock is illustrated.  FIG. 7  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view of receptacle connector  160   a  of electronic device  130  with case  135  in the process of being mated to plug connector  720  of docking station  700 . Plug connector  720  protrudes through aperture  705  disposed in housing  710  of docking station  700 . Plug connector  720  is secured to inner base  770  of housing  710  of docking station  700 . Inner base  770  has one or more pins  775  disposed in guides  780  coupled to outer housing  785  that allow the outer housing to vertically translate relative to inner base  770  (i.e., pins  775  slide in guides  780 ). In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , guides  780  may be oriented at an angle such that outer housing  785  translates both vertically and horizontally relative to inner base  770 . The horizontal movement may be beneficial when aperture  705  is relatively small and connector plug  720  is mounted on an angle, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The angular movement of outer housing  785  may then allow aperture  705  to follow the angle of plug connector  720  when it moves relative to inner base  770 . In some embodiments outer housing  785  may be supported above inner base  770  by one or more compression springs (not shown) or other feature.  FIG. 7  shows plug connector  720  in a retracted position having a first protrusion length  750  above an exterior surface  715  of housing  710 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 8 , electronic device  130  is illustrated fully mated to docking station  700  (i.e., receptacle connector  160   a  of electronic device  130  is fully mated with plug connector  720  of docking station  700 ). Outer housing  785  has been forced by case  135  to translate downward toward inner base  770 . Connector plug  720  now has a second protrusion length  850  that is greater than first protrusion length  750  (see  FIG. 7 ) such that receptacle connector  160   a  and plug connector  720  are fully mated. Because the bottom surface of case  135  is used to move outer housing  785 , there will be no gap between the case and the outer housing regardless of whether or not case  135  is used and, within certain limits, regardless of the thickness of the case. Further, electronic device  130  may be tilted relative to exterior surface  715  of housing  710 , making display  145   a  more readable and accessible. In some embodiments inner base may have an elastomeric pad  790  adhered to it. 
     In some embodiments, when electronic device  130  is demated from connector plug  720 , outer housing  785  is forced by one or more compression springs (not shown) or other feature upward away from inner base  770  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     In other embodiments outer housing  785  may be temporarily latched in a depressed position by a mechanism configured to secure the outer housing&#39;s  785  vertical position relative to inner base  770 . More specifically, outer housing  785  may be vertically depressed towards inner base  770  and latched into a depressed position such that when electronic device  130  is demated, the outer housing remains in the depressed position and does not vertically translate upward. Because the bottom surface of case  135  is used to depress outer housing  785  to a position where it is secured, there will be no gap between the device and the housing for that particular electronic device configuration without having to depress outer housing  785  every mate cycle. 
     Myriad latch mechanisms may be employed including, but not limited to, the following. In one embodiment the latch mechanism may employ a ratcheting catch (not shown) that is released when a magnet is placed proximate outer housing  785 . A ratchet is a mechanical device that allows linear motion in only one direction (i.e., outer housing  785  translating towards inner base  770 ) while preventing motion in the opposite direction (i.e., the outer housing translating away from inner base  770 ). A ratchet may allow outer housing  785  to be temporarily secured in a wide range of positions relative to inner base  770  such that myriad combinations of electronic devices with and without cases may be used. In another embodiment the temporary latch mechanism may be released by depressing outer housing  785  a greater distance towards inner base  770 , similar to the way some residential cabinet latches operate. In further embodiments, the temporary latch mechanism may be released by the pressing a button, lever or other actuator on docking station  700 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of a docking station  900  that may be used to improve the aesthetics and/or usability of a mated electronic device is illustrated. Docking station  900  may be configured to receive connector insert  905  in aperture  930 . Connector insert  905  may have a connector base  920  electrically and physically coupled to a connector plug  910  that is configured to interface with a receptacle connector in an electronic device. Connector base  920  may have an interface connector, discussed below, such as Apple&#39;s MagSafe, pin and socket, blade, USB or other type that interfaces with a corresponding connector (not shown) in aperture  930  of docking station  900 . Plug connector  910  may extend from connector base  920  of connector insert  905  and may be configured to have different protrusion lengths  915  from exterior surface  925  of docking station  900 . The appropriate protrusion length  915  of plug connector  910  may be chosen by a user such that when an electronic device is mated with docking station  900 , no gap exists between the electronic device and dock  900 , as discussed above. 
     The elimination and/or minimization of such a gap may result in improved aesthetics. Further, docking station  900  and connector insert  905  may be configured to tilt the electronic device relative to exterior surface  925 , making the device display more readable and accessible.  FIG. 10  illustrates a connector insert  1000  having a first protrusion length  1015  and  FIG. 11  illustrates a connector insert  1100  having a second protrusion length  1115  where the first protrusion length is greater than the second protrusion length. Connector insert  1000  has an interface connector  1020 , providing an electrical interface to docking station  900 . Connector insert  1100  also has an interface connector  1120 , providing an electrical interface to docking station  900 . 
     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140930
Publication Date: 20171003
Grant Date: 20171003
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: ARDISANA, II JOHN B.
SIAHAAN EDWARD
GOLKO ALBERT J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55584309