PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9723730-B2
Application Number: US-57118309-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Beam bar snap in an electronic device

Abstract:
This is directed to a hook and receiving element combination for securing components forming the shell of an electronic device. The receiving element can include a beam connected to the outer shell component and operative to deflect as the hook element approaches the receiving element. To limit deflections of the outer shell component, the beam can be restrained at opposing ends in directions perpendicular to the beam length, but free to slide along the beam axis. In some embodiments, the receiving element can include a lip for guiding the deflection of the beam as the beam contacts the hook element. In particular, the lip can ensure that the beam deflects at an angle relative to the hook element motion such that a smaller hook element motion is required to engage the beam.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for coupling first and second electronic device outer shell elements, comprising:
 a first outer shell element comprising:
 a post extending from a surface of the outer shell element; and 
 a protrusion extending from the post, the protrusion defining a recess; and 
 
 a second outer shell element comprising:
 a base coupled to a surface of the second outer shell element; 
 at least two coupling elements directly extending from an edge of the base, the at least two coupling elements formed from the edge of the base; and 
 a beam bar constrained by the at least two coupling elements, wherein the beam bar is operative to deflect as the protrusion passes by the beam bar when the post is inserted adjacent to the base. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second outer shell further comprises: a ramp operative to direct the deflection of the beam bar. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein: the ramp angle and size is selected based on a desired deflection of the beam bar. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 2 , wherein: the ramp constrains the beam bar to deflect at a substantially large angle relative to the movement of the movement of the protrusion within the device outer shell. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 2 , wherein: the ramp and at least two coupling elements extend from a common edge of the base. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein: the beam bar is secured in one of the at least two coupling elements to prevent the beam bar from moving laterally along a beam bar axis. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein: the beam bar is secured in the one of the at least two coupling elements by crimping the one of the at least two coupling elements around the beam bar. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 6 , wherein: the beam bar is free to move laterally along the beam bar axis in the remaining of the at least two coupling elements. 
     
     
       9. A receiving element used for coupling a bezel to a housing, comprising:
 a base plate; 
 at least one coupling element directly extending from an edge of the base plate, the at least one coupling element formed from the edge of the base plate, the at least one coupling element extending out of the plane of the base plate; and 
 a beam bar operative to deflect, the beam bar secured at within the at least one coupling element, wherein the beam bar is substantially parallel to the edge of the base plate and operative to bend towards the edge of the base plate. 
 
     
     
       10. The receiving element of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a chamfer along the edge of the base plate, the chamfer extending adjacent to the beam bar; and 
 a ramp extending from the plane of the base plate towards the beam bar, the ramp defining a chamfered edge operative to deflect the beam bar towards the chamfer. 
 
     
     
       11. The receiving element of  claim 10 , wherein: the chamfer and the ramp define a substantially continuous surface for directing the deflection of beam bar. 
     
     
       12. The receiving element of  claim 9 , further comprising: two coupling elements positioned along the edge of the base plate; and wherein the beam bar is constrained by the two coupling elements. 
     
     
       13. The receiving element of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the beam bar is prevented from moving laterally in the direction of a beam bar axis by one of the two coupling elements; and 
 the beam bar is free to move laterally in the direction of the beam bar axis in the other of the two coupling elements. 
 
     
     
       14. The receiving element of  claim 13 , wherein: as the beam bar bends towards the edge of the plate, a portion of the beam bar moves laterally partially out of the other of the two coupling elements. 
     
     
       15. The receiving element of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one coupling element comprises first and second coupling elements positioned along the edge of the base plate and the beam bar comprises a first beam bar and a second beam bar wherein a first end of the first beam bar is secured within the first coupling element and
 a first end of the second beam bar is secured within the second coupling element such that the free ends of the first and second beam bars extend towards the second and first coupling elements, respectively. 
 
     
     
       16. The receiving element of  claim 15 , wherein: the free ends of the first and second beam bars do not overlap. 
     
     
       17. A method for assembling an electronic device shell, comprising:
 aligning a hook element extending from a bezel with a receiving element of a housing; 
 inserting the hook element within an opening in the receiving element; 
 causing a beam bar of the receiving element that is constrained by at least two coupling elements directly extending from an edge of the receiving element, the at least two coupling elements formed from the edge of the receiving element, to deflect due to contact with the hook element, wherein the direction of the beam bar deflection is in a direction substantially opposite the movement of the hook element as it is inserted; and 
 allowing the beam bar to return to its initial position to engage the hook element once the hook element has been sufficiently inserted within the receiving element. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising: directing the deflection of the beam bar in the direction substantially opposite the movement of the hook element via a ramp built into the receiving element. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising: causing at least one end of the beam bar to travel laterally along a beam bar axis. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising: aligning a plurality of hook elements with a plurality of complimentary receiving elements.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This is directed to a beam bar snapping mechanism for coupling components of a handheld electronic device. In particular, this is directed to a beam bar snap for coupling an electronic device bezel to an electronic device housing. 
     A portable electronic device can include several components defining the outer shell of the device. For example, the electronic device can include a housing that is coupled to a bezel substantially forming the external surfaces of the device. Each of the housing and bezel can be coupled to secondary components as part of the outer shell. For example, the housing can include a plastic cover positioned adjacent to an antenna, and the bezel can be coupled to a glass window under which display circuitry is provided. 
     The components forming the outer shell of the device can be connected using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, secondary components can be incorporated between the outer shell components in the assembly. For example, a spring element can be used to connect engaging members of a bezel and of a housing. In some embodiments, one of the components of the outer shell can include an engaging member operative to engage a corresponding member or element of the other outer shell component. For example, a bezel can include a hook for engaging a corresponding recess or notch in a housing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This is directed to deflecting beam bar for receiving a snap to engage outer shell components of an electronic device. In particular, this is directed to a beam bar coupled to a device housing for receiving a hook extending from a bezel that engages the device housing. 
     The outer shell of an electronic device can be formed by engaging a bezel with a housing. The bezel and housing can include complimentary elements (e.g., a hook element and a receiving element) such that a hook element of one engages a receiving element of the other. The hook element can be constructed in any suitable manner, including for example as an offshoot or hook extending from a post connected to the surface of the bezel or housing. 
     The receiving element can be constructed from any suitable element operative to receive the offshoot of the hook element. To limit or reduce the stress on the outer shell component, the receiving element can include a beam connected to the outer shell component and operative to deflect as the hook element approaches the receiving element. For example, the beam can be restrained at opposing ends in directions perpendicular to the beam length, but free to slide along the beam axis to ensure that the only the beam deflects, and not the portions of the outer shell element restraining the beam. 
     The portions of the receiving element restraining the beam deflection can include several features for guiding the hook element as it engages the receiving element. In one embodiment, the receiving element can include a lip for guiding the deflection of the beam as the beam contacts the hook element. In particular, the lip can ensure that the beam deflects substantially perpendicular or at an angle to the hook element motion such that a smaller hook element motion is required to engage the beam. 
     To assist in servicing the electronic device, the hook element and receiving element can be tuned to define the particular force at which the hook element releases the receiving element. In addition, the number and position of the hook elements and receiving elements can be tuned based on the desired retaining force for the device. In one implementation, the engaging force can be selected such that the outer shell components can be removed using a suction-applied force. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top of view an illustrative bezel and housing forming an electronic device outer shell in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a typical hook element engaged to a receiving element; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the engaged hook and receiving elements of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an illustrative hook element and receiving element engagement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an illustrative receiving element for use with a hook element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of another perspective of the receiving element of  FIG. 6  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the receiving element base of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  when engaging a hook element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  coupled to an enclosure element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  when engaged to a hook element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for engaging hook and receiving elements in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of another illustrative example of a receiving element for use with a hook element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic device can include an outer shell in which electronic device components can be secured and protected. The outer shell can be constructed from several components that engage one another using complimentary engaging elements. For example, an outer shell can include a bezel having a hook element that engages a fastening element of a housing. The fastening element can include any suitable feature for engaging the hook element, including for example a deflecting beam bar that is coupled to the housing. The beam bar can be constrained within a retaining element such that the beam bar deflects without causing the housing to deflect. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device  100  can include housing  110 , bezel  112 , and window  120 . Bezel  112  can be coupled to housing  110  in a manner to secure window  120  to the bezel. Housing  110  and bezel  112  can be constructed from any suitable material, including for example plastic, metal, or a composite material. In one implementation, housing  110  can be constructed from plastic or aluminum, and bezel  112  can be constructed from stainless steel. Window  120  can be constructed from any suitable transparent or translucent material, including for example glass or plastic. Different electronic device components can be retained within electronic device  100  to provide different functionality to the user. 
     The housing and bezel can be coupled using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the housing and bezel can include one or more complimentary features for engaging the bezel to the housing.  FIG. 2  is a top of view an illustrative bezel and housing forming an electronic device outer shell in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Housing  210  and bezel  240  can have any suitable shape or dimension, including for example shapes determined by an industrial design department. For example, the housing and bezel can have rounded shapes and be finished to provide an aesthetically pleasing device. The portions of housing  210  and bezel  240  that come into contact can be sized or finished such that the interface between the housing and bezel are seamless. In particular, the housing and bezel can be constructed such that a user passing a finger over the interface cannot or substantially cannot detect the interface. 
     Housing  210  can engage bezel  240  using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, housing  210  and bezel  240  can include complimentary elements extending from the housing and bezel and operative to engage. For example, housing  210  can include receiving elements  222 ,  228 ,  230  and  232 , and bezel  240  can include complimentary hook elements  252 ,  258 ,  260  and  262  operative to engage the respective receiving elements. Receiving elements  222 ,  228 ,  230  and  232  can be substantially identical or instead only include few common features. Receiving element  222  can include retaining element  223  to which beam bar  224  is coupled to form opening  225 . To ensure that a hook element can engage beam bar  224 , receiving element can include free space between beam bar  224  and the bottom surface of housing  210 . Retaining element  223  can be integrated with housing  210  using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, retaining element  223  can include a distinct component coupled to the housing (e.g., using an adhesive, solder, welding, heat staking, or a mechanical fastener). Alternatively, retaining element can be manufactured within housing  210  (e.g., using molding, machining, or casting). Beam bar  224  can be coupled to retaining element  224  such that the beam bar can deflect when a hook element engages the receiving element. In particular, beam bar  224  can be secured at only one end to ensure that the beam can easily deflect. The size (e.g., length and diameter or cross-section) and material used for the beam can be selected or tuned based on a desired retention force for housing  210  and bezel  240 . Receiving element  228 ,  230  and  232  can include some or all of the described features of receiving element  222 . 
     Hook elements  252 ,  258 ,  260  and  262  can include posts from which hook elements extend. The posts can be sized such that at least a portion of each post extends into the opening of a complimentary receiving element (e.g., opening  224 ). The hook elements can be sized and positioned along the posts such that the hook elements can extend below a beam bar (e.g., beam bar  223 ) and engage the beam bar. This can ensure that each hook element properly engages a corresponding receiving element. 
     The hook elements and corresponding receiving elements can be positioned at any suitable location in the enclosure components. In some embodiments, the hook and receiving elements can be positioned such that the enclosure bezel can be coupled to the enclosure housing in only a single orientation. In particular, the receiving elements can be positioned asymmetrically. In the particular example of  FIG. 2 , receiving elements  230  and  232  are placed adjacent to one another along an edge of housing  210 , which bezel  240  includes corresponding hook elements  252  and  258  also placed adjacent to one another on the opposite edge of the bezel. Receiving elements  222  and  228 , and hook elements  260  and  262  are positioned apart from one another, but such that receiving elements  222  and  230 , and hook elements  252  and  260  are substantially aligned within the respective housing and bezel. This can ensure that receiving elements  258  and  262 , and hook elements  228  and  232  are asymmetrical, and would not engage complimentary elements should bezel  240  be placed upside down over housing  210 . 
     Although the implementation of  FIG. 2  has receiving and hook elements on opposite sides or ends of the enclosure elements, the receiving and hook elements can be distributed along the enclosure elements in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, only a single receiving and hook element can be used, or receiving and hook elements of different sizes can be used. Alternatively, one or more hook and receiving elements can be used on one or more sides of the bezel and housing. For example, one or more receiving or hook elements can be used on opposite sides, adjacent sides, or combinations of these of the housing and bezel. In addition, one or more of the housing and bezel can be modulable and used with other types of housings and bezels to form different device enclosures. To ensure that a single housing or bezel and be used in a variety of products, the housing or bezel can include receiving or hook elements that are not used in every device enclosure (e.g., an extra receiving element in a housing that is used with a first type of bezel but not with a second type of bezel. 
     The hook and receiving elements can have any suitable configuration.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a typical hook element engaged to a receiving element.  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the engaged hook and receiving elements of  FIG. 3 . Assembly  300  can include hook element  310  engaged with receiving element  330 . Hook element  310  can include body  312  from which post  314  can extend. Post  314  can include a discrete protrusion or wall or other extended post. Post  314  can have any suitable dimension or cross section, including for example a smaller cross section than body  312  so that post  314  can deflect when positioned over receiving element  330 . Post  314  can extend from body  312  at any suitable angle, including for example at substantially an orthogonal angle, or at an angle set by constraints of the device enclosure (e.g., at an angle to fit particular device components within the enclosure). 
     To engage an edge of receiving element  330 , hook element  310  can include angled protrusion  320  defining recess  322  into which receiving element  330  can fit. Protrusion  320  can include bevel or chamfered edge  324  culminating in point  326  for guiding receiving element  330  past protrusion  320  and into recess  322 . The length and angle of edge  324  can be selected based on any suitable criteria, including for example the required force and displacement to engage hook element  310  with receiving element  330 , and the retaining force of the hook element (e.g., the force required to disengage hook element  310  from receiving element  330 ). 
     Receiving element  330  can include exposed edge  332  sized to be received within recess  322  and to engage protrusion  320 . In some embodiments, receiving element  330  can be incorporated within the device housing or bezel (e.g., as an internal feature within the enclosure element). In the particular design described in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , receiving element  330  is substantially fixed and hook element  310  deflects as the hook and receiving elements engage. This may put stress on post  314 , as well as on interface  313  between body  312  and post  314 . In addition, the deflection of post  314  can cause damage or deflection in the bezel or housing in which hook element  310  is constructed, which can further detract from the aesthetic appeal of the device enclosure. To ensure that hook element  310  does not fail, interface  313  may be reinforced, which in turn can increase manufacturing complexity and cost. An alternative approach in which another component deflects without affecting the external enclosure elements may then be desirable. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an illustrative hook element and receiving element engagement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Device  500  can include hook element  510  engaged to receiving element  530 . Hook element  510  can include some or all of the features of hook element  310  described above. In some embodiments, hook element  510  can be incorporated in or connected to an interior surface of a device enclosure element (e.g., built into a bezel or housing). Receiving element  530  can be coupled to device enclosure element  560  using any suitable approach, including for example by welding, an adhesive, a fastener, or another approach. 
     Receiving element  530  can include base  532  used to connect receiving element  530  to enclosure element  560 . Base  532  can define a substantially planar element from which coupling ends  534  and  536  extend. Coupling ends  534  and  536  can include any suitable feature extending from the surface of base  532  for receiving and retaining beam bar  540 . In particular, coupling ends  534  and  536  can be positioned at opposite ends of base  532  and offset from the surface of the base such that beam bar  540  can deflect without being constrained by base  532 . 
     Beam bar  540  can be constrained between coupling ends  534  and  536  such that beam bar  540  can bend or deflect without causing base  532  to deflect. In particular, beam bar  540  can be secured to only one of coupling ends  534  and  536  such that beam bar  540  can deflect and move laterally within the other of the coupling ends. For example, beam bar  540  can be constrained to move laterally within a tube formed by one of coupling ends  534  and  536 . As another example, beam bar  540  can be constrained to move laterally within tubes of both coupling ends  534  and  536 , where the coupling ends limit the lateral travel of the beam bar to ensure that it remains within the coupling ends. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an illustrative receiving element for use with a hook element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7  is a schematic view of another perspective of the receiving element of  FIG. 6  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the receiving element base of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Receiving element  600  can include planar base  610  that can be coupled to an enclosure element using any suitable approach. For example, receiving element  600  can be coupled a housing wall via welding, an adhesive, a fastener (e.g., passing through opening  612 ), or any other suitable approach. Base  610  can include coupling elements  616  and  618  extending from opposite ends of base  610  and along an edge of base  610 . In particular, coupling elements  616  and  618  can extend out of the plane of base  610  such that beam bar  630  is offset from base  610  (e.g., out of the plane of base  610 ). Coupling elements  616  and  618  can be constructed using any suitable approach, including for example by rolling material to create a tube along an edge of base  610  or coupling a tube to the edge of base  610 . 
     Beam bar  630  can be placed between coupling elements  616  and  618  such that at least one end of beam bar  630  is free to be deflect laterally (e.g., along the edge of base  610 , along the axis of the beam bar). For example, beam bar  630  can be fixed to one of coupling elements  616  and  618  (e.g., by crimping the coupling element, using an adhesive, or a press fit) but free to slide within the other coupling element. As another example, beam bar  630  can be placed within coupling elements  616  and  618  such that neither coupling element prevents the beam bar from moving along the beam bar axis, but coupling elements  616  and  618  can include ends caps that retain beam bar  630  between the coupling elements. In some embodiments, beam bar  630  can instead or in addition be constructed from two distinct beam elements each coupled to one of coupling elements  616  and  618 , such that the two distinct beam elements meet in between the coupling elements (e.g., in the middle of base  610 , for example adjacent to ramp  620 ). 
     Beam bar  630  can be placed between coupling elements  616  and  618  such that at least one end of beam bar  630  is free to be deflect laterally (e.g., along the edge of base  610 , along the axis of the beam bar). For example, beam bar  630  can be fixed to one of coupling elements  616  and  618  (e.g., by crimping the coupling element, using an adhesive, or a press fit) but free to slide within the other coupling element. As another example, beam bar  630  can be placed within coupling elements  616  and  618  such that neither coupling element prevents the beam bar from moving along the beam bar axis, but coupling elements  616  and  618  can include ends caps that retain beam bar  630  between the coupling elements. In some embodiments (as illustrated in  FIG. 13 ), beam bar  630  can instead or in addition be constructed from two distinct beam elements each coupled to one of coupling elements  616  and  618 , such that the two distinct beam elements meet in between the coupling elements (e.g., in the middle of base  610 , for example adjacent to ramp  620 ). 
     When a hook element is placed over receiving element  600 , the hook element can cause beam bar  630  to deflect to engage the hook element.  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  when engaging a hook element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  coupled to an enclosure element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative receiving element of  FIG. 6  when engaged to a hook element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. To guide the deflection of beam bar  630 , receiving element  600  can include ramp  620  and chamfered wall  622  along the edge or side of base  610  that is adjacent to beam bar  630 . Ramp  620  can include a chamfered surface extending from the surface of base  610  towards beam bar  630  (e.g., extending in the same direction as coupling elements  616  and  618 ) such that when beam bar  630  is deflected by hook element  840 , beam bar  630  is redirected by ramp  620 . Chamfered wall  622  can be angled such that it is a continuation of ramp  620 . In particular, as hook element  840  moves into receiving element  610  in the direction indicated by arrow  850 , beam bar  630  can be deflected into ramp  620  by protrusion  842  of hook element  840 . Beam bar  630  can deflect away from protrusion  842  in a direction that is substantially not parallel to the direction of arrow  850 , for example in the direction indicated by arrow  852 , in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of arrow  852 , or any other non-parallel direction. 
     The length and angle of ramp  620  can be selected based on any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the ramp characteristics can be selected such that beam bar  630  deflects in a particular direction (e.g., at a substantially large angle relative to the motion of the hook element), or deflects by a particular amount. In some cases, the size and angle of protrusion  842  of hook element  840  can be tuned along with the characteristics of ramp  620  to define a particular displacement and angle of displacement of beam bar  630 . 
     Once protrusion  842  of hook element  840  passes beam bar  630 , no force may be applied to deflect beam bar along ramp  620 , and beam bar  630  may elastically return to its initial position. Beam bar  630 , however, may then engage a recession of hook element  840  (e.g., similar to the implementation described in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). This approach therefore ensures that the hook element can engage the receiving element without any or significant stresses being exerted on the device enclosure. In particular, enclosure element  802  may not deflect at all, as beam bar  630  alone deflects and moves laterally as a result of the deflecting within base  610 . 
     In some embodiments, enclosure element  802 , to which receiving element  600  is coupled, can include one or more features for allowing beam bar  630  to deflect upon insertion of hook element  840  in receiving element  600 . In one implementation, enclosure element  802  can include extension  804  or depression  806  for supporting receiving element  600 . In particular, receiving element  600  can be coupled to extension  804  such that depression  806  is located adjacent to ramp  620  and chamfer  622 , which can provide space into which beam bar  630  can deflect. In some cases, enclosure element  802  can include only one of extension  804  and depression  806 . 
     In some embodiments, receiving element can have other configurations for retaining a beam bar within an enclosure element such that a corresponding hook element can engage the beam bar. For example, the receiving element can include two posts extending substantially perpendicular from an inner surface of the enclosure element and retaining a beam bar between the two posts. The posts can retain the beam bar such that the beam bar can be displaced laterally as it bends. It will be understood, however that any other supporting structure for retaining a beam bar while allowing lateral displacement can be used for the receiving element. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for engaging hook and receiving elements in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Process  1200  can begin at step  1202 . At step  1204 , hook elements used to couple electronic device shell elements can be aligned with counterpart or corresponding receiving elements in an opposing shell device. For example, the hook elements embedded in or coupled to a device bezel can be positioned and aligned opposite receiving elements of a device housing. At step  1206 , the hook elements can be inserted in the receiving elements. For example, a tip of each hook element can be placed within an opening of a corresponding receiving element. At step  1208 , as the tip of the hook element engages the receiving element, the tip can contact a beam bar within the receiving element and cause the beam bar to deflect. In particular, the beam bar can deflect away from the hook element in a direction angled away from the direction of motion of the hook element, for example guided by a ramp within the receiving element. At step  1210 , the hook elements can engage the complimentary receiving elements to secure the device shell components to each other. For example, the hook elements can be inserted into the receiving elements such that the beam bar returns to its initial position and a protrusion of the hook element engages the beam bar. Process  1200  can then end at step  1212 . 
     The previously described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. It is understood that one or more features of an embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide systems and/or methods without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20090930
Publication Date: 20170801
Grant Date: 20170801
Priority Date: 20090930
Inventors: JENKS KENNETH A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/0013", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0252", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T403/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49876", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/15", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/15", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0252", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49876", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49876", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0252", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 43780568