PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9146588-B2
Application Number: US-201213632096-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Systems and methods for securing components of an electronic device

Abstract:
Systems and methods for securing components of an electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a housing having an opening, a cover resting on a portion of the electronic device in a first cover position within the opening, and a lock component configured to move within the housing from a first lock position to a second lock position for securing the cover in the first cover position.

Claims:
What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing defining an opening; 
 an electronic display cover disposed within the opening; 
 a threaded screw; and 
 a lock component defining a threaded opening engaged by the threaded screw, wherein rotation of the threaded screw causes the lock component to move within the housing from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the electronic display cover is secured within the opening, a direction of the movement of the lock component being aligned with an axis of rotation of the threaded screw. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic display cover rests on a portion of the lock component. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic display cover rests on a portion of the housing. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the electronic display cover comprises a cover retention feature; 
 the lock component comprises a lock retention feature; and 
 the lock retention feature engages the cover retention feature when the lock component is in the locked position. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing defines a tool opening positioned and sized to receive a tool that exerts a force upon the lock component to translates the lock component from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the electronic display cover retention feature comprises a hook; and 
 the lock retention feature comprises a shape configured to move within the hook when the lock component is moved to the locked position. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the electronic display cover is removable from the opening defined by the housing when the lock component is in the unlocked position; and 
 the electronic display cover is prevented from being removed from the opening when the lock component is in the locked position. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the threaded screw extends through a wall of the housing to engage the threaded opening of the lock component. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the electronic display cover is prevented from lateral movement within the opening when the lock component is in the unlocked position. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic display cover comprises a glass plate and a frame coupled to the glass plate. 
     
     
       11. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing, comprising a plurality of housing walls that cooperate to define an interior volume and a front opening leading into the interior volume; 
 a display assembly disposed within and filling the front opening; 
 a threaded fastener extending through an exterior housing wall of the plurality of housing walls; and 
 a lock component disposed within the interior volume, the lock component defining a threaded opening engaged by threads of the threaded fastener, wherein rotation of the threaded fastener moves the lock component in a direction aliened with an axis of rotation of the threaded fastener between an unlocked position in which the display assembly is removable from the housing and a locked position in which the display assembly is secured to the housing within the front opening. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the housing defines a lip that supports a peripheral portion of the display assembly within the front opening. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the display assembly is stationary during movement of the lock component. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the display assembly comprises:
 a display component; 
 a cover overlaying the display component; and 
 a cover retention feature that engages the lock component when the lock component is in the locked position. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the cover retention feature comprises a hook that extends from the cover and into the interior volume defined by the housing. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein a wall of the housing defines a channel within which the lock component moves between the locked and unlocked positions. 
     
     
       17. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a device housing defining a channel and an opening; 
 an electronic display cover disposed within the opening and cooperating with the device housing to define an interior volume, the cover comprising a cover retention feature extending into the interior volume; 
 a device motion component extending through a wall of the device housing, the device motion component comprising an externally accessible head portion and a threaded portion; 
 a lock component disposed within the channel, the lock component comprising:
 a lock retention feature, and 
 a lock motion feature engaged with the device motion component, 
 
 wherein rotation of the head portion of the device motion component causes the threaded portion to interact with the lock motion feature to translate the lock component in a direction aligned with an axis of rotation of the device motion component between an unlocked position and a locked position, and wherein in the locked position the lock retention feature of the lock component cooperates with the cover retention feature of the electronic display cover to secure the electronic display cover within the opening. 
 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising a first end cap at a first end of the channel and a second end cap at a second end of the channel. 
     
     
       19. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the device motion component comprises a screw. 
     
     
       20. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the cover retention feature comprises a hook.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to systems and methods for securing components of an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Some electronic devices include a housing with an opening through which at least a portion of a device component may be provided. Often times, the device component may be somewhat fragile (e.g., made of glass), such that techniques for securing the component to the housing can create destructive strain or stress on the component. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Systems and methods for securing components of an electronic device are provided. 
     In some embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device that may include a housing having an opening, a cover resting on a portion of the electronic device in a first cover position within the opening, and a lock component configured to move within the housing from a first lock position to a second lock position for securing the cover in the first cover position. 
     In other embodiments, there may be provided a method of assembling an electronic device. The method may include providing a first lock path using at least a first path component of the electronic device, inserting a first lock component into the first lock path at a first end of the first lock path, positioning a cover assembly adjacent the first path component, and, after the positioning, moving the first lock component along the first lock path from a first position to a second position. The first lock component may allow movement of the cover assembly in a first direction with respect to the first path component when the first lock component is in the first position, and the first lock component may prevent movement of the cover assembly in the first direction with respect to the first path component when the first lock component is in the second position. 
     In yet other embodiments, there may be provided a method for securing a cover to an electronic device, where the electronic device may include a lock component within a housing having an opening. The method may include resting the cover in a first cover position on a portion of the electronic device within the opening, and, after the resting, moving the lock component from a first lock position to a second lock position for securing the cover in the first cover position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters may refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front, bottom, left perspective view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in a final stage of assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , taken from line IIA-IIA of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-2A , taken from line IIB-IIB of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front, bottom, left perspective view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in a first stage of assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are front, bottom, left perspective views of lock components of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-3 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front, bottom, left perspective view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-3 , in a second stage of assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front, bottom, left perspective view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-4 , in a third stage of assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is back, top, right perspective view of a cover assembly of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-5 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front, bottom, left perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-5 , in a fourth stage of assembly, but without a cover plate of the cover assembly for the sake of clarity, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-6 , taken from line VIA-VIA of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a front, bottom, left perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-6 , in a fifth stage of assembly, but without the cover plate of the cover assembly for the sake of clarity, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-7 , taken from line VIIA-VIIA of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are flowcharts of illustrative processes for securing a component of an electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Systems and methods for securing components of an electronic device are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 . 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  100  may be any portable, mobile, or hand-held electronic device. Alternatively, electronic device  100  may not be portable, but may instead be generally stationary. Electronic device  100  can include, but is not limited to, a music player (e.g., an iPod™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), video player, still image player, game player, other media player, music recorder, movie or video camera or recorder, still camera, other media recorder, radio, medical equipment, domestic appliance, transportation vehicle instrument, musical instrument, calculator, cellular telephone (e.g., an iPhone™ available by Apple Inc.), other wireless communication device, personal digital assistant, remote control, pager, computer (e.g., a desktop, laptop, server, etc.), tablet (e.g., an iPad™ available by Apple Inc.), monitor, television, stereo equipment, set up box, set-top box, boom box, modem, router, printer, and combinations thereof. In some cases, electronic device  100  may perform a single function (e.g., an electronic device dedicated to capturing images) and in other cases, electronic device  100  may perform several functions (e.g., an electronic device that captures images, plays music, displays video, stores pictures, and receives and transmits telephone calls). In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may be considered a miniature electronic device that may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held electronic devices, such as an iPod™. Illustrative miniature electronic devices can be integrated into various objects that include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or any combination thereof. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a processor or control circuitry  102 , memory  104 , communications circuitry  106 , a power supply  108 , an input component  110 , and an output component  112 . Electronic device  100  may also include a bus  114  that may provide one or more wired or wireless communication links or paths for transferring data and/or power to, from, or between various other components of device  100 . In some embodiments, one or more components of electronic device  100  may be combined or omitted. Moreover, electronic device  100  may include other components not combined or included in  FIG. 1 . For example, electronic device  100  may include motion-sensing circuitry, a compass, positioning circuitry, or several instances of the components shown in  FIG. 1 . For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Memory  104  may include one or more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (“RAM”), any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. Memory  104  may include cache memory, which may be one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data for electronic device applications. Memory  104  may store media data (e.g., music and image files), software (e.g., for implementing functions on device  100 ), firmware, preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable device  100  to establish a wireless connection), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), calendar information, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof. 
     Communications circuitry  106  may be provided to allow device  100  to communicate with one or more other electronic devices using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry  106  may support Wi-Fi (e.g., an 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth™, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”), BitTorrent™, file transfer protocol (“FTP”), real-time transport protocol (“RTP”), real-time streaming protocol (“RTSP”), secure shell protocol (“SSH”), any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. Communications circuitry  106  may also include circuitry that can enable device  100  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a host computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection. 
     Power supply  108  may provide power to one or more of the components of device  100 . In some embodiments, power supply  108  can be coupled to a power grid (e.g., when device  100  is not a portable device, such as a desktop computer). In some embodiments, power supply  108  can include one or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when device  100  is a portable device, such as a cellular telephone). As another example, power supply  108  can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using solar cells). 
     One or more input components  110  may be provided to permit a user to interact or interface with device  100 . For example, input component  110  can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, a touch pad, dial, click wheel, scroll wheel, touch screen, one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard), mouse, joy stick, track ball, microphone, camera, proximity sensor, light detector, motion sensor, and combinations thereof. Each input component  110  can be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating device  100 . 
     Electronic device  100  may also include one or more output components  112  that may present information (e.g., graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of device  100 . Output component  112  of electronic device  100  may take various forms, including, but not limited to, an audio speaker, headphone, audio line-out, video line-out, visual display, antenna, infrared port, rumbler, vibrator, and combinations thereof. Each output component  112  can be configured to provide information from one or more other components of device  100  (e.g., processor  102 ) to a user of device  100 . 
     It should be noted that one or more input components  110  and one or more output components  112  may sometimes be referred to collectively herein as an input/output (“I/O”) component or I/O interface. For example, input component  110  and output component  112  may sometimes be a single I/O component  103 , such as a touch screen, that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. 
     Processor  102  of device  100  may include any processing circuitry operative to control the operations and performance of one or more components of electronic device  100 . For example, processor  102  may be used to run operating system applications, firmware applications, graphics editing applications, media playback applications, media editing applications, or any other application. In some embodiments, processor  102  may receive input signals from input component  110  and/or drive output signals through output component  112 . Processor  102  may load a user interface program (e.g., a program stored in memory  104  or in another device or server accessible by device  100 ) to determine how instructions or data received via an input component  110  may manipulate the way in which information is stored and/or provided to the user via an output component  112 . 
     Electronic device  100  may also be provided with a housing  101  that may at least partially enclose one or more of the components of device  100  for protection from debris and other degrading forces external to device  100 . In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be provided within its own housing (e.g., input component  110  may be an independent keyboard or mouse within its own housing that may wirelessly or through a wire communicate with processor  102 , which may be provided within its own housing). 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fully assembled electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. As shown, electronic device  100  can include at least a first input component  110  and a first output component  112 . Moreover, as shown, electronic device  100  may also include a second input component  210  and a second output component  212 . In some embodiments, second input component  210  and second output component  212  may be an I/O component  203 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , housing  101  may at least partially enclose input component  110 , output component  112 , and I/O component  203  of device  100 . Housing  101  may be any suitable shape and may include any suitable number of walls. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, housing  101  may be of a generally hexahedral shape and may include a bottom wall  101 B, a top wall  101 T that may be opposite bottom wall  101 B, a left wall  101 L, a right wall  101 R that may be opposite left wall  101 L, a front wall  101 F, and a back wall  101 K that may be opposite front wall  101 F. As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, the size of device  100  may be defined along the X-axis by an overall housing width W of housing  101  that may extend between left surface  101 L and right surface  101 R, along the Y-axis by an overall housing length L of housing  101  that may extend between top surface  101 T and bottom surface  101 B, and along the Z-axis by an overall housing height H of housing  101  that may extend between front surface  101 F and back surface  101 K. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, first input component  110  may be a mechanical button assembly, and first output component  112  may be an audio jack assembly (e.g., for receiving a plug of a headset). Although, it is to be understood that in other embodiments, first input component  110  may be any other suitable type of input component and first output component  112  may be any other suitable type of output component. At least a portion of a cover assembly  205  may be positioned within an opening  209 , which may be provided through front surface  101 F of housing  101 , and a button  118  of first input component  110  may be positioned at least partially under or through an opening  109 , which may be provided through cover assembly  205 . First output component  112  may be positioned at least partially under or through an opening  113 , which may be provided through bottom surface  101 B of housing  101 . Although, in other embodiments, it is to be understood that each one of first input component  110  and second input component  112  may be provided through any other surface of housing  101 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, second input component  210  and second output component  212  of I/O component  203  may be a touch screen (e.g., a multi-touch screen), that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. For example, second input component  210  of I/O component  203  may be a touch assembly and second output component  212  of I/O component  203  may be a display assembly, where the display assembly and touch assembly may be integrated with one another and or provided in a stacked configuration (e.g., along the Z-axis). Display output component  212  may include any suitable type of display or interface for presenting visual data to a user. In some embodiments, display output component  212  may include a display embedded in device  100 . Display output component  212  may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light emitting diode (“LED”) display, an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display, a surface-conduction electron-emitter display (“SED”), a carbon nanotube display, a nanocrystal display, any other suitable type of display, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, display output component  212  may include display driver circuitry, circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. Display output component  212  can be operative to display content (e.g., media playback information, application screens for applications implemented on electronic device  100 , information regarding ongoing communications operations, information regarding incoming communications requests, device operation screens, etc.) that may be under the direction of processor  102 . Display output component  212  can be associated with any suitable characteristic dimensions that may define the size and shape of an active display region or viewable screen  207  that may be visible by a user of device  100  through a portion of cover assembly  205 . 
     Cover assembly  205  may include a cover plate  250  and a cover frame  240  that may be coupled to and support at least a portion of cover plate  250 . For example, in some embodiments, cover plate  250  may be formed by any suitable material or combination of materials, such as glass or any other at least partially transparent material, that may allow for active display region or viewable screen  207  to be visible by a user of device  100  through a portion of cover assembly  205 . Cover frame  240  may be any suitable material or combination of materials, such as insert molded plastic and/or metal, that may be coupled to cover plate  250  (e.g., via glue) and that may provide support for cover plate  250 . As shown, a front surface  250 F of cover plate  250  may form an exterior portion of cover assembly  205  that may be exposed to a user of device  100  (e.g., within opening  209 ), while cover frame  240  may be coupled to one or more portions of a back surface  250 K of cover plate  250  for providing support for cover plate  250 . 
     Cover assembly  205  and/or opening  209  may be any suitable shape. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , cover assembly  205  and opening  209  may each be substantially rectangular at a cross-section (e.g., in an X-Y plane). For example, a top edge  205 T of cover assembly  205  may run parallel to top surface  101 T of housing  101 , a bottom edge  205 B of cover assembly  205  may run parallel to bottom surface  101 B of housing  101 , a left edge  205 L of cover assembly  205  may run parallel to left surface  101 L of housing  101 , and/or a right edge  205 R of cover assembly  205  may run parallel to right surface  101 R of housing  101 . Alternatively, cover assembly  205  can be defined by a curved or other non-polygonal shape (e.g., circular) that may fit within and/or be at least partially provided through opening  209 . 
     Certain geometries of cover assembly  205  (e.g., edges  205 T,  205 B,  205 L, and  205 R) may be sized and shaped to snugly fit within opening  209  of housing  101 , such that cover assembly  205  may be held in a functional and/or fully assembled position with respect to housing  101  (e.g., along the X-axis and/or along the Y-axis). For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , once cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , cover assembly  205  may be prevented from moving along the Y-axis (e.g., in either the +Y-direction or in the −Y-direction) by one or more portions of device  100  (e.g., one or more portions of housing  101  that may define at least a portion of opening  209 ). Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2B , once cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , cover assembly  205  may be prevented from moving along the X-axis (e.g., in either the +X-direction or in the −X-direction) by one or more portions of device  100  (e.g., one or more portions of housing  101  that may define at least a portion of opening  209 ). However, one or more additional components may be provided within housing  101  to prevent cover assembly  205  from moving out of its functional and/or fully assembled position along the Z-axis (e.g., the axis along which opening  209  may be provided through housing  101  (e.g., perpendicularly through front surface  101 F of housing  101 )). 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-7A , for example, electronic device  100  may include a system within housing  101  for securing cover assembly  205  to device  100  (e.g., within opening  209  of housing  101 ). As shown, device  100  may include at least one lock component  220  that may be configured to move within housing  101  from a first position to a second position after cover assembly  205  has been positioned within opening  209  (e.g., in its functional and/or fully assembled position of  FIGS. 2-2B ). For example, lock component  220  may be configured to be moved from a first position where lock component  220  may allow cover assembly  205  to be positioned in its functional position within opening  209  of housing  101 , to a second position where lock component  220  may interact with cover assembly  205  to prevent cover assembly  205  from moving out of its functional position in at least one direction (e.g., in the +Z-direction and/or in the −Z-direction). Lock component  220  may be locked, held, or otherwise maintained in its second position before device  100  may be provided to an end user such that cover assembly  205  may be secured in its functional position within opening  209 . Lock component  220  may be formed by any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic or metal, that may be strong enough to interact with cover assembly  205  for preventing cover assembly  205  from moving out of its functional position. 
     One or more various portions of one or more suitable components of device  100  may at least partially define a lock path  230  along which a respective lock component  220  may move from its first position to its second position for locking cover assembly  205  in its functional position within opening  209 . For example, one or more housing portions of housing  101  may be configured to define at least a portion of a lock path  230 . Alternatively, another device component distinct from housing  101  may be configured to define at least a portion of a lock path  230 . Lock path  230  may allow any suitable movement of lock component  220  from its first position to its second position. In some embodiments, lock path  230  may be linear for allowing only linear movement of lock component  220  for securing cover assembly  205 . In other embodiments, lock path  230  may be any other suitable shape for allowing any other suitable movement of lock component  220  from its first position to its second position (e.g., rotational movement) for securing cover assembly  205 . 
     In some particular embodiments, as shown, device  100  may include at least one lock path  230  (e.g., one or more of lock paths  230 L and  230 R) that may be provided by a housing component of housing  101  between a first path end  235  and a second path end  239 . For example, a first lock path  230 L may be provided along the interior of left housing wall  101 L as a “C-shaped” path opening  232 L that may be defined by a lower path hook  231 L and an upper path hook  233 L of left housing wall  101 L. Alternatively, one or both of hooks  231 L and  233 L may be provided by various other components of device  100  other than left housing wall  101 L. Lock path  230 L may extend between a first path end  235 L and a second path end  239 L. Similarly, in some embodiments, as shown, another lock path  230 R may be provided along the interior of right housing wall  101 R as a “C-shaped” path opening  232 R that may be defined by a lower path hook  231 R and an upper path hook  233 R of right housing wall  101 R. Alternatively, one or both of hooks  231 R and  233 R may be provided by various other components of device  100  other than right housing wall  101 R. Lock path  230 R may extend between a first path end  235 R and a second path end  239 R. Although each lock path  230  may be shown as having a “C-shaped” path opening  232  defined by a lower path hook  231  and an upper path hook  233 , it is to be understood that each lock path  230  may be of any other suitable shape that may receive and allow movement therealong of lock component  220  from a first position to a second position. 
     In some particular embodiments, as shown, device  100  may include at least one lock component  220  (e.g., one or more of lock components  220 L and  220 R) that may extend between a first lock end  225  and a second lock end  229  and that may be positioned at least partially within a path opening  232  of a lock path  230  between first path end  235  and second path end  239 , such that lock component  220  may move along lock path  230  from a first position to a second position. For example, as shown, a first lock component  220 L may include a lock body  228 L extending along the Y-axis between a first lock end  225 L and a second lock end  229 L, and along the Z-axis between a lower lock edge  221 L and an upper lock edge  223 L, which may be shaped or otherwise configured to be retained within and moved along path opening  232 L of lock path  230 L between path ends  235 L and  239 L. Moreover, lock component  220 L may also include a lock extension  222 L that may extend away from lock body  228 L and out of path opening  232 L. At least one lock retention feature  224 L (e.g., one or more of lock retention features  224 LA and  224 LB) may be provided along lock extension  222 L for interacting with a retention feature of cover assembly  205  when lock component  220 L is moved to its second position for securing cover assembly  205 . Additionally, in some embodiments, lock component  220 L may include at least one lock motion feature  226 L (e.g., along lock extension  222 L) that may be configured to interact with a device motion component of device  100  (e.g., device motion component  117 L of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) for moving lock component  220 L along lock path  230 L from a first position to a second position for securing cover assembly  205 . 
     Similarly, as shown, device  100  may additionally or alternatively include another lock component  220 R that may include a lock body  228 R extending along the Y-axis between a first lock end  225 R and a second lock end  229 R, and along the Z-axis between a lower lock edge  221 R and an upper lock edge  223 R, which may be shaped or otherwise configured to be retained within and moved along path opening  232 R of lock path  230 R between path ends  235 R and  239 R. Lock component  220 R may also include a lock extension  222 R that may extend away from lock body  228 R and out of path opening  232 R. At least one lock retention feature  224 R (e.g., one or more of lock retention features  224 RA and  224 RB) may be provided along lock extension  222 R for interacting with a retention feature of cover assembly  205  when lock component  220 R is moved to its second position for securing cover assembly  205 . Additionally, in some embodiments, lock component  220 R may include at least one lock motion feature  226 R (e.g., along lock extension  222 R) that may be configured to interact with a device motion component of device  100  (e.g., device motion component  117 R of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) for moving lock component  220 R along lock path  230 R from a first position to a second position for securing cover assembly  205 . Although each lock component  220  may be shown as having a flat lock body  228  extending along the Y-axis between a first lock end  225  and a second lock end  229 , and along the Z-axis between a lower lock edge  221  and an upper lock edge  223 , with a lock extension  222 , at least one lock retention feature  224 , and at least one lock motion feature  226 , it is to be understood that each lock component  220  may be of any other suitable shape that may be received by any suitable lock path  230  and that may be moved therealong from a first position to a second position for securing cover assembly  205 . 
     Cover frame  240  of cover assembly  205  may include various components for coupling to cover plate  250  and/or for interacting with various other components of electronic device  100  (e.g., for engaging with at least a portion of lock component  220  when lock component  220  is moved to its second position for securing cover assembly  205 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , cover frame  240  may include at least one frame rail  242  (e.g., one or more of frame rails  242 L and  242 R) for coupling to and structurally supporting cover plate  250 . In some embodiments, a first frame rail  242 L may be coupled (e.g., via glue) to back surface  250 K of cover plate  250  adjacent and along at least a portion of left edge  205 L of cover assembly  205 , while a second frame rail  242 R may be coupled (e.g., via glue) to back surface  250 K of cover plate  250  adjacent and along at least a portion of right edge  205 R of cover assembly  205 . Therefore, each rail  242  may provide some support along the length of cover plate  250  between top edge  205 T and bottom edge  205 B of cover assembly  205 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , for example, each frame rail  242  (e.g., frame rail  242 R) may have a thickness T 1 , which may be thick enough to provide support to cover plate  250  but may be thin enough to take up as little room within device  100  as possible. However, frame  240  may include at least one frame pad  246  (e.g., one or more of frame pads  246 LA,  246 LB,  246 RA, and  246 RB) that may be thicker than rail  242  in order to provide a larger surface area for coupling frame  240  to plate  250 . For example, as shown, each frame pad  246  (e.g., frame pad  246 LA) may have a thickness T 2 , which may provide a large enough surface area to guarantee an appropriate adhesion between frame  240  and back surface  250 K of plate  250 . For example, in some embodiments, thickness T 2  may be twice as thick as thickness T 1 . As shown, frame pad  246 LA may be positioned adjacent a first end of frame rail  242 L proximate bottom edge  205 B of cover assembly  205 , frame pad  246 LB may be positioned adjacent a second end of frame rail  242 L proximate top edge  205 T of cover assembly  205 , frame pad  246 RA may be positioned adjacent a first end of frame rail  242 R proximate bottom edge  205 B of cover assembly  205 , and frame pad  246 RB may be positioned adjacent a second end of frame rail  242 R proximate top edge  205 T of cover assembly  205 . However, it is to be understood that any number of frame pads  246  may be provided at any suitable position or positions along the length of any one or more frame rails  242 . 
     Moreover, as also shown in  FIG. 5A , for example, cover frame  240  may also include a frame pivot  241  adjacent top edge  205 T of cover assembly  205  and/or a frame head  249  adjacent bottom edge  205 B of cover assembly  205 , each of which may be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, in order to provide support about the entire periphery of cover plate  250 , various additional frame portions  248  (e.g., additional portions  248 A- 248 D) of cover frame  240  may be provided. For example, a first additional frame portion  248 A may extend between frame pad  246 LA and pivot  241 , a second additional frame portion  248 B may extend between pivot  241  and frame pad  246 RA, a third additional frame portion  248 C may extend between frame pad  246 RB and frame head  249 , and/or a fourth additional frame portion  248 D may extend between frame head  249  and frame pad  246 LB. Although, it is to be understood that each of these components of frame  240  may not be provided or may be provided in various other suitable ways for providing support to cover plate  250 . 
     As mentioned, cover frame  240  may also include one or more components for interacting with various other components of electronic device  100 , such as for interacting with at least a portion of lock component  220  (e.g., lock retention feature  224 ) when lock component  220  is moved to its second position for locking cover assembly  205  in its functional position within opening  209 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , cover frame  240  may include at least one frame retention feature  244  (e.g., one or more of frame retention features  244 LA,  244 LB,  244 RA, and  244 RB) for receiving or otherwise engaging or interacting with at least a portion of a lock component  220 . In some embodiments, each frame retention feature  244 L (e.g., retention feature  244 LA and  244 LB) may extend away from frame rail  242 L and each frame retention feature  244 R (e.g., retention feature  244 RA and  244 RB) may extend away from frame rail  242 R. As shown, each frame retention feature may be “hook-shaped,” although it is to be understood that each frame retention feature may be any other suitable shape or any other suitable type of retention feature that may be configured to interact with a lock retention feature  224  of lock component  220  in any suitable way for securing cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . Moreover, each frame retention feature  244  may be provided at any suitable portion and/or position of cover assembly  205  (e.g., directly coupled to cover plate  250 , rather than extending from a frame rail  242 ). 
     Once cover assembly  205  has been positioned within opening  209  of housing  101  (e.g., by resting at least a portion of frame  240  and/or cover plate  250  on top of any suitable portion of device  100  proximal to opening  209 ), lock component  220  may be moved from a first position to a second position for securing cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . For example, when each lock component  220  (e.g., lock components  220 L and  220 R) is in a first position, as shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  6 A, cover assembly  205  may be positioned within opening  209  of housing  101 . In some embodiments, as shown, frame  240  may rest on various portions of device  100  when cover assembly  205  has been positioned within opening  209 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2B ,  6 , and  6 A, a portion of frame rail  242 R may rest on top of at least a portion of lock component  220 R (e.g., on top of at least a portion of lock retention feature  224 RA and/or on top of at least a portion of lock retention feature  224 RB). Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 2B , a portion of frame rail  242 L may rest on top of at least a portion of lock component  220 L (e.g., on top of at least a portion of lock retention feature  224 LB). 
     Additionally or alternatively, any suitable portion of cover frame  240  and/or of cover plate  250  of cover assembly  205  may rest on any suitable portion of any other suitable component of device  100  when cover assembly  205  has been positioned within opening  209 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 6 , at least a portion of frame head  249  may rest on top of at least a portion of a housing ledge  119 , which may be provided by a portion of bottom housing wall  101 B of housing  101  or by any other suitable component of device  100 . Alternatively or additionally, as shown in  FIG. 2A , at least a portion of frame pivot  241  may rest within a portion of a notch  105 , which may be provided by a portion of top housing wall  101 T of housing  101  or by any other suitable component of device  100 . Therefore, portions of cover assembly  205  adjacent one, some, or all of edges  205 T,  205 B,  205 L, and  205 R may rest on at least a portion of device  100  when cover assembly  205  is positioned within opening  209 . 
     In some specific embodiments, frame pivot  241  may initially interact with notch  105  for properly aligning cover assembly  205  with opening  209 , and then the remainder of cover assembly  205  may be rotated at the interaction of pivot  241  with notch  105  (e.g., in the direction of arrow P of  FIGS. 2A and 5  about the X-axis in the −Y-direction) until cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 2-2B  and  6 - 7 A). As mentioned, once cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , cover assembly  205  may be prevented from moving along the Y-axis by one or more portions of device  100  (e.g., in either the +Y-direction due to an interface between top edge  205 T/pivot  241  and top wall  101 T/notch  105  or in the −Y-direction due to an interface between bottom edge  205 B and bottom wall  101 B as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A ). Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2B , once cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , cover assembly  205  may be prevented from moving along the X-axis by one or more portions of device  100  (e.g., in either the +X-direction due to an interface between right edge  205 R and right wall  101 R/lock component  220 R or in the −X-direction due to an interface between left edge  205 L and left wall  101 L/lock component  220 L). Moreover, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  6 , and  6 A, once cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , cover assembly  205  may be prevented from moving downwardly in the −Z-direction (e.g., due to cover assembly  205  resting on the top of one or more portions of device  100 ). However, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , for example, cover assembly  205  may not be prevented from moving upwardly in the +Z-direction and out from within opening  209  until at least one lock component  220  has been moved from a first position to a second position (e.g., along lock path  230 ). 
     Once cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , at least one lock component  220  of device  100  (e.g., one or more of lock component  220 L and lock component  220 R) may be moved from a first position to a second position for securing cover assembly  205  in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , when cover assembly  205  is initially deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , no lock retention feature  224  of any lock component  220  may be interacting with any frame retention feature  244  of frame  240  for limiting the movement of any frame retention feature  244  in at least one direction (e.g., in the +Z-direction). Instead, each lock component  220  may be in a first position, whereby each lock retention feature  224  may be removed or otherwise disengaged from each frame retention feature  244 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , when lock component  220 R is in a first position, lock retention feature  224 RA may be spaced at least a distance A in the +Y-direction from frame retention feature  244 RA, and lock retention feature  224 RB may be spaced at least a distance B in the +Y-direction from frame retention feature  244 RB. 
     However, once cover assembly  205  has been properly deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , at least one lock component  220  of device  100  (e.g., one or more of lock component  220 L and lock component  220 R) may be moved from its first position to a second position for securing cover assembly  205  in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2B ,  7  and  7 A, once cover assembly  205  has been properly deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , at least one lock retention feature  224  of at least one lock component  220  may be moved to its second position for interacting with or otherwise engaging a frame retention feature  244  of frame  240  for limiting the movement of frame retention feature  244  in at least one direction (e.g., in the +Z-direction). Particularly, as shown in  FIGS. 2B ,  7  and  7 A, when lock component  220 R is moved in the direction of arrow KR to a second position (e.g., along path  230 R), lock retention feature  224 RA may be positioned within hook-shaped frame retention feature  244 RA of frame  240  (e.g., by at least a distance C along the Y-axis), and lock retention feature  224 RB may be positioned within hook-shaped frame retention feature  244 RB of frame  240  (e.g., by at least a distance D along the Y-axis). This engagement or interaction between a lock retention feature  224  of a lock component  220  and a frame retention feature  244  of frame  240  may prevent frame  240  from moving in the +Z-direction with respect to device  100  and out from within opening  209 . Similarly, when lock component  220 R is moved in the direction of arrow UR back to its first position of  FIGS. 6 and 6A , frame  240  may no longer be prevented from moving in the +Z-direction by lock retention features  224 RA and  224 RB. Although each frame retention feature  244  may be shown as hook-shaped for receiving a hexahedral lock retention feature  224 , each frame retention feature  244  and each lock retention feature  224  may be any other suitable set of features that may interact or otherwise engage with one another for securing cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . 
     Device  100  may be configured in various suitable ways to move lock component  220  from its first position to its second position for securing cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . For example, in some embodiments, a tool  138  may be inserted through one or more openings  137  in top housing wall  101 T (e.g., opening  137 L and/or opening  137 R) for pushing lock component  220  from its first position to its second position. As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , for example, a tool  138  may be inserted through opening  137 R in top housing wall  101 T and may push against end  225 R of lock component  220 R in the direction of arrow KR for moving lock component  220 R from its first position of  FIG. 6  to its second position of  FIG. 7  in order to secure cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . In some embodiments, the geometries of retention features  224 R and  244 R may be configured to create a tight fit between lock component  220 R and frame  240  once lock component  220 R has been moved from its first position of  FIGS. 6 and 6A  to its second position of  FIGS. 7 and 7A , thereby securing lock component  220 R in its second position, and thereby securing cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . 
     As another example, as shown, at least one device motion component  117  (e.g., device motion component  117 L and/or device motion component  117 R) may be provided for pulling lock component  220  from its first position to its second position. For example, as shown, each device motion component  117  may include a device motion feature  127  (e.g., device motion feature  127 L and device motion feature  127 R), which may be configured to interact or otherwise engage with lock motion feature  226  of lock component  220  (e.g., via a threaded lock motion opening  227 ). For example, in some embodiments, feature  226  and opening  227  may be an insert molded internally threaded fastener (e.g., an insert molded threaded PEM™ nut of Penn Engineering &amp; Manufacturing Corp.). An end  129  of device motion feature  127  may be exposed and accessed through a device motion opening  107  (e.g., in bottom housing wall  101 B) of housing  101  in order to rotate or otherwise move device motion feature  127  for engaging lock component  220 . For example, device motion feature  127 R may be a screw that may be provided through a threaded lock motion opening  227 R of lock motion feature  226 R. When device motion feature  127 R is rotated in the direction of arrow NR of  FIG. 5  (e.g., about the Y-axis in the +X-direction), device motion feature  127 R may interact with threaded lock motion opening  227 R to pull lock component  220 R in the direction of arrow KR towards device motion feature  127 R of device motion component  117 R from the first position to the second position of lock component  220 R. Alternatively, when device motion feature  127 R is rotated in the direction of arrow MR of  FIG. 5  (e.g., about the Y-axis in the −X-direction), device motion feature  127 R may interact with threaded lock motion opening  227 R to push lock component  220 R in the direction of arrow UR away from device motion feature  127 R of device motion component  117 R from the second position to the first position of lock component  220 R. As shown, an end  129 R of device motion feature  127 R may be exposed and accessed through a device motion opening  107 R in bottom housing wall  101 B of housing  101  in order to rotate or otherwise move device motion feature  127 R for engaging lock component  220 R. As shown in  FIG. 7A , end  129 R may be offset from housing  101  within device  100  by at least a distance S, which may provide for a more attractive outer housing  101 . For example, a small tool (not shown), such as a screw driver, may be passed through a small device motion opening  107 R for rotating device motion feature  127 R, and then that tool may be removed, thereby enabling end  129 R to be recessed within device  100 . 
     As device motion feature  127  (e.g., a screw) is only used to push or pull lock component  220  into a second position for securing cover assembly  205 , but not to secure cover assembly  205  itself, device motion feature  127  may not need to be very robust and may be small in size, thereby decreasing the size of device motion opening  107 . Moreover, in some embodiments, such a screw may not be part of device  100 , but may instead be part of a tool that is only used for movement of lock component  220  but is then removed from device  100  altogether. Because movement of lock component from a first position to a second position that may engage with cover assembly  205  may be movement with little to no resistance, device motion feature  127  may not need to be robust in size or strength, thereby allowing device motion component  117  to be reduced in size and impact on the overall design of device  100 . 
     Similarly, device motion feature  127 L may be a screw that may be provided through a threaded lock motion opening  227 L of lock motion feature  226 L. When device motion feature  127 L is rotated in the direction of arrow NL of  FIG. 5  (e.g., about the Y-axis in the +X-direction), device motion feature  127 L may interact with threaded lock motion opening  227 L to pull lock component  220 L in the direction of arrow KL towards device motion feature  127 L of device motion component  117 L from the first position to the second position of lock component  220 L. Alternatively, when device motion feature  127 L is rotated in the direction of arrow ML of  FIG. 5  (e.g., about the Y-axis in the −X-direction), device motion feature  127 L may interact with threaded lock motion opening  227 L to push lock component  220 L in the direction of arrow UL away from device motion feature  127 L of device motion component  117 L from the second position to the first position of lock component  220 L. As shown, an end of device motion feature  127 L may be exposed and accessed through a device motion opening  107 L in bottom housing wall  101 B of housing  101  in order to rotate or otherwise move device motion feature  127 L for engaging lock component  220 L. Device motion feature  127  may be maintained at a current configuration with respect to lock component  220  for maintaining a current position of lock component  220  unless a tool (e.g., a screw driver, not shown) is utilized to adjust device motion feature  127  (e.g., in the direction of one of arrows MR, NR, ML, or NL) for moving lock component  220 . For example, a threaded screw and nut interaction between device motion feature  127  and threaded lock motion opening  227  (e.g., for translating rotational motion about the Y-axis into lateral movement along the Y-axis) may prevent lateral movement along the Y-axis due to another force (e.g., pushing force provided by a tool  138 ). 
     Each lock component may be moved between its first and second positions at the same time or sequentially to provide securement of cover assembly  205  at various locations (e.g., lock component  220 L may be moved from its first to its second position simultaneously with, before, or after lock component  220 R may be moved from its first to its second position). Alternatively, only one of lock components  220 L and  220 R may be moved from its first position to its second position for securing cover assembly  205 . For example, in some embodiments, only one of lock components  220 L and  220 R may be provided by device  100 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, more than two lock components  220  may be provided and moved for securing cover assembly  205 . 
     A first lock component  220  of device  100  (e.g., lock component  220 L) may be moved in a first direction from its first position to its second position while a second lock component  220  of device  100  (e.g., lock component  220 R) may be moved in a second direction from its first position to its second position, where the second direction is different from the first direction. For example, although the direction of arrow KL for moving lock component  220 L from its first position to its second position is shown to be parallel to the direction of arrow KR for moving lock component  220 R from its first position to its second position (e.g., in the −Y-direction of  FIG. 5 ), it is to be understood that lock component  220 L may be configured differently than lock component  220 R such that the direction of arrow KL may be orthogonal to or opposite to or otherwise different than that of arrow KR. Similarly, for example, although the direction of arrow UL for moving lock component  220 L from its second position to its first position is shown to be parallel to the direction of arrow UR for moving lock component  220 R from its second position to its first position (e.g., in the +Y-direction of  FIG. 5 ), it is to be understood that lock component  220 L may be configured differently than lock component  220 R such that the direction of arrow UL may be orthogonal to or opposite to or otherwise different than that of arrow UR. For example, although not shown, rather than paths  230 L and  230 R extending parallel to one another, path  230 L may extend along top wall  101 T (e.g., orthogonally to path  230 R along right wall  101 R). 
     In some embodiments, at least one end of a lock path  230  may be exposed for allowing insertion of a lock component  220  therein, and then that end of the lock path  230  may be closed by another component of device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a first path end  235  of lock path  230  may be accessible for inserting a lock component  220  therein. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3 , lock component  220 L, which may be completely external to path  230 L, may be inserted into path  230 L by inserting lock end  229 L of lock component  220 L through accessible end  235 L of path  230 L in the direction of arrow IL to a position in which lock component  220 L may be fully received by path  230 L, as shown in  FIG. 4 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , lock component  220 R, which may be completely external to path  230 R, may be inserted into path  230 R by inserting lock end  229 R of lock component  220 R through accessible end  235 R of path  230 R in the direction of arrow IR to a position in which lock component  220 R may be fully received by path  230 R, as shown in  FIG. 4 . Then, once a lock component  220  is fully received by a path  230  through an accessible end (e.g., end  235 ) of the path  230 , another component of device  100  may be coupled to that path end, which may prevent the removal of lock component  220  from path  230  via that path end. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , after lock component  220 L has been fully received by path  230 L via accessible path end  235 L, a device component, such as top housing wall  101 T, may be coupled to path end  235 L (e.g., in the direction of arrow T), such that top housing wall  101 T may prevent removal of lock component  220 L from path  230 L via path end  235 L, as shown in  FIG. 5  (e.g., in the direction of arrow UL). Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , after lock component  220 R has been fully received by path  230 R via accessible path end  235 R, a device component, such as top housing wall  101 T, may be coupled to path end  235 R (e.g., in the direction of arrow T), such that top housing wall  101 T may prevent removal of lock component  220 R from path  230 R via path end  235 R, as shown in  FIG. 5  (e.g., in the direction of arrow UR). Moreover, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , another component of device  100 , such as bottom housing wall  101 B, may be coupled (e.g., in the direction of arrow B) to another path end (e.g., path end  239 L and/or path end  239 R) before, after, or concurrently with the closure of the counterpart path end (e.g., path end  235 L and/or path end  235 R), such that the removal of lock component  220  (e.g., lock component  220 L and/or lock component  220 R) from its path  230  may be prevented at both path ends. 
     Although each lock path  230  may be shown as “C-shaped” with a lower path hook  231  and an upper path hook  233  (e.g., for respectively retaining a lower lock edge  221  and an upper lock edge  223  of lock component  220  within lock path  230 ), each lock path  230  and each lock component  220  may include any other suitable set of geometries that may interact or otherwise engage with one another for defining a path along which a lock component  220  may travel from a first position to a second position for securing cover assembly  205 . For example, in other embodiments, a lock path  230  may not include an upper path hook  233 , yet lock component  220  may still be retained in an appropriate position with respect to lock path  230 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2B , even if lock path  230 L did not include upper path hook  233 L, upper lock edge  223 L of lock component  220 L may still be retained in the same position of  FIG. 2B  due to a force that may be applied by frame  240  (e.g., by frame rail  242 L) against another portion of lock component  220 L (e.g., against lock extension  222 L). In some other embodiments, for example, a lock path  230  may not include a lower path hook  231 , yet lock component  220  may still be retained in an appropriate position with respect to lock path  230 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2B , even if lock path  230 R did not include lower path hook  231 R, lower lock edge  221 R of lock component  220 R may still be retained in the same position of  FIG. 2B  due to a force that may be applied by frame  240  (e.g., by frame rail  242 R) against another portion of lock component  220 R (e.g., against lock extension  222 R). 
     In yet some other embodiments, for example, a lock path  230  may not be specifically designed or provided by one or more components of device  100 , as long as a lock component  220  is free to move from a first position within device  100  that allows cover assembly  205  to be deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101  without restricting movement of cover assembly  205  in at least a first direction, to a second position within device  100  that secures cover assembly  205  in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101  by restricting movement of cover assembly  205  in at least the first direction (e.g., a +Z-direction, which may be opposite to the general direction in which cover assembly was initially deposited within opening  209 ). For example, rather than defining a path  230 R that may receive and limit movement of lock component  220 R, the internal surface of right housing wall  101 R may instead be a substantially flat and featureless surface. In such embodiments, lock component  220 R may initially be removably affixed (e.g., with a weak adhesive) to such an internal surface of right housing wall  101 R, and then cover assembly  205  may be deposited within opening  209 . Next, lock component  220 R may be moved from its first position to its second position as described above (e.g., by a force from tool  138  and/or by device motion component  117 ), where such force may overcome the weak adhesive holding component  220 R against wall  101 R and may move lock component  220 R for securing cover assembly  205 . 
     Therefore, device  100  may be provided with a system that may provide a robust method for locking cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . Once cover assembly  205  has been deposited in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101  (e.g., by tilting cover assembly  205  with pivot  241  at notch  105 ), a screw or any other suitable device motion component  117  accessible external to housing  101  (e.g., at end  129  via device motion opening  107 ) may be manipulated to move (e.g., pull) a lock component  220  from a first position to a second position for locking cover assembly  205  in place. This may place most of the stress on lock component  220  and housing  101  rather than on the potentially fragile cover assembly  205 . For example, once cover assembly  205  has been initially deposited (e.g., rested or gently tilted) in its functional and/or fully assembled position within opening  209  of housing  101 , cover assembly  205  may not move in order to secure cover assembly  205  within opening  209 . Instead, one or more lock components  220  and one or more device motion components  117  may be manipulated or otherwise moved or reconfigured for securing cover assembly  205 . Rather than using stationary snaps within device  100  and stationary snaps on cover assembly  205  that may snap together when cover assembly  205  is initially deposited within opening  209  for securement therein, cover assembly may be gently rested on top of components of device  100  within opening  209  and may then be passively secured by the movement of a distinctly separate lock component  220 . Such snaps may make it difficult to later remove cover assembly  205  from device  100  or may degrade over time as their connections are undone. However, movement of lock component  220  for engagement with stationary cover assembly  205  may be easily reversible and may not degrade with repeated use. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  800  for securing a cover to an electronic device, where the electronic device may include a lock component within a housing having an opening. For example, process  800  may secure cover assembly  205  to electronic device  100  that may have a lock component  220  within housing  101  having opening  209 . Step  802  of process  800  may include resting the cover in a first cover position on a portion of the electronic device within the opening (e.g., by depositing cover assembly  205  within opening  209  in its functional position of  FIGS. 6 and 6A ). Next, step  804  of process  800  may include, moving the lock component from a first lock position to a second lock position for securing the cover in the first cover position (e.g., by moving lock component  220  from the first position of  FIGS. 6 and 6A  to the second position of  FIGS. 7 and 7A  for securing cover assembly  205 ). 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  800  of  FIG. 8  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  900  for assembling an electronic device (e.g., device  100 ). Step  902  of process  900  may include providing a first lock path using at least a first path component of the electronic device (e.g., lock path  230  using a wall of housing  101  of device  100 ). Step  904  may include inserting a first lock component into the first lock path at a first end of the first lock path (e.g., inserting lock component  220  into lock path  230  at end  235 ). Step  906  may include positioning a cover assembly adjacent the first path component (e.g., positioning cover assembly  205  within opening  205  adjacent path  230 ). Next, step  908  may include moving the first lock component along the first lock path from a first position to a second position, where the first lock component allows movement of the cover assembly in a first direction with respect to the first path component when the first lock component is in the first position, and where the first lock component prevents movement of the cover assembly in the first direction with respect to the first path component when the first lock component is in the second position (e.g., moving lock component  220  from the first position of  FIGS. 6 and 6A  to the second position of  FIGS. 7 and 7A  for securing cover assembly  205 ). 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  900  of  FIG. 9  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
     While there have been described systems and methods for securing components of an electronic device, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up and “down,” “front” and “back,” “top” and “bottom” and “side,” “length” and “width” and “thickness,” “X-” and “Y-” and “Z-,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the devices of this invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of this invention. Moreover, an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention may be of any suitable three-dimensional shape, including, but not limited to, a sphere, cone, octahedron, or combination thereof, rather than a hexahedron, as illustrated by  FIGS. 1-7A . 
     Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120930
Publication Date: 20150929
Grant Date: 20150929
Priority Date: 20120930
Inventors: KOLE JARED M.
WITTENBERG MICHAEL BENJAMIN
MALEK SHAYAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0249", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0249", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50384965