PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11320868-B2
Application Number: US-201916554552-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Liquid ingress control for electronic devices

Abstract:
Invasive material ingress mitigation and control features are positioned in a hinge that uses a flexible cable and cable cover at a gap between housings of a portable electronic device. The features include hydrophobic materials on the cover or a cover-facing surface of the device housing, a barrier between the cover and the device housing, channels or protrusions on the cover-facing surface of the top case, a series of different top case surface feature modifications, and a flex cover profile modification that controls and limits contacting surface area between the cover and the top case.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a lid housing; 
 a base housing pivotally connected to the lid housing, the base housing having a downward-facing surface, the downward-facing surface having a transition edge; 
 a flexible band extending into the base housing and into the lid housing, the flexible band having an upward-facing surface; 
 wherein the upward-facing surface includes a first portion disposed along a lateral axis oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flexible band contacting the transition edge and a second portion disposed along the lateral axis spaced away from the downward-facing surface. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the upward-facing surface is slidable against the transition edge. 
     
     
       3. The portable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the downward-facing surface comprises a channel, wherein the second portion is vertically aligned with the channel. 
     
     
       4. The portable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the downward-facing surface comprises a protrusion, wherein the transition edge is part of the protrusion. 
     
     
       5. The portable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the transition edge is raised relative to a groove in the downward-facing surface. 
     
     
       6. The portable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the downward-facing surface comprises a first angled surface portion and a second angled surface portion, wherein each of the first and second angled surface portions adjoin the transition edge. 
     
     
       7. The portable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions are laterally aligned on the flexible band relative to a longitudinal axis of the flexible band. 
     
     
       8. A laptop computer, comprising:
 a lid housing; 
 a base housing pivotally connected to the lid housing, the base housing having an internal surface, the internal surface having a bottom surface and two adjoining side surfaces; 
 a flexible band extending into the base housing and having a longitudinal axis and a top surface facing the internal surface; 
 wherein the top surface of the flexible band and the bottom and two adjoining side surfaces of the base housing form a perimeter of an aperture extending parallel to the longitudinal axis across the top surface of the flexible band. 
 
     
     
       9. The laptop computer of  claim 8 , wherein the perimeter of the aperture is formed in a channel in the internal surface. 
     
     
       10. The laptop computer of  claim 8 , wherein the aperture is configured to receive fluid flow traveling on the flexible band parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       11. The laptop computer of  claim 8 , wherein a hydrophobic material is positioned on the internal surface of the base housing or the top surface of the flexible band.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to hinge assemblies for electronic devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to liquid ingress control features for hinge assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many consumer electronic devices have multiple housing sections. Often, electronic signals must be sent from one housing section to another housing section. Electronic devices may have electronics in one housing section that receive a signal from electronics in another housing section. For example, a laptop computing device may have a display mounted in a display housing section that receives signals from a timing controller mounted in another housing section. The display housing section may also rotate or be movable in relation to another housing section through a hinge. For example, many laptop computers have a display housing section that rotates around a hinge assembly to facilitate viewing of the display at various viewing angles and to allow access to user input controls located on a main housing assembly. 
     One challenge associated with a hinged electronic device enclosure is securely routing a signal from one housing section to another housing section. Some electronic devices route a signal transfer mechanism, such as a flexible ribbon-like cable, around the hinge mechanism or through a center hole in a clutch assembly of the hinge. However, these cables must be protected from exposure to users and from over-bending caused by the actuation of the clutch assembly, hinge mechanism, and relative movement of other computer components. As electronic devices get smaller and thinner, the amount of space available for clutch assemblies, hinges and cables is constrained, making it more difficult to provide room for and properly protect the cables. Additionally, ingress of liquids and debris into those tight spaces increases the chance of failures and a degraded user experience. There is therefore a constant need for improvements to cables and hinge assemblies for electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a portable computing device. The device can include an upper housing portion, a lower housing portion pivotally connected to the upper housing portion by a hinge, a flexible band extending into the upper housing portion and into the lower housing portion, with the flexible band having a top surface, and a barrier device positioned between the top surface of the flexible band and at least one of the upper and lower housing portions. 
     In some embodiments, the barrier device can comprise a foam material or a hydrophobic material. The barrier device can be attached to the flexible band. The flexible band can be movable relative to the lower housing portion along an axis of motion, wherein the barrier device is elongated perpendicular to the axis of motion. The barrier device can be slidable against a surface of at least one of the flexible band, the upper housing portion, and the lower housing portion. The barrier device can also extend across a lateral width dimension of the flexible band. 
     In some embodiments, a cable is positioned between the hinge and the flexible band, with the cable connecting a first electronic component in the upper housing portion to a second electronic component in the lower housing portion. The barrier device can extend across a lateral width dimension of the cable. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a portable computing device which comprises a lid housing, a base housing pivotally connected to the lid housing, with the base housing having a downward-facing surface and with the downward-facing surface having a transition edge, and a flexible band extending into the base housing and into the lid housing, with the flexible band having an upward-facing surface. The upward-facing surface can include a first portion contacting the transition edge and a second portion spaced away from the downward-facing surface. 
     The upward-facing surface can be slidable against the transition edge. The downward-facing surface can comprise a channel, wherein the second portion is vertically aligned with the channel. The downward-facing surface can comprise a protrusion, wherein the transition edge is positioned on the protrusion. The transition edge can be raised relative to a groove in the downward-facing surface. The downward-facing surface can comprise a first angled surface portion and a second angled surface portion, wherein each of the first and second angled surface portions adjoin the transition edge. The first and second portions can be laterally aligned on the flexible band relative to a longitudinal axis of the flexible band. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a laptop computer comprising a lid housing, a base housing pivotally connected to the lid housing, with the base housing having an internal surface and with the internal surface having a bottom surface and two adjoining side surfaces, a flexible band extending into the base housing and having a longitudinal axis and a top surface facing the internal surface. The top surface of the flexible band and the bottom and two adjoining side surfaces of the base housing can form a perimeter of an aperture extending parallel to the longitudinal axis across the top surface of the flexible band. 
     The perimeter of the aperture can be formed in a channel in the internal surface. The aperture can also be configured to receive fluid flow traveling on the flexible band parallel to the longitudinal axis. A hydrophobic material can be positioned on the internal surface of the base housing or the top surface of the flexible band. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of a computing device. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side section view of a hinge region of a closed computing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a side section view of the hinge region of  FIG. 2  with the computing device in an open configuration as taken through section lines  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of a flexible cable cover and a barrier. 
         FIG. 5  shows a side section view of a hinge region of another embodiment of a computing device. 
         FIG. 6  shows a side section view of a hinge region of another embodiment of a computing device. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side section view of an embodiment of the device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7A  shows a front section view of the device of  FIG. 7  as taken through section lines  7 A- 7 A in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a downward-facing surface of a housing of the device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a side section view of another embodiment of the device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a downward-facing surface of the housing of the device of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a side section view of another embodiment of the device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a downward-facing surface of the housing of the device of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a side section view of another embodiment of the device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a downward-facing surface of the housing of the device of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, the descriptions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Hinged electronic devices can have one or more cables connecting the parts of the devices through or across their hinges. In particular embodiments, the cables include a flex cable and/or a flexible printed circuit board appropriate for transmitting an electrical signal between portions of an electronic device that are connected by a hinge. In the case of a portable computing device (e.g., a laptop computer or notebook computer), one portion of the electronic device may correspond to a lid portion having a display and another portion may correspond to a base portion that includes electronics in communication with the display via the cable(s). The cable(s) can be routed through a hinge region to transmit electrical signals between components within the lid and base portions. 
     In some embodiments, the cable is drawn over a section of the lid portion referred to as a mandrel or a mandrel portion. The mandrel can be configured to guide the path of the cable and protect the cable from bending beyond a prescribed angle as the lid portion and base portion of the computer pivot relative to each other. The mandrel can have a curved surface to provide smooth movement of the cable and to limit cable bending. This surface can be referred to as a mandrel surface or a cable contacting surface. In some embodiments, the mandrel surface has a constant radius (as measured from the pivot axis) against which the cable is drawn. 
     In further embodiments, a cover is drawn over the cable in order to prevent the cable from being directly exposed to a user of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the cover can be a flexible sheet or band of material. The cover can therefore be referred to as a flexible band. 
     The cover materials can have particular physical properties, such as a certain rigidity and resilience that allows for a prescribed movement of the cover and the cable when the electronic device moves between open and closed positions. The cover can also have sufficient durability to withstand wear and tear during the service life of the electronic device. The cover can include multiple layers of material in order achieve these and other desirable physical properties, such as resistance to fluid absorption, ingress, or collection of dried substances. The rigidity of the cover can allow the lid portion to drive the cover into a cavity defined by the base portion of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the cover can be visible to a user of the electronic device. 
     The cable can be coupled to an electronic component within the base portion of the electronic device. The cable can be attached to electronics such as an integrated circuit or printed circuit board with timing control suitable for driving a display assembly. The cable can be circumferentially routed around a support member located within the base portion in a wrapped configuration. A clip located on the guiding member can secure the cable, isolating one or more sections of the cable that attaches to the electronic component and preventing movement of portions of the cable when the lid portion is rotated relative to the base portion. The other end of the cable can be coupled to an electronic component, such as a display assembly, within the lid portion. In some embodiments, the electronic component in the lid portion can be a touchscreen panel (e.g., a capacitive or resistive touchscreen display), a camera, a light source, an antenna, or another type of electronic component, and the cable can be configured to provide electrical communication between a component of the base portion and the component of the lid portion. Accordingly, the electronic component in the lid portion does not necessarily need to be a display, and the cable can carry signals different from, or in addition to, display driving signals. 
     The mandrel can be part of a hinge mechanism and can include a cylindrical shaft, a tubular shaft, a pivot and/or swivel mechanism, or a slider mechanism. In some devices, the cable and the curved surface of the mandrel come into close proximity as the electronic device is used, such as when the cable wraps against or otherwise moves into contact with the curved surface. Portions of the mandrel can be positioned lateral to the curved surface, such as portions that are positioned at different points along the pivot axis of the electronic device, and they can be out of contact with, or not covered by, a flex cable or cover. 
     The devices can also have an opening or gap between the lid and base portions of the housing. The opening or gap can be exposed to the user when the device is opened, such as when the lid portion is rotated to a generally vertical orientation (relative to a generally horizontal orientation of the base portion). The opening or gap can be positioned over the top of the mandrel, cable, and cover. In some cases, debris or liquids can come into contact with the cover, mandrel, or cable in the area of the opening or gap. For example, liquid or other invasive material (e.g., fine dust, gel, and similar substances) that is spilled onto the opening or gap area can adhere to the cover and pass between the cover and at least one of the lid or base portions of the housing. 
     Liquid in these parts of the device can cause electrical problems, can interfere with the smooth sliding movement of the cover along the base or lid portions of the housing, and can cause visual abnormalities. Fluids, gels, and related substances that have penetrated into the base housing or onto the cover can deposit or build up sticky or chunky residues that can cause the movable components at the hinge area to stick to each other or to the housing in a manner blocking or limiting relative movements between the parts. These issues can make the cover tear, bunch up, rub, or wrinkle as the hinge is operated, thereby potentially exposing the cable underneath the cover to damage or preventing the cover from properly moving relative to the housing. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce ingress of liquids or buildup of residual material in the hinge area of the electronic device and on top of the cover of the cable. In some embodiments, a foam barrier can be positioned between the cover and the base portion of the housing to keep water away from the cover and other components within the base portion and to act as a wiping feature configured to thin out fluid material that still passes into the base portion. Channels or protrusions can be added to the surface of the base portion of the housing to reduce contact surface area between the cover and the housing, thereby reducing the amount of area affected by sticky substances on the cover or housing, or to guide or direct fluid on the cover into designated diversion areas or exits from the housing. Coatings or layers of hydrophobic material can be positioned on the cover or housing to facilitate liquid dispersion and to protect the cable. In some embodiments, the cover can be modified to reduce the surface area of the cover that comes into contact with the housing, such as by implementing a cover with a narrow width or by using a cover with a gradually changing width across an area configured to come into contact with the base portion of the housing. 
     In the description herein, the terms “first portion,” “display portion,” and “upper housing portion” can refer to a lid portion of a computing device. Generally, a lid portion of a computing device is configured to be in a generally upright position for a user to view a display while the device is being operated. In the description below, the terms “second portion,” “base portion,” and “lower housing portion” can refer to a base of a computing device that is connected to the lid portion and generally includes connections to devices for user interaction with the computing device. Furthermore, in the description below, the terms “lower housing portion” can be interchangeable with “main housing.” As used herein, the parts of a device (or portions of those parts) can be considered “vertically aligned” when they both lie on a common vertical axis and are “directly vertically aligned” when they are both centered on the vertical axis. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows a front-facing perspective view of an electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments. Electronic device  100  can be a laptop computer, notebook computer, or other similar portable computing device. Electronic device  100  can include a housing having a base portion  102 , which can be pivotally connected to a lid portion  104  by way of a hinge assembly within hinge region  106 . Lid portion  104  and base portion  102  can be referred to as different sections or portions of a housing of electronic device  100 . Lid portion  104  can pivot with respect to base portion  102  with the aid of a hinge assembly within hinge region  106  from a closed position to remain in an open position and back again. In the closed position, the lid portion  104  can be positioned substantially on top of and generally parallel to the top case  114  of the base portion  102 . 
     The lid portion  104  can include a display  108  and a rear housing or rear cover  110 . The base portion  102  can include a bottom case  112  that is attached to (e.g., fastened to) a top case  114 . The top case  114  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as a keyboard  116  and a touchpad  118 , which can be configured to receive finger gesturing input from a user. Base portion  102  and lid portion  104  can each define internal chambers or cavities that house internal components of electronic device  100 . Thus, lid portion  104  and base portion  102  can function as housings for internal components. Cables, such as flex cables (see  FIGS. 2-3 ), can electrically couple internal components within the base portion  102  and lid portion  104 . The cables can provide communication between the internal components within base portion  102  and lid portion  104  and/or provide power to internal components within base portion  102  and/or lid portion  104 . 
     Cable assemblies are described herein that can be used in conjunction with hinged electronic devices, such as electronic device  100 . The cable assemblies can include one or more covers that protect and guide the cables during movement of the hinged electronic devices. In some embodiments, the covers are visible to a user of the electronic device when the device is operated (e.g., when it is in an open configuration). For instance, the covers can be visible at the hinge region  106  of the electronic device  100  when it is in an open configuration. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show cross-sectional views of a hinged electronic device  200 . The section views are taken along section line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  shows a cross sectional view of electronic device  200  in a closed state and  FIG. 3  shows a cross sectional view of electronic device  200  in an open state. Electronic device  200  includes a first portion  202  (i.e., first housing portion) coupled to a second portion  204  (i.e., second housing portion). First portion  202  can correspond to a lid portion (or display portion or upper housing portion) and second portion  204  can correspond to a base portion (or lower housing portion) of electronic device  200 . 
     First portion  202  and second portion  204  can share a common axis of rotation with respect to pivot line or pivot axis  206 . First portion  202  and second portion  204  can be pivotally coupled to each other via a suitable hinge mechanism. For example, the hinge mechanism can include one or more clutch mechanisms that provide a predetermined resistance to opening and closing forces applied by a user and by the weight of the portions  202 ,  204  of the electronic device  200 . The exact hinge mechanism may vary depending on design requirements. The general region around pivot axis  206  can be referred to as a hinge region  201  of electronic device  200 . 
     Electronic device  200  can include a cable  210  to provide electrical communication between first portion  202  and second portion  204 . For example, cable  210  can provide electrical connection between electronic component  211  of first portion  202  and electronic component  212  of second portion  204 . Electronic component  211  can be in electrical communication with display assembly  230 , which is mounted to first housing  231 . Display assembly  230  can include any suitable type of display for use in electronic device  200 , such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen. The first housing  231  and its attached or integral components (e.g., display assembly  230  and mandrel  218 ) can be referred to as a first housing assembly. 
     Electronic component  212  can include an integrated circuit (IC) and/or a printed circuit board (PCB), and can include a timing control mechanism configured to drive display assembly  230 . Electronic component  212  is housed within cavity  208  defined at least partially by second housing  205  with a front wall  234 . In some embodiments, cable  210  provides power from a battery or other power source (not shown) within second housing  205  to display assembly  230 . The second housing  205  and its attached components (e.g., electronic component  212  or the battery) can be referred to as a second housing assembly. The first and second housing assemblies are movably connected to each other at the hinge region  201 . The cable  210  can be connected to the electronic component  212  at a connection point  213  and can wrap around an internal support structure  214  within the cavity  208  of the second housing  205 . A clip  216  can be used to keep portions of the cable  210  from falling out of contact with the surface of the support structure  214 , thereby limiting stress at the connection point  213 . 
     Cable  210  can be any suitable type of cable, including a flex cable, a flexible printed circuit board, or any suitable mechanism for transmitting an electrical signal between the portions  202  and  204 . In some embodiments the cable  210  is a ribbon-like, single-layer flex cable, however a multiple-layered flex cable can be used. A single-layer flex cable  210  can be used to reduce the stack height (i.e., vertical thickness) of the cable  210  and to improve its flexibility. Electronic device  200  can include any suitable number of cables  210 . In a particular embodiment, electronic device  200  includes two cables  210  that are laterally spaced apart along the pivot axis  206 . 
     The cable  210  can be directly routed between first portion  202  and second portion  204  without passing through a clutch mechanism and without passing through the pivot axis  206 . The cable  210  and cover  222  can both be positioned on a user side of the pivot axis  206  (i.e., the right side of  FIGS. 2-3 ) when the user opens the device  200 . Thus, a number of mechanisms can be used to guide the movement of cable  210  when first portion  202  is pivoted with respect to second portion  204 . For example, hinge region  201  can include mandrel  218  which can be in the form of a cylinder-like portion of first portion  202  that extends along the pivot axis  206 . 
     When electronic device  200  is moved from a closed state in  FIG. 2  to an open state in  FIG. 3 , the cable  210  is drawn over a curved surface  242  of mandrel  218  to keep cable  210  from buckling or folding. The curved surface can be referred to as a mandrel surface, a cable support surface, a cable-contacting surface, a cable-facing surface, an outer hinge surface, a cable-bend-limiting surface, or a curved mandrel surface. A portion of the cable  210  can take on a curved shape with a curvature similar to the curved surface of mandrel  218  when electronic device  200  is rotated to an open configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The curved surface of mandrel  218  can have a radius defined with respect to a pivot axis  206  (i.e., an axis of rotation of the hinge region  201 ). The radius can be constant for the curved surface where the cable  210  contacts mandrel  218 . In some embodiments, the surface of mandrel  218  is segmented to correspond to sections of the flex cable  210 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the electronic device  200  is in an open state, a cover  222  (e.g., flexible band) can be used to conceal and protect a top side of cable  210  between the portions  202 ,  204  at an upper opening or gap  221  between the portions  202 ,  204  in the hinge region  201 . The surface of the cable  210  contacting the cover  222  can be referred to as a cover-facing surface, a top surface, a user-exposed surface, or a user-facing surface. That surface is positioned on the cable  210  opposite a mandrel-facing surface of the cable  210 . 
     The cover  222  can be flexible, and can therefore, like cable  210 , take on a curved shape around the mandrel  218  when electronic device  200  is rotated to an open configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The cover  222  can comprise a top surface or upward-facing surface  224 , a first end  222   a , and a second end  222   b . The first end  222   a  can be fixed in place within and relative to the first portion  202  by an anchor  209 . The second end  222   b  can be movable relative to the second portion  204  as the cover  222  wraps around the cable  210  and mandrel  218 . 
       FIG. 4  is a partial top view of the cover  222  that is shown separated from the first and second portions  202 ,  204 . The second end  222   b  of the cover  222  can move relative to the second portion  204  of the device  200 , as shown by comparing  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The second end  222   b  can be attached to a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force pulling on the second end  222   b  in a longitudinal direction (i.e., along the longitudinal axis  400 ). See biasing mechanism  540  or  640  of  FIGS. 5-6 . 
     The top surface  224  can face a downward-facing surface or inner surface  225  of the second housing  205  of the second portion  204 . Invasive materials such as liquids and fine debris that fall onto the cover  222  at the gap  221  and that pass between the downward-facing surface  225  of the second housing  205  and the top surface  224  of the cover  222  can penetrate into the cavity  208  and damage or interfere with the operation or movement of the cover  222 , cable  210 , electronic component  212 , and other sensitive parts in or on the second portion  204 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, at least one barrier  207 ,  226  (i.e., a barrier device, wall, or blocking portion) can be provided between the cover  222  and the downward-facing surface  225  in order to restrict and limit the size of any openings through which the liquid or fine debris can pass between the cover  222  and the downward-facing surface  225 . Barriers  207 ,  226  can also be used to wipe or sweep clear the top surface  224  or downward-facing surface  225  when liquid or fine debris collects on either surface  224 ,  225 . In some embodiments, the barriers  207 ,  226  can thin out, redirect, or spread the liquid or other debris that comes in contact with the cover  222  and barriers  207 ,  226 . 
     For example, barrier  207  can be affixed to the top surface  224  and can move with the second end  222   b  of the cover  222  relative to the downward-facing surface  225  while contacting the downward-facing surface  225 . Accordingly, any droplets, dust, or other intrusive material on the downward-facing surface  225  can be wiped or swept away from the downward-facing surface  225  by the barrier  207  as it slides along the downward-facing surface  225 . Any invasive material on the top surface  224  can also be prevented from moving past the second end  222   b  when coming into contact with the barrier  207 . The wiping or sweeping of the material between the top surface  224  and the downward-facing surface  225  can drive the material out of the second portion  204  and through gap  221  (see  FIG. 3 ), especially as the first portion  202  and second portion  204  are repeatedly cycled between closed and open positions (i.e., between the positions shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Thus, implementing the barrier  207  can help reduce the amount of contaminants that pass into or remain in the cavity  208 . The barrier  207  can be referred to as a cover-mounted barrier or cover-mounted blocking member. 
     Barrier  226  can be affixed to the downward-facing surface  225  while contacting the top surface  224 . Accordingly, barrier  226  can also be used to wipe or sweep material from the top surface  224  as the first and second portions  202 ,  204  are cycled between closed and open positions as the barrier  226  slides in contact with the top surface  224 . Barrier  226  can also help block material from entering the cavity  208  via the gap  221  by reducing the size of the opening between the downward-facing surface  225  and the top surface  224 . The positioning of barrier  226  immediately adjacent to the gap  221  can thereby help limit the amount of debris or liquids at the gap  221  that can pass between the top surface  224  and downward-facing surface  225 . The barrier  226  can be referred to as a housing-mounted barrier or housing-mounted blocking member. 
     The barriers  207 ,  226  can be used simultaneously or independently on an electronic device  200 . Thus, in some cases, the electronic device  200  comprises a single barrier  207  or  226 , and in some cases, both barriers  207 ,  226  are used. In some embodiments, the relative positioning of the barriers  207 ,  226  can be reversed, wherein barrier  226  is positioned further within the cavity  208  relative to the gap  221  than barrier  207 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the top surface  224  can be spaced away from and out of contact with the entire downward-facing surface  225  by the barriers  207 ,  226 . In some embodiments, a portion of the top surface  224  contacts the downward-facing surface  225  and a portion of the top surface  224  is spaced away from the downward-facing surface  225 . In this case, the portion spaced away from the downward-facing surface  225  can be adjacent to and adjoining a barrier  207 ,  226 . Spacing the top surface  224  away from the downward-facing surface  225  can help reduce friction between the surfaces  224 ,  225  and can reduce adhesion between the surfaces  224 ,  225 , especially in cases where a sticky substance moves between the surfaces  224 ,  225  (e.g., a sugary drink or a tacky dried residue thereof). 
     The barriers  207 ,  226  can comprise a hydrophobic material. Materials used in the barriers  207 ,  226  can include polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), adhesive materials configured to attach the barriers  207 ,  226  to surfaces  224 ,  225 , compressible material such as foam, rubber, or elastic polymer configured to resiliently deform in response to contact with the surfaces  224 ,  225  or debris between the surfaces. Use of resilient materials can help ensure constant contact between the barriers  207 ,  226  and the surfaces  224 ,  225 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the cover  222  can comprise a first end  222   a  having a first width W 1  measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  400  and a second end  222   b  having a second width W 2  measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  400 , with the second width being less than the first width. The longitudinal axis  400  can be the axis of motion of the cover  222 , wherein the cover  222  can move along the longitudinal axis  4000  relative to the second portion  204 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . 
     The first end  222   a  of the cover  222  can have an enlarged width relative to the width of the second end  222   b . The second end  222   b  can be retained by a reel or other biasing mechanism positioned in the second portion  204 , and the reduced width W 2  can correspond to a width of the biasing mechanism while the width W 1  corresponds to the width of the cable  210  measured laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  400 . Accordingly, the width W 1  can cover the entire width of the cable  210  where the cover  222  contacts the cable  210 , and width W 2  can cover less than the entire width of the cable  210 . The cover  222  can be elongated along the direction of the longitudinal axis  400 , and barrier  207  or  226  can be elongated along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  400 . The barrier  207  or  226  can have an elongated width that is greater than the maximum lateral width of the cover  222  (e.g., W 1 ), as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, the cover  222  transitions between width W 1  and width W 2  at a transition portion  402  of the cover  222 . The transition portion  402  can have a transition surface  404  positioned between parallel sides  406 ,  408  of the cover  222 . The transition surface  404  can be oriented at an angle  410  between about 50 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis  400 . In some embodiments, the cover  222  transitions between the widths at a transition portion  402  having a transition surface  404 - a  oriented at an angle  412  between about 5 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis  400 . Accordingly, the length of the transition surface  404 - a  is greater than the length of transition surface  404 , and the transition between the widths W 1 , W 2  occurs over a greater longitudinal length of the cover  222 . Additionally, the surface area of the transition portion  402  with transition surface  404 - a  is less than the surface area of transition portion  402  with transition surface  404 . The reduced surface area can reduce the possibility for material to be trapped between the cover  222  and the cable  210  at the transition portion  402 , so it is less likely for the cover  222  to adhere to, bind with, or grind against the cable  210 . Additionally, using a cover  222  with the reduced surface area can allow debris to have more room between the cable  210  and the downward-facing surface  225  if goes past the cover  222 , thereby limiting stresses on the cable  210  that would otherwise be applied to the cable  210  if the cover  222  had a larger surface area. 
     The transition surface  404 - a  can extend along a length of the cover  222  that remains covered by the second housing  205  (i.e., not exposed in the gap  221 ) when the electronic device  200  is in the open configuration. In some embodiments, the end  414  of the transition surface  404 - a  that is closest to the first end  222   a  can be positioned vertically above and vertically aligned with a portion of the mandrel  218 , vertically above and vertically aligned with a blocking member  220  of the second portion  204 , or vertically below and vertically aligned with barrier  226  when the electronic device  200  is in the open configuration. The transition portion  402  of the cover  222  can remain in a linear and relatively unbent, non-curved configuration when the electronic device  200  is in the open configuration. In this manner, the narrowed width at the end  414  of the transition surface  404 - a  does not expose the cable  210  when the device  200  is opened. 
     In some embodiments, an amount by which the cover  222  bends can be inversely related to the angle between the first portion  202  and the second portion  204 . In some examples, the curved surface of mandrel  218  can exert a greater amount of a bend (in a single direction) on the cover  222  when the first portion  202  is pivoted relative to the second portion  204  by an angle of less than 90 degrees in contrast to when the angle between the first portion  202  and the second portion  204  is pivoted to greater than 90 degrees. In other words, as the angle between the first portion  202  and second portion  204  decreases and the electronic device  200  becomes progressively closer to being characterized as having a closed configuration, the amount of the cover  222  retracted into the second portion  204  can increase. In some embodiments, the first portion  202  and the second portion  204  can be pivoted relative to each other according to an angle between about 0 degrees to about 200 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, a section of the cover  222  is mechanically captured by the second portion  204  (e.g., using biasing mechanism  540  of  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, a section of the cover  222  is mechanically captured by the first portion  202  (e.g., using the anchor  209 ). “Mechanically captured” can refer to enclosing or containing the section of the cover  222  by at least one of an enclosure, a tensioning mechanism, a hook, or a castellation of either the first portion  202  or the second portion  204  in a manner preventing complete withdrawal or separation of the section of the cover  222  from the feature that is mechanically capturing it. 
     First end  222   a  of cover  222  can be positioned within first portion  202  of electronic device  200  and second end  222   b  of cover  222  can be positioned within second portion  204  of electronic device. Since cover  222  can be exposed, it can be made with a material that is durable enough to withstand wear and tear that can be accompanied with direct exposure to a user. For example, cover  222  may encounter objects inserted or dropped within the gap  221  at hinge region  201 . Cover  222  can also be flexible enough to bend with cable  210  when electronic device  200  transitions between open and closed states. Cover  222  and mandrel  218  can be designed to have a particular aesthetic appearance, such as each having the same or different colors, or each having the same or different surface finishes. 
     Additionally, the material for cover  222  can affect how the cover  222  moves during the opening and closing of electronic device  200 . For example, cover  222  can have an inherent rigidity and resilience that generates a resistance force when cover  222  is bent over mandrel  218  when electronic device  200  moves from closed ( FIG. 2 ) to open ( FIG. 3 ) position. This resistance force can cause cover  222  to return to its original shape when electronic device  200  is returned to a closed ( FIG. 2 ) position. This way, cover  222  will not crease or buckle at hinge region  201 . If cover  222  is made of a material that is not sufficiently rigid, it can crease or wrinkle at hinge region  201 . 
     The rigidity of cover  222  can also at least partially dictate the movement of cable  210 . For example, the side of cover  222  that is exposed to a user can be constrained near first end  222   a  by anchor  209  and near second end  222   b  by barrier  207 . Anchor  209  and barrier  207  can act as retention features that keep cover  222  from shifting out of place and keep the cover  222  over cable  210  when the electronic device  200  rotates between closed and open positions. 
     In some embodiments, anchor  209  is made of a stiff material, such as a metal material (e.g., steel). First end  222   a  can be coupled to anchor  209  using, for example, adhesive and/or fastener(s) such as one or more screws. In some embodiments, barrier  207  and barrier  226  can include a low friction material, such as a fluoropolymer material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene or TEFLON™), that enables cover  222  to slide freely during opening and closing of electronic device  200 . In other words, second end  222   b  can be untethered and free to move with respect to cable  210  and barrier  226 . The second end  222   b  can therefore be free to slide along the top surface  224  of the cable  210  and within the second housing  205  without binding to the housing  205 . Barrier  207  can contact lip  228  (see  FIG. 2 ) of barrier  226  at an inner surface of cavity  208  to retain second end  222   b  within cavity  208 . Lip  228  can be an integrally formed portion of second housing  205 , or it can be a separate piece that is coupled to the inner surface of cavity  208 , such as part or surface of barrier  226 . 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  200  has a ventilation gap  227  suitable for providing air flow in and out of cavity  208  and cooling electronic component  212  and other components housed within cavity  208 . Ventilation gap  227  is positioned near hinge region  201  between first portion  202  and second portion  204  of electronic device  200 . Depending on cooling requirements, ventilation gap  227  can have a size sufficiently large enough to allow access to components within cavity  208 , including the cable  210 , when electronic device  200  is in a closed position. Blocking member  220  (i.e., the vent opening wall or housing barrier) can be used to limit access to cavity  208 . Blocking member  220  can an integral part of second housing  205  or a separate piece that is coupled to second housing  205  as part of second portion  204 . In some embodiments, blocking member  220  is coupled to an inner surface within cavity  208  proximate ventilation gap  227 . Blocking member  220  can have provisions such as through-holes or apertures to allow for further ventilation of cavity  208 . 
     As shown, cable  210  and cover  222  can be routed between blocking member  220  and lip  228  as the cable  210  and cover  222  exit second housing  205 . In some embodiments, the barriers  207 ,  226  can be configured to sweep or wipe liquids or other fine debris from the top surface  224  of the cover  222  or the downward-facing surface  225  of the second housing  205  laterally relative to the cover  222  or cable  210  and toward or through the ventilation gap  227 . 
     The cover  222  can be made of a sufficiently flexible material to allow bending of the cover  222  over the cable  210  and the mandrel  218  during opening of electronic device  200 . The cover  222  can also be rigid and resilient enough to provide a resistance force to the bending such that the cover  222  returns to its original configuration when electronic device  200  is closed again. For example, the section of cover  222  between gap  221  and barrier  207  can return to a substantially flat shape when electronic device  200  is returned to a closed state (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, cover  222  is non-electrically conductive to prevent cover  222  from electrically interfering with internal components of electronic device  200 . In some embodiments, cover  222  is made of a single sheet of material, such as a composite fiber material. For example, cover  222  can be made of a single sheet of glass and/or carbon fiber material embedded within or infused with a polymer, such as polyurethane. In some embodiments, cover  222  is a laminated sheet that includes layers of different materials. In some embodiments, cover  222  is a laminated sheet that includes multiple layers of the same material. 
       FIG. 5  shows a side section view of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device  500  in which a first housing portion  502  is connected to a second housing portion  504  at a hinge portion  501 . Elements of the electronic devices  200 ,  500  having similar names and numbering are configured to perform similar functions. A cable  510  can connect electronic components  511 ,  512 , and a cover  522  can be positioned above the cable  510  at the hinge portion  501  and within the second housing portion  504 . The second housing portion  504  can comprise an inner, downward-facing surface  525  that faces a top or upward-facing surface  524  of the cover  522 . The top surface  524  and downward-facing surface  525  can each comprise portions  527 ,  529  thereof that each include a hydrophobic material or a hydrophobic layer. 
     The hydrophobic portion  527  of the downward-facing surface  525  can be positioned at an opening between the downward-facing surface  525  and the mandrel  518 . In other words, the portion  527  can face the mandrel  518  and can be positioned vertically aligned with the mandrel  518 . An edge of the portion  527  can adjoin a vertically-oriented surface of the second housing  505  at the opening. The hydrophobic portion  527  can be positioned entirely above and vertically aligned with the mandrel  518 . The portion  527  can be positioned over the rear-most portion of the cover  522  that is under the second portion  504 , wherein the rear direction extends rearward of the first portion  502  when the electronic device  500  is in an open configuration (i.e., directed toward the left side of  FIG. 5 ) or wherein the rear direction extends away from the biasing mechanism  540  connected to the cover  522  and toward the hinge portion  501 . The hydrophobic portion  527  can face or contact the hydrophobic portion  529  of the cover  522 . 
     The cover  522  and cable  510  can extend through the opening between the mandrel  518  and the downward-facing surface  525 . Because it is positioned at the opening, the hydrophobic portion  527  can limit, repel, or inhibit liquids at the opening and keep them from passing between the top surface  524  and downward-facing surface  525 . Similarly, the hydrophobic portion  529  of the cover  522  can limit, repel, or inhibit liquids at the opening and across the top surface  524  of the cover  522 . In some embodiments, the liquids can be redirected away from the opening between the surfaces  524 ,  525 , such as by being redirected laterally across the electronic device  500  (i.e., parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge portion  501 ). In some embodiments, the liquids can be collected into a section of the hinge portion  501  that is visible to the user during normal operation of the electronic device  500  so that the user can conveniently observe and remove the unwanted invasive material. 
     The biasing mechanism  540  can comprise a biasing member (e.g., a coil spring or similar retractor) configured to apply a biasing force to the cover  522  that pulls the cover  522  toward the biasing mechanism  540 . The biasing force can be overcome as the electronic device  500  is opened, and the biasing force can ensure retraction of the cover  522  into the second portion  504  as the electronic device  500  is closed. 
     As the electronic device  500  transitions to the closed configuration from an open configuration, fluid on the top surface  524  of the cover  522  can be moved from the top surface  524  before passing underneath the hydrophobic portion  527  of the downward-facing surface  525 . The hydrophobic portions  527 ,  529  can comprise a low surface tension and low friction material so that fluids are discouraged from remaining on the cover  522  as it retracts into the second portion  504 . Additionally, the hydrophobic portions  527 ,  529  can be configured to contact each other as the cover  522  is retracted, thereby reducing the available space for fluids or debris to pass between the downward-facing surface  525  and the top surface  524 . The hydrophobic portions  527 ,  529  can comprise materials such as fluoropolymer material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene) which has low friction. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic portions  527 ,  529  can comprise rubber or a material with low-friction surface properties. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side section view of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device  600  in which a first housing portion  602  is connected to a second housing portion  604  at a hinge portion  601 . Elements of the electronic devices  200 ,  500 , and  600  having similar names and numbering are configured to perform similar functions. A cable  610  can connect electronic components  611 ,  612 , and a cover  622  can be positioned above the cable  610  at the hinge portion  601  and within the second housing portion  604 . The second housing portion  604  can comprise an inner, downward-facing surface  625  that faces a top or upward-facing surface  624  of the cover  622 . 
     The downward-facing surface  625  can comprise a region  630  within which the surface  625  comes into contact with the top surface  624  of the cover  622 .  FIGS. 7-14  show various different embodiments of the downward-facing surface  625  at region  630 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7, 7A, and 8 , the region  630  can comprise a first angled portion  700  and a second angled portion  702 , wherein the first and second angled portions  700 ,  702  are oriented at different angles relative to a vertical direction. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , the first angled portion  700  is about 80 degrees offset from the vertical direction, and the second angled portion  702  is about 90 degrees offset from the vertical direction. In this manner, a transition portion  704  is formed where the first and second angled portions  700 ,  702  intersect. The transition portion can be a local minimum formed by the first and second angled portions  700 ,  702  and can be referred to as a slope transition section or raised/elevated edge of the downward-facing surface  625  adjoining and between the first and second angled portions  700 ,  702 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-8 , the transition portion  704  of the downward-facing surface  625  comprises a set of protrusions  706  extending downward from the first and second angled portions  700 ,  702  of the downward-facing surface  625 . The protrusions  706  can extend downward from the first and second angled portions  700 ,  702  and can space the angled portions at least partially out of contact with the cover  622 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Thus, the cover  622  can have a first portion of the top surface  624  positioned out of contact with the downward-facing surface  625  and a second portion of the top surface  624  positioned in contact with the downward-facing surface  625  (at the transition portion  704 ). 
     The protrusions  706  can be a local minimum or transition edge of the downward-facing surface  625 . As used herein, a “transition edge” can comprise a sharp, well-defined edge (such as defined edge  906  (see  FIGS. 9-10  and their descriptions below)), or it can be comprise a local inflection surface of the downward-facing surface  625  with lower curvature at the transition portion  704  where the slope of two surface portions (e.g.,  700 ,  702 ) changes, such as the rounded bottom surface of the protrusions  706 . A “raised edge” can comprise an edge or shape of the downward-facing surface  625  that locally protrudes or is elevated in a direction perpendicular to an average plane of its adjacent side surfaces. 
     The protrusions  706  can have smoothly curved bottom surfaces (e.g.,  708 ) that contact the cover  622  in order to reduce pressure and friction against the cover  622 . Spacing the cover  622  away from the downward-facing surface  625  can reduce the surface area of the top surface  624  that comes into contact with the downward-facing surface  625  and can thereby reduce friction and the potential for liquids and other intrusive materials to be positioned in contact with, and potentially adhering, binding, or otherwise increasing the friction between both of the surfaces  624 ,  625 . Accordingly, the protrusions  706  can reduce binding or adhesion between surfaces  624  and  625 . 
     A set of multiple protrusions  706  can be laterally spaced apart (i.e., along a direction parallel to the pivot axis (i.e.,  206 )) to create gaps  710  or channels between the protrusions  706 . The gaps  710  can therefore have top surfaces spaced away from the cover  622 . In this manner, the gaps  710  can be channels through which liquids or debris can pass from a position beneath the first angled portion  700  to a position beneath the second angled portion  702  which is past the protrusions  706  relative to the opening (e.g.,  221 ) of the device. 
     A gap  710  can be vertically aligned with a first portion of the cover  622 , and a protrusion  706  can be vertically aligned with a second portion of the cover  622  that is laterally adjacent to the first portion (i.e., along the pivot axis  206 ). The electronic device  600  can also include features to remove that passing liquid or debris from a location that would interfere with operation of the cover  622  or cable  610 . The inclusion of gaps  710  can therefore reduce the amount of material that can collect or can be trapped between the first angled portion  700  and the top surface  624  of the cover  622 . Material contacting the protrusions  706  can be urged to pass under the gaps  710  when the cover  622  slides relative to the protrusions  706  and frees the debris or removes dried material from the cover  622  or protrusions  706 . Accordingly, the top surface  624  of the cover  622  can be slidable against the transition edge (i.e., raised edge or local minimum) of the downward-facing surface  625 . A first portion of the cover  622  can be under a protrusion  706 , and a second portion of the cover  622  can be laterally adjacent to the first portion and under a gap  710 . 
     The gaps  710  can alternatively be referred to as apertures positioned between the downward-facing surface  625  and the cover  622 .  FIG. 7A  shows a front-facing section view taken through section lines  7 A- 7 A in  FIG. 7  wherein the gaps  710  are shown located between the second housing  205  and the cover  622 . Each of the gaps  710  can therefore make an aperture having a perimeter including a top surface (i.e., part of first or second angled surfaces/surface portions  700 / 702 ), a bottom surface (i.e., the top surface  624  of the cover  622 ), and two side surfaces (i.e., the sidewalls of adjacent protrusions  706 ). As shown in  FIG. 7A , the gaps  710  can each have a generally rectangular perimeter shape. The apertures can have longitudinal axes aligned with the longitudinal axis  400  of the cover  622 , wherein particles and fluid can pass through the apertures along the longitudinal axes of the apertures.  FIG. 7A  shows two apertures. In some cases, more or fewer apertures can be formed based on the number and shape of the protrusions  706 . 
       FIGS. 9-10  show a side view and orthogonal view of the region  630  of an alternative embodiment of the downward-facing surface  625  of the electronic device  600 . The downward-facing surface  625  can comprise a first angled portion  900  and a second angled portion  902 , wherein the first angled portion  900  ends at a third angled portion  908  (e.g., a substantially vertical surface) that connects to the second angled portion  902 . The third angled portion  908  vertically spaces the end of the first angled portion  900  away from the second angled portion  902 , and the cover  622  is therefore spaced away from the first angled portion  900  near the third angled portion  908 . The second and third angled portions  902 ,  908  can come together at a downward-extending edge  906  that is configured to contact the cover  622 . The angles of the first and second angled portions  900 ,  902  can ensure that the downward-facing surface  625  only comes into contact with the cover  622  at the downward-extending edge  906 . The downward-extending edge  906  can be referred to as a ridge or elongated protrusion located between the first and second angled portions  900 ,  902 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the downward-extending edge  906  can have a consistent height extending across the entire lateral width of the cover or across the entire transition portion  904  between the first and second angled portions  900 ,  902 . Accordingly, no individual part of the edge  906  can be configured to concentrate pressure against the cover  622 , and the support of the cover  622  by the edge  906  can be distributed evenly across the entire width of the edge  906  or the entire width of the cover  622 . The downward-extending edge  906  can also have a lateral width that is greater than the maximum lateral width of the cover  622  (or greater than the lateral width of the cover  622  where the cover  622  contacts the edge  906 ). The width of the edge  906  relative to the width of the cover  622  can be similar to the ratio of the width of the barrier  226  to the cover  222  in  FIG. 4 . 
     The third angled portion  908  can also be beneficial as a wall or contaminant blocking surface, wherein liquids or other debris that passes between the cover  622  and the downward-facing surface  625  that travels along the top surface  624  of the cover  622  can be prevented from moving beneath the second angled surface  902  and can be trapped in a cavity  910  (see  FIG. 9 ) formed between the first angled surface  900  and the cover  922  and rearward of the third angled surface/surface portion  908 . Small contaminants that pass into that cavity  910  can be prevented from penetrating further into the electronic device  600  where more sensitive components are potentially positioned. 
       FIGS. 11-12  show another embodiment of a downward-facing surface  625  having a first angled portion  1100  and a second angled portion  1102  that come together at an edge  1106 . The transition portion  1104  of the downward-facing surface  625  can also comprise a set of channels or grooves  1108  that are recessed relative to the edge  1106 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the grooves  1108  can be laterally spaced apart along the edge  1106  and can thereby provide a passage through which fluid and particles can pass between the cover  622  and the downward-facing surface  625  after passing under the first angled portion  1100 . Although three grooves  1108  are shown in the figures, any number of grooves can be positioned between the cover  622  and the downward-facing surface  625 . The grooves  1108  can be positioned vertically aligned with and vertically above a first portion of the cover  622 , and a second portion of the cover  622  that is laterally adjacent to the first portion can be vertically aligned with and vertically below edge  1106 . Similar to gaps  710 , the grooves  1108  can form apertures have generally rectangular perimeters defined by the top and side surfaces of the grooves  1108  and the cover  622 . The apertures can extend and define passages along the longitudinal lengths of the grooves  1108 . 
       FIGS. 13-14  show another embodiment of a downward-facing surface  625  having a first angled portion  1300  and a second angled portion  1302  with a third angled portion  1308  positioned between them that is similar to third angled portion  908  in positioning and orientation. The second angled portion  1302  can also comprise a set of recesses  1310  that are set into the second angled portion  1302  and into the third angled portion  1308 . Accordingly, the downward-extending edge  1306  between the second and third angled portions  1302 ,  1308  can contact the cover  622  to offset the cover  622  from the downward-facing surface  625 , similar to the downward-extending edge  906 , and the recesses  1310  can allow flow over the cover  622  past the downward-extending edge  1306  and can reduce the amount of contact surface area between the cover  622  and the downward-facing surface  625 , similar to the grooves  1108 . The recesses  1310  can also form longitudinally-opening apertures with the cover  622  in contact with the downward-extending edge  906  in the manner described above in connection with gaps  710  and grooves  1108 . In various embodiments, the apertures of the gaps  710 , grooves  1108 , or recesses  1310  can be hydrophilic in their material and surface tension characteristics to move invasive fluids away from tight spaces between the cover  622  and the downward-facing surface  625 . 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190828
Publication Date: 20220503
Grant Date: 20220503
Priority Date: 20190828
Inventors: BIR, KARAN
GARELLI, ADAM T.
POSNER, BRYAN W.
ENDISCH, DENIS H.
LANCASTER-LAROCQUE, SIMON R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D11/0081", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D11/0081", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D11/0081", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2900/606", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2999/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2999/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 74564616