PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10102985-B1
Application Number: US-201615136868-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Thin profile sealed button assembly

Abstract:
A sealed button assembly including a button cap, a push rod, a button retainer, and a bracket is described. The bracket can couple to the button retainer which itself can interlock with the button cap and push rod through a counterbore, the counterbore being defined in a sidewall of the housing of an electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A button assembly comprising:
 a button cap defining a flange; 
 a push rod positioned below the button cap; 
 a retainer comprising a body defining: an aperture adapted to receive the push rod; and 
 an electrical switch adjacent the push rod; a first cavity at a first side of the retainer and configured to receive a first fastener; and a second cavity at a second side of the retainer and configured to receive a second fastener 
 wherein the flange is configured to:
 engage the body to retain the button cap to the body; and 
 move relative to the body in response to an actuation force applied to the button cap. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The button assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a biasing member between the button cap and the body and configured to bias the button cap towards an unactuated position. 
     
     
       3. The button assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a compressible biasing member configured to bias the button cap away from the retainer. 
     
     
       4. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the button cap defines:
 an exterior surface; and 
 an interior surface opposite the exterior surface and defining a recess; and 
 
 the push rod is positioned at least partially within the recess. 
 
     
     
       5. The button assembly of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the retainer comprises a wing extending from the body. 
 
     
     
       6. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the push rod interfaces with the electrical switch. 
     
     
       7. The button assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a gasket seal positioned between an electronic device housing and the retainer. 
     
     
       8. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the push rod comprises:
 a body portion; and 
 a seal channel within the body portion. 
 
     
     
       9. The button assembly of  claim 8 , further comprising a push rod seal positioned within the seal channel. 
     
     
       10. The button assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a bracket positioned within a housing of an electronic device and fastened to the retainer, thereby clamping the button assembly to at least a portion of the housing. 
 
     
     
       11. The button assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical switch is fixedly coupled to the bracket. 
     
     
       12. The button assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the bracket is fixedly coupled to the retainer. 
     
     
       13. The button assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising a shim positioned between the bracket and the housing. 
     
     
       14. The button assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the shim comprises:
 a first layer formed from metal; and 
 a second layer formed from an adhesive. 
 
     
     
       15. The button assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the shim comprises:
 a first layer formed from metal; and 
 a second layer formed from a compressible foam. 
 
     
     
       16. A method for assembling a sealed button comprising:
 positioning a seal at least partially within a seal channel of a push rod; 
 positioning the push rod within a through-hole extending through a retainer, the retainer comprising: a first fastener opening on a first side of the through-hole; and a second fastener opening on a second side of the through-hole 
 positioning a cap over the retainer such that the push rod is at least partially received within a recess defined in a base of the cap; 
 interlocking a wing of the retainer with a flange defined in the cap to retain the cap to the retainer while allowing the flange to translate relative to the retainer in response to an actuation force applied to the cap; 
 positioning the cap, push rod, and retainer adjacent to a counterbore defined in a housing of an electronic device; 
 positioning a bracket adjacent to the counterbore; and 
 fastening the bracket to the retainer through the counterbore. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising forming the cap to take a shape of a rounded rectangle. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising positioning an electrical switch on the bracket adjacent to a bottom surface of the push rod. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising positioning a biasing member between the retainer and the cap. 
     
     
       20. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure defining:
 a button opening; and 
 a shelf extending into the button opening; and 
 
 a button comprising:
 a cap positioned above the shelf and defining a flange; 
 a cap retainer positioned between the cap and the shelf and defining a wing that at least partially overlaps the flange so as to retain the cap to the retainer while allowing the flange to move relative to the enclosure when the cap is pressed; a first cavity at a first end of the cap retainer; and a second cavity at a second end of the cap retainer; and 
 a push rod adjacent a bottom surface of the cap and extending through the cap retainer such that motion of the cap moves the push rod but not the cap retainer. 
 
 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 20 , further comprising a bracket positioned below the shelf. 
     
     
       22. The electronic device of  claim 20 , further comprising an electrical switch portion positioned between the bracket and the cap retainer and below the push rod. 
     
     
       23. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the bracket is rigidly fastened to the cap retainer via a first fastener received in the first cavity and a second fastener received in the second cavity. 
     
     
       24. The electronic device of  claim 20 , further comprising a gasket seal between the cap retainer and the shelf. 
     
     
       25. The electronic device of  claim 20 , further comprising a spring positioned between the cap and the cap retainer and configured to bias the flange into engagement with the wing. 
     
     
       26. The electronic device of  claim 20 , wherein the push rod comprises a cylinder comprising a seal channel. 
     
     
       27. The electronic device of  claim 26 , further comprising an O-ring seal positioned over the push rod at least partially within the seal channel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional patent application of, and claims the benefit to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/151,883, filed Apr. 23, 2015, and titled “Thin Profile Sealed Button Assembly,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein generally relate to input devices and, more particularly, to thin-profile sealed button assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electronic device can include one or more buttons. A button may be disposed within an aperture defined in the housing of the electronic device. In some cases, a seal may be provided between the button and the aperture in order to prevent or mitigate any intrusion of foreign matter to the interior of the electronic device through the aperture. 
     Button assemblies typically include a protrusion extending from a button cap to engage an electrical switch. The protrusion is conventionally formed as an integral part of the button cap. Such a configuration can abrade the top surface of the electrical switch. For example, an off-axis application of force to the button cap causes the button cap to pivot, torquing the protrusion, and causing it to laterally draw across the surface of the electrical switch. Repeated abrasion of the electrical switch reduces the operational life of the button assembly and an electronic device incorporating the same. Additionally, repeated abrasion can reduce the effectiveness of seals, and thus the operational life, of the button assembly and the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein reference a button assembly mechanically coupling a button cap to an electrical switch via a push rod. In these and related embodiments, the button assembly includes a button cap (or, generally, a “cap”), a button retainer (or, generally, a “retainer” or “cap retainer”), a push rod disposed within a through-hole of the button retainer, and a bracket. 
     The button cap is positioned over the button retainer and an electronic switch is positioned below the retainer and aligned with the push rod. Thereafter, the bracket fastens to the button retainer to form the assembled button assembly. In many embodiments, the bracket couples to the button retainer in a manner that clamps to a portion of the electronic device housing. For example, the electronic device housing defines a counterbore having a small-diameter through-hole about which the circular button assembly is affixed. In such an embodiment, the button cap and button retainer is positioned (at least partially) within the counterbore volume, and the bracket is placed behind the small-diameter through-hole within the housing. The bracket is, thereafter, fastened to the button retainer through the small-diameter through-hole. In this manner, the button retainer and bracket can clamp around the floor of the counterbore. 
     In other examples, an electronic device housing defines an arbitrarily-shaped inset surface associated with a smaller arbitrarily-shaped through-hole therein. In an alternative non-limiting phrasing, an electronic device housing defines a button aperture with a shelf or ledge extending from the interior sidewalls thereof. In these embodiments, the button retainer and bracket can clamp around the floor of the arbitrarily-shaped inset or about the shelf and/or ledge in order to securely fasten to the electronic device. 
     In many embodiments, the push rod can has a length greater than a thickness of the button retainer. The electronic switch is braced and/or supported by the retainer such that when the push rod axially translates within the through-hole (and toward the electronic switch) in response to a press, a downward force provided by the push rod is focused onto the electronic switch, causes the electronic switch to activate. 
     In many cases, the bracket is fastened to the button retainer via a mechanical fastener (e.g., screws, rivets, snaps, and so on). In other cases, the bracket is fastened to the button retainer via a permanent or semi-permanent mechanical fastening means (e.g., solder, sonic or laser weld, adhesive, and so on). 
     In many embodiments, a seal (e.g., ring seal, gasket seal, caulking, and so on) is positioned around the push rod so as to seal the gap between the push rod and the sidewalls of the through-hole. In many cases, the seal may provide a liquid-impermeable seal between the push rod and the sidewalls of the through-hole. Additionally, one or more seals is disposed between the surfaces either (or both) of the button retainer and the bracket that clamp to the counterbore or shelf of the housing. As with the ring seal disposed about the push rod, the one or more seals associated with the button retainer and the bracket provide a liquid-tight seal. 
     The cooperation of the ring seal, associated with the push rod, and the seal(s) associated with either (or both) of the bracket and the button retainer provide the electronic device with a sealed barrier that prevents intrusion of foreign matter (e.g., liquid, dust, organic or inorganic debris, and so on) without considerably impacting the tactile feel, responsiveness, or functionality of the electronic switch. 
     The total thickness of the sealed button assembly, when affixed to an electronic device, is not substantially larger than the thickness of the sidewall of the housing of the electronic device itself. In this manner, sealed button assemblies as described herein is formed with substantially thin cross-sectional profiles. 
     Additionally, as a result of the clamping configuration of the bracket, shelf, and button retainer, specialized machining of fastening features within the housing of an electronic device is not required (e.g., screw taps, snap-fit geometry, and so on). More particularly, conventional button assemblies often require time-consuming milling, machining, and/or finishing (e.g., thread milling, undercutting, fixture adhesion processes, and so on) of the electronic device housing in order to provide fastening features to which the conventional button assembly attaches. The time required to provide or form fastening features for an electronic device housing may increase as the size of the electronic device housing decreases. More particularly, small electronic device housings, especially ones including curved or rounded sections, can be difficult to manipulate or maneuver with sufficient precision so as to provide fastening features thereto. In other words, it is difficult and/or time or cost prohibitive to manufacture small form-factor electronic devices with fastening features for conventional button assemblies. 
     Accordingly, many embodiments described herein reference a sealed button assembly having a thin cross-sectional profile that clamps to a shelf or counterbore portion of an electronic device housing. As fastening features within the electronic device are not required for such embodiments, such a sealed button assembly is manufactured and assembled in a time and cost effective manner without regard to the size or form-factor of the electronic device. 
     In many cases, the button cap includes an undercut (e.g., defined by an inwardly-extending flange, hook, shelf, ledge, and so on) that is configured to interlock with a wing (e.g., outwardly-extending flange, hook, shelf, ledge, and so on) of the button retainer. Such embodiments can also include a compressible biasing member (e.g., spring, elastomer, spring bar, and so on) disposed to bias the button cap outwardly from the button retainer. In many cases, one or more properties (e.g., dimensions, materials, surface finishes, and so on) of the button retainer, the biasing member, and the button cap are selected such that, when assembled, the button cap extends proud of an external surface of the housing to which the button assembly is coupled. 
     In some embodiments, the button cap has a flat-bottomed surface that interfaces with the button retainer, although this is not required. For example, the button cap can have a scalloped bottom surface, a dished bottom surface, a patterned bottom surface, or any other suitable bottom surface. Thus, generally and broadly, interior surface(s) of the button cap can take any number of suitable shapes or can have any number of suitable surface finishes. 
     In some embodiments, the wing of the button retainer can interlock with the button cap by rotating the button cap to position the wing of the button retainer within the undercut of the button cap. In other cases, the button retainer can interlock with the button cap by sliding the wing of the button retainer below the undercut of the button cap. In still further examples, the button retainer can interlock with the button cap by snapping the wing of the button retainer into the undercut. In many of these examples, after interlocking the button cap with the button retainer, a longitudinal axis of the button cap is aligned substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the button retainer. 
     For some embodiments described herein the button cap is formed as a rounded rectangle. In these and other embodiments, the button cap is finished with a manufacturing process selected to provide a desirable cosmetic finish to an external surface of the button cap. For example, the button cap can be finished with a chamfered perimeter edge. In some embodiments, the button cap can be polished to a mirror finish, or can be formed or finished with a matte finish. In some examples, a symbol, glyph, or other informational graphic is disposed onto the external surface of the button cap. For example, in some embodiments a laser ablation process is used to etch an information graphic related to the functionality of the button into the external surface of the button cap. In other examples, an informational graphic is formed by depositing ink onto the external surface of the button cap. 
     Embodiments described herein may also relate to, include, or take the form of a method for assembling a sealed button including at least the operations of selecting a cap with an undercut and a push rod recess, selecting a push rod with a seal channel, selecting a retainer which defines a through-hole proportioned to receive the push rod therethrough, positioning a seal around the push rod and at least partially within the seal channel, positioning the push rod within the through-hole, positioning the cap over the retainer such that the push rod is at least partially received within the push rod recess interlocking the undercut and the wing, positioning the cap, push rod, and button retainer over an external surface adjacent to an aperture defined in a housing of an electronic device, positioning a bracket over an internal surface adjacent to the aperture, and fastening the bracket to the retainer through the aperture such that at least a portion of the electronic device housing interposes the bracket and the retainer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Reference will now be made to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an example electronic device incorporating a sealed button assembly, in accordance with embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a detail view of the region A-A depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a cross-section view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken through section B-B of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a cross-section view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken through section B-B, depicting the sealed button assembly with a button cap biasing mechanism. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts an exploded cross-section assembly view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a top plan view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 2B , showing the button cap rotating to interlock with the button retainer. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a cross-section view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken through section B-B of  FIG. 1B , depicting the sealed button assembly symmetrically compressing in response to receiving a downward force. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a cross-section view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken through section B-B of  FIG. 1B , depicting the sealed button assembly asymmetrically compressing in response to receiving a downward force. 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a cross-section view of another example sealed button assembly asymmetrically compressing in response to receiving a downward force. 
         FIG. 5  depicts example operations of a method of coupling a sealed button assembly to a housing of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     The use of the same or similar reference numerals in different figures indicates similar, related, or identical items. 
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalties of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A water-tight button assembly having a thin profile for use with a portable electronic device is disclosed. The button assembly includes a button cap, a button retainer to interlock with the button cap, a spring between the button retainer and the button cap to bias the button cap away from the button retainer, a push rod disposed within a through-hole of the button retainer, and a bracket. The bracket and the button retainer clamp around a gasket to a base of a counterbore within a housing of the portable electronic device, providing a liquid-impermeable barrier between the button retainer and the interior of the housing. 
     Additionally, an O-ring seal is positioned around the push rod to provide a liquid-impermeable barrier between the push rod and sidewalls of the through-hole of the button retainer. An electrical switch within the housing is adjacent to the push rod. When the button cap is pressed, the push rod transfers a force from the button cap to the electrical switch to cause the electrical switch to activate. Separation of the button cap and the push rod prevents the water-tight button assembly from experiencing torque. Cooperation of the gasket and the O-ring prevents water and other liquids from entering the housing and interfering with the operation of the electrical switch or other components of the portable electronic device. 
     The button assemblies described herein implement a button cap configured to pivot about, but not with, a push rod interacting with an electrical switch. The push rod may translate forces received at the button cap to the electrical switch to cause the electrical switch to close, regardless whether the force applied to the button cap causes the button cap itself to pivot or rotate. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts an example electronic device incorporating a sealed button assembly, as generally described above and as described below with more particularity with respect to  FIGS. 2A-5 . The electronic device shown in  FIG. 1A  may be a wearable electronic device  100  such as a timekeeping device. The wearable electronic device  100  can include a housing  102  to enclose components (such as electrical and mechanical components) of the wearable electronic device  100 . The housing  102  can, at least partially, surround a display  104 . Additionally, the wearable electronic device  100  can incorporate one or more input elements or mechanisms to facilitate user interaction. For example, the wearable electronic device  100  can include one or more of a speaker, a rotary input device, a microphone, and/or a button  106 , depicted in a removed view of greater scale in  FIG. 1B . 
     Generally, the button  106  is formed to take a substantially rectangular shape having at least partially rounded endcaps, although such a configuration is not required of all embodiments and other buttons may take other forms. For example, a button  106  can take a circular, rectangular, square, faceted, smooth, or any other arbitrary shape. 
     The button  106  is disposed within a button aperture defined in the housing  102 . In some examples, the button  106  can form a substantially continuous surface with the housing  102 . The button  106  can be substantially flush with the external surface of the housing  102 . In some embodiments, the button  106  can protrude from the housing  102  such that an external surface of the button  106  is proud of the external surface of the housing  102 . 
       FIG. 2A  depicts a cross-section view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken through section B-B. Portions (or a majority) of the button  106  can be positioned within a counterbore and affixed to a ledge  102   a  (or floor) of the counterbore defined within the housing  102  of the wearable electronic device  100 . As used herein, the term “counterbore” generally refers to both cylindrical counterbores associated with coaxially-aligned smaller-diameter through-holes and additionally to non-cylindrical inset surfaces that take the general form of an arbitrarily-shaped aperture associated with a continuous or non-continuous ledge (or other shelf or protrusion) that extends proud of sidewalls of the aperture (e.g., extending into the aperture itself). As noted with respect to the description of the button  106  as depicted in  FIG. 1B , the button  106  can take a substantially rectangular shape having rounded endcaps. Accordingly, the counterbore defined within the housing  102  of the wearable electronic device  100  can take substantially the same shape. 
     Generally, the button  106  can include a button cap  202 , a button retainer  204 , and a bracket  206 . The button cap  202  is retained at least partially in the counterbore in the housing by the button retainer  204 , as discussed in more detail below, and is biased away from the button retainer  204  by one or more compressible biasing members (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2B ). Further, the button cap  202  abuts or is adjacent to a first end of a push rod  216 , which may extend through the button retainer  204 . A second end of the push rod  216  may abut or be disposed near an electrical switch, such as a dome switch. The dome switch may be affixed to the bracket  206 . One or more fasteners such as the screws  208  may affix the bracket  206  to the button retainer  204  to clamp the button  106  to the housing  102  around the ledge  102   a . A gasket seal  210  may be positioned between an extension or underside of the button retainer  204  and the ledge  102   a  of the counterbore. 
     The button cap  202  can take a shape such as a circular, rectangular, or square shape. The button cap  202  can have a planar top surface, although this is not required. For example, the button cap  202  can have a curved top surface that follows a curved profile of the housing  102 . In some cases, the button cap  202  can have a chamfered perimeter edge and/or can be cosmetically finished to a mirror or matte surface. In some examples, a symbol, glyph, or other informational graphic can be disposed onto the external surface of the button cap  202 . For example, in some embodiments a laser ablation process can be used to etch an information graphic related to the functionality of the button into the external surface of the button cap. In other examples, an informational graphic can be formed by depositing ink onto the external surface of the button cap. The button cap  202  is positioned adjacent to the push rod  216  and to the button retainer  204  and within the counterbore. 
     The gasket seal  210  can be positioned between the button retainer  204  and a floor of the counterbore within the housing  102 . The gasket seal  210  can be formed from any number of suitable materials. For example, the gasket seal  210  can be formed from a pressure sensitive adhesive, a compressible and close-cell foam, a low-durometer elastomer such as silicone, or a fluoroelastomeric material. 
     The gasket seal  210  can be disposed about the entire perimeter of the floor of the counterbore defined in the housing  102 . Alternatively, the gasket seal  210  can be disposed at select locations about the perimeter of the floor of the counterbore. In still further examples, the gasket seal  210  can be formed from a series of layered or stacked materials. For example, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive can be disposed below a layer of low-durometer elastomer. 
     In other examples, the gasket seal  210  can be formed from a series of concentric seals. For example, an outer gasket seal portion can be separate and distinct from an inner gasket seal portion. In these embodiments, an outer gasket seal can be formed from the same or a different material as the inner gasket seal portion. 
     In still further embodiments, the gasket seal  210  can take the form of a curable liquid adhesive. In such embodiments, the gasket seal  210  may provide an effective seal between the button retainer  204  and the floor of the counterbore defined in the housing  102  after the gasket seal  210  is cured. In these embodiments, the curable liquid can be disposed in a manner and in such a volume so as to seep (via capillary action or another mechanism) into any irregularities within either the floor of the counterbore defined in the housing  102  or in the button retainer  204  itself. In these and related embodiments, the gasket seal  210  can provide a structurally-sound bond between the counterbore and the button retainer  204 . 
     Furthermore, although the gasket seal  210  seal is illustrated as substantially planar, such a configuration is not required for all embodiments. For example, the gasket seal  210  can contour to a geometry of the underside of the button retainer  204  or to the floor of the counterbore defined in the housing  102 . The button retainer  204  can include one or more surface features configured to increase the bond strength between the button retainer  204  and the gasket seal  210 . The lower surface of the button retainer  204  can be rough or otherwise irregular. In other examples, the lower surface of the button retainer  204  may be a serrated shape and the gasket seal  210  may be similarly shaped. 
     Additionally, although the gasket seal  210  is illustrated as terminating at an edge of the button retainer  204 , such a configuration is not required. For example, the gasket seal  210  can wrap around the lower surface of the button retainer  204 , such that the gasket seal  210  interfaces with the button retainer  204 , the floor of the counterbore, and one or more sidewalls of the counterbore. 
     The combination of the seal  218  and the gasket seal  210  can provide the wearable electronic device with a sealed barrier that prevents intrusion of foreign matter (e.g., liquid, dust, organic or inorganic debris, and so on) without considerably impacting the tactile feel, responsiveness, or functionality of the electronic switch. 
     The bracket  206  can be mechanically fastened to the button retainer  204  with one or more mechanical fasteners, illustrated in  FIG. 2A  as the screws  208 . In some embodiments, other fasteners or fastener types may be used such as, but not limited to, bolts, rivets, nails, or the like. In some embodiments the bracket  206  can be mechanically fastened to the button retainer  204  by an adhesive, a welded joint, or a combination thereof. Alternately, the bracket  206  can be over-molded onto the button retainer  204 . In still further examples, the bracket  206  or a portion thereof can be caused to reflow into one or more apertures or cavities of the button retainer  204 , thereby affixing the bracket  206  to the button retainer  204  in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. 
     The screws  208  can have the same number of threads per millimeter as a tapped portion of a screw cavity defined within the button retainer  204 . In these examples, the screws  208  can be driven into the screw cavity or cavities of the button retainer  204  upon assembly of the button  106 . In some embodiments, the threads of the screws  208  and/or the threads of the tapped portion of the screw cavity defined within the button retainer  204  can be partially coated with a thread locking adhesive. In some embodiments, the screws  208  can be self-tapping. 
     The bracket  206  can include one or more countersinks in order to allow the head of the screws  208  to be substantially flush with the bracket  206 . However, in some embodiments, such a configuration may not be required. In such embodiments, head portions of the screws  208  can be proud of the bracket  206  when the screws  208  are fully driven into the button retainer  204 . 
     The electrical switch can be formed on a substrate  212  and take the form of a compressible dome  214  that is positioned above the bracket  206  and below the button retainer  204 . The substrate  212  can provide structural definition and support to the compressible dome  214 . In many examples, the substrate  212  can be formed from a rigid material such as metal. In some embodiments, the substrate  212  can be formed from a circuit board or other similar material. In still further embodiments, the substrate  212  can be formed from a plastic. The substrate  212  can include one or more vents to provide an air displacement path for the compressible dome  214 . 
     In many examples, the substrate  212  can have one or more electrical traces disposed on a top surface thereof. The electrical traces can cooperate with a conductive portion of the compressible dome  214  to complete one or more electrical circuits when the compressible dome  214  compresses. In other examples, the electrical traces can be coupled to an electrical circuit configured to monitor the electrical traces for changes in electrical properties. For example, the electrical circuit can monitor for capacitive changes, resistive changes, reactive changes, inductive changes, and so on. 
     In other examples, the substrate  212  can be coupled to one or more flexible circuits. A flexible circuit can host any number of electrical components related to the operation of the electrical switch or related to the operation of a circuit separate from the electrical switch. In many examples, a flexible circuit can couple the button  106  with one or more separate circuits within the wearable electronic device. More particularly, a flexible circuit can be used to couple the electrical switch to a processor or circuit configured to monitor the electrical switch for a button press. 
     The push rod  216  can couple an electrical switch (described below) to the button cap  202 . The push rod  216  can be disposed within a through-hole (e.g., aperture, hole, opening, and so on) of the button retainer  204 . The through-hole of the button retainer  204  and the push rod  216  can be formed so that the push rod  216  can axially translate within the through-hole. More particularly, the push rod  216  can move both upwardly and downwardly within the through-hole. 
     In this manner, when the button cap  202  is pressed by a user, a downward force can be applied through the push rod  216  to the compressible dome  214 . In response thereto, the compressible dome  214  can collapse, activating the electrical switch. A signal that the electrical switch is activated can then be conveyed to the wearable electronic device. 
     As noted above and as illustrated, the push rod  216  may interface with both the compressible dome  214  of the electrical switch and an internal surface of the button cap  202 , although this configuration may not be required for all embodiments. In many cases, and as illustrated, the button cap  202  can incorporate a recess into which a top surface of the push rod  216  can be disposed. 
     A seal  218  can be positioned around a body portion of the push rod  216 . In some cases, the body portion of the push rod  216  can include a channel within which the seal  218  is at least partially disposed. For example, as illustrated, the seal  218  can be an annular seal (e.g., O-ring) that is sized to touch and/or compress against both the interior of the through-hole of the button retainer  204  and the push rod  216 . 
     In some examples, the seal  218  can be placed into tension when applied to the push rod  216 . For example, the seal  218  can be formed into an O-ring shape from an elastomeric material (e.g., as fluoroelastomer, polymer, and so on). During assembly of the button  106 , the seal  218  can be stretched over the push rod  216 . 
     In some embodiments, the seal  218  can at least partially rotate or move in response to the axial translation of the push rod  216 . In this manner, the seal  218  can also function as a type of bearing that at least partially guides the axial translation of the push rod  216  through the through-hole of the button retainer  204 . 
     In many embodiments, the push rod  216  can have a length that is greater than a thickness of the button retainer  204  such that the push rod  216  can axially translate within the through-hole of the button retainer  204  in order to transfer a force received at the button cap  202  to the compressible dome  214  of the electronic switch disposed below the button retainer  204 . The electronic switch may be braced and/or supported by the retainer such that, when the push rod  216  axially translates within the through-hole (and toward the electronic switch) in response to a press, a downward force provided by the push rod  216  may be focused onto the electronic switch, which in turn may activate the electronic switch. 
     A depth of the button  106  may not be substantially larger than a thickness of the sidewall of the housing  102 . More particularly, the only portion of the button  106  protruding into the interior volume of the housing  102  may be the bracket  206 . Accordingly the thickness of the bracket  206  may be selected or determined at least in part in view of the internal layout of other components within the wearable electronic device. 
     Retention of the button cap  202  by the button retainer  204  will now be discussed. As noted with respect to embodiments described herein, the button cap  202  can include an undercut defined by a flange extending from a sidewall of the button cap  202 . The undercut may accept and interlock with a wing of the button retainer  204 . The sizing and spacing of the wing and the undercut can define the travel distance of the button cap  202  when the button cap  202  is pressed by a user. Additionally, the interlocking relationship between the wings and the undercuts can allow the button retainer  204  to retain the button cap  202  in a button aperture defined in the housing  102 . More particularly, when the button  106  is installed within the counterbore of the housing  102 , the button cap  202  may not be easily removed. 
     One may appreciate that similar retention may occur if the button cap  202  were formed with one or more wings and, correspondingly, the button retainer  204  were formed with one or more undercuts. Some embodiments may implement the button cap  202  and the button retainer  204  in this manner. However, forming of the button cap  202  with undercuts (e.g., as illustrated) causes the button cap  202  to occupy a larger proportion of the volume defined by the counterbore than if the button cap  202  were to be formed with wings instead. The illustrated configuration may prevent or mitigate the accumulation or ingress of foreign matter into the counterbore volume, may provide for a more structurally sound and rigid structure for the button cap  202 , and/or may provide a smoother and more linear downward travel for the button cap  202 . 
     As noted above, the wing of the button retainer  204  can interlock with the button cap  202  by rotating the button cap  202  (prior to placement of the button  106  in the counterbore of the housing  102 ) to position the undercut of the button cap  202  below the wing of the button retainer  204 . In other cases, the button retainer  204  can interlock with the button cap  202  by sliding the undercut below the wing of the button retainer  204 . In still further examples, the button retainer  204  can interlock with the button cap  202  by snapping the undercut over the wing of the button retainer  204 . 
     Also as noted above, as a result of the clamping configuration of the bracket  206  and button retainer  204  around the floor of the counterbore defined in the housing  102 , specialized machining of fastening features within the housing  102  may not be required. As one example, conventional button assemblies often require time-consuming milling, machining, and/or finishing (e.g., thread milling, undercutting, fixture adhesion processes, and so on) of the electronic device housing in order to create fastening features for which the conventional button assembly can attach. The time required to create fastening features for an electronic device housing may increase as the size of the electronic device housing decreases. More particularly, small electronic device housings such as the housing  102  of the wearable electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1A ), may be difficult to manipulate or maneuver with sufficient precision so as to create fastening features thereto. Embodiments described herein are not so limited and may be readily affixed in a cost- and time-efficient manner to housings of electronic devices. 
     Further embodiments can incorporate additional features. For example,  FIG. 2B  depicts a cross-section view of the sealed button assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken through section B-B depicting the sealed button assembly with a button cap biasing mechanism. As with the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2A , the button  106  shown in  FIG. 2B  is disposed within a counterbore defined by the housing  102  of the wearable electronic device  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1B . The button  106  can likewise include a button cap  202  positioned above a button retainer  204  which is coupled to the housing  102  via a bracket  206 . 
     In addition, the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2B  includes a compressible biasing member  220  (e.g., spring, elastomer, spring bar, and so on) disposed between the button cap  202  and the button retainer  204 . The compressible biasing member  220  can bias the button cap  202  away from the button retainer  204 . The compressible biasing member  220  can provide an even biasing force to the button cap  202  so that the button cap  202  is substantially level when biased. For example, the compressible biasing member  220  is illustrated as two springs under tension, providing an upwardly biasing force equally distributed on opposite sides of the push rod  216 , maintaining a separation between the button cap  202  and the button retainer  204 . In this example, the compressible biasing member  220  can provide resistance to the button cap  202  pivoting or rotating in response to an off-axis button press. 
     In other embodiments the compressible biasing member  220  can be positioned elsewhere. For example, the compressible biasing member  220  can be positioned between the push rod  216  and the button cap  202  or between the push rod  216  and the electronic switch. In other examples, the compressible biasing member  220  can be positioned in other locations. 
     In many cases, one or more properties (e.g., dimensions, materials, surface finishes, and so on) of the button retainer  204 , the compressible biasing member  220 , and the button cap  202  can be selected such that, when assembled, the button cap  202  extends proud of an external surface of the housing to which the button assembly is coupled. 
     Although the compressible biasing member  220  is illustrated as two separated springs, some embodiments can implement the compressible biasing member  220  in another manner. For example, in some cases the compressible biasing member  220  can be implemented as a compressible foam disposed between the button cap  202  and the button retainer  204 . In another example, the compressible biasing member  220  can be implemented as a flexible elastomer on the underside of the button cap  202  or an upper surface of the button retainer  204 . In still further examples, the compressible biasing member  220  can be implemented as a single spring which may wrap around the push rod  216 . In further embodiments, the compressible biasing member  220  can be implemented as a spring bar, leaf spring, or other resilient material. 
     Although the button cap  202  is illustrated as abutting a top surface of the push rod  216 , such a configuration is not required. For example, the compressible biasing member  220  may cause the button cap  202  to lift above the top surface of the push rod  216 . Some embodiments may implement the button cap  202  and the compressible biasing member  220  in this manner. However, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2B  may provide a stronger and constant tactile feel to a user upon pressing the button cap  202 . 
     Additionally, the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2B  can include a rigid shim  222  that can be disposed between the bracket  206  and an internal portion of the housing  102 . The rigid shim  222  can bias the bracket  206  into the volume of the housing  102 . In this manner, the rigid shim  222  can provide an increased pull force on the button  106 , drawing the button  106  into the housing  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the rigid shim  222  can be formed from metal. In these cases, the rigid shim  222  can add strength to the bracket  206 . In some embodiments, the rigid shim  222  can be formed from multiple layers of material. In some examples, the rigid shim  222  can be formed from a metal layer and a foam layer. In these cases, the foam layer may face and abut the bracket  206 . In some examples, the rigid shim  222  can be formed from a metal layer and an adhesive layer. In these embodiments, the adhesive may partially compress upon fastening the bracket  206  to the button retainer  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the foam layer of the rigid shim  222  may be oriented to interface the housing  102 . One may appreciate that the thickness of the rigid shim  222  can vary from embodiment to embodiment. Further, one may appreciate that a particular shim may be selected for a particular device during a manufacturing process. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts an exploded cross-section assembly view of the button  106  of  FIG. 2B . To facilitate an understanding of the various features and elements labeled in  FIG. 3A , and to simplify the description thereof, detailed descriptions related to features of the button  106  described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2B  are not repeated below. Additionally, the assembly guide lines depicted in  FIG. 3A  are merely presented to illustrate an approximate final assembled position of the various elements depicted; the assembly guide lines are not presented to illustrate a preference or requirement for a particular installation orientation, direction, path, or method. 
     The button cap  202  can include an exterior surface  300  and an interior surface  302 . The exterior surface  300  of the button cap  202  be substantially planar. In some embodiments, the exterior surface  300  can take another shape, such as a rounded shape or a faceted shape. The exterior surface  300  can provide cosmetic or functional features for the button cap  202 . For example, the exterior surface  300  can be polished to a mirror finish. In some embodiments, the exterior surface  300  can have a matte finish. In such a case, the exterior surface  300  of the button cap  202  can be polished in a first manufacturing stage and, thereafter, can be subjected to a particle blast in a second manufacturing stage to provide a matte finish. In many examples, the exterior surface  300  of the button cap  202  can be flush with a top surface of the housing  102  of the wearable electronic device  100 . In other cases, the exterior surface  300  of the button cap  202  can sit proud of a top surface of the housing  102 . 
     The interior surface  302  of the button cap  202  can define a push rod recess  306  (e.g., push indentation, push rod detent, push rod detent, and so on). The interior surface  302  of the button cap  202  can also define one or more bias indentations  324  configured to receive and/or guide the placement of the compressible biasing member  220  between the button cap  202  and the button retainer  204 . The interior surface  302  of the button cap  202  can cooperate with sidewalls of the button cap  202  and flanges extending inwardly therefrom to define the undercuts  308 . For example, flanges can extend from lateral sidewalls of the button cap  202  toward a centerline of the button cap  202 . The distance the undercuts  308  extend toward the centerline of the button cap  202  can vary from embodiment to embodiment. Additionally, although the undercuts  308  are illustrated as taking a substantially rectilinear shape, such a configuration is not required for all embodiments. For example, the undercuts  308  may be defined to take an arced shape. In other embodiments, the undercuts  308  can be defined to take an arbitrary shape. 
     The push rod  216  can also have multiple features. For example, the push rod  216  can include a top surface  312   a  and a bottom surface  312   b  that are joined by a body portion  312   c . In many embodiments, the top surface  312   a  of the push rod  216  can interface with the interior surface  302  of the button cap  202 . In some embodiments, the top surface  312   a  of the push rod  216  can sit within the push rod recess  306 . Also, the bottom surface  312   b  of the push rod  216  can abut the electronic switch positioned therebelow. In many cases, either or both of the top surface  312   a  or the bottom surface  312   b  can be finished with a chamfered or otherwise rounded edge. 
     Within the body portion  312   c  of the push rod  216  can be a seal channel  314  that is sized and configured to receive (and retain) the seal  218 . Although the seal channel  314  of the push rod  216  is depicted having a substantially rectangular cross-section, such a configuration is not required. For example, the seal channel  314  of the push rod  216  can be configured with a rounded cross-section. In other examples, the seal channel  314  of the push rod  216  can be triangular. In still further embodiments, the seal channel  314  may not be required. For example, the push rod  216  can be formed with the seal  218  as a single integral part. For example, the seal  218  can be over-molded onto the push rod  216 . In other examples, the push rod  216  can be formed from a sealing material with a protrusion extending from the body portion  312   c  to the sidewalls of the through-hole of the button retainer  204 . 
     In many cases, the push rod recess  306  may be wider than the top surface  312   a  of the push rod  216 . Thus, the button cap  202  may freely pivot about the top surface  312   a  of the push rod  216  without transferring torques associated with said pivoting. 
     The button retainer  204  can also have multiple features. The button retainer  204  can include one or more wings  316  that are configured to interlock within the undercuts  308  of the button cap  202 . In one embodiment, one or more wings  316  can interlock with the undercuts  308  by rotating the button cap  202 . For example as shown in  FIG. 3B , a longitudinal axis C-C of the button cap  202  can be rotated so as to be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis D-D of the button retainer  204 . In some embodiments, the one or more wings  316  can be axially symmetric. In other cases, such as is depicted in  FIG. 3B , the one or more wings  316  can take an axially asymmetric shape. In some cases, the one or more wings  316  can extend across the width of the button retainer  204 . In other cases, the one or more wings  316  can extend for a portion of the width of the button retainer  204 , stopping the button cap  202  from further rotation once the longitudinal axis C-C is parallel to the longitudinal axis D-D. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3A , the button retainer  204  can also include a base portion  318  which is configured to abut a floor of the counterbore defined by the housing  102 . One or more screw cavities  320  are adjacent to the base portion  318  and oriented to face an internal volume of the housing  102 . The one or more screw cavities  320  can be threaded or tap-able, and can receive the screws  208 . The button retainer  204  can also define the through-hole  322  which is sized to receive the push rod  216 . In addition, the button retainer  204  can also include one or more bias indentations  324  configured to receive and/or guide the placement of the compressible biasing member  220  between the button cap  202  and the button retainer  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the bias indentations  324  can be formed as bias apertures that extend from the upper surface of the button retainer  204  to the lower surface of the button retainer  204 . In these embodiments, the compressible biasing member  220  can be inserted through the bias indentations  324  during assembly. Thereafter, the bias indentations  324  can be closed and/or substantially sealed in order to retain the compressible biasing member  220  biased between the button retainer  204  and the button cap  202 . 
     In many embodiments, the button retainer  204  can be formed from a rigid material such as metal or plastic. In some examples, the button retainer  204  can be formed from a combination of materials. Further, although the button retainer  204  is illustrated in cross-section as two separated components, it may be appreciated that in many embodiments the button retainer  204  is formed as a single unitary element. 
     The compressible dome  214  can also have multiple features. For example, the compressible dome  214  can include an apex portion  326 . The width of the apex portion  326  of the compressible dome  214  can be selected based on the geometry of the bottom surface  312   b  of the push rod  216 . The compressible dome  214  can be attached to the substrate  212 . The substrate  212  can include one or more dome vents  328  which serve to vent the compressible dome  214  during a depression of the apex portion  326 . The compressible dome  214  can be adhered to the substrate  212  with an adhesive. In another embodiment, the compressible dome  214  can be formed onto the substrate  212  in a manufacturing process. 
     The housing  102  can define a counterbore  330  that substantially takes the same shape as the button cap  202 . Because the counterbore  330  does not extend entirely through the housing  102 , a ledge  102   a  may be present. The ledge  102   a  may extend a certain distance from the sidewalls of the counterbore  330 . Different embodiments may implement the ledge  102   a  differently. The ledge  102   a  can receive the base portion  318  of the button retainer  204 . Additionally, and in many embodiments, the gasket seal  210  can be positioned between the base portion  318  of the button retainer  204  and the ledge  102   a.    
     Although the ledge  102   a  is illustrated as substantially terminating at an internal sidewall of the housing  102 , such a configuration is not required. For example, the ledge  102   a  may be present within a middle portion of the housing  102 . 
     The rigid shim  222  can also have multiple features. For example, the rigid shim  222  can be disposed between the bracket  206  and an internal portion of the housing  102  corresponding to a surface of the ledge  102   a . The rigid shim  222  can bias the bracket  206  into the volume of the housing  102 . In this manner, the rigid shim  222  can provide an increased pull force on the button  106 , drawing the button  106  into the housing  102 . 
     The bracket  206  can also have multiple features. For example, alignment indentations  332  can be defined in a top surface of the bracket  206 . The alignment indentations  332  can be used to align the bracket  206  to the electronic switch. In other embodiments, the alignment indentations  332  can be implemented as through-holes, visual fiducials, or pin apertures configured to receive or interface with a pin protruding from another element of the stack. Generally and broadly, the alignment indentations  332  can be implemented in any suitable manner to assist with alignment of the bracket  206  of the electronic switch; in certain embodiments, the alignment indentations  332  may take another form or may be omitted. 
     In addition, the bracket  206  can include one or more fastener apertures  334  which are sized and positioned to receive the screws  208  during assembly of the button  106 . Further, although the bracket  206  is illustrated in cross-section as three separated components, it may be appreciated that in many embodiments the bracket  206  is formed as a single unitary element. 
     As noted above, the button assembly mechanically couples the button cap to the electrical switch via the separated push rod. In operation, the push rod axially translates within the through-hole of the button retainer in order to transfer force received at the button cap to the electronic switch. The electronic switch may be braced and/or supported by the retainer such that the downward force provided by the push rod may be focused onto the electronic switch which, in turn, activates the electronic switch. 
     In one example, such as depicted in  FIG. 4A , a user press on the button cap  202  in a generally central location (e.g., on-axis press) can provide a substantially uniform and planar downward force F that is translated through the push rod  216  directly to the compressible dome  214 , deforming the compressible dome  214 . The planar downward force F can also compress the compressible biasing members  220   a ,  220   b  in a substantially uniform manner. In another example, such as is depicted in  FIG. 4B , a user press of the button cap  202  in a generally non-central location (e.g., off-axis press, edge press, and so on) can provide a substantially non-uniform downward force F that may cause the button cap  202  to pivot, depressing the compressible biasing member  220   b  to a greater extent than the compressible biasing member  220   a . However, as a result of the separation between the push rod  216  and the button cap  202 , the push rod  216  can nevertheless apply a substantially planar downward force directly to the compressible dome  214 , thereby causing the compressible dome  214  to deform. In this manner, the button cap  202  does not confer substantially any torque to the push rod  216 . 
     In further embodiments, the button cap  202  can be flexibly coupled to the push rod  216 , such as depicted in  FIG. 4C . In such an embodiment, the flexible coupling  400  (e.g., silicone, flexible adhesive, and so on) can connect the push rod  216  to the button cap  202  in a manner that permits the push rod  216  to apply a planar downward force to the electrical switch. In this manner, the button cap  202  does not confer substantially any torque to the push rod  216 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts example operations of a method of coupling a sealed button assembly to a housing of an electronic device. The method can begin at operation  502  during which a push rod can be inserted through a button retainer. Next at operation  504 , a button cap can be secured to the retainer, for example by twist-locking, or sliding. Next at operation  506 , a bracket can be positioned within the housing of an electronic device, adjacent to a counterbore defined within the housing. Next, at operation  508  a button assembly including the button cap, button retainer, and the push rod can be aligned with the counterbore. Next, at operation  510 , the bracket can be fastened to the button assembly through the counterbore, thereby affixing the button assembly to the housing. 
     As noted above, embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for reliably and durably sealing buttons within portable electronic devices from liquid intrusion, although the various systems and methods described herein are not limited to particular form factors. Further, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments described herein, as well as the functionality, operation, components, and capabilities thereof may be combined with other elements or embodiments as necessary, and so any physical, functional, or operational discussion of any element, feature, structure, or interrelation therebetween is not intended to be limited solely to a particular embodiment to the exclusion of others. 
     For example, although  FIG. 1A  illustrates a wearable electronic device, other embodiments can take other forms. For example, an electronic device incorporating a sealed button assembly can be implemented in another manner or can take other forms such as, but not limited to, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a peripheral input device, an accessory device, a tablet computer, a home appliance, a sports or activity tracker, a physiology tracker, an industrial device, a health tracking device, a fitness tracking device, a medical device, a power tool, a portable media player, a remote control device, and so on. 
     Additionally, electronic devices such as the wearable electronic device  100  depicted in  FIG. 1A  can be configured in a variety of forms to perform, monitor, or coordinate a variety of tasks. For example, the wearable electronic device  100  can be configured in the form of a wearable communications device. A wearable communications device may include a processor coupled with or in communication with a memory, one or more sensors, one or more communication interfaces, output devices such as displays and speakers, one or more input devices (e.g., force input and/or touch input), and a health monitoring system. The communication interfaces can provide electronic communications between the communications device and any external communication network, device or platform, such as but not limited to wireless interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, universal serial bus interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional or proprietary communication interfaces. The wearable communications device may provide information regarding time, health, statuses of externally connected or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices, messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive any of the foregoing from an external device), in addition to communications. As should be appreciated, for simplicity of illustration, the wearable electronic device  100  is depicted in  FIG. 1A  without many of these elements, each of which may be included, partially, optionally, or entirely, within a housing  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the housing  102  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the wearable electronic device  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  102  is formed into a substantially rectangular shape, although this configuration is not required. 
     In some embodiments, the housing  102  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece or a complementary clamshell portions. Alternatively, the housing  102  can be formed of a single piece (e.g., uniform body or unibody). The housing  102  can be coupled to a coupling mechanism used to attach to a user. For example, as illustrated, the housing  102  can be coupled to a band suitable for attaching to a user&#39;s wrist. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the housing  102  can, at least partially, surround a display  104 . In many examples, the display  104  may incorporate an input device configured to receive touch input, force input, and the like and/or may output information to a user, such as various health parameters or physiological data. The display  104  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch or multi-force sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. 
     As noted above, the wearable electronic device  100  can include the button  106  in accordance with embodiments described herein. In other cases, a wearable electronic device can incorporate one or more buttons that are implemented substantially as described above. 
     Additionally, for some embodiments described herein, a button such as the button  106  may be formed as a rectangle with rounded opposing sides (e.g., capsule-shaped), such as depicted in  FIG. 1B . In these and other embodiments, the button  106  can be finished with a manufacturing process selected to provide a desirable cosmetic finish to an external surface of the button  106 . For example, the button  106  can be finished with a chamfered perimeter edge. In some embodiments, the button  106  can be polished to a mirror finish, or can be formed or finished with a matte finish. In some examples, a symbol, glyph, or other informational graphic (not shown) can be disposed onto the external surface of the button  106 . For example, in some embodiments a laser ablation process can be used to etch an information graphic related to the functionality of the button  106  into the external surface of the button  106 . In other examples, an informational graphic can be formed by depositing ink onto the external surface of the button  106 . 
     The button  106  may be formed from the same material as that of the housing  102 . For example, the housing  102  and the button  106  can be formed from metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, gold, platinum, and so on). In other cases, the housing  102  and the button  106  can be formed from a polymer (e.g., elastomer, plastic, nylon, and so on). In still further examples, the housing  102  and the button  106  can be formed from a ceramic material (e.g., zirconia, alumina, and so on). In still further examples, the housing  102  and the button  106  can be formed from glass or sapphire. In these and other embodiments, the housing  102  and the button  106  can be finished in substantially the same manner so as to provide the wearable electronic device  100  with a substantially consistent cosmetic appearance. 
     In some embodiments, the housing  102  and the button  106  can be formed from different materials. For example, the housing  102  can be formed from metal and the button  106  can be formed from sapphire. 
     In still further examples, either or both the housing  102  and the button  106  can be formed from a combination of materials. For example, the housing  102  can be formed from both metallic portions and non-metallic portions. In such an example, one or more metallic portions of the housing  102  can be coupled to one or more electrical circuits configured to perform, monitor, or coordinate one or more electrical operations of the wearable electronic device  100 . For example, the metallic portions can be associated with a sensor included within the wearable electronic device  100 . In other examples, the metallic portions can be associated with a wireless communication circuit (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular communications, and so on) of the wearable electronic device  100 . 
     In some examples, either or both the housing  102  and the button  106  can be formed, at least in part, from a material that is transparent to certain frequency bands of light (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet, visible light, and so on). For example, in some cases the button  106  can be transparent to infrared light while remaining substantially opaque to other frequency bands of light. In these examples, a light emitting component may be optically coupled to the button  106  in order to provide information to a user  108  (e.g., status light, and so on). 
     Also the wearable electronic device  100  can use the button  106  to facilitate user interaction. In one example, a press of the button  106  can cause a user interface element rendered by the display  104  to change. In other examples, the button  106  can be associated with a different functionality (or multiple functionalities depending on a state of the wearable electronic device  100 ) of the wearable electronic device  100 . In one example in which the button  106  is a power button, the wearable electronic device  100  can respond to a press of the button  106  by the user  108  by entering a power-saving mode (e.g., low-power mode). In another example, the button  106  can be implemented as a home button. In such an example, the wearable electronic device  100  can cause the display  104  to draw a graphical representation of an array of applications available for selection by the user  108 . In yet another example, the button  106  can be implemented to perform another function of the wearable electronic device  100  such as, but not limited to, starting or ending a telephone call, launching a dictation application, launching a communication application (e.g., text, email, phone, pictographic communication, and so on), launching an application displaying a list or dial of preferred contacts of the user  108 , launching a mapping application, placing the wearable electronic device  100  into a sleep mode, starting or stopping a timer, increasing or decreasing the tightness of a band  110  which couples the wearable electronic device  100  to the user  108 , increasing or decreasing audio volume output from one or more speakers, controlling or accessing information from a separate electronic device, launching a health-monitoring application, activating one or more sensors of the wearable electronic device  100 , activating a physiological sensor of the wearable electronic device  100 , and so on. One may appreciate that the functionality of the button  106 , and, more generally, the function or functions for which the wearable electronic device  100  incorporates the button  106 , can vary from embodiment to embodiment and, as such, the listing of example functions or features herein is not intended to be exhaustive. 
     One may appreciate that although many embodiments are disclosed above, that the operations and steps presented with respect to methods and techniques described herein are meant as exemplary and accordingly are not exhaustive. One may further appreciate that alternate step order or, fewer or additional steps may be required or desired for particular embodiments. 
     Although the disclosure above is described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the some embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but is instead defined by the claims herein presented.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160422
Publication Date: 20181016
Grant Date: 20181016
Priority Date: 20150423
Inventors: PELLETIER, David M.
BOOZER, BRAD G.
ELY, COLIN M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/042", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2231/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2237/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/042", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2231/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2237/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 63761320