PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9373463-B2
Application Number: US-201213610676-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly

Abstract:
This is directed to systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly. The button assembly may include a center region, a first end region that may extend from a first side of the center region, and a second end region that may extend from a second side of the center region. Each one of the first end region and the second end region may include a first flexibility, and the center region may include a second flexibility that may be less than the first flexibility.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A button assembly comprising:
 a button having an exposed surface configured to receive user input and comprising:
 a center region positioned over a center switch; 
 a first end region extending from a first side of the center region and positioned over a first end switch; and 
 a second end region extending from a second side of the center region and positioned over a second end switch, wherein: 
 the button is configured to flex to provide independent actuation of the center switch, the first end switch, and the second end switch. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The button of  claim 1 , wherein the center region, the first end region, and the second end region form a single contiguous portion of the button assembly. 
     
     
       3. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of: a thickness of the button assembly varies from the center region to at least one of the first end region and the second end region; and
 a flexibility of the button assembly varies continuously from the center region to at least one of the first end region and the second end region. 
 
     
     
       4. The button of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each one of the first end region and the second end region comprises a first thickness; and 
 the center region comprises a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. 
 
     
     
       5. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the center region comprises: 
 a first surface that faces a first direction; and 
 a second surface that faces a second direction that is opposite the first direction; 
 at least a portion of the first surface is flat; and 
 at least a portion of the second surface comprises a curve. 
 
     
     
       6. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the first end region, the second end region, and the center region comprises at least one limb configured to couple the button to a corresponding portion of an electronic device. 
     
     
       7. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a group of three or more switches disposed within the housing; and 
 a button positioned to interact with a portion of the housing and comprising a group of three or more regions, wherein each region of the group of regions is positioned adjacent to a respective switch of the group of switches, and wherein the button is configured to: 
 flex in a first manner to cause an end of the button to move up when an external force is applied to a first region; and 
 flex in a second manner to cause the end of the button to move down when the external force is applied to the second region. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the first region is disposed between the second region and a third region of the group of regions. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the button is configured to flex in the first manner by: moving the first region towards the respective switch that is positioned adjacent to the first region; and
 moving each one of the second region and the third region away from the respective switch that is positioned adjacent to that region. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the button is configured to flex in the second manner by:
 moving the second region towards the respective switch that is positioned adjacent to the second region; and 
 moving the first region towards the respective switch that is positioned adjacent to the first region such that a portion of that respective switch pivots the button at the first region. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the moving the first region comprises moving the first region by a first amount; and 
 the moving the second region comprises moving the second region by a second amount that is greater than the first amount. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein each one of the second region and the third region comprises at least one limb configured to interact with a corresponding structural component of the portion of the housing. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the first region comprises a first limb configured to interact with a corresponding structural component of the portion of the housing, and wherein, when the button flexes in the first manner:
 the at least one limb of the first region moves away from the corresponding structural component; and 
 a strength of the interaction of each one of the at least one limb of the second region and the at least one limb of the third region to the corresponding structural components is increased. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein, when the button flexes in the second manner, a strength of the interaction of the second region to the corresponding structural component is decreased. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device comprising:
 a group of three or more switches; 
 a button disposed over the group of switches and comprising a group of three or more regions; and 
 a shim disposed between a portion of the button and a respective switch of the group of switches, wherein:
 the shim is: coupled to the portion of the button via a first adhesive member; 
 
 and coupled to the portion of the center switch via a second adhesive member;
 each region of the group of regions of the button is positioned adjacent to a respective switch of the group of switches; 
 the button is configured to bend in a first manner when an external force is applied to a first region of the group of regions proximate to the portion causing an end of the button to move up; and 
 the button is configured to bend in a second manner when the external force is applied to a second region of the group of regions causing the end of the button to move down. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the coupling of the shim to the portion of the button allows simultaneous movement of at least the portion of the button and at least the portion of the switch in a first direction. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the coupling of the shim to the portion of the switch prevents any movement of the portion of the button with respect to the portion of the switch in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the switch comprises a depressable activator; and 
 the portion of the switch comprises the depressable activator. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 15  further comprising a housing, wherein: the button comprises at least one limb; and the button is coupled to a portion of the housing via the at least one limb. 
     
     
       20. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a button positioned within an opening of the housing; 
 a bracket comprising an arm portion and a hand portion; and 
 multiple switches residing on the hand portion and disposed adjacent to the button, wherein:
 the hand portion comprises a recess configured to prevent a corresponding switch of the multiple switches from moving away from the button in a first direction; 
 the button disposed over the multiple switches and comprises multiple regions; 
 each region of the multiple regions is positioned adjacent to a respective switch of the multiple switches; and 
 wherein the button is configured to: 
 cause an end of the button to bend toward the hand portion when an external force is applied to a first region of the multiple regions; and 
 cause the end of the button to bend away from the hand portion when the external force is applied to a second region of the multiple regions. 
 
 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 20 , wherein the arm portion is coupled to at least a portion of the housing. 
     
     
       22. The electronic device of  claim 20 , wherein the housing comprises a structural post disposed adjacent to the portion of the housing. 
     
     
       23. The electronic device of  claim 20 , wherein:
 a portion of the hand portion that is positioned adjacent to the structural post comprises a curved surface configured to accommodate a shape of the structural post. 
 
     
     
       24. The electronic device of  claim 20  further comprising a gasket disposed between a portion of the bracket and the portion of the housing. 
     
     
       25. The electronic device of  claim 24 , wherein:
 the portion of the housing comprises a group of structural components; 
 the button comprises a group of limbs; 
 each limb of the group of limbs is configured to interact with a corresponding structural component of the group of structural components; and 
 each limb of the group of limbs is configured to move towards and contact a portion of the gasket when an external force is applied to a region of the button that is associated with that limb. 
 
     
     
       26. The electronic device of  claim 25 , wherein the gasket is configured to prevent that limb from moving beyond a predetermined distance within the housing when the external force is applied. 
     
     
       27. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a group of switches disposed within the housing; and 
 a button positioned to interact with a portion of the housing and comprising a group of regions, wherein:
 each region of the group of regions is positioned adjacent to a respective switch of the group of switches; and 
 when an external force is applied to a first region between a second and a third region, the button is configured to flex and move the first region toward a respective switch that is positioned adjacent to the first region and flex and move a first and second end corresponding to the second and third regions away from the respective adjacent switches. 
 
 
     
     
       28. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a group of switches disposed within the housing; and 
 a button positioned to interact with a portion of the housing and comprising a group of regions, wherein each region of the group of regions is positioned adjacent to a respective switch of the group of switches, and wherein:
 the button is configured to bend in response to an external force; 
 an end the button is configured move in a first direction with respect to the group of switches when the external force is applied to the first region; and 
 the end is configured to move in a second direction with respect to the group of switches when the external force is applied to a second region proximate to the end of the button. 
 
 
     
     
       29. The electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein each one of the second region and the third region comprises at least one limb configured to interact with a corresponding structural component of the portion of the housing. 
     
     
       30. The electronic device of  claim 29 , wherein the first region comprises a first limb configured to interact with a corresponding structural component of the portion of the housing, and wherein, when the button moves in a first manner:
 the at least one limb of the first region moves away from the corresponding structural component; and 
 a strength of the interaction of each one of the at least one limb of the second region and the at least one limb of the third region to the corresponding structural components is increased.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Many electronic devices include mechanisms for entering inputs. For example, an electronic device typically includes one or more buttons, such as a power button, one or more volume control buttons, and various other buttons for entering inputs to the electronic device. However, each one of these buttons may add to a total part count of the electronic device. Moreover, each button may be different in at least one of size, shape, material, and manufacturing requirements, which may increase manufacturing time and costs of the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly are provided. 
     In some embodiments, a button assembly may be provided. The button assembly may include a center region, a first end region extending from a first side of the center region, and a second end region extending from a second side of the center region. Each one of the first end region and the second end region may include a first flexibility. The center region may include a second flexibility that is less than the first flexibility. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a housing, a set of switches disposed within the housing, and a button positioned to interact with a portion of the housing and including a set of regions. Each region of the set of regions may be positioned adjacent to a respective switch of the set of switches. The button may be configured to move in a first manner with respect to the set of switches when an external force is applied to a first region of the set of regions. The button may also be configured to move in a second manner with respect to the set of switches when the external force is applied to a second region of the set of regions. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a switch, a button, and a shim disposed between a portion of the button and a portion of the switch. The shim may be coupled to the portion of the button via a first adhesive member. The shim may also be coupled to the portion of the switch via a second adhesive member. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a housing, a button positioned to interact with a portion of the housing, and a bracket including an arm portion and a hand portion. The electronic device may also include a set of switches residing on the hand portion and disposed adjacent to the button. The bracket may be configured to prevent each switch of the set of switches from moving away from the button in a first direction. 
     In some embodiments, a method of integrating a button assembly with an electronic device may be provided. The button assembly may include a first end region, a second end region, and a center region disposed between the first end region and the second end region. The electronic device may include a housing. The method may include positioning the button assembly within the housing. After the positioning, the method may also include bending at least a portion of the center region around a portion of a structural post of the housing. After the bending, the method may also include aligning the first end region with a first structural component of the housing. The method may also include interfacing a limb of the first end region to the first structural component based on the aligning. After the interfacing, the method may also include displacing the second end region towards a second structural component of the housing. Based on the displacing, the method may also include interfacing a limb of the second end region to the second structural component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , the electronic device including a button assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1 and 2A , taken from line IIB-IIB of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-3A , taken from line IIIB-IIIB of  FIG. 3A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is side view, similar to  FIG. 3B , of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-3B  and a set of switches, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 4A , of a simplified representation of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4A  and the set of switches of  FIG. 4A , the combination of the button assembly and the set of switches being in a first configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 4A , of a simplified representation of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4B  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the combination of the button assembly and the set of switches being in a second configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 4B , of a simplified representation of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4A  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A-4C , the combination of the button assembly and the set of switches being in a third configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-2B , the portion including the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4A  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A-4C , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 3B , of the portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view, similar to  FIG. 3A , of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4A, 5, and 6 , the button assembly including markings, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 3B , of a first alternative button assembly, similar to the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4A and 5-7 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 5 , of the portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 5 , the portion including the first alternative button assembly of  FIG. 8  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A-6 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 8 , of a second alternative button assembly, similar to the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4A and 5-7  and the first alternative button assembly of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 9 , of the portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5 and 9 , the portion including the second alternative button assembly of  FIG. 10  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A-6 and 9 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 11 , taken from line XII-XII of  FIG. 11 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 12 , of the portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 11 , taken from line XIII-XIII of  FIG. 11 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view, similar to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , of the portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 11 , taken from line XIV-XIV of  FIG. 11 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15A  is a view of the button assembly of  FIGS. 10-14  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A-6 and 9 , taken from line XVA-XVA of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15B  is a view of the button assembly of  FIGS. 2A-4A and 5-7  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A-6 and 9 , taken from line XVB-XVB of  FIG. 4A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15C  is a view of the button assembly of  FIGS. 8 and 9  and the set of switches of  FIGS. 4A-6 and 9 , taken from line XVC-XVC of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for integrating a button assembly with an electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to storing image content) and, in other embodiments, electronic device  100  may perform multiple functions (e.g., a device that stores image content, plays music, and receives and transmits telephone calls). Moreover, in some embodiments, electronic device  100  may be any portable, mobile, or hand-held electronic device configured to control output of content. Alternatively, electronic device  100  may not be portable at all, but may instead be generally stationary. Electronic device  100  may include any suitable type of electronic device operative to receive user inputs. For example, electronic device  100  may include a media player (e.g., an iPod™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), a cellular telephone (e.g., an iPhone™ available by Apple Inc.), a personal e-mail or messaging device (e.g., a Blackberry™ available by Research In Motion Limited of Waterloo, Ontario), any other wireless communication device, a pocket-sized personal computer, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a music recorder, a still camera, a movie or video camera or recorder, a radio, medical equipment, an accessory (e.g., headphones), any other suitable type of electronic device, and any combinations thereof. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a processor or control circuitry  102 , memory  104 , communications circuitry  106 , power supply  108 , input component  110 , output component  112 , and a detector  114 . Electronic device  100  may also include a bus  103  that may provide a transfer path for transferring data and/or power, to, from, or between various other components of device  100 . In some embodiments, one or more components of electronic device  100  may be combined or omitted. Moreover, electronic device  100  may include other components not combined or included in  FIG. 1 . For example, electronic device  100  may include motion detection circuitry, light sensing circuitry, positioning circuitry, or several instances of the components shown in  FIG. 1 . For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Memory  104  may include one or more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (“RAM”), any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. Memory  104  may include cache memory, which may be one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data for electronic device applications. Memory  104  may store media data (e.g., music, image, and video files), software (e.g., for implementing functions on device  100 ), firmware, preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable device  100  to establish a wireless connection), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), calendar information, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof. 
     Communications circuitry  106  may be provided to allow device  100  to communicate with one or more other electronic devices or servers using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry  106  may support Wi-Fi (e.g., an 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth™, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”), BitTorrent™, file transfer protocol (“FTP”), real-time transport protocol (“RTP”), real-time streaming protocol (“RTSP”), secure shell protocol (“SSH”), any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. Communications circuitry  106  may also include circuitry that can enable device  100  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection. 
     Power supply  108  may provide power to one or more of the other components of device  100 . In some embodiments, power supply  108  can be coupled to a power grid (e.g., when device  100  is not a portable device, such as a desktop computer). In some embodiments, power supply  108  can include one or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when device  100  is a portable device, such as a cellular telephone). As another example, power supply  108  can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using solar cells). 
     One or more input components  110  may be provided to permit a user to interact or interface with device  100 . For example, input component  110  can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, an electronic device pad, dial, click wheel, scroll wheel, touch screen, one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard, volume control buttons, etc.), mouse, joy stick, track ball, a microphone, and combinations thereof. For example, input component  110  may include a multi-touch screen. Each input component  110  can be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating device  100 . 
     Electronic device  100  may also include one or more output components  112  that may present information (e.g., textual, graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of device  100 . Output component  112  of electronic device  100  may take various forms, including, but not limited, to audio speakers, in-ear earphones, headphones, audio line-outs, visual displays, antennas, infrared ports, rumblers, vibrators, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, output component  112  may include an audio output module that may be coupled to an audio connector (e.g., a male audio jack) for interfacing with an audio device (e.g., a headphone, an in-ear earphone, a microphone, etc.). 
     It should be noted that one or more input components  110  and one or more output components  112  may sometimes be referred to collectively herein as an I/O interface (e.g., input component  110  and output component  112  as I/O interface  111 ). It should also be noted that input component  110  and output component  112  may sometimes be a single I/O component, such as a touch screen that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. 
     Detector  114  may include one or more sensors of any suitable type that may be utilized to detect a condition of the environment of device  100 . In some embodiments, detector  114  may also include one or more sensors that may detect any human feature or characteristic (e.g., physiological, psychological, physical, movement, etc.). For example, detector  114  may include a microphone for detecting voice signals from one or more individuals. As another example, detector  114  may include a heartbeat sensor for detecting heartbeats of one or more individuals. As yet other examples, detector  114  may include a fingerprint reader, an iris scanner, a retina scanner, a breath sampler, and a humidity sensor that may detect moisture and/or sweat emanating from any suitable portion of an individual&#39;s body. For example, detector  114  may include a humidity sensor that may be situated near or coupled to one or more portions of input component  110 , and that may detect moisture and/or sweat from an individual&#39;s hands. It should be appreciated that any detector  114  may include any sensor that may detect any human feature or characteristic. 
     In some embodiments, detector  114  may also include motion sensing circuitry for detecting motion of an environment of device  100  and/or objects in the environment. For example, the motion sensing circuitry may detect a movement of an object (e.g., an individual) about device  100  and may generate one or more signals based on the detection. 
     Processor  102  of device  100  may control the operation of many functions and other circuitry provided by device  100 . For example, processor  102  may receive input signals from input component  110  and/or drive output signals through output component  112 . Processor  102  may load a manager program (e.g., a program stored in memory  104  or another device or server accessible by device  100 ) to process or analyze data received via detector  114  or inputs received via input component  110  to control output of content that may be provided to the user via output component  112  (e.g., a display). 
     Electronic device  100  may also be provided with a housing  101  that may at least partially enclose one or more of the components of device  100  for protecting them from debris and other degrading forces external to device  100 . Housing  101  may be composed of any suitable type of material (e.g., aluminum). In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be provided within its own housing (e.g., input component  110  may be an independent keyboard or mouse within its own housing that may wirelessly or through a wire communicate with processor  102 , which may be provided within its own housing). 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B , for example, show various portions of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , for example, electronic device  100  may include housing  101  and I/O interface  111 . I/O interface  111  may, for example, include a single touch screen component. 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include separate input mechanisms or buttons, each one being dedicated to manipulate the electronic device in a certain way. For example, a first button may be dedicated for powering the electronic device ON or OFF. As another example, a separate second button may be dedicated for increasing a volume setting of the electronic device, and a separate third button may be dedicated for decreasing the volume setting. Employing a number of such buttons may complicate and increase the cost of manufacture of the electronic device. Thus, in other embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide fewer input mechanisms or buttons that may provide users with the same ability to manipulate the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include a button assembly  200  that may be disposed on a side portion of housing  101 . Button assembly  200  may, for example, be a part of an input component  110  of electronic device  100 . Button assembly  200  may include a center region  230  and two end regions  210  and  220 . In some embodiments, each one of regions  210 ,  220 , and  230  may exist as separate components that may be coupled to form button assembly  200 . In these embodiments, for example, regions  210 ,  220 , and  230  may be connected in a contiguous manner. That is, there may be no physical discontinuities from end region  210  to center region  230 , and from center region  230  to end region  220 . In other embodiments, button assembly  200  may be constructed as a single structure (e.g., from a single piece of material). In these embodiments, button assembly  200  may not be physically formed from separable regions (e.g., such as regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 ). Rather, certain portions of button assembly  200  may be distinguished from one another based on, for example, a difference in one or more of their respective physical characteristics. In yet other embodiments, button assembly  200  may include fewer or more regions. For example, rather than including three regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 , button assembly  200  may only include two regions (e.g., center region  230  and any one of end region  210  and  220 ). As another example, rather than including only three regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 , button assembly  200  may include one or more extra regions that may each be similar to any one of center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , for example, button assembly  200  may be disposed through housing  101  such that each one of a front surface  230   f  of center region  230 , a front surface  210   f  of end region  210 , and a front surface  220   f  of end region  220  may face away from electronic device  100  (e.g., away from device  100  through an opening in external surface  101   e  of housing  101 ) in a −X-direction of  FIG. 2A . Although center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220  may form a single button assembly  200 , each one of these regions may be configured as a single input mechanism or button that may activate a respective function of electronic device  100 . For example, end region  220  may be configured as an input for a volume increase function of electronic device  100  (e.g., a volume setting of electronic device  100  may increase when front surface  220   f  of end region  220  is depressed in the +X-direction of  FIG. 2A ). As another example, end region  210  may be configured as an input for a volume decrease function of electronic device  100  (e.g., a volume setting of electronic device  100  may decrease when front surface  210   f  of end region  210  is depressed in the +X-direction of  FIG. 2A ). As yet another example, center region  230  may be configured as an input for any other suitable function of electronic device  100  (e.g., a particular setting or function of electronic device  100  may be controlled or affected when front surface  230   f  of center region  230  is depressed in the +X-direction of  FIG. 2A ). 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B , for example, show various portions of button assembly  200 . Button assembly  200  may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., 6063 aluminum). As shown in  FIG. 3A , and as briefly described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , for example, button assembly  200  may include center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220 . Center region  230  may include a front surface  230   f , side surfaces  230   s  and  230   p , and an internal surface  230   i . Similarly, end region  210  may include front surface  210   f , side surfaces  210   s  and  210   p , and an internal surface  210   i , and end region  220  may include front surface  220   f , side surfaces  220   s  and  220   p , and an internal surface  220   i . When button assembly  200  is integrated with electronic device  100  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), for example, side surfaces  230   s ,  210   s , and  220   s  may each face the +Z-direction of  FIG. 2A , side surfaces  230   p ,  210   p , and  220   p  may each face the −Z-direction of  FIG. 2A , and internal surfaces  230   i ,  210   i , and  220   i  may each face the +X-direction of  FIG. 2A . 
     In some embodiments, button assembly  200  may vary in physical characteristics from region to region. For example, end region  210  may have a predefined thickness  210   d  (e.g., 0.6 millimeters to 0.7 millimeters) that may extend from front surface  210   f  to internal surface  210   i , and end region  220  may have a predefined thickness  220   d  (e.g., 0.6 millimeters to 0.7 millimeters) that may similarly extend from front surface  220   f  to internal surface  220   i . In some embodiments, predefined thickness  210   d  may be equal to predefined thickness  220   d . However, a thickness of center region  230  may vary from one end of center region  230  (e.g., at line  210   t ) to another end of center region  230  (e.g., at line  220   t ). As shown in  FIG. 3B , for example, end region  210  may extend from end  210   h  to line  210   t , and end region  220  may extend from end  220   h  to line  220   t . Further, front surfaces  210   f  and  220   f , and internal surfaces  210   i  and  220   i  may each be substantially flat. In this manner, the thicknesses  210   d  and  220   d  may be substantially constant throughout the entireties of end regions  210  and  220 , respectively. Front surface  230   f  and internal surface  230   i  of center region  230  may also be substantially flat (e.g., from a line  230   x  to a line  230   y ). However, center region  230  may include a curved portion  230   r   1 , which may extend from line  210   t  to line  230   x , and a curved portion  230   r   2 , which may extend from line  220   t  to line  230   y . Curved portions  230   r   1  and  230   r   2  may vary in thickness from line  210   t  to  230   x  and from line  220   t  to line  230   y , respectively. Curved portion  230   r   1  may have a thickness  210   d  at line  210   t , but may gradually decrease in thickness until line  230   x , which may, for example, have thickness  230   d  (e.g., 0.32 millimeters). Curved portion  230   r   2  may be substantially similar (e.g., physically) to curved portion  230   r   1 . For example, curved portion  230   r   2  may have a thickness  220   d  at line  220   t , but may gradually decrease in thickness until line  230   y , which may, for example, have thickness  230   d . Curved portion  230   r   1  may extend for a length m 1 , and may curve at any suitable radius. Similarly, curved portion  230   r   2  may extend for a length m 2  (e.g., that may be equal to m 1 ), and may curve at any suitable radius (e.g., at the same radius as that of curved portion  230   r   1 ). The curved configuration of curved portions  230   r   1  and  230   r   2  may, for example, allow a user to tactilely distinguish center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220  from one another (e.g., when a user brushes one or more fingers over button assembly  200 ). 
     In some embodiments, button assembly  200  may vary in physical flexibility from region to region. This variation may, for example, be due to the difference between the smaller thickness  230   d  of center region  230  and each one of the larger thicknesses  210   d  and  220   d  of end regions  210  and  220 , respectively. For example, end regions  210  and  220  may each be composed of a certain material or combination of materials (e.g., aluminum) and may each have the same flexibility (e.g., hardness, stiffness, etc.), whereas center region  230  may also be composed of the same material or combination of materials, but may be more flexible than any one of end regions  210  and  220 . That is, a flexibility of at least a portion of center region  230  may be greater than a flexibility of any portion of either one of end regions  210  and  220 . This variation in physical flexibility may allow each one of end regions  210  and  220 , and center region  230  to essentially function as a separate input mechanism or button. In some embodiments, the flexibility of each one of end regions  210  and  220  and center region  230  may not be constant throughout that region, but may, for example, vary continuously throughout that region (e.g., according to a predefined design requirements). For example, each one of end regions  210  and  220  and center region  230  may have a predefined flexibility profile (e.g., a first flexibility at a first portion of that region, a second flexibility at a second portion of that region, etc.). As described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in some embodiments, rather than being formed from separable regions (e.g., such as regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 ), button assembly  200  may instead be distinguished from one another based on a difference in one or more of their respective physical characteristics. In these embodiments, certain portions (e.g., that may correspond to end regions  210  and  220  and center region  230 ) of button assembly  200  may be distinguished from one another based on a difference in their respective flexibilities or flexibility profile. Moreover, in some embodiments, each one of regions  210 ,  220 , and  230  may or may not vary in flexibility or be flexible at all, but may instead be coupled to one another via one or more coupling components (not shown) that may be flexible. In these embodiments, the flexibility of such coupling components may, for example, allow a user to distinguish between each one of regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 . Additionally, in embodiments where button assembly  200  may be constructed as a single structure or a single button (e.g., as described above), button assembly  200  may include one or more features (e.g., a weakening feature, such as a slit, a perforation, etc.) that may each provide flexibility between certain portions of button assembly  200  on opposite sides of that feature. In these embodiments, for example, the flexibility of such features may allow a user to distinguish between each one of regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , for example, button assembly  200  may be in its natural state. Button assembly  200  may be in its natural state, for example, when no external force (e.g., in the +X-direction) is applied to any portion of any one of front surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f . In some embodiments, the entirety of center region  230  may be flexible. In these embodiments, when an external force is applied to one or more portions of any one of front surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f , button assembly  200  may change (e.g., bend) from its natural state. For example, while each one of center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220  is at least partially fixed in place with respect to housing  101  (e.g., via at least one limb that may latch onto or interact with a corresponding portion of housing  101 , as described below), center region  230  may bend with respect to either one of end regions  210  and  220 , when an external force is applied to an appropriate portion of one of front surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f . In other embodiments, only curved portions  230   r   1  and  230   r   2  may be more flexible than any one of end regions  210  and  220 . In these embodiments, the portion of center region  230  that may extend from line  230   x  to  230   y  may have the same hardness or stiffness as each one of end regions  210  and  220 . In this configuration, each one of curved portions  230   r   1  and  230   r   2  may act as a pivot that may allow center region  230  to bend with respect to corresponding end regions  210  and  220 . That is, while each one of center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220  is at least partially fixed in place with respect to housing  101  (e.g., via at least one limb that may latch onto or interact with a corresponding portion of housing  101 , as described below), center region  230  may bend with respect to corresponding end regions  210  and  220 , when an external force is applied to an appropriate portion of one of front surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f.    
     Center region  230  may have a length n 3 , and end regions  210  and  220  may have lengths n 1  and n 2 , respectively. In some embodiments, length n 3  may be equal to a sum of length n 1 , length n 2 , and a length m 3  of  FIG. 3A . Length n 1  may be equal to length n 2 . Button assembly  200  may have a total length of q, which may be the sum of lengths n 1 , n 2 , and n 3 . In some embodiments, button assembly  200  may be rotationally symmetric. For example, length n 1  may be equal to length n 2 , and a length of a portion of center region  230  (e.g., that may extend from line  210   t  to a midpoint  230   m  of center region  230 ) may be equal to a length of another portion of center region  230  (e.g., that may extend from line  220   t  to midpoint  230   m ). 
     In some embodiments, button assembly  200  may also include a set of limbs that may each be configured to secure to a corresponding portion of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , for example, button assembly  200  may include a limb  212  that may extend from internal surface  210   i  at end  210   h  of end region  210 , and a limb  222  that may extend from internal surface  220   i  at end  220   h  of end region  220 . Button assembly may also include limbs  232  and  234  that may each extend from internal surface  230   i  of center region  230 . Each of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234  may include a corresponding leg and a foot. For example, limb  212  may include a leg  212   j  that may protrude from internal surface  210   i , and that may lead to a foot  212   f , and limb  222  may include a leg  222   j  that may protrude from internal surface  220   i , and that may lead to a foot  222   f . Each of legs  212   j  and  222   j  may, for example, protrude from internal surfaces  210   i  and  220   i , respectively, in the +X-direction. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , foot  212   f  may point in the −Y-direction and foot  222   f  may point in the +Y-direction. Similarly, each of legs  232   j  and  234   j  may, for example, protrude from internal surface  230   i  in the +X-direction. Moreover, each one of feet  232   f  and  234   f  may, instead, be pointing in the −Z-direction (e.g., into the page). 
       FIG. 4A , for example, shows button assembly  200  being disposed adjacent to a set of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330 . Switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may each be disposed at a predefined location within electronic device  100  (e.g., within housing  101  underneath button assembly  200 ). Moreover, switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may, in some embodiments, be secured in their respective predefined locations via one or more support brackets (e.g., as described with respect to  FIG. 14 ). Switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may, for example, be similar to one another, and may include any suitable type of switch (e.g., a pushbutton switch). For example, each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may include a corresponding frame  312 ,  322 , and  332 , respectively, and a corresponding activator  314 ,  324 , and  334 , respectively. Each one of activators  314 ,  324 , and  334  may be configured to depress (e.g., into the corresponding frame), when a force is applied thereon (e.g., by button assembly  200 ). Moreover, each one of activators  314 ,  324 , and  334  may be configured to undepress (e.g., protrude from the corresponding frame, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4A ), when no force is applied thereon. Hence, each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be capable of occupying a depressed state (e.g., when its corresponding activator is depressed), and a natural state (e.g., when its corresponding activator is not being depressed). As shown in  FIG. 4A , for example, each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be in its natural state (e.g., when no external force is applied to a corresponding one of activator surfaces  314   f ,  324   f , and  334   f  of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330 ). In some embodiments, when no external force is applied to any portion of any one of front surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f  of button assembly  200 , each one of button assembly  200  and switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be in their respective natural states. In these natural states, each one of portions  213 ,  223 , and  233  of button assembly  200  may be flush or in contact with a corresponding one of activator surfaces  314   f ,  324   f , and  334   f . In other embodiments, when no external force is applied to any portion of any one of front surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f , a respective gap (not shown) may exist between each one of portions  213 ,  223 , and  233  and a corresponding one of activator surfaces  314   f ,  324   f , and  334   f . Switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may also include corresponding circuitry (not shown) that may be disposed within their respective frames  312 ,  322 , and  332 . Each circuitry may, for example, be configured to output an electrical signal each time a corresponding one of activators  314 ,  324 , or  334  is depressed. As shown in  FIG. 4A , for example, each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  (e.g., each one of activators  314 ,  324 , and  334 ) may be in its respective natural state. For example, a portion  213  of end region  210  along surface  210   i  may be disposed adjacent to activator surface  314   f  of activator  314  (e.g., when activator  314  is in its natural state) along surface  220   i , a portion  223  of end region  220  may be disposed adjacent to activator surface  324   f  of activator  324  (e.g., when activator  324  is in its natural state) along surface  230   i , and a portion  233  of center region  230  may be disposed adjacent to activator surface  334   f  of activator  334  (e.g., when activator  334  is in its respective natural state). When an external force is applied to any one of activator surfaces  314   f ,  324   f , and  334   f , a corresponding one of activators  312 ,  324 , or  334  may transition from its natural state to a depressed stated (e.g., depressed in the +X-direction into a cavity (not shown) of a corresponding one of frames  312 ,  322 , and  332 ). For example, when an external force is applied (e.g., by a finger of a user of device  100 ) in the +X-direction onto a portion of any one of front surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f , a corresponding one of portions  213 ,  223 , and  233  may exert a similar force onto a corresponding one of activator surfaces  314   f ,  324   f , and  334   f . This may, as a result, cause that activator to depress in the +X-direction. 
       FIGS. 4B-4D , for example, show button assembly  200  and switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  occupying various states. In particular,  FIGS. 4B-4D  may show simplified representations of button assembly  200  of  FIG. 4A . As shown in  FIG. 4B , for example, button assembly  200  may be in its natural state. In its natural state, button assembly  200  may be substantially parallel with a horizontal line P 1  (e.g., a line that may run along the top surfaces of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  in their natural states). Moreover, each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be in its natural state (e.g., similar to the natural state of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  described above with respect to  FIG. 4A ). 
     As described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , because curved portions  230   r   1  and  230   r   2  of button assembly  200  may be more flexible than end regions  310  and  320 , button assembly  200  may change from its natural state (e.g., center region  230  may bend with respect to each one of end regions  310  and  320 ), when a force is applied to one or more appropriate portions of button assembly  200  (e.g., front surface  230   f  of center region  230 ). As shown in  FIG. 4C , for example, button assembly  200  may be subjected to a force F 330  (e.g., a force that may be applied by a user in order to depress switch  330 ) at portion  233  of center region  230  (e.g., at a portion of center region  230  along surface  230   f ). As a result, center region  230  may bend with respect to each one of end regions  210  and  220  in the +X-direction. Because regions  210 ,  220 , and  230  may contiguously form button assembly  200 , the bending of center region  230  in the +X-direction may force each one of end regions  210  and  220  to move in the −X-direction. More particularly, the bending of center region  230  in the +X-direction may result in a force Fr 1  being applied to end region  210  in the −X-direction and a force Fr 2  being applied to end region  220  in the −X-direction. As shown in  FIG. 4C , for example, forces Fr 1  and Fr 2  may cause respective end regions  210  and  220  to move with respect to horizontal line P 1 , and away from a corresponding one of activator surfaces  314   f  and  324   f . In particular, end region  210  may move or bend with respect to horizontal line P 1  at an angle α 1 , and end region  220  may move or bend with respect to horizontal line P 2  at an angle α 2  (e.g., which may be similar or equal to angle α 1 ). In contrast, force F 330  may cause center region  230  to contact activator surface  334   f  of activator  334  and depress activator  334  in the +X-direction into frame  332 . As a result, switch  330  may be activated, and switches  310  and  320  may remain in their respective natural states (e.g., un-depressed states). In this manner, a particular region (e.g., center region  230 ) of button assembly  200  may function as an individual input mechanism or button for electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4D , for example, button assembly  200  may be subjected to a force F 310  (e.g., that may be applied by a user in order to depress switch  310 ) at portion  213  of end region  210  (e.g., along surface  210   f  of end region  210 ). In the presence of force F 310 , end region  210  may move in the +X-direction such that portion  213  may contact activator surface  314   f  and depress activator  314  in the +X-direction. The movement of end region  210  may form an angle α 3  with respect to horizontal line P 1 . Moreover, center region  230  may bend with respect to end region  210  in the +X-direction (e.g., due to the flexible configuration of curved portion  230   r   1 ). Because regions  210 ,  220 , and  230  may contiguously form button assembly  200 , the bending of center region  230  (e.g., in the +X-direction with respect to end region  210  may force the contiguous regions of center region  230  and end region  220  to move towards the +X-direction. In particular, the combined weights of center region  230  and end region  220  may result in a reactionary force Fr 4  that may force center region  230  and end region  220  to move in the +X-direction. This movement may, for example, make button assembly  200  appear to be in a bowed state. 
     In addition, a reactionary force Fr 3  may be applied by activator surface  334   f  (e.g., via activator  334 ) onto portion  233  of center region  230 . In particular, the movement of center region  230  in the +X-direction may be sufficient make contact between portion  233  and activator surface  334   f . However, button assembly  200  may be configured such that this contact may not be sufficient to depress activator  334  in the +X-direction. Thus, in some embodiments, activator  334  may act as a pivot that may prevent portion  423  from contacting activator surface  324   f . In other embodiments, activator  334  may act as a pivot that may allow portion  423  to contact activator surface  324   f , but may prevent portion  423  from actually depressing activator  324  in the +X-direction. As a result, switch  310  may be depressed, and switches  320  and  330  may remain in their respective natural states (e.g., un-depressed). In this manner, another region (e.g., end region  210 ) of button assembly  200  may also function as another individual input mechanism or button for electronic device  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that, although  FIG. 4D  may only show end region  310  having a force F 310  applied thereon, end region  320  rather than end region  310  may, instead, have a similar force applied thereon. In this scenario, button assembly  200  may bend similarly as shown in  FIG. 4D , but end region  220  may move toward the +X-direction (e.g., due to the flexible configuration of curved portion  230   r   2 ) and portion  423  may contact activator surface  324   f  and depress activator  324  in the +X-direction. Moreover, center region  230  and end region  210  may reside above corresponding switches  330  and  310 , respectively. 
     Although  FIGS. 4C and 4D  may show forces F 330  and F 310  being applied to specific portions of button assembly  200 , each one of forces F 330  and F 310  may, instead, be applied to any other suitable portion of center region  230  and end region  210 , respectively, as long as a desired switch (e.g., switch  330 , as shown in  FIG. 4C , and switch  310 , as shown in  FIG. 4D ) may be activated, and the remaining switches may remain in their respective natural states (e.g., switches  310  and  320 , as shown in  FIG. 4C , and switches  320  and  330 , as shown in  FIG. 4D ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , for example, button assembly  200  may be coupled to electronic device  100  (e.g., similar to what is shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) via a portion of housing  101 . Housing  101  may include a structural post  152  that may enhance the structural integrity of housing  101  (e.g., at least in the Z-direction). Housing  101  may include external surface  101   e  and an internal surface  101   i . External surface  101   e  may include an external opening  176 . Internal surface  101   i  may include internal openings  172  and  174 . Internal opening  172  may be larger than internal opening  174 , and may, for example, be separated from internal opening  174  by structural post  152 . Hence, external opening  176  may be larger than a combination of internal openings  172  and  174 . Moreover, external opening  176  may be fluid with openings  172  and  174 . Button assembly  200  may be disposed within external opening  176 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, button assembly  200  may be disposed over external opening  176  such that the portion of center region  230 , that may extend from line  230   x  to  230   y , may be parallel to external surface side  101   e  of housing  101 . In some embodiments, external surface side  101   e  may not be entirely flat or planar as depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , but may instead include a portion that may be at least partially indented in the +X-direction (e.g., with respect to the rest of external surface side  101   e ) in the vicinity leading to external opening  176 . In these embodiments, button assembly  200  may protrude from this indented portion of external surface side  101   e  in the −X-direction. In this manner, at least a portion of each one of side surfaces  210   s ,  210   p ,  220   s ,  220   p ,  230   s , and  230   p  of button assembly  200  may be exposed outside of housing  101 . This configuration may, for example, provide a user with improved tactility of the various regions of button assembly  200  with respect to housing  101 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, button assembly  200  may be oriented such that an inner surface  200   i  (e.g., a combination of internal surfaces  210   i ,  220   i , and  230   i ) of button assembly  200  may face the inside of housing  101 . Although button assembly  200  may have been described above as having separate and substantially flat surfaces  210   i ,  220   i , and  230   i , in some embodiments, the inner surface  200   i  of button assembly  200  may be a contiguous flat surface. Moreover, inner surface  200   i  may not span the entire length q of button assembly  200 , but may be surrounded by a wall  200   w . As shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, button assembly  200  may include wall  200   w  and a recess  200   r . Wall  200   w  and inner surface  200   i  may, for example, each extend in the X-direction of  FIG. 6  to form the various thicknesses of center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220 . Recess  200   r  may extend from inner surface  200   i  to a wall surface  200   w   1 . When button assembly  200  is coupled to housing  101 , for example, recess  200   r  may reside entirely within housing  101 . Surface  200   i  may be substantially flat throughout the entirety of recess  200   r  (e.g., from end region  210  to center region  230 , and from center region  230  to end region  220 ). In some embodiments, button assembly  200  may not include recess  200   r , but may instead include an entirely flat surface throughout surface  200   i  of button assembly  200 . In these embodiments, button assembly  200  may, for example, be composed of a more flexible material (e.g., plastic) or be positioned farther within housing  101  in the +X-direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, button assembly  200  may be secured within housing  101  via the set of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234 . In particular, foot  212   f  of limb  212  may contact or interface with a wall portion  101   w   1  of housing  101 . For example, in some embodiments, foot  212   f  may releasably couple to wall portion  101   w   1  by hooking or latching, via front surface  212   f   1 , onto wall portion  101   w   1 , when end region  210  is aligned with external surface  101   e  of housing  101 . Alternatively, foot  212   f  may contact (e.g., passively) surface  101   i  of wall portion  101   w   1 . Similarly, foot  222   f  of limb  222  may contact or interface with a wall portion  101   w   4  of housing  101  via front surface  222   f   1  of foot  222   f . For example, foot  222   f  may releasably couple to wall portion  101   w   4  by hooking or latching onto wall portion  101   w   4 , when end region  220  is aligned with external surface  101   e  of housing  101 . Each of limbs  232  and  234  may secure to housing  101  via feet  232   f  and  234   f , respectively. In particular, leg  232   j  of limb  232  may extend along a portion of a side surface  101   p  (e.g., about external opening  176 ) such that foot  232   f  may hook or latch onto a wall portion  101   w   2  of a recess portion  101   r   1  of housing  101 . Leg  234   j  of limb  234  may similarly extend along another portion of surface  101   p  of housing  101  (e.g., about external opening  176 ) such that foot  234   f  may hook or latch onto a wall portion  101   w   3  of a recess  101   r   2  of housing  101 . In this manner, wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4  may prevent button assembly  200  from moving in a direction away from housing  101  (e.g., the −X-direction out of housing  101  through external opening  176 ). 
     Although wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4  may prevent button assembly  200  from moving in a direction away from housing  101  (e.g., the −X-direction), in some embodiments, wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4  may not be configured to prevent button assembly  200  from moving farther into electronic device  100  (e.g., in the +X-direction due to any of forces F 310  and F 330 ). For example, housing  101  may not include any structural barriers opposite to any one of wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4 . That is, housing  101  may not include any structural barriers that may prevent any one of feet surfaces  212   f ,  222   f ,  232   f , and  234   f  from moving in the +X-direction within housing  101 . Instead, housing  101  may include space  101   s  that may be positioned directly below each one of wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4 , such that each one of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234  may be free to move away from a corresponding one of wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4  and farther into electronic device  100  (e.g., in the +X-direction). Moreover, in some embodiments, structural post  152  of housing  101 , which may be disposed within housing  101  underneath external opening  176 , also may not be configured to prevent button assembly  200  from moving at least some distance farther into electronic device  100 . For example, structural post  152  may be positioned a predefined distance k from external surface  101   e , such that no portion (e.g., not even surface  200   i ) of button assembly  200  may be in contact with an external surface  152   e  of structural post  152 . Thus, when switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  are fixed in place within housing  101  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be the only barriers that may prevent button assembly  200  from moving farther into electronic device  100  in the +X-direction. 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 4C , for example, when external force F 330  is applied to portion  233  of button assembly  200 , reactionary forces Fr 1  and Fr 2  may be produced. Due to these reactionary forces, each one of feet  212   f  and  222   f  of button assembly  200  may, for example, attempt to move in the −X-direction. However, because foot  212   f  may already be hooking, latching, contacting, or otherwise interacting with wall portion  101   w   1 , and because foot  222   f  may already be hooking, latching, contacting, or otherwise interacting with wall portion  101   w   4 , reactionary forces Fr 1  and Fr 2  may not actually move feet  212   f  and  222   f  in the −X-direction, but may instead strengthen the interaction thereof with the corresponding wall portion of housing  101 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , for example, switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be disposed such that surfaces  312   i ,  322   i , and  332   i , respectively, may face the inside of housing  101  (e.g., in the +X-direction), and surfaces  312   f ,  322   f , and  322   f , respectively, may face away from housing  101  (e.g., in the −X-direction). Each one of surfaces  312   f ,  322   f , and  332   f  may, for example, be substantially parallel to surface  200   i , and may prevent corresponding portion (e.g., center region  230 , end region  210 , and end region  220 ) of button assembly  200  from entering farther into housing  101  and beyond switches  310 ,  320 , and  330 . In addition, although structural post  152  may be positioned the predefined distance k underneath external surface  101   e  of housing  101 , structural post  152  may also prevent button assembly  200  from entering into housing  101  and beyond structural post  152  (e.g., in the event that any one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  is no longer fixed in place within housing  101 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , for example, each one of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234  of button assembly  200  may protrude in the +X-direction, towards the inside of electronic device  100  such that each one of the respective feet  212   f ,  222   f ,  232   f , and  234   f  may hook, latch, or otherwise interact with a corresponding portion of housing  101 . To properly align each one of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234  (and thus, feet  212   f ,  222   f ,  232   f , and  234   f ) to the corresponding portions of electronic device  100 , button assembly  200  may be integrated with housing  101  by first positioning button assembly  200  within housing  101  (e.g., inside of electronic device  100 ). For example, while the portion of housing  101  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is made accessible, button assembly  200  may first be positioned within housing  101 . Button assembly  200  may, for example, be positioned within housing  101  with each one of surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f  facing the −X-direction. End region  220  may then be moved in the −X-direction and the +Y-direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow I) around external surface  152   e  of structural post  152  until end  220   h  is aligned with an end of external opening  176  and foot  222   f  is aligned with wall portion  101   w   4 . It should be appreciated that the flexibility of center region  230  may allow the movement of end region  220  around structural post  152  described above. Subsequently, the remainder of button assembly  200  may be aligned with corresponding portions of external opening  176 , and the remaining feet of button assembly  200  may be aligned with the corresponding portions of housing  101  (e.g., as described above). 
     Although button assembly  200  may be shown (e.g., in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ) and described above as being substantially free of markings, in some embodiments, portions of button assembly  200  may include one or more indicators or markings. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , front surface  210   f  of end region  210  may include a marking  282 , and front surface  220   f  of end region  220  may include a marking  284 . As described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , end region  220  may, for example, be configured as an input for a volume increase function of electronic device  100  (e.g., a volume setting of electronic device  100  may increase when front surface  220   f  of end region  220  is depressed in the +X-direction of  FIG. 2A ), and thus marking  284  may be a “+” symbol. Moreover, end region  210  may be configured as an input for a volume decrease function of electronic device  100  (e.g., a volume setting of electronic device  100  may decrease when front surface  210   f  of end region  210  is depressed in the +X-direction of  FIG. 2A ), and thus marking  282  may be a “−” symbol. In some embodiments, each one of front surfaces  210   f  and  220   f  may be computer numeric control (“CNC”) cut to form markings  282  and  284 , respectively. In other embodiments, markings  282  and  284  may each be etched (e.g., via laser etching or any other suitable form of etching) onto front surfaces  210   f  and  220   f , respectively. In yet other embodiments, each one of front surfaces  210   f  and  220   f  may be polished or surface finished to form markings  282  and  284 . It should be appreciated, that although front surface  230   f  of center region  230  may not be shown to include any markings, front surface  230   f  may also include a marking that may be similar to any one of markings  282  and  284 . Moreover, in some embodiments, center region  230  (e.g., front surface  230   f ) may visually distinguish from each one of end regions  210  and  220  (e.g., front surfaces  210   f  and  220   f , respectively). For example, front surfaces  210   f  and  220   f  may each be surface finished in one manner (e.g., bead blasted), and front surface  230   f  may be surface finished in different manner (e.g., polished). The difference in visual characteristics between front surface  230   f  and front surfaces  210   f  and  220   f  may, for example, allow a user to easily discern the locations of each of regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 . 
     Although button assembly  200  has been shown (e.g., in  FIGS. 2A and 3A ) and described above as having limbs (e.g., limbs  232  and  234 ) positioned in specific locations (e.g., both of limbs  232  and  234  being positioned adjacent a single side surface  230   s  of button assembly  200 ), in some embodiments, a button assembly may, instead, include one limb adjacent side surface  230   s  and another limb adjacent side surface  230   p . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , for example, button assembly  200 ′ may be the same as button assembly  200 , but may include an alternative limb configuration. In particular, button assembly  200 ′ may include center region  230 , end regions  210  and  220 , and all the features thereof that have been described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-7 . Button assembly  200 ′ may also include limbs  212  and  222 . Moreover, button assembly  200 ′ may also include limb  234  adjacent side surface  230   s . However, rather than including limb  232  adjacent side surface  230   s  (e.g., as with button assembly  200 ), button assembly  200 ′ may include a limb  235  on side surface  230   p . For example, limb  235  may be positioned adjacent to limb  234 , in the +Z-direction of  FIG. 8 . Limb  235  may include a leg  235   j  that may be similar to leg  234   j , and that may protrude from button assembly  200  in the +X-direction of  FIG. 8 . Limb  235  may also include a foot  235   f  that may point in the +Z-direction of  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , foot  235   f  may releasably couple to a recess of housing  101  that may be similar to recess  101   r   2 . The coupling of foot  235   f  to this recess may, for example, be similar to the coupling of foot  234   f  to recess  101   r   2  (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , for example, limb  235  may be positioned directly across from limb  234 . It should be appreciated that, although limb  235  may be shown as being positioned directly across from limb  234 , limb  235  may, instead, be shifted in any of the ±Y-directions of  FIG. 8 , by any suitable amount. As shown in  FIGS. 10  and  11 , for example, a button assembly  200 ″ may be the same as button assembly  200 , but may include another alternative limb configuration (e.g., that may be different than the alternative limb configuration of button assembly  200 ′). As with button assembly  200 ′, button assembly  200 ″ may also include center region  230 , end regions  210  and  220 , and all the features thereof that have been described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-7 . Button assembly  200 ″ may also include limbs  212  and  222 . Moreover, button assembly  200 ″ may also include limb  234  adjacent side surface  230   s . However, rather than including limb  232  adjacent side surface  230   s  (e.g., as with button assembly  200 ) or limb  235  adjacent side surface  230   p  positioned directly across from limb  234  (e.g., as with button assembly  200 ′), button assembly  200 ″ may include a limb  233  adjacent side surface  230   p  that may be shifted in the −Y-direction of  FIG. 10  from limb  234 , by a predetermined amount. Limb  233  may include a leg  233   j  that may be similar to leg  234   j , and that may protrude from button assembly  200  in the +X-direction. Limb  235  may also include a foot  233   f  that may point in the +Z-direction. Foot  233   f  may releasably couple or otherwise interact with a recess of housing  101  that may be similar to recess  101   r   2 . The interaction of foot  233   f  with this recess may, for example, be similar to the interaction of foot  234   f  with recess  101   r   2  (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, leg  233   j  of button assembly  200 ″ may rest on or run adjacent to a portion of surface  101   q  of housing  101 , and foot  233   f  may releasably couple or otherwise interact with a recess  101   r   5  of housing  101 . In particular, a front surface  233   f   1  of foot  233   f  may hook, latch, contact, or otherwise interact with a wall portion  101   w   5  of recess  101   r   5 , which may prevent movement of button assembly  200 ″ in the −X-direction. Similarly, leg  234   j  of limb  234  may rest on or run adjacent to a portion of surface  101   p  of housing  101 , and foot  234   f  may releasably couple or otherwise interact with recess  101   r   2 . In particular, a front surface  234   f   1  of foot  234   f  may hook or latch onto wall portion  101   w   3  of recess  101   r   2 , which may further prevent movement of button assembly  200 ″ in the −X-direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, switch  330  may be coupled to a circuit board  530 ″. Circuit board  530 ″ may be a central or primary printed circuit board (“PCB”) of electronic device  100 , and may also be known as a main circuit board, motherboard, mainboard, baseboard, system board, planar board, or logic board. In some embodiments, circuit board  530 ″ may be a flexible circuit board or a set of flexible traces that may, for example, be coupled to another circuit board (not shown) of electronic device  100 . In these embodiments, one or more portions of circuit board  530 ″ may bendable in one or more directions. Circuit board  530 ″ may provide one or more attachment points to switch  330 . Generally, most of the basic circuitry and components required for electronic device  100  to function may be onboard or coupled (e.g., via one or more cables, bond pads, leads, terminals, cables, wires, contact regions, etc.) to circuit board  530 ″. For example, surface  332   i  of switch  330  may be mounted or otherwise coupled to a front surface  530 ″ f  of circuit board  530 ″. Circuit board  530 ″ may include one or more chipsets or specialized groups of integrated circuits. For example, circuit board  530 ″ may include two components or chips, such as a Northbridge and Southbridge. Although in other embodiments, these chips may be combined into a single component. Besides switch  330 , various other electronic components (e.g., a processor, memory, power supply, communications circuitry, input component, output component, and combinations thereof) may also be mounted or otherwise coupled to suitable portions of circuit board  530 ″. 
     Although  FIG. 12  may only show a portion of circuit board  530 ″, it should be appreciated that circuit board  530 ″ may extend in any one of the ±Y-directions, similar to how button assembly  200 ″ may extend in the ±Y-directions (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). In some embodiments, circuit board  530 ″ may extend at least from a line V 1  to a line V 4  of  FIG. 11 . For example, circuit board  530 ″ may be coupled to each of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330 , where a portion of circuit board  530 ″ may be positioned between external surface  152   e  of structural post  152  and a portion of button assembly  200 ″. In such embodiments, circuit board  530 ″ may be thin enough (e.g., equal to or less than distance k) such that it may fit between external surface  152   e  of structural post  152  and the adjacent portion of button assembly  200 ″. In other embodiments, separate circuit boards  530 ″ may be employed. For example, a first circuit board  530 ″ may be coupled to switches  310  and  320 , and a second circuit board  530 ″, that may be at least partially separate from the first circuit board  530 ″, may be coupled to switch  320 . In such embodiments, the first circuit board  530 ″ may extend at least from line V 1  to a line V 2  of  FIG. 11 , and the second circuit board  530 ″ may extend at least from a line V 3  to a line V 4  of  FIG. 11 . 
     Although legs  212   j ,  222   j ,  232   j ,  233   j ,  234   j , and  235   j  of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 ,  233 ,  234 , and  235 , respectively, have been described above as each resting against or being adjacent to a corresponding portion of housing  101  (e.g., surface  101   p  or  101   q ), in some embodiments, one or more gaps may exist between any of legs  212   j ,  222   j ,  232   j ,  233   j ,  234   j , and  235   j  and the corresponding portion of housing  101 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, a gap g 1  may exist between limb  233   j  and surface  101   q . With such a gap g 1 , in addition to limb  233  being able to move in the +X-direction with respect to wall portion  101   w   5 , limb  233  may also be able to move in the +Z-direction (e.g., towards surface  101   q ). As shown in  FIG. 13 , for example, a gap g 2  may exist between limb  234  and surface  101   p . Moreover, a gap g 3  may exist between wall  200   w  and surface  101   q . Each one of these gaps may, for example, prevent the legs of button assembly  200 ″ from brushing against corresponding surfaces  101   p  and  101   q  of housing  101 . For example, over time, such brushing may wear out or damage button assembly  200 ″ and/or housing  101 . 
     In some embodiments, it may additionally or alternatively be desirable to limit movement of button assembly  200 ″ (e.g., in the +Z-direction), while retaining each of these gaps. In these embodiments, button assembly  200 ″ may not be configured to directly contact switches  310 ,  320 , and  330 . Instead, button assembly  200 ″ may be configured to contact switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  via one or more shims. As shown in  FIG. 13 , for example, portion  233  of center region  230  along surface  230   i  may be coupled to a shim  650 . Shim  650  may be composed of any suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, for example, shim  650  may be composed of a layer of stainless steel that may be sandwiched between two layers of pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”). Each one of these layers of PSA may, for example, be composed of a polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., “PET” or polyester) carrier component that may be sandwiched between two adhesive components. In other embodiments, shim  650  may, for example, be composed of any one of the combinations of PSA and stainless steel, PSA and PET, and PSA, PET, and PSA. 
     As described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a button assembly may vary in physical flexibility from region to region due to differences in the thickness of each one of the regions. For example, button assembly  200 ″ may vary in physical flexibility from end region  210  to center region  230 , and from center region  230  to end region  220 . A user may, for example, detect the difference in flexibility between the regions when depressing each one of these regions. In some embodiments, shim  650  may be constructed of PSA and stainless steel, and may be included between button assembly  200 ″ and the corresponding switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  (e.g., a respective one of shim  650  may be positioned between center region  230  and switch  330 , end region  210  and switch  310 , and end region  220  and switch  320 ). In these embodiments, although the stainless steel of shim  650  may affect a user-detected flexibility of each one of center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220 , the PSA of shim  650  may be compliant enough not to affect these flexibilities. In other embodiments, shim  650  may be constructed of plastic and stainless steel. In these embodiments, each one of the plastic and the stainless steel may affect the user-detected flexibility of each one of center region  230  and end regions  210  and  220 . 
     Shim  650  may be larger than each of portion  233  and activator switch  334  in any one of the ±Y and ±Z-directions. Moreover, shim  650  may be small enough to couple to only a portion of center region  230 . A first side of shim  650  may couple to center region  230  via an adhesive  654 . Adhesive  654  may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”)). A second side of shim  650  may couple to activator surface  334   f  via an adhesive  652  (e.g., that may be similar to adhesive  654 ). As described above with respect to  FIG. 4A  (and further described below with respect to  FIG. 14 ), each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be secured within housing  101  via one or more support brackets. Thus, by adhering center region  230  to switch  330  via a shim (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 13 ), button assembly  200 ″ may also at least partially be secured within housing  101 . In this manner, gaps (e.g., gaps g 1 -g 3 ) may be present between button assembly  200 ″ and housing  101 , but button assembly  200 ″ may be at least partially restricted from movement in at least the ±Z-directions. 
     Although  FIG. 13  may show shim  650  being disposed between center region  230  and switch  330 , it should be appreciated, that a shim (e.g., that may be similar to shim  650 ), and adhesives (e.g., that may be similar to adhesives  652  and  654 ) may also be disposed between any of end region  210  and switch  310  and/or between end region  220  and switch  320 . 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 4A , for example, each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be secured in their respective predefined locations within housing  101 . In some embodiments, switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be secured in position by one or more support brackets. As shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, a bracket  752  may be included to secure switch  320  in its respective predefined location within housing  101 . Bracket  752  may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.). Although  FIG. 14  may only show a portion of bracket  752 , it should be appreciated that bracket  752  may extend (e.g., while retaining its shape) in the ±Y-directions, similar to how button assembly  200 ″ may extend in the ±Y-directions (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ), and similar to how circuit board  530  may extend in ±Y-directions (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIG. 12 ). Moreover, bracket  752  may also extend in the +X-direction. Bracket  752  may include an arm portion  760  and a hand portion  762 . Arm portion  760  may lead into hand portion via a curve  752   c . Surface  752   m  of arm portion  760  may rest upon and/or couple to (e.g., via an adhesive, a screw, etc.) a corresponding portion of housing  101 . In this manner, bracket  752  may be at least partially fixed within housing  101 . Hand portion  762  may include walls  754  and  756 , and a recess  752   r  that may reside between walls  754  and  756 . Recess  752   r  may be configured to support at least a portion of circuit board  530  via a recess surface  752   p . As shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, an internal surface  530   i  of circuit board  530  may be coupled to recess surface  752   p  via an adhesive  656 . Adhesive  656  may be similar to any one of adhesives  652  and  654 . Front surface  530   f  of circuit board  530  may also be coupled to switch  320 . In this manner, switch  320  may be secured in its respective location within housing  101  via bracket  752 . 
     In some embodiments, bracket  752  may be configured to extend from at least line V 1  to line V 2  of  FIG. 11  without interruption. However, due to the position of structural post  152 , the shape of bracket  752  may not be retained throughout its entire extension. As shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, bracket  752  may include arm portion  760  and hand portion  762 . Bracket  752  may retain the shape of hand portion  762  at least from line V 1  to line V 2  (e.g., in order to support each one of switches  310  and  330 ). However, at any point between line V 2  and edge  152   x  of structural post  152 , the shape of hand portion  762  (or of bracket  752 , in general) may begin to change in order to accommodate structural post  152 . For example, each one of walls  752  and  754 , and surface  752   p  of hand portion  762  may begin to recede farther in the +X-direction towards arm portion  760 . As another example, the entirety of hand portion  762  may be removed (e.g., gradually), leaving only arm portion  760 . As yet another example, the entirety of hand portion  762  may be removed (e.g., gradually), and at least a portion of arm portion  760  may also be removed (e.g., gradually). This change in shape of hand portion  762  (or of bracket  752 , in general) may continue in the +Y-direction, for example, until some point between edge  152   y  of structural post  152  and line V 2 . At this point, for example, bracket  752  may gradually retain its prior shape (e.g., hand portion  762  may retain its prior shape) such that bracket  752  may support switch  320  (e.g., similar to how bracket  752  may support each one of switches  310  and  330 ). 
     In other embodiments, rather than changing a shape of a single bracket  752  to accommodate structural post  152 , separate first and second brackets  752  may be employed. For example, a first bracket  752  may be employed to secure switch  320 , and a second bracket  752  may be employed to secure one or more of switches  310  and  330 . For example, the first bracket  752  may extend at least from line V 3  to line V 4  of  FIG. 11 , and the second bracket  752  may extend at least from line V 1  to line V 2  of  FIG. 11 . Each surface  752   m  of the first bracket  752  and the second bracket  752  may be secured to a corresponding portion of housing  101 . In this manner, each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  may be secured in their respective locations within housing  101 . Moreover, in these embodiments, the first bracket  752  and the second bracket  752  may further couple or adjoin to each other at one or more points beyond structural post  152  (e.g., beyond the predefined distance k from external surface  101   e  of housing  101 ). 
     In some embodiments, although a thickness  752   t  of bracket  752  may be equal to or larger than a width  176   d  of opening  176 , thickness  752   t  may be less than a width  174   d  of opening  174 . Thus, even if at least one portion of surface  752   m  of bracket  752  may be secured to housing  101  (e.g., as described above), hand portion  762  of bracket  752  may still be able to move in at least the ±Z-directions with respect to housing  101 . Thus, additionally or alternatively, electronic device  100  may include one or more gaskets  852  and  854  that may be configured to couple bracket  752  with housing  101 . Gasket  852  may be similar to gasket  854 , and may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., silicone, elastomer (e.g., urethane), etc.). As shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, gasket  852  may be configured to fit (e.g., snug fit) between a portion of wall  754  and a corresponding portion of surface  101   p  of housing  101 . Similarly, gasket  854  may be configured to fit (e.g., snug fit) between a portion of wall  756  and a corresponding portion of surface  101   q  of housing  101 . In this manner, hand portion  762  of bracket  752  may be at least partially restricted from movement in the ±Z-directions within housing  101 . 
     Although  FIG. 14  may only show a portion of each of gasket  852  and  854 , it should be appreciated that each one of gasket  852  and  854  may extend in the ±Y-directions. For example, each one of gasket  852  and  854  may extend in the ±Y-directions at least as much as bracket  752  may extend in the ±Y-directions. In some embodiments (e.g., in the embodiments described above, where a first bracket  752  may be employed to secure switch  320 , and a second bracket  752  may be employed to secure switches  310  and  330 ), corresponding first gaskets  852  and  854  and second gaskets  852  and  854  may be employed. Moreover, in some embodiments, gaskets  852  and  854  may not be separate components, but may instead be a single gasket unit. For example, the single gasket unit may line at least a portion of the perimeter of one or more of openings  172  and  174 . Thus, in the embodiments described above (e.g., where a first bracket  752  may be employed to secure switch  320  and a second bracket  752  may be employed to secure switches  310  and  330 ), electronic device  100  may include a first single gasket unit that may line at least a portion of the perimeter of opening  172  to secure arm portion  762  of the first bracket  752  to housing  101 . Similarly, electronic device  100  may also include a second single gasket unit that may line at least a portion of the perimeter of opening  174  to secure arm portion  762  of the second bracket  752  to housing  101 . 
     As described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , when button assembly  200  is integrated with electronic device  100 , each one of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234 , and thus each one of feet  212   f ,  222   f ,  232   f , and  234   f , of button assembly  200  may be free to move at least a predetermined distance in the +X-direction (e.g., to allow movement of a corresponding one of regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 , when an external force is applied to that region in the +X-direction). As also described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , housing  101  may include a respective space  101   s  that may be positioned directly adjacent a corresponding one of wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4 , such that each one of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234  may be free to move away from a corresponding one of wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4  and farther into electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, each space  101   s  may be disposed between a respective one of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234  and a corresponding portion of either one of gasket  852  and  854  or a corresponding portion of a single gasket unit, if a single gasket as described above is employed). In these embodiments, although each one of limbs  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  234  may be free to move away from a corresponding one of wall portions  101   w   1 - 101   w   4  and farther into electronic device  100  (e.g., when an external force is applied to a corresponding region of button assembly  200  in the +X-direction), a corresponding portion of gasket  650  may provide a rebound or spring force that may push a corresponding limb back towards a corresponding wall. That is, although button assembly  200  may be configured to automatically return to its natural state after an applied external force is removed (e.g., from any one of regions  210 ,  220 , and  230 ), the gasket may further ensure that each region of button assembly  200  may return to its respective natural state. 
     As described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , for example, housing  101  may include structural post  152  that may be positioned a predefined distance k from external surface  101   e . Additionally or alternatively, housing  101  may include a structural post (e.g., that may be similar to structural post  152 ) at one or more other locations within housing  101 . For example, in some embodiments, housing  101  may include a structural post that may extend from surface  101   p  (e.g., similar to how structural post  152  may extend from surface  101   p ), and that may be positioned any suitable distance from the position of structural post  152  in the ±Y-direction. Moreover, in some embodiments, housing  101  may not include any structural posts at all. In these embodiments, housing  101  may be constructed to be sufficiently stable, such that any structural post (e.g., structural  152 ) may not provide any further structural stability to housing  101  adjacent external opening  176 . 
     Although  FIG. 14  may show switch  320  disposed between shim  650  and circuit board  530 , in some embodiments, circuit board  530  may instead be sandwiched between button assembly  200 ″ and shim  650 . In these embodiments, for example, shim  650  may be coupled to hand portion  762  of bracket  752 , and switch  320  may be oriented such that activator surface  324   f  may face the +X-direction. In this manner, when end region  220  is depressed in the +X-direction, internal surface  220   i  may depress circuit board  530 , which may, in turn, depress activator surface  324   f  onto shim  650  to activate switch  320 . 
     In some embodiments, button assembly  200 ″ may be integrated with electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 15A , for example, circuit board  530 ″ may be coupled to each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  (e.g., via a set of electrical traces  536 ″), and may extend in the ±Y-directions. Because circuit board  530 ″ may be disposed adjacent to button assembly  200 ″ in the +X-direction, and because the protrusion of each one of limbs  233  and  234  in the +X-direction may at least partially interfere with the extension of circuit board  530 ″ in the ±Z directions, circuit board  530 ″ may, for example, be shaped to accommodate each one of limbs  233  and  234  to avoid such contact with limbs  233  and  234 . As shown in  FIG. 15A , for example, circuit board  530 ″ may include a curved portion  530 ″ c   1  and a curved portion  530 ″ c   2 . Curved portion  530 ″ c   1  may curve towards the −Z-direction, and curved portion  530 ″ c   2  may curve towards the +Z-direction such that limbs  233  and  234 , respectively, may be prevented from contacting and/or interfering with circuit board  530 ″. However, because curved portions  530 ″ c   1  and  530 ″ c   2  may result in at least a partial decrease in size of circuit board  530 ″ (e.g., in the Z-axis), the set of traces  536 ″ may also be arranged to accommodate this decrease in size. For example, each one of electrical traces  536 ″ may include a curved trace portion  536 ″c 1 , that may be curved similarly as curved portion  530 ″ c   1  (e.g., in the −Z-direction), to accommodate curved portion  530 ″ c   1 . Moreover, each one of electrical traces  536 ″ may also include a curved trace portion  536 ″ c   2 , that may be curved similarly as curved portion  530 ″ c   2  (e.g., in the +Z-direction), to accommodate curved portion  530 ″ c   2 . 
     In some embodiments, button assembly  200  may be integrated with electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 15B , for example, circuit board  530  may also be coupled to each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  (e.g., via a set of electrical traces  536 ), and may also extend in the ±Y-directions (e.g., similar to circuit board  530 ″ of  FIG. 15A ). Because circuit board  530  may be disposed adjacent to button assembly  200  in the +X-direction, and because the protrusion of each one of limbs  232  and  234  in the +X-direction may at least partially interfere with the extension of circuit board  530  in the ±Z directions, circuit board  530  may, for example, be shaped to accommodate each one of limbs  232  and  234  to avoid such contact with limbs  232  and  234 . As shown in  FIG. 15B , for example, circuit board  530  may include a curved portion  530   c   1  and a curved portion  530   c   2 . Curved portions  530   c   1  and  530   c   2  may curve towards the +Z-direction (e.g., similar to curved portion  530 ″ c   2  of  FIG. 15A ) such that limbs  232  and  234 , respectively, may be prevented from contacting and/or interfering with circuit board  530 . However, because curved portions  530   c   1  and  530   c   2  may result in at least a partial decrease in size of circuit board  530  (e.g., in the Z-axis), the set of traces  536  may also be arranged to accommodate this decrease in size (e.g., similar to the set of traces  536 ″ of  FIG. 15A ). For example, each one of electrical traces  536  may include a curved trace portion  536   c   1 , that may be curved similarly as curved portion  530   c   1  (e.g., in the +Z-direction), to accommodate curved portion  530   c   1 . Moreover, each one of electrical traces  536  may also include a curved trace portion  536   c   2 , that may be curved similarly as curved portion  530   c   2  (e.g., in the +Z-direction), to accommodate curved portion  530   c   2 . 
     In some embodiments, button assembly  200 ′ may be integrated with electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 15C , for example, circuit board  530 ′ may also be coupled to each one of switches  310 ,  320 , and  330  (e.g., via a set of electrical traces  536 ′), and may also extend in the ±Y-directions (e.g., similar to circuit board  530 ″ of  FIG. 15A  and circuit board  530  of  FIG. 15B ). Because circuit board  530 ′ may be disposed adjacent to button assembly  200 ′ in the +X-direction, and because the protrusion of each one of limbs  234  and  235  in the  ± Z-directions may at least partially interfere with the extension of circuit board  530 ′ in the ±Z directions, circuit board  530 ′ may, for example, be shaped to accommodate each one of limbs  234  and  235  to avoid such contact with limbs  234  and  235 . As shown in  FIG. 15C , for example, circuit board  530 ′ may include a curved portion  530 ′ c   1  and a curved portion  530 ′ c   2 . Curved portions  530 ′ c   1  and  530 ′ c   2  may curve towards the −Z-direction and +Z-direction, respectively, such that limbs  234  and  235  may be prevented from contacting and/or interfering with circuit board  530 ′. However, because curved portions  530 ′ c   1  and  530 ′ c   2  may result in at least a partial decrease in size of circuit board  530  (e.g., in the Z-axis), the set of traces  536 ′ may also be arranged to accommodate this decrease in size (e.g., similar to the set of traces  536 ″ of  FIG. 15A  and the set of traces  536  of  FIG. 15B ). For example, electrical traces  536 ′ may include at least one curved trace portion  536 ′ c   1 , that may be curved similarly as curved portion  530 ′ c   1  (e.g., in the −Z-direction), to accommodate curved portion  530 ′ c   1 . Moreover, electrical traces  536 ′ may also include at least one curved trace portion  536 ′ c   2 , that may be curved similarly as curved portion  530 ′ c   2  (e.g., in the +Z-direction), to accommodate curved portion  530 ′ c   2 . 
     It should be appreciated that the size and shape of each button assembly, center region, end region, limb, bracket, and gasket may vary based on different factors, such as the size and shape of the housing of electronic device  100 , the size and shape of various electronic components within electronic device  100 , and the like. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  1600  for integrating a button assembly (e.g., button assembly  200 ) with an electronic device (e.g., electronic device  100 ). 
     Process  1600  may begin at step  1602 . At step  1604 , process  1600  may include positioning a button assembly within a housing of an electronic device. For example, button assembly  200  may be positioned within housing  101  of electronic device  100  (e.g., while the portion of housing  101  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is made accessible). In particular, the button assembly may be oriented such that a front surface of the button assembly may face a direction that points away from the housing (e.g., out through external opening  176 ). For example, button assembly  200  may be positioned within housing  101  such that each one of surfaces  210   f ,  220   f , and  230   f  may face the −X-direction out through external opening  176 . 
     After the positioning, at step  1606 , process  1600  may include bending at least a portion of the center region around a portion of a structural post of the housing. For example, a portion of center region  230  may be bent around structural post  152 . In particular, the flexible configuration of center region  230  may allow button assembly  200  to bend. 
     After the bending, at step  1608 , process  1600  may include aligning a first end region of the button assembly with a first structural component of the housing. For example, end region  220  of button assembly  200  may be aligned with a portion of housing  101  that may include wall portion  101   w   4 . 
     At step  1610 , process  1600  may include interfacing a limb of the first end region to the first structural component based on the aligning. For example, foot  222   f  of limb  222  may be interfaced with wall portion  101   w   4 . 
     After the coupling, at step  1612 , process  1600  may include displacing a second end region of the button assembly towards a second structural component of the housing. For example, end region  210  of button assembly  200  may be displaced towards wall portion  101   w   1  of housing  101 . 
     Based on the displacing, at step  1614 , process  1600  may include interfacing a limb of the second end region to the second structural component. For example, foot  212   f  of limb  212  may be interfaced with wall portion  101   w   1 . 
     It is to be understood that the steps shown in  FIG. 16  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified, added, or omitted. 
     While there have been described systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up” and “down,” “left” and “right,” “top” and “bottom,” “X”, “Y”, and “Z,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the devices and/or assemblies of the invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120911
Publication Date: 20160621
Grant Date: 20160621
Priority Date: 20120911
Inventors: ELY COLIN M.
ROTHKOPF FLETCHER R.
LYNCH STEPHEN BRIAN
WERNER CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/236", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2225/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/70", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7057", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/078", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2225/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/236", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/70", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/236", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7057", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/078", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2225/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50232120