PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9779895-B2
Application Number: US-201615018267-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Cable micro input devices

Abstract:
A small form-factor input device operative to be coupled to an electronic device using a cable may include a circuit board; a first electrical switch disposed on a first side of the circuit board; a second electrical switch disposed on a second side of the circuit board; a frame defining a periphery, wherein the circuit board is maintained within the periphery of the frame; first and second shells that house the circuit board, the first shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the second shell placed over the second side of the circuit board; and at least one clip coupled to each one of the first shell and the second shell, wherein the at least one clip is operative to engage the frame.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A headset for an electronic device, comprising:
 a speaker; 
 a plug; and 
 a housing comprising:
 a first shell; 
 a second shell coupled to the first shell, the first and second shells defining an axis extending between a first end and a second end of the housing; 
 multiple user input regions positioned along the axis; 
 a circuit board positioned within the housing; 
 multiple dome switches coupled to the circuit board, each dome switch corresponding to a respective region of the multiple user input regions; 
 a first conduit extending from the first end of the housing and coupled to the speaker; and 
 a second conduit extending from the second end of the housing and coupled to the plug. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the multiple user input regions include three user input regions; 
 the multiple dome switches include three dome switches. 
 
     
     
       3. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the second conduit is electrically coupled to the multiple dome switches. 
     
     
       4. The headset of  claim 3 , further comprising a microphone coupled to the circuit board, wherein the second conduit is electrically coupled to the microphone. 
     
     
       5. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein each user input region corresponds to a respective button. 
     
     
       6. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein each user input region corresponds to a respective segment of the housing. 
     
     
       7. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the housing has a dimension parallel to the axis that is at least 5 times larger than a dimension perpendicular to the axis. 
     
     
       8. A headset for an electronic device, comprising:
 a pair of speakers; 
 a plug; 
 a first conduit operably coupled to at least one of the speakers; 
 a second conduit operably coupled to the plug; 
 an elongate button controller assembly coupled inline between the first conduit and the second conduit and defining:
 a first end coupled to the first conduit; 
 a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis of the button controller assembly and coupled to the second conduit. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The headset of  claim 8 , wherein the button controller assembly further comprises:
 a circuit board; 
 at least two switches mounted to the circuit board along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
       10. The headset of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the button controller assembly further comprises two button members extending through a wall of the button controller assembly; 
 each button member is configured to actuate at least one of the at least two switches. 
 
     
     
       11. The headset of  claim 10 , wherein a first button member of the two button members has a shape that is different from a second button member of the two button members. 
     
     
       12. The headset of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the two button members has a substantially ovate cross-section. 
     
     
       13. The headset of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the button controller assembly has a length dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis; 
 the button controller assembly has a width dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; 
 the length dimension is at least 5 times larger than the width dimension. 
 
     
     
       14. The headset of  claim 8 , further comprising a microphone disposed in the button controller assembly and electrically coupled to the second conduit. 
     
     
       15. A headset for an electronic device, comprising:
 a button controller assembly, comprising: 
 a first elongate housing portion; 
 a second elongate housing portion coupled to the first elongate housing portion and defining an elongate interior volume extending along a longitudinal axis; 
 a circuit board within the interior volume and including two switches arranged along the longitudinal axis; 
 a first wire extending from the button controller assembly in a first direction and operatively coupling the circuit board to at least one speaker; 
 a second wire extending from the button controller assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction and operatively coupling the circuit board to a plug. 
 
     
     
       16. The headset of  claim 15 , further comprising two button members extending through the first elongate housing portion. 
     
     
       17. The headset of  claim 16 , wherein the two button members are each configured to actuate at least one of the switches. 
     
     
       18. The headset of  claim 16 , wherein a first button member of the two button members has a shape that is different from a second button member of the two button members. 
     
     
       19. The headset of  claim 15 , further comprising a microphone coupled to the circuit board and electrically coupled to the second wire. 
     
     
       20. The headset of  claim 15 , wherein a width of the button controller assembly is between about 1.2 to 2.5 times wider than the first wire.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/909,925, filed Jun. 4, 2013 and titled “In Cable Micro Input Devices,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,263,203, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/203,872, filed Sep. 3, 2008 and titled “In Cable Micro Input Devices,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,456,864, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/995,658, filed Sep. 26, 2007 and titled “Cable Micro Input Device,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Small devices that allow a user to provide inputs to electrical devices are useful for the operation of such devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     In certain embodiments, the present description provides for an input device for providing one or more inputs to an electrical device, the input device including a circuit board having first and second sides; a first electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; a second electrical switch disposed on the first, side of the circuit board; and a third electrical switch, disposed on the second side of the circuit board. 
     In some embodiments, the input device further comprises a frame that extends the length of the circuit board, for example, wherein the frame defines a periphery and the circuit board is maintained within the periphery of the frame. In certain instances, the circuit board is weaved above and below first and, second portions of the frame. 
     In some embodiments, the input device further comprises top and bottom shells that house the circuit board, the top shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the bottom shell placed over the second side of the circuit board. In certain instances, at least one of the top shell and the bottom shell is secured to the frame. In certain embodiments, the input device further comprises at least one clip coupled to at least one of the top shell and the bottom shell, wherein at least one of the top shell and the bottom shell is secured to the frame by engaging at least one clip to the frame. In some instances, at least one clip is coupled to at least one of the top shell and the bottom shell through shape-welding. 
     In certain embodiments, the circuit board is flexible such that the circuit board flexes when the top shell pressed towards the bottom shell. In some embodiments, the circuit board is flexible such that the circuit board flexes when the bottom shell is pressed towards the top shell. In certain embodiments, the circuit board is flexible such that the circuit board flexes when the top shell and the bottom shell are pressed towards one another. 
     In some embodiments, the circuit board is free standing (e.g., not fixedly coupled) within the input device. 
     In certain embodiments, the input device further comprises a pivot positioned at a center portion of the circuit board so that the circuit board is pivotable about the pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the input device further comprises a microphone. In certain such embodiments, at least one of the top shell and the bottom shell includes a longitudinally extending slit. In some embodiments, the input device further comprises a longitudinally extending gap between the top shell and the bottom shell. 
     In some embodiments, the input device further comprises a standoff located between the first electrical switch and the top shell, the standoff being in contact with the first electrical switch and the top shell. 
     In certain embodiments, the input device further comprises a plate located between the first electrical switch and the top shell, the plate being in contact with the first electrical switch, the second electrical switch, and the top shell. For example, in some cases, the input device further comprises a standoff located between the plate and the top shell, the standoff being in contact with the first electrical switch, via the plate, and the top shell. In some instances, the input device further comprises a pivot positioned near a center potion of the plate so that the plate is pivotable about the pivot. 
     In certain embodiments, the present description provides for an input device for providing one or more inputs to an electrical device, the input device including a flexible circuit board having first and second sides; a first electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; and top and bottom shells that house the circuit board, the top shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the bottom shell placed over the second side of the circuit board; wherein the circuit board flexes when at least one of the top shell is pressed towards the bottom shell, the bottom shell is pressed towards the top shell, and both the top and bottom shells are pressed towards one another. In some such embodiments, the input device further comprises a second electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; and a third electrical switch disposed on the second side of the circuit board. In certain embodiments, the circuit hoard is free standing (e.g., not fixedly coupled) within the device. In some embodiments, the input device further comprises a pivot positioned at a center portion of the circuit board so that the circuit board is pivotable about the pivot. 
     In certain embodiments, the present description provides for an input device for providing one or more inputs to an electrical device, the input device including a circuit board having first and second sides, the circuit board being free standing (e.g., not fixedly coupled) within the input device; a first electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; and a frame that defines a periphery and extends the length of the circuit board, the circuit board being maintained within the periphery of the frame. In some such embodiments, the input device further comprises a second electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; and a third electrical switch disposed on the second side of the circuit board. In certain embodiments, the circuit board is flexible such that the circuit board flexes when at least one of the top shell is pressed towards the bottom shell, the bottom shell is pressed towards the top shell, and both the top and bottom shells are pressed towards one another. In some embodiments, the input device further comprises a pivot positioned at a center portion of the circuit board so that the circuit board is pivotable about the pivot. 
     In certain embodiments, the present description provides for an input device for providing one or more inputs to an electrical device, the input device including a circuit board having first and second sides; a first electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; a second electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; a third electrical switch disposed on the second side of the circuit board; a frame defining a periphery, wherein the circuit board is maintained within the periphery of the frame; top and bottom shells that house the circuit board, the top shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the bottom shell placed over the second side of the circuit board; and at least one clip coupled to each one of the top shell and the bottom shell, wherein the at least one clip is operative to engage the frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following figures depict illustrative embodiments of the invention in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. These depicted embodiments may not be drawn to scale and are to be understood as illustrative and not as limiting in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an input device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the input device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an input device having internal buttons in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of another input device having internal buttons in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the input device of  FIG. 4  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the input device of  FIGS. 4 and 5  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7 a - c    are cross-sectional views of the input device of  FIG. 6  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an input device having a mechanical button and two capacitive buttons in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of an input device that includes only a microphone in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the input device of  FIG. 9  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The objects and advantages of the claimed invention will be 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. 
     A user may provide inputs to an electronic device using a number of approaches. In some embodiments, an input device may be coupled to the electronic device.  FIG. 1  is a perspective schematic view of an input device  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The input device  100  may be coupled to an electronic device using a cable or wire  120 . 
     The input device  100  may be formed from a top shell  105  and a bottom shell  106 , which may be made in whole or in part from plastic and/or metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel), or a composite material. The input device  100  may include one or more input mechanisms for providing distinct inputs to the electronic device. In some embodiments, the input device  100  may include an internal button or switch (not pictured), such as an electrical switch, actuated by pressing the top shell  105  and the bottom shell  106  together. In some embodiments, the input device  100  may include one or both of external buttons  102  and  104  operative to be pressed to provide inputs. Although illustrated with substantially circular cross-sections in  FIG. 1 , the buttons  102  and  104  may have other suitable cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, triangular, oval, etc., which may be the same or different from one another. For example, the shape of the buttons  102  and  104  may signify a particular input to the electronic device, such as a triangle to indicate playing or searching of sound (e.g., music), video (e.g., movies), or data in a particular direction. When in use, the user may be able to sense the shape of the button, and thus the associated input, on touch and without the need for visual confirmation. 
     The input device  100  may include on the top shell  105  an aperture  110  operative to allow audio (e.g., from a user&#39;s voice) to pass to a microphone within the input device  100 . In some embodiments, the input device may include an aperture (not pictured) on the bottom shell  106  in addition to or instead of the aperture  110 . In other embodiments, the input device  100  may include one or more additional apertures on the top shell  105  or on the bottom shell  106 . In some embodiments, the input device  100  does not include a microphone. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the input device  100  may include the internal microphone but not include the aperture  110 . In such embodiments, there may be one or more cracks, partitions, gaps, or separations between the top shell  105  and the bottom shell  106 , for example, when there is not a tight seal between the two shells. Such cracks, partitions, gaps, or separations may allow sound waves to pass between the shells and to the internal microphone. The top shell  105  or the bottom shell  106  may instead or in addition include one or more slits  124 , which also permits sound waves to pass through the shells and to the internal microphone. In some instances, the slits  124  may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  1 A of the input device  100  and thus be substantially parallel to the cable  120  and to any wires passing longitudinally through the device  100 . In certain embodiments, the device  100  includes a gap between the top shell  105  and the bottom shell  106 , such as a longitudinally extending gap, which also permits sound waves to pass through the shells and to the internal microphone. In some instances, the gap is simply the small space that is incidental to the joining of the top and bottom shells  105  and  106  or the coupling of the top and bottom shells to the device  100  (e.g., via the frame, as discussed in detail below). The combination of the internal microphone, the aperture  110 , the slit  124 , and the gap may also be used in combination with other input devices described herein (e.g.,  300 ,  400 ,  800 , and  900 ). 
     In certain instances, the input device  100  (and the input devices  300 ,  400 ,  800 , and  900 , as described in further detail below) is significantly larger in width than the connecting cable or wire  120 . For example, the width  130  of the input device  100  may be about 3, 4, 5, 7, or 10 times greater than the width  132  of the connecting cable or wire  120 . In other embodiments, the input device  100  is not significantly larger in width than the connecting cable or wire  120 . For example, the width  130  of the input device  100  may be less than about 3 times the width  132  of the connecting cable or wire  120 . For example, the width  130  of the input device may be about 1.2, 1.5, 2, or 2.5 times the width  132  of the cable or wire. In further embodiments, the input device  100  may have a width  130  substantially similar to the width  132  of the connecting cable or wire  120 , for example, a width  130  about equal or within about 20%, 10%, or 5% of the width  132 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the input device  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The input device  100  may include one or more components operative to transmit inputs received from a user to an electronic device. The input device  100  may include a circuit board  112  on which various electronic components may be mounted. In certain instances, the board  112  is flexible, i.e., it is capable of flexing or bending during the normal course of use. 
     The input device  100  may include a switch  101  (e.g., an electrical switch), located behind the button  102 , and a switch  103  (e.g., an electrical switch), located behind the button  104 , such that each of the switches  101  and  103  are coupled to the circuit board  112 . In some instances, when one or both of the buttons  102  and  104  are depressed, the switches  101  and  103 , respectively, may be shorted and provide an electrical signal to transmit an input to an electronic device. The buttons  102  and  104  may include flanges  102   a  and  104   a , respectively. The flanges  102   a  and  104   a  may lie within the input device  100 , e.g., between the top shell  105  and the bottom shell  106 . The flanges  102   a  and  104   a  may also be larger in one or more dimensions than the remainder of the buttons  102  and  104  (for example, in width, length, circumference, or diameter) and also larger than the apertures in the top shell  105  through which the buttons  102  and  104  protrude, thereby facilitating retention of the buttons by the input device  100 , such as by abutment with an internal portion of the top shell. 
     The input device  100  may include a switch  114  (e.g., an electrical switch), which may be coupled to the circuit board  112 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the switch  114  may be coupled to the side circuit board  112  opposite to the side on which the switches  101  and  103  are coupled. In other embodiments (not pictured), the switch  114  may be coupled to the same side of the circuit board  112  on which the switches  101  and  103  are coupled. The switch  114  may be placed in direct or indirect contact with a plate  115 , which may be coupled directly or indirectly to the bottom shell  106 . In some instances, a standoff  117  is positioned between the plate  115  and the bottom shell  106 . Aspects of the standoff are discussed in further detail below. When the bottom shell  106  is pressed towards top shell  105 , for example, when the top shell  105  and the bottom shell  106  are pressed together, the switch  114  may be actuated. In particular, in certain embodiments, pressing of the bottom shell  106  may cause the plate  115  to depress switch  114 , shorting the switch and providing an electrical signal to transmit an input to the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the input device  100  may include a microphone  120 . The microphone  120  may be placed adjacent the aperture  110  to facilitate sound waves traveling through the top shell  105  into the microphone  120 . The microphone  120  may be coupled to the circuit board  112  for transmitting electrical signals associated with the received sound waves to an electronic device coupled to the input device  100 . In some embodiments, the microphone  120  is positioned at a center portion of the circuit board  112 . As noted above, in certain embodiments, the input device  100  includes the microphone  120  but does not include the aperture  110 . 
     The input device  100  (and input devices  300 ,  400 ,  800  and  900 , as described in further detail below) may be constructed to have any suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, the total length  140  of the device  100  may be about 19 mm±2 mm, and total height  150  of the device  100  may be about 3.7 mm±1 mm. The different components of the input device  100  may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the shells  105  and  106  may have thicknesses of about 0.5 mm±0.1 mm. The switches  101 ,  103 , and  114  may have heights of 0.5 mm±10%. The circuit board  112  may have a thickness of 0.5 mm±10%. The microphone  120  may have a height of 1.25 mm±10%. The flanges  102   a  and  104   a  of buttons  102  and  104 , respectively, may have thicknesses of 0.75 mm±10%. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective schematic view of an input device  300  having internal buttons in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The input device  300  may include one or more internal buttons or switches e.g., electrical switches) operative to be actuated independently. The input device  300  may include a top shell  305  and a bottom shell  306 . The top shell  305  may be formed by three distinct portions  302 ,  303 , and  304 , each defining a button. For example, the top shell  305  may include a first button  302 , a second button  303 , and a third button  304 . In some embodiments (not pictured), the second button  303  is absent from the top shell  305  and is a component of the bottom shell  306 . 
     Although in  FIG. 3  the input device  300  is depicted as having the three distinct portions  302 ,  303 , and  304  separated by partitions  307   a  and  307   b , in other embodiments, two or more portions may not be distinguished by partition(s) but rather by the raised or lowered surface of the top shell  305 . For example, in one embodiment (not pictured), the center portion  303  includes a surface of the top shell  305  that is lowered relative to that of the left portion  302  and the right portion  304 . In an alternate embodiment (not pictured), the center portion  303  includes a surface of the top shell  305  that is raised relative to that of the left portion  302  and the right portion  304 . The lowering or raising of the center portion  303  relative to the left and right portions  302  and  304  permits the user to distinguish between buttons  302 ,  303 , and  304  based on touch and without visual confirmation. 
     In other instances (not pictured), the top shell  305  may include more than three distinct portions each defining a button, e.g., four, five, six, or more portions and/or buttons. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the external surfaces of the buttons  302 ,  303 , and  304  may be relatively smooth or flat. In other embodiments, the external surfaces of the buttons  302 ,  303 , and  304  may include texture or surface features that may be the same or different from one another. In one instance, one or more of the buttons  302 ,  303 , and  304  may include texture or surface features that signify a particular input, for example, so that the user may be able to sense the texture or surface features, and thus the associated input, on touch and without the need for visual confirmation. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective schematic view of another input device  400  having internal buttons in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The input device  400  may include one or more internal buttons operative to be actuated independently. The input device  400  may include a top shell  405  and a bottom shell  406 . The top shell  405  and the bottom shell  406  may each be formed from a single piece of material. The input device  400  may be operative to provide different electrical signals based on the locations of the top shell  405  and the bottom shell  406  that are pressed together. For example, when the leftmost section  402  of the top shell  405  is pressed toward the bottom shell  406 , a different electrical signal may be provided than when the rightmost section  404  is pressed toward the bottom shell  406 . 
     The top shell  405 , the bottom shell  406 , or both may be flexible to facilitate pressing of the two shells together to actuate the internal switches. The flexibility of the shells maybe adjusted by using materials, such as plastics or metals of varying flexibility and hardness. For example, use of a relatively flexible plastic may facilitate actuation of the internal switches, whereas use of a harder and less-flexible plastic may hinder switch actuation. In one embodiment, when both the top shell  405  and the bottom shell  406  are flexible, a given shell can be depressed by a lesser amount (for example, by half the amount) to activate a switch than if only one of the shells were flexible. Analogously, if only one of the top shell  405  or the bottom shell  406  is flexible, this shell can be depressed by a greater amount (for example, by about twice the amount) to activate a switch than if both shells were flexible. 
     The input device  400  may also include a center section  407  on the bottom shell  406  that provides an electrical signal when pressed toward the top section  405 . In other instances (not pictured), the center section  407  may be located on the top section  405  between the left most section  402  and the rightmost section  405 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the input device  400  of  FIG. 4  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The view of  FIG. 5  is along the longitudinal axis  4 A of the input device  400  of  FIG. 4 . The input device  400  may include one or more switches (e.g., electrical switches) operative to be actuated to provide different inputs. The switches  414  and  416  may be coupled to one surface of the circuit board  412 , and the switch  418  may be coupled to the opposite surface of the circuit board  412 . In other embodiments (not pictured), the switches  414 ,  416 , and  418  are all coupled to the same surface of the board  412 . In some instances, the switches  414 ,  416 , and  418  are electrical switches. 
     The input device  400  may also include a plate  415 , which may be directly or indirectly coupled to the top shell  405 . In certain instances, the plate  415  has a first end  415   a  and a second end  415   b  and may extend primarily parallel to the longitudinal axis  4 A of the input device  400 . The switch  414  may be placed in direct or indirect contact with the first end  415   a  of the plate  415 , and the switch  416  may be placed in direct or indirect contact with the second end  415   b  of the plate  415 , such that the user may actuate only one of the switches  414  and  416  at one time by pressing on one of the ends of the plate, for example by pressing on the leftmost section  402  of the top shell  405  or on the rightmost section  404  of the top shell. In certain instances, pressing on the leftmost section  402  causes the plate  415  to pivot about the pivot  419   a  such that the second end  415   b  moves away from the switch  416 , and as a result the switch  414  is actuated and simultaneous actuation of the switch  416  is precluded. A corresponding outcome can occur on pressing of the rightmost section  404  to actuate the switch  416 . In certain embodiments, actuation of the switch  414  or  416  shortens the switch and provides an electrical signal to transmit an input to the electronic device. 
     The input device  400  may also include a plate  413 , which may be directly or indirectly coupled to the bottom shell  406 . The plate  413  may be placed in direct or indirect contact with the switch  418 . When the bottom shell  406  is pressed towards the top shell  405 , the plate  413  may depress switch  418 , which, in certain instances, shortens the switch and provides an electrical signal to transmit an input to the electronic device. 
     In certain instances, the first and second ends  415   a  and  415   b  of the plate  415  are in direct or indirect contact with the standoffs  417   a  and  417   b , respectively. Similarly, in some embodiments, the plate  413  is in direct or indirect contact with the standoff  417   c . The standoffs may be made in whole or in part from plastic and/or metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel), or a composite material. In some instances, the standoffs can reduce the distance by which the shell portions need to be depressed to actuate the switches. Moreover, the standoffs can be tailored to control this distance and to control the amount of force required to actuate the buttons. For example, the standoff  417   a  can be made longer (or shorter) such that the leftmost section  402  can actuate the switch  414  by being depressed a shorter (or longer) distance. Moreover, the standoff  417   a  can be made longer (or shorter) such that application of a lesser (or greater) amount of force to the leftmost section  402  actuates the switch  414 . Standoffs  417   b  and  417   c  can be similarly adjusted. 
     The standoff  417   a  can be made of a material whose compressability (e.g., sponge or foam-like material) can be tuned to control the amount of force required to actuate switch  414  on pressing of the leftmost section  402 . Additionally, the standoff  417   a  can be made of a compressed material that insures that the standoff is in constant contact with the leftmost section  402 , the first end  415   a  of the plate  415 , and/or the switch  414 . For example, when the first  415   a  of the plate  415  moves away from the switch  414 , the standoff may provide an opposing force that permits the first end to remain in contact with the switch. The standoffs  417   b  and  417   c  can also be optionally made of such a material and behave in such a fashion. 
     In some embodiments, the circuit board  412  is freely floating or free standing within the input device  400 . For example, the board  412  may not be rigidly secured or not fixedly coupled to the top shell  405  or the bottom shell  6  or to any other component of the input device  400 . In certain embodiments, although not fixedly coupled, the board  412  may still simultaneously be retained and/or secured by one or more components of the device  400 , such as the frames  420   a  and  420   b , which are discussed in detail below. In some instances, when the board  412  is freely floating or free standing, it is retained and/or secured within the input device  400  by being constrained by surrounding elements of the device, for example, by one or both of the top and bottom shells  405  and  406 ; by one or more of the standoffs  417   a ,  417   b , and  417   c ; by one or both of the plates  415  and  413 ; by one or both of the pivots  419   a  and  419   b ; by the frames  420   a  and  420   b ; or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a microphone may be used in conjunction with a freely floating board or a board that is not fixedly coupled to improve microphone performance. 
     The circuit board  412  is optionally flexible or bendable, for example, such that pressing of the center section  407  of the shell  406  may cause the board to flex or bend. For instance, pressing on the center section  407  to actuate switch  418  may cause the center portion  412   c  of the board  412  to flex toward the top shell  405  and cause the first and second ends  412   a  and  412   b  of the board to flex away from the top shell  405  and toward the bottom shell  406 . When the first and second ends  412   a  and  412   b  flex away from the top shell  405 , they also flex away from the switches  414  and  416 , thereby ensuring that the switches  414  and  416  are not actuated when the center section  407  is depressed, i.e., when the switch  418  is actuated. The flexing of the first and second ends  412   a  and  412   b  may be further tuned by adjustment of the standoffs  417   a  and  417   b . For example, longer standoffs may increase flexing or bending of the first and second ends  412   a  and  412   b  away from the top shell  405 . 
     In other embodiments, the circuit board  412  is secured at one or both of the first end  412   a  and the second end  412   b . In this embodiment, the circuit board  412  may also be flexible, for example, such that pressing of center section  407  may cause the board to flex or bend. For instance, pressing on the center section  407  to actuate switch  418  may cause the center portion  412   c  of the board  412  to flex or bend toward the top shell  405 . However, as the first and second ends  412   a  and  412   b  are secured, these may not flex or bend toward the bottom shell  406  but rather remain substantially fixed in position. 
     In some instances, the circuit board  4  secured at the center portion  412   c . In this embodiment, the circuit board  412  may also be flexible. When the board  412  is flexible and secured at the center portion  412   c , depressing of the leftmost section  402  may cause the first end  412   a  to flex while the right most section  412   b  remains relatively unmoved and/or unflexed. A corresponding result occurs when the right most section  404  is depressed. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the circuit board  412  is secured at the center portion  412   c , but the board is relatively inflexible or rigid. In such cases, the board maybe pivotable. For example, pressing on the leftmost section  402  together with the bottom shell  406  may causes the board to pivot at the center portion  412   c  about the pivot  419   b  such that the first end  412   a  moves toward the top shell  405  to actuate the switch  414 , and the second end  412   b  moves away from the top shell  405  and away from the second end  415   b  of the plate  415 . As a result, depressing of the leftmost section  402  and actuation of the switch  414  can preclude actuation of the switch  416  since the itch  416  moves away from the second end  415   b  of the plate  415  when the board  412  pivots. In embodiments where the board  412  pivots, to facilitate pivoting the board may not be secured at the first and second ends  412   a  and  412   b.    
     In some instances, wherein the circuit board  412  is either flexible or relatively inflexible or rigid, pressing on the leftmost section  402  together with the bottom shell  406  may cause the first end  412   a  to move toward the top shell  405  to actuate the switch  414 . In such instances, the second end  412   b  may not move at all or may move a distance that is relatively shorter than that of the distance moved by the first end  412   a . For example, the second end  412   b  may more toward the rightmost section  404  but not by a sufficient distance to actuate the switch  416  since the second end may move toward the rightmost section by a shorter distance than by which the first section  412   a  moves toward the leftmost section  402 . 
     When the circuit board  412  is flexible, the flexibility can be tailored to tune the amount of pressure that causes the board to flex and/or bend and thus the amount of pressure required to actuate one or more switches. The flexibility of the board can be tailored through the use of materials of differing flexibility. 
     In instances where the switches  414 ,  416 , and  418  are on the same side of the circuit board  412  (not pictured), the input device may include one or more standoffs in between each of the switches to prevent actuation of a neighboring switch on actuation of desired switch. In such embodiments, the top shell  405 , which is on the same side of the circuit board  412  as the switches  414 ,  416 , and  418 , maybe a flexible shell (i.e., made from a flexible material), and the bottom shell  406  may be a relatively inflexible shell (i.e., made from relatively inflexible materials). 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the input device  400  of  FIGS. 4 and 5  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 6  the top shell  405 , the plate  415 , the standoffs  417   a  and  417   b , and the pivots  519   a  and  519   b  are not pictured for clarity. As seen in  FIG. 6 , the switches  414  and  416  are located at the opposite ends  412   a  and  412   b  of the circuit board  412 . The switch  418  is on the opposite side of the board  412  and is not pictured. As noted above, in some embodiments (not pictured), the switch  418  is on the same side of the board  412  as the switches  414  and  416 . In other embodiments, the switch  418  is not present at all. As noted above, the board  412  may be flexible or rigid. 
     The input device  400  may further include frames  420   a  and  420   b , which may be made in whole or in part from plastic and/or metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel), or a composite material. The frames  420   a  and  420   b  may run substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  4 A of the device  400 , although certain portions of the frames may also run non-parallel, e.g., perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis  4 A. For example, the frame  420   a  may extend toward the frame  420   b  as shown for the portions  421   a , and the frame  420   b  may extend toward the frame  420   a  as shown for the potions  421   b . In another instance, the frame  420   a  may extend perpendicular to the axis  4 A, such as into the plane of  FIG. 6 , as in the portions  422   a . Similarly, the frame  420   b  may extend perpendicular to the axis  4 A, such as into the plane of  FIG. 6 , as in the portions  422   b . Generally, the frames  420   a  and  420   b  may bend and curve within the input device  400 , but their overall progression is substantially parallel to that of the longitudinal axis  4 A. In some embodiments, the frames  420   a  and  420   b  extend the length of the circuit board  412 . In certain embodiments, the frames  420   a  and  420   b  represent two portions of a single frame. 
     In some instances, the frames  420   a  and  420   b  are flexible; in other embodiments, they are relatively rigid. The frames  420   a  and  420   b  may be solid, or they may be hollow and possess an internal lumen. When hollow, the frames  420   a  and  420   b  may include within the lumen one or more wires for carrying an electrical current. In some instances, one frame may be solid and the other hollow with the latter optionally carrying wires. 
     In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the circuit board  412  is freely floating within the input device  400 ; that is, the board is not rigidly secured or not fixedly coupled to any one portion of the input device. As seen in  FIG. 6 , the board  412  lies on top of the frames  420   a  and  420   b  near the end portions  412   a  and  412   b  of the board, for example, in the vicinity of the switches  414  and  416 . At the same time, the board  412  may also lie under the frames  420   a  and  420   b , for example, near the edges of the center portion  412   c  of the board, and portions of the center portion of the board may project out from under the frames. Hence, in some embodiments, the board  412  weaves above and below the first and second frames  420   a  and  420   b . The positioning of the circuit board  412  at once on top of the frames  420   a  and  420   b  in one or more portions and under the frames in one or more other portions (weaving) permits the board to be retained by the input device  400 , in particular, by being retain by the frames  420   a  and  420   b , but also allows the board to be free floating without rigidly securing the board and without fixedly coupling the board to the frames or to any other component of the input device. Although the embodiment pictured in  FIG. 6  includes two portions of the hoard  412  on top of the frames  420   a  and  420   b  and one portion of the board under the frames, other combinations are also contemplated, e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 portions on top of the frames and 2, 3, 4, or 5 portions under the frames or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the frames or frame defines a periphery and the circuit board is maintained substantially within the periphery. 
       FIGS. 7 a - c    are cross-sectional views of the input device  400  of  FIG. 6  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The views in  FIGS. 7 a - c    are along the plane  7 A of  FIG. 6  except the top shell  405  is now pictured. As seen in  FIG. 7 , in certain embodiments, the top shell  405  and/or the bottom shell  406  are not directly attached to one another or to the frames  420   a  and  420   b . Rather, one or more clips  430  may secure the bottom shell  406  to the frames  420   a  and  420   b , for example by engaging the frames, such as by folding over the frames at the ends  432   a  and  432   b . In some embodiments, one or more clips  430  secures the top shell  405  to the frames  420   a  and  420   b . In certain instances, one or more clips may secure the top shell  405  to the frames  420   a  and  420   b , while one or more additional clips secure the bottom shell  406  to the frames. Securing the top shell  405  and the bottom shell  406  to the frames  420   a  and  420   b  may, in some instances, bring the two shells together. 
     The clip  430  may be made in whole or in part from plastic and/or metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel, particularly stainless steel), or a composite material. 
     Although the clip  430  is depicted as substantially U-shaped in  FIGS. 7 a - c   , in other embodiments, the clip may be V-shaped, circular, semi-circular, square, triangular, etc. The input device  400  may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or more clips to secure the top shell  405  and/or the bottom shell  406  to the frames  420   a  and  420   b . In particular embodiments, the input device  400  includes 4 clips to secure the top shell  405  and the bottom shell  406  to the frames  420   a  and  420   b . For example, in some instances, the input device  400  may include two clips coupled to the bottom shell  406 , one at each longitudinal end of the bottom shell, and two clips coupled to the top shell  405 , one at each longitudinal end of the top shell. 
     In certain embodiments, the circuit board  412  is secured to the frames  420   a  and  420   b  by 4 clips  430 . In such embodiments, two clips secure the first end  412   a  of the board  412  to the frames  420   a  and  420   b , and the remaining two clips secure the second end  412   b  of the board to 1 frames. In such embodiments, one of the two clips securing the first end  412   a  of the board  412  may be coupled to the top shell  405  and the other may be coupled to the bottom shell  406 . Similarly, one of the two clips securing the second end  412   b  of the board  412  may be coupled to the top shell  405  and the other may be coupled to the bottom shell  406 . Clips coupled to opposing shells (opposing clips) may be longitudinally staggered with respect to one another so that when the two shells are brought together, the opposing clips are longitudinally adjacent one another, thereby more efficiently using the internal space within the device and permitting the device to be smaller in size. 
     The clip  430  may include a base  434  which may be attached or coupled to the bottom shell  406  (and/or the top shell  405 ) through adhesives, other clips or fasteners, heat bonding, etc. As seen in  FIG. 7 b   , in some instances, the clip  130  includes an aperture or hole  436  in the base  434 . In some embodiments, the bottom shell  406  includes a post  440  that projects internally, i.e., toward the top shell  405 . In certain cases, the post  440  is sized and shaped to fit through the aperture  436 . A top portion  442  of the post  440  may protrude through the aperture  436 . The post  440  may be composed of a plastic or other material which may have a melting temperature greater than normal usage temperature for the device  400 , for example, a temperature greater than 50, 75, 100, 150, 200° C. As seen in  FIG. 7 c   , when the post  440  is heated above the melting temperature, the post may expand to fill the aperture  436 , and the portion of the post  434  that protrudes from the clip  430  may become flattened and expand to cover the aperture partially or completely (i.e., the post may be shape-welded to the clip), thereby securing the clip  430  to the bottom shell  406 . The aperture  436  can be circular, triangular, rectangular, square, etc., and the post  440  when melted can then expand to fill the shape of the aperture. The top portion  442  of the post  440  may be melted into various shapes. For example the top portion  442  may be melted into a flat shape to provide added room within the device  400  to accommodate additional components, such as wires. The top portion  442  may also be melted into a curved shape to be compatible with a curved bottom shell  406 . 
     In some embodiments (not pictured), the post  440  is part of the top shell  405  and the clip  430  associates with the top shell. In instances where the input device  400  employs a plurality of clips  430 , a plurality of posts  440  may be used to secure the to the bottom shell  406 , the top shell  405 , or both. A given clip  430  may be secured to a shell through 1, 2, 3, 4, or more posts  440 . 
     Although in the embodiment pictured in  FIGS. 7 a - c   , the clip  430  is generally U-shaped with two ends  432   a  and  432   b , in other embodiments a clip may include two or more U-shaped portions, each with ends analogous to  432   a  and  432   b . For example, a clip may include two U-shaped portions each with two ends that may engage the frames. In such an embodiment, the clip may include a flat base, similar to the base  432 , which includes a U-shaped portion at each longitudinal end and one or more apertures  436  for receiving one or more posts  440  for coupling the clip to a shell. 
     In certain embodiments, the input device does not include frames, for example to conserve space within the device and to present a device that is smaller in size. In such embodiments, the device may include one or more clips, as described above, coupled to the top and/or bottom shell that engage the opposing shell to couple the two shells together. 
     Various features (e.g., the circuit board  412 , the plates  413  and  415 , the frames  420   a  and  420   b , the clip  430 , the post  440 , etc.) described above in association with the input device  400 , may also be used in other input devices described herein (e.g.,  100 ,  300 ,  800 , and  900 ). 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective schematic view of an input device  800  having a mechanical button and two capacitive buttons in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The input device  800  may include a top shell  805  and a bottom shell  806 . The input device  800  may include a mechanical button  810 , which may include a switch (e.g., an electrical switch) inside the input device  800  that may be actuated by pressing the bottom shell  806  towards the top shell  805 . The input device  800  may include a first capacitive button  812  and a second capacitive button  814  located on or adjacent the top shell  805 . The user may actuate the capacitive buttons  812  and  814  by placing a finger over a capacitive sensor associated with each button (e.g., and incorporated in top shell  805 ). In some embodiments, the input device  800  may include any suitable number of mechanical buttons and capacitive buttons. Other features described above for the input devices  100 ,  300 , and  400  may also be used in combination with the input device  800 . Additionally, the above features described for the input device  800  may also be used in combination with the input devices  100 ,  300 , and  400 . 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic view of an input device  900  that includes only a microphone in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the input device of  FIG. 9  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The input device  900  may include a cylindrical shell  902  placed over a cable  904 . The shell  902  may be manufactured from any suitable material, including for example plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), or a composite material. The shell  902  may include an aperture  906  operative to allow audio (e.g., from a user) to pass to a microphone placed inside the input device  900 . In some embodiments, the device  900  includes a plurality of apertures  906 . In other embodiments (not pictured), the device  900  does not include the aperture  906 . 
     The cable  904  may be coupled to the shell  902  using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the cable  904  may be coupled directly to the shell  902  (e.g., using a press fit, a shrink fit, or an adhesive). In some embodiments, the input device  900  may include an over-molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) portion  910  located between the cable  904  and inner surface of the shell  902 . The TPE portion  910  may be operative to provide strain relief to the connection between the shell  902  and the cable  904 . The input device  900  may include a plug  912  adjacent the cable  904  (e.g., at one or both ends of the input device  900 ) to maintain even strain relief. 
     In some embodiments, the input device  900  may include a microphone  920 , which may be placed adjacent the aperture  906  to allow sound waves to travel through the shell  902  to the microphone  120 . In certain embodiments, the microphone  920  is not placed adjacent the aperture  906 . The input device may include a clearance  914  underneath the microphone  920  operative to receive audio cables or wires (e.g., for left and right audio channels, a microphone channel, and/or a ground source) passing through the input device  900  and to one or more speakers, headphones, or earbuds. 
     In other embodiments, the input device  900  includes a microphone  920 , but does not include an aperture  906 . In such embodiments, there may be one or more cracks, partitions, gaps, or separations between the shell  902  and the cable  904 , for example, when there is not a tight seal between the cable and the shell, for instance if the TPE portion  910  is omitted or reduced in size. Such cracks, partitions, gaps, or separations may allow sound waves to pass through the shell  902  to the microphone  920 . Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 9 , the shell  902  may include one or more slits or partitions  924 , which also permit sound waves to pass through the shell  902  and to the microphone  920 . In some instances, the slits or partitions  924  may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  9 A of the input device  900  and thus be substantially parallel to the cable  904  and to any wires passing longitudinally through the device  900 . 
     The input device  900  may have any suitable size. In some embodiments, the total length of the device  900  may be from about 10 mm to about 19 mm, such as about 13.9 mm±1 mm, and the diameter of the shell  902  (e.g., the total height of the device  900 ) may be from about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 3 mm±0.2 mm. The different components of the input device  900  may have any suitable height. For example, the cable  904  may have a thickness (e.g., diameter) from about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 2 mm±0.2 mm. As another example, the microphone  920  may have a thickness from about 0.65 mm to about 1 mm, such as about 0.87 mm±0.1 mm. 
     As noted above, the input devices  100 ,  300 ,  400 , and  800  provide means to actuate one or more switches, such as electrical switches, that in certain instances provide an electrical signal to provide one or more inputs to an electrical device. In certain embodiments, the input devices  100 ,  300 ,  400 ,  800 , and  900  include a microphone which can also provide an input to an electrical device. In some embodiments, the electrical signal is transmitted through one or more cables or wires which are connected to the circuit boards  112  or  412  and are optionally housed within the cables  120  and  904 . In certain embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 cables, particularly 4 cables, may be used to transmit electrical signal (e.g., left channel, right channel, ground, and microphone). 
     The present disclosure contemplates all combinations of features and elements disclosed herein. For example, various embodiments of input devices shells, buttons, switches, circuit boards, frames, clips, posts, microphones, and other features described herein are interchangeable, unless explicitly stated otherwise. In particular, the interchangeability of elements with similar functions (e.g., shells  105 ,  305 ,  405 , and  605 ) is contemplated. As such, combinations of these elements and embodiments, if not explicitly stated, are contemplated and within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The contents of all references, patents and published patent applications cited throughout this Application, as well as their associated figures are hereby incorporated by reference in entirety. For example U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/020,988, filed. Jan. 14, 2008 and the U.S. Patent Application entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESSORY” to Wendell Sander et al., filed on or about the same day as the present application, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     EQUIVALENTS 
     Variations, modifications, and other implementations of what is described herein will occur to those of ordinary skill without departing from the spirit and the scope of the claimed invention. Hence, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the claimed invention and the specific methods and practices associated with the systems and methods described herein exist and are considered to be within the scope of the claimed invention as covered by the following claims. For additional illustrative features that may be used with the claimed invention, including certain embodiments described here, refer to the documents which are listed herein above and are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160208
Publication Date: 20171003
Grant Date: 20171003
Priority Date: 20070926
Inventors: STIEHL KURT
YU MICHELLE
CROOIJMANS WILHELMUS M. C.
FRAZIER CAMERON
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1075", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/0228", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/083", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1033", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/81", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/0228", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/083", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/0228", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1075", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/81", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1033", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/083", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 40623505