PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9583285-B1
Application Number: US-201414550250-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Device housing having improved tolerances

Abstract:
Input elements, handles, enclosures and alignment of such elements and handles within an electronic device. The elements, such as buttons or input devices, and handles discussed herein may be configured, assembled and/or installed within and/or on an electronic device to ensure proper alignment and positioning within the housing of the electronic device. By properly aligning and positioning the elements and handles within or on the housing of the electronic device, the elements and handles may provide accurate input to the electronic device and may be visually appealing to a user. Additionally, a two-piece enclosure including a hook and cutout portion may secure and/or protect the internal components of the electronic device, while also providing a visually “seamless” connection between the two-pieces for forming the enclosure of the electronic device.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. A button assembly comprising:
 a body portion; 
 a contact portion coupled to the body portion; 
 a sacrificial material coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the body portion, the sacrificial material contacting and coupling the body portion to an aperture formed through a housing of an electronic device; and 
 an internal component coupled to the contact portion, opposite the body portion, the internal component coupled to the housing of the electronic device subsequent to the coupling of the body portion to the aperture via the sacrificial material. 
 
     
     
       2. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the body portion is positioned within the aperture of the electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sacrificial material comprises an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the aperture of the electronic device. 
     
     
       4. The button assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the internal component is coupled to a portion of the housing of the electronic device opposite the aperture. 
     
     
       5. A method of installing a button assembly within a housing of an electronic device, the method comprising:
 determining an inner diameter of an aperture formed in the housing of the electronic device; 
 removing at least a portion of a sacrificial material coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of a body portion of the button assembly; 
 positioning the body portion of the button assembly within the aperture of the housing; and 
 affixing the button assembly to the housing of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the affixing the button assembly to the housing further comprises:
 subsequent to the positioning of the body portion of the button assembly within the aperture, coupling an internal component of the button assembly to the housing of the electronic device, the internal component coupled to the body portion via a contact portion. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the removing of at least the portion of the sacrificial material further comprises:
 resizing an outer diameter of the sacrificial material to be substantially equal to an inner diameter of the aperture formed through the housing. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the positioning of the body portion of the button assembly within the aperture of the housing further comprises:
 coupling the sacrificial material to the aperture formed through the housing. 
 
     
     
       9. A casing assembly comprising:
 a bottom case comprising:
 a cavity; 
 a hook extending into the cavity; and 
 a chamfered reveal surface surrounding the cavity; and 
 
 a top case having a cutout for receiving the hook to couple the top case to the bottom case; 
 wherein the chamfered reveal surface defines an opening along an exterior surface of the casing assembly. 
 
     
     
       10. The casing assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the top case further comprises converging sidewall portions positioned within the bottom case. 
     
     
       11. The casing assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the chamfered reveal surface of the bottom case is angled 1 degree relative to a straight underside of the top case. 
     
     
       12. The casing assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the bottom case further comprises an aperture formed in a sidewall opposite the hook. 
     
     
       13. The casing assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the top case further comprises a spring clip positioned opposite the cutout, the spring clip positioned within the aperture of the bottom case for coupling the top case to the bottom case. 
     
     
       14. The casing assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the top case further comprises a chamfered extrusion positioned opposite the cutout, the chamfered extrusion positioned within the aperture of the bottom case for coupling the top case to the bottom case. 
     
     
       15. A method of assembling a casing assembly for an electronic device, the method comprising:
 inserting a top case into a bottom case; 
 abutting at least a portion of the top case with a chamfered reveal surface of the bottom case, wherein the chamfered reveal surface defines an opening along an exterior surface of the casing assembly; 
 rotating at least one of the top case and the bottom case; and 
 engaging a hook of the bottom case with an angled contact surface of a cutout formed in the top case while maintaining the abutment of the portion of the top case with the chamfered reveal surface. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the rotating of at least one of the top case and the bottom case further comprises aligning the hook of the bottom case with the cutout formed in the top case. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15  further comprising aligning a coupling mechanism of the top case with an aperture of the bottom case formed in a sidewall opposite the hook. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprises one of:
 a spring clip, or 
 a chamfered extrusion. 
 
     
     
       19. A gap control button assembly within a housing, comprising:
 a body portion positioned within an opening of the housing; 
 a pin portion affixed to the body portion; and 
 an internal component wherein:
 the pin portion is rotatably coupled to the internal component within the housing along a rotation axis; 
 the rotation axis is parallel to and offset with respect to a center axis of the body portion; and 
 the rotation axis is located within the opening defined by the housing. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The gap control button assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the body portion is positioned within the center of the opening of the housing. 
     
     
       21. The gap control button assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the pin portion is coupled to the body portion between the center of the body portion and a perimeter of the body portion. 
     
     
       22. A method of centering a gap control button assembly within an opening of a housing, the method comprising:
 determining a desired distance between the opening of the housing and a body portion of the gap control button assembly; 
 determining an actual distance between the body portion of the gap control button assembly and the opening of the housing; and 
 rotating the body portion about an axis extending through the opening and an off-center pin portion of the gap control button assembly, the pin portion affixed to the body portion. 
 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 22 , wherein the rotating of the body portion further comprises positioning the body portion of the gap control button assembly within the opening of the housing at the determined desired distance. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 22 , wherein the determining of the desired distance between the opening of the housing and the body portion of the gap control button assembly further comprises:
 measuring an outer diameter of the body portion of the gap control button assembly; 
 measuring an inner diameter of the opening of the housing; 
 comparing the outer diameter of the body portion to the inner diameter of the opening; and 
 determining a desired, uniform gap spacing between the body portion of the gap control button assembly and the opening of the housing. 
 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 22  further comprising:
 comparing the desired distance with the actual distance; and 
 determining that the actual distance is one of greater than, or less than, the desired distance. 
 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 25 , wherein
 in response to determining that the actual distance is greater than the desired distance, rotating the body portion of the gap control button assembly in a first direction; and wherein 
 in response to determining that the actual distance is less than the desired distance, rotating the body portion of the gap control button assembly in a second direction, distinct from the first direction. 
 
     
     
       27. A handle assembly comprising:
 a housing portion comprising a blind hole; 
 a handle portion coupled to the housing portion, the handle portion comprising a through hole with an angular offset from the blind hole of the housing portion; and 
 a coupling mechanism positioned within both the blind hole of the housing portion and the through hole of the handle portion for coupling the handle portion to the housing portion; 
 wherein the handle portion is biased toward a first position from a second position relative to the housing portion. 
 
     
     
       28. The handle assembly of  claim 27 , wherein the handle portion is rotatably coupled to the housing portion and is configured to rotate from at least one of the first position to the second position about the housing portion. 
     
     
       29. The handle assembly of  claim 27 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a set screw comprising:
 a distal end; and 
 a threaded portion positioned adjacent the distal end. 
 
     
     
       30. The handle assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the through hole of the handle portion comprises threads for engaging the threaded portion of the set screw. 
     
     
       31. The handle assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the distal end of the set screw is positioned within the blind hole of the housing portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/908,078, filed Nov. 23, 2013 and titled “Device Housing Having Improved Tolerances,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to housings for electronic devices, and more particularly to input elements, handles, enclosures and alignment of such elements handles, and enclosures within the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices including conventional button assemblies often require the internal components to be coupled to a housing of the device, prior to the positioning of the external button within an opening of the housing. As a result of the internal components being fixed prior to the installation of the external button, the alignment of the button within the opening of the housing may be off-center. 
     In some embodiments, the external button may be positioned within the opening of the housing and may be subsequently coupled to the fixed internal components of the button assembly. Unless the internal component of the button assembly is perfectly centered on the opening of the housing, the external button will be off-center (e.g., non-concentric) with the opening. The non-concentric positioning of the external button within the housing may affect functionality of the button if the button contacts and/or catches the edge of the opening during actuation of the button. Additionally, where the button is not concentric with the opening of the housing, the aesthetic or cosmetic appearance of the electronic device may be negatively affected. 
     Electronic devices also typically include two-piece casing systems for securing internal components. It is desired for these cases to maintain a strong connection to prevent undesirable exposure of the internal components of the electronic device. That is, where casing system includes a top case and a bottom case, it is desired that neither case comes unintentionally loose or becomes disconnected from one another. Conventionally, this may be achieved by including external fasteners (e.g., screws, snap-fits, etc.) that couple the two distinct cases. However, because these fasteners are exposed, they become vulnerable to failing due to normal wear-and-tear or usage of the electronic device. Additionally, because the fasteners are typically exposed or provided on the outside of the electronic device, the top case (e.g., exposed case) usually includes multiple holes, hinges and/or connection points for receiving the fasteners to couple the two cases. These features can be aesthetically, or cosmetically unappealing to a user of the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to input elements, handles, enclosures and alignment of such elements and handles within an electronic device. The elements, such as buttons or input devices, and handles discussed herein may be configured, assembled and/or installed within and/or on an electronic device to ensure proper alignment and positioning within the housing of the electronic device. By properly aligning and positioning the elements and handles within or on the housing of the electronic device, the elements and handles may provide accurate input to the electronic device and may be visually appealing to a user. Additionally, a two-piece enclosure including a hook and cutout portion may secure and/or protect the internal components of the electronic device, while also providing a visually “seamless” connection between the two-pieces for forming the enclosure of the electronic device. 
     One embodiment may include a button assembly. The button assembly may include a body portion, a contact portion coupled to the body portion, and a sacrificial material coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the body portion. The sacrificial material may contact and couple the body portion to an aperture formed through a housing of an electronic device. The button assembly may also include an internal component coupled to the contact portion, opposite the body portion. The internal component may be coupled to the housing of the electronic device subsequent to the coupling of the body portion to the aperture via the sacrificial material. 
     Another embodiment may include a method of installing a button assembly within a housing of an electronic device. The method may include determining an inner diameter of an aperture formed in the housing of the electronic device, removing at least a portion of a sacrificial material coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of a body portion of the button assembly, positioning the body portion of the button assembly within the aperture of the housing, and affixing the button assembly to the housing of the electronic device. 
     a further embodiment may include a casing assembly. The casing assembly may comprise a bottom case having a cavity, a hook extending into the cavity, and an angled reveal surface surrounding the cavity. The casing assembly may also comprise a top case at least partially positioned within the cavity of the bottom case. The top case may include a cutout for receiving a hook to couple the top case to the bottom case, and a straight underside positioned adjacent to and partially abutting the angled reveal surface of the bottom case. 
     An additional embodiment may include a method of assembling a casing assembly for an electronic device. The method may include inserting a top case into a bottom case, abutting at least a portion of a straight underside of the top case with an angled reveal surface of the bottom case. The abutment between the portion of the straight underside of the top case and the angled reveal surface of the bottom case may be concealed from visibility. The method may also include rotating at least one of the top case and the bottom case, and engaging a hook of the bottom case with an angled contact surface of a cutout formed in the top case. 
     More embodiments may include a handle assembly. The handle assembly may comprise a housing portion comprising a blind hole, and a handle portion coupled to the housing portion. The handle portion may include a through hole in substantial alignment with and angularly offset from the blind hole of the housing portion. The handle assembly may also comprise a coupling mechanism positioned within the blind hole of the housing portion and the through hole of the handle portion for coupling the handle portion to the housing portion. Additionally within the handle assembly, the handle portion may automatically move from a first position to a second position relative to the housing portion subsequent to moving the handle portion past an angular threshold. 
     Further embodiments may include a gap control button assembly. The gap control button assembly may comprise a body portion, an internal component positioned opposite the body portion, and a pin portion coupled to and positioned between the body portion and the internal component. The pin portion may be positioned is coupled to the body portion out of alignment with a center of the body portion. 
     Another embodiment may include a method of centering a gap control button assembly within an opening of a housing. The method may comprise determining a desired distance between the opening of the housing and a body portion of the gap control button assembly, determining an actual distance between the body portion of the gap control button assembly and the opening of the housing, and rotating the body portion about an off-center pin portion of the gap control button assembly coupled to the body portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an illustrative perspective view of an electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of a portion of a housing including an aperture, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a side cross-section view of a button assembly according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of the button assembly shown in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method for installing a button assembly within a housing. This method may be performed using the housing and button assembly as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  shows illustrative views of a button assembly and housing undergoing processes of installation as depicted in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side cross-sectional view of a casing assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a portion of a bottom case for a casing assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a portion of a top case for a casing assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the casing assembly of  FIG. 7 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating a method for assembling a casing assembly. This method may be performed using the casing assembly as shown in  FIGS. 7-10 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a side cross-sectional view of a casing assembly, according to an additional embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows a side cross-sectional view of a casing assembly, according to a further embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a moveable handle for an electronic device according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-section view of the moveable handle of  FIG. 14 , taken along line  15 - 15 , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  shows a top perspective view of a portion of a housing and a gap control button assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  shows side cross-section view of a portion of the housing and the gap control button assembly of  FIG. 16 , taken along line  17 - 17 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  is a flow chart illustrating a method for centering a gap control button assembly within an opening of a housing. This method may be performed using the gap control button assembly and housing as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . 
         FIGS. 19A-19C  show illustrative top views of a gap control button assembly and a housing undergoing processes of installation as depicted in  FIG. 18 , according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to housings for electronic devices, and more particularly to input elements, handles, enclosures, and alignment of such elements and handles within the electronic device. 
     The embodiments discussed herein are related to input elements, handles, enclosures and alignment of such elements and handles within an electronic device. The elements, such as buttons or input devices, and handles discussed herein may be configured, assembled and/or installed within and/or on an electronic device to ensure proper alignment and positioning within the housing of the electronic device. By properly aligning and positioning the elements and handles within or on the housing of the electronic device, the elements and handles may provide accurate input to the electronic device and may be visually appealing to a user. Additionally, a two-piece enclosure including a hook and cutout portion may secure and/or protect the internal components of the electronic device, while also providing a visually “seamless” connection between the two-pieces for forming the enclosure of the electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-19C . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one example of an electronic device  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, electronic device  10  is implemented as a smart telephone. Other embodiments can implement electronic device  10  differently, such as, for example, as a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. 
     Electronic device  10  includes an enclosure  12  at least partially surrounding a display  14  and one or more buttons  16  or input devices. Enclosure  12  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the electronic device  10 , and may at least partially surround display  14 . Enclosure  12  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a top case  18  and a bottom case  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, enclosure  12  can be formed of a single piece operably connected to display  14 . Additionally, enclosure  12  may be formed from a variety of material including, but not limited to: reinforced glass, plastic, artificially grown corundum, and any combination of material. 
     Display  14  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. Button  16  can take the form of a home button, which may be a mechanical button, a soft button (e.g., a button that does not physically move but still accepts inputs), an icon or image on a display, and so on. Further, in some embodiments, button  16  can be integrated as part of a cover glass of the electronic device. 
     Electronic device  10  may also include a plurality of openings throughout enclosure  12 . The openings in enclosure  12  of electronic device  10  may provide access from external comments of electronic device  10  to internal components. In a non-limiting example, electronic device  10  may include a battery charging port  22  formed through enclosure  12 . Battery charging port  22  may be in electronic communication with a battery (not shown) of electronic device  10 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 1  electronic device  10  may include headphone port  24 . In the non-limiting example, an opening may be formed enclosure  12  to form headphone port  24  within electronic device  10 . Headphone port  24  may be in electrical communication with to an audio or headphone system (not shown) positioned within enclosure  12 , and may be configured receive a headphone jack (not shown) for allowing a user to listen to audio produced by electronic device  10  using personal headphone. 
       FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of a portion of a housing  100  including an aperture  102 , according to certain embodiments. Housing  100 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may be any external enclosure or casing for an electronic device (see,  FIG. 1 ; enclosure  12 ), including, but not limited to: a computer, a tablet, a cellular phone, a personal music device, a wearable device, and so on. Aperture  102  may extend through at least a top surface  104  of housing  100  to internal cavity  106  of housing  100 . As discussed herein, aperture  102  and/or cavity  106  may be configured to receive a button assembly  108  (see.  FIG. 3 ) utilized by the electronic device and extending through the aperture. 
     Aperture  102  of housing  100  may include a first diameter (D 1 ). The first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  may be determined during the manufacturing processes of forming housing  100 , and may be based on, at least in part, the dimensions of button assembly  108  and/or various components of button assembly  108 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , a side cross-sectional view of a button assembly  108  is shown. Button assembly  108 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , may be any suitable button or input device of an electronic device (see,  FIG. 1 ; buttons  16 ). Button assembly  108  may include a button  110  and an internal component  112  operatively and/or mechanically connected to button  110 . Button  110  of button assembly  108  may include a body portion  114  positioned above internal component  112  and a contact portion  116  positioned between body portion  114  and internal component  112 . As discussed herein, a top surface  118  of body portion  114  may be exposed when button assembly  108  is positioned within housing  100 . 
     During the actuation of button  110 , contact portion  116  may substantially contact internal component  112 , to initiate a function of button assembly  108 . In a non-limiting example, where button assembly  108  may turn on a light of the electronic device (see,  FIG. 1 ), actuation of button  110  may complete an electrical connection to provide a signal or power to the light of electronic device, and the light may ultimately illuminate. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 3 , contact portion  116  may be formed from a distinct component and may be coupled to body portion  114  and internal component, respectively. Alternatively, contact portion  116  may be formed integral with body portion  114  to form button  110  of button assembly  108 . 
     Button assembly  108  may also include a sacrificial material  120 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , sacrificial material  120  may be concentrically coupled to body portion  114  of button  110 . In the non-limiting example, sacrificial material  120  of button assembly  108  may be configured as an O-ring positioned around a perimeter or an outer surface  122  of body portion  114 , and may be made of any suitable low-friction material, one example of which is TEFLON. As shown in  FIG. 3 , sacrificial material  120  may include a height less than or equal to the height of body portion  114  of button assembly  108 . Body portion  114  of button  110 , including sacrificial material  120 , may include a second diameter (D 2 ), substantially greater than the first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  of housing  100  (see,  FIG. 2 ). Although the O-ring is shown as encompassing an entirety of the body portion  114  of the button  110 , the O-ring (including the sacrificial material  120 ) may be at least partially received within a groove defined along the circumference of the body portion in other embodiments, and/or may not extend along an entirety of the sidewall of the body portion  114 . 
     As discussed herein, a portion of sacrificial material  120  may be removed from body portion  114  of button  110  prior to positioning and coupling button assembly  108  within housing  100 . Additionally, as discussed herein, sacrificial material  120  of button assembly  108  may aid in substantially centering body portion  114  of button  110  within aperture  102  when button assembly  108  is positioned within and coupled to housing  100 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , a process of installing button assembly within housing may now be discussed. Specifically,  FIG. 5  is a flowchart depicting one sample method  150  for installing or positioning button assembly within housing. 
     In operation  152 , a first diameter of an aperture of a housing may be determined. In operation  154 , at least a portion of a sacrificial material surrounding a button may be removed from a button assembly. The removal of the sacrificial material may reduce a second diameter of the button to be substantially equal to the first diameter of the aperture formed through the housing. In operation  156 , the button assembly may be positioned within the aperture and/or the housing. In operation  158 , the button assembly may be affixed to the housing. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6A-6C , a sample button assembly  108  and housing  100  undergoing various operations of method  150  of  FIG. 5  may be depicted. It is understood that similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , a first operation of installing button assembly  108  includes determining the first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  of housing  100 . The first operation of determining, as shown in  FIG. 6A , may correspond to operation  152 . As discussed herein, first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  may be predetermined during the manufacturing of housing  100 . Alternatively, first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  may be determined after housing  100  is manufactured, and prior to button assembly  108  being installed within housing  100 . First diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  may be determined using various techniques and/or measuring tools including, but not limited to: optical scans, micrometers, pressure sensitive impressions, and so on. 
       FIG. 6A  shows button assembly  108 , including the O-ring of sacrificial material  120 , prior to seating the button assembly  108  within the aperture  102 . As part of or prior to seating the button assembly  108 , a portion of the sacrificial material  120  forming O-ring may be removed (as shown in phantom) from button assembly  108 . In a non-limiting example of  FIG. 6A , a portion of sacrificial material  120  (shown in phantom) may be removed from body portion  114  of button  110 , such that the second diameter (D 2 ) is reduced to be substantially equal to the first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  of housing  100 . As a result button  110 , and specifically body portion  114 , may fit within aperture  102  of housing  100 . The portion of sacrificial material  120  of button  110  may be removed using any suitable material removal technique including, but not limited to: turning, milling, grinding, drilling, and so on. The removal of at least a portion of the sacrificial material  120 , shown in  FIG. 6A , may correspond to operation  154 . 
     Additionally, it is understood that sacrificial material  120  may be pre-cut before being concentrically coupled to body portion  114  of button  110 . That is, subsequent to being concentrically coupled to body portion  114 , sacrificial material  120  may be machined to a determined thickness based on first diameter (D 1 ). The machined thickness of sacrificial material  120  may provide body portion  114  with an additional diameter/thickness, such that body portion  114  of button  110 , including the machined sacrificial material  120 , includes a second diameter (D 2 ) substantially equal to the first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  of housing  100 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6B , the button assembly  108  is shown positioned within the housing  100 . In a non-limiting example, button assembly  108  may be positioned within housing  100  by inserting internal component  112  within housing  100  via aperture  102 . Once internal component  112  of button assembly  108  is inserted to housing  100 , body portion  114  of button  110  may be substantially fixed within aperture  102  of housing  100 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6B , sacrificial material  120  concentrically positioned around body portion  114  of button  110  may be coupled to, and/or positioned adjacent an inner surface  124  of aperture  102  to hold button assembly  108  in place. The positioning of button assembly  108  within housing  100 , shown in  FIG. 6B , may correspond to operation  156 . 
     Because the first diameter (D 1 ) of aperture  102  and second diameter (D 2 ) of body portion  114  are made equal or near-equal (for example, through removal of sacrificial material  120 ), body portion  114  may be coupled to, or substantially fixed within, aperture  102  via a friction or compression fit between inner surface  124  of aperture  102  and the sacrificial material  120  of button  110 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , top surface  118  of button  110  may be exposed from housing  100 . Due to the substantially circular shape of aperture  102  and body portion  114 , and the uniform thickness of sacrificial material  120 , and the additional processing to ensure the first diameter (D 1 ) is equal to the second diameter (D 2 ), body portion  114  of button  110  may be substantially concentric with aperture  102  of housing  100 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 6B , internal component  112  may be free-floating within housing  100 . That is, internal component  112  of button assembly  108  may be suspended within housing  100 , and there may be a gap (G) between housing  100  and internal component  112 . Internal component  112  may be supported by button  110  and the fit of body portion  114  within aperture  102  of housing  100 . 
       FIG. 6C  depicts the button assembly  108  positioned within housing  100 , with internal component  112  of button assembly  108  affixed to housing  100 . As shown in  FIG. 6C , and with comparison to  FIG. 6B , internal component  112  of button assembly  108  may be coupled to housing  100  while still being suspended above housing  100  (e.g., gap (G)). Internal component  112  may be coupled to housing  100  by any suitable mechanical coupling technique now known, or later developed. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6C , a screw-cushion component  126  may be positioned through a base  128  of housing  100 , and may extend at least partial through internal component  112 . The cushions  129  of screw-cushion component  126  may be positioned between internal component  112  and base  128  of housing  100  to provide additional support to button assembly  108  within housing  100 . The affixing of button assembly  108  to housing  100 , shown in  FIG. 6C , may correspond to operation  158 . 
     It should be appreciated that the internal component  112  may be affixed to the housing  100  after the sacrificial material is removed and the button  108  is positioned within, and centered in, the aperture  102  of housing  100 . In this manner, the centering of the button  108  may be decoupled from the exact position of the internal component  112  and the internal component  112  may not dictate a particular location of the button  108  within the aperture  102 . 
     By including sacrificial material  120  in button assembly  108 , body portion  114  of button  110  may be concentrically positioned within aperture  102  of housing  100  without the risk of being off-center. Additionally, by including sacrificial material  120  around body portion  114  of button  110  to form a compression fit within aperture  102  of housing  100 , internal component  112  may be attached to housing  100  after button  110  is positioned concentrically within aperture  102 . As a result, internal component  112  may no longer negatively affect the positioning of button  110  (e.g., off-center), as the position of internal component  112  within housing  100  is determined by the positioning of button  110 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , a cross-sectional side view of a casing assembly  200  is shown, according to embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , casing assembly  200  may include a bottom case  202  and top case  204  positioned above and coupled to bottom case  202 . Bottom case  202  and top case  204  may include substantially matching circular geometries, and may be concentrically aligned when coupled. However, it is understood, bottom case  202  and top case  204  of casing assembly  200  may include any substantially matching polygonal shape, where top case  204  may be coupled to bottom case  202 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , bottom case  202  may include a cavity  206  configured to substantially receive a portion of top case  204 . Casing assembly  200  formed from bottom case  202  and top case  204  may be assembled to form any external enclosure or casing for an electronic device (see,  FIG. 1 ; enclosure  12 ), as discussed herein. 
     Bottom case  202  may also include a hook  208  extending perpendicularly from a sidewall  210 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7 , a portion of sidewall  210  of bottom case  202  may include hook  208  extending toward a center of bottom case  202  and hook  208  may be received within a groove or cutaway formed along at least a portion of the sidewall of the top case  204 , as discussed herein. Briefly turning to  FIG. 8 , hook  208  may also be substantially angular with respect to the circumference of sidewall  210  of bottom case  202 . That is, the distance from which hook  208  extends perpendicularly from sidewall  210  may gradually increase over a predetermined length or portion of the circumference of sidewall  210  of bottom case  202 . The predetermined length or portion of the circumference of sidewall  210  may be dependent upon a plurality of features of casing system  200  including, but not limited to, the size of bottom portion  202  and/or top portion  204 , the weight of bottom portion  202  and/or top portion  204 , the required retention force between bottom case  202  and top case  204 . 
     Additionally, the size of hook  208  may be dependent, at least in part, on similar features of casing system  200 . As discussed herein, hook  208  may be configured to substantially engage top case  204  and may align top case  204  with respect to bottom case  202 . This alignment may facilitate creating or maintaining a uniform aperture (e.g., reveal) along the exterior edges of the top case  204  and bottom case  202 . The hook and receiving groove may be tightly tolerance to set a uniform aperture height (or other dimension) between the top case  204  and bottom case  202 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 7 , bottom case  202  may also include an angled reveal surface  212 . Angled reveal surface  212  may partially engage or contact a substantially straight underside  214  of top case  204 . Angled reveal surface  212  may be angled relative to underside  214  of tope case  204  a predetermined angle (α). In the non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , predetermined angle (α) may be approximately 1 degree (1°) relative to the horizontal or straight underside  214  of top case  204 , although this angle may vary between embodiments. As discussed herein, angled reveal surface  212  may allow bottom case  202  to rotate while being coupled to or decoupled from top case  204 , and substantially maintain the cosmetic reveal between bottom case  202  and top case  204 . In many embodiments, the gap between the top case and bottom case (as defined by the angle of the angled reveal surface) is sufficiently small enough to conceal the abutment between the top case  204  and bottom case  202 , such that the naked eye cannot discern the abutment from the exterior of the housing. 
     Top case  204  of case assembly  200  may include a plurality of features for maintaining the alignment and/or connection between top case  204  and bottom case  202 . With reference to  FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 , top case  204  may include a stepped portion  216  positioned adjacent to, and extending perpendicularly relative to, underside  214 . Stepped portion  216  of top case  204  may be positioned circumferentially around top case  204  and may extend toward and/or into cavity  206  of bottom case  202 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10 , stepped portion  216  may be positioned substantially adjacent to sidewalls  210  of bottom case  202 . Stepped portion  216  of top case  204  may at least partially control a reveal offset between bottom case  202  and top case  204 , and may also control the float or movement of bottom case  202  relative to top case  204 . That is, stepped portion  216  may provide a contact point for sidewall  210  of bottom case  202  during the floating of bottom case  202 , and may substantially limit bottom case&#39;s  202  ability to move relative to top case  204 . 
     Top case  204  may also include angled contact surface  218  formed in cutout  220 . As shown in  FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 , top case  204  may include cutout  220  positioned in circumferential alignment with hook  208  of bottom case  202 , where angled contact surface  218  of cutout  220  may contact hook  208  for coupling top case  204  to bottom case  202 . In a non-limiting example, angled contact surface  218  of top case  204  may contact hook  208 , where hook  208  and angled contact surface  218  are aligned, and may hold bottom case  202  against top cover  204 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , cutout  220  and angled contact surface  218  may be positioned along a portion of the circumference of top case  204  positioned within the bottom case cavity  206 . In an alternative embodiment (not shown), cutout  220  and angled contact surface  218  may be positioned along the entire circumference of top case  204  positioned within cavity  206 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 , top case  204  may also include a converging sidewall portion  222  positioned within cavity  206  of bottom case  202 . Sidewall portion  222  of top case  204  may converge and/or be substantially angled down, and toward the center of top case  204 . As discussed herein, sidewall portion  222  of top case  204  may aid in the ease of installation of top case  204  within bottom case  202  for forming casing system  200 . Additionally, converging sidewall portion  222  may also provide clearance to rotate bottom case  202  away from top case  204  while uncoupling case assembly  200 . 
     In many embodiments, one or more fasteners such as a screw, snap, adhesive or other mechanical or chemical fastener may join the top case  204  and bottom case  202 , insofar as the hook alone may not resist decoupling of the two. The fastener(s) may be located at substantially any point along the exterior of the cases. 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , a process of assembling a casing assembly may now be discussed. Specifically,  FIG. 11  is a flowchart depicting one sample method  250  for assembling a casing assembly formed from a top case and a bottom case. 
     In operation  252 , a top case may be inserted into a bottom case. In operation  254 , at least one of the top case and/or the bottom case may be rotated. The top case and/or the bottom case may be rotated until a cutout of the top case is aligned with a hook of the bottom case. In operation  256 , the hook of the bottom case may be engaged with an angled contact surface formed in the cutout of the top case. 
     Returning to  FIG. 7 , and with continued reference to  FIG. 11 , casing assembly  100  undergoing various operations of method  250  of  FIG. 11  may be depicted. It is understood that similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As discussed herein, a first operation of assembling casing assembly  200  may include inserting top case  204  into bottom case  202 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , top case  204 , including stepped portion  216 , angled contact surface  218 , cutout  220  and sidewall portion  222 , may be inserted and positioned within cavity  206  of bottom case  202 . 
     The converging angle of converging sidewall portion  222  of top case  204  may aid in inserting top case  204  into bottom case  202 . D to the angled sidewall portions  222  of top case  204 , top case  204  may be press-fitted onto or into bottom portion  202 , and may not be substantially obstructed by hook  208  and/or sidewall  210  of bottom portion  202 . In an additional embodiment, bottom case  202  may be pivotally coupled to top case  204 . that is, hook  208  of bottom case  202  may be aligned and/or inserted into cutout  220  of top case  204 , and subsequently, bottom case  202  may pivot about hook  208 /cutout  220  and may be pushed against top case  204  until underside  214  of top case  204  contacts angled reveal surface  212  of bottom case  202 . 
     Following the inserting of top case  204  into bottom case  202 , a further operation includes rotating at least one of top case  204  and/or bottom case  202  to align cutout  220  of top case  204  with hook  208  of bottom case  202  may be performed. In a non-limiting example, top case  204  and/or bottom case  202  may be substantially rotated until hook  208  of bottom case  202  is positioned within the opening formed by cutout  220  of top case  204 . Hook  208  of bottom case  202  and cutout  220  of top case  204  may be in substantial alignment when hook  208  is not contacting stepped portion  216  and/or sidewall portion  222  of top case  204 , and underside  214  of top case  204  contacts angled reveal surface  212  of bottom case  202 . Without physically seeing hook  208  in alignment or positioned within the opening formed by cutout  220 , it may be understood that hook  208  of bottom case  202  is aligned in cutout  220  of top case  204  where underside  214  of top case  204  contacts angled reveal surface  212  of bottom case  202  and a top surface  228  of top case  204  is substantially even, horizontal, planar and/or level. 
     Finally, the method of assembling casing assembly  200  may include the operation of, engaging hook  208  with angled contact surface  218  of top case  204 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 7 , after aligning cutout  220  of top case  204  and hook  208  of bottom case  202 , hook  208  may engage angled contact surface  218  of top case  204  to hold bottom case  202  and top case  204  together. 
     In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , casing system  200  may include additional components for coupling top case  204  to bottom case  202 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , bottom case  202  may include an aperture  230  extending partially through sidewall  210 . Aperture  230  may be positioned substantially opposite hook  208  of bottom case  202 , and may only be disposed over a portion of the circumference of the sidewall  210  of bottom case  202 . Aperture  230  may be configured to receive a coupling mechanism  232  of top case  204  for providing additional support in coupling top case  204  to bottom case  202 . 
     In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 12 , coupling mechanism  232  of top case  204  may include a spring clip  234  positioned within a groove  236  of top case  204 . When inserting top case  204  into bottom case  202 , spring clip  234  may be positioned within groove  236  and may be substantially flush with sidewall  222  of top case  204 . Once spring clip  234  becomes aligned with aperture  230  of bottom case  202 , a portion of spring clip  234  may extend into aperture  230  for retaining top case  204  within bottom case  202 . 
     In as another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 13 , coupling mechanism  232  for top case  204  may include a chamfered extrusion  238  extending from sidewall  222 . Chamfered extrusion  238  may be press-fit into cavity  206  of bottom case  202 . During the rotation of top case  204  and/or bottom case  202 , chamfered extrusion  238  may become aligned and extend into aperture  230  for providing additional support in coupling top case  204  to bottom case  202 . 
     In some embodiments, a snap may couple top case  204  to bottom case  202 . Each of the top case  204  and bottom case  202  may have a portion of the snap formed thereon, such that the two cases are press-fitted together when properly aligned. The snap may be positioned where the interior wall of the bottom case is near or abuts the stepped portion  216 , for example. Accordingly, the enclosure falls with its base impacting a surface, the force exerted on the snap by the impact is in shear and so the snap may resist decoupling of the top and bottom cases. 
     A bi-stable handle is now discussed.  FIG. 14  illustrates a moveable handle  300  for an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the moveable handle  300  may be a handle for an electronic device, such as, for example, a camera, mobile phone, tablet computing device and the like. Additionally, moveable handle  300  may be coupled to a plug that may be inserted into an opening of an electronic device (see,  FIG. 1 ; battery charging port  22 ; headphone port  24 ) to protect the opening from undesirable contaminants (for example, dust, water and so on). 
     The moveable handle  300  may have a variety of sizes and uses depending on various embodiments. For example, the handle may be large enough to be grasped by a hand of an individual that is carrying the electronic device. Alternatively, the movable handle  300  may be configured to be attached to a clasp or other such mechanism. Although a handle is specifically mentioned, it is contemplated that the embodiments described herein may be used for other purposes. For example, one or more embodiments provide that the components shown and described herein may be used for any component in which a first sub-component moves about an axis of a second sub-component, such as, for example, a covering for peripheral ports of an electronic device. 
     In one or more embodiments, the moveable handle  300  includes a handle portion  310  and a housing portion  320 . In certain embodiments, a first portion of the handle portion  310  may be secured to the housing portion  320  while a second portion of the handle portion  310  rotates from a first position to a second position about an axis. For example, the handle portion  310  may move from a first position (or a “closed” position shown in  FIG. 14 ) to a second position (or “open” position (not shown)). In certain embodiments, the housing portion  320  may be a cover or plug for the electronic device. In another embodiment, the housing portion  320  may be a button associated with the electronic device. In yet another embodiment, the housing portion  320  may be moveably coupled to a housing of the electronic device. 
     In embodiments, to facilitate the movement of the handle portion  310  about the housing portion  320 , a small gap  330  is present between the handle portion  310  and the housing portion  320 . In certain embodiments, the gap  330  between the handle portion  310  and the housing portion  320  remains constant around the entire circumference of the housing portion  320  due to the construction and configuration of the various components of the moveable handle  300  described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , one or more embodiments provide that the moveable handle  300  is circular. Specifically, one or more embodiments provide that both the handle portion  310  and the housing portion  320  are circular. Although a circular design is specifically shown and described, it is contemplated that the handle portion  310  and the housing portion  320 , as well as the overall shape of the moveable handle  300 , may take any number of shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, and so on). 
     With respect to the handle portion  310 , one or more embodiments provide that the handle portion  310  includes a through hole  340  configured to receive a set screw  350 . In embodiments, at least a portion of the through hole  340 , and at least a portion of the set screw  350 , is threaded (see,  FIG. 15 ). In embodiments where at least a portion of the set screw  350  and at least a portion of the through hole  340  is threaded, the threaded portion of the set screw  350  is received into the threaded portion of the through hole  340 . A locking mechanism may also be used to secure the set screw  350  within the through hole  340  to ensure that the set screw  350  does not become loose as the handle portion  310  moves from the first position to the second position and vice versa. 
     With respect to the housing portion  320 , one or more embodiments provide that the housing portion  320  includes at least one blind hole  360 . In certain embodiments, the blind hole  360  is configured to receive a distal end  370  of the set screw  350  so as to secure the handle portion  310  to the housing portion  320 . In certain embodiments, the distal end  370  of set screw  350  is smooth and has a hemispheric tip. Likewise, the blind hole  360  may have a smooth surface and have a hemispheric end. In such embodiments, when the distal end  37  of the set screw  350  is received into the blind hole  360 , the distal end  370  of the set screw  350  is configured to rotate within the blind hole  360  as the handle portion  310  moves from the first position to the second position. 
     Although one portion of the set screw  350  rotates within the blind hole  360 , a thread lock on the set screw  350  controls and maintains the torque and the friction of the handle portion  310 . In embodiments, the thread lock may be caused by the threaded portion of the set screw  350  being received by the threaded portion of the through hole  340 . Likewise, the torque caused by the thread lock helps maintain the concentricity and the gap  330  between the handle portion  310  and the housing portion  320 . 
     In certain embodiments, the through hole  340  may be positioned with an angular offset  380  with respect to the blind hole  360 . This off-axis design generates a bi-stable feel for the handle portion  310  as it moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, when the handle moves from the first position to the second position, the handle may “snap” or move automatically in place once the handle portion  310  moves past a certain point or angle threshold. For example, if the handle portion  310  is moving from the “closed” position shown in  FIG. 14  to an “open” position, the handle portion  310  may “snap” or automatically move to the open position after reaching a predetermined angle threshold with respect to the housing portion  320  (e.g., a 40 degree angle). Likewise, when the handle portion  310  moves from an “open” position to a closed position, the handle portion  310  may “snap” or automatically move to the “closed” position, after the handle portion has reached a predetermined angle threshold with respect to the housing portion  320  (e.g., a 60 degree angle). 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the moveable handle  300  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the moveable handle  300  includes a handle portion  310  and a housing portion  320 . The handle portion  310  has one or more through holes  340  which enable a set screw  350  to secure the handle portion  310  to the housing portion  320 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 15 , the through hole  340 , and at least a portion of the set screw  350  are threaded to enable a user or individual to set the torque and/or friction of the moveable handle  300 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 15 , a distal end  370  of the set screw  350  may be received into a blind hole  360  of the housing portion  320 . In embodiments, the set screw  350  has a hemispheric tip that mates with a hemispheric end of the blind hole  360 . As also discussed above, one or more embodiments provide that the through hole  350  and the blind hole  360  are offset at a small angle in order to provide a bi-stable feel to the moveable handle  300 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a top perspective view of a portion of a housing  400  and a gap control button assembly  402 , according to embodiments of the invention. Housing  400 , as shown in  FIG. 16  may be any external structure or casing for any suitable electronic device (see,  FIG. 1 ), including, but not limited to: a computer, a tablet, a cellular phone, a personal music device, a watch, and the like, as discussed herein. Housing  400  may include an opening  404  extending through at least a top surface  406  of housing  400  to an internal cavity  408  of housing  400 . As discussed herein, opening  404  and/or cavity  408  may be configured to receive gap control button assembly  402  utilized by the electronic device (see,  FIG. 1 ) including housing  400 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , gap control button assembly  402  may include a button  410  and an internal component  412  ( FIG. 17 ) operatively connected to button  410 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , button  410  of gap control button assembly  402  may include a body portion  414  positioned above internal component  412  and a pin portion  416  positioned between body portion  414  and internal component  412 . Alternatively, pin portion  416  may be formed integral with body portion  414  to form button  410 . As discussed herein, a top surface  418  of body portion  414  may be exposed when gap control button assembly  408  is positioned within housing  400 . During the actuation of button  410 , pin portion  416  may substantially contact internal component  412 , to initiate a function of button assembly  408 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , pin portion  416  of gap control button assembly  408  may be positioned substantially off-center (C) from body portion  414  and/or button  410 . In non-limiting example, pin portion  416  may be coupled to body portion  414  of button  410  out of alignment with the center (C) of body portion  414 . As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  pin portion  416  may be positioned off-center, and to the right of the center (C) of body portion  414 . However, it is understood that pin portion  416  may be positioned off-center, in any direction relative to the center (C) of body portion  414  of button  410 . As discussed herein, by including off-center pin portion  416  in gap control button assembly  402 , body portion  414  of button  410  may be configured to substantially rotate within opening  404  of housing  400 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 18 , a process of centering a gap control button assembly may now be discussed. Specifically,  FIG. 18  is a flowchart depicting one sample method  450  for centering a gap control button assembly within an opening of a housing. 
     In operation  452 , a desired distance between an opening of a housing and a body portion of a gap control button assembly may be determined. In operation  454 , an actual distance between a body portion of the gap control button assembly and the opening of the housing may be determined. In operation  456 , the body portion of the gap control button assembly may be rotated about an off-centered pin portion of the gap control button assembly. The rotating of the body portion may position the body portion of the gap control button assembly within the opening of the housing at a desired distance. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 19A-19C , gap control button assembly  402  and housing  400  undergoing various operations of method  450  of  FIG. 18  may be depicted. It is understood that similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19A , a first operation of centering gap control button assembly  402  includes determining a desired distance (D Desired ) between opening  404  of housing  400  and body portion  414  of gap control button assembly  402 . Determining the desired distance (D Desired ) between opening  404  and button  410  may include comparing a first diameter (D 404 ) of opening  404  of housing  400  with a second diameter (D 414 ) of button  410  of gap control button assembly  402 . The determining of the desired distance (D Desired ) between opening  404  of housing  400  and body portion  414  of gap control button assembly  402 , shown in  FIG. 19A , may correspond to operation  452 . 
     By comparing the first diameter (D 404 ) of opening  404  of housing  400  with a second diameter (D 414 ) of button  410  of gap control button assembly  402 , the desired distance (D Desired ) between opening  404  and button  410  may be determined. This determined desired distance (D Desired ) may be the uniform or equal distance between body portion  414  and opening  404  to position body portion  414  in the center or substantially align body portion  414  with the center of opening  404 . As discussed herein, where body portion  414  is substantially aligned within the center of opening  404 , the gap spacing of opening  404  surrounding body portion  414  may be uniform. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19A , the center alignment may be shown as a desired position (P Desired , shown in phantom) for body portion  414 . First diameter (D 404 ) and second diameter (D 414 ) may be predetermined during the manufacturing of housing  400  and gap control button assembly  402 , respectively. Alternatively, first diameter (D 404 ) and second diameter (D 414 ) may be determined after manufactured, and just prior to gap control button assembly  402  being installed within housing  400 . First diameter (D 1 ) and second diameter (D 414 ) may be determined using various techniques and/or measuring tools including, but not limited to: optical scans, micrometers, pressure sensitive impressions, and the like. 
       FIG. 19B  shows an additional operation of centering gap control button assembly  402  including, determining the actual distance (ΔD) between body portion  414  of gap control button assembly  402  and opening  404  of housing  400 . The actual distance (ΔD) between a body portion  414  and opening  404  may be determined and compared to the determined, desired distance (D Desired ) between opening  404  and body portion  414 . Where the actual distance (ΔD) differs from the desired distance (D Desired ), body portion  414  may not be in alignment with the center of opening  404 , and the gaps between body portion  414  and opening  404  may not be uniform. In the non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 19B , the actual distance (ΔD) between body portion  414  and opening  404  may be greater than the desired distance (D Desired ). As such, body portion  414  may not be in alignment with the center (C) of opening  404 , and may not include a uniform gap between body portion  414 , and opening  404 . This may be further clarified in comparing the actual position of body portion  414  with the desired position (P Desired ) (shown in phantom) for body portion  414 , as shown in  FIG. 19B . The determining of the actual distance (ΔD) between body portion  414  of gap control button assembly  402  and opening  404  of housing  400 , shown in  FIG. 19B , may correspond to operation  454 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 19C , a subsequent operation of centering gap control button assembly  402  is shown according to embodiments of the invention. The step, as shown in  FIG. 19C , includes rotating body portion  414  of button  410  about off-centered pin portion  416 , in response to determining the actual distance (ΔD) between a body portion  414  and opening  404  differs from the desired distance (D Desired ). The rotating of body portion  414  of button  410  about off-centered pin portion  416 , shown in  FIG. 19C , may correspond to operation  456 . 
     In the non-limiting example, body portion  414  may be rotated about pin portion  416  (shown in phantom) of button  410  in a direction dependent upon whether the actual distance (ΔD) is greater than or less than the desired distance (D Desired ). Where the actual distance (ΔD) is greater than the desired distance (D Desired ), body portion  414  may be rotated toward the measuring reference points for determining the distances (e.g., ΔD, D Desired ). Conversely, where the actual distance (ΔD) is less than the desired distance (D Desired ), body portion  414  may be rotated away from the measuring reference points for determining the distances. 
     Continuing the example above, where the actual distance (ΔD) of body portion  414  was greater than the desired distance (D Desired ), as shown in  FIG. 19B , body portion may be rotated in a direction (R) as shown in  FIG. 19C , to align body portion  414  with the center (C) of opening  404 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 19C , by rotating body portion  414  about off-centered pin  416  in the direction (R), the actual position of body portion  414  may now be in alignment with the desired position (P Desired )( FIG. 19B ) for body portion  414 . Additionally, as a result of rotating body portion  414  in the direction (R), the actual distance (ΔD) may now be equal to the desired distance (D Desired ). As such, button  410  may include a uniform gap between body portion  414  and opening  404 , and gap control button assembly  402  may be substantially centered within opening  404 . 
     By including off-center pin portion  416  of button  410 , and allowing body portion  414  to rotate within opening  404  of housing  400 , the suitable coupling of internal component  412  within housing  400  may not require precise placement. That is, internal component  412  may be coupled within cavity  408  of housing  400 , but may not require center alignment of body portion  414  with opening  404 , as is conventionally known. Rather, by utilizing pin portion  416  and the ability to rotate body portion  414 , body portion  414  of button  410  may be substantially centered or concentrically aligned within opening  404  of housing  400  after gap control button assembly  402  is installed within housing  400 . 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20141121
Publication Date: 20170228
Grant Date: 20170228
Priority Date: 20131123
Inventors: ANDRE BARTLEY K.
SILVANTO MIKAEL
FARAHANI HOUTAN
REID GAVIN J.
KEATS JASON
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H2223/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2231/022", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H9/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2231/022", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58056797