PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8630100-B2
Application Number: US-201113247469-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Support tabs for protecting a circuit board from applied forces

Abstract:
The present invention can relate to an electronic device having one or more support tabs that protect a circuit board disposed inside the device from externally applied compressive forces. In particular, when a force is applied to a housing of the device, the support tabs can buttress the housing of the device, either directly or through other intervening components disposed within the device, to reduce the likelihood that the housing or intervening components will contact and damage the circuit board. The present invention also can relate to methods for manufacturing such an electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing having a housing surface; 
 a stiffener plate for supporting a user input component of the electronic device; 
 a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board having top and bottom circuit board surfaces; 
 a first support tab extending from a surface of the stiffener plate to the top circuit board surface; and 
 a second support tab extending from the housing surface to the bottom circuit board surface. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a user input component. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame to which the circuit board is coupled. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the frame comprises at least one side support tab. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a third support tab, wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed therethrough; and 
 the third support tab is disposed through the hole in the circuit board when the electronic device is fully assembled. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the third support tab is disposed in series between the first support tab and the second support tab when the electronic device is fully assembled. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , further comprising a frame on which the third support tab is disposed. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the circuit board is coupled to the frame. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the circuit board is unattached to the third support tab. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second support tabs is coupled to the housing. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed therethrough; and 
 the first and second support tabs meet within the hole. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed therethrough; 
 one of the first and second support tabs extends through the hole; and 
 the first and second support tabs meet between the circuit board and the housing surface. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second support tabs buttresses the housing when an external force is applied to the electronic device. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second support tabs are provided by a single support tab. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed therethrough; 
 the single support tab extends through the hole; and 
 the single support tab is coupled to the housing surface. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the sum of the heights of the first and second support tabs and the thickness of the circuit board bridge the distance between the surface of the stiffener plate and the housing surface. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second support tabs is attached to the circuit board. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one of the first and second support tabs is not attached to the housing. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first support tab is attached to the top circuit board surface; and 
 the second support tab is attached to the bottom circuit board surface. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the first and second support tabs is not attached to the housing. 
     
     
       21. An electronic device comprising:
 a first component; 
 a second component; 
 a circuit board disposed between the first component and the second component; and 
 at least one support tab, wherein: 
 a first portion of the at least one support tab is at least partially disposed between the first component and the circuit board; and 
 a second portion of the at least one support tab is at least partially disposed between the second component and the circuit board, wherein the first component comprises a stiffener plate for supporting a user input component of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       22. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the first component comprises a first housing component of a housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
       23. The electronic device of  claim 22 , wherein the second component comprises a second housing component of the housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
       24. The electronic device of  claim 22 , wherein the second component comprises at least a portion of a user input component. 
     
     
       25. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the first component comprises at least a portion of a user input component of the electronic device. 
     
     
       26. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one support tab buttresses at least one of the first component and the second component when an external force is applied to the electronic device. 
     
     
       27. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one support tab protects the circuit board by buttressing the first component and the second component. 
     
     
       28. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed through the circuit board; and 
 a third portion of the at least one support tab is disposed through the hole. 
 
     
     
       29. The electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the at least one support tab is attached to at least one of the first component and the second component. 
     
     
       30. The electronic device of  claim 29 , wherein the at least one support tab is not attached to the circuit board. 
     
     
       31. The electronic device of  claim 29 , wherein the at least one support tab is attached to the circuit board. 
     
     
       32. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein:
 the first portion of the at least one support tab comprises a first support tab of the at least one support tab; and 
 the second portion of the at least one support tab comprises a second support tab of the at least one support tab. 
 
     
     
       33. The electronic device of  claim 32 , wherein:
 the first support tab is attached to at least one of the first component and the circuit board; and 
 the second support tab is attached to at least one of the second component and the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       34. The electronic device of  claim 32 , wherein:
 the first support tab is attached to the first component; 
 the first support tab is not attached to the circuit board; 
 the second support tab is attached to the second component; and 
 the second support tab is not attached to the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       35. The electronic device of  claim 34 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed through the circuit board; and 
 at least one of the first support tab and the second support tab is at least partially disposed in the hole. 
 
     
     
       36. The electronic device of  claim 34 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed through the circuit board; and 
 a third support tab of the at least one support tab is disposed in the hole. 
 
     
     
       37. The electronic device of  claim 36 , wherein the first support tab, the second support tab, and the third support tab are not attached to one another. 
     
     
       38. The electronic device of  claim 36 , wherein:
 the third support tab is disposed on a frame; and 
 the circuit board is coupled to the frame. 
 
     
     
       39. The electronic device of  claim 32 , wherein the first support tab is attached to the circuit board. 
     
     
       40. The electronic device of  claim 39 , wherein the second support tab is attached to at least one of the second component and the circuit board. 
     
     
       41. The electronic device of  claim 39 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a hole disposed through the circuit board; and 
 the second support tab is attached to at least one of the circuit board and the first support tab through the hole. 
 
     
     
       42. The electronic device of  claim 32 , wherein the first support tab is attached to the circuit board by at least one of an adhesive, a solder, and a screw. 
     
     
       43. The electronic device of  claim 32 , wherein the first support tab comprises:
 a trunk extending between the first component and the circuit board; and 
 a flange extending from the trunk along a surface of the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       44. A method for manufacturing an electronic device comprising a first component, a second component, a circuit board, and at least one support tab, the method comprising:
 positioning the circuit board between at least a first portion of the at least one support tab and at least a second portion of the at least one support tab; and 
 positioning the circuit board and the at least one support tab between the first component and the second component, wherein the second component comprises a stiffening plate of a user component of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       45. The method of  claim 44 , wherein:
 the first component comprises a first housing component of a housing of the electronic device; and 
 the second component comprises a second housing component of the housing of the electronic device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/791,610, filed on Jun. 1, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/519,387, filed Sep. 11, 2006 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,751,199, which are all hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention can relate to methods and apparatus for supporting a circuit board and protecting the circuit board from applied compressive forces. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Circuit boards disposed inside of consumer electronics are often fragile. As products get smaller and thinner, the distance between the circuit board and the housing of the electronic device is therefore often reduced. In this case, circuit boards may become more susceptible to damage, particularly from externally applied forces having components that are normal to the plane of the circuit boards. For example, such forces may be applied when the electronic device is placed inside a user&#39;s pocket or when the user repeatedly presses buttons on the electronic device. 
     When an external normal force is applied to an electronic device in which the distance between the circuit board and the housing is small, the inside wall of the housing or components disposed between the housing and the circuit board can come into contact with the circuit board (and components disposed on the circuit board) and cause damage. Also, repetitive strain on the circuit board may cause components attached to the board to detach, e.g., from failure of solder connections of a BGA (Ball Grid Array). These failures can result in failure of the product to function, which in turn results in field returns. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for supporting a circuit board and protecting the circuit board from externally applied forces. 
     In accordance with the present invention, an electronic device is provided that can have one or more support tabs disposed therein. Each support tab can be disposed substantially orthogonal to a circuit board in the electronic device. Some support tabs can traverse holes or slots disposed through the circuit board. 
     Each tab can buttress the housing of the device when a compressive force is applied, thereby protecting the circuit board. That is, each tab can reduce the likelihood that the housing of the electronic device will contact and potentially damage the circuit board. 
     Each tab may be disposed on a frame to which the circuit board is assembled. Each tab also may be disposed on another structure of the electronic device, such as the housing of the electronic device. 
     When the electronic device is fully assembled, one or more tabs may be disposed within or near the central region of the circuit board or electronic device. One or more additional tabs may be disposed on or near the edges of the circuit board or electronic device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary electronic device that can incorporate the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the damage that the electronic device can sustain when subjected to a compressive force; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of some components of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , incorporating one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a section view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , incorporating one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an enlarged view of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates another section view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A , incorporating one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates an enlarged view of  FIG. 3C ; 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates “blind” assembly of some of the components of the electronic device into a housing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-F  illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary electronic device that can incorporate the present invention. Electronic device  10 , e.g., an iPod™ sold by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., can be a hand-held consumer electronic device having circuit board  12  (see  FIG. 1B ) disposed therein. As device  10  is designed to be smaller and thinner, the distance between circuit board  12  and an inner surface of housing  14  of device  10  can become increasingly smaller. This can cause circuit board  12  to become increasing susceptible to damage from compressive force F applied to device  10  during use, e.g., when a user presses buttons on electronic device  10 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates what can occur when force F is applied externally to device  10 . Depending on the magnitude and angle of applied force F, normal component Fz of force F can cause housing  14  to deform and contact circuit board  12  (including components  16  disposed on the circuit board). If normal component Fz is strong enough, it can damage circuit board  12  and components  16  (e.g., by shorting out electronic circuits or breaking the board). Repetitive strain on circuit board  12  may cause solder joints  18  to fail. As used herein, the term “circuit board” includes, among other things, the electronic components disposed thereon. 
     One of skill in the art will understand that  FIG. 1B  provides an illustration of certain modes of damage. Other modes of damage also may result from applied force F. Also, while  FIG. 1B  illustrates contact between housing  14  of device  10  and circuit board  12 , device  10  also can incorporate other intervening components between the housing and the circuit board. When a compressive force is applied to the housing, that force can be transmitted to the intervening components and can cause similar modes of damage. 
     The present invention can reduce the risk of damage to the circuit board by reducing the likelihood that the housing of the electronic device or the intervening components will contact the circuit board when an external force is applied to the housing. The present invention can accomplish this by incorporating one or more support tabs disposed to resist the normal component of the applied force. Thus, when an external force having a normal component is applied to the electronic device, each tab can buttress the housing of the electronic device (either directly or through one or more intervening components). This reduces the likelihood that the housing will deform sufficiently to damage the circuit board. 
       FIG. 2  shows a first embodiment of the present invention. Assembly  20  can include user input component  22 , stiffener plate  24 , circuit board  26 , and frame  28 . 
     User input component  22  can provide an interface for a user to input information into the electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, user input component  22  may be a trackwheel similar to that used by the iPod™. The trackwheel can include one or more buttons for selecting software entries and a capacitive touchpad. The touchpad may permit a user to scroll through software menus. In alternative embodiments, user input component  22  may include, for example, one or more buttons, a touchpad, a touchscreen display, electronics for accepting voice commands, antennas, infrared ports, or combinations thereof. 
     Stiffener plate  24  can provide increased structural integrity to the electronic device, particularly in an area that may receive increased strain from a user interacting with user input component  22 . User input component  22  may be coupled to stiffener plate  24 , which in turn may be attached to an inside surface of housing  14  or another structure. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, frame  28  can have first and second side struts  29   a  and  29   b  coupled by central strut  29   c . Central support tab  38  can be disposed on the central strut. In one embodiment of the present invention, the central support tab is centered on the central strut. In alternative embodiments, the central support tab can be disposed in another location on the central strut. In alternative embodiments, frame  28  also can include additional struts or less struts depending on the configuration of the components inside the electronic device. 
     Circuit board  26  may be configured to be assembled to frame  28 , which may or may not be affixed to the housing of the electronic device, either directly or indirectly via another component of the device. Circuit board  26  may also incorporate slot  36 , which preferably is dimensioned to permit central support tab  38  on frame  28  to be inserted in a clearance fit. When circuit board  26  is coupled to frame  28 , central support tab  38  can traverse slot  36  and protrude above the top plane of circuit board  26 . Circuit board  26  also can comprise tabs  42   a  and  42   b . When inserted or snapped into slots  44   a  and  44   b  of frame  28 , tabs  42   a  and  42   b  can secure circuit board  26  into frame  28 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, central support tab  38  may remain unattached to circuit board  26  at slot  36 . By structurally uncoupling the central support tab from the circuit board at the slot, the support tab may be less likely to transfer stress the support tab experiences to the circuit board. In alternative embodiments, central support tab  38  may be attached to circuit board  26  at slot  36 , for example, by adhesive or solder deposited in the slot between the support tab and the circuit board or by mechanical clips disposed in the slot that couple the support tab to the circuit board. Other means also may be used to attach the central support tab to the circuit board at slot  36 . 
     As used herein, the term “central support tab” means that the support tab traverses the circuit board via a hole or slot disposed through the circuit board when the electronic device is fully assembled. By no means does the term indicate that the support tab must be located in the center of the circuit board. However, it can be advantageous to incorporate a support tab in the central region of the circuit board because it inherently is the most susceptible to strain. Comparatively, support tabs disposed near the outer perimeter or edges of the circuit board may not provide as great of an advantage as a support tab located near the central region because the device usually is stiffer near the side wall. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  provide a sectional view of the central region of assembly  20  when it is disposed within housing  14  of electronic device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A, and  3 B, support tab  38  can be integral to frame  28 . Support tab  38  may have a height that substantially bridges the distance between the bottom wall of housing  14  and stiffener plate  24 . When a force is applied to either the top or bottom face of electronic device  10 , support tab  38  can buttress housing  14  (in part through stiffener plate  24 ), reducing the likelihood that housing  14  or stiffener plate  24  will deform enough to damage circuit board  26  and/or components  34 . Alternatively, support tab  38  may have a shorter height so that either end of the support tab terminates at an intermediate point between circuit board  26  and a component adjacent to the circuit board. In the later configuration, the support tab may still protect the circuit board by buttressing the housing (either directly or through stiffener plate  24 ) if a compressive force causes the housing to deform and contact the support tab. 
       FIGS. 3C and 3D  provide a sectional view of the side of assembly  20  when it is disposed in electronic device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 C and  3 D, frame  28  can incorporate support tabs  40   a  and  40   b  disposed on side struts  29   a,b  of frame  28 , in addition to central support tab  38 . In one embodiment of the present invention, side support tabs  40   a,b  may be disposed at the ends of the first and second side struts. Because side struts  29   a,b  structurally may be more sound at side support tabs  40   a,b , slots  44   a,b  may be disposed through the side support tabs. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, side support tabs  40   a,b  and slots  44   a,b  can be disposed at other locations on the side struts of the frame. 
     Support tabs  40   a,b  may share a common height with central support tab  38 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the support tabs may share a common height that substantially bridges the distance between the bottom wall of housing  14  and stiffener plate  24 . Alternatively, side support tabs  40   a,b  may have a different height than that of central support tab  38  and/or each other. This may occur, for example, when other components of the electronic device are disposed between one of the support tabs and the housing, but not between the other support tabs and the housing. Regardless of the heights of the support tabs, however, side support tabs  40   a  and  40   b  can buttress housing  14  (in part through stiffener plate  24 ) when an external compressive force is applied to electronic device  10 . 
     As used herein, the term “side support tab” means that the support tab is disposed to resist compressive forces applied to the electronic device without requiring a hole or slot to be provided through the circuit board when the circuit board is attached to the frame. By no means does the term indicate that the support tab must be disposed at or near the edge of the circuit board. 
     In alternative embodiments of the present invention, slots  44   a,b  can be disposed at other locations on the frame rather than through support tabs  40   a,b . Also, while circuit board  26  of  FIGS. 2 ,  3 C, and  3 D is designed to be snapped into slots  44   a,b  in frame  28 , the circuit board also can be attached to the frame in a different manner known in the art or otherwise. 
     Frame  28  can serve an assembly function as well as a protective function for circuit board  26 . Many of the internal electronic components of electronic device  10 , e.g., the circuit board, the battery, and the display, may be pre-assembled to the frame and then inserted into the housing of the device. Preassembly of the components to frame  28  can facilitate manufacturing of device  10 , particularly in “blind” assembly situations explained in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 3E . Once the frame is residing within the housing of the device, central support tab  38  and side support tabs  40   a  and  40   b  can protect the device from externally applied forces. 
     Advantageously, the first embodiment of the present invention can facilitate manufacturing electronic devices having certain housing designs. For example, the electronic device may be designed so that it may be more desirable to insert circuit board  26  and other components of the device into one or more openings  45  disposed on the sides (e.g., opposite ends) of the housing (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3E ). This can make it more difficult to incorporate support tabs into the electronic device when the circuit board and the other components are inserted “blind” into a housing. By disposing one or more support tabs  38  on frame  28  and pre-assembling the circuit board to the frame prior to insertion into the housing, the electronic device can obtain some protection from externally applied forces while still permitting components to be inserted “blind” into one end of the housing. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a second embodiment of the present invention is provided that also facilitates “blind” assembly of components into a housing of an electronic device. The embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  can comprise housing  46  of an electronic device having support tab  48  either manufactured with the housing or separately manufactured and coupled to the housing. Like the housing shown in  FIG. 3E , housing  46  may incorporate openings  50  to permit internal electronic components of electronic device  10 , e.g., an assembly of circuit board  52 , battery (not shown), display (not shown), and frame  56 , to be slid into the housing during manufacturing. 
     Circuit board  52  can comprise edge slot  54  through which support tab  48  slides when the circuit board is inserted into housing  46  via opening  50 . Edge slot  54  may be sufficiently wide to permit a clearance fit with respect to support tab  48 . Similar to central support tab  38  of  FIGS. 2-3B , support tab  48  also can be attached or unattached to circuit board  52  at edge slot  54 . As used herein, the term “edge slot” means that a surface of the slot is contiguous with a surface surrounding the perimeter of the circuit board. 
     In one embodiment, support tab  48  may have a height that bridges the distance between the bottom wall of housing  46  to which the support tab is coupled and the component adjacent to circuit board  52 , e.g., the top wall of housing  46  or a stiffener plate for a user input assembly. Support tab  48  also may have a shorter height that spans the distance from the bottom wall of housing  46  to an intermediate point between circuit board  52  and a component adjacent to the circuit board. In the later configuration, the support tab can still protect the circuit board by buttressing the housing (either directly or through components disposed between the housing and the circuit board) when a compressive force may cause the housing to deform and contact the support tab. Support tab  48  also may be located at alternative positions within the electronic device, e.g., coupled to the top wall of housing  46  rather than the bottom wall. 
       FIGS. 5A-F  show a third embodiment of the present invention that can have support posts that facilitate assembly of components into clamshell housings. The third embodiment can include housing  58  having bottom piece  58   a  and top piece  58   b , support tab  60 , circuit board  62 , and other components of an electronic device (not shown). Circuit board  62  can comprise slot  64  through which support tab  60  can be disposed within the housing. 
     Support tab  60  may be manufactured with either bottom piece  58   a  or top piece  58   b  of housing  58  or separately manufactured and then attached to either bottom piece  58   a  or top piece  58   b . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5B , support tab  60  may have a height that bridges the distance between bottom piece  58   a  of housing  58  to which the support tab is affixed and a component adjacent to circuit board  62 , e.g., top piece  58   b  of housing  58  or a stiffener plate for a user input assembly. In alternative embodiments, support tab  60  may have a shorter height that spans the distance from bottom piece  58   a  of housing  58  to an intermediate point between the top surface of components  66  and a component adjacent to circuit board  62 . In the later configuration, the support tab can still protect the circuit board by buttressing the housing (either directly or through components disposed between the housing and the circuit board) when a compressive force may cause the housing to deform and contact the support tab. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5C , support tab  60  may have a height that bridges the distance between top piece  58   b  to which the support tab is affixed and a component adjacent to circuit board  62 , e.g., bottom piece  58   a  of housing  58 . 
       FIGS. 5D-F  show alternative embodiments of the present invention that may be similar to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-C . Rather than having a support tab disposed from the top or bottom piece of the housing only, support tabs  61   a  and  61   b  may be disposed from both the top and bottom pieces of the housing. For example, top piece  58   b  of housing  58  may incorporate top support tab  61   a , which descends from the top piece of the housing. Bottom piece  58   a  of housing  58  may incorporate bottom support tab  61   b , which rises from the bottom piece of the housing. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 5D , top support tab  61   a  and bottom support tab  61   b  can be disposed in series so that the sum of the heights of both support tabs bridge the distance between bottom piece  58   a  and top piece  58   b . When support tabs  61   a,b  are disposed in series, support tabs  61   a,b  effectively can form a single support tab disposed between top and bottom pieces  58   a,b  through slot  64  of the circuit board. Top support tab  61   a  and bottom support tab  61   b  can meet within slot  64  of circuit board  62 . Alternatively, the top and bottom support tabs can meet within housing  58  at a location that is above or below the circuit board. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 5E , top support tab  61   a  and bottom support tab  61   b  can protrude from respective top and bottom pieces of the housing to meet central support tab  64 . Central support tab  64  may be disposed on a frame to which circuit board  62  may be coupled, e.g., frame  28  of  FIG. 2 . By disposing multiple support tabs in series, the sum of the heights of all of the support tabs bridge the distance between bottom piece  58   a  and top piece  58   b  of housing  58 . 
     Slot  64  of circuit board  62  may be designed to provide a clearance fit for support tabs  60 ,  61   a , or  61   b  when circuit board  62  is disposed within housing  58 . The support tabs can be attached or unattached to circuit board  62  at slot  64 . 
       FIG. 5F  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that is similar to that shown in  FIG. 5E , except that central support tab  63  of  FIG. 5E  may be replaced with circuit board  65 . Top support tab  61   a  and bottom support tab  61   b  can protrude from respective top and bottom pieces of the housing to meet top and bottom surfaces of circuit board  65 . By disposing top and bottom support tabs  61   a  and  61   b  in series between circuit board  62  and top and bottom pieces  58   b  and  58   a  (respectively), the sum of the heights of the support tabs and the thickness of circuit board  65  bridge the distance between bottom piece  58   a  and top piece  58   b  of housing  58 . 
       FIG. 6A  shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The main difference between the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  and the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-5C  is that support tab  68  of  FIG. 6A  can be attached to circuit board  74 , and not a frame or housing of the electronic device. Support tab  68  can comprise trunk  70  and one or more flanges  72 . Support tab  68  can be affixed to circuit board  74  via flanges  72  by adhesive, solder, screws, or other means known in the art or otherwise. Circuit board  74  can comprise through-hole  76  through which a portion of trunk  70  may be disposed once the support tab is affixed to the circuit board. Through-hole  76  may provide a clearance fit for the support tab. Support tab  68  may have a height that bridges the distance between components of the electronic device adjacent to circuit board  74 , e.g., one or more walls of housing  78  and/or a stiffener plate for a user input assembly. Alternatively, support tab  68  may have a shorter height so that either end of the support tab terminates at an intermediate point between circuit board  74  and components adjacent to the circuit board. In the later configuration, the support tab may still protect the circuit board by buttressing the housing (either directly or through components disposed between the housing and the circuit board) when a compressive force may cause the housing to deform and contact the support tab. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention, similar to that of  FIG. 6A . The main difference between the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6A  is that circuit board  86  of  FIG. 6B  can be supported by two tabs  80   a  and  80   b  that together serve the function of support tab  68  of  FIG. 6A . In particular, each support tab  80   a,b  respectively may comprise trunk  82   a , 82   b  and one or more flanges  84   a , 84   b  by which each support tab is affixed to the circuit board. When support tabs  80   a  and  80   b  are attached to opposite surfaces of circuit board  86 , support tab  80   a  can buttress top wall  88   a  of housing  88  while support tab  80   b  can buttress bottom wall  88   b  of housing  88  to protect circuit board  86  from externally applied forces. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there may be intervening components disposed between circuit board  86  and the top and/or bottom walls of housing  88 . In that case, the supporting tabs can buttress the housing through those intervening components to protect the circuit board from damage. 
     Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, it will be understood that this description is merely for purposes of illustration. Alternative embodiments of those described hereinabove also are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a support tab of the present invention may comprise any cross-sectional shape, e.g. rectangular, circular, T-shaped, square, irregular, etc. Indeed, the cross-section of the support tab may vary along the height of the support tab. For example, the support tab may have indentations, holes, insets, and/or cutouts to accommodate other components of the electronic device when space is at a premium. Alternatively, support tabs can be used as a structural brace for other components in the device. The other components can be coupled to the support tab at indentations, slots, or cutouts in the support tab. Each support tab also may comprise shoulder-screws or have a tip on one or both ends of the tab so that the tabs resemble pins. 
     While the description of the embodiments presented herein may refer to holes or slots within the circuit boards through which central support tabs may be disposed, the term “hole” may be used interchangeably with the term “slot.” Neither term is intended to indicate any particular cross-sectional shape. As used herein, the term “hole” may be a cutout having any cross-sectional shape. Examples can include circular holes, polygonal slots, edge slots similar to slot  54  of  FIG. 4A , or any other suitable configuration. 
     While some of the embodiments of support tabs described herein incorporate one central support tab, additional support tabs may be incorporated in a central region of the circuit board/electronic device or along edges of the circuit board/electronic device. 
     Each support tab also may be manufactured with the frame or housing on which it is disposed. Alternatively, each support tab may be manufactured separately from the frame or housing and subsequently attached. Attachment can be accomplished by methods known in the art or otherwise, including soldering, adhering, or screwing the components together. 
     Additionally, combinations of the above-described embodiments of the present invention or portions thereof may be provided in one electronic device unit. For example, an electronic device can incorporate side support tabs along with any of the other support tabs described hereinabove. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, while certain embodiments described above facilitate certain manufacturing techniques (e.g., “blind” assembly or clamshell assembly) and/or housing designs, those embodiments are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, while the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-3D  facilitate “blind” assembly of components into the electronic device housing, that embodiment of the present invention also may be used when a clamshell housing is more desirable. The present invention also may be incorporated into an electronic device having housings in which the main body of the housing includes multiple parts. An example of such a multi-part housing includes a clamshell housing. The housing of an electronic device of the present invention also may include housings in which the main body includes only one piece. An example of such a housing includes, e.g., the housings of  FIGS. 3A ,  3 E, and  4 A. A housing of the present invention may provide only one opening through which components are inserted or multiple openings that can be disposed, for example, on multiple sides of the housing. 
     The present invention can be incorporated in any electronic device, including any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature consumer electronic device that may require protection from compressive forces applied thereto. Illustrative electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, music players, video players, still image players, game players, other media players, music recorders, video recorders, cameras, other media recorders, radios, medical equipment, calculators, cellular phones, other wireless communication devices, personal digital assistances, programmable remote controls, pagers, laptop computers, printers, or combinations thereof. Miniature electronic devices may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held devices. Illustrative miniature electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or combinations thereof. 
     The above described embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110928
Publication Date: 20140114
Grant Date: 20140114
Priority Date: 20060911
Inventors: WEBER DOUGLAS JOSEPH
MOOLSINTONG PINIDA JAN
LYNCH STEPHEN BRIAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/184", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/142", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/142", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/184", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39169416