PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9787342-B2
Application Number: US-201414552295-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Subscriber identity module (SIM) ejector

Abstract:
Several embodiments for ejecting a SIM tray from an electronic device are disclosed. In some embodiments, a lever positioned behind the tray can be actuated to eject the tray. In some embodiments, a pivot mechanism can be actuated to eject the tray. In other embodiments, a gear mechanism can be actuated to eject the tray. In other embodiments, a spring element can be actuated to eject the tray. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a key feature that allows the tray to eject only when a tool is used having a mating key feature with the key feature of the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An ejector apparatus suitable for use in an electronic device for ejecting a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) tray from the electronic device, the SIM tray comprising a body portion configured to carry a SIM card and a front portion having a flange portion that extends laterally beyond the body portion, the flange portion co-planar with respect to a sidewall of the electronic device in an inserted state, the ejector apparatus comprising:
 a fulcrum located in the electronic device; and 
 an arm mechanism located in the electronic device and rotatably coupled with the fulcrum, wherein the arm mechanism rotates about the fulcrum in response to a force in a first direction provided through an opening in the sidewall, the opening external with respect to the flange portion, the force causing the arm mechanism to engage the flange portion and drive the flange portion from the sidewall in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby causing the SIM tray to change from the inserted state to an ejected state defined by the flange portion being external with respect to the sidewall. 
 
     
     
       2. The ejector apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the arm mechanism comprises:
 a first arm; and 
 a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm at the fulcrum, wherein the first arm rotates about the fulcrum in response to the force causing the second arm to rotate about the fulcrum to engage the flange portion and eject the flange portion from the sidewall. 
 
     
     
       3. The ejector apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the force is applied by a tool received through an aperture in the flange portion. 
     
     
       4. The ejector apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the arm mechanism includes a first arm and a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm at the fulcrum, and wherein the second arm is pivotably coupled to the first arm at the fulcrum at an angle less than 180 degrees, the angle measured from a surface of the first arm that faces a surface of the second arm. 
     
     
       5. The ejector apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the angle is an obtuse angle. 
     
     
       6. An ejector apparatus suitable for use in an electronic device for ejecting a tray from the electronic device, the tray configured to carry a subscriber identify module (“SIM”) card and having a flange portion, the ejector apparatus comprising:
 a first pivot mechanism proximate to a first end of the flange portion; 
 a second pivot mechanism proximate to a second end of the flange portion, the second end opposite the first end; and 
 an axle secured to the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism, wherein a rotation of the first pivot mechanism causes the axle to rotate, thereby causing the second pivot mechanism to rotate such that the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism engage the first end and the second end, respectively, of the flange portion. 
 
     
     
       7. The ejector apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising an aperture that allows a tool to extend through the aperture to apply a force to the first pivot mechanism. 
     
     
       8. The ejector apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the aperture is positioned in a sidewall of the electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The ejector apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein when the flange portion is ejected, the flange portion is external with respect to the sidewall. 
     
     
       10. The ejector apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the first pivot mechanism comprises a first arm and a second arm. 
     
     
       11. The ejector apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein when the first arm is configured to receive a force that causes the second arm to engage the flange portion. 
     
     
       12. An electronic device, comprising: an enclosure having a sidewall that includes an opening;
 a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) tray comprising: 
 a body portion configured to carry a SIM card, and 
 a front portion having a flange portion extending laterally beyond the front portion, the front portion co-planar with respect to the sidewall in an inserted state; 
 an ejector apparatus for ejecting the SIM tray, the ejector apparatus comprising: an arm mechanism located within the enclosure, wherein the arm mechanism rotates about a fulcrum in response to a force in a first direction provided through the opening, the opening external with respect to the flange portion, the force causing the arm mechanism to engage the flange portion and drive the flange portion from the sidewall in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby causing the SIM tray to change from the inserted state to an ejected state defined by the flange portion being external with respect to the sidewall. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the arm mechanism comprises a first arm and a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the opening is positioned such that a tool is inserted into the opening to provide a force to the first arm. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein
 the second arm, in response to the force to the first arm, engages the front portion to eject the SIM tray. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a spring member in contact with the SIM tray when the SIM tray positioned in the electronic device and the front portion is co-planar with respect to the sidewall; and 
 a contact, wherein when the front portion is ejected, the SIM tray disengages from the spring member causing the spring member to engage the contact to define a closed switch configuration in the electronic device that generates an electrical signal to notify the electronic device the front portion is ejected. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the SIM tray is a tray suitable for carrying a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the front portion is free of apertures.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This is a continuation of International Application PCT/US14/67048, with an international filing date of Nov. 24, 2014, entitled “Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Ejector”, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/046,799, filed on Sep. 5, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices. In particular, the present embodiments relate to ejection methods of a component within an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Subscriber identity module (“SIM”) cards are integrated circuits commonly used in electronic devices. SIM cards are commonly used to store identification and/or authentication information related to a user of the electronic device. In some cases, SIM cards may be removed from the electronic device. 
     However, as electronic devices decrease in size, the mechanisms used to remove the SIM card may no longer comply with the decreased size. Particularly, mechanisms directly above or below the SIM card may no longer be used. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an ejector apparatus suitable for use in an electronic device for ejecting an object from the electronic device is described. The ejector apparatus may include an arm mechanism. The arm mechanism may include a first arm. The arm mechanism may further include a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm at a fulcrum. In some embodiments, the first arm rotates about the fulcrum in response to a force causing the second arm to rotate about the fulcrum to engage a front portion of the object and at least partially eject the front portion from a sidewall of the electronic device. 
     In another aspect an ejector apparatus suitable for use in an electronic device for ejecting a tray from the electronic device is described. The ejector apparatus may include a first pivot mechanism proximate to a front portion of the tray. The ejector apparatus may further include a second pivot mechanism proximate to the front portion of the tray. The ejector apparatus may further include an axle secured to the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism. In some embodiments, the first pivot mechanism and the axle rotate in response to a force applied to the first pivot mechanism causing the second pivot mechanism to rotate causing the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism to engage a front portion of the tray to eject the front portion. 
     In another aspect, an ejector apparatus suitable for use in an electronic device for ejecting an object from the electronic device is described. The ejector apparatus may include an arm mechanism proximate to a front portion of the object, the front portion co-planar with respect to a sidewall of the electronic device. The ejector apparatus may further include a fulcrum coupled to the arm mechanism. In some embodiments, when the arm mechanism engages the front portion to eject the object in response to a force applied via an aperture in the electronic device. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a tray. The electronic device may further include an integrated circuit positioned at least partially within the tray. The electronic device may further include a mechanism. In some embodiments, when the mechanism is actuated, the tray is at least partially ejected from the electronic device. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       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  illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device with a partial cross sectional view of a tray carrying an integrated circuit; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device and the tray shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an electronic device having a lever in the rear portion of a tray, the lever configured to release the tray; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , showing a tool actuating the lever to release the tray; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an electronic device having a pivot mechanism configured to release a tray; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , showing a tool actuating the pivot mechanism to release the tray; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view an embodiment of an electronic device having an alternative embodiment of a pivot mechanism; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , with a tool inserted into the electronic device to actuate the pivot mechanism to release the tray; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device having a gear mechanism configured to release a tray; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , showing a tool actuating the gear mechanism to release the tray; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a gear mechanism, and further showing a partial cross sectional view of the gear mechanism having a key feature; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the gear mechanism shown in  FIG. 13 , further showing the tool having a key feature that mates with the key feature of the gear mechanism; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of a tray having a gear mechanism; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an electronic device having a spring mechanism configured to release a tray; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , showing the tray being released using the spring mechanism; and 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a method for ejecting a tray from an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     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. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to various techniques for ejecting a tray carrying a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) card from an electronic device. In some cases, a mechanism may be positioned in a rear portion of the tray. When a tool is inserted into the electronic device through an opening (of the electronic device), the tool can actuate the mechanism which in turn exerts a force on the tray and ejects the tray. The mechanism may be selected from, for example, a lever, a pivot mechanism, or a gear mechanism. The mechanism may be positioned in different locations of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device further includes a lock feature that prevents the mechanism from actuation. In this manner, the mechanism can be actuated only when a key (or other mating device) with a corresponding mating feature is inserted into the lock feature to unlock the lock feature. Also, in some embodiments, an aperture used to receive a tool may be in a location other than the tray, such as a sidewall of an enclosure of the electronic device. In that case, the tray may not include an aperture for receiving a tool. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-18 . 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  illustrates an embodiment of electronic device  100 , or simply device  100 . In some embodiments, device  100  is a mobile telecommunications device, such as an iPhone® from Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. In some embodiments, device  100  is a tablet computing device, such as an iPad® from Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. Device  100  may include enclosure  102  that receives cover glass  104 . In some embodiments, enclosure  102  is formed from a metal material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Also, display panel  106  may be positioned between cover glass  104  and enclosure  102 . Display panel  106  may be configured to transmit visual display content that may be viewed by a user. Also, enclosure  102  may include several sidewalls, including sidewall  108 . 
       FIG. 1  further shows a partial cross sectional view device  100  having tray  110 . Tray  110  may be made from rigid polymeric materials, such as plastic. In other embodiments, tray  110  includes front portion  116  (or front fascia) made from a material similar to that of enclosure  102  to provide a consistent appearance with enclosure  102 . Also, in some embodiments, tray  110  is configured to carry integrated circuit  112 . In some embodiments, integrated circuit  112  is a SIM card configured to carry identification and/or authentication information related to a user of device  100 . Tray  110  may further include aperture  114  that may receive a tool (not shown) used to remove or eject tray  110  (and integrated circuit  112 ) from device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross sectional view of device  100  and tray  110  shown in  FIG. 1 . For illustrative purposes, some components are not shown. As shown, front portion of tray  110  may be substantially co-planar, or flush, with respect to an outer fascia of sidewall  108 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of electronic device  100  having arm  120  in rear portion  122  of tray  110 , with arm  120  that combines with other features to define an ejector apparatus configured to release or at least eject a portion of tray  110 . In some embodiments, arm  120  is a lever that rotates (or pivots) about fulcrum  124 . As shown, tray  110  may be referred to as being in an inserted position, or first position. In this position, information stored on integrated circuit  112  may be transmitted to and from device  100 . As shown, arm  120  is positioned around fulcrum  124 . Also, spring member  126  may engaged with rear portion  122  of tray  110 , and also proximate to contact  128 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , spring member  126  and contact  128 , both of which are made from electrically conductive materials (e.g., metal), may form a switch that is part of an electrical circuit. As shown in  FIG. 3 , spring member  126  and contact  128  define an open switch configuration that does not allow electrical current to flow through spring member  126  and contact  128 . Also, aperture  114  located in front portion  116  of tray  110  may be configured to receive tool  130 . In some embodiments, tool  130  is a cylindrical member. Also, device  100  may provide a path such that tool  130  may extend to rear portion  122  of tray  110 . 
     In some embodiments, arm  120 , fulcrum  124 , spring member  126 , and contact  128  include a dimension (e.g., z-direction shown in  FIG. 2 ) less than that of tray  110 . In this manner, device  100  may include a thickness dependent on the dimension of tray  110  and not on the aforementioned components. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , showing tool  130  actuating arm  120  to release tray  110 . When tool  130  is inserted through aperture  114 , tool  130  may apply a force to arm  120 , causing arm  120  to rotate (or pivot) about fulcrum  124 . As a result, arm  120  may exert an ejection force on tray  110  causing tray  110  to at least partially eject from device  100  such that a user may remove tray  110  (and or integrated circuit  112 ) from device  100 . However, in some cases, a force from tool  130  may be capable of fully ejecting tray  110 . Also, when tray  110  is ejected in the manner shown in  FIG. 4 , tray  110  may be referred to as being in a second position, an ejected position, in which integrated circuit  112  can no longer transmit information to device  100 . Also, in this position, spring member  126  may engage contact  128 , thereby placing the switch in a closed switch configuration and completing the electrical circuit. As a result, an electrical signal may be sent to a processor (not shown) of device  100  indicating tray  110  is in the ejected position. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an electronic device  200 , or simply device  200 , having arm mechanism  220  configured to release tray  210 . In some embodiments, arm mechanism  220  includes first arm  221  and second arm  222 , both of which may rotate (or pivot) about fulcrum  224 . As shown, arm mechanism  220  may be located proximate to front portion  216  of tray  210 . Also, arm mechanism  220  may be configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about fulcrum  224 . As shown, tray  210  and integrated circuit  212  are in a first position, with a body portion of tray  210  carrying integrated circuit  212 . In some embodiments, tool  230  may be positioned through aperture  214  of tray  210 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , aperture  214  is formed in an enclosure of device  200 , and in particular, aperture  214  is formed within sidewall  208 . In this manner, tray  210  does not include any apertures for receiving a tool. This may reduce debris or other contaminants from ingress which decreases the probability of integrated circuit  212  becoming damaged. However, in other embodiments, aperture  214  is located in front portion  216  of tray  210 . Also, device  200  may include spring member  226  and contact  228  capable of completing an electrical switch. As shown, spring member  226  and contact  228  define an open configuration. 
     As shown, first arm  221  is proximate to aperture  214  and accordingly, may receive a force. This force may cause both first arm  221  and second arm  222  to rotate in a clockwise configuration, causing second arm  222  to engage front portion  216  to eject at least a portion of tray  210  from electronic device  200 . Also, first arm  221  separated from second arm  222  by angle by angle  250 . In some embodiments, angle  250  is an obtuse angle but also less than 180 degrees. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , showing tool  230  extending through aperture  214 , and actuating arm mechanism  220  to release the tray  210 . As shown, tool  230  may exert a force on arm mechanism  220 , and in particular first arm  221 , causing arm mechanism  220  to rotate about fulcrum  224  in a clockwise direction. As a result, second arm  222  causes an ejection force on tray  210  actuating tray  210  (in particular, front portion  216  and flange portion  218 ) to at least partially eject tray  210  from device  200 . In  FIG. 6 , front portion  216  is actuated from electronic device  200  such that front portion  216  is exterior with respect to sidewall  208 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view an embodiment of an electronic device  300 , or simply device  300 , having an alternative embodiment of a pivot mechanism that combines with other features to define an ejector apparatus configured to release or at least eject a portion of tray  310 . As shown, the pivot mechanism is positioned proximate to front portion  316  of tray  310 , with a body portion of tray  310  connected to front portion  316  and configured to carry an integrated circuit (not shown). In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism may include first pivot mechanism  322  secured to axle  326 . As shown, first pivot mechanism  322  includes first arm  323  and second arm  324  separated by angle  350 . Angle  350  may be an obtuse angle but less than 180 degrees. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the pivot mechanism includes first pivot mechanism  322  and second pivot mechanism  328 . Second pivot mechanism  328  may include a first arm and a second arm (not shown) similar to that of first pivot mechanism  322 . Both first pivot mechanism  322  and second pivot mechanism  328  are secured to axle  326  extending along tray  310 . Second pivot mechanism  328  may be substantially similar to first pivot mechanism  322 . However, in some embodiments, second pivot mechanism  328  is smaller than first pivot mechanism  322 , or vice versa. First pivot mechanism  322  and second pivot mechanism  328  may be positioned on both sides of tray  310  to provide a force to multiple locations of tray  310 . In this manner, tray  310  may be ejected evenly from device  300 . In other words, tray  310  is not ejected in an uneven or crooked manner that may lodge tray  310  within device  300  in an undesired manner. Also, first pivot mechanism  322  and second pivot mechanism  328  may both be configured to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Accordingly, first pivot mechanism  322 , axle  326 , and second pivot mechanism  328  combine to define the ejector apparatus. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , with tool  330  inserted into electronic device  300  to actuate first pivot mechanism  322  to release the tray  310 . In some embodiments, aperture  314  is located within tray  310 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , device  300  includes aperture  314  below tray  310  (in a z-direction). When tool  330  extends through aperture  314 , tool  330  may engage first pivot mechanism  322  and rotate first pivot mechanism  322  about axle  324 . Axle  324  may provide rotational, or torsional, force on second pivot mechanism  326  such that both first pivot mechanism  322  and second pivot mechanism  326  act in concert to exert a force capable of at least partially ejecting tray  310 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, in  FIG. 10 , front portion  316 , which may include flange portion  338 , is actuated from electronic device  300  such that front portion  316  is exterior with respect to sidewall  308 . In other embodiments, aperture  314  is located in device  300  such that tool  330  engages second pivot mechanism  326  and provides a force via axle  324  to first pivot mechanism  322 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of electronic device  400 , or simply device  400 , having gear mechanism  420  configured to release tray  410 . Gear mechanism  420  may be configured to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise configuration. Tray  410  may include rack  422  in a geared relationship with gear mechanism  420 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , when tool  430  extends through aperture  414  of device  400 , tool  430  may actuate gear mechanism  420  in a clockwise direction. As a result, gear mechanism  420  may actuate tray  410  via rack  422  and at least partially eject tray  410 . In some embodiments (not shown), a second gear mechanism may be also be used. The second gear mechanism can be placed in a location similar to that of second pivot mechanism  326  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). In other words, a pair of gear mechanism may be located at opposite ends of tray  410 . In this manner, gear mechanism  420  may also rotate axle  424  which causes rotational, or torsional force, on the second gear mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic device may further include a mechanism configured to remove a tray in a manner previously described, and in addition include a secured means for ejecting the tray. For example,  FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a gear mechanism  520 , and further showing a partial cross sectional view of gear mechanism  520  having lock feature  540 . Lock feature  540  may include aperture  544  configured to receive a tool. However, in order to actuate gear mechanism  520 , which may be used in an electronic device to eject a tray in a manner previously described, the tool must having a mated key feature. In other words, the tool must act as a key that can be authenticated by lock feature  540  before gear mechanism  520  can be actuated, and accordingly, before a tray can be ejected. As shown in  FIG. 13 , when a tool (such as tool  530 ) inserted into aperture  544  not intended for use with gear mechanism  520 , lock feature  540  does not allow gear mechanism  520  to rotate. In some embodiments, lock feature  540  include column  546  engaged with an opening  526  of axle  524  which prevents axle  524  and gear mechanism  520  from rotation. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of gear mechanism  520  shown in  FIG. 13 , further showing tool  550  having a mating key feature  552  that mates with lock feature  540  of the gear mechanism  520 . As a result, lock feature  540  of gear mechanism  520  includes release mechanism  528  configured to release column  546  from opening  526  in axle  524 . Accordingly, gear mechanism  520  may then rotate in a desired direction. Also,  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate mechanical means for “unlocking” gear mechanism  520 , other method may be used. For example, lock feature  540  may require means such as an authentication chip on tool  550  such that when tool  550  is inserted into aperture  544 , lock feature  540  unlocks gear mechanism  520  for movement. Alternatively, lock feature  540  may require a certain magnetic polarity or a specific configuration of magnetic polarities in order to unlock gear mechanism  520 . In that case, tool  550  may include the requisite magnetic polarity or polarities. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a bottom isometric view of an embodiment of tray  610  having an alternate embodiment of gear mechanism  620 . In this case, tool  630  may be inserted through aperture  614  of tray  610  to engage lever  622 . Tool  630  may actuate gear mechanism  620  via lever  622 , which may actuate rack  640  while also rotating gear mechanism  620  about a cylinder (not shown) positioned within gear mechanism  620 . The rotational movement of gear mechanism  620  along with rack  640  may actuate tray  610  in a manner that at least partially ejects tray  610  from an electronic device (not shown). Alternatively, or in combination, gear mechanism  620  may be engaged with another gear mechanism (not shown) to provide additional rotational movement thereby ejecting tray  610 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of electronic device  700 , or simply device  700 , having spring mechanism  720  configured to release tray  710 . In some embodiments, spring mechanism  720  is a leaf spring. As shown in  FIG. 16 , spring mechanism  720  is in a relatively high potential energy state and may be configure to release tray  710  when a force is applied to spring mechanism  720 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view of the embodiment of device  700  shown in  FIG. 16 , showing tray  710  being released using spring mechanism  720 . In some embodiments (not shown), a tool may extend through an aperture of device  700  or the tray to release tension on spring mechanism  720  thereby actuating tray  710  to eject from device  700 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , a force may be applied to front portion  712  in a direction toward central portion  714  of device  700 . This force cause spring mechanism  720  causes spring mechanism  720  to release from the high potential energy state and actuate tray  710  away from central portion  714 , thereby at least partially ejecting tray  710  from device  700 . 
     While various features are not shown in combination with other features, several features may be combined with other features. For example, embodiments of the spring member  126  and contact  128  (e.g., in  FIG. 3 ) may be used in any embodiment of an electronic device presented. Further, embodiments of lock feature  540  as well as tool  550  having a mating key feature  552  (e.g., in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) may be used in any embodiment of an electronic device presented. Also, embodiments of spring mechanism  720  (e.g., in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) may be used in any embodiment of an electronic device presented. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a flowchart  800  showing a method for ejecting a tray from an electronic device. In step  802 , a tool is inserted into the electronic device to engage a lever. In some embodiments, the tool is inserted into the electronic device beyond a rear portion of the tray. In step  804 , the lever is actuated. In some embodiments, the lever is actuated to pivot about a fulcrum. 
     In step  806 , the tray is actuated from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, actuating the tray causes a switch to close an electrical contact in the electronic device. In this manner, closing the electrical contact corresponds to the tray being in the second position. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a lock feature that requires a key with a mating feature to unlock the lock feature in order to actuate the lever. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     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 targeted 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: 20141124
Publication Date: 20171010
Grant Date: 20171010
Priority Date: 20140905
Inventors: KOLE JARED M.
MALEK SHAYAN
HILL MATTHEW D.
WITTENBERG MICHAEL BENJAMIN
STEPHENS GREGORY N.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3816", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3816", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55438883