PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8213177-B2
Application Number: US-81980410-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Device foot

Abstract:
A moveable device foot for an electronic device is described. The device foot can include a rigid weight bearing member and a flexible sealing member that is integrally formed with the weight bearing member. The device foot can be formed using a double-shot injection molding process. The weight bearing member of the foot can be mounted to an interior portion of the electronic device such that it extends through an external casing of the electronic device. The flexible sealing member can be mounted to the external casing to seal the interior of the electronic device. During operation of the electronic device, the device foot can be configured to move relative to the external casing, such as in response to an external force applied to the electronic device.

Claims:
1. A moveable foot for an electronic device comprising;
 a rigid weight bearing member including an interior hollow portion; and 
 a flexible sealing member integrally formed with the rigid weight bearing member; 
 wherein a portion of the flexible sealing member is extruded into the interior hollow portion to anchor the flexible sealing member to the rigid weight bearing member; wherein the rigid weight bearing member is mounted to an interior of the electronic device such that it extends through an external casing of the electronic device and the flexible sealing member is mounted to the external casing to seal the interior of the electronic device; and wherein the rigid weight bearing member is configured to move relative to the external casing during operation of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. The moveable foot of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid weight bearing member and the flexible sealing member are integrally formed in a double-shot injection molding process. 
     
     
       3. The moveable foot of  claim 2 , wherein a first material for the rigid weight bearing member and a second material for the flexible sealing member are selected so that the first and the second material do not stick or bond together during the double-shot injection molding process. 
     
     
       4. The moveable foot of  claim 1 , wherein rigid weight bearing member includes a solid center portion surrounded by two or more shafts leading to the interior hollow portion wherein the flexible sealing member is comprised of a material that is extruded through each of the two or more shafts and into the interior hollow portion such that a solid plug is formed below the center portion. 
     
     
       5. The moveable foot of  claim 1 , further comprising an energy storing mechanism wherein the energy storing mechanism is configured to store energy when the moveable foot is moved from a first position and release energy to restore the moveable foot to the first position. 
     
     
       6. The movable foot as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises:
 a casing; and 
 a touch-based interface, wherein the moveable foot is mounted within the interior of the casing and extending through an aperture in the casing and is configured to support a portion of the weight of the electronic device and to contribute to a range of movement associated with the touch-based interface. 
 
     
     
       7. The movable foot as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the rigid weight bearing member is configured to move relative to the external casing during operation of the electronic device to contribute to the range of movement associated with the touch-based interface. 
     
     
       8. The movable foot of  claim 6 , wherein the aperture is circular. 
     
     
       9. A method of using a moveable device foot in an electronic device including a casing comprising:
 wherein the moveable device foot comprises: 
 a rigid weight bearing member mounted within an interior of the casing and extending through an aperture in the casing a flexible sealing member coupled to the rigid weight bearing member and mounted to the casing to seal the interior of the casing from external contaminants; and an energy storing mechanism; 
 applying a mechanical force via a touch-based interface associated with the electronic device; 
 transferring the applied mechanical force to the rigid weight bearing member; 
 in response to the mechanical force applied to the rigid weight bearing member, causing the energy storing mechanism to store a portion of the mechanical force and the rigid weight bearing member to move from an initial position relative to the casing; and 
 in response to a removal of the applied mechanical force, causing the rigid weight bearing member to return to its initial position using the portion of the mechanical force stored in the energy storing mechanism. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the energy storing mechanism is a spring. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the touch-based interface is a touch pad. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the rigid weight bearing member and the flexible sealing member are integrally formed using a double-shot molding process. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the moveable foot is configured to contribute to a range of movement associated with the touch-based interface to increase feedback associated with the touch-based interface. 
     
     
       14. A method of manufacturing a moveable device foot for an electronic device using double-shot injection molding process comprising:
 providing a first material and a second material; 
 forming, from the first material, a rigid weight bearing member of the moveable device foot including an interior hollow portion during a first shot of the injection molding process; 
 forming, from the second material, a flexible sealing member of the moveable device foot during a second shot of the injection molding process wherein during the second shot a portion of the flexible sealing member is extruded into the hollow portion of the rigid weight bearing member to form a plug that anchors the flexible sealing member to the rigid weight bearing member; wherein the second material is selected so that it does not form a chemical bond to the first material during the second shot. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first material is a plastic resin. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second material is a thermoplastic elastomer comprising thermoplastic polyurethane and silicon. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the rigid weight bearing member is dome-shaped. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein a top of the dome-shape includes a solid center portion surrounded by two or more shafts that are joined in an interior chamber of the dome-shape beneath the solid center portion. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the plug is formed by extruding the second material through the two or more shafts to form a solid plug in the interior chamber beneath the solid center portion. 
     
     
       20. The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the energy storing mechanism is configured to hold the moveable device foot in a position where the moveable device foot extends a maximum distance through the casing when the moveable device foot is supporting at least a portion of the weight of the electronic device. 
     
     
       21. The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the applied mechanical force causes the flexible sealing member to take on a stretched configuration. 
     
     
       22. The method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the maximum distance is less than about a range of 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm. 
     
     
       23. The movable foot as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises:
 a top surface arranged to receive an external force applied at any of a number of different locations on the top surface; 
 one or more sensors for detecting the external force; 
 a cylindrical housing arranged to enclose and support a plurality of electrical components; 
 an input button coupled one portion of the cylinder used to turn the electronic device on or off; 
 a bottom surface including at least a first and a second movable foot and at least two stationary feet located on the cylinder housing, wherein during operation, the electronic device is configured to rest on the first movable foot and the second moveable foot and the at least two stationary feet, and in response to the external force, the top surface moves downwards concurrent with the first movable foot and the second movable foot each recess into the external casing of the electronic device, wherein the recessing of the first movable foot and the second movable foot provides detectable feedback to a user of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       24. The movable foot as recited in  claim 23 , wherein when the external force is no longer being applied, the first moveable foot and the second movable foot return to an extended position.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to consumer electronic devices and more particularly, methods and apparatus for providing moveable supports for consumer electronic devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Most consumer electronic devices include a touch-based interface of some type, such as a key board, a touch screen, moveable buttons or the like. For touch-based interfaces with moveable components, a user&#39;s experience can be affected by feedback generated during actuation of the moveable component, such as a resistance to movement, a smoothness of the movement and a range of movement. Typically, users find certain combinations of touch-based feedback more pleasing to the touch than other combinations. In addition, from a visual stand point, users often find compact and sleek designs more aesthetically appealing. Sleek and compact designs that are visually appealing tend to have compact enclosures that leave little room for a wide range of movement associated with touch-based interface components. 
     Therefore, for use in consumer electronic devices, components are desired that increase a range of movement associated with a touch based interface while allowing an over-all sleek and compact design to be maintained. 
     SUMMARY 
     Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe a moveable device foot well suited for use in a consumer electronic device, such as a device including a touch-based interface. In particular, a moveable device foot for an electronic device is described. When the electronic device is placed on a surface, the moveable device foot can be used to support a portion of the weight of the electronic device. In addition, in response to a touch-based input, the moveable device foot can be configured to contribute to a range of movement associated with the touch-based interface. 
     In particular embodiments, the moveable device foot can include a rigid weight bearing member and a flexible sealing member or a cosmetic member that are integrally formed. The weight bearing member of the foot can be mounted to an interior portion of the electronic device such that it extends through an external casing of the electronic device. When a flexible sealing member is used, it can be mounted to the external casing to seal the interior of the electronic device. During operation of the electronic device, the device foot can be configured to move relative to the external casing, such as when an external force is applied to the electronic device. The external force can result from a user interaction with the electronic device, such as during a touch-based input process. 
     When the electronic device rests on a surface, such as a desk, an internal mechanism, coupled to the device foot, can be configured to hold the device foot in a position where it extends a maximum distance through the external casing. In one embodiment, the internal mechanism can be part of a switch. The internal mechanism can be configured to support a portion of the weight of the electronic device where the portion of the weight that is supported by the internal mechanism is transmitted through the device foot. In response to an external force of sufficient magnitude being applied to the electronic device, such as a user pressing down on top of the electronic device to provide a touch input, the device foot can be configured to recede into the external casing, which allows the external casing to move towards the surface. When the external force is removed, the internal mechanism can return the foot to its original extended position and the external casing can move away from the surface. 
     In one embodiment, the device foot can be formed using a double-shot injection molding process. In the first shot, the rigid weight bearing member, including an interior hollow portion, can be formed. During the second shot, the flexible sealing member can be formed. To anchor the flexible sealing member of the foot to the rigid weight bearing member, a portion of the flexible sealing member can be extruded into the hollow interior portion of the rigid weight bearing member during the second shot. The materials used for the flexible sealing member can be selected so that the flexible member and the rigid member do not bond together during the injection molding process and can easily separate from one another when the two components are pulled apart. 
     Other aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The described embodiments 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 a side view of an electronic device including a moveable foot in a first position in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of an electronic device including a moveable foot in a second position in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a top perspective view of a rigid portion of the moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a bottom perspective view of a rigid portion of the moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a top perspective view of a flexible portion of the moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a bottom perspective view of a flexible portion of the moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective and cross sectional view of the moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a top perspective view of an electronic device including a moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a bottom perspective view of an electronic device including a moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a method of forming and using a moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the concepts underlying the described embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the underlying concepts. 
     Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe a moveable device foot well suited for use in compact consumer electronic devices. In particular, the moveable device foot can be used with electronic devices that utilize a touch-based interface. When the electronic device is placed on a surface, one or more moveable device feet can be used to support the weight of the electronic device. In response to a touch-based input, the moveable device feet can be configured to contribute to a range of movement associated with the touch-based interface. The moveable device foot can be used with electronic devices, such as keyboards, touch pads, mice, table computers, portable computers, portable media players, portable phones and the like. Components such as the keyboard and touch pad are integrated with the electronic device or provided as separate components from the electronic device. 
     In particular embodiments, the moveable device foot can include a rigid weight bearing member and a flexible sealing member or a cosmetic member integrally formed with the weight bearing member. These components can be integrally formed using a double shot injection molding process. When used with an electronic device, the weight bearing member of the foot can be mounted to an interior portion of the electronic device such that it extends through an external casing of the electronic device. When a flexible sealing member is used, it can be mounted to the external casing to seal the interior of the electronic device. During operation of the electronic device, the device foot can be configured to move relative to the external casing, such as when an external force is applied to the electronic device during a touch-based input to a touch-based interface. In one embodiment, the movement can cause the flexible sealing member to separate from the rigid weight bearing member. In other embodiments, such as in the case of the cosmetic member, the cosmetic member and the rigid weight bearing member can move together. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . 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. In particular, with respect to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  8  and  9 , electronic devices with one or more moveable device feet are described. With respect to  FIGS. 3-7 , one embodiment of a moveable device foot is discussed. Finally, with respect to  FIG. 10 , methods of manufacturing and utilizing the moveable device foot, such as the double shot molding process, are described. 
       FIG. 1  shows a side view of an electronic device  100  including a moveable foot  104  in a first position in accordance with the described embodiments. The electronic device can include an external casing  102  with an interior volume  101 . The external casing  102  can be formed from one or more suitable materials, such as metals and/or plastics. A number of electronic components, such as, but not limited to, processors, memory, connection circuitry, antennas, speakers, sensors, display components, can be packaged within the casing  102 . In particular embodiments, a touch-based interface can be associated with the electronic device where a processor and memory can be used to process input signals associated with the touch based interface, such as sensors and/or actuators configured to detect touch-based inputs. The processor and memory can be formed as a part of an integrated controller. 
     In one embodiment, the moveable foot  104  can include a flexible sealing member  104   a  and a rigid weight bearing member  104   b . In this embodiment, the flexible sealing member  104   a  can be used to help seal an interior portion of the electronic device. Towards this end, the flexible sealing member  104   a  can be attached to the external casing to form a seal. 
     In another embodiment, a member can be coupled to the weight bearing member  104   b  as part of a cosmetic reveal. This type of member can be referred to as a “cosmetic member.” In this embodiment, the primary purpose of the cosmetic member is not for sealing but to cap the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  and improve its cosmetic appearance. Therefore, the cosmetic member may not be attached to the external casing but can be if desired. In one embodiment, the cosmetic member and the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  can move as a single piece and the cosmetic member may not separate from the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  during operation. 
     During operation, a portion of the weight of the electronic device can be transmitted through moveable foot  104  including the flexible sealing member  104   a  and the rigid support member  104   b . For instance, when the electronic device  100  is placed on a surface, such as a table, and the moveable foot is resting on the surface, a portion of the electronic device&#39;s weight can be carried by the moveable foot  104 . 
     An electronic device, such as  100 , can include one or more moveable device feet through which a portion of the weight of the electronic device can be transmitted. Further, the electronic device can include other types of supports, such as a non-moveable device foot (secured in a fixed position) that can also support a portion of the weight of the electronic device. Thus, depending on a number of supports, including moveable and non-moveable supports, that are used, the amount of weight transmitted through each device foot can vary. In various embodiments, an electronic device, such as  100 , can include multiple device feet where each device foot can include a flexible sealing member or a cosmetic member. 
     The terms “flexible” and “rigid” in the flexible member and the rigid member can refer to amount of expected movement associated with each member during operation. The flexible member can be configured to give or move more than the rigid member during actuation of the moveable foot  104  because of its geometry. For instance, the flexible member can be configured to give or move more than the rigid member during operation because it is thinner the rigid member. Thus, in some embodiments, the flexible and rigid members can be formed from a common material where the relative flexibility/rigidity of each member is primarily affected by its associated geometry. 
     In other embodiments, different materials can be used for each member. The material properties of each member in conjunction with their geometry can affect an expected amount of movement of each member during operation of the moveable foot. For instance, the flexible member can be constructed from a material that is stiffer than the rigid member but because of its thinner geometry, it can still be expected to move more than the rigid member. In other embodiments, the rigid member can be constructed from a material that is stiffer than the flexible member where the less stiff material used with the flexible member can be used to increase its range of movement. 
     In one embodiment, material selection can be based upon, a coefficient of friction associated with the material. For instance, a portion of the device foot  104  can be configured to be in contact with a surface during operation. The material for the portion of the device foot in contact with the surface can be selected to have a higher friction coefficient so that it sticks more to the surface and prevents the electronic device from sliding. For instance, in one embodiment, a cosmetic cap can be coupled to the rigid portion of the device foot for cosmetic appeal and to increase the stickiness of the device foot. 
     The rigid support member can include a hollow interior portion  104   c . During manufacture, such as using an injection molding process, a portion of the flexible sealing member can be extruded into weight bearing member  104   b . The portion of the flexible sealing member extruded into the hollow interior portion  104   c  of member  104   b  can serve to anchor the flexible sealing member  104   a  to the rigid weight bearing member  104   b . In the example in  FIG. 1 , the interior portion  104   c  includes a shaft and a wider base portion, where material extruded into the wider base portion can act as a plug that prevents the flexible sealing member from being detached from the rigid weight bearing member. Additional details of manufacturing methods that can be used to form the moveable foot in this manner are described with respect to  FIG. 10 . 
     In another embodiment, the flexible sealing member  104   a  and the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  can be formed separately. Then, the flexible sealing member and the rigid weight bearing  104   b  member can be joined together using a bonding agent of some type. In this embodiment, the rigid weight bearing member may not include a hollow interior portion because the bonding agent is used to anchor the flexible sealing member  104   a  to an outer surface of the rigid weight bearing member  104   b.    
     In a particular embodiment, the flexible sealing member  104   a  and the rigid weight bearing member  105   b  can be separately formed and not bonded or anchored. For instance, the flexible sealing member  104   a  can be attached to the casing  102  and the rigid weight bearing member can be attached to the interior of the electronic device. During operation, the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  can be configured to move relative to the casing and push against the flexible sealing member  104   a . For instance, when the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  is extended outwards from the casing, it can push against the flexible sealing member  104   a  and stretch it outwards. In yet another embodiment, where the flexible sealing member  104   a  and the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  can be separately formed and not bonded or anchored together, the flexible sealing member  104   a  can be formed from an elastic material and stretched over the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  and attached to the external casing to place the flexible sealing member  104   a  in tension. The tensile forces stored in the flexible sealing member  104   a  can act to keep at least a portion of the flexible sealing member  104   a  in contact with the rigid weight bearing member  104   b.    
     The flexible sealing member  104   b  can be bonded to the external casing  102  via a bonding agent of some type, such as but not limited to an adhesive applied in a liquid state or an adhesive tape. Two locations,  106   a  and  106   b , where the bonding agent is applied is shown in  FIG. 1 . The bonding agent can be applied around a perimeter of the flexible sealing member  104   b  to the seal the interior  101  of the electronic device  100  such that external agents, such as dirt, dust and water, can be prevented from entering an interior  101  of the electronic device  100 . 
     The rigid weight bearing support member  104   b  of the moveable foot  104  can be coupled to one or more internal components, such as  108 . In one embodiment, in a first position, a portion of the weight bearing support member  104   b  can be configured to extend through an aperture in the external casing  102 . When device foot  104  is placed on a surface, a height of the casing  102  above the surface can be raised. The height that the casing is raised can depend upon how much the moveable foot  104  is configured to extend from the external casing  102  and a desired range of movement to be provided by the moveable foot. 
     The moveable foot  104  can be configured to move up or down  112  such that the portion of the moveable foot  104  that extends from the external casing can vary. For instance, the moveable foot  104  can be configured to recede into the external casing  102  in response to an application of an external force to the casing  102  or to the foot itself. Further details of the movement of the foot  104  in response to an external force are described with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     The moveable foot  104  can be coupled to one or more energy storing mechanisms that can act to hold the moveable foot  104  in a first position when a magnitude of an applied external force is below some threshold value. For instance, the moveable foot may not move from its first position until a touch input above a certain value is generated. Further, when a position of the moveable foot relative to the external casing has changed as the result of the application of the external force, the energy storing mechanisms can act to return the moveable foot to its first position prior to the application of the external force. For instance, the moveable foot may return to the first position after a touch input previously generated is removed. 
     In one embodiment, the moveable foot  104  can be configured as part of an actuatable switch, such as but not limited to a dome switch. The switch can include an energy storing mechanism, such as spring, that returns the foot to an extended position after it is depressed. In another embodiment, the moveable foot  104  can be configured to press against a switch including a lever where the lever moves in response to the external force. A spring coupled to the lever, can act as an energy storage mechanism to return the lever and the moveable foot back to its initial position after the force is removed. The switch can include a sensor that allows a contact between two parts of the switch, such as an electrical contact, to be detected. 
     In further detail, the energy storing mechanism, such as  115 , can be configured to hold the moveable foot  104  in a position where it extends a maximum distance through the external casing  102  when the moveable foot is supporting at least a portion of the weight of the electronic device  100  (a portion of the force that is generated can also be used to hold the flexible sealing member  104   b  in a stretched position when the moveable foot  104  is extended). In response to an additional external force being applied to the electronic device, such as a user pressing down on top of the electronic device  100  with sufficient force (see  FIG. 2 ), the moveable foot  104  can be configured to recede into the external casing  102 . When the external force is removed, then the energy storing mechanism, such as  115 , can return the foot to its original extended position, as is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In particular embodiments, the energy storing mechanism  115  can be a device, such as an elastic spring or an elastic piece of foam that is compressed when an external force is applied. The energy storing mechanism  115  can be formed from material(s) that store a sufficient amount of energy resulting from the compression to return itself to its pre-compressed state and return the moveable foot  104  to its extended position when the external force is removed. In other embodiments, the energy storing mechanism  115  can be a device, such as an elastic spring, that is stretched when an external force is applied. The energy storing mechanism can be formed from a material(s) that stores a sufficient amount of energy to return itself to its pre-stretched condition and hence return the moveable foot to its initial position when the external force is removed. 
     The configuration in  FIG. 1  is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting. Many configurations involving one or more energy storing mechanisms, such as  115 , placed at various positions relative to the moveable foot are possible. For instance, internal component  108  could be anchored to the casing  102  and a portion of the shaft  111  of the internal component could extend into a hollow portion of the foot  104 . A spring could be placed over the shaft  111  to allow a portion of the shaft  111  that extends into the foot  104  to vary depending on an amount of external force that is applied to the external casing  102 . In particular, when no external force is generated, the moveable foot  104  can be extended to its maximum position and when an external force is generated above a certain value, the amount of the foot  104  that is extended decreases as the shaft  111  moves into the foot  104 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of an electronic device  100  including a moveable foot  104  in a second position in accordance with the described embodiments. An external force  114  is shown being applied to the external casing  102 . In response, the foot  104  moves inward into the external casing  102 . The first position of the foot  104  before the external force is applied is indicated by curve  116 . In response to the external force  114 , the energy storing mechanism, such as spring  115 , is compressed, which loads the spring. When the external force  114  is removed, the spring  115  can release its stored energy and the device foot can be restored to the first position. 
     The moveable foot  104  can be configured to allow a maximum amount of movement. In one embodiment, the foot can move a maximum of 0.5 mm or less into the external casing. In another embodiment, the foot can move a maximum of 1 mm or less into the external casing. When the external force  114  is large enough to result in a movement but below a certain value, the foot  104  may move but may not move its maximum allowable distance. 
     When the foot  104  moves inward, the space distribution in the external casing  102  can change. For instance, in response to the application of the external force  114 , the space  110  between component  108  and the external casing  102  can decrease (see space  110  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .) Further, the space  118  between the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  and the flexible sealing member  104   a  can increase. In one embodiment, as described above, the flexible sealing member  104   a  can be stretched over the weight bearing member to decrease the amount of separation that occurs between the two members when the foot  104  is moved. 
     The external force  114  can be provided by a user pushing on the external casing  102 . For instance, the user can push on the external casing  102  to generate force  114  using one or more of their fingers. The movement of external casing  102  in response to the user&#39;s push can provide additional feedback to the user, such as when the user is generating the external force  114  to provide an input into the electronic device  100 . The additional feedback can improve a user&#39;s experience associated with utilizing the electronic device  100  to provide touch-based inputs. 
     In the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the flexible sealing member  104   a  is on top of the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  such that the weight bearing member  104   b  is covered and is not visible. In another embodiment, the flexible sealing member  104   a  can be anchored on a bottom flat portion of member  104   b  proximate to element  108  such that a bare member  104   b  can extend from the external casing  102  while the flexible sealing member  104   a  provides a seal behind it. The curved top portion of member  104   b  can be a solid surface. The flexible sealing member  104   a  can still be extruded into an interior portion of the rigid member  104   b  to anchor the flexible sealing member to the rigid member  104   b  via one or more shafts exiting on the bottom portion of the rigid member  104   b  as opposed to the top as is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this embodiment, the flexible sealing member  104   a  may be flatter and more disk-shaped since it does not have to fit over member  104   b.    
       FIG. 3  shows a top perspective view of a rigid portion  104   b  of the moveable foot  104  in accordance with the described embodiments. The rigid portion  104   b  includes a solid center portion  122  surrounded by three shafts  124 . The weight of the electronic device can be transmitted via the solid center portion  122 . During manufacture, portions of the flexible sealing member  104   a  can be extruded into each of the three shafts  124  to anchor the sealing member  104   a  to the rigid weight bearing portion  104   b.    
     The rigid portion  104   b  is circular. In other embodiments, the rigid portion  104   b  can comprise other shapes, such as a rectangular cross section. The rigid portion is not limited to being circular shaped. The external casing through which member  104   b  extends can have an aperture with a similar shape as member  104   b  to allow the member  104   b  to extend through the casing. 
       FIG. 4  shows a bottom perspective view of a rigid portion  104   b  of the moveable foot  104  in accordance with the described embodiments. The rigid portion  104   b  can include a chamber  126  underneath the solid center portion  124 . The material extruded into each of the shafts  124  can bond together after it is extruded to anchor the flexible sealing member  104   a  to the rigid weight bearing member  104   b.    
     The bottom portion of the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  can include one or more channels, such as  128 . A channel, such as  128 , can be provided to allow another component to be coupled to the member  104   b , such as component  108  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For instance, component  108  can include a raised portion configured to fit into channel  128 . Also, in yet further embodiments, the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  can include a raised portion that is configured to fit into a depression in the component  108 . In other embodiments, a channel, such as  128 , or other feature can be added to simplify the manufacturing process. For instance, in an injection molding process, the channel may minimize the sink associated with the application. 
       FIG. 5  shows a top perspective view of a flexible portion  104  of the moveable foot  104  in accordance with the described embodiments. The top portion of the flexible sealing member  104   a  includes an outer flat portion  132  and an inner portion  130 . In this embodiment, the inner portion  130  is dome-shaped. The inner portion  130  can cover a dome-shaped rigid portion as is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and the outer flat portion  132  can be bonded to a surface, such as external casing  102 , as is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The width of the outer portion  132  can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease a potential bonding area between a surface, such as an external casing of an electronic device, and the flexible sealing member  104   a.    
     The inner portion  130  and the outer portion  132  of the flexible sealing member  104   a  do not have to be the same shape. For instance, in one embodiment, the inner portion  130  can be circular shaped while the outside perimeter of the outer portion  132  is square or rectangular shaped. In another example, the inner portion  130  can be square shaped and the outside perimeter of the outer portion  132  can be circular shaped. 
       FIG. 6  shows a bottom perspective view of a flexible portion  104   a  of the moveable foot  104  in accordance with the described embodiments. The bottom side of the flexible portion  104   a  includes a plug  134 . During manufacture, the plug  134  can be formed around the top and into an interior portion of the rigid member  104   b  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The plug  134  can include three shafts that are joined together to conform to the shape of the rigid member  104   b  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Different plug shapes are possible and are not limited to the plug design shown in  FIG. 6 . As previously described, the plug can anchor the flexible sealing member  104   a  to the rigid weight bearing member  104   b.    
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective and cross sectional view of a moveable foot  104  in accordance with the described embodiments. The flexible sealing member  104   a  covers the rigid weight bearing member  104   b . The flexible sealing member  104   a  is anchored to the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  via the plug  134  that can be formed around the inner portion  122  of the rigid weight bearing member during manufacture. When installed in an electronic device, a portion of the flexible sealing member  104   a  and the rigid weight bearing member  104   b  can extend through an aperture in an external casing of an electronic device. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show a top and a bottom perspective view of an electronic device  200  including a moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. The electronic device  200  can include a top surface  206  on which an external force  114 , such as a touch from a user&#39;s finger(s) can be applied. The external force  114  can be input at different locations on top surface  206  and is not limited to the location shown in  FIG. 8 . The electronic device  200  can include one or more sensors (not shown) for detecting the touch input generated by a user via force  114 . 
     The electronic device  200  can include a cylindrical portion  212 . Various electrical components  216 , such as but not limited to a controller, a power supply, a communication interface and sensor circuitry can be located in cylinder  212 . An input button  210  is coupled to one portion of the cylinder  212 . The input button can be used to turn the electronic device  200  on or off. 
     The electronic device  200  includes a bottom surface  214  including two moveable feet  220   a  and  220   b . Two stationary feet  208   a  and  208   b  can be located on the cylinder portion  212 . In one embodiment, the stationary feet  208   a  and  208   b  can also be configured to move into the cylinder  212  in response to an external force like moveable feet  220   a  and  220   b . In other embodiments, different numbers of moveable feet can be provided on the bottom surface of the electronic device. In general, one or more moveable feet can be provided. 
     During operation, the electronic device  200  is configured to rest on the moveable feet  104  and the stationary feet  208   a  and  208   b . In response to the external force  114 , the surface  206  can move downwards as the moveable feet  104  recess into the external casing of the electronic device  200 . The movement can provide detectable feedback to a user of the electronic device  200 . 
     The amount of movement can vary across the surface  206  of the electronic device  200 . For instance, the amount of movement at corners  202  and  204  can differ depending on where the external force  114  is applied on surface  206 . The different amount of movement can result from moveable foot  220   a  moving more than moveable foot  220   b  or vice versa. After the external force  114  is removed, the moveable feet, such as  220   a  and  220   b , can return to an extended position. 
       FIG. 10  is a method of forming and using a moveable foot in accordance with the described embodiments. In one embodiment, the moveable foot can be formed using a double shot injection molding process. In  402 , in the first shot, a rigid, weight bearing member for the moveable foot can be formed from a first material. In one embodiment, the first material can be a plastic resin, such as IXEF™ (Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C., Alpharetta, Ga.). 
     After the first shot is formed, in  404 , in a second shot, a flexible sealing member of the device foot can be integrally formed with the rigid weight bearing member generated in  402 . The second shot can be initiated prior to the first shot completely hardening. The material for the second shot can be selected such that it does not chemically bond with the material used to form the rigid weight bearing member. The non-bonding of the two materials allows the flexible sealing member to separate from the rigid weight bearing member when the moveable foot is installed. In one embodiment, the material for the second shot can be a thermoplastic elastomer, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane and silicon. One example of a thermoplastic elastomer is TPSiV™ (Multibase, Inc., Copley, Ohio). 
     The rigid weight bearing member can include a hollow interior portion. During the second shot, a portion of the second material can be extruded into the hollow interior portion to form a plug. The plug can act to anchor the flexible sealing member to the rigid weight bearing member. In other embodiments, the flexible sealing member can be integrally formed with the rigid weight bearing member using a compression molding process. In yet other embodiments, the rigid weight bearing member can be separately formed and then joined together using a bonding agent, such as double sided-tape or a liquid adhesive. 
     In  406  and  408 , the flexible sealing member of the moveable foot can be mounted to an external casing of an electronic device and the rigid weight bearing member of the foot can be mounted to an interior portion of the electronic device. A portion of the rigid weight bearing member can extend through an aperture in the external casing. In response to an applied mechanical force, such as a mechanical force applied as part of a touch-based interface, the rigid weight bearing member can be configured to move relative to the external casing. The movement can contribute to a range of movement associated with the touch based interface. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100621
Publication Date: 20120703
Grant Date: 20120703
Priority Date: 20100621
Inventors: UTTERMANN ERIK A.
ZORKENDORFER RICO
LAUDER ANDREW
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/0234", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0234", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B91/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0234", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44350595