PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9727094-B1
Application Number: US-201414494153-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Window button assembly

Abstract:
A window button assembly is connected to an enclosure of an electronic device. The window button assembly can include a button plank and a switch component positioned underneath the button plank such that sufficient deflection of the button plank activates the switch component. A component may be included in the window button assembly. The component can be in communication with the switch component, and activation of the switch component can initiate an action by the component.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a processor; and 
 a window button assembly in communication with the processor and connected to the enclosure, the window button assembly comprising:
 a switch component disposed in a cavity in the enclosure; 
 a communication antenna disposed in the cavity and in communication with the switch component; 
 a feedback component disposed in the cavity and in communication with the switch component; and 
 a button plank disposed over the cavity; 
 wherein
 a first portion of the button plank covers the communication antenna and an end of the first portion is attached to the enclosure; and 
 a second portion of the button plank is cantilevered over the switch component and deflection of the second portion of the button plank activates the switch component and activation of the switch component activates the communication antenna and the feedback component. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a display, wherein the display is in communication with the processor and is connected to the enclosure. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the feedback component is a status indicator light. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device as in  claim 3 , wherein the status light indicator indicates a status of a device pairing operation using the communication antenna. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the button plank is formed integrally with the enclosure. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the button plank is made of glass. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a seal fixed to a sidewall of the cavity substantially under an end of the second portion of the button plank. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more mechanical stops disposed in the cavity to prevent over-deflection of the second portion of the button plank. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein an end of the second portion of the button plank includes a button lip that interacts with a corresponding overhanging enclosure prong. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the switch component, the communication antenna, and the feedback component are coupled to a circuit. 
     
     
       11. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; and 
 a window button assembly connected to the enclosure, the window button assembly comprising:
 a switch component disposed in a cavity in the enclosure; 
 a second component disposed in the cavity and in communication with the switch component; 
 a feedback component disposed in the cavity and in communication with the switch component; and 
 a button plank disposed over the cavity; 
 wherein
 a first portion of the button plank covers the second component and an end of the first portion is attached to the enclosure; and 
 a second portion of the button plank is cantilevered over the switch component and deflection of the second portion activates the switch component and activation of the switch component activates the second component and initiates an action by the feedback component. 
 
 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device as in  claim 11 , wherein the cavity comprises a switch cavity and a second cavity and:
 the feedback component and the switch component are positioned in the switch cavity formed below the second portion of the button plank, the switch cavity being defined by a cantilever post, an enclosure sidewall and a bottom wall; and 
 the second component is positioned in the second cavity formed below the first portion of the button plank, the second cavity being defined by the cantilever post, the bottom wall, and another enclosure sidewall. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device as in  claim 11 , wherein the feedback component comprises a status indicator light. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device as in  claim 11 , wherein the second component comprises an antenna. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 11 , further comprising a seal fixed to a sidewall of the cavity substantially under an end of the second portion of the button plank. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device as in  claim 11 , further comprising one or more mechanical stops disposed in the cavity to prevent over-deflection of the second end of the button plank. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device as in  claim 11 , wherein an end of the second portion of the button plank includes a button lip that interacts with a corresponding overhanging enclosure prong. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device as in  claim 11 , wherein the switch component, the second component, and the feedback component are coupled to a circuit. 
     
     
       19. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; and 
 a window button assembly connected to the enclosure, the window button assembly comprising:
 a switch component disposed in a cavity in the enclosure; 
 a second component disposed in the cavity and in communication with the switch component; 
 a feedback component disposed in the cavity and in communication with the switch component; and 
 a button plank disposed over the cavity and having a first end attached to the enclosure and a second end attached to the enclosure and deflection of the button plank activates the switch component disposed below the button plank and activation of the switch component initiates a first action by the second component and initiates a second action by the feedback component. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device as in  claim 19 , wherein the feedback component comprises a status indicator light. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device as in  claim 19 , wherein the second component in communication with the switch component comprises an antenna. 
     
     
       22. The electronic device as in  claim 19 , wherein the switch component, the second component, and the feedback component are coupled to a circuit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/884,079, filed Sep. 29, 2013, entitled “Window Button Assembly,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to input/output devices for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Computers and other electronic devices typically include one or more input devices, such as mice, keyboards, joysticks, button assemblies, and switch components so a user can more easily interact with the device in question. Similarly, electronic devices typically include one or more output devices, such as displays, status indicator lights, and communication antennas so a user can more readily ascertain the status of the associated electronic device and easily interact with other devices and networks nearby. Often, these input/output devices may be integrated with or into the associated electronic device. For example, a laptop computer may include a keyboard or communication antenna operably connected to its internal systems and housed within its enclosure. Similarly, a laptop computer may also include a track pad or other motion-based input device that may also be integrated with the enclosure. 
     In some instances, it may be desirable to reduce the size of some computers or other electronic devices. For example, smart phones and laptops may be designed to be as small and light as possible. As electronic devices become smaller, space is at a premium. Many input/output devices, however, may consume a substantial amount of interior space, surface space, or both of the associated electronic device. Additionally, the appearance of many input components may be separate or distinguished from the enclosure of the electronic device or the enclosure of the input device. This may detract from a uniform appearance of the device and may reduce the effectiveness or appeal of the device. Thus, it would be desirable to be able to provide an electronic device with an improved button assembly that consumes minimal space and enhances the uniform appearance of the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments described herein include an electronic device having a window button assembly covering and/or engaging various input/output devices. The electronic device may include a display, processing element(s) in communication with the display, an enclosure connected to the display, and input/output devices in communication with the processing element(s) and connected to the enclosure. The window button assembly is designed to hide and/or activate various input/output devices with a button plank. For example, in one embodiment the window button assembly is configured to hide the communication antenna and switch component under the button plank, with the button plank designed to deflect sufficiently to activate the switch component. The communication antenna may be in communication with the switch component. A feedback component can be in communication with the switch component and/or an input/output device (e.g., the communication antenna). As one example, the feedback component may be a status indicator light. 
     In some embodiments, the button plank may operate as a cantilever. A portion of the button plank may be cantilevered over a switch cavity formed underneath the button plank and within the window button assembly that houses various input/output devices, such as a switch component and a status indicator light. The button plank may reciprocate from an unactuated position to an actuated position with respect to the enclosure. In the unactuated position, the button plank is in a relaxed position and may be sufficiently flush with the enclosure. In the actuated position, the window button assembly may be pressed by a user and the portion of the button plank that is cantilevered over the switch cavity may be depressed sub-flush of the enclosure sufficiently to activate the switch component underneath the button plank. Activation of the switch component can initiate an action by a component in communication with the switch component. For example, in one embodiment the component can be a communication antenna and once the switch component is activated, the communication antenna may power on and the feedback component may indicate the status of the communication antenna and/or device pairing. 
     In other embodiments, the button plank is configured to operate as a double cantilevered beam with both ends of the button plank attached to the enclosure. The button plank may reciprocate from an unactuated position to an actuated position with respect to the enclosure. In the unactuated position, the button plank is in a relaxed position and may be sufficiently flush with the enclosure. In the actuated position, the window button assembly may be pressed by a user and the button plank may deflect inward sub-flush of the enclosure sufficiently to activate the switch component. Activation of the switch component can initiate an action by a component in communication with the switch component. For example, in one embodiment the component can be a communication antenna and once the switch component is activated, the communication antenna may power on and the feedback component may indicate the status of the communication antenna and/or device pairing. 
     In addition to functioning as described above, the window button assembly may have an appearance that substantially streamlines the look of the enclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic device incorporating a sample window button assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the electronic device incorporating the sample window button assembly in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged side elevation view of  FIG. 2  focusing on the sample window button assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of the sample window button assembly taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of the sample window button assembly taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section view of the sample window button assembly taken along ling  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the sample window button assembly taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 , showing deflection of a button plank caused by a force of a user. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of a second embodiment of the sample window button assembly taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of the second embodiment of the sample window button assembly taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 , showing deflection of a button plank caused by a force of a user. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of a third embodiment of the sample window button assembly taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section view of the third embodiment of the sample window button assembly taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4 , showing deflection of a button plank caused by a force of a user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments described herein may take the form of a window button assembly that may provide input to an associated electronic device, such as a computing device. As used herein, the terms “electronic device” and “computing device” are generally interchangeable. Examples of electronic devices include personal computers; tablet computing devices; smart phones; cellular telephones; televisions, media player, or other audiovisual components; headphones and earpiece devices; mice; keyboards; remote controllers; global position system (GPS) devices; gaming devices; hybrid devices that include the functionality of multiple devices of this type, and so forth. The window button assembly enables a user to provide inputs to the electronic device, as well as providing feedback (such as visual or haptic) to the user. In some implementations, the window button assembly may replace one or more switches or other components of a conventional electronic device, or the window button assembly may be used in addition to a conventional switch or like component to provide expanded input/output functionality. As another example, the window button assembly may be used to streamline the cosmetics of the electronic device by covering various input/output devices, such as communication antennas, light-emitting diodes, feedback devices, status indicator lights and so forth. 
     As one example, the window button assembly may include a button plank, a communication antenna, a switch component, and a status indicator light. Pressing the button plank may either power the electronic device on or off or initiate pairing communication with another device through the communication antenna. To turn the electronic device on or off, or to initiate pairing communication with another device, a region of the button plank may be pressed and bent sufficiently to activate a switch component hidden behind the button plank and within the window button assembly. The corresponding switch action may then power the electronic device on or off or initiate pairing communication with another device. Optionally, an associated status indicator light positioned behind the button plank can be initiated (e.g., turned on) such that it that is visible to the user from the exterior of the button plank. The switch component may be activated by specific surface features of the enclosure that are hidden behind the window button assembly. That is, these features may depress the switch or otherwise activate it. The enclosure features may also form mechanical stops to prevent the window button assembly from over-deflecting and possibly breaking. 
     An illustrative window button assembly will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic device incorporating a window button assembly  101 . With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the electronic device  100  may include the window button assembly  101 , an enclosure  104  at least partially surrounding the window button assembly  101 , a keyboard  106 , and a display  108 . Although shown schematically as being formed on the side of the electronic device  100  in  FIG. 1 , the window button assembly  101  may be formed generally on any suitable portion of the electronic device  100 . For example, the window button assembly  101  may be formed on the side of the electronic device  100  or may also be located on the top face, rear face, or other portion of the electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the window button assembly  101  may be placed strategically in an inconspicuous location within the enclosure  104  or other portions of the electronic device  100  so the user is required to manipulate the electronic device  100  to operate the window button assembly  101 . This may allow the user to operate the electronic device  100  under normal conditions without interference or distraction from the window button assembly  101 . In other embodiments, the window button assembly  101  may be positioned ergonomically to allow the user to operate the window button assembly  101  without manipulating the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  may be substantially any type of computer or electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, a portable gaming device, a router, a mouse, a keyboard, a remote controller, a headphone or earpiece device, a television, media player, or other audio/visual component, a global positioning system (GPS) device, and/or a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone). The electronic device  100  may also be any hybrid device that combines the functionality of multiple conventional devices, such as a cellular telephone that includes media player functionality, a gaming device that includes a wireless communications capability, etc. Based on the specific configuration of the electronic device  100 , one or more elements as illustrated in  FIG. 1  may be omitted. As one example, in instances where the electronic device  100  is a tablet, the keyboard  106  may be omitted. As another example, in instances where the electronic device  100  is a mouse, the display  108  may be omitted. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a laptop computer including an enclosure  104  operably connected to the keyboard  106  and a display  108  or upper portion operably connected to the display  108 . The two portions may be rotatably connected to each other. 
     The window button assembly  101  may comprise a button plank  102  shaped generally as an elongated bar extending across a portion of a length or width of the enclosure  104 , as shown to best effect in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the button plank  102  may be shaped generally as a rectangle with square edges. In other embodiments, the button plank  102  may be shaped generally as a rectangle with round edges (e.g., a lozenge). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the shape of the button plank  102  may vary in alternate embodiments and need not be rectangular. 
     In some embodiments, the button plank  102  may also have a cosmetic treatment (e.g., paint or etching) carrying the power icon or graphic notification giving the user the cue to press in a specific location. A light-emitting diode positioned behind the button plank  102  may be illuminated to give the user a visual cue to press the plank in a specific location to actuate functionality. Similarly, the button plank  102  may have a surface treatment (e.g., depressions, scuffing, etching, ridges, etc.) to indicate tactilely to the user to press in a specific location. The button plank  102  may be made of any material, such as glass, that will allow the button plank  102  to operate as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the button plank  102  may be opaque in appearance to prevent the user from seeing anything other than the top surface of the button plank  102 . 
     The top surface of the button plank  102  may also be flush with the enclosure  104 . This may allow the electronic device  100  and the window button assembly  101  to have a substantially uniform and seamless appearance. In some embodiments, the button plank  102  may be formed integrally with the enclosure  104 . 
     The window button assembly  101  may be in communication with a number of components of the electronic device  100 .  FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of the electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the electronic device  100  may include a processing element(s)  132 , one or more sensors  136 , a power source  134 , and/or one or more memory component(s)  130 . The components of the electronic device  100  may be in communication with one another through one or more system buses  138 , printed circuit board traces, wireless signals, or the like. 
     The memory component(s)  130  may store electronic data that may be utilized by the electronic device  100 . For example, the memory component(s)  130  may store electrical data or content, such as audio files, video files, document files, and so on, corresponding to various applications. The memory component(s)  130  may be, for instance, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components. 
     The processing element(s)  132  may be substantially any computing device capable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the processing element(s)  132  may be one or more microprocessors or microcomputers. Additionally, the processing element(s)  132  may include more than one processing component. For example, select components of the electronic device  100  may be controlled by a first processor and other components of the electronic device  100  may be controlled by a second processor, wherein the first and second processors may or may not be in communication with each other. The processing element(s)  132  may be used to control the operation of the electronic device  100 . For instance, the processing element(s)  132  and memory component(s)  130  may be used to run one or more software applications on the electronic device  100 . Sample software applications include, but are not limited to, internet browsing applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, and the like. Furthermore, the processing element(s)  132  and memory component(s)  130  may be used in implementing suitable communication protocols, including internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols), short-range wireless communication link protocols (e.g., Bluetooth), cellular telephone communication protocols, etc. 
     The electronic device  100  may also include one or more sensors  136 . The sensors  136  may be incorporated into the window button assembly  101  and/or may be in communication therewith. For instance, the window button assembly  101  may include one or more force sensors, strain gauges, capacitive sensors, or the like that may detect inputs to the window button assembly  101  from a user. 
     The enclosure  104  may be formed of any suitable material(s), including plastic, metal, or other suitable material, or a combination of suitable materials. An advantage of forming the enclosure  104  from plastic is that this may help to reduce the overall weight of the electronic device  100  and may avoid potential interference with wireless operations. 
     The electronic device  100  may also include a power source  134  to provide power to the processing element(s)  132 , display  108 , window button assembly  101 , and other components. The power source  134  may include one or more batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), a cable to communicatively couple the electronic device  100  to an external power supply (e.g., wall outlet), or the like. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , the electronic device  100  may also include an I/O interface  140 , including a communication antenna  110 . The communication antenna  110  may be used to communicate with external devices such as accessories (e.g., headphones, speakers, gaming systems and controllers, wireless printers, cameras), computing equipment (e.g., servers, peer devices, router), and/or wireless networks. The communication antenna  110  may be any type of communication circuitry, including radio-frequency, optical, or infrared transceivers, and may support communications over any suitable wireless communications bands. The I/O interface  140  and the communication antenna  110  may be in connection with the processing element(s)  132 , the memory component(s)  130 , and/or one or more of the sensors  136 . 
     Tuning now to  FIG. 4 , the window button assembly  101  is configured to provide both user input to the electronic device  100  and output information to the user. As one example, pressing the window button assembly  101  may initiate pairing communication with another device through the communication antenna  110  (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless communication protocols) and/or provide feedback to the user through a feedback component  114  (e.g., a status indicator light such as an LED, an audio speaker, a vibratory output or other tactile method, etc.) that pairing is in progress and/or complete. In one suitable embodiment, the feedback component  114  may be formed from multiple LEDs, each of which displays a different color, or from a multicolor LED. As one example, the feedback component  114  may display a green light when pairing is complete, a yellow light when pairing is in progress, a red light when an error has occurred during pairing communication, or may not display a light when the electronic device  100  is off or if the window button assembly  101  has not been activated by the user. The feedback component  114  may display a light when the status of the electronic device  100  changes, at regular intervals, continuously, or at combinations of these and other times. As another example, pressing the window button assembly  101  may power the electronic device  100  on or off while providing similar feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the feedback component  114  may illuminate part of the button plank  102  once the window button assembly  101  is pressed by the user. In other embodiments, the feedback component  114  may provide tactile feedback to the user once the button plank  102  is depressed sufficiently to initiate the action associated with the window button assembly  101 . 
     Illustrative examples of the structure and components of the window button assembly  101  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of the window button assembly  101  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . With reference to  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments the button plank  102  may cover the communication antenna  110 , a switch component  112 , and the feedback component  114 . The button plank  102  may also hide other features behind the button plank  102 . The button plank  102  may be made of any material, such as glass, that will both allow the button plank  102  to flex as described below and not shield the communication antenna  110  from receiving or transmitting signals properly. The switch component  112  may be any type of switch or sensor designed to detect input from the user, such as a force sensor, strain gauge, capacitive sensor, electrical contact sensor, mechanical switch or the like. The switch component  112 , status indicator light  114 , and communication antenna  110  may all be placed on a single circuit  120  behind the button plank  102 , saving parts and costs associated with having separate component assemblies. Other embodiments, however, may have separate component assemblies in lieu of a single circuit  120 . In  FIG. 5 , the communication antenna  110  may be housed in a communication cavity  122  defined by enclosure sidewalls  126 , a bottom wall  142 , and a cantilever post  116 . The switch component  112  and feedback component  114  may be housed in a separate switch cavity  124  defined by the cantilever post  116 , enclosure sidewalls  126 , and the bottom wall  142 . In some embodiments, the cantilever post  116  may be removed, and the communication cavity  122  and switch cavity  124  may form substantially one cavity. 
     Still with respect to  FIG. 5 , the button plank  102  may be attached to the enclosure  104  on one end, such as immediately adjacent to the communication cavity  122 . The button plank  102  may also rest on, or be attached to, the cantilever post  116 . Attachment of the button plank  102  to the enclosure  104  and/or the cantilever post  116  may be permanent (e.g., glue, epoxy, weld) or by a fastener (e.g., a screw). The cantilever post  116  may also be formed integrally with the button plank  102 . The button plank  102  may be sufficiently flush against, and parallel to, the enclosure sidewall  126  opposite the attached end and immediately adjacent to the switch cavity  124 . Accordingly, an extended area of the button plank  102  may be cantilevered over the switch cavity  124 , allowing the button plank  102  to be bent sufficiently to activate the switch component  112  located in the switch cavity  124 . This switch action may then perform an action associated with the switch component  112 , such as turning the electronic device  100  on or off or initiating pairing communication with another device through the communication antenna  110 . The feedback component  114  may then be activated, which may be visible to the user from the exterior of the button plank  102 . A seal  118  may be fixed to the enclosure sidewalls  126 , substantially under the cantilevered end of the button plank  102 , to prevent contamination from entering the switch cavity  124 . The seal  118  may be placed entirely around the perimeter of the cantilevered end of the button plank  102 . In other embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , the seal may be placed simply at the furthermost end of the cantilevered button plank  102 . The seal  118  may be resilient but flexible to compress when the button plank  102  is depressed by a user to activate the switch component  112 . 
     The switch component  112  may be pressed against specific surface features of the enclosure  104  that are hidden behind the button plank  102  in order to actuate the switch. The enclosure features may also form mechanical stops  128 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , to prevent the button plank  102  from over deflecting and breaking. The mechanical stops  128  may be formed integrally with the enclosure sidewalls  126  or may be attached to the enclosure sidewalls  126  using temporary or permanent fasteners and/or adhesive or using any other suitable mounting arrangements. In alternate embodiments, the mechanical stops  128  may be formed integrally with the bottom wall  142  or may be attached to the bottom wall  142  using temporary or permanent fasteners and/or adhesive or using any other suitable mounting arrangements. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a side view of the button plank  102 , similar to the view of  FIG. 5 , except showing the button plank in a deflected state. As exemplified in  FIG. 8 , the cantilevered portion of the button plank  102  extending past the cantilever post  116  and covering the switch cavity  124  may deflect inward sub-flush of the enclosure  104  when a force is applied by the user to the cantilevered portion of the button plank  102 . The button plank  102  may continue to deflect sub-flush until sufficient contact is made to activate the switch component  112 . The distance between the button plank  102  and the switch component  112  may be dictated by the type of material used to form the button plank  102 . For example, a button plank  102  made of plastic or some other relatively flexible material may be able to deflect greater distances. A button plank  102 , however, made of glass or some other relatively rigid material may require shorter deflection distances and tighter tolerances. Once the switch component  112  is activated, the communication antenna  110  (or any other suitable component) may power on and the feedback component  114  may indicate to the user the status of the communication antenna  110  and/or device pairing. In other embodiments, once the switch component  112  is activated, any action associated with the switch action may be initiated, such as powering the electronic device  100  on or off or performing any other action associated with the switch component  112 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the seal  118  will compress but still maintain sufficient contact with the button plank  102  and the enclosure  104  to prevent contamination or debris from entering the switch cavity  124 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of an alternate window button assembly  201  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . The window button assembly  201  is substantially similar to the window button assembly  101  depicted in  FIGS. 5-8  and discussed above, except a cantilevered portion of a button plank  202  over a switch cavity  224  interacts with an enclosure  204  in a different manner. With reference to  FIG. 9 , the button plank  202  may form a button lip  230  that interacts with a corresponding overhanging enclosure prong  232  formed substantially with, or attached substantially to, the enclosure  204 . The interaction between the button lip  230  of the window button  202  and the overhanging enclosure prong  232  of the enclosure  204  allows the top surface of the button plank  202  to remain substantially flush with the enclosure  204  and prevents the button plank  202  from deflecting outward above-flush of the enclosure  204 . This also allows the seal  218  to exert greater amounts of pressure to the underside of the button plank  202  and produce a better seal to prevent debris and contamination from entering the switch cavity  224 . The increased pressure exerted by the seal  218  may also provide better feedback to the user. 
       FIG. 10  depicts the button plank  202  of  FIG. 9  in a deflected state. Deflection of the alternate button plank  202  is substantially similar to the deflection of the button plank  102  depicted in  FIG. 8  and discussed above. The button plank  202  may deflect inward sub-flush of the enclosure  204  when a force is applied by the user to the cantilevered portion of the button plank  202 . The button plank  202  may continue to deflect sub-flush until sufficient contact is made to activate a switch component  212 . In some embodiments, the switch component  212  may be located between the button lip  230  and the overhanging enclosure prong  232 . When the button plank  202  is deflected, the switch component  212  may activate based on the distance between the button lip  230  and the overhanging enclosure prong  232 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of an alternate window button assembly  301  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . The window button assembly  301  is substantially similar to the window button assembly  101  depicted in  FIGS. 5-8  and discussed above, except the button plank  302  may be configured as a double cantilevered beam with both ends of a button plank  302  attached to the enclosure  304 . With reference to  FIG. 11 , a communication antenna  310 , feedback component  314 , and switch component  312  may be housed in substantially one cavity  322 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts the button plank  302  in a deflected state. As represented in  FIG. 12 , the button plank  302  may deflect inward sub-flush of the enclosure  304  when a force is applied by the user to the button plank  302 . Because both ends of the button plank  302  are attached to the enclosure  304 , deflection of the button plank  302  may be greatest in substantially the center of the button plank  302 . Accordingly, the switch component  312  may be located under the button plank  302  where the greatest deflection will likely occur. 
     The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on discrete embodiments, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may be combined together and implemented in a single structure. Additionally, although the various embodiments may be discussed with respect to glass, the techniques and structures may be implemented using substantially any other type of suitable material. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be an example and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140923
Publication Date: 20170808
Grant Date: 20170808
Priority Date: 20130929
Inventors: ABRAHAM EUAN S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 59411420