公开(公告)号：US11886235B2

公开(公告)日：2024-01-30

申请号：US17112904

申请日：2020-12-04

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Adam T. Garelli ,  Paul X. Wang ,  Pooja B. Patel ,  Nicholas A. Rundle ,  Eric R. Prather ,  Simon S. Lee

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  H05K7/20 ,  G06F1/18 ,  G06F1/20 ,  H05K9/00

CPC classification number: G06F1/1601 ,  G06F1/1656 ,  H05K7/20145 ,  H05K7/20154 ,  H05K9/0037 ,  H05K9/0041 ,  G06F1/182 ,  G06F1/20

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a shield that provides thermal and electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shielding benefits. The shield is secured with fan assemblies by airtight seals to prevent air leakage and promote a pressured volume when the fan assemblies are running. Further, the shield can direct airflow from the fan assemblies to one or more thermally conductive components, where the airflow can convectively cool the thermally conductive components and exit the electronic device. The shield is made from a metal, and when the shield covers a circuit board, the shield protects an EMI barrier for integrated circuits located on the circuit board. Moreover, the shield can provide a single-piece, monolithic body that provides advantages over multiple shields, such as eliminating gaps in the shield for air leakage and EMI intrusion, increasing air circulation efficiency, and decreasing costs.

公开(公告)号：US11868542B2

公开(公告)日：2024-01-09

申请号：US17806118

申请日：2022-06-09

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Michelle R. Goldberg ,  Kathleen A. Bergeron ,  Paul X. Wang ,  Alex J. Lehmann ,  William P. Yarak, III ,  Kevin C. Armendariz ,  Zheng Gao

IPC: H01H13/14 ,  G06F3/02 ,  H01H13/83 ,  H01H13/705 ,  H01H11/00 ,  H01H3/12 ,  H01H13/7065 ,  H01H13/88

CPC classification number: G06F3/0202 ,  H01H3/122 ,  H01H11/00 ,  H01H13/14 ,  H01H13/705 ,  H01H13/7065 ,  H01H13/83 ,  H01H3/12 ,  H01H13/88 ,  H01H2203/02 ,  H01H2219/044 ,  H01H2219/056 ,  H01H2219/062 ,  H01H2229/048

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.

公开(公告)号：US11844183B2

公开(公告)日：2023-12-12

申请号：US18054077

申请日：2022-11-09

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Abidur R. Chowdhury ,  Adam T. Garelli ,  Bart K. Andre ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Keith J. Hendren

IPC: H05K5/02 ,  G06F1/18 ,  F16M11/38 ,  H05K5/00

CPC classification number: H05K5/0234 ,  F16M11/38 ,  G06F1/181 ,  H05K5/0017 ,  H05K5/023 ,  H05K5/0226 ,  F16M2200/04 ,  G06F2200/163

Abstract: Low-profile computer supports include features to reduce the thickness and improve the portability or storage capability of a computer system while it is disassembled, packaged, shipped, or moved. Some computer systems have a computing device and a dock device that can be stored and moved separately or that can store or support accessories associated with the computer system. Some computer systems have a movable stand configured to transition between a collapsed state and a deployed or standing state. Some stands include handles or grips for moving the computer systems while collapsed. Other computer systems include handles or grips to provide areas to more easily carry the computer systems. The handles or grips can have features such as a flexible material to hide or mask their appearance on the computer system.

公开(公告)号：US11823851B2

公开(公告)日：2023-11-21

申请号：US17369745

申请日：2021-07-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Keith J. Hendren

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/041 ,  H01H13/86

CPC classification number: H01H13/86 ,  G06F1/1662 ,  G06F3/0202 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F1/1616 ,  H01H2223/003 ,  H01H2233/08

Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and provides finger support and key definition as the user feels the top surface of the keycaps and flexible layer. The flexible layer therefore smooths the top surface of the keyboard, supports fingers during key travel, prevents ingress of contaminants, fluids, or debris into the keyboard, and provides a surface that can be used as a touch interface that coincides with the keyboard.

公开(公告)号：US11817275B2

公开(公告)日：2023-11-14

申请号：US17447251

申请日：2021-09-09

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Abidur R. Chowdhury ,  Bart K. Andre ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Keith J. Hendren

IPC: H05K5/00 ,  H01H13/86

CPC classification number: H01H13/86 ,  H01H2223/003

Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.

公开(公告)号：US20230315166A1

公开(公告)日：2023-10-05

申请号：US18330956

申请日：2023-06-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Keith J. Hendren ,  Nicholas L. Qu ,  Dinesh C. Mathew ,  Adam T. Garelli

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/044

CPC classification number: G06F1/1681 ,  G06F1/1647 ,  G06F1/1654 ,  G06F1/1669 ,  G06F3/0412 ,  G06F3/044

Abstract: A computing device can be reconfigurable to include one or more electrical devices in various configurations. The computing device can include a base forming an input surface configured to receive user input. The base can receive one or more input devices, such as, displays or keyboards. The base can include a hinge rotatably attached to the base and configured to removably retain an electronic device, such as, a display. The computing device can include a coupling mechanism having a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion rotatably coupled to an intermediate portion. The first and second retaining portions can be configured to removably retain electrical devices to the coupling mechanism.

公开(公告)号：US20230297227A1

公开(公告)日：2023-09-21

申请号：US18156988

申请日：2023-01-19

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/0488 ,  H03K17/95 ,  G06F3/0354 ,  G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/04886 ,  H03K17/96

CPC classification number: G06F3/0488 ,  H03K17/952 ,  G06F3/03547 ,  G06F3/014 ,  G06F3/04886 ,  H03K17/9627 ,  H03K17/962 ,  G06F3/016 ,  G06F2203/014 ,  H03K2217/96062 ,  G06F2203/0331

Abstract: A user may provide finger press input to a surface such as a touch sensitive input surface. The input surface may be formed from a two-dimensional touch sensor overlapping a display of an electronic device. The electronic device and an associated device such as a finger-mounted device may form a system for gathering the finger press input from the user. A sensor may be used in monitoring when the finger-mounted device and a user's finger in the device approach the input surface of the electronic device. In response to detection of the finger near the input surface, actuators in the finger-mounted device may squeeze the finger inwardly to cause a finger pad on the finger to protrude outwardly towards the input surface, thereby softening impact between the finger and the input surface. The electronic device may also have an array of components to repel the finger-mounted device.

公开(公告)号：US11755107B1

公开(公告)日：2023-09-12

申请号：US17021945

申请日：2020-09-15

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Ahmet Fatih Cihan ,  Stephen E. Dey ,  Adrian Z. Harb ,  Mengshu Huang ,  Yuhao Pan ,  Paul X. Wang

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  G06F3/033 ,  H03K17/96

CPC classification number: G06F3/014 ,  G06F3/033 ,  H03K17/9622 ,  G06F2203/0331

Abstract: A system may include one or more finger devices that gather input from a user's fingers. The system may include control circuitry that sends control signals to an electronic device based on the input gathered with the finger devices. A finger device may include one or more proximity sensors that measure a distance to the user's finger. The proximity sensor may be a self-mixing optical proximity sensor having a laser and photodiode. The proximity sensor may have submicron resolution and may be configured to detect very small movements of the finger as finger pad is moved around by a thumb finger, by a surface, and/or by other finger movements. The proximity sensor may measure changes in distance between the proximity sensor and a flexible membrane that rests against a side portion of the user's finger.

公开(公告)号：US11714453B1

公开(公告)日：2023-08-01

申请号：US17326193

申请日：2021-05-20

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Claire E. Dalke ,  Paul X. Wang ,  Liam R. Martinez

IPC: G06F1/16

CPC classification number: G06F1/163 ,  G06F1/1637

Abstract: A head-mountable device can include a nosepiece that distributes forces away from a top of the nose to the sides of the nose. The nose contact elements of such nosepieces can be slideably and/or rotationally biased to apply forces to the sides of the nose when the head-mountable device is worn by a user. Such distribution allows forces to be spread across a greater area, which improves overall comfort, positioning, and light sealing of the head-mountable device.

公开(公告)号：US20230205271A1

公开(公告)日：2023-06-29

申请号：US18177638

申请日：2023-03-02

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Paul X. Wang ,  Joshua P. Song

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G06F3/01 ,  G09G5/00

CPC classification number: G06F1/1647 ,  G06F1/1626 ,  G06F1/1639 ,  G06F1/1686 ,  G06F3/013 ,  G09G5/003 ,  G06F1/1698 ,  G06F2200/1631 ,  G09G2330/02 ,  G09G2340/12 ,  G09G2354/00

Abstract: An electronic device may have input-output devices such as sensors, displays, wireless circuitry, and other electronic components mounted within a housing. The housing may have opposing front and rear walls. A display may be formed on a front side of the device and may be overlapped by a front housing wall such as a glass layer. Sensors and other components may be formed on a rear side of the device and may be overlapped by a rear housing wall. The rear housing wall may have a glass portion or other transparent structure through which projectors project images onto nearby surfaces and through which image sensors and other optical sensors receive light. The housing may be supported by a stand. An electrical component in the stand may interact with an electronic device on the stand. Wireless circuitry in an external item may wirelessly couple to wireless circuitry within the housing.