Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Gimbal press
- Patent Title (中): 云台新闻
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Application No.: US13092529Application Date: 2011-04-22
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Publication No.: US08715438B2Publication Date: 2014-05-06
- Inventor: Patrick Kessler
- Applicant: Patrick Kessler
- Applicant Address: US CA Cupertino
- Assignee: Apple Inc.
- Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
- Current Assignee Address: US CA Cupertino
- Agency: Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP
- Main IPC: B29C65/00
- IPC: B29C65/00 ; B32B37/00

Abstract:
A computing device includes a touchpad having a plurality of internal diaphragms that allow the touchpad to sense downward force inputs. The diaphragms are evenly glued about their circumferential edge portions to an internal flat surface by way of a gimbal press. The gimbal press can include a force delivery component coupled to an upper plate having an internal depression, a lower plate having a ball bearing that accepts force from the upper plate via the internal depression, a flexible ring member, and a compliant annular component. Both plates have a plurality of interlocking features with grooves extending therethrough that accept the flexible ring member. Force is evenly distributed to the diaphragm via a gimbal effect at the ball bearing, and the flexible ring member centers the upper and lower plates with respect to each other while permitting some relative tilt and rotation between the plates.
Public/Granted literature
- US20120268392A1 GIMBAL PRESS Public/Granted day:2012-10-25
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