Housing Structures and Input-Output Devices For Electronic Devices

    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.

    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.

    DEPLOYABLE KEY MOUSE
    74.
    发明申请

    公开(公告)号:US20220155877A1

    公开(公告)日:2022-05-19

    申请号:US17650121

    申请日:2022-02-07

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Inventor: Paul X. Wang

    Abstract: A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.

    Deployable key mouse
    75.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11275451B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-03-15

    申请号:US16795270

    申请日:2020-02-19

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Inventor: Paul X. Wang

    Abstract: A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.

    PERIPHERAL HOUSING FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE

    公开(公告)号:US20220035414A1

    公开(公告)日:2022-02-03

    申请号:US17451452

    申请日:2021-10-19

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Abstract: A computing device can include a housing including a peripheral housing defining an aperture, the peripheral housing having a constant cross-sectional area. The computing device can also include a display having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, the display disposed within the aperture defined by the peripheral housing and attached to the housing at one or more locations such that the first major surface and the second major surface of the display are substantially unobstructed by any other portion of the computing device.

    MEMBRANE SEALED KEYBOARD
    77.
    发明申请

    公开(公告)号:US20210407748A1

    公开(公告)日:2021-12-30

    申请号:US17447251

    申请日:2021-09-09

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    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.

    Electronic devices with fabric actuators

    公开(公告)号:US11194396B1

    公开(公告)日:2021-12-07

    申请号:US16742457

    申请日:2020-01-14

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Inventor: Paul X. Wang Jie Gu

    Abstract: A fabric item may have control circuitry and input-output devices. A fabric haptic output device may be formed in the fabric item. The fabric haptic output device may be based on an electromagnetic fabric actuator, a piezoelectric fabric actuator, or other actuator formed from fabric. The fabric actuator may have a permanent magnet portion and an electromagnet portion. During operation, signals supplied to a coil in the electromagnet portion may create a magnetic field that moves the permanent magnet portion. Fabric support structures may be used to support an electromagnet or permanent magnet. Fabric springs may be coupled between the fabric support structures and the electromagnet or permanent magnet. The fabric of the support structures, magnetic structures, and springs may be incorporated into a wearable fabric structure, part of a cover or case for a device, a housing structure such as a housing wall, or other fabric structure.

    Membrane sealed keyboard
    79.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11139129B2

    公开(公告)日:2021-10-05

    申请号:US16584560

    申请日:2019-09-26

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    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.

    Keyboard operation with head-mounted device

    公开(公告)号:US11137908B2

    公开(公告)日:2021-10-05

    申请号:US16818951

    申请日:2020-03-13

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    Abstract: The operation of a keyboard, another input device, and/or any surface can be enhanced by features of a head-mounted device, which can display feedback, outputs, or other features based on the user's actions. For example, the head-mounted device can display text generated by the user's operation of the keyboard. The text can be displayed in a manner that allows a user to readily see the keyboard, the user's hands, and the text that is generated by operation of the keyboard. The head-mounted device can further display features that facilitate the user's operation of the keyboard. For example, suggested text, keystrokes, or other features correlated with keys of the keyboard can be displayed for selection by a user. By further example, the keyboard can be displayed in a position and orientation that conforms to an arrangement of the user's hands within a field of view of the head-mounted device.

Patent Agency Ranking