The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 24, 2019
Filed:
Nov. 03, 2016
Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US);
Steven J. Taylor, Cupertino, CA (US);
Brigit E. Lamberson, Cupertino, CA (US);
Gemma A. Roper, Cupertino, CA (US);
Megan A. McClain, Cupertino, CA (US);
Thomas S. Hulbert, Cupertino, CA (US);
Benjamin G. Jackson, Cupertino, CA (US);
APPLE INC., Cupertino, CA (US);
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to an input device and methods related to the use thereof. The embodiment may include a deformable structure. The deformable structure may include a first layer defining an input surface and a second layer coupled to, and offset from, the first layer. At least one of the first layer or the second layer may define a geometric feature (e.g., including a protrusion, embossed portion, or other feature of one or both of the first and second layers). The geometric feature may be configured to collapse the deformable structure at a localized region in response to a force input. The embodiment may further include an input structure configured to produce an electrical response based on a magnitude of the force input.