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.

Date of Patent:
Aug. 18, 2020

Filed:

Aug. 20, 2019
Applicant:

Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US);

Inventors:

Paul X. Wang, Cupertino, CA (US);

Craig C. Leong, San Jose, CA (US);

Alex J. Lehmann, Sunnyvale, CA (US);

Assignee:

APPLE INC., Cupertino, CA (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G06F 1/16 (2006.01); G06F 3/02 (2006.01); H01H 13/70 (2006.01); H01H 13/14 (2006.01); G06F 3/01 (2006.01); G06F 3/023 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G06F 3/0202 (2013.01); G06F 3/016 (2013.01); G06F 3/023 (2013.01); H01H 13/14 (2013.01); H01H 13/70 (2013.01); H01H 2217/01 (2013.01); H01H 2221/058 (2013.01);
Abstract

An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.


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