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:
Jan. 14, 2014
Filed:
Sep. 15, 2012
Zheng Gao, San Jose, CA (US);
John Raff, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Bartley K. Andre, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Laura Deforest, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Greg Springer, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Min Chul Kim, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Joshua Funamura, San Jose, CA (US);
Zheng Gao, San Jose, CA (US);
John Raff, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Bartley K. Andre, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Laura DeForest, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Greg Springer, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Min Chul Kim, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Joshua Funamura, San Jose, CA (US);
Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US);
Abstract
Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.