Beam bar snap in an electronic device
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorKenneth A. Jenks
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This is directed to a hook and receiving element combination for securing components forming the shell of an electronic device. The receiving element can include a beam connected to the outer shell component and operative to deflect as the hook element approaches the receiving element. To limit deflections of the outer shell component, the beam can be restrained at opposing ends in directions perpendicular to the beam length, but free to slide along the beam axis. In some embodiments, the receiving element can include a lip for guiding the deflection of the beam as the beam contacts the hook element. In particular, the lip can ensure that the beam deflects at an angle relative to the hook element motion such that a smaller hook element motion is required to engage the beam.
Claims20
An electronic device, comprising:
- a first housing structure;
- a second housing structure;
- and
- a snap assembly for attaching the first housing structure to the second housing structure, wherein the snap assembly includes:
- a post coupled to the first housing structure;
- a protrusion extending from the end of the post;
- and
- a beam bar coupled to the second housing structure, wherein the beam bar engages with the protrusion and wherein the beam bar is configured to deflect, when the protrusion passes by the beam bar.
A portable electronic device, comprising:
- a first metal housing member;
- a second metal housing member;
- a hook extending from the first metal housing member;
- and
- a beam extending from the second metal housing member, wherein the nook engages with the beam to attach the first metal housing member to the second metal housing member by occupying a gap between the beam and the second metal housing member.
An electronic device, comprising:
- first and second housing structures;
- a display window coupled to the first and second housing structures;
- a post extending from the first housing structure, wherein the post has first and second opposing ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the first housing structure, and wherein the second end has a hook element;
- and
- a receiving element extending from the second housing structure, wherein the receiving element receives the hook element to attach the first housing structure to the second housing structure, and wherein the receiving element comprises a beam bar.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.