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US 6,552,282 B2Granted
Floating button design for a handheld computer
AssigneePalm, Inc.
InventorTodd Lewis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A handheld computer includes a bar retained in an interior. A first button structure is accessible on an exterior surface of the handheld computer. A member joins to and extends between the bar and the first button structure. The member enables the first button structure to move into an actuated position without undergoing a radial motion about the bar.
Claims40
A handheld computer comprising:
- a housing including a front exterior surface;
- a bar retained within the housing;
- a first button structure accessible on the front exterior surface;
- and
- a member that joins to and extends between the first button structure and the bar, the member being shaped to extend its effective length when the first button structure is directed inward along a first axis, or laterally along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
- wherein the first button structure has a first perimeter point that is proximate to the bar, and wherein a linear length of the member is greater than a distance between the first perimeter point and the bar.
3 more elements
A handheld computer comprising:
- a housing including a front exterior surface;
- a bar retained within the housing;
- a first button structure accessible on the front exterior surface;
- and
- a member that joins to and extends between the first button structure and the bar, the member being shaped to extend its effective length when the first button structure is directed inward along a first axis, or laterally along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
- wherein a shape of the member includes a bend that at least partially circumvents the button structure, the bend deflecting inward when the button structure is directed inward.
3 more elements
A handheld computer comprising:
- a housing including a front exterior surface;
- a bar retained within the housing;
- a first button structure accessible on the front exterior surface;
- and
- a member that joins to and extends between the first button structure and the bar, the member being shaped to extend its effective length when the first button structure is directed inward along a first axis, or laterally along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
- wherein a shape of the member has a curvature along a length that at least partially circumvents the button structure.
3 more elements
A handheld computer comprising:
- a housing including a front exterior surface;
- a bar retained within the housing;
- a first button structure accessible on the front exterior surface;
- and
- a member that joins to and extends between the first button structure and the bar, the member being shaped to extend its effective length when the first button structure is directed inward along a first axis, or laterally along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
- wherein a shape of the member includes a semi-circular length that circumvents a base of the first button structure.
3 more elements
A handheld computer comprising:
- a bar retained in an interior of the handheld computer;
- a first button structure accessible on an exterior surface of the handheld computer;
- and
- a member that joins to and extends between the bar and the first button structure, the member enabling the first button structure to move into an actuated position without the first button structure having to undergo a measurable radial motion about the bar;
- wherein the member partially circumvents the first button structure.
2 more elements
A handheld computer comprising:
- a housing including a front exterior surface;
- a bar retained within the housing;
- a plurality of button structures accessible on the front exterior surface, each of the plurality of button structures having a first perimeter point that is proximate to the bar;
- and
- a plurality of members, each member extending to join one of the plurality of button structures with the bar, each member having a linear length that is greater than a distance between the first perimeter point and the bar, and each member being extendible inward when the corresponding joined button structure is directed inward.
2 more elements
A button component for a handheld computer, the button component comprising:
- a bar retained within a housing of the handheld computer;
- a plurality of button structures accessible on the front exterior surface, each of the plurality of button structures having a first perimeter point that is proximate to the bar;
- and
- a plurality of members, each member extending to join one of the plurality of button structures with the bar, each member having a linear length that is greater than a distance between the first perimeter point and the bar, and each member being extendible inward when the joining button structure is directed inward.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.