US 7,252,511 B2 · Devices and methods for controlling relative movement between layers of an electronic device

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments provide devices and methods for movably connecting module layers of an electronic device to actuate one operational mode while limiting actuation of other modes. In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first module layer movable in a first direction and a second module layer movably connected relative to the first module layer. Further, a third module layer is movably connected relative to the second module layer and movable in a second direction. Additionally, a limiting member is movably positioned relative to the module layers to be engageable with the third module layer to prevent movement in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction, or to be engageable with the first module layer to prevent movement in the first direction during movement of the third module layer in the second direction.

Claims66

Dependent claims

An electronic device, comprising:

a first component layer movable in a first direction;
a second component layer movably connected relative to the first component layer;
a third component layer movably connected relative to the second component layer and movable in a second direction;
and
a limiting member movable at least between a first position and a second position, the limiting member engageable with the second component layer and the third component layer in the first position to prevent relative movement in the second direction during movement of the first component layer in the first direction.

2 more elements

An electronic device, comprising:

a first component layer movable in a first direction and having a first limiting member;
a second component layer movably connected relative to the first component layer;
a third component layer movably connected relative to the second component layer and movable in a second direction;
and
a second limiting member movably connected to the second component layer and having a first displacement surface at a first end, the second limiting member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first limiting member is contactable with the first displacement surface during at least a portion of a movement of the first component layer in the first direction to move the second limiting member into the first position, wherein the second limiting member is engageable with the third component layer to substantially prevent relative movement in the second direction.

2 more elements

A method of controlling relative movement between movable layers of an electronic device, comprising:

movably connecting a first module layer to a second module layer having a first functional component such that a relative movement of the first module layer in a first direction exposes the first functional component;
movably connecting the second module layer to a third module layer having a second functional component such that a relative movement of the third module layer in a second direction exposes the second functional component;
and
movably positioning a first limiting member to prevent movement of the third module layer in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Devices and methods for controlling relative movement between layers of an electronic device

Life of this patent

Devices and methods for controlling relative movement between layers of an electronic device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims66