Hold switch
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorEmery Sanford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention is directed to a switch for use in an electronic device. As the user actuates the switch, different labels may be visible to indicate to the user the current state of the switch. To allow the switch to be positioned adjacent to an edge of the device, the switch may include only a single label that moves with the switch. For example, the switch may include a label positioned adjacent to a nub that the user may operate. The label may be sized such that only the label is visible when the switch is in a first position. The electronic device may also include a second label that is fixed to a non-moving portion of the electronic device. When the user moves the switch, the switch may move away from and uncover the second label while hiding the label that is included in the switch.
Claims14
An electronic device having a switch operable by a user, comprising:
- a housing defining at least one edge;
- an end cap positioned over an end of the housing;
- a first label fixed to a surface of the end cap;
- a movable switch comprising a nub and a second label positioned adjacent to the nub, the movable switch movably placed on the end cap;
- and
- a cosmetic cap comprising a slot, the cosmetic cap coupled to the end cap such that the nub extends through the slot, wherein the first label is visible through a first portion of the slot near the one edge of the housing when the switch is in a first position, wherein the second label is visible through a second portion of the slot at a further distance from the one edge of the housing than the first portion of the slot when the switch is in a second position, and wherein the movable switch is operative to be displaced to cover or uncover the first label.
A method for providing a switch having a label indicating the position of the switch, comprising:
- providing a movable switch having a nub and a first label positioned adjacent to the nub;
- providing an end cap having a second label disposed thereon;
- seating the switch movably on the end cap such that the movable switch is operative to be displaced to cover or uncover the second label such that in a first position the nub and first label completely cover the second label;
- and
- coupling a cosmetic cap to the end cap, wherein the cosmetic cap comprises a slot operative to receive the nub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.