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US 8,754,340 B2Granted
Multiple function inline controller with buttons extending along different axes
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsChristopher Prest, Kurt Stiehl, Cameron Frazier, Wim Crooijmans, Michelle Yu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods, apparatus and systems which provide buttons oriented at angles relative to each other as a part of a multiple function switch are described. In one embodiment, the multiple function switch is part of an inline controller that is suitable for use to control features or functions of a portable electronic device. A multiple function switch may be incorporated in a cable associated with an earpiece arranged to be interfaced with a portable electronic device.
Claims21
A multi-button switch apparatus comprising:
- a circuit board;
- a plurality of buttons electrically connected to the circuit board and arranged along a longitudinal axis of the circuit board;
- a single moveable cover disposed around each of the circuit board and each button of the plurality of buttons to form a single unit, wherein the single moveable cover is operative to interact with each button of the plurality of buttons;
- and
- a cap comprising:
- an uninterrupted surface and at least one contour;
- wherein the cap and the at least one contour are positioned over the circuit board and the plurality of buttons such that the cap is disposed between the single moveable cover and the plurality of buttons.
4 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a circuit board;
- a plurality of switches coupled to the circuit board along a longitudinal axis of the circuit board and comprising:
- a first depressible switch facing a first direction and configured to be actuated from the first direction;
- and
- a second depressible switch facing a second direction that is different from the first direction and configured to be actuated from the second direction;
- a cap comprising:
- an uninterrupted surface and at least one contour;
- wherein the cap and the at least one contour are positioned over the circuit board and at least one of the plurality of switches;
- and
- a flexible member configured to:
- surround the cap, the circuit board and the plurality of switches to form a single unit and enable interaction with each switch of the plurality of switches, wherein the flexible member comprises a tube.
8 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a circuit board having a plurality of user input surfaces coupled along a first axis of the circuit board, wherein a first user input surface of the plurality of user input surfaces resides on a first portion of the circuit board and is actuated along a second axis, and wherein a second user input surface of the plurality of user input surfaces resides on a second portion of the circuit board and is actuated along a third axis;
- a cap comprising:
- an uninterrupted surface having a shape that covers at least one of the first user input surface and the second user input surface, as well as the circuit board;
- and
- a tube disposed around the cap, the circuit board, the first user input surface, and the second user input surface to form a single unit, and configured to interact with each of the first user input surface and the second user input surface.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.