Device foot
OwnerErik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer +1inventors
InventorsErik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A moveable device foot for an electronic device is described. The device foot can include a rigid weight bearing member and a flexible sealing member that is integrally formed with the weight bearing member. The device foot can be formed using a double-shot injection molding process. The weight bearing member of the foot can be mounted to an interior portion of the electronic device such that it extends through an external casing of the electronic device. The flexible sealing member can be mounted to the external casing to seal the interior of the electronic device. During operation of the electronic device, the device foot can be configured to move relative to the external casing, such as in response to an external force applied to the electronic device.
Claims20
An input device, comprising:
- an external casing, comprising:
- a top surface configured to receive an external force in accordance with a touch event at a location on the top surface,
- a sensor for detecting the touch event, the detecting in accordance with the external force, and
- a bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising at least two moveable feet;
- and
- a cylindrical portion integrally formed with the external casing, the cylindrical portion configured to enclose and support a plurality of electrical components, the cylindrical portion comprising:
- a first end,
- an input button at the first end of the cylindrical portion used to power on and power off the input device, and
- at least one stationery foot located at a bottom side of the cylindrical portion, wherein during operation, the input device is configured to rest on the at least two moveable feet in an extended position and the stationary foot and in response to the external force, the top surface moves downwards concurrently with the at least two moveable feet recessing into the external casing in a retracted position, the movement providing detectable tactile feedback and a signal to an external circuit in communication with the input device.
An electronic device comprising:
- a casing;
- a touch-based interface;
- a foot mounted within the casing and extending outside the casing through an aperture of the casing, the foot configured to carry a portion of the weight of the electronic device and to contribute to a range of movement associated with the touch-based interface;
- and
- a switch disposed within the casing and configured to receive an external force through the foot, wherein the switch provides a signal indicating the external force has been detected when the external force transmitted by the foot actuates the switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.