Accessory device with hidden internal button feature

Abstract

To provide an accessory device having a button.SOLUTION: An accessory device 100 contains modification and a feature for hiding an internal feature of a button 106a positioned onto a button 184 of an electron device 180, and preventing light from passing through some places of the button. The button contains: some pillars 112a to 112c; and compressibility members 114a and 114b that are provided to between the pillars. Each compressibility member may be adopted to a shape of each pillar. The button may further contain a seal extended to a circumference of the button in order to hide an internal feature of the button. In addition, the button may contain an extension part for further hiding an internal construction element. In addition, the button may contain a reflection prevention coating. The modification to a side wall 104a may contain a lip 128 having a height, which is used with each compressibility member and / or the extension part of the button that are / is inclined toward the button in order to hide the internal feature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,802, filed on September 11, 2023, entitled "ACCESSORY DEVICE WITH CONCEALED INTERNAL BUTTONS FEATURES", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to buttons for a device, and more particularly, to buttons that are indirectly coupled to an accessory device and include modifications for concealing internal features of the buttons.

Background Art

[0003] Accessory devices (e.g., cases) for electronic devices include buttons located at locations corresponding to the electronic device buttons. When the buttons are in a rest position or non - operative position, some internal features of the buttons (e.g., button pillars) may be visible at several locations across the distribution. As a result, the user can see the internal features, which may thus reduce the overall aesthetic appearance of the accessory device. One solution is to make the walls of the accessory device thicker. However, this may interfere with the minimum movement required on the accessory device buttons for desired functionality (e.g., to operate the electronic device buttons).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] The specific features of the technology of this application are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, some embodiments of the technology of this application are shown in the following figures.

[0005] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an example of an accessory device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0006] [Figure 2]The following are plan views of an accessory device and an electronic device located within the accessory device according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 3] An oblique view of an example of a button relating to an aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0008] [Figure 4] A plan view of a button according to an aspect of this disclosure is shown, and a pillar of the button and a compressible member relative to the pillar are further shown.

[0009] [Figure 5] The image shows a perspective view of the wall of an accessory device and a button designed to be coupled to the wall, according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 6] This shows a cross-sectional view of a button attached to the wall of an accessory device according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 7] A perspective view of a sticker used for a button according to an aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0012] [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a button for an accessory device according to an aspect of this disclosure is shown, and a seal attached to the button is further shown.

[0013] [Figure 9] The following cross-sectional view shows an alternative example of a button for an accessory device according to an aspect of this disclosure, illustrating modifications to both the accessory device and the button.

[0014] [Figure 10] The image shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a button for an accessory device according to an aspect of this disclosure, and shows a coating applied to the button.

[0015] [Figure 11]This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a button for an accessory device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and shows a compressible layer applied to the accessory device.

[0016] [Figure 12] A plan view of an electronic device relating to an aspect of this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The detailed description below is intended to describe various configurations of the subject art and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject art can be implemented. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes certain details to provide a complete understanding of the subject art. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject art is not limited to the certain details described herein and can be implemented without these specific details. In some examples, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagrams to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject art.

[0018] The present invention relates to accessory devices and buttons for accessory devices. “Buttons” as illustrated and / or described herein may include push buttons, touch sensors, etc., that can operate (e.g., activate) a switch, trigger, or other similar function of an electronic device. More specifically, the present invention relates to buttons indirectly coupled to accessory devices. The phrase “indirectly coupled” may refer to an intervening structure or assembly of structure coupled to both the button and the accessory device, such that the button is a “floating” button that does not physically contact the accessory device, including the walls of the accessory device (e.g., side walls). In a non-limiting example, buttons described herein may be indirectly coupled to the accessory device by a plate (e.g., a welded plate).

[0019] In addition, the technology of the present application relates to modifying buttons and / or accessory devices to hide, conceal, or otherwise obscure the internal features of the buttons. For example, a button may include a plurality of pillars and a compressible member (e.g., a foam) between adjacent pillars. The compressible member conforms to the shape of the pillars and prevents light leakage through the button while minimizing unwanted movement of the button. In other exemplary implementations, the accessory device may include a compressible layer located on the sidewall. The compressible layer may form an incline on or near the button, thereby reducing the space between the button and the accessory device. Advantageously, the modifications to the buttons and / or accessory devices described herein can focus the user's attention on the aesthetic features outside the accessory device while diverting the user's attention away from the internal features.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, these embodiments and other embodiments will be described below. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the forms for implementing the invention given in this specification with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an accessory device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The accessory device 100 may take the form of a case or protective cover for a mobile wireless communication device, including, as a non-limiting example, an electronic device such as a smartphone and a tablet computing device. As shown, the accessory device 100 includes a wall 102. The wall 102 may be referred to as a bottom wall or a rear wall. The accessory device 100 may further include several walls extending from the wall 102. For example, the accessory device 100 may include walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d. Each of the walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d may be referred to as a side wall. Collectively, the wall 102 and the walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d are combined to form an internal volume or space for receiving a mobile wireless communication device. Also, in one or more implementations, the wall 102 and the walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d may include, as a non-limiting example, a fabric layer formed from a woven or knitted fabric.

[0022] The accessory device 100 may include several features designed to accommodate one or more features of a mobile wireless communication device. For example, the accessory device 100 may include buttons 106a, 106b, and 106c, each of which is designed to be activated / pressed and move relative to a wall. For example, button 106a on wall 104a is designed to move relative to wall 104a. Also, when the mobile wireless communication device is located within the accessory device 100, each of buttons 106a, 106b, and 106c may be aligned with individual buttons of the mobile wireless communication device. In this regard, activation of button 106a (representative of buttons 106b and 106c) may result in activation of an electronic device button aligned with button 106a. Button 106a is located on wall 104a, and buttons 106b and 106c are located on wall 104c, although buttons 106a, 106b, and 106c may be located on other walls. In general, the number and location of buttons on accessory device 100 may correspond to the number and location of buttons on mobile wireless communication device, respectively.

[0023] The accessory device 100 may include several additional features designed to accommodate a mobile wireless communication device. For example, the accessory device 100 may include several openings that allow unobstructed access to the ambient environment for input / output functions for features such as an image sensor (e.g., a camera), a camera flash, and input / output ports for wired or direct contact communication of data and / or power by sensors, connectors, or surface contacts of an electronic device, including but not limited to sound, light, temperature, and pressure. In addition, the openings of the accessory device 100 may allow access to any other part or component of the electronic device, enhanced by non-attenuation, non-silence, or otherwise non-obstructive access to ambient conditions for optimal performance. As shown in the figure, the accessory device 100 may include an opening 108a formed in the wall 102. The opening 108a may accommodate one or more cameras, camera flashes, and / or microphones of a mobile wireless communication device. The accessory device 100 may further include openings 108b, 108c, and 108d formed in the wall 104b. Each of the openings 108b, 108c, and 108d may be aligned with features of the mobile wireless communication device, such as one or more audio transducers (e.g., speakers, microphones) and / or ports used for charging the battery of the mobile wireless communication device and / or for data communication to and from the mobile wireless communication device. The accessory device 100 may further include an opening 108e formed in the wall 104c. The opening 108e may accommodate a switch (e.g., a slider switch) of the mobile wireless communication device. Although the openings 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, and 108e are shown in separate locations, the openings 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, and 108e may generally be located anywhere on the accessory device 100 to accommodate features of the mobile wireless communication device.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a plan view of an accessory device 100 and an electronic device 180 located within the accessory device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The electronic device 180 may take the form of a mobile wireless communication device. The electronic device 180 may include a display 182 designed to present visual content (e.g., text information, still images, moving images). The electronic device 180 may further include a button 184 designed to allow the user to interact with the display 182, for example, by selecting an option presented on the display 182, changing the visual content on the display 182, and / or activating / deactivating the display 182. As shown in the enlarged view, the button 106a of the accessory device 100 is located in a location corresponding to the location of the button 184. Thus, the button 106a is aligned with and covers the button 184, and the operation of the button 106a may result in the corresponding operation of the button 184. Although not explicitly shown, the electronic device 180 may include two additional buttons, and buttons 106b and 106c of the accessory device 100 may be located in the corresponding locations of the two individual buttons.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a button 106a according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The button 106a may be formed from various materials. For example, in one or more mounting configurations, the button 106a is formed from a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or an alloy including aluminum or stainless steel). The button 106a may include a surface 110a. When the button 106a is integrated with an accessory device (e.g., accessory device 100 shown in Figure 1), surface 110a represents an external surface that can be interacted with bidirectionally by the user. The button 106a may further include a surface 110b opposite to surface 110a. Based on the fact that surfaces 110a and 110b are part of the button 106a, each of surfaces 110a and 110b may be referred to as a button surface. When the button 106a is integrated with an accessory device, surface 110b represents an internal surface. The button 106a may further include several pillars. For example, button 106a may include pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c, each extending from surface 110b. Pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c may represent extensions or cylinders of button 106a used in conjunction with activating a mobile wireless communication device button (not shown in Figure 3). In one or more implementations, each of pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c is formed in a rhomboid shape; however, other shapes are possible. The size and / or shape of pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c may vary according to the corresponding button or sensor of the electronic device, and in particular according to the function of the corresponding button or sensor of the electronic device that can activate or trigger button 106a. Furthermore, while pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c generally have the same shape, pillar 112b (located between pillars 112a and 112c) may have a size and volume larger than the respective sizes and volumes of pillars 112a and 112c. Also, although pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c represent the three pillars of button 106a, the number of pillars may vary. For example, in one or more implementations, two pillars extend from button 106a.

[0026] Several compressible members may be integrated with the button 106a between adjacent or consecutive pillars. For example, compressible member 114a may be located between pillar 112a and pillar 112b, and compressible member 114b may be located between pillar 112b and pillar 112c. In one or more implementations, each of the compressible members 114a and 114b includes foam. In this regard, compressible members 114a and 114b may be designed to deform in response to applied force. When the button 106a is integrated with the accessory device 100, each of the compressible members 114a and 114b may restrict or prevent the movement of the button 106a when the accessory device 100 is shaken or moved suddenly. Beneficially, the button 106a, which may be formed from a rigid material (one or more) (e.g., metal (one or more)) based on the compressible members 114a and 114b, is less prone to rattling and less likely to produce undesirable noise.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a plan view of button 106a, further illustrating pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c of button 106a and compressible members 114a and 114b for pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more mounting configurations, the shape of each compressible member 114a and 114b conforms to or adapts to the shapes of multiple pillars. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, each of pillars 112a and 112b includes convex surfaces 116a and 116b, respectively. Thus, pillars 112a and 112b (and pillar 112c) may include at least one rounded corner. To conform to the respective shapes of pillars 112a and 112b, the compressible member 114a includes concave surfaces 118a and 118b that conform to the convex surfaces 116a and 116b, respectively. The concave surfaces 118a and 118b of the compressible member 114a may allow the compressible member 114a to overlap, or at least partially overlap, with each of pillars 112a and 112b. The compressible member 114b and pillars 112b and 112c may have similar relationships with respect to each other. In this regard, light traveling in the direction indicated by arrow 120 is blocked, or at least substantially blocked, from passing through button 106a between pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a wall 104a of an accessory device 100 and a button 106a designed to couple with the wall 104a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the wall 104a includes surfaces 122a and 122b, where surface 122b is flush with (e.g., below) surface 122a. Partly due to the fact that the wall 104a is characterized as a side wall, each of surfaces 122a and 122b may be characterized as a side wall surface. The wall 104a may further include several openings formed through surface 122b. For example, the wall 104a includes openings 124a, 124b, and 124c. In one or more implementation embodiments, openings 124a, 124b, and 124c may include sizes and shapes that accommodate pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c, respectively. As a result, when button 106a is connected to wall 104a, pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c are located within, or at least partially within, openings 124a, 124b, and 124c, respectively.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a button 106a coupled to a wall 104a of an accessory device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wall 104a may comprise one or more materials. For example, in one or more mounting configurations, the wall 104a comprises a molded polymer shell. In non-limiting examples, the molded polymer shell may comprise polyester. Furthermore, the wall 104a may comprise a woven fabric layer (e.g., woven or knitted fabric) covering the molded polymer shell. The compressible members 114a and 114b may also be fixed to the button 106a by adhesive (shown in the figure but not reference numerals).

[0030] The accessory device 100 may include a plate 126. In one or more mounting configurations, the plate 126 includes sheet metal. To secure the button 106a to the accessory device 100, the plate 126 may be welded to the button 106a, or it may be bonded to the wall 104a of the accessory device 100, for example, by adhesive or ultrasonic welding. In this regard, the plate 126 may take the form of a welded plate. Furthermore, the wall 104a may be modified to be fixed to the plate 126. For example, the wall 104a may include a lip 128 extending around the button 106a. The lip 128 may provide additional material to conceal the internal features of the button 106a. As shown, the lip 128 may provide a surface to which the plate 126 is firmly fixed to the wall 104a. The button 106a may also include a ledge 129 extending around the button 106a. As shown in the illustration, the ledge 129 may provide the button 106a with an additional structure that extends laterally beyond other features of the button 106a (e.g., pillars 112a, 112b, and 112c). Based on the lip 128 and ledge 129 extending toward each other, the internal features of the button 106a can be further concealed from view. The plate 126 may be covered with the label 130 to conceal welding marks or other markings.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the button 106a of the accessory device 100 is located above the button 184 of the electronic device 180. In this regard, when the button 106a is actuated in the direction of arrow 132, the button 106a may cause the button 184 to actuate. Furthermore, in order to reduce the tolerance stack of the accessory device 100 and / or the electronic device 180, the wall 104a may further include a standoff 134 extending around the button 106a. Advantageously, the standoff 134 may allow the wall 104a to include a relatively thin wall. The standoff 134 may also prevent the button 184 from coming into contact with the accessory device 100 when removing the electronic device 180 from the accessory device 100. As shown in the figure, the standoff 134 is perpendicular to the lip 128, or at least substantially perpendicular. The standoff 134 may include, as a non-limiting example, a molded polymer or elastomer.

[0032] Figures 7 to 11 show and / or describe alternative examples of accessory devices and / or features integrated with accessory devices. The accessory devices shown and / or described in Figures 7 to 11 may include at least some structures and related features and functions of accessory device 100 (shown in Figures 1 to 6). In addition, in one or more implementations, accessory device 100 may be modified to include at least some structures and related features and functions of the accessory devices shown and / or described in Figures 7 to 11.

[0033] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a seal 240 for use in a button according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the seal 240 may take the form of a ring or a ring-shaped structure. The seal 240 may be formed from one or more compressible materials, such as rubber, as a non-limiting example. As shown, the seal 240 includes part 242a and part 242b.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a button 206 for an accessory device 200 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. A seal 240 coupled to the button 206 is further shown. As shown, portion 242a of the seal 240 is located within a cavity (shown but not reference numeral) of the button 206. The cavity may be formed, in non-limiting examples, by a cutting operation on the button 206, such as a T-cut operation. Portion 242b may take the form of a tail extending from the button 206. Based on the position of the seal 240, and in particular the position of portion 242b of the seal 240, the seal 240 can prevent the ingress of contaminants and / or liquids from reaching an electronic device 280 located within the accessory device 200. Furthermore, the seal 240 may conceal or cover at least some internal features of the accessory device 200 (e.g., internal features of the button 206), thus reducing the visibility of the internal features of the accessory device 200.

[0035] As further illustrated, the button 206 of the accessory device 200 is aligned with the button 284 of the electronic device 280. When the button 206 is actuated in the direction of arrow 244, the button 206 may cause the corresponding actuation of the button 284. The seal 240 moves with the button 206 and may come into contact with the wall 204 of the accessory device 200, but the seal 240 may nevertheless be compressed and / or deformed in response to contact with the wall 204. Advantageously, the seal 240 may be positioned relatively close to the wall 204 without affecting the movement of the button 206. Also, the button 206 and the seal 240 may be made of different materials. For example, the button 206 may include a rigid material (e.g., metal), and the seal 240 may include a non-rigid material (e.g., rubber).

[0036] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a button 306 for an accessory device 300 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, illustrating modifications to both the accessory device 300 and the button 306. As shown, the button 306 includes a surface 310a and a surface 310b opposite to surface 310a. The button 306 may further include an extension 346 extending from surface 310b. The extension 346 may represent additional material of the button 306 used to conceal or cover one or more internal features of the button 306. The extension 346 may also extend around the button 306.

[0037] The accessory device 300 may include modifications to conceal the internal features of the button 306. For example, the accessory device 300 may include a wall 304 containing a lip 332. As shown, the lip 332 includes different sections having different heights. For example, the lip 332 may include a section 348a of a certain height and a section 348b of a different height than section 348a. As shown, section 348b is higher than section 348a (e.g., at a higher height). Based on the position of section 348b of the lip 332 relative to the extension 346, the gap (indicated by double-headed arrows) may be smaller than the gap of an accessory device that does not have an extension or a section with height. Advantageously, the gap is smaller and therefore further conceals one or more internal features of the button 306.

[0038] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a button 406 for an accessory device 400 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, showing a coating 450 applied to the button 406. In one or more implementations, the coating 450 includes an anti-reflective material designed to minimize the reflection of light incident on the coating 450. In this regard, the coating 450 may include several small holes designed to receive incident light and reflect it internally. In one or more implementations, the coating 450 includes a light-absorbing material designed to absorb light incident on the coating 450. Thus, the coating 450 may be referred to as a light-absorbing coating. Beneficially, by implementing the coating 450 on the button 406, it is possible to reduce the visibility of at least some internal features of the button 406 to the user of the accessory device 400.

[0039] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a button 506 for an accessory device 500 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, showing a compressible layer 552 applied to the accessory device 500. As shown, the accessory device 500 includes a wall 504 comprising a compressible layer 552 and a fabric layer 554, the fabric layer 554 covering the compressible layer 552. In one or more mounting configurations, the compressible layer 552 includes, as a non-limiting example, a foam such as closed-cell foam. In one or more mounting configurations, the compressible layer 552 includes rubber or plastic having a relatively low durometer. The compressible layer 552 may be sloped and vary in thickness (e.g., thicker) on or beneath the button 506 (as oriented in Figure 11). In this regard, the gap between the button 506 and the wall 504 may be reduced, thus concealing at least some internal features of the button 506. An accessory device 500 is used to conceal the compressible layer 552. In one or more implementations, the fabric layer 554 includes a woven or knitted fabric.

[0040] Button 506 may be actuated in the direction of arrow 556 to activate button 584 of electronic device 580. As a result, button 506 may engage with wall 504 (including fabric layer 554). However, based on the material composition, the compressible layer 552 may be compressed and reduced in size, thus allowing button 506 to actuate button 584.

[0041] Figure 12 shows a plan view of an electronic device 680 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The electronic device 680 may include a display 682 and an enclosure 686 coupled to the display 682. The electronic device 680 may further include several buttons, such as button 684a, button 684b, and button 684c. In one or more implementations, at least one of buttons 684a, 684b, and 684c includes one or more features of a button for an accessory device(s) shown and / or described herein. As a result, the electronic device 680 may be designed to conceal at least several internal features of one or more of buttons 684a, 684b, and 684c that are modified versions of buttons shown and / or described herein for an accessory device(s).

[0042] Various embodiments of the aspects of this disclosure are described below for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the subject art.

[0043] Item A: The accessory device may include a side wall. The accessory device may further include a button coupled to the side wall. The button may include a first button surface, a second button surface opposite the first button surface, a first pillar extending from the second button surface, and a second pillar extending from the second button surface. The accessory device may further include a compressible member located between the first pillar and the second pillar.

[0044] Item B: The accessory device may include a side wall. The side wall may include a first extension and a second extension. The accessory device may further include a button coupled to the side wall. The button may include a first pillar, a second pillar, and a third pillar. The first extension may be located between the first pillar and the second pillar, and the second extension may be located between the second pillar and the third pillar.

[0045] Item C: The accessory device may include a side wall including a lip. The lip may include a first section at a first height and a second section at a second height different from the first height. The accessory device may include a button coupled to the side wall. The button may include a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an extension extending from the second surface. The extension may be aligned with the first section.

[0046] One or more of the above items may include one or more of the following characteristics. Note that any of the following items may be combined in any combination and included in each of the independent items, for example, A, B, or C.

[0047] Item 1: The side wall includes a first opening and a second opening, and the first pillar and the second pillar are located within the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

[0048] Item 2: The side wall includes a first side wall surface and a second side wall surface that is substantially flush with the first side wall surface. The first and second openings may be formed on the second side wall surface.

[0049] Item 3: Further includes buttons and plates attached to the side walls.

[0050] Item 4: The second sidewall surface defines the lip, and the plate is joined to the lip.

[0051] Item 5: Compressible members include foam.

[0052] Item 6: The first pillar includes a first rounded corner, the second pillar includes a second rounded corner, and the foam conforms to the first and second rounded corners.

[0053] Item 7: Further includes a seal integrated with the button and extending from the surface of a second button. The button may include a first material, and the seal may include a second material different from the first material.

[0054] Item 8: The side wall further includes a first side wall surface and a second side wall surface that is flush with or less flush with the first side wall surface, and the first and second extensions extend from the second side wall surface.

[0055] Item 9: The sidewall includes a lip, and the button includes a ledge that at least partially covers the lip.

[0056] Item 10: The side wall further includes a standoff, which is perpendicular to the lip.

[0057] Item 11: Further includes a first compressible member located between a first pillar and a second pillar, and a second compressible member located between a second pillar and a third pillar.

[0058] Item 12: The second pillar is located between the first and third pillars, the first and third pillars comprising a first size, and the second pillar comprising a second size which is larger than the first size.

[0059] Item 13: The button's operation moves the extended portion toward the first section.

[0060] Item 14: The buttons include a light-absorbing coating.

[0061] Item 15: The button further includes a pillar, and the light-absorbing coating is located on the pillar and the second surface.

[0062] Item 16: Further includes a compressible member that fits the pillar.

[0063] Item 17: Further includes a button and a welded plate joined to the second section.

[0064] It is well understood that the use of personal information should adhere to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personal data should be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to the user.

[0065] When used herein, the phrase “at least one” preceding a set of items, along with the terms “and” or “or” separating any of the items, qualifies the list as a whole, rather than each element of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one” does not require the selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, it allows for meanings including at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refer, respectively, to A only, B only, or C only, any combination of A, B, and C, and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0066] The predicates “configured to,” “operable to,” and “programmed to” are not intended to imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of the object, but rather to be interchangeable. In one or more implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control operations or components may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control operations, or that the processor is operable to monitor and control operations. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor that is programmed to execute code, or operable to execute code.

[0067] When an element is referred to herein as being "connected" or "joined" to another element, it should be understood that those elements may be directly connected to the other element or may have intervening elements between them. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly joined" to another element, it should be understood that there are no intervening elements in the "direct" connection between the elements. However, the existence of a direct connection does not preclude other connections in which intervening elements may exist.

[0068] The terms "one aspect," "that aspect," "another aspect," "several aspects," "one or more aspects," "one implementation," "that implementation," "another implementation," "several implementations," "one or more implementations," "one embodiment," "that embodiment," "another embodiment," "several embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "one configuration," "that configuration," "another configuration," "several configurations," "one or more configurations," "the subject art," "disclosure," "this disclosure," "other variations thereof," and similar phrases are for convenience only and do not imply that disclosures relating to such phrases (singular or plural) are essential to the subject art or that such disclosures apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to such phrases (singular or plural) may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures relating to such phrases (singular or plural) may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "aspect" or "several aspects" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, as with the other aforementioned phrases.

[0069] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “to serve as an example, case, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” or “example” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that terms such as “include” and “have” are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be comprehensive in the same manner as the term “comprise,” as “comprise” is construed as when “comprise” is used as a transitional term in the claims.

[0070] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of various aspects described herein, whether known to those skilled in the art or to become known thereafter, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is to be made public, whether such disclosure is expressly enumerated in the claims. No element of any claim should be construed under Section 112, paragraph 6 of the United States Patent Act unless the element is expressly enumerated using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is enumerated using the phrase “step for”.

[0071] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can also be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the claims are not intended to limit themselves to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to encompass the entire scope consistent with the literal claims, and references to elements in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one" unless otherwise noted, but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise noted, the term "some" refers to one or more things. Masculine pronouns (e.g., he) include feminine and neuter genders (e.g., she and her), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure of this application.

Claims

1. An accessory device for electronic devices, Side walls and, A button attached to the aforementioned side wall, wherein the button is The first button surface and A second button surface facing the first button surface, A first pillar extending from the second button surface, wherein the first pillar includes a first convex surface having a first rounded corner, A button comprising: a second pillar extending from the surface of the second button, the second pillar including a second convex surface having a second rounded corner; An accessory device comprising: a compressible member located between the first pillar and the second pillar, wherein the compressible member includes a first concave surface and a second concave surface that conform to the first convex surface and the second convex surface, respectively.

2. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the side wall includes a first opening and a second opening, and the first pillar and the second pillar are located within the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

3. The aforementioned side wall is The first side wall surface and This includes a second side wall surface that is flush with or less flush with the first side wall surface, The accessory device according to claim 2, wherein the first opening and the second opening are formed on the surface of the second side wall.

4. The accessory device according to claim 3, further comprising the button and a plate coupled to the side wall.

5. The aforementioned side wall defines the lip, The plate is connected to the lip, The accessory device according to claim 4.

6. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the compressible member includes a foam.

7. The foam conforms to the first rounded corner and the second rounded corner. The accessory device according to claim 6.

8. The seal is integrated with the aforementioned button and further extends from the surface of the second button, The aforementioned button comprises the first material, The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a second material different from the first material.

9. The accessory device according to claim 8, wherein the seal moves together with the button and compresses and / or deforms in response to contact with the side wall of the accessory device.

10. The accessory device according to claim 8, wherein the first material is a rigid material and the second material is a non-rigid material.

11. The aforementioned side wall further includes a standoff, The accessory device according to claim 5, wherein the standoff is perpendicular to the lip.

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