Handheld electronic device

US11522983B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Apple Inc. · US

Inventors

• Eric W. Bates · Lafayette, US
• Xiao Ying Zhao · Santa Clara, US
• Luman Zhang · Sunnyvale, US
• Christopher R. Xydis · Mill Valley, US
• Michael W. Firka · Santa Clara, US
• Benjamin J. Kallman · Menlo Park, US
• Ihtesham H. Chowdhury · Cupertino, US
• Matthew D. Hill · Santa Clara, US
• Hugh J. Jay · Mountain View, US
• Trent Canales · Roseville, US
• Lucy E. Browning · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2020
• Grant date: Dec 6, 2022
• Expiry date: Oct 12, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H05K1/147
• WIPO field: Audio-visual technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A portable electronic device includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a housing structure between and coupled to the front cover and the rear cover. The housing structure includes a first housing member defining and a first interlock feature formed along a first end surface. The portable electronic device also includes a second housing member defining a second interlock feature formed along a second end surface. The portable electronic device also includes a nonconductive joining element engaged with the first interlock feature and the second interlock feature, thereby structurally coupling the first housing member to the second housing member.