Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02703327 2010-05-06
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GASKET FOR A MOBILE DEVICE HAVING A TOUCH SENSITIVE DISPLAY
BACKGROUND
[0001] This disclosure relates to mobile devices. More specifically, the
disclosure is directed at mobile devices including touch sensitive displays.
[0002] A primary benefit of a mobile device such as, for example, a
BlackBerry
(TM) is its portability. As the mobile device is not physically tethered to a
specific
location, the user can operate the mobile device almost anywhere. However, the
portable nature of the mobile device also means that the mobile device may be
constantly handled and, thus, is exposed to a wide array of potentially
harmful
conditions.
[0003] Increasingly, such mobile devices include touch sensitive displays
instead
of the conventional separate display and controls. Unlike mobile devices
having a
display and controls that are separate, touch sensitive displays combine a
display for
the presentation of a user interface and one or more sensors for detecting
when a
portion of the touch sensitive display has been contacted by a user. As
touching or
depression are common events for detection by the sensors, the touch sensitive
display may need to be displaceable relative to the housing of the mobile
device
depending on the particular touch screen technology that is employed.
[0004] However, after repeated use and exposure to various environmental
conditions, the mechanical components of the touch sensitive display or their
responsiveness to user operation may degrade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is
now
made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the
accompanying
drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent
like
parts.
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobile device including a touch
sensitive
display;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a mobile
device in
which a gasket is located between a housing and a touch sensitive display
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subassembly, and the gasket is attached to the touch sensitive display
subassembly
and contacts a tray, a bezel of a display, and a lens of the subassembly;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but in which the
touch
sensitive display subassembly has been contacted and is depressed relative to
the
housing;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a mobile
device
in which a gasket is attached to the touch sensitive display subassembly,
contacts a
lens and a bezel of the display, and has a rib extending toward the housing;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but in which the
touch
sensitive display subassembly has been contacted and is depressed relative to
the
housing, causing the rib to approach a ledge formed on the housing;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a
mobile
device in which a gasket is attached to a portion of the housing and the
gasket
includes a shedding portion and a centering portion;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 in
which the
touch sensitive display subassembly has been contacted and is depressed
relative
to the housing; and
[0013] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7, but in which the
touch
sensitive display subassembly has been depressed in such a manner as to cause
the touch sensitive display subassembly to angle relative to the housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] A mobile device is disclosed that includes a housing, a touch
sensitive
display subassembly, and a gasket. The touch sensitive display subassembly is
received in the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The touch
sensitive
display subassembly includes a lens overlaying a display. The gasket is
attached
to only one of the housing and the touch sensitive display subassembly. This
gasket inhibits passage of debris between the housing and the touch screen
display
subassembly.
[0015] In some forms, the gasket may be attached to the touch sensitive
display
subassembly and substantially forms a seal between a perimeter of the lens and
a
perimeter of the touch sensitive display subassembly to inhibit passage of
debris
between the lens and the display. In one form, the gasket may be located
between
the lens and a tray supporting the display. In this form, the touch sensitive
display
subassembly may be movable between a first position in which the gasket
further
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contacts the housing to substantially form a seal between the housing and the
touch
sensitive display subassembly, and a second position in which at least a
portion of
the gasket is separated from the housing. In another form, the gasket may be
located between the lens and a bezel of the display. The gasket may further
include a rib that extends toward a facing wall of the housing of the mobile
device to
inhibit passage of debris between the housing and the touch sensitive display
subassembly.
[0016] In other forms, the gasket may include a shedding portion and a
centering
portion. The shedding portion may be located proximate a gap between the
housing and the lens and shaped so as to direct any debris passing through the
gap
away from the touch sensitive display subassembly. The centering portion may
contact a periphery of the touch sensitive display to urge the touch sensitive
display
subassembly toward a centered position within the housing.
[0017] In one form, this gasket including shedding and centering portions
may be
attached to the housing. The centering portion may be curved and at least a
portion
of the centering portion may form a sliding seal between the gasket and the
touch
sensitive display subassembly. The centering portion may include a convex
surface
and may extend from the shedding portion to a terminal end. The convex surface
may form the sliding seal with one of the touch sensitive display subassembly
and
the housing and the terminal end may contact the other of the touch sensitive
display
subassembly and the housing. The centering portion may further include a
concave
surface opposing the convex surface. The concave surface may face a space
between the centering portion and one of the touch sensitive display
subassembly
and the housing for deflection of the centering portion. The convex surface
and the
concave surface may define a section of the centering portion having a
substantially
constant wall thickness.
[0018] In other forms, the gasket may be composed of an elastically
deformable
polymeric material.
[0019] In still other forms, the gasket may provide improved impact
resistance
upon a drop of the mobile device. The gasket may include a rib that contacts a
facing
wall of the housing to cushion an impact of the drop when the mobile device is
dropped and the drop causes the rib of the touch sensitive display subassembly
to
move laterally towards the facing wall of the housing. The gasket may include
an
upwardly facing surface that contacts a downwardly facing surface of the
housing to
cushion an impact of the drop when the mobile device is dropped and the drop
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causes the touch sensitive display subassembly to move in a direction
perpendicular
to a plane of the lens.
[0020] In yet another form, the gasket may be attached to the touch
sensitive
display subassembly and may include a body section with a fin extending from
the
body section. The body section may reside in a pocket defined at least in part
by a
tray of the touch sensitive display subassembly that also supports the
display. The
fin may extend upwardly at an angle towards the lens, which the fin abuts. The
touch sensitive display subassembly may be movable between a non-contacted
position and a contacted position. In the non-contacted position, an upwardly
facing
surface of the body portion of the gasket contacts a surface of the housing to
inhibit
the passage of debris into the mobile device. In the contacted position, the
upwardly facing surface of the gasket is separated from the surface of the
housing.
[0021] Another mobile device is disclosed that includes a housing, a touch
sensitive display subassembly, and a gasket. The touch sensitive display
subassembly is received in the housing and is movable relative to the housing.
The
touch sensitive display subassembly includes a lens overlaying a display. The
gasket is attached to the touch sensitive display subassembly and
substantially
forms a seal between a perimeter of the lens and a perimeter of the touch
sensitive
display subassembly to inhibit passage of debris between the lens and the
display.
The gasket includes a shedding portion and a centering portion. The shedding
portion is located proximate a gap between the housing and the lens and is
shaped
so as to direct any debris passing through the gap away from the touch
sensitive
display subassembly. The centering portion contacts a periphery of the touch
sensitive display to urge the touch sensitive display subassembly toward a
centered
position within the housing.
[0022] Yet another mobile device is disclosed having a housing, a touch
sensitive
display, and a gasket. Again, the touch sensitive display subassembly is
received
in the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The touch sensitive
display
subassembly includes a lens overlaying a display. The gasket attached to the
touch sensitive display subassembly and substantially forms a seal between a
perimeter of the lens and a perimeter of the touch sensitive display
subassembly to
inhibit passage of debris between the lens and the display. The touch
sensitive
display subassembly is movable between a first position in which the gasket
further
contacts the housing to substantially form a seal between the housing and the
touch
sensitive display subassembly, and second position in which at least a portion
of the
gasket is separated from the housing.
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CA 02703327 2012-12-03
[0023] Thus, a mobile device is disclosed that has a gasket that
prevents various
kinds of debris, such as fluids, particulates, or the like, from compromising
the operation
of a touch sensitive display. Such debris could otherwise enter and collect in
a space
between the lens and the display, giving the touch sensitive display the
appearance of
being dirty. When debris collects in a thin volume between the assembled lens
and the
display, it is not readily cleanable by the user. Further, debris could
collect under the
touch sensitive display subassembly preventing the full downward deflection of
the
subassembly or could otherwise contaminate functional components, such as
underlying piezoelectric sensors. However, the disclosed mobile device
includes a
gasket that inhibits the passage of debris into the mobile device and/or
directs any
debris that enters the mobile device away from the areas of the mobile device
that
would impair the operation or appearance of the touch sensitive display.
[0024] As the gasket is attached to one of the housing and the touch
sensitive
display subassembly, but not the other, the ease of movement of the touch
sensitive
display subassembly is only minimally limited. Unlike a hermitic seal
connected to both
the housing and the touch sensitive display, the disclosed gaskets allow for
more
freedom of movement of the touch sensitive display relative to the housing as
the
sealing force is low.
[0025] Additionally, the gasket may act as a shock absorber if the
mobile device
is dropped. The gasket may cushion sudden impacts in a direction of deflection
(along
the Z-axis) of the touch sensitive display, in directions perpendicular to the
direction of
deflection (in the X-Y plane), or in a combination of multiple directions.
[0026] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the
disclosure,
then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described. The following
description and
the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the
disclosure.
However, these aspects are indicative of but a few of the various ways in
which the
principles of the disclosure can be employed. Other aspects, advantages and
novel
features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed
description
of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
[0027] The various aspects of the subject disclosure are now described with
reference to the annexed drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like or
corresponding
elements throughout. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and
detailed description relating thereto are not intended to limit the claimed
subject matter
to the particular form disclosed. .
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CA 02703327 2012-12-03
[0028] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example,
instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as
"exemplary" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs.
[0029] Referring first to FIG. 1, a mobile device 100 is shown. The mobile
device 100 is preferably a two-way communication device, but could be any kind
of
mobile device 100 including, but not limited to, cellular phones, personal
digital
assistants, and the like. The mobile device 100 may be used as a phone, a
digital
media player, a camera, an e-mail client, an application platform, as well as
many other
functional uses for a mobile device that are known to those skilled in the
art.
[0030] The mobile device 100 includes a housing 102 that supports
the various
components of the mobile device 100. Most prominently, a touch sensitive
display 104
is located on the front face the mobile device 100. The touch sensitive
display 104 is
generally rectangular and extends across the majority of the front face. The
touch
sensitive display 104 is configured to display a user interface using a liquid
crystal
display and includes sensors for detecting the touch of a contacting member,
such as a
finger or a stylus, on the touch sensitive display 104. In addition to
detecting the touch
of a contacting member, the touch sensitive display 104 may be configured to
detect
contact pressure above a predetermined threshold and the touch sensitive
display 104
may physically deflect or "click" at this threshold, providing the user with
haptic
feedback of the touch event.
[0031] Although the touch sensitive display 104 dominates the front
face of the
mobile device 100, other components are also located on the housing 102.
Proximate
the bottom edge of the touch sensitive display 104, a set of shortcut keys 106
are
positioned adjacent to the touch sensitive display 104. The shortcut keys 106
provide
dedicated buttons for quick access to the portions of the user interface
related to
particular uses of the mobile device 100, such as phone, email, web browser,
or the
like. It is contemplated that the shortcut keys 106 need not be dedicated,
actuable
buttons as shown in FIG. 1, but could be part of the touch sensitive display
and include
indicia thereon to indicate their functionality. On the other side of the
touch sensitive
display 104, a speaker 108 is located. Although not shown, a microphone is
also
located on the mobile device 100.
[0032] Along the lateral walls of the mobile device 100, various
controls and
connecters are located including a headphone jack 110 for connecting a set of
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CA 02703327 2010-05-06
headphones to the mobile device 100, a convenience key 112 for performing
common tasks (e.g., opening an application, taking a picture using the built
in-
camera, and the like), volume keys 114 for adjustment of the volume of the
speaker
108, and a USB port (not shown) for connecting the mobile device 100 to a
computer. However, it is recognized that the mobile device 100 could include
fewer
or additional controls and connectors, as deemed necessary to suit the
application.
[0033] Various cross-sectional views of mobile devices similar to the
mobile
device 100 of FIG. 1 are now disclosed. These cross-sectional views are taken
near the interface or seam between the housing and the touch sensitive display
of
the mobile device. Conventionally, the seam between the housing and the touch
sensitive display provides a pathway for debris such as fluid, dust,
particulates, dirt,
and the like to enter the mobile device. FIGS. 2-8 show various gasket
configurations which can be used to prevent exposure of sensitive parts of the
touch
sensitive display to this debris. It should be appreciated that the shown and
described embodiments may include structural differences because of the
particular
location about the perimeter at which the cross section is taken or because of
alterations to the housing or touch sensitive display.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a detailed cross-sectional view of a
mobile device 200 through an area proximate a seam 202 between a housing 204
and a touch sensitive display subassembly 206 is shown. A gasket 208 is
attached
to the touch sensitive display subassembly 206 and extends about the perimeter
of
the touch sensitive display subassembly 206. The touch sensitive display
subassembly 206 and the attached gasket 208 are movable relative to the
housing
204 between a first non-contacted position, such as is shown in FIG. 2, and a
second contacted position, such as is shown in FIG. 3.
[0035] In the form shown, the housing 204 contains multiple sections. A
first
exterior housing portion 210 and a second exterior housing portion 212 are
made of
a hard plastic material to provide a comfortable material for the handling of
the
mobile device, although it is appreciated that other materials having similar
properties may be utilized. The housing 204 further includes a sheet metal
portion
214 that adds additional structural strength to the mobile device and may
provide a
frame for the assembly of the various internal components. The exterior
housing
portions 210 and 212 and the sheet metal portion 214 may be directly or
indirectly
joined to each other in any number of ways including fasteners, adhesives,
snapping
portions formed into the housing members, or the like.
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= CA 02703327 2010-05-06
[0036] The touch sensitive display subassembly 206 contains many
components,
including a tray 216 that supports a carrier 218 holding a liquid crystal
display 220.
A lens 222 overlies the liquid crystal display 220 and is attached by an
adhesive 224.
The lens 222 provides a surface for contact by the user and protects the
liquid
crystal display 220 from the direct contact of the contacting member which
could
cause color distortions in or damage to the liquid crystal display 220.
[0037] The tray 216 sits on multiple piezoelectric sensors (not shown) that
permit
the deflection of the touch sensitive display subassembly 206 relative to the
housing
204. As the piezoelectric sensors are typically rigidly attached to both the
housing
204 and the tray 216 of the touch sensitive display subassembly 206, when the
lens
222 (or other overlying protective layer) of the touch sensitive display
subassembly
206 is contacted and deflected relative to the housing 204, the piezoelectric
sensors
detect this event and relay this information to a processor which can
determine the
section of the touch sensitive display that has been contacted and determine
the
type of contact made by the contacting member.
[0038] The gasket 208 surrounds the perimeter of the touch sensitive
display
subassembly 206. In the form shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gasket 208 has a body
section 226 with a thin fin 228 extending therefrom. The body section 226
resides
in a pocket defined between the tray 216 and the carrier 218. The fin 228
extends
upwardly at an angle towards the lens 222, which the fin 228 abuts. Although
alternate materials with similar properties may be used, the gasket 208 may be
composed of a polymeric material such as silicone, which provides the gasket
208
with some elasticity and durability. The gasket 208 may be held in place
relative to
the touch sensitive display subassembly 206 by adhesives or the like, or the
gasket
208 may be held in place by the geometric placement of the surrounding
components (i.e. the tray 216, the carrier 218, the lens 222, and the like).
[0039] This placement of the gasket 208 prevents debris from the external
environment from entering the touch sensitive display subassembly 206 when the
subassembly is in either the first non-contacted position or the second
contacted
position. The gasket 208 isolates the interface between the lens 222 and the
liquid
crystal display 220 from debris from the external environment.
[0040] Further, in some positions, the gasket 208 may prevent debris from
entering a space between the touch sensitive display subassembly 206 and the
housing 204. When the touch sensitive display subassembly 206 is in the first
non-
contacted position of FIG. 2, a top surface 230 of the body section 226 of the
gasket
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CA 02703327 2010-05-06
=
208 contacts a bottom surface 232 of the sheet metal portion 214 of the
housing
204. This contact prevents the passage of large debris into the mobile device
200.
[0041] The gasket 208 may further provide some form of protection against
sudden impact if the mobile device 200 is dropped or otherwise jolted. In the
form
shown, the gasket 208 cushions the movement of the touch sensitive display
subassembly 206 in the side-to-side direction, as sudden sideways movement of
the
touch sensitive display subassembly 206 would drive the fin 228 of the gasket
208
into a facing wall 234 of the housing 204. Likewise, some shock resistance is
provided in the direction of deflection of the touch sensitive display
subassembly
206, so if the touch sensitive display subassembly 206 is suddenly urged in a
direction out of the housing 204, the top surface 230 of the gasket 208 will
buffer this
movement.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a detailed cross-sectional view of
another
mobile device 400, that is similar, but not identical to the mobile device 200
is shown.
The mobile device 400 includes a housing 402 and a touch sensitive display
subassembly 404 with a seam 406 therebetween. Again, a gasket 408 is attached
to the touch sensitive display subassembly 404 proximate the seam 406 which
extends about the periphery of the seam 406.
[0043] The housing 402 includes multiple components including a first
portion 410
and a second portion 412. In this form, the first portion 410 includes a ledge
414
that extends from a facing wall 416 of the housing 402 towards the touch
sensitive
display subassembly 404. The ledge 414 could be integrally formed with the
first
portion 410 of the housing 402, as shown, or a portion of a separately
attached
component.
[0044] Although there are some differences, the touch sensitive display
subassembly 404 is similar to the touch sensitive display subassembly shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3. The touch sensitive display subassembly 404 includes a tray
418, a
carrier 420, a liquid crystal display 422 having a bezel 424, and a lens 426
overlying
the liquid crystal display 422 which is attached by an adhesive 428. Again the
tray
418 sits on piezoelectric sensors (not shown) or the like which are also
connected to
the housing 402 to detect any touch or contact of the touch sensitive display
subassembly 404.
[0045] However, in the form shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gasket 408 contacts
the
lens 426, a top edge of the carrier 420, and the bezel 424 of the liquid
crystal display
422. The gasket 408 substantially forms a seal that prevents debris from
passing
between the lens 426 and the liquid crystal display 422. However, unlike the
gasket
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208 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gasket 408 does not extend so far down as to
contact the tray 418.
[0046] The gasket 408 also includes a rib 430 that extends outwards toward
the
facing wall 416 of the housing 402 and resides above the ledge 414 of the
housing
402. When the touch sensitive display subassembly 404 is touched and deflects
downward, the gasket 408 moves with the touch sensitive display subassembly
404
and causes the rib 430 to travel downward towards the ledge 414 of the housing
402.
[0047] The rib 430 approaches, but usually does not contact the facing wall
416
during normal operation as the rib 430 travels between the non-contacted
position
shown in FIG. 4 and the contacted position shown in FIG. 5. The spacing
between
the tip of the rib 430 and the facing wall 416 of the housing 402 is small
enough that
debris is generally prevented from passing through the space therebetween, but
is
not so tight that the rib 430 contacts the facing wall 416. If the rib 430
were to rub
against the facing wall 416, this frictional force would need to be overcome
during
the movement of the touch sensitive display subassembly 404. Further, as the
ledge 414 extends towards the gasket 408, a second narrow area is provided
between the ledge 414 and the gasket 408 which further impedes the passage of
debris into the mobile device 400.
[0048] As the rib 430 is located over the ledge 414, the gasket 408 may be
visible
from exterior of the mobile device 400. To reduce the witness of the gasket
408,
the gasket 408 may be composed of a material having a color similar to the
housing
402.
[0049] In addition to protecting the mobile device 400 from debris, the
gasket 408
provides impact resistance. In the form shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rib 430 of
the
gasket 408 buffers the blow of sudden side impact on the mobile device 400 as
the
rib 430 would be forced into contact with the facing wall 416 of the housing
402.
Further, in the event of a sudden impact force being applied to the lens 426
in a
downward direction (i.e., the typical direction of deflection during a touch
of the touch
sensitive display subassembly 404), the gasket 408 may distribute the load to
carrier
420 instead of to the bezel 424 of the liquid crystal display 422, which could
crack.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, yet another detailed cross-sectional
view of a
mobile device 600 is shown. Again, the mobile device 600 includes a housing
602
and a touch sensitive display subassembly 604 with a seam 606 that extends
about
a periphery of the touch sensitive display subassembly 604. A gasket 608 is
attached to the housing 602 about the perimeter of the seam 606. It is noted
that
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=
the cross section is taken through a portion of the mobile device 600 that is
different
than the cross sections taken in FIGS. 2-5 and hence the shape of the sections
of
the tray and bezel differ from the cross-sectional views shown above.
[0051] In this form, the housing 602 includes an exterior housing 610 and a
interior housing 612 to which the gasket 608 is attached using an adhesive. A
gap
614 exists between the exterior housing 610 and the interior housing 612. Any
debris that passes through the seam 606 may be directed into this gap 614 by
the
gasket 608, as will be described in more detail below, to a volume of the
mobile
device 600 which is not sensitive to the collection of such debris or has a
opening
through which the debris may exit the housing 602.
[0052] The touch sensitive display subassembly 604 again includes a tray
616
that supports a carrier 618 holding the liquid crystal display 620. The liquid
crystal
display 620 includes a bezel 622 that extends over the edge of the carrier 618
and
passes through a opening 624 in the tray 616. FIGS. 6-8 also illustrate in
more
detail than FIGS. 2-5 the layers overlying the liquid crystal display 620. A
touch
panel 626 is adhered to the bezel 622 of the liquid crystal display 620 by an
adhesive layer 628. On top of the touch panel 626, a lens 630 is adhered by an
adhesive layer 632. The lens 630 overhangs over the gasket 608.
[0053] Turning now to the gasket 608, the gasket 608 includes a shedding
portion
634 and a centering portion 636.
[0054] The shedding portion 634 has a graded surface 635 that at least in
part
angles towards the gap 614. Thus, if debris passes through the seam 606, then
the
debris lands on the shedding portion 634 and is directed away from the touch
sensitive display subassembly 604 and towards the gap 614 where the debris
will do
little or no harm.
[0055] In the form shown, the centering portion 636 is a curved section
between
the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 and the interior housing 612. The
centering portion 636 extends from one side of the shedding portion 634 to a
terminal end 638. Between the edge of the shedding portion 634 and the
terminal
end 638, the centering portion 636 includes a concave surface 640 and a convex
surface 642, between which a wall of generally constant or uniform thickness
is
located. The convex surface 642 contacts the bezel 622 of the touch sensitive
display subassembly 604 to form a sliding seal with the touch sensitive
display
subassembly 604, while the terminal end 638 contacts the interior housing 612.
A
space 644 may exist between the concave surface 640 and the interior housing
612
into which the centering portion 636 may elastically deflect.
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[0056] The curved section of the centering portion 636 may provide a force
which
directs the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 towards the center of the
portion
of the housing 602 that it is received in. Depending on the geometry of the
gasket
608, the centering portion 636 may be designed to exert an inward force
against the
touch sensitive display subassembly 604 when the touch sensitive display
subassembly 604 is in a non-contacted position (such as is shown in FIG. 6).
Alternatively, the gasket 608 may be formed such that it applies little or no
force to
the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 in the non-contacted position (not
shown). In some forms, there may even be a small space between the gasket 608
and the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 (not shown), such that the
resistance during operation due to contact by the gasket 608 is minimized.
[0057] As best seen in FIG. 8, sometimes a touch causes the touch sensitive
display subassembly 604 to slightly skew on one edge of the touch sensitive
display
subassembly 604 relative to the other edges. This will cause the centering
portion
636 of the gasket 608 to deflect inward while simultaneously exerting a force
in the
opposite direction, causing the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 to re-
center
once the force of the touch is removed. Again, if the centering portion 636 is
preloaded, the other convex edges of the centering portion 636, which may be
similarly shaped to the convex surface 642, may remain in contact with the
touch
sensitive display subassembly 604 even though the touch sensitive display
subassembly 604 has moved away from the gasket 608.
[0058] By maintaining contact, or only the slightest of gaps with the touch
sensitive display subassembly 604, the gasket 608 prevents debris from
entering
into the space of the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 past the
centering
portion 636 of the gasket 608. This protects the components of the touch
sensitive
display subassembly 604, thus improving the operational life of the mobile
device
600.
[0059] Further, the centering portion 636 of the gasket 608 may provide
impact
protection in the event that the touch sensitive display subassembly 604
suddenly is
jolted sideways towards the housing 602.
[0060] It should be appreciated that although the gasket 608 has been shown
attached to the housing 602, that the gasket 608 having a centering portion
636
could also be attached to the touch sensitive display subassembly 604.
Further, the
manner in which the centering portion 636 applies a force could be different
than the
manner in which the curved wall of generally uniform thickness shown applies a
force when the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 is skewed. For example,
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CA 02703327 2012-12-03
one side of the centering portion 636 of the gasket 608 may not be a concave
surface
640 and a space 644 into which the centering portion 636 is shown as
deflecting into in
FIG. 8 could be solid and part of the gasket. If this was the case, the solid
portion might
be elastically deformable. Likewise, it is contemplated that the centering
portion 636
could include multiple ridges or the like which contact one or both of the
housing 602
and the touch sensitive display subassembly 604. Further, the gasket 608 may
contact
a portion of the touch sensitive display subassembly 604 other than the bezel
622.
[0061] It should be also be appreciated that although various cross
sections have
been shown, that a particular gasket may include one or more different cross
sections
(including cross-sectional profiles not shown) depending on the particular
configuration
of the mobile device and the touch sensitive display.
[0062] While several embodiments have been provided in the present
disclosure,
it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied
in
many other specific forms. The present examples are to be considered as
illustrative
and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details
given herein. For
example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in
another system or certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.
[0063] Also, techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described
and
illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined
or
integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without
departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as coupled
or
directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or
communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component,
whether
electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes,
substitutions, and
alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art.
[0064] To apprise the public of the scope of this disclosure, the
following claims
are made:
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