Patent Publication Number: US-11044354-B2

Title: Tool for installing a screen protector on an electronic device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/694,237, filed Nov. 25, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,283, filed Dec. 21, 2018, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/886,493, filed Aug. 14, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to a tools or guides for properly aligning screen protectors with display screens of electronic devices during installation of the screen protectors. 
     Screen protectors are used to cover and protect the display screens of electronic devices. Screen protectors may be used to protect, for example, the surface of digital electronic device display components during manufacture, or may be adhered to display screen of a completed device to protect it from damage during normal day-to-day use. At least a portion of the screen protector is often transparent, and may permit the use of touch-sensitive features of the electronic device through the screen protector. Screen protectors may be formed of a glass material, such as soda lime glass or fortified glass, or a polymeric material, such as a plastic film or composite of one or more polymers. 
     Display screens for electronic devices may have a substantially flat surface, a substantially curved surface, or a substantially flat main portion and one or more curved or rounded edge portions. 
     In some situations, is can be difficult to properly align the screen protector onto the display screen of the electronic device during installation. Poor alignment may result in poor adhesion between the screen protector and the electronic device. Air trapped between the screen protector and display may result in unsightly bubbles that adversely affect the ability to use the display. Additionally, misaligned edges of the screen protector may result in an inability to use a protective case with the installed screen protector, or the screen protector may be inadvertently removed from the electronic device when a protective case is installed on the electronic device. 
     Improvements in one or more of the foregoing are desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one exemplary embodiment a tool for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device is provided. The tool includes a first segment and a second segment slidably attached to the first segment to define an interior of the tool. The first segment has a first side, a second side attached to the first side by a first corner alignment feature, and a third side attached to the second side by a second corner alignment feature. The second segment includes a first side, a second side attached to the first side by a first corner alignment feature, and a third side attached to the second side by a second corner alignment feature. The first and second corner alignment features of the first segment and the first and second corner alignment features of the second segment are configured to center the electronic device in the interior of the tool when the first segment is slid relative to the second segment. 
     In one more particular embodiment, the first segment includes one or more posts configured to receive a screen protector assembly including the screen protector to be affixed to the display of the electronic device. In another more particular embodiment, the second segment includes one or more posts configured to receive the screen protector assembly. In another more particular embodiment, the one or more posts of the first segment are positioned on the second side of the first segment and the one or more posts of the second segment are positioned on the second side of the second segment. 
     In another embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the tool further includes a screen protector assembly including the screen protector having a front surface and an opposing rear surface, a first removable film configured to at least partially cover the rear surface of the screen protector, and a second removable film configured to at least partially cover the front surface of the screen protector. In a more particular embodiment, the second removable film includes a first alignment extension including one or more alignment apertures configured to align with the respective one or more posts of the first segment, and a second alignment extension including one or more alignment apertures configured to align with the respective one or more posts of the second segment. In an even more particular embodiment, the one or more alignment apertures of the first alignment extension have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the one or more alignment apertures of the second alignment extension. 
     In another more particular embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of a number of the one or more posts of the first segment, a position of the one or more posts of the first segment, and a shape of the one or more posts of the first segment is different than a respective number of the one or more posts of the second segment, a position of the one or more posts of the second segment, and a shape of the one or more posts of the second segment. 
     In another more particular embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least a portion of the third side of the first segment is configured to be slidably received within an interior of the first side of the second segment and at least a portion of the third side of the second segment is configured to be slidably received within an interior of the third side of the first segment. 
     In another more particular embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first corner alignment feature and the second corner alignment feature of the first segment each comprise a surface forming a corresponding angle between 30° and 60° with the second side of the first segment. In a more particular embodiment, the first corner alignment feature and the second corner alignment feature of the second segment each comprise a surface forming a corresponding angle between 30° and 60° with the second side of the second segment. 
     In another more particular embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first segment is substantially identical to the second segment. 
     In another more particular embodiment of any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first side, the second side, and the third side of the first segment has a different length or a different shape than the respective first side, the second side, and the third side of the second segment. 
     In another more particular embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first side of the first segment and the third side of the second segment are configured to be proximate the left side of the electronic device, the second side of the first segment is configured to be proximate the top side of the electronic device, the third side of the first segment and the first side of the second segment are configured to be proximate the right side of the electronic device, and the second side of the second segment is configured to be proximate the bottom side of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the interior of the tool. 
     In another more particular embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the first segment is configured to be disconnected from the second segment and reattached in a second configuration to form a stand for the electronic device, wherein the first segment is not parallel to the second segment in the second configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tool for installing a screen protector on an electronic device. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an electronic device positioned in the tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a right side view of the electronic device positioned in the tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a left side view of the electronic device positioned in the tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the exemplary tool of  FIG. 1  in an unassembled state. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a first component of the tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary screen protector assembly for use with the tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of the screen protector assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of installing a screen protector using the screen protector assembly of  FIG. 7  and tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of another exemplary tool for installing a screen protector on an electronic device. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a rear view of the tool of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a rear view of a segment of the tool of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a rear view of another exemplary tool for installing a screen protector on an electronic device. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a rear view of a segment of the tool of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a sectional view of the segment of  FIG. 14  along the line labeled  15 - 15  in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates another exemplary screen protector assembly. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary tool for installing a screen protector on an electronic device. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a rear view of the tool of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a first exemplary exploded view of the tool of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a second exemplary exploded view of the tool of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary tool for installing a screen protector on an electronic device. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the tool of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary tool for installing a screen protector on an electronic device. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a side view of the tool of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a bottom view of the tool of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a screen protector assembly to be used with the tool of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 27  illustrates the insertion of the screen protector assembly of  FIG. 26  into the tool of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 28  illustrates the tool of  FIG. 23  and the screen protector assembly of  FIG. 26  in use with an electronic device  10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-6 , an exemplary tool  30  for aligning and installing a screen protector  82  (see  FIGS. 7-8 ) onto an electronic device  10  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) is illustrated. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, tool  30  includes a first segment  40  and a second segment  60 . First segment  40  is illustratively moveable relative to second segment  60  to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic device  10 . In some exemplary embodiments, first segment  40  and second segment  60  are slidably coupled relative to each other to receive a variety of electronic devices  10  having different lengths and/or widths. 
     First segment  40  and second segment  60  define an interior  32  of tool  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , interior  32  is configured to receive an electronic device  10 . Electronic device  10  includes a front surface  12  having a display screen  14  onto which the screen protector  82  is to be placed. In some exemplary embodiments, display screen  14  covers only a portion of front surface  12 . In some exemplary embodiments, display screen  14  covers the entire front surface  12 . In some exemplary embodiments, display screen  14  covers at least a portion of front surface  12  and at least a portion of one or more sides, such as left side  16 , right side  18 , top side  20 , and bottom side  22 . 
     Electronic device  10  includes one or more corners between adjacent sides, such as first top corner  24 A formed between left side  16  and top side  20 , second top corner  24 B formed between right side  18  and top side  20 , first bottom corner  26 A formed between right side  18  and bottom side  22 , and second bottom corner  24 B formed between left side  16  and bottom side  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments each corner  24 A,  24 B,  26 A,  26 B is rounded or otherwise smoothed. In other embodiments, one or more corners  24 A,  24 B,  26 A,  26 B form a relatively sharp angle. In other embodiments, one or more corners  24 A,  24 B,  26 A,  26 B are formed from two or more angles or rounded portions. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 , first segment  40  includes a first side  42 , a second side  44 , and a third side  46 . First side  42  is illustratively parallel to third side  46 . Second side  44  is illustratively perpendicular to first side  42  and third side  46 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , first side  42  is configured to be substantially parallel to left side  16  of received electronic device  10 . Second side  44  is configured to be substantially parallel to top side  20  of received electronic device  10 . Third side  46  is configured to be substantially parallel to right side  18  of received electronic device  10 . 
     A first corner alignment feature  48  is formed between first side  42  and second side  44 . A second corner alignment feature  50  is formed between second side  44  and third side  46 . Each corner alignment feature  48 ,  50  is configured to align received electronic device  10  within the interior  32  of tool  30  to allow proper alignment during installation of the screen protector  82 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  48 ,  50  is a surface at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to second side  44 , such as the 45° illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  48 ,  50  forms an angle with second side  44  as little as 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, as great as 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10° to 80°, 30° to 60°, or 40° to 50°. 
     First segment  40  illustratively includes one or more posts  52  configured to receive a screen protector assembly  80  including screen protector  82 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, second side  44  includes two posts  52 . In other embodiments, second side  44  includes a single post  52  or three or more posts  52 . In some embodiments, including two or more posts  52  may provide for better stability and alignment of screen protector assembly  80  during the installation process. Although illustrated on second side  44 , in other embodiments one or more posts  52  may be positioned on first side  42 , third side  46 , or elsewhere on first segment  40 . In some embodiments, one or more posts  52  includes a hook or catch on a surface opposite that of interior  32  to assist in positioning alignment apertures  98 A of screen protector assembly  80  during the installation process (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in some embodiments, each post  52  extends substantially perpendicularly from second side  44 . In other embodiments, one or more posts  52  may be angled away from interior  32  as the post  52  extends from second side  44 , forming an angle between post  52  and second side  44  of 90°, 95°, 100°, 105° or greater, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 90° to 105°. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in some embodiments one more of posts  52  may have a tapered shape. In some embodiments, the tapered shape of post  52  provides a stopping height for a defined size of alignment apertures  98 A or  98 B of screen protector assembly  80  (see  FIG. 8 ) to provide for proper vertical alignment of the screen protector assembly  80  onto tool  30 . In other words, a screen protector assembly may have apertures of a size which causes them to stop before reaching the bottom of the tapered post. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first side  42  illustratively terminates in receiving end  54 . Receiving end  54  is configured to receive a portion of second segment  60 . In one exemplary embodiment, receiving end  54  includes an opening, channel, or slot  36  configured to slidably receive a portion of third side  66  of second segment  60 . 
     Third side  46  illustratively terminates in received end  56 . Received end  56  is configured to be slidably received by a portion of second segment  60 . In one exemplary embodiment, received end  56  and at least a portion of third side  46  are received within a portion of first side  62  of second segment  60 . In some embodiments, received end  56  includes projections  58 . Projections  58  may be formed of a resilient or flexible material and are configured to be pressed together to allow received end  56  to be positioned within first side  62  of second segment  60 , and to resiliently expand within first side  62  of second segment  60  to prevent received end  56  from passing past receiving end  74  of first side  62  of second segment  60 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, first segment  40  is permanently slidably coupled to second segment  60 . In some exemplary embodiments, first segment  40  is removably coupled to second segment  60 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-5 , second segment  60  includes a first side  62 , a second side  64 , and a third side  66 . First side  62  is illustratively parallel to third side  66  of second segment  60  and first side  42  and third side  46  of first segment  40 . Second side  64  is illustratively perpendicular to first side  62  and third side  66  of second segment  60  and first side  42  and third side  46  of first segment  40 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , first side  62  of second segment  60  is configured to be substantially parallel to right side  18  of received electronic device  10 . Second side  64  is configured to be substantially parallel to bottom side  22  of received electronic device  10 . Third side  66  is configured to be substantially parallel to left side  16  of received electronic device  10 . 
     A first corner alignment feature  68  is formed between first side  62  and second side  64 . A second corner alignment  FIG. 70  is formed between second side  64  and third side  66 . Each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  is configured to align received electronic device  10  within the interior  32  of tool  30  to allow proper alignment during installation of the screen protector  82 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  is a surface at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to second side  64 , such as the 45° illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  forms an angle with second side  64  as little as 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, as great as 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10° to 80°, 30° to 60°, or 40° to 50°. 
     Second segment  64  illustratively includes one or more posts  72  configured to receive a screen protector assembly  80  including screen protector  82 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, second side  64  includes two posts  72 . In other embodiments, second side  64  includes a single post  72  or three or more posts  72 . In some embodiments, including two or more posts  72  may provide for better stability and alignment of screen protector assembly  80  during the installation process. Although illustrated on second side  64 , in other embodiments one or more posts  72  may be positioned on first side  62 , third side  66 , or elsewhere on second segment  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in some embodiments each post  72  may have a tapered shape. In some embodiments, the tapered shape of post  72  provides a stopping height for a defined size of alignment apertures  98 A or  98 B of screen protector assembly  80  (see  FIG. 8 ) to provide for proper vertical alignment of the screen protector assembly  80  onto tool  30 . In some embodiments, one or more posts  72  includes a hook or catch on a surface opposite that of interior  32  to assist in positioning alignment apertures  98 B of screen protector assembly  80  during the installation process (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in some embodiments, each post  72  extends substantially perpendicularly from second side  64 . In other embodiments, one or more posts  72  may be angled away from interior  32  as the post  72  extends from second side  64 , forming an angle between post  72  and second side  64  of 90°, 95°, 100°, 105° or greater, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 90° to 105°. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 5 , first side  62  of second segment  60  illustratively terminates in receiving end  74 . Receiving end  74  is configured to receive a portion of first segment  40 . In one exemplary embodiment, receiving end  74  includes an opening or slot  36  configured to slidably receive a portion of third side  46  of first segment  40 . Slot  36  illustratively includes one or more stops  37  configured to engage projection  78  on the corresponding end  56  of first segment  40 . 
     Third side  66  illustratively terminates in received end  76 . Received end  76  is configured to be slidably received by a portion of first segment  40 . In one exemplary embodiment, received end  76  and at least a portion of third side  66  are received within a portion of first side  42  of first segment  40 . In some embodiments, received end  76  includes projections  78 . Projections  78  may be formed of a resilient material and are configured to be pressed together to allow received end  76  to be positioned within first side  42  of first segment  40 , and to resiliently expand within first side  42  of first segment  40  to prevent received end  76  from passing past receiving end  54  of first side  42  of first segment  40 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , in some embodiments, at least a portion of first segment  40  is substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 . In some embodiments, one or more of first side  42 , second side  44 , and third side  46  of first segment  40  are substantially identical to the respective first side  62 , second side  64 , and third side  66  of second segment  60 . In some embodiments, one or more of first corner alignment feature  48  and second corner alignment feature  50  of first segment  40  are substantially identical to the respective first corner alignment feature  68  and second corner alignment feature  70  of second segment  60 . In some embodiments, the one or more posts  52  of first segment  40  are substantially identical to the respective posts  72  of second segment  60 . In some embodiments, one or more of the receiving end  54  and the received end  56  of first segment  40  are substantially identical to the receiving end  74  and received end  76  of second segment  60 . In some embodiments, the entire first segment  40  is substantially identical to the second segment  60 . 
     In other embodiments, at least a portion first segment  40  is not substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 . In some embodiments, the number, positioning, and/or shape of posts  52  on first segment  40  is different than the number, positioning, and/or shape of posts  72  on second segment  60  to assist in aligning the alignment apertures  98 A,  98 B of screen protector assembly  80  (see  FIG. 8 ) in the proper orientation. In some embodiments, one or more of first side  42 , second side  44 , and third side  46  of first segment  40  is not substantially identical to the respective first side  62 , second side  64 , and third side  66  of second segment  60  to accommodate an electronic device  10  that is non-symmetrical in shape. 
     In some embodiments, the angled surfaces of the respective alignment features  48 ,  50 ,  68 ,  70  allow for tool  30  to receive electronic devices having a variety of lengths and widths. When the electronic device  10  is received within interior  32  of assembled tool  30  and the first segment  40  is moved or slid towards the second segment  60 , each of the corners  24 A,  24 B,  26 A,  26 B of electronic device  10  contacts the angled surface of a respective alignment feature  48 ,  50 ,  68 ,  70  of the tool  30 . A narrower electronic device  10  will result in each corner  24 A,  24 B,  26 A,  26 B contacting the respective angled surface closer to second sides  44 ,  64 , while a wider electronic device  10  will result in corners  24 A,  26 A,  26 B contacting the respective angled surface closer to the respective first sides  42 ,  62  and corners  24 B,  26 B contacting the respective angled surface closer to the respective third sides  46 ,  66 . A slight force from sliding first segment  40  towards second segment  60  serves to align by the angled surfaces of alignment features  48 ,  50 ,  68 ,  70  pressing against the respective corners  24 A,  24 B,  26 A,  26 B of electronic device  10  to align both a central length axis and a central width axis of the electronic device  10  with a corresponding central length axis and a central width axis of the tool  30 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, first segment  40  can be uncoupled from second segment  60  by removing received ends  56 ,  76  from the respective receiving ends  74 ,  54 . First segment  40  can then be coupled to second segment  60  in a second configuration to form a stand for electronic device  10 , wherein the first segment  40  is not parallel to the second segment  60  in the stand configuration. In some embodiments, posts  52  support a top side  20  of the electronic device and posts  72  support a bottom side  22  of the electronic device  10  when the tool  30  is in the stand configuration. In some embodiments, first segment  40  forms an angle with second segment  60  in the stand configuration as little as 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, as great as 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10° to 80°, 30° to 60°, or 40° to 50°. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, one or more posts  52  are provided on first segment  40  above a first centerline CL A  of tool  30  and one or more posts  72  are provided on second segment  60  below the first centerline CL A . In some embodiments, one or more posts  52  on first segment  40  are positioned an equal distance from first centerline CL A  as one or more posts  72  on second segment  60 . In some embodiments, one or more posts  52  on first segment  40  are provided to a left side of a second centerline CL B  and one or more posts  52  are provided to a right side of second centerline CL B . In some embodiments, posts  52  are provided on first segment  40  an equal distance on either side of second centerline CL B . In some embodiments, one or more posts  72  on second segment  60  are provided to a right side of a second centerline CL B  and one or more posts  72  are provided to a right side of second centerline CL B . In some embodiments, a post  52  is provided on second centerline CL B . In some embodiments, posts  72  are provided on first segment  60  an equal distance on either side of second centerline CL B . In some embodiments, a post  72  is provided on second centerline CL B . In some embodiments, a first post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a first side of second centerline CL B , a second post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a second side of second centerline CL B , a first post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a first side of second centerline CL B , a second post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a second side of second centerline CL B , above a first centerline CL A  of tool  30  and one or more posts  72  are provided on second segment  60  below the first centerline CL A . In some embodiments, one or more posts  52  on first segment  40  are positioned an equal distance from first centerline CL A  as one or more posts  72  on second segment  60 . In some embodiments, a first post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a first side of second centerline CL B , a second post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a second side of second centerline CL B , a first post  72  is provided on second segment  60  on the first side of second centerline CL B , and a second post  72  is provided on second segment  60  on the second side of second centerline CL B . In some embodiments, a first post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a first side of second centerline CL B , a second post  52  is provided on first segment  40  on a second side of second centerline CL B , and a post  72  is provided on second segment  60  on second centerline CL B . 
     In some embodiments, the stand configuration is formed by inserting a portion of received end  56 , such as projections  58 , into a first receiving slot  34  positioned on first side  62  of second segment  60  and a portion of received end  76 , such as projections  78 , into a first receiving slot  34  positioned on first side  72  of second segment  60  (see  FIGS. 4-5 ). In some embodiments, the stand configuration is formed by inserting a portion of received end  56 , such as projections  58 , into a second receiving slot  36  positioned on first side  62  of second segment  60  proximate receiving end  74  and a portion of received end  76 , such as projections  78 , into a second receiving slot  34  positioned on first side  72  of second segment  60  proximate receiving end  54  (see  FIGS. 4-5 ). 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an exemplary screen protector assembly  80  for use with tool  30  is illustrated. Screen protector assembly  80  includes a screen protector  82  to be affixed to the display screen  14  of electronic device  10  using tool  30 . In some exemplary embodiments, screen protector  82  is formed from a glass material, such as soda lime glass or fortified glass. In some exemplary embodiments, screen protector  82  is formed from a polymeric material, such as a plastic film or composite. 
     Screen protector  82  includes a front surface  84  and an opposing rear surface  86 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of rear surface  86  is coated with a suitable adhesive for affixing screen protector  82  to electronic device  10 . In some embodiments, only a perimeter portion of the rear surface  86  is coated with the adhesive. In some embodiments, the entire rear surface  86  is coated with the adhesive. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, screen protector  82  is a substantially flat geometry configured to cover only a front surface  12  of electronic device. In some exemplary embodiments, screen protector  82  includes one or more curved surfaces configured to at least partially cover a portion of one or more side surfaces, such as left side  16  or right side  18  of electronic device  10 , and/or one or more curved edges of electronic device  10 . 
     Screen protector  82  includes a front surface  84  and an opposing rear surface  86 . Rear surface  86  of screen protector  82  is illustratively protected by a first removable film  88 . Removable film  88  illustratively includes a gripping tab  90  at one end to assist in the removal of removable film  88  from the screen protector  82 . Gripping tab  90  may be formed as part of removable film  88  or may be a separate component which is attached to removable film  88 . 
     Front surface  84  of screen protector  82  is illustratively protected by a second removable film  92 . Second removable film  92  illustratively includes a first alignment extension  94  at a first end of removable film  92  configured to align towards a top side  20  of electronic device  10  and a second alignment  96  at a second end of removable film  92  configured to align towards a bottom side  22  of electronic device  10 . First alignment extension  94  includes one or more alignment apertures  98 A configured to be received on posts  52  on first segment  40  of tool  30 . Second alignment extension  96  includes one or more alignment apertures  98 B configured to be received on posts  72  on second segment  60  of tool  30 . In some embodiments, alignment apertures  98 A are the same size and in the respective same position on first alignment extension  94  as alignment apertures  98 B on second alignment extension  96 . In some embodiments, alignment apertures  98 A differ in size and/or respective position on first alignment extension  94  compared to alignment apertures  98 B on second alignment extension  96 . 
     Next, the screen protector assembly  80  (see  FIGS. 7-8 ) and alignment tool  30  (see  FIGS. 1-6 ) will be further discussed with reference to an exemplary method  150 , shown in  FIG. 9 , of installing the screen protector  82  onto an electronic device  10  received within the interior  32  of alignment tool  30 . 
     In step  152 , the alignment tool  30  is assembled by compressing the projections  58  and placing the received end  56  of first segment  40  into the corresponding receiving end  74  of second segment  60  and compressing the projections  78  and placing the received end  76  of second segment  60  into the corresponding receiving end  54  of first segment  40 . Once the projections  58 ,  78  are received within the corresponding receiving ends  74 ,  54 , they are able to resiliently flex back outward. The third side  46  of the first segment  40  has a smaller perimeter than the first side  62  of the second segment  60  and the third side  66  of the second segment  60  has a smaller perimeter than the first side  42  of the first segment  40 . This allows the third leg  46  of the first segment  40  to slide within the first leg  62  of the second segment  60  and the third leg  66  of the second segment  60  to slide within the first leg  42  of the first segment to achieve different lengths for the interior  32  of tool  30 . 
     In step  154 , the electronic device  10  is placed within the interior  32  of tool  30  with the display screen  14  facing upward. The electronic device  10  is aligned within the interior  32  of the tool by pressing the second side  44  of the first segment  40  towards the second side  64  of the second segment  60 . The first top corner  24 A of the electronic device  10  is contacted by the first corner alignment feature  48  of the first segment  40  and the second top corner  24 B of the electronic device  10  is contacted by the second corner alignment feature  50  of the first segment  40 . The first bottom corner  26 A of the electronic device  10  is contacted by the first corner alignment feature  68  of the second segment  60  and the second bottom corner  26 B of the electronic device  10  is contacted by the second corner alignment feature  70  of the second segment  60 . The angled surfaces of corner alignment features  48 ,  50 ,  68 ,  70  align and center the electronic device  10  as the corresponding second sides  44 ,  64  of the first segment  40  and second segment  60  are brought, slid, or moved towards each other. 
     In step  156 , the rear surface  86  of screen protector  82  is exposed by pulling the first protective film  88  off using the grasping tab  90 . The alignment apertures  98 A on first alignment extension  94  at a first end of screen protector assembly  80  are placed over the posts  52  of the first segment  40  of tool  30 . The alignment apertures  98 B on second alignment extension  96  at a second opposing end of screen protector assembly  80  are placed over the posts  72  of the second segment  60  of tool  30 . In some embodiments, alignment apertures  98 A are substantially identical in size, shape, and/or relative position on first alignment extension  94  to the size shape, and/or relative position or alignment apertures  98 B on second alignment extension  96 , which may be advantageous where the screen protector assembly  80  does not have a preferred orientation relative to the electronic device  10 . In other embodiments, alignment apertures  98 A are not substantially identical in one or more of the size, shape, and/or relative position on first alignment extension  94  to the size shape, and/or relative position or alignment apertures  98 B on second alignment extension  96 , which may be advantageous where the screen protector assembly  80  does have a required orientation relative to the electronic device  10 . 
     In some embodiments, a size of the alignment apertures  98 A,  98 B is selected to prevent the screen protector assembly  80  from traveling down the taper of the posts  52  beyond a predetermined point to provide a height alignment of the screen protector  82  and display screen  14  of the electronic device  10  during assembly (see  FIGS. 3-4 ). In some embodiments, a distance between the alignment apertures  98 A,  98 B and the screen protector  82  is selected to provide a length alignment of the screen protector  82  and display screen  14  of the electronic device  10  during assembly (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     In step  158 , the screen protector is gently pressed against the display screen  14  of the electronic device  10 , affixing the adhesive of the rear side  86  of the screen protector to the electronic device  10 . In some embodiments, a gentle wave or rolling motion is used to affix the screen protector  82  to the electronic device starting from one end and moving toward the other end. In some embodiments, a squeegee or other installation tool may be used to help press the screen protector  82  against the electronic device  10 . In some embodiments, it may be necessary to remove any trapped air bubbles by gently pressing against the affixed screen protector  82 . 
     In step  160 , the second protective film  92  is removed from screen protector  82  by grasping one of the alignment extensions  94 ,  96 , and pulling the film  92  off of the top surface  84  of the screen protector. The adhesive holding screen protector  82  to electronic device  10  is stronger than the adhesive holding film  92  to screen protector  82 . 
     In step  162 , the electronic device  10  and affixed screen protector  82  are removed from the tool  30 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 10-12 , another exemplary tool  30 A for aligning and installing a screen protector  82  (see  FIGS. 7-8 ) onto an electronic device  10  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) is illustrated. In some embodiments, tool  30 A includes components or features similar to those described above with respect to tool  30 , and similar part numbers are used to indicate similar components in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     Tool  30 A illustratively includes a first segment  40 A having a first side  42 , a second side  44 , and a third side  46  and a second segment  60 A having a first side  62 , a second side  64 , and a third side  66 . First segment  40 A is slideably moveable relative to second segment  60 A to define an interior  32  configured to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic device  10 . In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of first segment  40 A is substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 A. In some embodiments, the entire first segment  40 A is substantially identical to the second segment  60 A. In other embodiments, at least a portion first segment  40 A is not substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 A. 
     First side  42  of first segment  40 A and first side  62  of second segment  60 A each illustratively terminate in a respective receiving end  54 ,  74  each including a slot  36 . The slot  36  of receiving end  54  is configured to receive a portion of third side  66  of second segment  60 A and the slot  36  for receiving end  74  is configured to receive a portion of third side  46  of first segment  40 A. 
     Third side  46  of first segment  40 A and third side  62  of second segment  60 A each illustratively terminate in a respective received end  56 ,  76 . Received end  56  includes a pair of projections  58  and received end  76  includes a pair of projections  78 . Projections  58 ,  78  may be formed of a flexible or resilient material and are configured to be pressed together to allow the respective received end  56  slide into the corresponding receiving end  54 ,  74  past one or more stops  37 . First side  42  of first segment  40 A and first side  62  of second segment  60 A each include a window  39  through which the respective received end  56 ,  76  is visible. A user can press together the projections  58 ,  78  of respective received end  56 ,  76  through the window  39  to pass beyond stops  37  and remove the received end  56 ,  76  from corresponding receiving end  54 ,  74 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 13-15 , still another exemplary tool  30 B for aligning and installing a screen protector  82  (see  FIGS. 7-8 ) onto an electronic device  10  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) is illustrated. In some embodiments, tool  30 B includes components or features similar to those described above with respect to tool  30  and/or tool  30 A, and similar part numbers are used to indicate similar components in  FIGS. 13-15 . 
     Tool  30 B illustratively includes a first segment  40 B having a first side  42 , a second side  44 , and a third side  46  and a second segment  60 B having a first side  62 , a second side  64 , and a third side  66 . First segment  40 B is slideably moveable relative to second segment  60 B to define an interior  32  configured to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic device  10 . In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of first segment  40 B is substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 B. In some embodiments, the entire first segment  40 B is substantially identical to the second segment  60 B. In other embodiments, at least a portion first segment  40 B is not substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 B. 
     First side  42  of first segment  40 B and first side  62  of second segment  60 B each illustratively terminate in a respective receiving end  54 ,  74  each including a slot  36 . Slot  36  illustratively is open to the bottom of first segment  40 B and second segment  60 B. The slot  36  of receiving end  54  is configured to receive a portion of third side  66  of second segment  60 B and the slot  36  for receiving end  74  is configured to receive a portion of third side  46  of first segment  40 B. Each receiving end  54 ,  74 , illustratively includes a plurality of teeth  75  positioned along an interior wall of slot  36 . 
     Third side  46  of first segment  40 B and third side  62  of second segment  60 B each illustratively terminate in a respective received end  56 ,  76 . Received end  56  and received end  76  each include ratcheting teeth  77 . Ratcheting teeth  77  are illustratively formed of a resilient material allowing ratcheting teeth to flex in a direction towards the respective third side  46 ,  66 , allowing first segment  40 B and second segment  60 B to move relative each other to decrease the size of interior  32 . Ratcheting teeth  77  terminate in tooth end  79 . Each tooth end  79  is configured to engage a corresponding tooth of plurality of teeth  75  positioned along the interior wall of slot  36  in either first side  42  of first segment  40 B or first side  62  of second segment  60 B. The engagement of tooth end  79  with the tooth of plurality of teeth  75  prevents first segment  40 B from moving relative to second segment  60 B in a direction to increase the size of interior  32 . 
     Each slot  36  further includes a neck  71  and wider portion  73 . As first segment  40 B is moved relative to second segment  60 B to decrease the size of interior  32 , the ratcheting teeth  77  are flexed towards their respective third side  46 ,  66 , disengaging from the corresponding teeth  75  positioned along the interior wall of slot  36  in either first side  42  of first segment  40 B or first side  62  of second segment  60 B. Further movement of first segment  40 B with respect to second segment  60  results in the ratcheting teeth  77  flexing back away from their respective third side  46 ,  66  into wider portion  73 , allowing the respective third sides  46 ,  66  to be removed through the open bottom of the respective slots  36  in either first segment  40 B or second segment  60 B. 
     Ratcheting teeth  77  and the corresponding teeth  75  are configured to allow the first segment  40 B to slide with respect to the second segment  60 B in a first direction, such as to diminish or reduce a dimension of interior  32 , but to resist the first segment  40 B sliding with respect to the second segment  60 B in a second direction opposite the first direction, such as to enlarge a dimension of interior  32 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 16 , another exemplary screen protector assembly  80 A is illustrated. In some embodiments, screen protector assembly  80 A includes components or features similar to those described above with respect to screen protector assembly  80  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and similar part numbers are used to indicate similar components in  FIG. 16 . 
     Screen protector assembly  80 A includes a glass or polymeric screen protector  82  to be affixed to the display screen  14  of electronic device  10 . Screen protector  82  includes a front surface  84  and an opposing rear surface  86 , at least a portion of rear surface  86  being coated with a suitable adhesive for affixing screen protector  82  to electronic device  10 . The adhesive of rear surface  86  is illustratively protected by a first removable film  88 . Front surface  84  of screen protector  82  is illustratively protected by a second removable film  92 . In some embodiments, first removable film  88  and/or second removable film  92  includes a gripping tab  90  at one end to assist in the removal of the respective removable film  88 ,  92 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 17-19 , an exemplary tool  30 C for aligning and installing a screen protector  82  (see  FIG. 16 ) onto an electronic device  10  is illustrated. In some embodiments, tool  30 C includes components or features similar to those described above with respect to tool  30 , tool  30 A, and/or tool  30 B, and similar part numbers are used to indicate similar components in  FIGS. 17-19 . 
     Tool  30 C illustratively includes a first segment  40 C having a first side  42 , a second side  44 , and a third side  46  and a second segment  60 C having a first side  62 , a second side  64 , and a third side  66 . First segment  40 C is slideably moveable relative to second segment  60 C to define an interior  32  configured to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic device  10 . In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of first segment  40 C is substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 C. In some embodiments, the entire first segment  40 C is substantially identical to the second segment  60 C. In other embodiments, at least a portion first segment  40 C is not substantially identical to a respective portion of second segment  60 C. 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  10  includes one or more features  28  extending from a back surface of electronic device  10 . Exemplary features  28  that may extend from the back surface of electronic device  10  include, but are not limited to, one or more cameras, a fingerprint scanner or other biometric scanner, and a user input device. Feature  28  extends outwardly from the back surface of electronic device  10 , making it difficult for electronic device  10  to lay flat within interior  32  of tool  30 C for properly alignment of screen protector assembly  80 A during installation of screen protector  82 . 
     To assist in laying electronic device  10  flat within interior  32  of tool  30 C, in some embodiments, first segment  40 C and/or second segment  60 C includes one or more extensions  102  extending from one or more of respective first sides  42 ,  62 , second sides  44 ,  64 , and/or third sides  46 ,  66 . Extensions  102  support the back surface of electronic device  10  in an area other than the area of feature  28  to allow electronic device  10  to lay flat within interior  32  of tool  30 C. As illustrated in  FIG. 18A , in some embodiments, extensions  102  form one or more openings  104 A,  104 B,  104 C for receiving feature  28  extending from back surface of electronic device  10 . In other embodiments, extensions  102  do not form any openings  104 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , in some embodiments, first segment  40 C and second segment  60 C include identically shaped extensions  102  forming identically shaped openings  104 . In other embodiments, first segment  40 C and second segment  60 C include one or more differently shaped extensions  102  forming differently shaped openings  104 . In still other embodiments, first segment  40 C and/or second segment  60 C may not include any extensions  102  or any extensions  102  may not form any openings  104 . 
     In some embodiments, extensions  102  can be broken off of or otherwise removed from first segment  40 C and/or second segment  60 C prior to placing electronic device  10  into the interior  32  of tool  30 C. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 19 , tool  30 C further includes core  110 . Core  110  is illustratively formed from a semi-rigid material to prevent core  110  from stretching once it is received on posts  52  of first segment  40 C and posts  72  of second segment  60 C. Exemplary semi-rigid materials include foam, thermoplastic, cardboard, and paperboard. In some exemplary embodiments, core  110  is formed from a die-cut or laser-cut piece of material. 
     Core  110  includes a perimeter portion  112  surrounding an aperture  114 . Aperture  114  is sized to receive screen protector  82 . A first end of perimeter portion  112  includes one or more alignment apertures  116  configured to be received on corresponding posts  52  of first segment  40 C. A second end of perimeter portion  112  includes one or more alignment apertures  118  configured to be received on corresponding posts  72  of second segment  60 C. 
     In some embodiments, core  110  secures tool  30 C in a predetermined position about electronic device  10 . Screen protector  82  can be aligned with display  14  by affixing it through aperture  114  of core  110  once core  110  has been positioned over posts  52 ,  72  of tool  30 C, securing tool  30 C against electronic device  10  in a predetermined position. In some embodiments, alignment apertures  116 ,  118  are positioned such that tool  30 C fits snugly to an electronic device  10  positioned in interior  32 , thereby centering electronic device  10  as described above. 
     In some embodiments, a single tool  30 C can be used with multiple sizes of electronic devices  10 . Each electronic device  10  may have an associated core  110  having alignment apertures  116 ,  118  positioned to a snugly fit tool  30 C to electronic device and align aperture  114  with display  14  when the electronic device  10  is positioned in the interior  32  of tool  30 C. 
     In some embodiments, a screen protector  82  is affixed to a display  14  on a front surface  12  of electronic device  10  using tool  30 C. Electronic device  10  is positioned within interior  32  of tool  30 C such that feature  28  is received within an opening  104 . The receiving ends  54 ,  74  receive corresponding received ends  56 ,  76  and first segment  40 C is moved towards second segment  60 C to align electronic device  10  within tool  30 C. Alignment apertures  116 ,  118  of core  110  are positioned on corresponding posts  52 ,  72  of tool  30 C, aligning aperture  114  of core  110  with display  14  of electronic device  10 . 
     A screen protector assembly  80 A ( FIG. 16 ) is provided. A first removable film  88  is removed from the back surface  86  of screen protector  82  using tab  90  to expose the adhesive on back surface  86  of screen protector  82 . Screen protector  82  is then aligned with display  14  of electronic device  10  through aperture  114  in core  110 . Pressure is applied to top surface  84  of aligned screen protector  82  to affix screen protector  82  to display  14 . In other examples, screen protector  82  is attached, directly or indirectly, over aperture  114  and then applied to the electronic device. In either case, the electronic device  10  with affixed screen protector  82  is then removed from tool  30 C and the second removable film  92  is removed from top surface  84  of screen protector  82 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 20 , an exemplary tool  30 D for aligning and installing a screen protector  82  (see  FIG. 16 ) onto an electronic device  10  is illustrated. In some embodiments, tool  30 D includes components or features similar to those described above with respect to tool  30 , tool  30 A, tool  30 B, and/or tool  30 C, and similar part numbers are used to indicate similar components in  FIG. 20 . 
     Tool  30 D further includes core  110 A. Core  110 A is illustratively formed a semi-rigid material to prevent core  110 A from stretching once it is received on posts  52  of first segment  40 D and posts  72  of second segment  60 D. Exemplary semi-rigid materials include foam, thermoplastic, cardboard, and paperboard. In some exemplary embodiments, core  110 A is formed from a die-cut or laser-cut piece of material. Second removable film  92  releasably affixes screen protector  82  to core  110 A. 
     In some embodiments, a screen protector  82  is affixed to a display  14  on a front surface  12  of electronic device  10  using tool  30 D. Electronic device  10  is positioned within interior  32  of tool  30 D such that feature  28  is received within an opening  104 . The receiving ends  54 ,  74  receive corresponding received ends  56 ,  76  and first segment  40 D is moved towards second segment  60 D to align electronic device  10  within tool  30 D. 
     A first removable film  88  is removed from the back surface  86  of screen protector  82  using a tab  90  (not shown in  FIG. 20 ) to expose the adhesive on the back surface  86  of screen protector  82 . The alignment apertures  116 ,  118  of core  110 A are positioned on corresponding posts  52 ,  72  of tool  30 D, aligning core  110 A and screen protector  82  with display  14  of electronic device  10 . 
     Pressure is applied to top surface  84  of aligned screen protector  82  to release screen protector  82  from second removable film  92  and core  110 A, thereby affixing screen protector  82  to display  14 . The electronic device  10  with affixed screen protector  82  is then removed from tool  30 D. 
     In some embodiments, an installation tool, such as tool  30 , tool  30 A, tool  30 B, tool  30 C, or tool  30 D is provided as a kit with a screen protector  82 . In some embodiments, the screen protector  82  provided with the kit is provided as part of a screen protector assembly, such as screen protector assembly  80  or screen protector assembly  80 A, or as part of an assembly  120 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary tool  30 E for installing a screen protector on electronic device  10 . Tool  30 E may be an example of any of tools  30 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C, and/or  30 D. Tool  30 E and each of its components may include any of the features, elements, design, characteristics, and/or function of any of tools  30 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D, and/or their components. Tool  30 E includes a first segment  40 E and a second segment  60 E. First segment  40 E is illustratively moveable relative to second segment  60 E to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic device  10  as discussed in prior examples. In some exemplary embodiments, first segment  40 E and second segment  60 E are movably or slidably coupled relative to each other to receive electronic devices  10  having different lengths and/or widths. 
     First segment  40 E and second segment  60 E define an interior  32  of tool  30 E for receiving electronic device  10 . First corner alignment feature  48  and second corner alignment feature  50  are configured to align received electronic device  10  within the interior  32  of tool  30 E to allow proper alignment during installation of screen protector  82 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  48 ,  50  is a surface at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the sides of tool  30 E. In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  48 ,  50  forms an angle with a side as little as 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, as great as 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10° to 80°, 30° to 60°, or 40° to 50°. 
     First segment  40 E illustratively includes one or more posts  52 E configured to receive a screen protector assembly  100  including screen protector  82  (see  FIG. 21 ). Each post  52 E extends substantially perpendicularly from first segment  40 E. In other embodiments, one or more posts  52 E may be angled away from interior  32 . In some embodiments each post  52 E may have a tapered shape or other non-uniform shape. In some embodiments, one or more of posts  52 E may have a ridge, spine, recess, or sharp edge which tends to grab or hold onto an item placed over the post by forming a frictional fit with item and/or cutting very slightly into the surface of softer items, such as cardboard. 
     Second segment  60 E includes a first corner alignment feature  68  and a second corner alignment  FIG. 70 . Each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  is configured to align received electronic device  10  within the interior  32  of tool  30 E to allow proper alignment during installation of the screen protector  82 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  is a surface at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to second side  64 , such as the 45° illustrated in  FIG. 21 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  forms an angle as little as 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, as great as 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10° to 80°, 30° to 60°, or 40° to 50°. 
     Second segment  60 E includes one or more posts. Specifically, the example of  FIG. 21  includes a post  72 E and a post  72 G having a cross sectional shape that is different than post  72 E and/or posts  52 E. Like posts  52 E, posts  72 E and  72 G may also have different orientations from each other. The shapes, positions, and rotational orientation of posts  52 E,  72 E, and  72 G provide a keying function which reduces the number of ways a screen protector assembly can be installed on tool  30 E (discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 22 ). 
     In some embodiments, the angled surfaces of the respective alignment features  48 ,  50 ,  68 ,  70  allow tool  30 E to receive electronic devices having a variety of lengths and widths. When the electronic device  10  is received within interior  32  of assembled tool  30 E and the first segment  40 E is moved towards the second segment  60 E, each of the corners of electronic device  10  contacts the angled surface of a respective alignment feature  48 ,  50 ,  68 ,  70  of the tool  30 E. Opposing forces applied to first segment  40 E and  60 E toward each other will tend to center electronic device  10  within tool  30 E. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of tool  30 E with a screen protector assembly  100 . Screen protector assembly  100  includes core  110 E. Core  110 E is illustratively formed a semi-rigid material to keep assembly  100  substantially flat as well as prevent core  110 E from stretching once it is received on the posts of tool  30 E. Exemplary semi-rigid materials include foam, thermoplastic, cardboard, and paperboard. In some exemplary embodiments, core  110 E is formed from a die-cut or laser-cut piece of material. Core  110 E includes an aperture  111  with corresponds with some or all of the perimeter of screen protector  82  for purposes of aligning screen protector  82  with respect to tool  30 E and electronic device  10 . Core  110 E includes alignment apertures  116 E which correspond in size, shape, and position to posts  52 E. Core  110 E also includes alignment apertures  118 E and  118 G which correspond to posts  72 E and  72 G, respectively. Because post  72 G and alignment aperture are different shapes than the other posts and alignment apertures, core  110 E is ‘keyed’ in that it can only be engaged with or positioned on the posts of tool  30 E in one way, thereby providing a preferred orientation and reducing the chance of errors. 
     Further, alignment apertures  116 E are spaced apart from alignment apertures  118  E and  118 G a distance which corresponds to the distances between posts  52 E,  72 E, and  72 G when tool  30 E is closed around electronic device  10 . In other words, another core which corresponds to another electronic device that is a different size than electronic device  10  will have different alignment aperture spacings which correspond to the spacing of the posts of tool  30 E when it is closed around this other electronic device. It should be understood that many other shapes, sizes, positions, quantities, and orientations of posts and alignment features are possible. The spacing corresponds to the spacing and position of the posts on tool  30 E when it is firmly closed on an electronic device having a particular size. As discussed previously, one or more of the posts may have a ridge, spine, recess, rough edge, or sharp edge which tends to grab or hold onto core  110 E when it is placed over the posts by forming a frictional fit and/or cutting very slightly into core  110 E. 
     Positioning film  92 E is adhered to core  110 E at or near its ends. Screen protector  82  is releasably affixed to positioning film  92 E in aperture  111 . In this way, core  110 E, positioning film  92 E and screen protector comprise a single assembly until screen protector  82  is installed on electronic device  10 . Electronic device  10  is positioned within interior  32  of tool  30 E and electronic device  10  is centered within tool  30 E as described in previous examples. 
     A first removable film  88  is removed from back surface  86  of screen protector  82  using a tab  90  to expose the adhesive on the back surface  86  of screen protector  82  (removable film, back surface  86 , and tab  90  not visible in  FIG. 22 ). The alignment apertures  116 E,  118 E, and  118 G of core  110 E are positioned on corresponding posts  52 E,  72 E, and  72 G of tool  30 E, thereby aligning screen protector  82  with display  14  of electronic device  10 . 
     Pressure is applied to the aligned screen protector  82  to adhere or affix screen protector  82  to display  14 . Beneficially, core  110 E holds the posts of tool  30 E during the application process such that tool  30 E does not open or allow electronic device  10  to move. Further, screen protector is aligned with a preferred installation location and orientation on display  14  such that the user does not have to try to manually position or align the screen protector. Then, core  110 E is removed from the posts of tool  30 E. The screen protector  82  remains affixed to electronic device  10  and positioning film  92 E pulls away from screen protector  82 . Electronic device  10  with attached screen protector  82  is then removed from tool  30 E. In some embodiments, screen protector assembly  100  and tool  30 E are provided together in the form of a kit. The kit may also include an instruction sheet, a cleaning cloth, a cleaning wipe, a lint removal pad, and/or a cleaning solution. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary tool  30 F for installing a screen protector on electronic device  10 . Tool  30 F may be an example of any of tools  30 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D, and/or  30 E. Tool  30 F and each of its components may include any of the features, elements, design, characteristics, and/or function of any of tools  30 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D,  30 E and/or their components. Tool  30 F includes a first segment  40 F and a second segment  60 F. First segment  40 F is illustratively moveable or slidable relative to second segment  60 F to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic device  10 . In some exemplary embodiments, first segment  40 F and second segment  60 F are slidably coupled relative to each other to receive electronic devices  10  having different lengths and/or widths. 
     First segment  40 F and second segment  60 F define an interior  32  of tool  30 F for receiving electronic device  10 . First corner alignment feature  48  and second corner alignment feature  50  are configured to align received electronic device  10  within the interior  32  of tool  30 F to allow proper alignment during installation of screen protector  82 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  48 ,  50  is a surface at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the sides of tool  30 F. In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  48 ,  50  forms an angle with a side as little as 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, as great as 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10° to 80°, 30° to 60°, or 40° to 50°. 
     First segment  40 F illustratively includes one or more posts  52 F configured to receive a screen protector assembly  200  including screen protector  82  (see  FIG. 27 ). Each post  52 F extends substantially perpendicularly from first segment  40 F. In other embodiments, one or more posts  52 F may be angled away from interior  32 . In some embodiments each post  52 F may have a tapered shape. In some embodiments, one or more of posts  52 F may have a ridge, spine, recess, or sharp edge which tends to grab or hold onto an item placed over the post by forming a frictional fit with item and/or cutting very slightly into the surface of softer items. 
     Second segment  60 F includes a first corner alignment feature  68  and a second corner alignment  FIG. 70 . Each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  is configured to align received electronic device  10  within the interior  32  of tool  30 F to allow proper alignment during installation of the screen protector  82 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  is a surface at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to second side  64 . In some embodiments, each corner alignment feature  68 ,  70  forms an angle as little as 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, as great as 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or within any range defined between any two of the foregoing values, such as 10° to 80°, 30° to 60°, or 40° to 50°. 
     Second segment  60 F includes a groove, recess, or channel  171  that extends along the bottom edge and/or bottom front edge of second segment  60 F. Second segment  60 F also includes a slot  173  that is accessible from the bottom edge and/or the bottom back edge of second segment  60 F. The use of channel  171  and slot  173  are discussed further in the discussions of  FIGS. 26 and 27 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a side view of tool  30 F. Both the top end and the bottom end of tool  30 F include ramped regions which result in each of the top end and the bottom end extending up above the primary top surface of tool  30 F. In some examples, the top ramped region may be taller and/or may extend further from the primary planar surface than the bottom ramped region does (even when the height of post  52 F is not considered in the height). 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a bottom view of tool  30 F. As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 24 , first segment  40  may have a slightly greater overall height than second segment  60 F (making it slightly visible in the bottom view of  FIG. 25 ).  FIG. 25  also illustrates a downward facing plurality of teeth  175  which are not shown in  FIG. 23 . Teeth  175  extend downward into the channel  171  which extends around at least a portion of the bottom of second segment  60 F. Other examples may have more or fewer teeth than illustrated in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a screen protector assembly  200  configured to be used with tool  30 F. Screen protector assembly  200  includes screen protector  82  removably adhered to the back surface of an application film  202 . In the example of  FIG. 26 , screen protector  82  is a glass screen protector which has curved edges. However, screen protector assembly  200  may also include a flat glass screen protector and/or a screen protector made from a flexible material. Application film  202  includes a post aperture  205 . Application film also includes a plurality of alignment apertures  206  which correspond to one or more of teeth  175  of tool  30 F. Finally, application film  202  includes retention tabs  203  which are discussed in further detail below in the description of  FIG. 27 . 
     Application film  202  has a width which corresponds to a width of slot  171  of tool  30 F. The bottom end of application film  202  of screen protector assembly  200  is inserted into slot  171  in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in  FIG. 27 . Since retention tabs extend to a width greater than the width of slot  171  of tool  30 F, application film  202  is inserted by temporarily bending retention tabs  203  to allow the end of application film  202  to fit into slot  171 . Once inserted, retention tabs  203  relax or return to their primarily planar state and screen protector assembly  200  is then removably connected to tool  30 F in a floating manner. 
     After inserting application film  202  into slot  171  and centering electronic device in tool  30 F as described in the examples above, removable film  88  is removed from the surface of screen protector  82  using a gripping tab  90  to expose an adhesive on the surface of screen protector  82 . Screen protection assembly  200  is then bent upwards around the front of tool  30 F, while still remain attached in slot  173 , as illustrated in  FIG. 28 . The bottom portion of application film  202  fits into channel  171  and is aligned or centered by channel  171 . Application film  202  has an overall length that has been chosen such that screen protector assembly  200  must be pulled taut in order to place post aperture  205  of screen protector assembly  200  over post  52 F of tool  30 F. In other words, the length of screen protector assembly  200  and the position of post aperture  205  corresponds to the location of post  52 F when tool  30 F is closed on a particular electronic device  10 . Therefore, the length of screen protector assembly  200  and/or the position of post aperture  205  corresponds with a particular electronic device  10 . The position of screen protector  82  on screen protector assembly  200  also corresponds to the position of a particular electronic device  10  in tool  30 F. 
     Teeth  175  of tool  30 F may also extend into or through alignment apertures  206  of screen protector assembly  200  to further center, align, and/or stabilize the position of screen protector assembly  200  relative to tool  30 F and electronic device  10 . Although contact between screen protector  82  and electronic device  10  may or may not have already begun when screen protector assembly  200  is place over post  52 F, the user may press screen protector assembly  200  down further to fully adhere screen protector  82  to display  14  of electronic device  10 . The differing heights of first segment  40 F and second segment  60 F discussed above may result in contact between screen protector  82  and display  14  first occurring at the bottom end before that contact propagates toward the top. This ‘wavefront’ approach to the application is often preferred because it reduces the number of air bubbles that may be trapped in the process. 
     After screen protector  82  has been firmly adhered to display  14 , application film  202  may be removed from post  52 F and peeled back. The adhesive holding screen protector  82  to application film  200  is weaker than the adhesive holding screen protector to display  14 . Therefore, screen protector  82  remains attached to display  14  and application film  202  pulls away from screen protector  82  leaving screen protector installed and properly aligned on display  14  of electronic device  10 . Electronic device  10  can then be removed from tool  30 F and application film  202  can be removed from slot  171  of tool  30 F. Beneficially, tool  30 F may be used with electronic devices of various sizes as long as the dimensions of screen protector assembly  200  and the position of screen protector  82  on screen protector assembly  200  are chosen to product the correct fit to tool  30 F and alignment to electronic device  10  when electronic device  10  is in tool  30 F. 
     The elements, components, and steps described herein are meant to exemplify some types of possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned examples limit the scope of the invention, as they are only exemplary embodiments. Moreover, the figures provided are meant to illustrate certain features of the embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, they are not provided to scale. 
     The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in the embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” “in some examples,” “in other examples,” “in some cases,” “in some situations,” “in one configuration,” “in another configuration,” and the like generally mean that the particular technique, feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and/or may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to different embodiments. 
     The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Other modifications and variations of the disclosed techniques may be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments described in the foregoing disclosure were chosen to explain the principles of the concept and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is intended that the claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention, except as limited by the prior art.