Patent Description:
The present invention relates to covers for mobile or handheld electronic devices.

Covers for handheld devices are required to be aesthetically pleasing while being functional. Glass is one of the materials that can be used to make such covers. The present invention relates to a shaped glass article with attributes that make it useful as a cover glass.

In one aspect, a cover glass article includes a glass body having a three-dimensional shape, an inside surface, and an outside surface. Each of the inside and outside surfaces has a surface roughness (Ra) less than <NUM> and is free of indentations having diameters larger than <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the inside and outside surfaces has a surface roughness (Ra) less than <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the inside and outside surfaces has a surface roughness (Ra) less than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the glass body has a wall thickness in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the variation in the wall thickness is less than ± <NUM>. In other embodiments, the variation in the wall thickness is within ± <NUM>% or less.

In some embodiments, the glass body further comprises less than ten non-indentation defects observable by the unaided human eye at <NUM> lux in a <NUM> x <NUM> area on any of the surface.

In some embodiments, the glass body has a flat section. In some embodiments, the flatness of the flat section is better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area and in other embodiments the flatness of the flat section is better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area. In some embodiments, the glass body has at least one bend section. In some embodiments, the at least one bend section has a bend radius from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one bend section is a spline. The bend angle is the angle in degrees the glass is turned around a bend radius. For example, a single <NUM>° radial bend angle on a planar sheet of glass would create two planes at right angles to each other. In some embodiments, the at least one bend section has a bend angle ranging from greater than <NUM> to <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the at least one bend section has a bend angle greater than <NUM>°.

Embodiments may also have high optical transmission. In some embodiments, the glass body has an optical transmission greater than <NUM>% in a wavelength range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the glass body has an optical transmission greater than <NUM>% in a wavelength range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Embodiments may have improved strength or damage resistance. In some embodiments, the glass body has a compressive stress greater than <NUM> MPa. In some embodiments, the glass body has a hardness of greater than <NUM> on the Mohs scale. In some embodiments, the glass body is tempered and may be chemically or thermally tempered. In some embodiments the glass body comprises an ion exchanged glass. In some embodiments, the ion-exchanged class has a depth of layer of greater than <NUM> or greater than <NUM>.

Another aspect comprises a cover glass article includes a glass body having a three-dimensional shape, an inside surface, and an outside surface, and further comprising at least one of: a surface roughness (Ra) less than <NUM> and is free of indentations having diameters larger than <NUM>; a surface roughness (Ra) less than <NUM>; a surface roughness (Ra) less than <NUM>; a wall thickness in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> with a variation in the wall thickness is less than ± <NUM> or a variation in the wall thickness is within ± <NUM>% or less; less than ten non-indentation defects observable by the unaided human eye at <NUM> lux in a <NUM> x <NUM> area on any of the surface; a flat section wherein the flatness of the flat section is better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area or the flatness of the flat section is better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area; at least one bend section wherein the at least one bend section has a bend radius from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and/or the at least one bend section is a spline; an optical transmission greater than <NUM>% in a wavelength range of <NUM> to <NUM> or an optical transmission greater than <NUM>% in a wavelength range of <NUM> to <NUM>; a compressive stress greater than <NUM> MPa; a hardness of greater than <NUM> on the Mohs scale; an ion exchanged glass; or ion-exchanged class having a depth of layer of greater than <NUM> or greater than <NUM>.

Embodiments may be used in electronic devices. In some embodiments, the glass body is adapted for covering an electronic device having a flat display. In some embodiments, the electronic device is a telephone, monitor, television, handheld device, or tablet.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary of the invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.

The following is a description of the figures in the accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

The present embodiments can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, drawings, examples, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present compositions, articles, devices, and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this description is not limited to the specific compositions, articles, devices, and methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various embodiments described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits can be obtained by selecting some of the features without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present embodiments are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present description. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Disclosed are materials, compounds, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are embodiments of the disclosed method and compositions. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these compounds may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. Thus, if a class of substituents A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of substituents D, E, and F, and an example of a combination embodiment, A-D is disclosed, then each is individually and collectively contemplated. Thus, in this example, each of the combinations A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed from disclosure of A, B, and C; D, E, and F; and the example combination A-D. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E are specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed from disclosure of A, B, and C; D, E, and F; and the example combination A-D. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to any components of the compositions and steps in methods of making and using the disclosed compositions. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.

In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the meanings detailed herein.

"Include," "includes," or like terms means encompassing but not limited to, that is, inclusive and not exclusive.

The term "about" references all terms in the range unless otherwise stated. For example, about <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> is equivalent to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, and further comprises from about <NUM>-<NUM>, from about <NUM>-<NUM>, and from about <NUM>-<NUM>. Specific and preferred values disclosed for compositions, components, ingredients, additives, and like aspects, and ranges thereof, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges. The compositions and methods of the disclosure include those having any value or any combination of the values, specific values, more specific values, and preferred values described herein.

The indefinite article "a" or "an" and its corresponding definite article "the" as used herein means at least one, or one or more, unless specified otherwise.

A three-dimensional (3D) cover glass according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be used to cover an electronic device having a display. In some embodiments, the display area is flat or planar. The 3D cover glass will protect the display while allowing viewing of and interaction with the display. The 3D cover glass has a front cover glass section for covering the front side of the electronic device, where the display is located, and one or more side cover glass sections for wrapping around the peripheral side of the electronic device. The front cover glass section is contiguous with the side cover glass section(s).

Another aspect comprises a three-dimensional (3D) cover glass for use as a cover for at least part of the back and side portions of an electronic device, referred to as a backplate. In some embodiments, the backplate is flat or planar. The backplate can protect the electronic components in the device and/or provide a scratch or damage resistant surface. The electronic device may also have a display on part or all of the back of the device, and in such cases, the backplate may have a planar surface over that region and may act as a second cover for the second display area. The back cover glass section is contiguous with the side cover glass section(s).

In some embodiments, the 3D cover glass has at least one flat or planar section. In some embodiments, this flat or planar section covers at least part of the display area of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the flat 3D cover glass has a flatness of better than ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, or ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area, as measured by a FLATMASTER® tool. In some embodiments, the flat 3D cover glass has a flatness of better than ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, or ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area, as measured by a FLATMASTER® tool. In one embodiment, the flat front cover glass section has a flatness of better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area, as measured by a FLATMASTER® tool. In one embodiment, the flat front cover glass section has a flatness of better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area, as measured by a FLATMASTER® tool. In one embodiment, the flat front cover glass section has a flatness of better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area, as measured by a FLATMASTER® tool. In one embodiment, the flat front cover glass section has a flatness of better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area, as measured by a FLATMASTER® tool. In one embodiment, the flat front cover glass section has a flatness of better than ± <NUM> over a <NUM> x <NUM> area, as measured by a FLATMASTER® tool. In another embodiment, the front cover glass section may be curved.

Another aspect of the 3D cover glass is the bend radius or curvature. The 3D cover glass has at least one curved surface, and in some embodiments, may comprise two or more bends. The bend may be constant, having a fixed radius with a constant center point, or may be variable, as in the case of a spline structure. In some embodiments, the bend is a complex bend that has a changing radius, such as described by a Burmester curve. The bend angle and radius can be selected based on the peripheral side geometry of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the bend angle is from greater than <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the bend angle can be greater than <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the bend radius is about <NUM> or greater. In some embodiments, the bend radius is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bend radius is about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more.

Non-limiting examples of 3D cover glasses are shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the 3D cover glass <NUM> has a front cover glass section <NUM> and a side cover glass section <NUM>. The side cover glass section <NUM> circumscribes the front cover glass section <NUM> and includes a bend, giving the 3D cover glass <NUM> a dish shape. In <FIG>, the 3D cover glass <NUM> has a front cover glass section <NUM> and side cover glass sections <NUM>, <NUM>. The side cover glass sections <NUM>, <NUM> are on opposite sides of the front cover glass section <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the 3D cover glass is made from a 2D glass sheet using a thermal reforming process such as described in <CIT>, "Method of Making Shaped Glass Articles"), <CIT>, "Method and Apparatus for Bending a Sheet of Material into a Shaped Article"), <CIT>et al. , "Glass Molding System and Related Apparatus and Method"), <CIT>, and <CIT>, all incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the 2D glass sheet is made by a fusion process. Although, 2D glass sheets made by other processes, such as the float or rolling, may also be used.

Another aspect comprises the uniformity of wall thickness of the glass sheet. When glass is bent or manipulated, the thickness of the sheet ("wall thickness") can vary in the bend regions, which can lead to optical distortion and weakened glass strength. The current process uniquely preserves the uniformity of the glass across the surface and in the bend regions. The 3D cover glass has a uniform wall thickness typically in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness is about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In one embodiment, the total variation in the wall thickness of the cover glass wall is within ± <NUM>. In another embodiment, the total variation in the wall thickness of the cover glass wall is within ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM> , ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>, ± <NUM>,± <NUM>, or ± <NUM> of the average wall thickness of the of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the total variation in the wall thickness of the cover glass wall is ± <NUM>% of the average wall thickness of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the total variation in the wall thickness of the cover glass wall is ± <NUM>% of the average wall thickness of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the total variation in the wall thickness of the cover glass wall is ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, or ± <NUM>% of the average wall thickness of the glass sheet.

The 3D cover glass has an inside surface and an outside surface. For illustration purposes, inside surface <NUM> and outside surface <NUM> are indicated in <FIG>. When the 3D cover glass <NUM> is placed on an electronic device, the inside surface <NUM> would be on the inside of the assembly, whereas the outside surface <NUM> would be on the outside of the assembly. <FIG> shows an inside surface <NUM> and an outside surface <NUM>. Each surface is smooth, and this smoothness can be characterized by surface roughness. In some embodiments, the inside and outside surfaces have different surface roughness. In some embodiments, the average surface roughness (Ra) of each surface of the 3D cover glass is less than <NUM>. In another embodiment, the average surface roughness of each surface of the 3D cover glass is less than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the average surface roughness (Ra) of each surface of the 3D cover glass is less than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In another embodiment, the average surface roughness (Ra) of at least one of the surfaces of the 3D cover glass is less than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the average surface roughness (Ra) of at least one of the surfaces of the 3D cover glass is less than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In some embodiments, the average surface roughness (Ra) of at least one of the surfaces of the 3D cover glass is about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The surface roughness of the inside and outside surfaces may be the same or different. The latter may be the case, for example, if the 3D cover glass is made by a mold and only one of the surfaces comes into contact with the mold during forming of the 3D cover glass. Typically, the surface of the 3D cover glass contacting the mold will be the outside surface. However, it is possible to design the mold such that the surface of the 3D cover glass not contacting the mold will be the outside surface.

<FIG> shows a surface roughness profile <NUM> of a first surface of a 3D cover glass that came into contact with a mold during forming of the 3D cover glass. The average surface roughness in <FIG> is <NUM>. <FIG> shows a surface roughness profile <NUM> of a second surface of the 3D cover glass that did not come into contact with the mold. The average surface roughness in <FIG> is <NUM>. The 3D cover glass having the surface profiles in <FIG> was made by a thermal reforming process.

For comparison purposes, Table <NUM> shows surface roughness, including peak-to-valley departure (PV), root mean square (rms), and average surface roughness (Ra) profiles of five 3D glass samples made by machining.

The average surface roughness (Ra) of these samples range from <NUM> to <NUM>. It is noted that the surface roughness of the first surface of the 3D glass article in <FIG> is comparable to the surface roughness achieved by machining. <FIG> shows a surface roughness of a flat pristine fusion formed glass. The average surface roughness (Ra) of the flat glass is <NUM>. It is noted that the surface roughness of the second surface of the 3D glass article in <FIG> is comparable to the surface roughness of the flat glass.

The surface roughness may be a function of the process of making the 2D glass or the 3D shaping process, and may also be affected by post processing, such as polishing. In some embodiments, the 3D cover glass is not subjected to post processing or has the roughness profile as described above prior to any post processing.

Ideally, the as-formed quality of the 3D cover glass would be as good as the glass sheet from which it is formed. For the most economical process, one desires that this surface quality is achieved without further rework or polishing of the as-formed surface. Defects, as used herein, include, but are not limited to, indentations (or dimples - depressions in the glass surface), surface checks/cracks, blisters, chips, cords, dice, observable crystals, laps, seeds, stones, and stria. In some embodiments, there are less than an average of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> defects that are observable by the unaided human eye at <NUM> lux in a <NUM> x <NUM> area on any of the surfaces. In some embodiments, there are less than an average of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> defects that are <NUM> in the largest dimension in a <NUM> x <NUM> area on any of the surfaces, as measured by optical microscopy. In some embodiments, there are less than an average of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> defects that are <NUM> in the largest dimension in a <NUM> x <NUM> area on one of the surfaces - interior or exterior - as measured by optical microscopy. In some embodiments, the defect is <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in the largest dimension.

In some embodiments, there are less than an average of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> indentations (or dimples) larger than <NUM> in diameter in an <NUM> x <NUM> area on any of the surfaces, as measured by optical microscopy. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the 3D cover glass are essentially flawless. By "essentially flawless," it is meant that there are no indentations (or dimples) larger than <NUM> in diameter, as measured by an optical microscopy technique, in the surfaces. In some embodiments, essentially flawless further comprises that there are no additional defects observable by the unaided human eye at <NUM> lux on any of the surfaces.

In one embodiment, the 3D cover glass is transparent and has an optical transmission greater than <NUM>% in a wavelength range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the 3D cover glass is transparent and has an optical transmission greater than <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% in a wavelength range of <NUM> to <NUM>. <FIG> shows a transmission profile <NUM> of an example 3D cover glass. Also shown in <FIG> is a delta profile <NUM> that represents the percent difference between the transmission of the 3D cover glass and a 2D fusion-formed glass.

A coating may be deposited on a surface of the 3D cover glass to make a portion of the 3D cover glass semi-transparent or opaque. The portion of the 3D cover glass in which the coating is not deposited can be a clear aperture on the front cover glass section, which would allow for viewing of and interaction with an electronic device display.

Another aspect comprises the resistance of the 3D cover glass to damage. A number of processes, such as tempering, increase the ability of a glass substrate to sustain shock and stress without being damaged. The 3D cover glass (or the 2D glass sheet used in making the 3D cover glass) can be subjected to a strengthening process to achieve the compressive stress that is greater than <NUM> MPa. In some embodiments, the glass is chemically or thermally tempered. In some embodiments, the glass is chemically tempered. In some embodiments, the glass is ion exchanged. In some embodiments, the 3D cover glass is subjected to an ion-exchange chemical strengthening process to achieve a combination of a compressive stress greater than <NUM> MPa and an ion-exchange depth of layer of at least <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ion-exchange depth of layer is at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ion-exchange depth of layer is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The ion-exchange depth of layer is measured from a surface of the glass into the glass. An ion-exchanged layer is characterized by the presence of oversized ions in the glass lattice structure.

In some embodiments, the damage resistance of the 3D cover glass may be measured in terms of compressive stress. In some embodiments, the compressive stress at surface of glass greater than <NUM> MPa. In one embodiment, the cover glass has a compressive stress greater than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> MPa or more.

In some embodiments, the damage resistance of the 3D cover glass may be measured in terms of hardness and/or scratch resistance. In one embodiment, the 3D cover glass has a hardness greater than <NUM> on the Mohs scale. In some embodiments, the 3D cover glass has a hardness of about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> on the Mohs scale.

In one embodiment, the 3D cover glass comprises an alkali aluminosilicate glass composition. An exemplary alkali aluminosilicate glass composition comprises from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% SiO<NUM>; from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% Al<NUM>O<NUM>; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% B<NUM>O<NUM>; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% Li<NUM>O; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% NazO; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% KzO; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% MgO; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% CaO; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% ZrO<NUM>; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% SnO<NUM>; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% CeO<NUM>; less than about <NUM> ppm As<NUM>O<NUM>; and less than about <NUM> ppm Sb<NUM>O<NUM>; wherein <NUM> mol% ≤ Li<NUM>O + NazO + K<NUM>O ≤ <NUM> mol% and <NUM> mol% ≤ MgO + CaO ≤ <NUM> mol%. (See, e.g., <CIT>, incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Another exemplary alkali-aluminosilicate glass composition comprises at least about <NUM> mol% SiOz and at least about <NUM> mol% NazO, and the compressive stress is at least about <NUM> MPa. In some embodiments, the glass further comprises Al<NUM>O<NUM> and at least one of B<NUM>O<NUM>, KzO, MgO and ZnO, wherein -<NUM> + <NUM>·Al<NUM>O<NUM> - <NUM>·B<NUM>O<NUM> + <NUM>·Na<NUM>O - <NUM>·K<NUM>O + <NUM>·(MgO + ZnO) ≥ <NUM> mol%. In particular embodiments, the glass comprises: from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% Al<NUM>O<NUM>; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% B<NUM>O<NUM>; from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% Na<NUM>O; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% KzO; from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% MgO; and from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol% CaO. This glass composition is described in <CIT>, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Other types of glass compositions besides those mentioned above and besides alkali-aluminosilicate glass composition may be used for the 3D cover glass. For example, alkali-aluminoborosilicate glass compositions may be used for the 3D cover glass. In some embodiments, the glass compositions used are ion-exchangeable glass compositions, which are generally glass compositions containing small alkali or alkaline-earth metals ions that can be exchanged for large alkali or alkaline-earth metal ions. Additional examples of ion-exchangeable glass compositions may be found in <CIT>), <CIT>), and <CIT> (Araujo; <NUM> October <NUM>) and <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), <CIT>), and <CIT>). <CIT> relates to glass compositions suitable for forming tempered, curved cover glass articles. D1 fails to disclose a glass article having at least one bend section having a bend radius from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the 3D cover glass is made by thermal reforming from a 2D glass sheet as already described above. In some embodiments, the 2D glass sheet is extracted from a pristine sheet of glass formed by a fusion process. The pristine nature of the glass may be preserved up until the glass is subjected to a strengthening process, such as an ion-exchange chemical strengthening process.

Claim 1:
A cover glass article, comprising:
a glass body having:
a three-dimensional shape,
an inside surface,
an outside surface, and
wherein:
at least one of the inside and outside surfaces has a surface roughness (Ra) less than <NUM> and is free of indentations having diameters larger than <NUM>, and
the glass article has at least one bend section having a bend radius from <NUM> to <NUM>.