PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10401904-B2
Application Number: US-201816008151-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Housing for portable electronic device with reduced border region

Abstract:
An electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover is disclosed. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device, comprising;
 a housing defining:
 a glass front; 
 a glass back; and 
 a glass side; 
 
 an internal support structure positioned within and secured to the housing; and 
 a display assembly positioned within the housing and coupled to the internal support structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first glass member defines a front exterior surface of the portable electronic device; and 
 the third glass member defines a back exterior surface of the portable electronic device. 
 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the display assembly comprises:
 a touch sensing layer; 
 a liquid crystal display; and 
 a backlight. 
 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the internal support structure comprises a metal sheet having a thickness of between 0.1-0.6 mm. 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first glass member defines an interior surface opposite the front exterior surface; and 
 the display assembly is attached to the interior surface. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the second glass member defines a mounting surface; and 
 a peripheral region of the interior surface is attached to the mounting surface. 
 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the internal support structure comprises a polymer. 
     
     
       8. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a glass housing structure defining:
 an interior volume; 
 a front exterior surface; 
 a back exterior surface; 
 side exterior surfaces; and 
 side interior surfaces opposite the side exterior surfaces; 
 
 a screen assembly defining a front side and a back side, the front side secured to a front interior surface of the glass housing structure opposite the front exterior surface; and 
 a metal frame within the interior volume coupled to at least one of the side interior surfaces and adjacent the back exterior surface of the screen assembly. 
 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein electronic components are disposed within the interior volume. 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the screen assembly defines an active display area; 
 the front interior surface defines a display region corresponding to the active display area; and 
 the active display area of the screen assembly is attached to the display region. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the metal frame comprises a metal sheet having a thickness of between 0.1-0.6 mm. 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the screen assembly comprises:
 a touch sensing layer; 
 a liquid crystal display; and 
 a backlight. 
 
     
     
       13. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a glass housing defining an interior volume and comprising:
 a glass front portion defining a front exterior surface and a front interior surface opposite the front exterior surface; 
 a glass back portion; and 
 a glass side portion; 
 
 a touch-screen display assembly coupled to the front interior surface; and 
 an internal frame structure disposed within the interior volume of the glass housing and attached to an interior surface of the glass side portion. 
 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the glass side portion defines a mounting surface; and 
 a peripheral region of the glass front portion is attached to the mounting surface. 
 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the internal frame structure is positioned adjacent to a back surface of the touch-screen display assembly. 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the internal frame structure is secured to the front interior surface of the glass front portion using an adhesive; and 
 the touch-screen display assembly is secured to the front interior surface of the glass front portion using the adhesive. 
 
     
     
       17. The portable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the adhesive is an adhesive film. 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the interior volume further comprises electronic components disposed therein. 
     
     
       19. The portable electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the glass front portion further defines a speaker port for providing audio to a user. 
     
     
       20. The portable electronic device of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the electronic components comprise a speaker; and 
 the speaker port is aligned with the speaker.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/274,251, filed Sep. 23, 2016 and titled “Housing for Portable Electronic Device with Reduced Border Region,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,007,295, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/801,550, filed Jul. 16, 2015 and titled “Housing for Portable Electronic Device with Reduced Border Region,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,513,664, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/246,697, filed Sep. 27, 2011 and titled “Housing for Portable Electronic Device with Reduced Border Region,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,128,666, which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61,482,513, filed May 4, 2011 and titled “Housing for Portable Electronic Device with Reduced Border Region,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, a portable electronic device has a housing that encases the various electrical components of the portable electronic device. Often, the portable electronic device has a display arrangement that includes various layers. The various layers usually include at least a display technology layer, and may additionally include a sensing arrangement (e.g., touch sensors or touch screen) and/or a cover window disposed over the display technology layer. The cover window can be a plastic or glass cover that provides a protective outer surface that protects the display technology layer. The cover window can form part of an outer surface for the housing of the portable electronic device. Conventionally, supporting or securing the cover window to other portions of the housing tends to impede usage of a peripheral area of the cover window. 
     Nevertheless, as portable electronic devices continue to be made smaller, thinner, and/or more powerful, there remains a continuing need to provide improved techniques and structures for supporting cover windows of portable electronic device housings. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention pertains to an electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, or apparatus. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and side surfaces; a glass cover for a top surface for the electronic device enclosure; at least one peripheral internal support structure secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover, wherein the at least one peripheral internal support structure is within the periphery of the glass cover; a screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and at least one surface support structure secured within the electronic device housing such that the at least one surface support structure is adjacent the bottom surface of the screen assembly. 
     As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: obtaining a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for substantially all of a surface of the electronic device; attaching at least one peripheral support structure to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member; attaching a screen assembly to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass member; attaching at least one surface support structure to the at least one peripheral support structure, wherein the glass member, the screen assembly, and the at least one peripheral support structure form a resulting display assembly; and thereafter securing the resulting display assembly to a product housing using at least the peripheral support structure. 
     As a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and side surfaces; a glass cover for a top surface for the electronic device enclosure; at least one mounting bracket secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover; a touch screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and a frame secured within the electronic device housing such that the frame is adjacent the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly. 
     As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: obtain a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for substantially all of a surface of the electronic device; attach mounting brackets to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member; attach a top surface of a screen assembly to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass member; attach a frame adjacent a bottom surface of the screen assembly, wherein the glass member, the frame, the screen assembly, and the mounting brackets form a resulting display assembly; and thereafter secure the resulting display assembly to a product housing using the mounting brackets and/or frame. 
     As a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and side surfaces; a glass cover for a top surface for the electronic device enclosure; a frame secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover; a screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and at least one mounting bracket secured to the frame. 
     As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: obtain a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for substantially all of a surface of the electronic device; attach a frame to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member; attach a screen assembly to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass member; attach mounting brackets to the frame, wherein the glass member, the frame, the screen assembly, and the mounting brackets form a resulting display assembly; and thereafter secure the resulting display assembly to a product housing using the mounting brackets and/or frame. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  a flow diagram of a housing formation process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2B-2E  are cross-sectional assembly diagrams for the electronic device housing shown in  FIG. 2A , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a side member and a mounting bracket of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side member and a mounting bracket of an electronic device housing according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a side member, a mounting bracket, and a frame (portion thereof) of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a housing formation process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective diagram of a handheld electronic device according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments are described herein in the context of a housing for an electronic device. The housing can make use of an outer member, which can be formed of glass. The outer member can be aligned, protected, and/or secured with respect to other portions of the housing for the electronic device. The electronic device can be portable and in some cases handheld. 
     According to one aspect, the invention pertains to an electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices. 
     The following detailed description is illustrative only, and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will generally be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. It should be appreciated that the drawings are generally not drawn to scale, and at least some features of the drawings have been exaggerated for ease of illustration. 
     Embodiments of the invention can relate to an apparatus, systems, and methods for forming a housing having a thin glass member for an electronic device. In one example, the glass member may be an outer surface of an electronic device. The glass member may, for example, correspond to a glass cover that helps form part of a display area of an electronic device (i.e., situated in front of a display either as a separate part or integrated within the display). Alternatively or additionally, the glass member may form a part of the housing. For example, it may form an outer surface other than in the display area. 
     The apparatus, systems and methods for improving strength of thin glass are especially suitable for glass covers, or displays (e.g., LCD displays), assembled in small form factor electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players, personal digital assistants, remote controls, etc.). The glass can be thin in these small form factor embodiments, such as less than 3 mm, or more particularly between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, or even more particularly between 0.3 and 1.0 mm. The apparatus, systems, and methods can also be used for glass covers or displays for other devices including, but not limited to, relatively larger form factor electronic devices (e.g., portable computers, tablet computers, displays, monitors, televisions, etc.). The glass can also be thin in these larger form factor embodiments, such as less than 5 mm, or more particularly between 0.5 and 3 mm, or even more particularly between 0.3 and 2.0 mm. 
     Embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a housing formation process  100  according to one embodiment. The housing formation process  100  can operate to produce a housing for an electronic device, or at least a portion of such a housing. 
     The housing formation process  100  can initially obtain  102  a glass member. A top surface of the glass member can represent an outer surface for the housing, and the bottom surface of the glass member is an inner surface that is not exposed. The glass member can serve as a significant outer surface for the housing. For example, the glass member can correspond to a top surface for the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the glass member can correspond to a bottom surface for the housing. The glass member is typically thin, particularly when used with portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the glass member has a thickness of less than 5 mm, or more particularly less than 1 mm. 
     After the glass member has been obtained  102 , mounting brackets can be attached  104  to a peripheral region on the bottom surface of the glass member. The mounting brackets can be attached to the bottom surface of the glass member using an adhesive. The adhesive can, for example, be provided as a film or layer. Also, the manner by which the adhesive is deposited can vary. In one implementation, the adhesive can be deposited by forming a peripheral pattern of adhesive that can be placed on the bottom surface of the glass member so as to provide adhesive at the regions on the bottom surface of the glass member where the mounting brackets are to be placed. In another implementation, the adhesive can be screen printed on appropriate peripheral portions on the bottom surface of the glass member. In still another embodiment, the adhesive can be applied to the surface of the mounting brackets that is to be secured to the bottom surface of the glass member. 
     After the mounting brackets have been attached  104 , a touch screen assembly can be attached  106  to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass member. The touch screen assembly can include a plurality of touch and display components that are laminated together to implement a touch screen. The touch and display components can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors) and/or a back light component. 
     The touch screen assembly can be attached  106  using an adhesive. The adhesive can, for example, be provided as film or layer. Also, the manner by which the adhesive is deposited can vary. In one implementation, the adhesive can be deposited by forming a pattern of adhesive (e.g., translucent adhesive) that can be placed on the bottom surface of the glass member so as to provide adhesive at the bottom surface of the glass member where the touch screen assembly is to be placed. The adhesive can additionally or alternatively be deposited on the top surface of the touch screen assembly. In another implementation, the adhesive can be screen printed or sprayed on an appropriate portion of the bottom surface of the glass member and/or a top surface of the touch screen assembly. 
     Next, after the touch screen assembly has been attached  106 , a frame can be attached  108  such that the frame is adjacent to the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly. The frame being attached  108  can serve to protect the touch screen assembly from damage and can provide structural stiffness to the housing for the electronic device. The frame can be attached  108  to the mounting members or side members of the housing for the electronic device. In one embodiment, the frame can be attached  108  using any of a variety of means, such as adhesive, screws, snaps or welds. 
     After the frame has been attached  108 , the resulting display assembly, including the glass member, the mounting brackets, the touch screen assembly, and the frame can be secured to the housing of the electronic device. For example, the resulting display assembly can be secured  110  to the housing of the electronic device by way of the mounting brackets and/or the frame. Following the block  110 , the housing formation process  100  can end. 
       FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing  200  according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic device housing  200  can result from the housing formation process  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The electronic device housing  200  includes a housing  202 . The housing  202  includes side members  204  and a bottom member  206 . A translucent member  208  can be provided as a top surface for the electronic device housing  200 . For example, the translucent member  208  can be a glass member, often referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic). 
     The electronic device housing  200  can include a touch screen assembly  210 . The touch screen assembly  210  can include a plurality of touch and display components that are laminated together. The touch and display components can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors) and/or a backlight layer. The touch screen assembly  210  can be secured to a bottom surface of the translucent member  208  by a layer of adhesive  212 . 
     Additionally, the electronic device housing  200  can include mounting brackets  214  that are secured to the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member  208  with a layer of adhesive  216 . The mounting brackets  214  can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) or a polymer. The mounting brackets  214  can be thin such as on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. In one embodiment, the mounting brackets  214  can include a pair of rails secured to opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member  208  with the layer of adhesive  216 . 
     The electronic device housing  200  can also include a frame  218 . The frame  218  is provided within the electronic device housing  200  and provided adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly  210 . In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame  218  and the bottom surface on the touch screen assembly  210 . The frame  218  can serve to provide stiffness to the electronic device housing  200  and can also provide a surface that protects the touch screen assembly  210 . The frame  218  can be secured to the mounting brackets  214  or the side members  204  by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesive). 
     An internal space  220  is provided internal to the electronic device housing  200  whereby various electrical components (e.g., including processor, memory, battery, and circuit board) can be attached, affixed, or placed so as to provide electronic operations for the electronic device. 
     In general, the various members, parts or assemblies of the electronic device housing  200  can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g., glass, polymers or metal. In one embodiment, the translucent member  208  is glass, the mounting brackets  214  and the frame  218  are formed from metal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing  202  is formed from glass, polymer (e.g., plastic) or metal. 
       FIGS. 2B-2E  are cross-sectional assembly diagrams for the electronic device housing  200  shown in  FIG. 2A , according to one embodiment. The  FIGS. 2A-2D  represent a sequence of exemplary assembly steps to assemble the electronic device housing  200 . 
     In  FIG. 2B , the translucent member  208  having a top surface and a bottom surface is provided. The bottom surface of the translucent member  208  can have the adhesive  216  applied as a layer of adhesive at selected regions along certain sides of a periphery of the bottom surface of the translucent member  208 . The mounting brackets  214  can then be secured to the translucent member  208  via the adhesive  216 . 
     In  FIG. 2C , the touch screen assembly  210  can then be secured to the translucent member  208  through use of the layer of adhesive  212 . Typically, the layer of adhesive  212  would be translucent (e.g., clear). Here, the top surface of the touch screen assembly  210  is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member  208 . 
     In  FIG. 2D , the frame  218  can then be secured to the mounting brackets  214 . The frame  218  can be secured to the mounting brackets  214  or the side members  204  through use of adhesive, welds, screws, etc. When attached, the frame  218  is adjacent a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly  210 . However, the frame  218  is typically not contacting the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly  210 . Instead, there is a small gap  206  between the frame  218  and the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly  210 . 
     In  FIG. 2E , the assembly resulting at  FIG. 2D  can then be inserted into the housing  202  for the electronic device. The assembly can be secured to the housing  202 . For example, the assembly can be secured in place through use of adhesive, snaps, welds, screws, etc. In one embodiment, the mounting brackets  214  can be secured to side members  204  of the housing  202 . Once the assembly resulting at  FIG. 2D  is inserted and then secured, the electronic device housing  200  as shown in  FIG. 2A  results. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing  300  according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing  300  is generally similar to the electronic device housing  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . The electronic device housing  300  includes a housing  302 . The housing  302  includes side members  304  and a bottom member  306 . A translucent member  308  can be provided as a top surface for the electronic device housing  300 . For example, the translucent member  308  can be a glass member, often referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic). 
     The electronic device housing  300  can include a touch screen assembly  310 . The touch screen assembly  310  can include a plurality of touch and display components that are laminated together. The touch and display components can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors), and/or a backlight layer. The touch screen assembly  310  can be secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member  308  by a layer of adhesive  312 . 
     Additionally, the electronic device housing  300  can include mounting brackets  314  that are secured to the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member  308  with a layer of adhesive  316 . The mounting brackets  314  can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) or a polymer. The mounting brackets  314  can be thin such as on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. The configuration and placement of the mounting brackets  314  can be the same as the mounting brackets  214  used in  FIG. 2A , except that the mounting brackets  314  can, in one embodiment, be longer (i.e., have greater height) than the mounting brackets  214 . In one embodiment, the mounting brackets  314  can include a pair of rails secured to opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member  308  with the layer of adhesive  316 . 
     The electronic device housing  300  can also include a frame  318 . The frame  318  is provided within the electronic device housing  300  and provided adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly  310 . In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame  318  and the bottom surface on the touch screen assembly  310 . The frame  318  can serve to provide stiffness to the electronic device housing  300  and can also provide a surface that protects the touch screen assembly  310 . The frame  318  can be secured to the mounting brackets  314  or the side members  304  by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesive). The configuration and placement of the frame  318  can be the same as the frame  218  used in  FIG. 2A , except that the frame  318  can be secured to the mounting brackets  314  at a lower position than used in  FIG. 2A . 
     An internal space  320  is provided internal to the electronic device housing  300  whereby various electrical components (e.g., including processor, memory, battery, and circuit board) can be attached, affixed, or placed so as to provide electronic operations for the electronic device. 
     In general, the various members, parts, or assemblies of the electronic device housing  300  can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g., glass, polymers, or metal. In one embodiment, the translucent member  308  is glass, the mounting brackets  314  and the frame  318  are formed from metal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing  302  is formed from glass, polymer (e.g., plastic), or metal. 
     Additionally, in one embodiment, such as shown in  FIG. 3 , a top portion of the mounting bracket  314  that is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member  308  with the layer of adhesive  316  can slightly vertically overlap with a least one layer of the touch screen assembly  310 . For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates the top portion of the mounting bracket  314  that is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member  308  with the layer of adhesive  316  being slightly overlapped (e.g., horizontally overlapped) with a middle layer of the touch screen assembly  310 . The ability to overlap these components slightly in the horizontal direction provides for improved compact designs that are able to have even further reduced border thickness (between an edge of an active display area and an edge of the housing). 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a side member  400  and a mounting bracket  402  of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing can, for example, pertain to the electronic device housing  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  or the electronic device housing  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 4A , the mounting bracket  402  is attached to the side member  400  by welds  404 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a side member  420  and a mounting bracket  422  of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing can, for example, pertain to the electronic device housing  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  or the electronic device housing  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 4B , the mounting bracket  422  is attached to the side member  420  by at least one snap  424  which provides a mechanical retention therebetween. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a side member  440 , a mounting bracket  442 , and a frame  444  (portion thereof) of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing can, for example, pertain to the electronic device housing  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  or the electronic device housing  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 4C , the mounting bracket  442  is attached to the side member  440  by any of the above-noted techniques (e.g., adhesive, snap, screw, weld), and the frame  444  can be secured to the mounting bracket  442  by at least one screw  446  (or bolt). In an alternative embodiment, the screw  446  can further extend into or through the side member  440  to secure the mounting bracket  442  and the frame  444  to themselves and the side member  440 . 
     In  FIGS. 1-3  discussed above, the mounting bracket is secured to the bottom surface of a translucent member that can serve as a significant outer surface for a housing of an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device. However, in other embodiments, a frame or other structural component can instead be secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 
       FIG. 5  a flow diagram of a housing formation process  500  according to one embodiment. The housing formation process  500  can operate to produce a housing for an electronic device, or at least a portion of such a housing. 
     The housing formation process  500  can initially obtain  502  a glass member. A top surface of the glass member can represent an outer surface for the housing, and the bottom surface of the glass member is an inner surface that is not exposed. The glass member can serve as a significant outer surface for the housing. For example, the glass member can correspond to a top surface for the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the glass member can correspond to a bottom surface for the housing. The glass member is typically thin, particularly when used with portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the glass member has a thickness of less than 5 mm, or more particularly less than 1 mm. 
     After the glass member has been obtained  502 , a frame can be attached  504  to a peripheral region on the bottom surface of the glass member. The frame, once attached  504 , can serve to protect the touch screen assembly from damage and can provide structural stiffness to the housing for the electronic device. When attached, the frame is adjacent to the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly. The frame can be attached to the bottom surface of the glass member using an adhesive. The adhesive can, for example, by provided as film or layer. Also, the manner by which the adhesive is deposited can vary. In one implementation, the adhesive can be deposited by forming a peripheral pattern of adhesive that can be placed on the bottom surface of the glass member so as to provide adhesive at the regions on the bottom surface of the glass member where the mounting brackets are to be placed. In another implementation, the adhesive can be screen printed on appropriate peripheral portions on the bottom surface of the glass member. In still another embodiments, the adhesive can be applied to the surface of the mounting brackets that is to be secured to the bottom surface of the glass member. 
     After the frame has been attached  504 , a touch screen assembly can be attached  506  to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass member. The touch screen assembly can include a plurality of touch and display components that are laminated together to implement a touch screen. The touch and display components can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors) and/or a backlight component. 
     The touch screen assembly can be attached  506  using an adhesive. The adhesive can, for example, be provided as film or layer. Also, the manner by which the adhesive is deposited can vary. In one implementation, the adhesive can be deposited by forming a pattern of adhesive (e.g., translucent adhesive) that can be placed on the bottom surface of the glass member so as to provide adhesive at the bottom surface of the glass member where the touch screen assembly is to be placed. The adhesive can additionally or alternatively be deposited on the top surface of the touch screen assembly. In another implementation, the adhesive can be screen printed or sprayed on an appropriate portion of the bottom surface of the glass member and/or a top surface of the touch screen assembly. 
     Next, after the touch screen assembly has been attached  506 , mounting brackets can be attached  508  to the frame. In one embodiment, the frame can be attached  508  to the frame using any of a variety of means, such as adhesive, screws, snaps or welds. 
     After the mounting brackets have been attached  508 , the resulting display assembly, including the glass member, the mounting brackets, the touch screen assembly and the frame can be secured  550  to the housing of the electronic device. For example, the resulting display assembly can be secured to the housing of the electronic device by way of the mounting brackets and/or the frame. Following the block  550 , the housing formation process  500  can end. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing  600  according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic device housing  600  can result from the housing formation process  500  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     The electronic device housing  600  includes a housing  602 . The housing  602  includes side members  604  and a bottom member  606 . A translucent member  608  can be provided as a top surface for the electronic device housing  600 . For example, the translucent member  608  can be a glass member, often referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic). 
     The electronic device housing  600  can include a touch screen assembly  610 . The touch screen assembly  610  can include a plurality of touch and display components that are laminated together. The touch and display components can, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors) and/or a backlight layer. The touch screen assembly  610  can be secured to a bottom surface of the translucent member  608  by a layer of adhesive  612 . 
     Additionally, the electronic device housing  600  can include a frame  614  which can be secured to the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member  608  with a layer of adhesive  616 . The frame  614  is provided within the electronic device housing  600  and provided adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly  610 . In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame  614  and the bottom surface on the touch screen assembly  610 . The frame  614  can serve to provide stiffness to the electronic device housing  600  and can also provide a surface that protects the touch screen assembly  610 . Additionally, in one embodiment, a top portion of the frame  614  that is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member  608  with the layer of adhesive  616  can slightly overlap (e.g., horizontally overlapped) with a least one layer of the touch screen assembly  610 . For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates the top portion of the frame  614  that is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member  608  with the layer of adhesive  616  being slightly vertically overlapped with a middle layer of the touch screen assembly  610 . The ability to overlap slightly in the horizontal direction provides for improved compact designs that are able to have even further reduced border thickness (between the edge of the active display area and the edge of the housing). 
     The electronic device housing  600  can include mounting brackets  618 . The mounting brackets  618  can be secured to the side members  604 . The mounting brackets  618  can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) or a polymer. The mounting brackets  618  can be thin such as on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. The mounting brackets  618  can be secured to the frame  614  as well as to the side members  604  by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesive). 
     An internal space  620  is provided internal to the electronic device housing  600  whereby various electrical components (e.g., including processor, memory, battery, and circuit board) can be attached, affixed, or placed so as to provide electronic operations for the electronic device. 
     In general, the various members, parts, or assemblies of the electronic device housing  600  can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g., glass, polymers, or metal. In one embodiment, the translucent member  608  is glass, the frame  614  and the mounting brackets  618  are formed from metal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing  602  is formed from glass, polymer (e.g., plastic), or metal. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective diagram of a handheld electronic device  700  according to one embodiment. The handheld electronic device  700  may include a housing  702 , e.g., a periphery member, that is arranged to at least partially surround the periphery of the handheld electronic device  700  to form some or all of the outer-most side, top, and bottom surfaces of the handheld electronic device  700 . The handheld electronic device  700  also includes a cover piece  704  that is arranged to be substantially coupled to the housing  702  to effectively enclose an inner volume of the handheld electronic device  700 . The cover piece  704  may include a glass member  706 , e.g., cover glass provided over a display of the handheld electronic device  700 . In one embodiment, the cover piece  704  includes a protective frame  708  in which the glass member  706  is held. The glass member  706  can serve as the top surface of the housing  702 . A display region  707  of the glass member  706  is that portion of the glass member  706  that corresponds to the display (e.g., active display region). Using the techniques described herein, the display can be secured to the housing  702  such that the active display region is able to nearly reach the edge of the housing. In other words, the border thickness (t) at the sides of the housing  702  is able to be reduced as compared to conventional designs. In one embodiment, the border thickness (t) can be 2 mm or less. 
     The housing  702  may have any suitable shape, including, for example, one or more elements that may be combined to form a rectangular structure. The housing  702  may at least partially enclose an inner volume in which electronic device components may be assembled and retained. The shape of the housing  702  may substantially define boundaries of the inner volume, and may be determined based upon the size and type of components placed within the inner volume. 
     The housing  702  may have any suitable size, and the size may be determined based on any suitable criteria. Suitable criteria may include, but are not limited to, aesthetics or industrial design, structural considerations, components required for a desired functionality, and/or product design. The housing  702  may have any suitable cross-section, including, for example, a variable cross-section or a constant cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-section may be selected based on desired structural properties for the housing  702 . For example, the cross-section of the housing  702  may be substantially rectangular, such that the height of the housing  702  is substantially larger than the width of the housing  702 . Such a cross-sectional shape may provide structural stiffness in compression and tension, as well as in bending. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the housing  702  cross-section may be determined relative to the dimensions of the components contained by the housing  702 . 
     In some embodiments, the housing  702  may include features  710 . The features  710  may generally include one or more openings, knobs, extensions, flanges, chamfers, or other features for receiving components or elements of the device. The features  710  of the housing  702  extend from any surface of the housing  702 , including, for example, from internal surfaces, e.g., to retain internal components or component layers, or from external surfaces. In particular, the housing  702  may include a slot or opening (not shown) for receiving a card or tray within the handheld electronic device  700 . The housing  702  may also include a connector opening (not shown), e.g., for a 30-pin connector, through which a connector may engage one or more conductive pins of the handheld electronic device  700 . Other features  710  included on the housing  702  may include, but are not limited to, an opening for providing audio to a user, an opening for receiving audio from a user, an opening for a connector (e.g., audio connector or power supply connector), and/or features for retaining and enabling a button such as a volume control or silencing switch. 
     Additional details on electronic device housings using insert molding for certain components are contained in: (i) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/895,822, filed Sep. 30, 2010, and entitled “Insert Molded Device Housings for Portable Electronic Devices,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/944,671, filed Nov. 11, 2010, and entitled “Insert Molding Around Glass Members for Portable Electronic Devices,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Although mounting brackets and a frame for a display assembly are discussed above as separate components (which can facilitate assembly), it should be understood that the mounting brackets and frame are structural components that are used in an electronic device. In one embodiment, the mounting brackets and frame are integral. In another embodiment, the mounting brackets and frame are interchangeable. 
     Although various embodiments discussed herein include a touch screen assembly, various other embodiments may not include touch screen capabilities. In such other embodiments, a display assembly would be used in place of the touch screen assembly. The display assembly includes at least a display technology layer. The display assembly can also include a backlight component. 
     In general, the steps associated with the methods of the present invention may vary widely. Steps may be added, removed, altered, combined, and reordered without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments, or implementations of the invention described above may be used alone or in various combinations. 
     While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the disclosure. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     While embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180614
Publication Date: 20190903
Grant Date: 20190903
Priority Date: 20110504
Inventors: WERNER, CHRISTOPHER M.
SANFORD, EMERY A.
LYNCH, STEPHEN BRIAN
DABOV, TEODOR
ROTHKOPF, FLETCHER R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47090091