PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9886062-B2
Application Number: US-201414193792-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Exposed glass article with enhanced stiffness for portable electronic device housing

Abstract:
A transparent article, such as a transparent cover, for use as a cover glass for an electronic device, as well as methods for producing transparent articles, are disclosed. The transparent article can form a part of a housing of the portable electronic device and can provide an outer surface for a portion of the housing. The transparent article can be provided over a display of portable electronic device to provide a protective outer cover over the display. In one embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a laminate structure. In another embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a ribbed structure. In still another embodiment, a sapphire coating can be deposited on the transparent article to improve it strength. Advantageously, the transparent article is able to be not only thin and lightweight but also provide sufficient stiffness for use as a cover glass.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable consumer electronic product, comprising:
 a glass user interfacing part, the glass user interfacing part including at least:
 an outer layer of glass having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm, and 
 at least two inner ribs that provide structural support for the outer layer, the at least two inner ribs extending linearly, horizontally and vertically across an image display portion and a non-image display portion of an inner surface of the glass user interfacing part, and the at least two inner ribs being substantially transparent; 
 
 a display provided internal to the portable consumer electronic device and behind the glass user interfacing part; and 
 a processor operable to control information display on the display. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least two inner ribs is part of an inner layer of the inner surface of the glass user interfacing part, and
 wherein the inner layer is formed of the least two inner ribs and a substantially transparent filler material that is filled in around the at least two inner ribs. 
 
     
     
       3. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 2 , wherein a first index of refraction of the substantially transparent filler material is substantially matched with a second index of refraction of the at least two inner ribs. 
     
     
       4. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the substantially transparent filler material comprises substantially clear adhesive. 
     
     
       5. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the at least two inner ribs comprise glass or fiberglass. 
     
     
       6. A portable consumer electronic product, comprising:
 a display; 
 a housing, comprising:
 a glass user interfacing part forming at least part of an exterior surface of the housing, comprising:
 a glass layer having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm; and 
 an array of substantially transparent ribs attached to the glass layer, 
 
 
 wherein:
 the glass user interfacing part is positioned over the display; 
 the array of substantially transparent ribs extend across an image display portion of the glass layer located over the display; and 
 the array of substantially transparent ribs extend across a non-image display portion of the glass layer located outside of a peripheral portion of the display. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the array of substantially transparent ribs comprises a glass material. 
     
     
       8. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the array of substantially transparent ribs comprises a fiberglass material. 
     
     
       9. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a substantially transparent filler material that is filled in around the array of substantially transparent ribs. 
 
     
     
       10. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 9 , wherein a first index of refraction of the substantially transparent filler material is substantially matched with a second index of refraction of the array of substantially transparent ribs. 
     
     
       11. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising: a layer of adhesive attaching the array of substantially transparent ribs to the glass layer. 
     
     
       12. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the array of substantially transparent ribs, the substantially transparent filler material, and the layer of adhesive are each comprised of different materials. 
     
     
       13. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 6 , the housing, further comprising:
 a housing structure forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the portable consumer electronic product, wherein: 
 
       the glass user interfacing part is coupled to the housing structure to define an inner volume; and 
       the display is positioned within the inner volume and attached to an inner surface of the glass user interfacing part. 
     
     
       14. A portable consumer electronic product, comprising:
 a glass user interfacing part, the glass user interfacing part including at least:
 a top layer of glass having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm; 
 an intermediate layer of adhesive; and 
 a bottom layer of substantially clear material adhered to a bottom surface of the top layer via the intermediate layer of adhesive; 
 
 a display provided internal to the portable consumer electronic device and below the glass user interfacing part; and 
 a processor operable to control information display on the display, 
 wherein the bottom layer includes at least two inner ribs providing structural support for the top layer extending linearly, horizontally and vertically across an image display portion over the display and a non-image display portion of the glass user interfacing part, and the at least two inner ribs being substantially transparent. 
 
     
     
       15. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the bottom layer of substantially clear material has a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm. 
     
     
       16. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the intermediate layer of adhesive is attached to and surrounding the at least two inner ribs. 
     
     
       17. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the relative density of the intermediate layer of adhesive is significantly less than the relative density of the top layer of glass or the bottom layer of substantially clear material. 
     
     
       18. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 14 , wherein a first index of refraction of the intermediate layer of adhesive, a second index of refraction of the top layer of glass, a third index of refraction of the bottom layer, and a fourth index of refraction of the at least two inner ribs are substantially matched. 
     
     
       19. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 14 , the glass user interfacing part, further comprising:
 a substantially transparent filler material, the substantially transparent filler material surrounding the at least two inner ribs. 
 
     
     
       20. The portable consumer electronic product as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the intermediate layer of adhesive, the substantially transparent material, and the at least two inner ribs are each comprised of different materials.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, a portable electronic device has a housing that encases the various electrical components of the portable electronic device. Often, the electronic components include a display arrangement that includes various layers. The various layers usually include at least a display technology layer that provides a display screen, and may additionally include a sensing arrangement (e.g., touch sensors or touch screen). A cover window can be 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 arrangement. The cover window can form part of an outer surface for the housing of the portable electronic device. 
     In the case where the cover window is glass, the cover window may be scratch resistance. However, for adequate strength, the cover window is conventionally relatively thick. With a handheld (or small scale) portable electronic device having a display arrangement, the cover window is generally part of the housing and thus needs to have sufficient rigidity to avoid warping or breaking in ordinary use conditions. Unfortunately, glass as a material is heavy. Thus, there is a competing need to make handheld portable electronic devices lighter. Consequently, there is a need for improved solutions to provide glass covers for handheld (or small scale) portable electronic devices that are sufficiently strong but also lightweight. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention pertains to a transparent article, such as a transparent cover, for use as a cover glass for an electronic device, as well as methods for producing transparent articles. The transparent article can form a part of a housing of the portable electronic device and can provide an outer surface for a portion of the housing. The transparent article can be provided over a display of portable electronic device to provide a protective outer cover over the display. In one embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a laminate structure. In another embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a ribbed structure. In still another embodiment, a sapphire coating can be deposited on the transparent article to improve it strength. Advantageously, the transparent article is able to be not only thin and lightweight but also provide sufficient stiffness for use as a cover glass. The electronic device can, for example, be a portable electronic device (e.g., handheld electronic device). 
     Embodiments of 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 cover glass for a portable consumer electronic product, one embodiment can, for example, include a top layer of glass having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm, an intermediate layer of adhesive, and a bottom layer of substantially clear material having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm. A top surface of the bottom layer can be adhered to a bottom surface of the top layer via the intermediate layer of adhesive. 
     As a portable consumer electronic product, one embodiment can, for example, include a glass user interfacing part, a display provided internal to the portable consumer electronic device and behind the glass user interfacing part, and a processor operable to control information display on the display. The glass user interfacing part can include at least: a top layer of glass having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm, an intermediate layer of adhesive, and a bottom layer of substantially clear material having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm. A top surface of the bottom layer can be adhered to a bottom surface of the top layer via the intermediate layer of adhesive. 
     As a portable consumer electronic product, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: a glass user interfacing part, a display provided internal to the portable consumer electronic device and behind the glass user interfacing part, and a processor operable to control information display on the display. The glass user interfacing part can, for example, include at least: an outer layer of glass having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm, and at least one inner rib that provides structural support for the outer layer, the at least one inner rib being substantially transparent and having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.4 mm. 
     As a method for forming a glass article for use as an outer surface of a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: obtaining an outer glass layer for the glass article; obtaining an inner glass layer for the glass article; and forming the glass article by binding the outer layer and the inner layer using an intermediate binding layer interposed there between. A portion of the outer surface of the portable electronic device can be provided by the outer glass layer of the glass article. 
     As a method for forming a glass article for use as an outer surface of a portable electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: forming the glass article for use as an outer surface of a portion of a housing for portable electronic device, wherein the forming includes at least providing at least one rib on an inner side of the glass article to provide increased stiffness; and attaching the glass article to the housing with the inner side of the glass article facing an internal region of the housing for the portable electronic device. 
     As a method for processing a glass article for used with or as an electronic device housing, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: obtaining a glass article; depositing a sapphire coating on a least a portion of a surface of the glass article; and subsequently installing the glass article to or with the electronic device housing. 
     Other aspects and advantages of embodiment 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  is a flow diagram of glass article processing according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are diagrams illustrating manufacture of a glass article according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of glass article processing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of glass article processing according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  are diagrams illustrating manufacture of a glass article according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  are diagrams illustrating different rib configurations according to different embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of glass article processing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a glass sheet that includes sufficient area to produce a plurality of initial glass pieces according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a front view of one of the initial glass pieces that are produced from the glass sheet illustrated in  FIG. 8A  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the glass piece shown in  FIG. 8B  with respect to the reference line A-A′ according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 9A-9E  illustrates diagrams representing various stages of processing to form a glass article according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective diagram of a handheld electronic device according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention pertains to a transparent article, such as a transparent cover, for use as a cover glass for an electronic device, as well as methods for producing transparent articles. The transparent article can form a part of a housing of the portable electronic device and can provide an outer surface for a portion of the housing. The transparent article can be provided over a display of portable electronic device to provide a protective outer cover over the display. In one embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a laminate structure. In another embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a ribbed structure. In still another embodiment, a sapphire coating can be deposited on the transparent article to improve it strength. Advantageously, the transparent article is able to be not only thin and lightweight but also provide sufficient stiffness for use as a cover glass. The electronic device can, for example, be a portable electronic device (e.g., handheld electronic device). 
     According to one aspect, an electronic device can have a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover. The glass cover can serve to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to (or be part of) the housing structure and can provide a user interfacing surface for the housing structure. 
     Embodiments can relate to apparatus 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 covers or forms 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 and methods for providing thin glass articles for glass covers or displays (e.g., LCD displays) can be 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 0.1 and 2.5 mm, or even more particularly between 0.2 and 1.0 mm. The apparatus and methods can also be used for glass covers or displays for other devices including, but not limited to including, 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 0.1 and 3 mm, or even more particularly between 0.3 and 2.0 mm. 
     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 are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . 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. 
     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 a transparent article. In one embodiment, the outer member can be formed of glass, which can also be referred to as a cover glass. The outer member can be secured with respect to other portions of the housing for the electronic device. The electronic device can be portable and in some cases handheld. 
       FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of glass article processing  100  according to one embodiment. The glass article processing  100  can serve to process multiple pieces of glass to produce a glass article suitable for use as providing an outer surface for a portable electronic device. The outer surface of a portable electronic device can, for example, provide a user interfacing surface that provides access to view a display and/or to receive user touch inputs. The glass article can, for example, be referred to as a cover glass for a portable electronic device. 
     The glass article processing  100  can obtain  102  an outer glass layer for a glass article. The outer glass layer can be for use as an outer surface of a portion of the housing for a portable electronic device. The glass article processing  100  also obtains  104  an inner glass layer for the glass article. Next, the glass article can be formed  106  by binding together the outer glass layer to the inner glass layer using an intermediate binding layer that is interposed between the outer glass layer and the inner glass layer. The glass layers are typically a thin pieces of glass, such as having a thickness between 0.1-2.0 mm, and the glass article can also be a thin, such as having a thickness between 0.2-5.0 mm. Thereafter, the glass article can be attached  108  to the housing for the portable electronic device, such that the inner glass layer faces the internal region of the housing. When the glass article is attached to the housing for the portable electronic device, the glass article is able to abut against (e.g., directly contact) or abut adjacent (e.g., with air gap) a display assembly within the housing. 
     Advantageously, in one embodiment, the one or more layers of glass bound together can be such that the resulting glass article remains strong (i.e., stiff) but the combined height of the one or more glass layers remains thin and its weight is reduced as compared to using a glass article formed from a single glass layer. In other words, the laminated construction of the glass article allows it to remain thin and strong but weigh less which is important for compact portable electronic devices. Stated differently, the relative density of the intermediate binding layer is significantly less than the relative density of the outer glass layer or the inner glass layer. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  are diagrams illustrating manufacture of a glass article according to one embodiment. The manufacture of a glass article illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C  can, for example, represent processing stages of the glass article processing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an outer glass layer  200  according to one embodiment. The outer glass layer  200  can, for example, provide an outer glass surface, such as a user interfacing surface, for a portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the outer glass layer  200  after a binding layer  202  has been deposited. In one embodiment, the binding layer  202  can be or include an optically clear adhesive. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the outer glass layer  200  after an inner glass layer  204  has be secured thereto by the binding layer  202 . The assembly of the inner glass layer  204 , the binding layer  202  and the outer glass layer  200  results in a glass article  206 . The glass article  206  can, for example, represent a cover glass for an outer surface, such as a user interfacing surface, for a portable electronic device. 
     More particularly, the glass article  206  illustrated in  FIG. 2C  can be formed from multiple layer of glass, and the thickness of each of the layers of glass can be the same or different. Once attached  108  to the housing of a portable electronic device, the inner glass layer  204  faces internal components to the portable electronic device, such as a display and/or touch screen assembly for the portable electronic device. Typically, the inner glass layer  204  of the glass article  206  is provided closely adjacent to the display and/or touch screen assembly for the portable electronic device. For example, the inner glass layer  204  would abut, or be provided directly adjacent, the display and/or the touch screen assembly for the portable electronic device. The glass article  206  can serve as a front surface for the housing of the portable electronic device. The display and/or touch screen assembly are visible through the glass article  206  since the glass layers  200  and  204  are transparent and the binding layer  202  is transparent or substantially transparent. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of glass article processing  300  according to one embodiment. The glass article processing  300  can serve to process multiple pieces of transparent, or substantially transparent, material to produce a glass article suitable for use as providing an outer surface for a portable electronic device. The outer surface of a portable electronic device can, for example, provide a user interfacing surface that provides access to view a display and/or to receive user touch inputs. The glass article can, for example, be referred to as a cover glass for a portable electronic device. 
     The glass article processing  300  can obtain  302  an outer glass layer for a glass article. The outer glass layer can be for use as an outer surface of a portion of the housing for a portable electronic device. The glass article processing  300  also obtains  304  an inner fiberglass layer for the glass article. Next, the glass article can be formed  306  by binding together the outer glass layer to the inner fiberglass layer using an intermediate binding layer that is interposed between the outer glass layer and the inner fiberglass layer. The layers of glass or fiberglass are typically thin, such as having a thickness between 0.1-2.0 mm. The resulting glass article can also be a thin, such as having a thickness between 0.2-5.0 mm. Thereafter, the glass article can be attached  308  to the housing for the portable electronic device, such that the inner glass layer faces the internal region of the housing. When the glass article is attached to the housing for the portable electronic device, the glass article is able to abut against (e.g., directly contact) or abut adjacent (e.g., with air gap) a display assembly within the housing. 
     Advantageously, in one embodiment, the one or more layers of glass and/or fiberglass bound together can be such that the resulting glass article remains strong (i.e., stiff) but the combined height of the one or more layers remains thin and its weight is reduced as compared to using a glass article formed from a single glass layer. In other words, the multi-material construction of the glass article allows it to remain thin and strong but weigh less which is important for compact portable electronic devices. Stated differently, the relative density of fiberglass is less than glass; therefore, the weight or mass of the fiberglass portion is significantly less than the weight or mass of a layer of glass. 
     Although the inner layer is described as being glass in  FIG. 1  and fiberglass in  FIG. 3 , it should be understood that more generally the inner layer can be formed of any suitable material that is at least substantially transparent as well as structurally stiff. The suitable material should also weigh less than glass. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of glass article processing  400  according to one embodiment. The glass article processing  400  can serve to process a piece of glass to produce a glass article suitable for use as providing an outer surface for a portable electronic device. The outer surface of a portable electronic device can, for example, provide a user interfacing surface that provides access to view a display and/or to receive user touch inputs (e.g., via a touch sensing device). The glass article can, for example, be referred to as a cover glass for a portable electronic device. 
     The glass article processing  400  can form a glass article for use as an outer surface for the portable electronic device. Typically, the glass article can serve as a portion of the outer surface of the housing for a portable electronic device. The glass article being formed has at least one rib on an inner surface of the glass article. The at least one rib functions as a structural member that increases the stiffness of the glass article. In one embodiment, the at least one rib is at least substantially transparent. For example, the at least one rib can be a glass or fiberglass material. 
     In addition, the inner surface of the glass article can be filled  404  with a substantially transparent material. A substantially transparent material also includes material that are more than substantially transparent, such as fully or nearly fully transparent materials. Here, given the presence of the one or more ribs on the inner surface of the glass article, the inner surface of the glass article is not uniformly thick because the thickness at the places at where there are no ribs will be less than the thickness at places where there are ribs. The substantially transparent material can, for example, include or be optically clear adhesive. The substantially transparent material can be applied as a liquid or gel and then cured in place so that the inner surface of the glass article becomes essentially uniform. For example, the gaps between the one or more ribs at the inner surface of the glass article can be filled with the substantially transparent material. To reduce internal optical irregularities, the index of refraction for the substantially transparent material can be matched with the index of refraction for the glass providing the outer surface (and/or the at least one rib). The matching of the indices of refraction does not require actual matching but merely notes that the indices are to be made closer to the extent reasonably possible. In other words, the indices of refraction can be substantially matched. The matching can be facilitated by manipulating the materials utilized for the substantially transparent material and/or the glass for the outer surface so to reduce the difference between the indices of refraction between these materials. For example, if the outer surface and the at least one rib are both formed of glass, the index of refraction for the substantially transparent material can be matched or rendered relatively close to the index of refraction of glass. 
     Thereafter, the glass article can be attached  406  to the housing for the portable electronic device, such that the inner surface faces the internal region of the housing. When the glass article is assembled to the housing for the portable electronic device, the glass article is able to abut against (e.g., directly contact) or abut adjacent (e.g., with air gap) a display assembly within the housing. 
     Advantageously, in one embodiment, the amount of glass within the glass article is reduced given that the inner surface of the glass article is only glass to the extent ribs are provided. Since the filler material is typically less dense, the weight of the filler material is less than a like quantity of glass. Hence, for a given thickness of glass article, the glass article is lighter than a traditional completely glass cover window would entail. 
     The outer surface of the glass article and the ribs of the glass article at the inner surface together provide a lower weight glass article that is nearly as strong as a completely glass article. Hence, the height of the glass article remains thin and strong (i.e., stiff) but its weight is reduced as compared to using a glass article formed from a single glass layer. 
     The rib-based glass construction for the glass article allows the glass article to remain thin and strong but is also lightweight, which is important for compact portable electronic devices. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are diagrams illustrating manufacture of a glass article according to one embodiment. The manufacture of a glass article illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C  can, for example, represent processing stages of the glass article processing  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a glass article  500  according to one embodiment. The outer glass layer  502  can, for example, provide an outer glass surface, such as a user interfacing surface, for a portable electronic device. The outer glass layer also has inner ribs  504 . In one implementation, the inner ribs  504  are integral with the outer glass layer  502 . In another implementation, the inner ribs  504  can be attached or bonded to an inner surface of the outer glass layer  502 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a glass article  510  after the inner surface has been filled in with a substantially transparent material  512 . The glass article  510  can, for example, represent a cover glass for an outer surface, such as a user interfacing surface, for a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the substantially transparent material  512  can be or include an optically clear adhesive. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the substantially transparent material  512  can be used to fill in an inner surface of the glass article  510  around the inner ribs  504 . 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a glass article  510 ′ after the inner surface has been filled in with a substantially transparent material  512 ′. The glass article  510 ′ can, for example, represent a cover glass for an outer surface, such as a user interfacing surface, for a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the substantially transparent material  512 ′ can be or include an optically clear adhesive. As shown in  FIG. 5C , the substantially transparent material  512 ′ can be used to not only fill in an inner surface of the glass article  510 ′ around the inner ribs  504  but also cover the inner ribs  504 . 
     More particularly, the glass article  510 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 5C  can be formed from multiple layers of glass, and the thickness of each of the layers of glass can be the same or different. Once attached  108  to the housing of a portable electronic device, the inner ribs  504  face internal components to the portable electronic device, such as a display and/or touch screen assembly for the portable electronic device. Typically, the inner ribs  504  of the glass article  510 ′ are provided closely adjacent to the display and/or touch screen assembly for the portable electronic device. For example, the inner ribs  504  would abut, or be provided directly adjacent, the display and/or the touch screen assembly for the portable electronic device. The glass article  510 ′ can serve as a front surface for the housing of the portable electronic device. The display and/or touch screen assembly are visible through the glass article  510 ′. 
     Generally speaking, the number, orientation, thickness, length, width and/or shape of the ribs (inner ribs) being used for structural support for a glass article may vary and can depend on implementation. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  are diagrams illustrating different rib configurations according to different embodiments. The rib configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6B  can, for example, represent rib configurations suitable for strengthening a glass article, such as a glass article formed  402  by the glass article processing  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4  or the glass article  510  illustrated in  FIG. 5A . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of a glass article  600  according to one embodiment. The glass article  600  includes four (4) ribs  604 - 1 ,  604 - 2 ,  604 - 3  and  604 - 4  on an inner surface  606  of the glass article  600 . The ribs  604 - 1  and  604 - 2  are vertical ribs, and the ribs  604 - 3  and  604 - 4  are horizontal ribs. Although not shown in  FIG. 6A , the inner surface can be filled in with a substantially transparent material, such as the substantially transparent material  512  shown in  FIG. 5B  or  FIG. 5C . The glass article  600  can, for example, represent a cover glass for an outer surface, such as a user interfacing surface, for a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the substantially transparent material can be or include an optically clear adhesive. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of a glass article  620  according to one embodiment. The glass article  620  includes nine (9) ribs  624 - 1 ,  624 - 2 ,  624 - 3 ,  624 - 4 ,  624 - 5 ,  624 - 6 ,  624 - 7 ,  624 - 8  and  624 - 9  on an inner surface  626  of the glass article  620 . The ribs  624 - 1 ,  624 - 2 ,  624 - 3  and  624 - 4  are vertical ribs, and the ribs  624 - 5 ,  624 - 6 ,  624 - 7 ,  624 - 8  and  624 - 9  are horizontal ribs. Although not shown in  FIG. 6B , the inner surface can be filled in with a substantially transparent material, such as the substantially transparent material  512  shown in  FIG. 5B  or  FIG. 5C . The glass article  620  can, for example, represent a cover glass for an outer surface, such as a user interfacing surface, for a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the substantially transparent material can be or include an optically clear adhesive. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of glass article processing  700  according to one embodiment. The glass article processing  700  can serve to process a sheet of glass to produce a plurality of glass articles, each of which is suitable for use as an outer surface for a portable electronic device. The outer surface of a portable electronic device can, for example, provide a user interfacing surface that provides access to view a display and/or to receive user touch inputs. The glass article can, for example, be referred to as a cover glass for a portable electronic device. 
     The glass article processing  700  can obtain  702  a glass sheet. The glass sheet can be processed to singulate  704  the glass sheet to form a plurality of individual glass pieces. At least some of the individual glass pieces are suitable for use as an outer surface for a portable electronic device. The singulation of the glass pieces can involve cutting and polishing. After the glass sheet is singulated  704  to form the individual glass pieces, at least some of the individual glass pieces can be individually processed as described below. 
     Then, at least some of the glass pieces can be chemically strengthened  706 . For example, the chemical strengthening can result from placing the glass articles into ion exchange bath (e.g., a potassium bath) for a duration of time. Additional details on chemical strengthening are contained in: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,823, filed Sep. 30, 2010 and entitled “ENHANCED STRENGTHENING OF GLASS”, which is herein incorporated by reference; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,372, filed Sep. 30, 2010 and entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR STRENGTHENING GLASS COVERS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,393, filed Sep. 30, 2010 and entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR STRENGTHENING GLASS COVERS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/121,385, filed Mar. 28, 2011 and entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR STRENGTHENING GLASS COVERS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference; and (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/847,926, filed Jul. 30, 2010 and entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING SELECTIVELY STRENGTHENING GLASS COVER GLASS”, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     Following the chemical strengthening  706 , at least those of the glass pieces that have been chemically strengthened can be polished  708 . In addition, ink (or other material) can be applied to the glass pieces that are to serve as an outer surface. The ink being applied can be utilized to make the otherwise transparent glass article opaque at certain portions, such as at a boundary region. 
     Next, a glass article is assembled  710  from a plurality of the glass pieces. In one embodiment, the glass article can be configured by a plurality of glass pieces that are layered over one another. As an example, the assembly  710  of the glass article in accordance with this embodiment can follow the operations  102 - 106  of the glass article processing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment, the glass article can be configured by a glass piece as an outer surface and at least one structural member (i.e., rib) provided on an inner surface. As an example, the assembly  710  of the glass article in accordance with this embodiment can follow the operations  402 - 404  of the glass article processing  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Finally, a translucent protective layer can be applied  712  to the outer surface of the glass articles. Following the application  712  of the translucent protective layer, the glass article processing  700  can end. 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  and  FIGS. 9A-9D  are diagrams representing various stages of processing to form glass articles. The manufacture of glass pieces illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8C  can, for example, represent glass processing stages of the glass article processing  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , according to one embodiment. The assembly of a glass article illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9D  can, for example, represent glass processing stages of the glass article processing  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a glass sheet  800  that includes sufficient area to produce a plurality of initial glass pieces according to one embodiment. More particularly, the glass sheet obtained has a relatively thin thickness, such as between 0.2 and 2.0 mm. The glass sheet can then be processed to singulate the glass sheet  800  into individual glass pieces  802  that are used to form glass articles. The singulation can result from cutting the glass sheet using any of a number of techniques, such as scribe and break, laser cutting, water cutting, blade cutting and the like. Although the individual glass pieces  802  depicted in  FIG. 8A  are the same size and configuration, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the size, shape or configuration of the glass pieces being formed from the glass sheet  800  can be different. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates a front view of one of the initial glass pieces  802  that are produced from the glass sheet  800  according to one embodiment. Although the various illustrations in the drawings are often not to scale, it should be understood that the sheet  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A  is shown in a substantially scaled down version, and that the initial glass article  802  shown in  FIG. 8B  is more representative of the scale of the initial glass article  802 . Even so, it should be understood that the size of the initial glass article  802  would depend upon a particular device for which is used. 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the glass piece  802  shown in  FIG. 8B  with respect to the reference line A-A′ according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inner glass piece  902  and an outer glass piece  904  according to one embodiment. The inner glass piece  902  and the outer glass piece  904  can be two of the glass pieces  802 . As depicted, the inner glass piece  902  and the outer glass piece  904  have undergone chemical strengthening (as denoted by the dashed line). Chemical strengthening is known in the art and typically involves placing the glass piece into an ion exchange bath (e.g., a potassium bath) for a duration of time. Additional details on chemical strengthening are contained in: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,823, filed Sep. 30, 2010 and entitled “ENHANCED STRENGTHENING OF GLASS”, which is herein incorporated by reference; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,372, filed Sep. 30, 2010 and entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR STRENGTHENING GLASS COVERS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,393, filed Sep. 30, 2010 and entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR STRENGTHENING GLASS COVERS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/121,385, filed Mar. 28, 2011 and entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR STRENGTHENING GLASS COVERS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference; and (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/847,926, filed Jul. 30, 2010 and entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING SELECTIVELY STRENGTHENING GLASS COVER GLASS”, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inner glass piece  902  after binding material  906 , substantially transparent adhesive, is placed (e.g., deposited) on a surface of the inner glass piece  902 . The binding material  906  can be deposited in one or more layers. Although the thickness of the binding material  906  can vary depending on specific implementation, in one embodiment, the thickness of the binding material  906  is within the range of about 0.1-3.0 mm, or more particularly in the range of about 0.1-2.0 mm. 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a glass article  908  formed after the outer glass piece  904  is place over the binding material  906  and thereby secured to the inner glass piece  902 . As shown in  FIG. 9C , the outer glass piece  904  is aligned with the inner glass piece  904 . As such, the glass article  908  has a laminate structure. In other words, the glass article  908  uses multiple layers so that the composite article achieves improved strength and/or reduced mass. 
       FIG. 9D  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the glass article  908  after further processing causes a layer of protective coating  910  to be deposited on an outer facing surface of the glass piece  904 , i.e., on an out surface of the outer glass piece  904 . For example, the layer of protective coating  910  can be an anti-smudge coating, such as an oleophobic coating. 
       FIG. 9E  illustrates a front view for a resulting glass article  914  according to one embodiment. The resulting glass article  914  can be provided as a front surface (e.g., cover glass) for a housing for a corresponding portable electronic device. The resulting glass article  914  can pertain to the glass article  908  illustrated in  FIG. 9D . The resulting glass article  914  can result from the glass article processing  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In this exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 9E , the resulting glass article  914  has a glass body  916 . The glass body  916  includes a translucent central region  918  and an opaque peripheral region  920 . In this embodiment, the opaque peripheral region  920  results from a masking material (e.g., ink) provided in on one or more of the surfaces of the inner glass piece  902  or the outer glass piece  904 . However, since the central region  918  does not receive the masking material, the central region  918  remains transparent. The resulting glass article  914  can include an opening  922  for a speaker provided in the housing for the corresponding portable electronic device. The resulting glass article  914  can also include an opening  924  for a microphone provided in the housing for the corresponding portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing  1000  according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing  1000  includes a housing  1002 . The housing  1002  includes side members  1004  and a bottom member  1006 . A transparent member  1008  can be provided as a top surface for the electronic device housing  1000 . For example, the transparent member  1008  can be a glass member, often referred to as a glass window or cover glass. The transparent member  1008  can, for example, be produced by the methods and apparatus discussed above. Although the transparent member  1008  is often formed of glass, in an alternative embodiment, the transparent member  1008  can be formed of a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic). The transparent member  1008  can also include an opaque region  1009 . The opaque region  1009  shown in  FIG. 10A  is at a peripheral region of an inner surface of the transparent member  1008 . The opaque region  1009  can provide a cosmetic or masking effect for the components or structures within the electronic device housing  1000  that are located at the peripheral portion of the electronic device housing  1000 . The opaque region  1009  can be formed by any of various methods, including those discussed above. 
     The electronic device housing  1000  can include a touch screen assembly  1010 . The touch screen assembly  1010  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  1010  is secured within the electronic device housing  1000 . In one embodiment, the touch screen assembly  1010  can be secured to a bottom surface of the transparent member  1008  by a layer of adhesive  1012  (e.g., clear adhesive). Alternatively or additionally, in another embodiment, the touch screen assembly  1010  can be secured to the side members  1004  of the electronic device housing  1000  via a brackets, adhesive or other means. For example, the electronic device housing  1000  can include mounting brackets  1014  that are secured to not only the side members  1004  of the electronic device housing  1000  (by any of a variety of techniques, including welding, screws, snaps or adhesive) but also the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the transparent member  1008  with a layer of adhesive  1016 . The mounting brackets  1014  can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, titanium copper) or a polymer. The mounting brackets  1014  can be thin such as on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. In one embodiment, the mounting brackets  1014  can include a pair of rails secured to opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the transparent member  1008  with the layer of adhesive  1016 . 
     The electronic device housing  1000  can also include a frame  1018 . The frame  1018  is provided within the electronic device housing  1000  and provided adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly  1010 . In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame  1018  and the bottom surface on the touch screen assembly  1010 . The frame  1018  can serve to provide stiffness to the electronic device housing  1000  and can also provide a surface that protects the touch screen assembly  1010 . The frame  1018  can be secured to the mounting brackets  1014  or the side members  1004  by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesive). 
     An internal space  1020  is provided internal to the electronic device housing  1000  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  1000  can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g., glass, polymers or metal. In one embodiment, the transparent member  1008  is glass, the mounting brackets  1014  and the frame  1018  are formed from metal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing  1002  is formed from glass, polymer (e.g., plastic) or metal. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing  1100  according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing  1100  includes a housing  1102 . The housing  1102  includes a side member  1104  and a bottom member  1106 . A transparent member  1108  can be provided as a top surface for the electronic device housing  1100 . For example, the transparent member  1108  can be a glass member, often referred to as a glass window or cover glass. The transparent member  1108  can, for example, be produced by the methods and apparatus discussed above. Although the transparent member  1108  is often formed of glass, in an alternative embodiment, the transparent member  1108  can be formed of a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic). The transparent member  1108  can also include an opaque region  1109 . The opaque region  1109  shown in  FIG. 11A  is at a peripheral region of an inner surface of the transparent member  1108 . The opaque region  1109  can provide a cosmetic or masking effect for the components or structures within the electronic device housing  1100  that are located at the peripheral portion of the electronic device housing  1100 . The opaque region  1009  can be formed by any of various methods, including those discussed above. 
     The electronic device housing  1100  can include a display screen assembly  1110 . The display screen assembly  1110  can be secured to a bottom surface of the transparent member  1108  by a layer of adhesive  1112  (e.g., clear adhesive). The display screen assembly  1110  can include one or a plurality of distinct technology components that can be laminated together. In one implementation, the technology components can, for example, include a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors), a display technology layer (e.g., LCD panel) and/or a backlight layer. In another implementation, the technology components can, for example, include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel with or without a sensing layer (e.g., touch sensors). 
     The touch screen assembly  1110  is secured within the electronic device housing  1100 . In one embodiment, the touch screen assembly  1110  can be secured to a bottom surface of the transparent member  1108  by a layer of adhesive  1112  (e.g., clear adhesive). Additionally, the electronic device housing  1100  can include mounting brackets  1114  that are secured to the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the display screen assembly  1110  with a layer of adhesive  1116 . The mounting brackets  1114  can be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, titanium copper) or a polymer. The mounting brackets  1114  can be thin such as on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. In one embodiment, the mounting brackets  1114  can include a pair of rails secured to opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the display screen assembly  1110  with the layer of adhesive  1116 . 
     An internal space  1118  is provided internal to the electronic device housing  1100  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  1100  can be formed of any of a variety of materials, e.g., glass, polymers or metal. In one embodiment, the transparent member  1108  is glass, the mounting brackets  1114  are formed from metal or polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing  1102  is formed from glass, polymer (e.g., plastic) or metal. 
     According to another aspect, an electronic device housing can be provided with a glass article that has a hard protective coating that improves durability and strength of the glass article. In one embodiment, the hard protective coating is a coating of sapphire applied to the glass article. 
       FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process  1200  according to one embodiment. The housing being assembled can pertain to a housing for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device. The housing can include one or more glass components that can serve as a portion of the housing. 
     The housing assembly process  1200  can obtain  1202  a glass article that is to be utilized as part of the housing for an electronic device. The glass article can serve as an outer surface for a portion of the housing. For example, the glass article can be referred to as a cover glass and serve as a front glass cover for the housing. The thickness and size of the glass article varies with application. In one embodiment, the glass article has a thickness less than or equal to 5 (five) mm. In another embodiment, the glass article has a thickness less than or equal to 3 (three) mm. In another embodiment, the glass article has a thickness less than or equal to 1 (one) mm. Also, it should be recognized that the glass article can be pre-processed to chemically strengthen the glass article. 
     After the glass article has been obtained  1202 , the glass article can be processed to improve its strength. In this regard, a sapphire coating can be deposited  1204  on at least a portion of the surface of the glass article. The sapphire coating is a thin coating (e.g., thin film) that can be applied to one or more surfaces of the glass article. In one embodiment, the thickness of the sapphire coating is less than or equal to 0.1 mm. 
     The sapphire coating can be transparent or substantially transparent and, thus, not substantially impede the ability to use the glass article as a transparent cover glass for the housing. However, the sapphire coating can be deposited  1204  to those portions of a surface of the glass article. For example, an outer top surface of the glass article can be coated with sapphire. Since the glass article can remain transparent (or substantially transparent) even with the sapphire coating, the coated glass article thus remains suitable for use as a user interfacing surface. In one embodiment, the sapphire coating can be deposited  1204  using a plasma-assisted Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process. In another embodiment, the sapphire coating can be deposited  1204  using a sputtering process. Although the sapphire coating can be applied over an entire surface, e.g., the entire outer surface, of the glass article, in some embodiment, there may be a desire to only coat certain portions of a glass article with sapphire. In one implementation, a masking operation can facilitate selectively depositing  1204  of sapphire coating to certain portions of the glass article. 
     By providing the glass article with the sapphire coating, the resulting glass article is more durable and/or harder. In areas where the glass article has the sapphire coating, the resulting glass article is significantly more resistant to breakage due to impact forces, such as sharp, blunt or edge impacts since the coating is harder than glass alone. 
     After the sapphire coating has been deposited  1204 , the processed glass article with the sapphire can be installed  1206  on or within the housing for the electronic device. As previously noted, with selectively depositing the sapphire, the processed glass article can remain suitable for use as a user interfacing surface of the housing. For example, the processed glass article can be used as a cover glass for a front face of a portable electronic device housing. The processed glass article with its coatings can be well suited for use as a user interfacing surface, the processed glass article need not be exposed to user interactions but instead can be provided internal to the housing. After the glass article has been installed  1206 , the housing assembly process  1200  can end. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective diagram of a handheld electronic device  1300  according to one embodiment. The handheld electronic device  1300  may include a housing  1302 , e.g., a periphery member, that is arranged to at least partially surround the periphery of the handheld electronic device  1300  to form some or all of the outer-most side, top and bottom surfaces of the handheld electronic device  1300 . The handheld electronic device  1300  also includes a cover piece  1304  that is arranged to be substantially coupled to housing  1302  to effectively enclose an inner volume of the handheld electronic device  1300 . The cover piece  1304  may include a glass member  1306 , e.g., cover glass, provided over a display of the handheld electronic device  1300 . In one embodiment, the cover piece  1304  can include a protective frame  1308  in which glass member  1306  is held. The glass member  1306  can serve as the top surface of the housing  1302 . A display region  1307  of the glass member  1306  is that portion of the glass member  1306  that corresponds to the display (e.g., active display region). 
     The housing  1302  may have any suitable shape, including, for example, one or more elements that may be combined to form a rectangular structure. The housing  1302  may at least partially enclose an inner volume in which electronic device components may be assembled and retained. The shape of housing  1302  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  1302  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 including, aesthetics or industrial design, structural considerations, components required for a desired functionality, and/or product design. The housing  1302  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 housing  1302 . For example, the cross-section of housing  1302  may be substantially rectangular, such that the height of housing  1302  is substantially larger than the width of housing  1302 . Such a cross-sectional shape may provide structural stiffness in compression and tension, as well as in bending. In some embodiments, the dimensions of housing  1302  cross-section may be determined relative to the dimensions of the components contained by housing  1302 . 
     In some embodiments, housing  1302  may include features  1310 . The features  1310  may generally include one or more openings, knobs, extensions, flanges, chamfers, or other features for receiving components or elements of the device. The features  1310  of the housing  1302  extend from any surface of housing  1302 , including for example from internal surfaces, e.g., to retain internal components or component layers, or from external surfaces. In particular, the housing  1302  may include a slot or opening (not shown) for receiving a card or tray within the handheld electronic device  1300 . The housing  1302  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  1300 . Other features  1310  included on the housing  1302  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. 
     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 back light 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 techniques describe herein may be applied to glass surfaces used by any of a variety of electronic devices including but not limited handheld electronic devices, portable electronic devices and substantially stationary electronic devices. Examples of these include any known consumer electronic device that includes a display. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the electronic device may correspond to media players, mobile phones (e.g., cellular phones), PDAs, remote controls, notebooks, tablet PCs, monitors, all in one computers and the like. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. By way of example, the steps associated with the methods of the invention may vary widely. Steps may be added, removed, altered, combined, and reordered without departing from the spirit of the scope of the invention. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. 
     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 embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can 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 this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140228
Publication Date: 20180206
Grant Date: 20180206
Priority Date: 20140228
Inventors: QIAN AMY
SUNSHINE DANIEL D.
FRANKLIN JEREMY C.
PILLIOD MICHAEL K.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T428/24967", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B7/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/067", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2262/101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/067", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2262/101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/208", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C03C21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B37/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24967", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/208", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B37/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B7/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2001/133331", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/067", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/208", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24967", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C03C21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2262/101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B7/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133331", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133331", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 52669654