PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8715779-B2
Application Number: US-201113168816-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Enhanced glass impact durability through application of thin films

Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods for characteristics of glass components through use of one or more coatings are disclosed. The coatings are typically thin coatings, such as thin film coatings. The coatings can serve to increase strength of the glass components and/or provide durable user interfacing surfaces. Accordingly, glass articles that have received coatings are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong so as to resist damage from impact events. The coated glass articles are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices).

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for processing a glass article for use with or as an electronic device housing, the method comprising:
 obtaining a glass article; 
 depositing a coating of amorphous carbon on a least a portion of a surface of the glass article; and 
 installing the glass article to or with the electronic device housing, 
 wherein the installing of the glass article installs the glass article such that glass article is provided at the portion of the housing and over a display device that is provided within the housing but that the portion of the surface of the glass article having the amorphous carbon coating is not directly over the display device. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the amorphous carbon coating has a thickness less than or equal to 0.1 mm. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the amorphous carbon coating is applied by a plasma-assisted physical vapor deposition process. 
     
     
       4. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the amorphous carbon coating comprises a coating of amorphous carbon with diamond like properties. 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:
 forming a soft edge coating on at least an edge portion of the glass article. 
 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein after the installing of the glass article, the glass article provides a user facing outer surface for a portion of the electronic device housing. 
     
     
       7. A method for processing a glass article for use with or as an electronic device housing, the method comprising:
 obtaining a glass article; 
 depositing a thin coating of amorphous carbon on a least a portion of a surface of the glass article; 
 applying an outer thin coating over at least a portion of the thin coating of amorphous carbon; and 
 installing the glass article to or with the electronic device housing such that glass article is provided at the portion of the housing and over a display device that is provided within the housing but that the portion of the surface of the glass article having the amorphous carbon coating is not directly over the display device. 
 
     
     
       8. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the depositing of the thin coating of amorphous carbon using a plasma-assisted physical vapor deposition process. 
     
     
       9. A method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the applying of the outer thin coating comprises depositing the outer thin coating, or spraying on the outer thin coating. 
     
     
       10. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the outer thin coating is a translucent scratch resistant coating. 
     
     
       11. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the outer thin coating is a coating that provides impact protection to at least those portion of the glass article that are coated with the outer thin coating. 
     
     
       12. A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein those portions of the glass article being coated with the outer thin coating comprises at least a plurality of the edges of the glass article. 
     
     
       13. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the method further comprises:
 applying an additional outer thin coating over at least a portion of the outer thin coating. 
 
     
     
       14. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the method further comprises:
 chemically strengthening the glass article prior to the depositing of the thin coating of amorphous carbon. 
 
     
     
       15. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein after the installing of the glass article, the glass article provides a user facing outer surface for a portion of the electronic device housing. 
     
     
       16. A method for processing a glass article for use with or as an electronic device housing, the method comprising:
 obtaining a glass article; 
 applying a soft inner coating on a least a portion of a surface of the glass article; 
 applying a hard outer coating on a least a portion of the surface of the glass article or the soft inner coating of the glass article; and 
 installing the glass article to or with the electronic device housing such that glass article is provided at the portion of the housing and over a display device that is provided within the housing but that the portion of the surface of the glass article having the amorphous carbon coating is not directly over the display device, 
 wherein after the installing of the glass article, the glass article provides a user facing outer surface for a portion of the electronic device housing. 
 
     
     
       17. A method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the method further comprises:
 applying a soft edge coating to at least an edge portion of the glass article to provide impact protection to at least the edge portion of the glass article. 
 
     
     
       18. A method as recited in  claim 16 ,
 wherein the soft inner coating has a thickness less than or equal to 0.2 mm, 
 wherein the hard outer coating has a thickness less than or equal to 0.1 mm, and 
 wherein the glass article has a thickness less than or equal to 1.0 mm. 
 
     
     
       19. A method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the method further comprises:
 chemically strengthening the glass article prior to the depositing of the soft inner coating or the hard outer coating. 
 
     
     
       20. A method for processing a glass article for use with or as an electronic device housing, the method comprising:
 obtaining a glass member, the glass member being part of a housing, and the glass member providing a user facing outer surface for a portion of the housing; 
 depositing a coating of amorphous carbon on a least a portion of a surface of the glass member; and 
 installing the glass article to or with the electronic device housing such that the glass member is provided at the portion of the housing and over a display device that is provided within the housing but that the portion of the surface of the glass member having the amorphous carbon coating is not directly over the display device. 
 
     
     
       21. A method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the depositing of the amorphous carbon coating uses a plasma-assisted physical vapor deposition process. 
     
     
       22. A method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the amorphous carbon coating comprises a coating of amorphous carbon with diamond like properties. 
     
     
       23. A method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the glass member further includes an edge, and wherein at least a portion of the edge is provided with a soft coating. 
     
     
       24. A method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the method comprises:
 applying a substantially transparent protective coating onto at least the portion of the glass member or a sub-portion thereof. 
 
     
     
       25. A method as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the substantially transparent protective coating comprises at least one of SiO 2  and SiN. 
     
     
       26. A method as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the substantially transparent protective coating comprises an oleophobic coating. 
     
     
       27. A method as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the substantially transparent protective coating comprises a substantially scratch resistant coating. 
     
     
       28. A method as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the substantially transparent protective coating is provided on at least the portion of the glass member provided over the display device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventionally, some portable electronic devices use glass as a part of their devices, either internal or external. Externally, a glass part can be provided as part of a housing or display, such a glass part can be referred to as a cover glass. The transparent and scratch-resistance characteristics of glass make it well suited for such applications. Internally, glass parts can be provided to support display technology. More particularly, for supporting an electronic display, a portable electronic device can provide a display technology layer beneath an outer cover glass. A sensing arrangement can also be provided with or adjacent the display technology layer. By way of example, the display technology layer may include or pertain to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that includes a Liquid Crystal Module (LCM). The LCM generally includes an upper glass sheet and a lower glass sheet that sandwich a liquid crystal layer therebetween. The sensing arrangement may be a touch sensing arrangement such as those used to create a touch screen. For example, a capacitive sensing touch screen can include substantially transparent sensing points or nodes dispersed about a sheet of glass. 
     Unfortunately, however, continuing efforts to make portable electronic devices lighter and thinner. Generally speaking, the thinner glass is the more susceptible the glass is to damage when the portable electronic device is stressed or placed under a significant force. Chemical strengthening has been used to strengthen glass. While chemical strengthening is effective, there is a continuing need to provide improved ways to reduce susceptibility of glass to damage when used with portable electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention relates generally to techniques for improving characteristics of glass components through use of one or more coatings. The coatings are typically thin coatings, such as thin film coatings. The coatings can serve to increase strength of the glass components and/or provide durable user interfacing surfaces. Accordingly, glass articles that have received coatings are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong so as to resist damage from impact events better than uncoated glass. The coated glass articles are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices). 
     Embodiments of the invention can pertain to improved housings for electronic devices that include a glass component that has been protected and/or strengthened through application of one or more coatings to the glass component. In one embodiment, the coatings can be thin film coatings. The use of multiple distinct coatings can provide improved characteristics of the glass component. The distinct coatings can be provided over separate portions or over one another (i.e., layered). 
     According to one embodiment, a first coating can strengthen a glass member for an electronic device housing. A second coating can provide a protective coating over at least a portion of the first coating. In one implementation, the first coating can be an atomic level coating (e.g., atomic layer deposition), and the second coating can provide a durable, hard surface that is substantially scratch resistant. 
     According to another embodiment, an electronic device housing can be provided with a glass article (or glass component) that has an atomic level coating that improves strength of the glass article. In one embodiment, a hard protective coating can be provided over at least a portion of the atomic level coating of the glass article to provide a durable surface. The coatings can be applied to selected portions of the glass article if desired. 
     According to another embodiment, a coating can strengthen a glass member for an electronic device housing. In one implementation, the first coating can be an amorphous carbon coating that serves to strengthen a glass member for an electronic device housing and/or provide a durable surface. The amorphous carbon coating is normally not applied over portions of the glass article that are to remain (such as a touch screen or visual display area). An additional coating can be provided over at least a portion of the amorphous carbon coating and/or over the glass member where there is no amorphous carbon coating. 
     According to another embodiment, 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 amorphous carbon coating applied to selected portions of the glass article. 
     According to another embodiment, an electronic device housing can be provided with a glass article that uses a combination of coatings to achieve the desired characteristics. In one embodiment, the combination of coatings includes at least one soft coating and at least one hard coating. The soft coating facilitates impact protection, while the hard coating facilitates durability and strength. The coatings can be applied to selected portions of the glass article if desired. 
     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 an electronic device, one embodiment can, for example, include at least a housing that includes a glass member providing a user facing outer surface for a portion of the housing. At least a portion of the glass member can be provided over a display device that is provided within the housing. At least a portion of the glass member is provided with an amorphous carbon coating. The portion of the glass member that is provided with the amorphous carbon coating does not include the portion of the glass member provided over the display device provided within the housing. 
     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 the operations of: obtaining a glass article, depositing a coating of amorphous carbon on a least a portion of a surface of the glass article, and installing the glass article to or with the electronic device housing. 
     As another method for processing a glass article for used with or as an electronic device housing, one embodiment can, for example, include at least the operations of: obtaining a glass article, depositing a thin coating of amorphous carbon on a least a portion of a surface of the glass article, applying an outer thin coating over at least a portion of the thin coating of amorphous carbon, and installing the glass article to or with the electronic device housing. 
     As another method for processing a glass article for used with or as an electronic device housing, another embodiment can, for example, include at least the operations of: obtaining a glass article, applying a soft inner coating on a least a portion of a surface of the glass article, and applying a hard outer coating on a least a portion of the surface of the glass article or the soft inner coating of the glass article. 
     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  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate processing and assembly of a portion of an electronic device housing. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate processing of a surface of a glass article according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process according to another embodiment. 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate processing of coating a glass article that forms a portion of an electronic device housing. 
         FIGS. 7D-7F  illustrate processing of coating a glass article with an amorphous carbon coating. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process according to another embodiment. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are diagrammatic representations of electronic device according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrammatic representations of electronic device according to another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic devices, including portable electronic devices, can include housings that include glass components. For example, some portable electronic devices use outer glass covers, such as for a front surface of the housings. Often, outer glass covers are translucent and provided over an electronic display (e.g., LCD display). However, glass components can break under impact forces. Hence, there is a continuing need to improve the durability and/or strength of glass components to further improve their ability to avoid breakage when subjected to impact forces. 
     The invention relates generally to techniques for improving characteristics of glass components through application on one or more coatings. The coatings are typically thin coating, such as thin film coatings. The coatings can serve to increase strength of the glass components and/or durability of user interfacing surfaces. The glass components are suitable for use with electronic devices. 
     Embodiments of the invention can relate to apparatus, systems and methods for improving durability and/or strength of a thin glass member for a consumer product, such as a consumer electronic device. In one embodiment, the glass member may be an outer surface of a consumer electronic device. For example, the glass member may, for example, correspond to a glass cover that helps form part of a display area of the electronic device (i.e., situated in front of a display either as a separate part or integrated within the display). As another example, the glass member may form a part of a housing for the consumer electronic device (e.g., may form an outer surface other than in the display area). In another embodiment, the glass member may be an inner component of a consumer electronic device. For example, the glass member can be a component glass piece of a LCD display provided internal to the housing of the consumer electronic device. 
     The apparatus, systems and methods for improving durability and/or strength of thin glass are especially suitable for glass covers or displays (e.g., LCD displays), particularly those 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 having a thickness of less than 3 mm, or more particularly between 0.2 and 1.5 mm. The apparatus, systems 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 0.3 and 3 mm. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10B . 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. The illustrations provided in these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; instead, the illustrations are presented in a manner to facilitate presentation. 
     According to one aspect, an electronic device housing can be provided with a glass article (or glass component) that has an atomic level coating that improves strength of the glass article. In one embodiment, a hard protective coating can be provided over at least a portion of the atomic level coating of the glass article to provide a durable surface. The coatings can be applied to selected portions of the glass article if desired. 
       FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process  100  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, as discussed below, can include one or more glass components that can serve as a portion of the housing. 
     The housing assembly process  100  can obtain  102  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  102 , the glass article can be processed to improve its strength. In this regard, an atomic level coating can be deposited  104  on at least a portion of the surface of the glass article. The atomic level coating is transparent (or substantially transparent) and, thus, does not impede the ability to use the glass article as a cover glass for the housing. The atomic level coating is a very thin coating that can be applied to one or more surfaces of the glass article. The atomic level coating is deposited using atomic layer deposition. Atomic layer deposition is a thin film technology that is or is similar to a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method except that precursors are separated such that deposition is atom-by-atom which is highly conformal. By providing the glass article with the atomic level coating, the resulting glass article is more durable and/or stronger in that it is more resistant to breakage due to impact forces, such as sharp, blunt or edge impacts. The atomic level coating can, for example, be formed of at least one of Al 2 O 3 , AlSiO, TlO 2  or SiO 2 . 
     After the atomic level coating has been deposited  104 , an outer coating can be applied  106  over at least a portion of the atomic level coating. While the atomic level coating can substantially improve the strength of the glass article, the atomic level coating may not be sufficiently scratch resistant for use as a user interfacing surface. Hence, the outer coating applied  106  over the atomic level coating can serve to provide a protective barrier that is substantially scratch resistant such that the processed glass article can be utilized as a user interfacing surface. The outer coating is also transparent (or substantially transparent) so that is does not impede the ability to use the glass article as a cover glass for the housing. In one embodiment, the outer coating can be formed of at least one of SiO 2  and SiN. In another embodiment, the outer coating can be an oleophobic coating. In general, the outer coating is thin and applied through deposition or spray techniques. In one embodiment, the outer coating has a thickness less than or equal to 0.1 mm. 
     Thereafter, the processed glass article with the atomic level coating and the outer coating can be installed  108  on or within the housing for the electronic device. As previously noted, the processed glass article is 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. Although the processed glass article with its coatings is 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  108 , the housing assembly process  100  can end. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the outer coating may or may not be translucent. In such case, the coating may only be provided onto surfaces through which translucency is not needed, such as non-user interfacing surfaces. In one implementation, the outer coating could be an amorphous carbon coating. The amorphous carbon coating can be a coating of amorphous carbon with diamond like properties. A coating of amorphous carbon with diamond like properties refers to diamond-like coating which is hard and offers very good wear resistance. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate processing and assembly of a portion of an electronic device housing. In one embodiment, the processing and assembly depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2D  can perform the housing assembly process  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a glass article  200  according to one embodiment. The glass article  200  is typically a thin sheet of glass. Typically, the glass article  200  will have a thickness of less than 3 mm and in many cases less than 1 mm. The glass article  200  has an outer exposed surface  202  that can be referred to as a user interfacing surface. The outer exposed surface  202  is thus an exposed surface of the electronic device housing that a user can interface with to interact with the associated electronic device. For example, when the glass article  200  is utilized as a cover glass for an electronic device housing, the user can touch the outer exposed surface  202  while providing touch inputs to the associated electronic device, or the user can view (through the glass article  200 ) visual outputs from a display device of the associated electronic device mounted behind the glass article  200 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates the glass article  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  after an atomic level coating  204  has been applied. In the depicted embodiment, the atomic level coating  204  is provided on all sides of the glass article  200 . More particularly, the glass article  200  includes not only the exposed outer surface  202  but also a bottom surface  206  and side surfaces  208 ,  210 , and the atomic level coating  204  can be applied to the outer exposed surface  202 , the bottom surface  206  and the side surfaces  208 ,  210 . However, in other embodiments, the atomic level coating  204  can be applied to less than all of the surfaces of the glass article  200 , such as to just the outer exposed surface  202  of the glass article  200 . 
     After in the atomic level coating  204  is been applied to one or more surfaces of the glass article  200 , a protective coating  212  can be applied to at least the exposed outer surface  202  of the glass article  200 .  FIG. 2C  illustrates the glass article  200  with the atomic level coating  204  as well as with the protective coating  212  applied over the exposed outer surface  202 . The protective coating  212  provides a hard, scratch resistant surface for the exposed outer surface  202  of the glass article. It should be understood that the protective coating  212  could also be applied to the bottom surface  206  and/or one or both of the side surfaces  208 ,  210 . 
       FIG. 2D  illustrates the processed glass article  200  shown in  FIG. 2C  being assembled with the electronic device housing. Specifically, the electronic device housing includes one or more support structures  214  that forms part of the electronic device housing. As illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the processed glass article  200  (including its atomic level coating  204  and protective coating  212 ) can be assembled to the electronic device housing such that the glass article  200  is positioned and secured to the electronic device housing proximate to the one or more support structures  214 . In should be noted that the exposed outer surface  202  remains exposed even after assembly with the electronic device housing. The glass article  200  can, however, be provided essentially flush with other portions (e.g., surrounding portions) of the electronic device housing. The glass article  200  can also be recessed or can be extending outward (i.e., proud) with respect to the electronic display housing. 
     The materials utilized for the processed glass article can vary with implementation. In one implementation, the glass for the glass article  200  can, for example, be alumina silicate glass or soda lime glass. In one implementation, the atomic level coating  204  can, for example, be formed of at least one of Al 2 O 3 , AlSiO, TiO 2  and SiO 2 . In one implementation, the protective coating can be formed of at least one of SiO 2  and SiN, or can be an oleophobic coating. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate processing of a surface of a glass article according to one embodiment. The glass article can, for example, represent the glass article illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2D  or the glass article used with the housing assembly process  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . More specifically,  FIGS. 3A-3C  can provide magnified illustrations of a section of a surface of a glass article. The glass article may or many not have undergone polishing. The surface of the glass article can represent a user exposed surface of the glass article that forms an outer portion of an electronic device housing. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a magnified view of a glass article  300  having micro-flaws  302  in an exposed surface. These micro-flaws  302  are very small and thus without magnification would not be visible to a human. Nevertheless, the micro-flaws  302  are micro-defects in the exposed surface can weaken the strength of the glass article  300 . The micro-flaws  302  can be caused during forming or processing the glass. As an example, the micro-flaws  302  can be caused by polishing the glass article  300  which is often done after cutting operations. The micro-flaws  302  can also be referred to as “Griffith Flaws”. The micro-flaws  302  can be due to cut edges (e.g., sides) or larger polished surfaces. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a magnified view of the glass article  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A  after an atomic level coating  304  has been applied. In the depicted embodiment, the atomic level coating  304  is provided on the exposed surface of the glass article  300 . Since the atomic level coating  304  is very thin, it is able to at least partially fill into the micro-flaws  302  in the exposed surface. As a result, the micro-defects in the glass article  300  due to the micro-flaws  302  are rendered less susceptible to further cracking. Consequently, the exposed surface of the glass article  300 , and thus the glass article  300  as a whole, can become stronger. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a magnified view of the glass article  300  with the atomic level coating  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3B  after a protective coating  306  has been applied. The protective coating  306  is applied over the atomic level coating  304 . The protective coating  306  provides a hard, scratch resistant surface for the exposed surface of the glass article. Typically, the exposed surface of the glass article  300  remains exposed even after assembly with an electronic device housing (sometimes even its edges remain exposed. Advantageously, the atomic level coating  304  is highly conformal and can operate to increase the radius of micro-flaws which can in turn reduce stress concentrations due to the micro-flaws. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process  400  according to another 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  400  can obtain  402  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  402 , the glass article can be processed to improve its strength. In this regard, an atomic level coating can be deposited  404  on at least a portion of the surface of the glass article. The atomic level coating is transparent (or substantially transparent) and, thus, does not impede the ability to use the glass article as a cover glass for the housing. The atomic level coating is a very thin coating that can be applied to one or more surfaces of the glass article. The atomic level coating is deposited using atomic layer deposition. Atomic layer deposition is a thin film technology that is or is similar to a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. By providing the glass article with the atomic level coating, the resulting glass article is more durable and/or stronger in that it is more resistant to breakage due to impact forces, such as sharp, blunt or edge impacts. The atomic level coating can, for example, be formed of at least one of Al 2 O 3  and AlSiO. 
     After the atomic level coating has been deposited  404 , a hard outer coating can be applied  406  over at least a portion of the atomic level coating. While the atomic level coating can substantially improve the strength of the glass article, the atomic level coating may not be sufficiently scratch resistant for use as a user interfacing surface. Hence, the hard outer coating applied  406  over the atomic level coating can serve to provide a protective barrier that is substantially scratch resistant such that the processed glass article can be utilized as a user interfacing surface. The hard outer coating is also transparent (or substantially transparent) so that is does not impede the ability to use the glass article as a cover glass for the housing. In one embodiment, the hard outer coating can be formed of at least one of SiO 2  and SiN. In another embodiment, the hard outer coating can be an oleophobic coating. In general, the hard outer coating is thin and applied through deposition or spray techniques. In one embodiment, the outer coating has a thickness less than or equal to 0.1 mm. 
     The housing assembly process  400  can also apply  408  a soft edge coating to at least an edge portion of the glass article. The edge portion that receives the soft edge coating that is applied  408  to the glass article. The soft edge coating can be formed by a soft material, such as epoxy, silicone or various polymers, to the edge portion. In one embodiment, the thickness of the soft edge coating can be about 25-100 micrometers. The soft edge coating at the edge portion can serve to protect the edge portion from impact events, such as due to a user dropping the housing for the electronic device. The soft edge coating can be applied  408  to the edge portion by injection molding or other techniques. 
     Thereafter, the processed glass article with the atomic level coating and the hard outer coating and the soft edge coating can be installed  410  on or within the housing for the electronic device. As previously noted, the processed glass article is 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. Although the processed glass article with its coatings is 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  410 , the housing assembly process  400  can end. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the outer coating may or may not be translucent. In such case, the coating may only be provided onto surfaces through which translucency is not needed, such as non-user interfacing surfaces (e.g., edges of glass article or non-active areas of display/touch screen). In one implementation, the outer coating could be an amorphous carbon coating. The amorphous carbon coating can be a coating of amorphous carbon with diamond like properties. 
     In another alternative embodiment, the hard outer coating can be deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the glass article. That is, the hard outer coating can, in general, be deposition directly onto the surface of the glass article without any intermediate layers in between or there can be one or more layers between the hard outer coating and the surface of the glass. Different portions of the glass article can have one or more different layers of coatings applied thereto. 
     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 amorphous carbon coating applied to selected portions of the glass article. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process  500  according to another embodiment. The housing being assembled can pertain to a housing for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device. The housing, as discussed below, can include one or more glass components that can serve as a portion of the housing. 
     The housing assembly process  500  can obtain  502  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  502 , the glass article can be processed to improve its strength. In this regard, an amorphous carbon coating can be deposited  504  on a portion of the surface of the glass article. The amorphous carbon coating is a thin coating (e.g., thin film) that can be applied to one or more surfaces of the glass article. The amorphous carbon is a hard coating that can be said to have diamond like properties. The amorphous carbon coating is not transparent (or substantially not transparent) and, thus, does impede the ability to use the glass article as a transparent cover glass for the housing. However, the amorphous carbon coating can be selectively deposited  504  to those portions of the surface of the glass article that are able to opaque. For example, a peripheral portion of the glass article might be coated with amorphous carbon, while a central portion might not be coating with amorphous carbon so that it remain transparent and thus suitable for use as a user interfacing surface. In one embodiment, the amorphous carbon coating can be deposited  504  using a plasma-assisted Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process. In one implementation, a masking operation can facilitate selectively depositing  504  of the amorphous carbon coating to certain portions of the glass article. 
     By providing the glass article with the amorphous carbon coating, the resulting glass article is more durable and/or harder. In areas where the glass article has the amorphous carbon 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 amorphous carbon coating has been deposited  504 , the processed glass article with the amorphous carbon coating can be installed  506  on or within the housing for the electronic device. As previously noted, with selectively depositing the amorphous carbon, 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. Typically, to preserve transparency and suitably for a user interfacing surface, the central portion of the cover glass would not include an amorphous carbon coating. In such an embodiment, the peripheral portion is strengthened by an amorphous carbon coating, but the central portion is not coated with amorphous carbon and thus remains transparent. Although 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  506 , the housing assembly process  500  can end. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process  600  according to another embodiment. The housing being assembled can pertain to a housing for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device. The housing, as discussed below, can include one or more glass components that can serve as a portion of the housing. 
     The housing assembly process  600  can obtain  602  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  602 , the glass article can be processed to improve its strength. In this regard, an amorphous carbon coating can be deposited  604  on a portion of the surface of the glass article. The amorphous carbon coating is a thin coating (e.g., thin film) that can be applied to one or more surfaces of the glass article. The amorphous carbon is a hard coating that can be said to have diamond like properties. The amorphous carbon coating is not transparent (or substantially not transparent) and, thus, does impede the ability to use the glass article as a transparent cover glass for the housing. However, the amorphous carbon coating can be selectively deposited  604  to those portions of the surface of the glass article that are able to opaque. For example, a peripheral portion of the glass article might be coated with amorphous carbon, while a central portion might not be coating with amorphous carbon so that it remain transparent and thus suitable for use as a user interfacing surface. In one embodiment, the amorphous carbon coating can be deposited  604  using a plasma-assisted Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process. In one implementation, a masking operation can facilitate selectively depositing  604  of the amorphous carbon coating to certain portions of the glass article. 
     By providing the glass article with the amorphous carbon coating, the resulting glass article is more durable and/or stronger. In areas where the glass article has the amorphous carbon coating, the resulting glass article is significantly more resistant to breakage due to impact forces, such as sharp, blunt or edge impacts. 
     After the amorphous carbon coating has been deposited  604 , an outer coating can be applied  606  over at least a portion of the amorphous carbon coating. While the amorphous carbon can substantially improve the strength of the glass article, the amorphous carbon coating may not provide desired characteristics for use as a user interfacing surface. Hence, the outer coating applied  606  over the amorphous carbon coating can serve to provide a protective barrier that is substantially smudge resistant such that the processed glass article can be utilized as a user interfacing surface. The outer coating is also transparent (or substantially transparent) so that is does not impede the ability to use the glass article as a cover glass for the housing. In one embodiment, the outer coating can be an oleophobic coating. In another embodiment, the outer coating can be formed of another material, such as at least one of SiO 2  and SiN. In general, the outer coating is thin and applied through deposition or spray techniques. In one embodiment, the outer coating has a thickness less than or equal to 0.1 mm. 
     Thereafter, the processed glass article with the amorphous carbon coating and the outer coating can be installed  608  on or within the housing for the electronic device. As previously noted, with selectively depositing the amorphous carbon, 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. Typically, to preserve transparency and suitably for a user interfacing surface, the central portion of the cover glass would not include an amorphous carbon coating. In such an embodiment, the peripheral portion is strengthened by an amorphous carbon coating, but the central portion is not coated with amorphous carbon and thus remains transparent. Although the processed glass article with its coatings can be 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  608 , the housing assembly process  600  can end. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate processing of coating a glass article that forms a portion of an electronic device housing. In one embodiment, the processing depicted in  FIGS. 7A-7C  can perform the housing assembly process  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a glass article  700  according to one embodiment. The glass article  700  is typically a thin sheet of glass. In one implementation, the glass for the glass article  700  can, for example, be alumina silicate glass or soda lime glass. Typically, the glass article  700  will have a thickness of less than 3 mm and in many cases less than 1 mm. The glass article  700  has an outer exposed surface  702  that can be referred to as a user interfacing surface. The outer exposed surface  702  is thus an exposed surface of the electronic device housing that a user can interface with to interact with the associated electronic device. For example, when the glass article  700  is utilized as a cover glass for an electronic device housing, the user can touch the outer exposed surface  702  while providing touch inputs to the associated electronic device, or the user can view (through the glass article  700 ) visual outputs from a display device of the associated electronic device mounted behind the glass article  700 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates the glass article  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7A  after an amorphous carbon coating  704  has been applied. In the depicted embodiment, the amorphous carbon coating  704  is provided on a peripheral portion of the glass article  700 . More particularly, the glass article  700  includes not only the exposed outer surface  702  which can pertain to a top surface  706 , but also a bottom surface  708  and side surfaces  710 ,  712 . However, when the glass article  700  is providing a user interfacing surface of the electronic device housing, a central portion  714  of the top surface  706  and the bottom surface  708  of the glass article  700  do not receive the amorphous carbon coating  704  and thus remain transparent. In one embodiment, the central portion includes all of the top surface  706  and the bottom surface  708  except the peripheral portion which extends inward from edge a distance (e.g., about 1-25 mm) depending on implementation. However, in other embodiment, any portion of the top surface  706  and the bottom surface  708  that need not be translucent can receive the amorphous carbon coating  704 . 
     After in the amorphous carbon coating  704  is been applied to appropriate portions of the surfaces of the glass article  700 , an outer coating  716  can be applied to at least the exposed outer surface  702  (or top surface  706 ) of the glass article  700 .  FIG. 7C  illustrates the glass article  700  with the amorphous carbon coating  704  as well as with the outer coating  716  applied over some or all of the exposed outer surface  702 . The outer coating  716  provides desired characteristics to the exposed outer surface  702  of the glass article  700 . For example, the outer coating  716  can be an anti-smudge coating, such as an oleophobic coating. It should be understood that the outer coating  716  could also be applied to the bottom surface  708  and/or one or both of the side surfaces  710 ,  712 . 
       FIGS. 7D-7F  illustrate processing of coating a glass article with an amorphous carbon coating. In one embodiment, the processing depicted in  FIGS. 7D-7F  can perform the application of the amorphous carbon coating  704  to a portion of the glass article  700  in  FIG. 7B . Specifically,  FIG. 7D  illustrates the glass article  700  resting on a metal substrate  720 . In addition, the central portion  714  of the exposed outer surface  702  can be covered by a mask  722 . The mask  722  serves to cover the central portion  714  so that no amorphous carbon coating is formed at the central portion  714 . Since the central portion  714  is typically provided over a display device, it should not be coated with an amorphous carbon coating, since the amorphous carbon coating  704  is opaque (i.e., substantially non-transparent). The mask  722  can, for example, be aluminum or copper tape.  FIG. 7E  illustrates formation of the amorphous carbon coating  704  over the peripheral portion. The amorphous carbon coating  704  can be applied by plasma-assisted physical vapor deposition (PVD) at an elevated temperature of about 130 degrees Celsius. The metal substrate  720  serves to facilitate the bonding of the amorphous carbon to the peripheral portion of the glass article  700  so as to form the amorphous carbon coating  704 . The metal substrate  720  can attract the amorphous carbon in the vicinity of the glass article  700 , and since the metal substrate  720  is also near the peripheral portion of the glass article  700 , the ability to form the amorphous carbon coating  704  on the peripheral portions of the glass article  700  is substantially enhanced. In another embodiment, the media substrate  720  could wrap around the sides of the glass article to provide additional metal near the peripheral region.  FIG. 7F  illustrates the glass article  700  after the amorphous carbon coating  704  has been formed, and after the glass article  700  has been removed from the media substrate  720 . In  FIG. 7F , the mask  722  has also been removed so as to expose the exposed outer surface  702 . 
     According to another aspect, an electronic device housing can be provided with a glass article that uses a combination of coatings to achieve the desired characteristics. In one embodiment, the combination of coatings includes at least one soft coating and at least one hard coating. The soft coating facilitates impact protection, while the hard coating facilitates durability and strength. The coatings can be applied to selected portions of the glass article if desired. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a housing assembly process  800  according to another 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  800  can obtain  802  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  802 , the glass article can be processed to improve its strength. In this regard, a soft inner coating can be applied  804  on at least a portion of the surface of the glass article. The soft inner coating, if transparent (or substantially transparent), can be applied over a user interfacing surface without impeding the ability to use the glass article as a cover glass for the housing. Alternatively, if not transparent (or substantially not transparent), the soft inner coating can be applied at peripheral portions so that central portions can remain transparent and suitable for user interfacing surfaces. The soft inner coating is a very thin coating that can be applied to one or more surfaces of the glass article. By providing the glass article with the soft inner coating, the resulting glass article is more resistant to breakage due to impact forces, such as sharp, blunt or edge impacts. The soft inner coating can, for example, be formed of at least one of epoxy, silicone, copper, or various polymers. The thickness of the soft inner coating can vary with application. In one embodiment, the thickness of the soft inner coating is 5-150 micrometers. 
     After the soft inner coating has been applied  804 , a hard outer coating can be applied  806  over at least a portion of the soft inner coating. While the soft inner coating can substantially improve the ability of the glass article to endure impact events, the soft inner coating may not be sufficiently durable or otherwise suitable for use as a user interfacing surface. Hence, the hard outer coating applied  806  over the soft inner coating can serve to provide a protective barrier that is durable (e.g., substantially scratch resistant) such that the processed glass article can be utilized as a user interfacing surface. The hard outer coating can also transparent (or substantially transparent) so that is does not impede the ability to use the glass article as a cover glass for the housing. Alternatively, if the hard outer coating is not transparent (or substantially not transparent), the hard outer coating can be applied at peripheral portions so that central portions can remain transparent and suitable for user interfacing surfaces. 
     In one embodiment, the hard outer coating can be formed of at least one of SiO 2 , SiNi, SiN. Ni+3Cr, Ni+white bronze, or Ni+3Cr+white bronze. White bronze is a metal alloy including amounts of copper, tin and zinc. In another embodiment, the hard outer coating can be an oleophobic coating. In one implementation, the hard outer coating could be an amorphous carbon coating. The amorphous carbon coating can be a coating of amorphous carbon with diamond like properties. In general, the hard outer coating is thin and applied through deposition, spray or dipping techniques. In one embodiment, the outer coating has a thickness less than or equal to 100 micrometers. 
     The housing assembly process  800  can also optionally apply  808  a soft edge coating to at least an edge portion of the glass article. The edge portion that receives the soft edge coating that is applied  808  to the glass article. The soft edge coating can be formed by a soft material, such as epoxy, silicone or various polymers, to the edge portion. In one embodiment, the thickness of the soft edge coating can be about 25-250 micrometers (e.g., 200 micrometers). The soft edge coating at the edge portion can serve to further protect the edge portion from impact events, such as due to a user dropping the housing for the electronic device. The soft edge coating can be applied  808  to the edge portion by injection molding, spraying, deposition, or other techniques. 
     Thereafter, the processed glass article with the soft inner coating, the hard outer coating and optionally the soft edge coating can be installed  810  on or within the housing for the electronic device. As previously noted, the processed glass article is 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. Although the processed glass article with its coatings is 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  810 , the housing assembly process  800  can end. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the hard outer coating can be applied on at least a portion of the surface of the glass article. That is, the hard outer coating can, in general, be deposition directly onto the surface of the glass article without any intermediate layers in between or there can be one or more layers between the hard outer coating and the surface of the glass. Different portions of the glass article can have one or more different layers of coatings applied thereto. In another alternative embodiment, a portion of the surface of the glass article has a soft coating (e.g., soft inner coating) applied thereto without any hard outer coating applied. This alternative embodiment can optionally also include a soft edge coating provided on at least an edge portion of the glass article. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are diagrammatic representations of electronic device  900  according to one embodiment.  FIG. 9A  illustrates a top view for the electronic device  900 , and  FIG. 9B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view for electronic device  900  with respect to reference line A-A′. Electronic device  900  can include housing  902  that has glass cover window  904  (glass cover) as a top surface. Cover window  904  is primarily transparent so that display assembly  906  is visible through cover window  904 . Cover window  904  can be coated as in any of the various embodiments, or combinations thereof, discussed above to improve its characteristics. The coatings applied to the cover window  904 , however, should not significantly impede the visibility of the display assembly  906  through the cover window  904 . Display assembly  906  can, for example, be positioned adjacent cover window  904 . Housing  902  can also contain internal electrical components besides the display assembly, such as a controller (processor), memory, communications circuitry, etc. Display assembly  906  can, for example, include a LCD module. By way of example, display assembly  906  may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that includes a Liquid Crystal Module (LCM). In one embodiment, cover window  904  can be integrally formed with the LCM. Housing  902  can also include an opening  908  for containing the internal electrical components to provide electronic device  900  with electronic capabilities. In one embodiment, housing  902  may need not include a bezel for cover window  904 . Instead, cover window  904  can extend across the top surface of housing  902  such that the edges of cover window  904  can be aligned (or substantially aligned) with the sides of housing  902 . The edges of cover window  904  can remain exposed. Although the edges of cover window  904  can be exposed as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in alternative embodiment, the edges can be further protected. As one example, the edges of cover window  904  can be recessed (horizontally or vertically) from the outer sides of housing  902 . As another example, the edges of cover window  904  can be protected by additional material placed around or adjacent the edges of cover window  904 . 
     Cover window  904  may generally be arranged or embodied in a variety of ways. By way of example, cover window  904  may be configured as a protective glass piece that is positioned over an underlying display (e.g., display assembly  906 ) such as a flat panel display (e.g., LCD) or touch screen display (e.g., LCD and a touch layer). Alternatively, cover window  904  may effectively be integrated with a display, i.e., glass window may be formed as at least a portion of a display. Additionally, cover window  904  may be substantially integrated with a touch sensing device such as a touch layer associated with a touch screen. In some cases, cover window  904  can serve as the outer most layer of the display. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrammatic representations of electronic device  1000  according to another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 10A  illustrates a top view for electronic device  1000 , and  FIG. 10B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view for electronic device  1000  with respect to reference line B-B′. Electronic device  1000  can include housing  1002  that has glass cover window  1004  (glass cover) as a top surface. Cover window  1004  can be coated as in any of the various embodiments, or combinations thereof, discussed above to improve its characteristics. The coatings applied to the cover window  1004 , however, should not significantly impede the visibility of the display assembly  1006  through the cover window  1004 . 
     In this embodiment, cover window  1004  can be protected by side surfaces  1003  of housing  1002 . Here, cover window  1004  does not fully extend across the top surface of housing  1002 ; however, the top surface of side surfaces  1003  can be adjacent to and aligned vertically with the outer surface of cover window  1004 . Since the edges of cover window  1004  can be rounded for enhanced strength, there may be gaps  1005  that are present between side surfaces  1003  and the peripheral edges of cover window  1004 . Gaps  1005  are typically very small given that the thickness of cover window  1004  is thin (e.g., less than 3 mm). However, if desired, gaps  1005  can be filled by a material. The material can be plastic, rubber, metal, etc. The material can conform in gap  1005  to render the entire front surface of electronic device  1000  flush, even across gaps  1005  proximate the peripheral edges of cover window  1004 . The material filling gaps  1005  can be compliant. The material placed in gaps  1005  can implement a gasket. By filling the gaps  1005 , otherwise probably undesired gaps in the housing  1002  can be filled or sealed to prevent contamination (e.g., dirt, water) forming in the gaps  1005 . Although side surfaces  1003  can be integral with housing  1002 , side surface  1003  could alternatively be separate from housing  1002  and, for example, operate as a bezel for cover window  1004 . 
     Cover window  1004  is primarily transparent so that display assembly  1006  is visible through cover window  1004 . Display assembly  1006  can, for example, be positioned adjacent cover window  1004 . Housing  1002  can also contain internal electrical components besides the display assembly, such as a controller (processor), memory, communications circuitry, etc. Display assembly  1006  can, for example, include a LCD module. By way of example, display assembly  1006  may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that includes a Liquid Crystal Module (LCM). In one embodiment, cover window  1004  is integrally formed with the LCM. Housing  1002  can also include an opening  1008  for containing the internal electrical components to provide electronic device  1000  with electronic capabilities. 
     The front surface of electronic device  1000  can also include user interface control  1008  (e.g., wheel control via buttons or touch sensitive surface(s)). In this embodiment, cover window  1004  does not cover the entire front surface of electronic device  1000 . Electronic device  1000  essentially includes a partial display area that covers a portion of the front surface. 
     Cover window  1004  may generally be arranged or embodied in a variety of ways. By way of example, cover window  1004  may be configured as a protective glass piece that is positioned over an underlying display (e.g., display assembly  1006 ) such as a flat panel display (e.g., LCD) or touch screen display (e.g., LCD and a touch layer). Alternatively, cover window  1004  may effectively be integrated with a display, i.e., glass window may be formed as at least a portion of a display. Additionally, cover window  1004  may be substantially integrated with a touch sensing device such as a touch layer associated with a touch screen. In some cases, cover window  1004  can serve as the outer most layer of the display. 
     As noted above, the electronic device can be a handheld electronic device or a portable electronic device. The embodiments discussed herein can serve to enable a glass cover for an electronic device housing to be not only thin but also adequately strong. Since handheld electronic devices and portable electronic devices are mobile, they are potentially subjected to various different impact events and stresses that stationary devices are not subjected to. As such, embodiments discussed herein are well suited for implementation of glass surfaces for handheld electronic device or a portable electronic device that are designed to be thin. 
     The embodiments discussed herein are particularly useful for thin glass applications. For example, the thickness of a glass cover being strengthened can be between about 0.5-2.5 mm. In other embodiments, the strengthening is suitable for glass products whose thickness is less than about 2 mm, or even thinner than about 1 mm, or still even thinner than about 0.6 mm. 
     In one embodiment, the size of the glass cover depends on the size of the associated electronic device. For example, with handheld electronic devices, the size of the glass cover is often not more than five (5) inches (about 12.7 cm) diagonal. As another example, for portable electronic devices, such as smaller portable computers or tablet computers, the size of the glass cover is often between four (4) (about 10.2 cm) to twelve (12) inches (about 30.5 cm) diagonal. As still another example, for portable electronic devices, such as full size portable computers, displays (including televisions) or monitors, the size of the glass cover is often between ten (10) (about 25.4 cm) to twenty (20) inches (about 50.8 cm) diagonal or even larger. 
     However, it should be appreciated that with larger screen sizes, the thickness of the glass layers may need to be greater. The thickness of the glass layers may need to be increased to maintain planarity of the larger glass layers. While the displays can still remain relatively thin, the minimum thickness can increase with increasing screen size. For example, the minimum thickness of the glass cover can correspond to about 0.3 mm for small handheld electronic devices, about 0.5 mm for smaller portable computers or tablet computers, about 1.0 mm or more for full size portable computers, displays or monitors, again depending on the size of the screen. However, more generally, the thickness of the glass cover can depend on the application and/or the size of electronic device. 
     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: 20110624
Publication Date: 20140506
Grant Date: 20140506
Priority Date: 20110624
Inventors: SHEDLETSKY ANNA-KATRINA
PREST CHRISTOPHER
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "C03C17/3441", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24802", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24802", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C03C17/3441", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49982", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24777", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24777", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49982", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47361643