PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9753490-B2
Application Number: US-201514631626-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Housing features including logo features of an electronic device

Abstract:
An enclosure having an indicium (e.g., logo) and a method for securing an indicium to an enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure includes an aperture extending through an interior portion and an exterior portion of the enclosure. The aperture may include concentric portions. For example, the aperture may include a first opening formed on an interior portion and a second opening smaller than the first opening formed on the exterior portion. The indicium may include a flange member such that the indicium may extend through the first opening but not the second opening. Also, in some embodiments, a plate is adhesively secured to the indicium and the enclosure; however, the indicium is not directly adhesively secured to the enclosure. This may prevent adhesives from protruding from an interface region between the indicium and the enclosure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An enclosure, comprising:
 a wall comprising: a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface: a through hole extending through the wall from a first opening at the first surface to a second opening at the second surface, the second opening having a size greater than the first opening; and a stepped region comprising at least two discrete steps within the through hole, at least one of the discrete steps having an outer perimeter with a size different from that of the first opening and the second opening; 
 an indicium positioned within the through hole and having an exterior surface co-planar with the first surface, the indicium comprising a flange member engaging the wall between the first surface and the second surface; and 
 a plate secured with the indicium, the plate positioned within the through hole and secured with the wall between the first surface and the second surface. 
 
     
     
       2. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises an opening extending through the plate and capable of receiving a tool to adjust the indicium relative to the wall. 
     
     
       3. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the plate is adhesively secured with the indicium with a first adhesive and wherein the plate is adhesively secured with the wall with a second adhesive different from the first adhesive. 
     
     
       4. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the plate is fully within the through hole. 
     
     
       5. The enclosure of  claim 4 , wherein the indicium comprises an indicium surface co-planar with respect to the first surface. 
     
     
       6. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the flange member is positioned between an adhesive that secures the indicium with the plate and an interior surface of the wall. 
     
     
       7. The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the indicium is free of adhesive engagement with the wall. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one discrete step is a first discrete step; and 
 a second discrete step of the discrete steps has an outer perimeter with a size different from that of the first opening, the second opening, and the first discrete step. 
 
     
     
       9. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure comprising a wall having first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the enclosure comprising a through hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, the through hole having a first opening at the first surface and a second opening at the second surface, the second opening having a size greater than the first opening, the through hole having at least:
 a first ledge at a first depth from the first surface and substantially parallel to the first surface; and 
 a second ledge at a second depth from the first surface that is different than the first depth, the second ledge substantially parallel to the first surface; 
 
 an indicium positioned within the through hole and having an exterior surface co-planar with the first surface, the indicium engaging the enclosure between the first surface and the second surface; and 
 a plate positioned within the through hole, the plate adhesively secured with the indicium and the enclosure by at least one adhesive. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising a compressible member positioned between the plate and the indicium, wherein the compressible member includes a material selected from a group consisting of foam and rubber. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first surface defines an exterior surface of the enclosure, and wherein a portion of the indicium is co- planar with respect to the exterior surface. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the plate is formed from steel, the plate further comprising an opening that receives a tool capable of adjusting the indicium relative to the wall. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the indicium comprises a flange member having a joint member engaged with the wall. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the indicium comprises a notch, and wherein the at least one adhesive used to secure the plate with the indicium is at least partially located in the notch. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the indicium comprises a flange member positioned between the at least one adhesive and the enclosure to prevent the at least one adhesive from extending through the first opening. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second ledges define surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to the first surface. 
     
     
       17. A method for assembling an enclosure that includes a wall having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the method comprising:
 disposing an indicium in a through hole extending from a first opening at the first surface to a second opening at the second surface, the second opening having a size greater than the first opening, the through hole having a plurality of discrete steps between the first and second surfaces, the indicium comprising a flange member engaging at least a first one of the plurality of discrete steps; 
 disposing a plate in the through hole such that the plate engages at least a second one of the plurality of discrete steps; and 
 securing the plate with the indicium between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the indicium is positioned within the through hole and includes an exterior surface co-planar with the first surface. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the plate is adhesively secured with the indicium with a first adhesive and wherein the plate is adhesively secured with the wall with a second adhesive different from the first adhesive. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the flange member is positioned between the at least one of the plurality of discrete steps and an adhesive that secures the indicium with the plate. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein disposing the plate in the through hole comprises disposing the plate fully within the through hole.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This is a continuation of International Application PCT/US15/17443, with an international filing date of Feb. 25, 2015, entitled “Housing Features Including Logo Features of an Electronic Device,” which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/043,671, filed on Aug. 29, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to an electronic device. In particular, the present embodiments relate to improvements of interfacing an indicium (e.g., logo) with an enclosure of the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices may include an indicium (e.g., logo, lettering, trademark, etc.) which may be used to identify the manufacturer of the device. In some cases, the indicium is integrated with the enclosure during an assembly process of the electronic device. One method of integrating the indicium with the enclosure is to provide an opening within an enclosure. During an assembly process, the indicium may be positioned within the opening such that the indicium may be visible in an exterior portion of the enclosure. Securing means (to the enclosure) may include an adhesive positioned between a portion of the indicium and the enclosure. 
     However, this has several drawbacks. First, when the indicium engages the enclosure, the adhesive may protrude through an interface region, that is, a region between the enclosure and the indicium. In addition, the machining process forming the opening and the indicium each include a specified tolerance, or threshold. For example, machining the opening may include a region configured to receive a flange member of the indicium. In many instances, even when the enclosure and the indicium are machined within their respective tolerances, when the indicium is adhesively attached to the enclosure, part of the indicium is “proud,” that is, the indicium protrudes externally with respect to the enclosure. Alternatively, a part of the indicium may be below an outer surface of the enclosure. In either event, the indicium is not co-planar with respect to the enclosure, which may offer an undesirable characteristic of the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an enclosure is described. The enclosure may include an interior portion having a first opening. The enclosure may further include an exterior portion having a second opening smaller than the first opening. The enclosure may further include an aperture extending through the enclosure, the aperture defined by the first opening and the second opening. The enclosure may further include an indicium positioned within the aperture. The indicium may include a flange member engaging a surface of the enclosure between the first opening and the second opening. The enclosure may further include a plate positioned within the aperture and adhesively secured to the indicium and the surface of the enclosure. Also, in some embodiments, the indicium is free of adhesive engagement with the enclosure. 
     In another aspect, a method of securing an indicium to an enclosure is described. The method may include removing a first portion of the enclosure to form a first opening. The method may further include removing a second portion of the enclosure to form a second opening smaller than the first opening. In some embodiments, removing the first portion and the second portion define an aperture extending from an interior portion of the enclosure to an exterior portion of the enclosure. The method may further include positioning a flange member of the indicium within the aperture. The method may further include adhesively securing a plate to the indicium and the enclosure. In some embodiments, the indicium is free of direct adhesive securing to the enclosure. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include an enclosure that includes an opening extending from an interior portion of the enclosure to an exterior portion of the enclosure. The electronic device may further include an indicium positioned within the opening and engaged with the enclosure. In some cases, the indicium is co-planar with respect to the exterior portion. The electronic device may further include a plate positioned within the opening. In some cases, the plate is co-planar with respect to the interior portion. In some embodiments, the plate is adhesively secured to the enclosure within the opening via a first adhesive. Also, in some embodiments, the plate is adhesively secured to the indicium via a second adhesive different from the first adhesive. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure 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  illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear view of the electronic device in  FIG. 1 , showing the enclosure of the electronic device having an indicium visible through an aperture region, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an indicium having a flange member; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of the indicium shown in  FIG. 3 , taken along the  4 - 4  line; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view alternative embodiment of an indicium having several protrusions extending from an outer peripheral portion of the flange member; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of an electronic device showing several components and features of the electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of an enlarged portion of the enclosure of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 6 , showing several components assembled; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , taken along the  8 - 8  line; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , showing fixtures used as alignment devices; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device having an indicium assembled to the enclosure (shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ), with the plate adhesively secured to the indicium and the enclosure; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device having an indicium with a flange member located in a rear portion of the indicium; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device having elastic members secured to the plate and the indicium; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device including an indicium having an extended flange member such that an adhesive used to secure the indicium to the enclosure does not protrude through a cosmetic interface region between the indicium and the enclosure; 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a fixture having a raised portion configured to compensate for a curing process of the adhesive; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an embodiment of an indicium having a joint member; 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device having an indicium with a joint member (shown in  FIG. 17 ) positioned within an enclosure; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device having an indicium suspended by a first member and a second member, both of which may be compressible and/or expandable; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device having an indicium suspended by a spring member; and 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for securing an indicium to an enclosure of an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to improved techniques for securing an indicium (e.g., logo, lettering, trademark, etc.) to an aperture or opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. One technique uses a plate adhesively secured to the indicium and the enclosure. In this manner, the adhesive used to secure the plate to the indicium (or in some cases, a flange member of the indicium) and the enclosure is in a location away from a cosmetic interface region defined as an area between the indicium and an exterior portion of the enclosure. Also, during an assembly process, a fixture having a generally flat, or level, surface engages the exterior portion and the indicium. This allows the adhesive to cure or set in a manner that ensures the indicium is flush, or co-planar, with respect to the exterior portion of the enclosure, or vice versa. Also, the aperture may be designed to receive the plate and the adhesive. In this manner, the plate may be configured to be flush, or co-planar, with respect to an interior portion of the enclosure, or vice versa. 
     The flange member may be arranged in different locations of the indicium. Further, in some embodiments, one or more elastic members (e.g., springs, coils) are positioned between the indicium and the plate which allow for flexibility with respect to positioning the indicium with respect to the enclosure. Also, in some embodiments, the indicium includes an elongated flange member which allows for the adhesive to be positioned further from the cosmetic interface region such that the adhesive cures before extending into the cosmetic interface region. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the fixture includes a raised portion. In some cases, the adhesive may shrink, or reduce in volume, when curing or setting. As a result, this may alter the positioning of the indicium. However, the raised portion may compensate for the effects of the changing position by initially offsetting the indicium with respect to the enclosure. Either before or while the adhesive shrinks, the fixture and associated raised portion are removed from engagement with the indicium. In this manner, the indicium is lowered when the adhesive changes volume such that the indicium becomes co-planar with respect to an exterior portion of the enclosure. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the indicium includes a joint member. Rather than engaging a flange member with the enclosure, the joint member engages the enclosure. This creates a space or void between the flange member and the enclosure. This space or void can accommodate defects such as bumps or burrs that remain after a machining process of either the indicium and/or the enclosure. Further, the space or void maximizes a location in which the adhesive may be positioned. Also, the joint member prevents the adhesive from protruding through the cosmetic interface region. Further, the joint member may cause the adhesive to flow in a direction away from the cosmetic interface region. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-22 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of electronic device  100 , or simply device  100 . In some embodiments, device  100  is a portable telecommunications device, such as an iPhone®, from Apple, Inc. from Cupertino, Calif. In other embodiments, device  100  is a tablet computing device, such as an iPad®, from Apple, Inc. from Cupertino, Calif. Device  100  may further include an enclosure  102  and a cover glass  104  positioned within enclosure  102 . In some embodiment, device  100  includes display  106  positioned between enclosure  102  and cover glass  104 . Display  106  may be configured to show visual content as well as receive a gesture, such as a touch input, from a user. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear view of device  100  showing enclosure  102  having aperture region  108 . Aperture region  108  may include first aperture  110  and second aperture  112 , both of which may be configured to reveal indicium  114  at least partially positioned within enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, indicium  114  is a number or letter. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , indicium  114  is a logo. The logo may be a registered trademark. In other embodiments, aperture region  108  includes a single aperture configured to reveal indicium  114 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of indicium  114  having flange member  116 . Flange member  116  may extend around visible portion  118  of indicium  114 . The phrase “visible portion” refers to a portion of indicium  114  that is visible from an exterior portion of an enclosure (for example, the rear view shown in  FIG. 2 ) after the electronic device is assembled. This will be shown and discussed later. In some embodiments, indicium  114  is formed from a ceramic material. In other embodiments, indicium  114  is formed from plastic. Still, in other embodiments, indicium  114  is formed from sapphire. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , indicium  114  is formed from steel. This may include stainless steel. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of indicium  114  shown in  FIG. 3 , taken along the  4 - 4  line. As shown, visible portion  118  is elevated with respect to flange member  116 . In other words, visible portion  118  may include a larger dimension in a z-direction than that of flange member  116 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view alternative embodiment of an indicium  124  having several protrusions extending from an outer peripheral portion of the flange member  126  of the indicium  124 . For example, indicium  124  includes first protrusion  132 , second protrusion  134 , third protrusion  136 , and fourth protrusion  138 . The number of protrusions may vary in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured to receive an adhesive (not shown) to adhesively secure indicium  124  to an enclosure (for example, enclosure  102 ). In other embodiments, the protrusions are configured to further secure indicium  124  to an enclosure. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of electronic device  200 , or simply device  200 , showing several components and features of device  200 , in accordance with the described embodiments. For purposes of illustration and simplicity, several internal components (e.g., memory, camera, etc.) are not shown. Device  200  may include enclosure  202  and cover glass  204  enclosing several components. Enclosure  102  may include interior portion  232  and exterior portion  234  opposite interior portion  232 . Interior portion  232  may include first opening  242 , second opening  244  and third opening  246 , all of which may be formed from a material removal process (e.g., computer number control, or CNC, tool) of enclosure  202 . Exterior portion  234  may include second opening  244  and third opening  246 . Accordingly, enclosure  202  may include a first aperture extending through enclosure  202  and defined by first opening  242  and second opening  244 . Also, enclosure  202  may include a second aperture extending through enclosure  202  and defined by first opening  242  and third opening  246 . In some embodiments, each of second opening  244  and third opening  246  is smaller than that of first opening  242 . In this regard, indicium  214  may extend through first opening  242  but not completely extend through second opening  244  or third opening  246 . Further, indicium  214  may include flange member  216  that may be positioned in a location of enclosure  202  between first opening  242  and second opening  244 . Also, indicium  214  may include first visible portion  218  and second visible portion  220  having a shape corresponding to second opening  244  and third opening  246 , respectively. In this manner, indicium  214  may be positioned within enclosure  202  such that first visible portion  218  and second visible portion  220  are substantially co-planar, or flush, with respect to exterior portion  234  of enclosure  202 . 
     Adhesives  250  may be used to adhesively secure plate  260  to both indicium  214  and enclosure  202 . Adhesives  250  may include various adhesive layers, such as first adhesive layer  252 , second adhesive layer,  254 , third adhesive layer  256 , and fourth adhesive layer  258 . In some embodiments, adhesives  250  include first adhesive layer  252  and second adhesive layer  254 . In other embodiments, adhesives  250  include first adhesive layer  252 , second adhesive layer  254 , and third adhesive layer  256 . Also, adhesives  250  may be selected from adhesives such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive, or an epoxy. First adhesive layer  252  may be configured to secure plate  260  to enclosure  202 , and in particular, a location of enclosure  202  between first opening  242  and second opening  244 , or alternatively, between interior portion  232  and exterior portion  234 . 
     In some embodiments, plate  260  is made from plastic. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , plate  260  is made from steel. Generally, plate  260  may be made from any rigid structure (e.g., metal) that provides support to enclosure  202  and indicium  214 . Also, plate  260  is generally free of sharp edges such that plate  260  will not cause damage to a component, such as internal component  270 , positioned proximate to plate  260 . Also, first opening  242  may include a shape corresponding to plate  260  such that plate  260  may be positioned within first opening  242 . Further, in some embodiments, plate  260  may be co-planar, or flush, with respect to interior portion  232 . This relationship accounts for dimensions associated with adhesives  250 . 
     Plate  260  may further include an opening or openings, such as first opening  262  and second opening  264 . First opening  262  and second opening  264  may include dimensions that allow for a tool (not shown) to be inserted into first opening  262  and/or second opening  264 . The tool may be used, for example, to adjust indicium  214  (prior to adhesives  250  fully curing) such that that the visible regions of indicium  214  are co-planar with respect to exterior portion  234 . 
     In some embodiments, internal component  270  is a flexible circuit electrically connecting a user input (e.g., button) to a processor. In other embodiments, internal component  270  is a main logic board. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , internal component  270  is an internal power supply (e.g., battery). Internal component  270  may be positioned proximate to plate  260  with at least some clearance between internal component  270  and plate  260 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of an enlarged portion of enclosure  202  of electronic device  200  shown in  FIG. 6 , showing indicium  214  secured to exterior portion  234 . The adhesive layers are not shown for purposes of clarity. As shown, indicium  214  is secured to enclosure  202  via plate  260 . Plate  260  may be adhesively secured to indicium  214  and enclosure  202 . Also, first visible portion  218  and second visible portion  220  may be seen through the openings of enclosure  202 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of device  200  shown in  FIG. 7 , along the  8 - 8  line. As shown plate  260  may be secured to enclosure  202  via first adhesive layer  252 . Plate  260  is adhesively secured to first surface  248  between first opening  242  and second opening  244  of enclosure  202 . Similar to first opening  242  and second opening  244 , first surface  248  may extend around indicium  214 . Further, plate  260  is also secured to indicium  214  by second adhesive layer  254  and third adhesive layer  256 . As shown, indicium  214  may be positioned on second surface  268  between first opening  242  and second opening  244  of enclosure  202 . Similar to first surface  248 , second surface  268  may extend around indicium  214 . Second adhesive layer  254  is generally positioned on flange member  216 . In some embodiments, first adhesive layer  252 , second adhesive layer  254  and third adhesive layer  256  are formed from the same adhesive material. In other embodiments, first adhesive layer  252 , second adhesive layer  254 , and third adhesive layer  256  are formed from different materials, and accordingly, include different properties. For example, first adhesive layer  252  may be different from second adhesive layer  254 . Differences may include differences in chemical makeup, curing times, viscosity, or a combination thereof. During an assembly process, tool  280  may be used to engage plate  260 , and provide a force in a direction toward enclosure  202  in order to adhesively secure plate  260  to enclosure  202  and indicium  214 . 
     In order to achieve a desired alignment of indicium  214  and plate  260 , fixtures may be used during the assembly process. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , showing first fixture  282  having a generally level surface engaged with exterior portion  234  of enclosure  202  and indicium  214 . In this manner, second adhesive layer  254  and/or third adhesive layer  256  may cure (to define a curing event) such that indicium  214  is substantially co-planar with respect to exterior portion  234  of enclosure  202 . Also, in some embodiments, second fixture  284  may include a generally level surface engaged with interior portion  232  of enclosure  202 . In this manner, first adhesive layer  252  may cure such that plate  260  is substantially co-planar with respect to interior portion  232  of enclosure  202 . Further, first opening  262  and/or second opening  264  may receive a tool (not shown) to provide additional alignment capabilities for indicium  214  and/or plate  260 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of electronic device  200  having indicium  214  positioned between first opening  242  and second opening  244  of enclosure  202 . Also, plate  260  is adhesively secured to indicium  214  and enclosure  202 . However, it should be noted that indicium  214  is not directly attached to enclosure  202  via adhesives. In this manner, adhesives may be prevented from escaping enclosure  202 . For example, indicium  214  (and in some cases, indicium  214  and flange member  216 ) is positioned between the adhesive layers (e.g., first adhesive layer  252 , second adhesive layer  254 , third adhesive layer  256 ) and cosmetic interface region  290 . As a result, the above-referenced adhesive layers are less likely, if at all, to protrude into cosmetic interface region  290 . This may result in reduced yield fallout and/or reduced rework of electronic devices (such as device  200 ). The embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  also ensures sufficient clearance from internal component  270  by ensuring indicium  214  does extend beyond interior portion  232  of enclosure  202 , thereby reducing the probability of damage to internal component  270 . Clearance  292  between internal component  270  and plate  260  is approximately in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters. Also, clearance  292  between internal component  270  and interior portion  232  of enclosure  202  is also approximately in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters. 
     Also, it should be noted that enclosure  202  may include thickness  294 , extending from interior portion  232  to exterior portion  234 , approximately in the range of 0.4 millimeters to 1.0 millimeter. In some cases, enclosure  202  includes thickness  294  of approximately 0.6 millimeters. Despite thickness  294  being relatively small, enclosure  202  is capable of a material removal process capable of receiving indicium  214 , adhesive layers (e.g., first adhesive layer  252 , second adhesive layer  254 , third adhesive layer  256 ), and plate  260 , in a repeatable manner during a manufacturing and assembly process. Also, although not shown, first opening  242  and third opening  246  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) may include any relationship previously described for first opening  242  and second opening  244 . Further, indicium  214  may include similar relationships in a location associated with third opening  246  as those shown for second opening  244 . 
     The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-10  offers further advantages. For example, first opening  242  and second opening  244  of enclosure  202  may be formed by a material removal process, such as a computer numeric control (“CNC”), which may be configured to form first opening  242  and second opening  244  within a specific tolerance. Similarly, indicium  214  and flange member  216  may be formed having dimensions within specific tolerances. In some cases, at least one of indicium  214 , flange member  216 , first opening  242 , and second opening  244  may not be within a specified tolerance. For example, flange member  216  may include a bump or burr (not shown). Accordingly, flange member  216  may require a rework process or may be discarded, neither of which are desirable. However, first adhesive layer  252  may include a dimension (e.g., thickness or height) greater than that of the bump or burr, and accordingly, may be able to accommodate the bump or burr within the dimension of first adhesive layer  252 . This allows for device  200  to reduce the number of rework operations and/or reduce wasted or unusable parts. 
     The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11-17  include alternative techniques to secure an indicium to an enclosure. Although not shown in all embodiments, several processes described in  FIGS. 3-10  may be used in embodiments in  FIGS. 11-17 . For example, second fixture  284 , shown in  FIG. 9 , may be used to align a plate with an interior portion of an enclosure. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of electronic device  300  having indicium  314  with flange member  316  that extends around a rear portion of indicium  314 . Plate  360  may be adhesively secured to indicium  314  and enclosure  302 , yet indicium  314  is not directly secured to enclosure  302  via first adhesive layer  352  or second adhesive layer  354 . Also, indicium  314  may include a notch  326  designed to receive second adhesive layer  354 . Also, fixture  382  may be used to align indicium  314  with an exterior portion of enclosure  302 . Plate  360  may also include opening  362  configured to receive a tool (not shown) to assist in aligning indicium  314 . 
     In some embodiments, other structures may be secured to a plate and indicium for alignment purposes. For example,  FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of electronic device  400  having first elastic member  422  and second elastic member  424 , both of which are secured to plate  460  and indicium  414 . In some embodiments, first elastic member  422  and second elastic member  424  are springs. In other embodiments, first elastic member  422  and second elastic member  424  are flexible, coil-like structures. Generally, first elastic member  422  and second elastic member  424  are each configured to include flexible properties which provide additional alignment capabilities for indicium  414  and/or plate  460  with respect to enclosure  402 . For example, in  FIG. 12 , indicium  414  is engaged with fixture  482 . In this manner, prior to first adhesive layer  452  and second adhesive layer  454  completely curing, plate  460  may be positioned in a location different from the position shown in  FIG. 12 , in any of the x-, y-, and/or z-directions with the aid of first elastic member  422  and second elastic member  424 . Further, plate  460  includes opening  462  which may receive a tool (not shown) to further align or adjust plate  460 . Alternatively, fixture  482  may be removed and a second fixture (not shown) may be engaged with enclosure  402  and indicium  414  in a manner similar to second fixture  284  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). In this manner, indicium  414  may be positioned in a location different from the position shown in  FIG. 12  in any of the x-, y-, and/or z-directions with the aid of first elastic member  422  and second elastic member  424 . 
     In some cases, a plate previously described may not be used. However, other adjustments can be made to ensure the adhesive or adhesives do not extend into unwanted locations. For example,  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a cross sectional view of an embodiment of electronic device  500  including indicium  514  having extended flange member  516 , with adhesive layer  552  extending along extended flange member  516  and used to secure indicium  514  to the enclosure  502 .  FIG. 14  shows tool  580  used to drive indicium  514  in a direction toward enclosure  502 . Although adhesive layer  552 , when compressed, extends in a direction toward cosmetic interface region  590 , extended flange member  516  provides a larger surface area such that adhesive layer  552  remains between extended flange member  516  and enclosure  502 , and cosmetic interface region  590  is free of adhesive layer  552 . In other words, adhesive layer  552  cures before extending into cosmetic interface region  590 . Although extended flange member  516  is shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , extended flange member  516  may be incorporated with any indicium described in this detailed description. 
     In some cases, an adhesive layer may shrink, or reduce in volume, during a curing or drying process. This may cause the indicium to become offset, or non-co-planar, with respect to the enclosure. However, a fixture may be modified to compensate for a change in volume of the adhesive. For example,  FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of electronic device  600  including indicium  614  positioned by fixture  682  having raised portion  684  configured to compensate for a curing process of adhesive layer  652  that extends around indicium  614 . The enlarged view in  FIG. 15  shows indicium  614  positioned on raised portion  684 . In this configuration, indicium  614  is initially offset, or non-co-planar, with respect to interior portion  632  and exterior portion  634 . However,  FIG. 16  illustrates the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , with adhesive layer  652  having undergone a curing process. Also, fixture  682  is removed prior to adhesive layer  652  curing. As shown, the volume of adhesive layer  652  reduces (for example, due in part to evaporation) such that indicium  614  becomes co-planar with respect to both interior portion  632  and exterior portion  634  of enclosure  602 . 
       FIGS. 17-19  illustrate an alternate embodiment of an indicium that includes a joint member designed as a buffer between an adhesive layer and a cosmetic interface region of an enclosure.  FIG. 17  illustrates an embodiment of indicium  714  having flange member  716  and joint member  718 , in accordance with the described embodiments. Joint member  718  may extend around the visible portions of indicium  714  (the visible portions defined when indicium  714  is positioned in an enclosure, in accordance with the described embodiments). Also, joint member  718  may be formed with any indicium previously described in this detailed description. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate cross sectional views of an embodiment of electronic device  700  having indicium  714  positioned within enclosure  702 .  FIG. 18  shows joint member  718  extending above enclosure  702  (in a z-direction) such that joint member  718  may engage enclosure  702  when indicium  714  is in its final position (in  FIG. 19 ). Also, adhesive layer  752  may be positioned proximate to joint member  718 . 
       FIG. 19  shows tool  780  used to drive indicium  714  in a direction toward enclosure  702 . As a result, adhesive layer  752 , when compressed, may extend in a direction toward cosmetic interface region  790 . However, joint member  718 , positioned on a surface within the aperture of enclosure  702 , acts as a buffer between adhesive layer  752  and cosmetic interface region  790 . Accordingly, adhesive layer  752  may be prohibited from extending into cosmetic interface region  790 . This may reduce the rework operations associated with adhesive layer  752  extending into unwanted areas as well as reduce yield fallout. 
     Also, in some cases, enclosure  702  and/or indicium  714  may include defect  762  (e.g., bump, burr) proximate to joint member  718 . Defect  762  may be the result of machine tool errors, cutting issues, or tolerance issues associated with cutting an opening in enclosure  702 . However, so long as defect  762  includes a dimension in the z-direction less than the dimension of joint member  718  in the z-direction, joint member  718  may accommodate defect  762 . This may reduce the yield fallout of electronic device  700  and reduce the number of rework operations. However, it should be noted that precision should be taken to ensure joint member  718  includes tightly controlled dimensions, particularly a dimension in the z-direction in this case. This includes forming joint member  718  with relatively small tolerances during a machining process. 
     In another embodiment,  FIG. 20  illustrates a cross sectional view of electronic device  800  having indicium  814  suspended to plate  860  via first member  822  and second member  824 . In some embodiments, first member  822  and second member  824  are formed from rubber. In other embodiments, first member  822  and second member  824  are formed from foam. Generally, first member  822  and second member  824  may be formed from any material having a compressible property that may extend or compress in the z-direction as shown in  FIG. 20 . In other words, first member  822  and second member  824  may be referred to as compressible members that may also expand subsequent to a compression event. Accordingly, in some embodiments, first member  822  and second member  824  may be referred to as a first compressible member and a second compressible member, respectively. Also, in some embodiments, electronic device  800  includes only first member  822 . Further, first member  822  and second member  824  could be selected from a material such as an adhesive that compresses and/or expands prior to curing, or an adhesive configured to expand as it cures. Also, adhesive layer  852 , which extends around and along an opening in enclosure  802 , may include any property previously described for adhesive layers (e.g., first adhesive layer  252 , shown in  FIGS. 8-10 ). 
     In another embodiment,  FIG. 21  illustrates a cross sectional view of electronic device  900  having indicium  914  suspended to plate  960  via spring member  920 . Spring member  920  may be made from a material selected from metals such as brass, copper, steel, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, indicium  914  may be adjusted to a desired setting prior to adhesive layer  922  that extends around and along indicium  914 . Also, spring members may include a different spring constant associated with different indicia. In this manner, indicia may include a different dimension in the z-direction and be paired with a spring member according to the spring constant. For example, in  FIG. 21 , indicium  914  may have a certain dimension  844  in the z-direction and paired with spring member  920  having a particular spring constant such that indicium  914  is substantially co-planar with respect to exterior portion  934  of enclosure  902 . Also, adhesive layer  952 , which extends around and along an opening in enclosure  902 , may include any property previously described for adhesive layers (e.g., first adhesive layer  252 , shown in  FIGS. 8-10 ). 
     Also, embodiments in which a feature can accommodate a defective portion (e.g., bump or burr) may reduce manufacturing times associated with a “binning” process. A binning process, as it relates to applications previously described, is a process in which enclosures and indicia are measured and sorted into bins according to their respective sizes. Each bin may represent a range of sizes according to at least one dimension of the enclosure. This is also true for each bin that contains indicia. Once the enclosures and indicia are sorted, an enclosure within a particular bin may be paired with an indicium in a particular bin, based upon a best fit between dimensions of the enclosure and the dimensions of the indicium. This may require several manual steps leading to increased manufacturing times and associated costs. However, the binning process may be reduced by accommodating for defects in a manner described above. For example, the number of bins may be reduced due in part to indicia having features that accommodate additional variances in enclosures. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a flowchart  1000  showing a method for securing an indicium to an enclosure of an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments. In step  1002 , a first portion of the enclosure is removed to form a first opening. In step  1004 , a second portion of the enclosure is removed to form a second opening smaller than the first opening. In some embodiments, an aperture may be formed that extends from the first opening to the second opening. Also, the apertures may extend from an interior portion of the enclosure to an exterior portion of the enclosure. In step  1006 , a flange member of the indicium is positioned within the aperture. Then, in step  1008 , a plate is adhesively secured to the indicium and the enclosure. In some embodiments, the indicium is not directly secured to the enclosure by an adhesive. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150225
Publication Date: 20170905
Grant Date: 20170905
Priority Date: 20140829
Inventors: HILL MATTHEW D.
WITTENBERG MICHAEL BENJAMIN
COHEN SAWYER I.
BUSTLE BENJAMIN SHANE
LE DUY P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G09F13/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0243", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0283", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0243", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F13/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55400257