PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10001812-B2
Application Number: US-201514825137-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Chin plate for a portable computing device

Abstract:
A cover plate for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The cover plate can be used as a cosmetic feature disposed on a display or cover glass of the portable computing device. For instance, the cover plate may include one or may layers disposed on a surface of the cover plate. In some cases, the layers are formed on a rear surface of the cover plate. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the portable electronic device, the cover plate provides additional a protective layer to internal components positioned behind the cover plate. Moreover, the cover plate may formed from an electromagnetically transparent material such as glass to allow receipt and/or transmission of electromagnetic waves in the form of radio frequencies. Also, the cover plate offers protection to the display and cover glass when the portable electronic device is in a closed configuration.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A cover plate for an electronic device having an enclosure that includes a display, the cover plate comprising:
 a substrate that conforms to a size and a shape of the display of the electronic device, the substrate covering an operational component disposed along an edge of the display; and 
 a cosmetic layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the substrate and the cosmetic layer combine to form a radio-transparent cover that allows the operational component disposed along the edge of the display to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic radiation through the radio-transparent cover, the cosmetic layer comprising:
 a first layer disposed on the substrate; 
 a second layer disposed on the substrate and defining an indicium; and 
 a third layer disposed on the first layer and the second layer. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The cover plate of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer include an ink material. 
     
     
       3. The cover plate of  claim 1 , wherein the indicium is selected from a group consisting of a letter, a word, and a symbol. 
     
     
       4. The cover plate of  claim 3 , wherein the indicium includes a first appearance and the enclosure includes a second appearance similar to the first appearance. 
     
     
       5. The cover plate of  claim 4 , wherein the first appearance includes a first color and the second appearance includes a second color similar to the first color. 
     
     
       6. The cover plate of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is formed from a transparent material. 
     
     
       7. The cover plate of  claim 1 , further comprising a chamfered region extending across a surface. 
     
     
       8. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a bottom portion; 
 a top portion rotationally coupled with the bottom portion, the top portion comprising a display and a protective cover disposed over the display; 
 an operational component disposed in the top portion; and 
 a cover plate, separate from the protective cover, comprising a transparent material and covering the operational component, the cover plate defining:
 a first surface that defines a portion of an exterior surface of the portable electronic device; and 
 a second surface opposite the first surface and including a first layer formed from an opaque material that hides the operational component. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the cover plate further comprises an extended region that covers an internal component disposed in the top portion. 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the bottom portion comprises a recessed portion that includes a first dimension and wherein the extended region includes a second dimension greater than or equal to the first dimension. 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the first layer includes a void region and wherein the second surface further includes a second layer disposed over the void region. 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the second layer is disposed on both the void region and a portion of the first layer. 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the second surface further comprises a third layer disposed over the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the transparent material is glass. 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the cover plate partially overlaps the protective cover. 
     
     
       16. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a bottom portion; 
 a top portion rotationally coupled with the bottom portion and comprising:
 a display; and 
 a protective cover disposed over the display and defining a first part of an exterior surface of the top portion; 
 
 an operational component disposed in the top portion; and 
 an opaque cover plate covering the operational component and defining a second part of the exterior surface of the top portion, a first portion of the opaque cover plate overlying at least a second portion of the protective cover. 
 
     
     
       17. The portable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the opaque cover plate comprises:
 a transparent substrate; and 
 an opaque cosmetic layer. 
 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein the opaque cosmetic layer comprises:
 a first layer disposed on the substrate; 
 a second layer disposed on the substrate and defining an indicium; and 
 a third layer disposed on the first layer and the second layer. 
 
     
     
       19. The portable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the first portion of the opaque cover plate is adhesively secured to the second portion of the protective cover. 
     
     
       20. The portable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the operational component is an antenna; and 
 the opaque cover plate is radio-transparent.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/128,955, filed on Mar. 5, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to portable electronic devices. In particular, the present embodiments relate to a cover feature for a display of a portable electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some portable electronic devices continue toward a trend of reducing their overall footprint. However, in some cases, certain features of a portable electronic device may remain the same size or even increase in size while still achieving the overall reduced footprint of the portable electronic device. For instance, a laptop computing device having a display housing used to receive a display may be reduced in size while the display includes the same size or increases in dimension. In order to do so, a frame or border region surrounding the display must be decreased. 
     However, reducing the frame or border may reduce the structural support or rigidity provided to the display. Also, a smaller display housing may require internal components previously in the display housing to be positioned in other areas, such as a bottom portion of the portable electronic device. This requires a redesign of the device, as new data communication (for example, wiring) must be introduced between the display and the internal components. In order to incorporate new data communication, some internal components remaining in the display housing may be exposed to the environment making them susceptible to damage. Alternatively, the internal components may be removed from the display housing which may cause a reduction in functionality of the portable electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a cover plate for covering a component of a display of an electronic device is described. The cover may plate may include a substrate formed from a transparent material. The cover plate may further include a first layer disposed on the substrate. The cover plate may further include a second layer disposed on the substrate. In some embodiments, the second layer defines an indicium. The cover plate may further include a third layer disposed on the first layer and the second layer. 
     In another aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a bottom portion that includes a keyboard and a recessed portion for receiving a hinge. The portable electronic device may further include a top portion rotationally coupled with the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the top portion includes a display and a cover glass disposed over the display. The portable electronic device may further include a cover plate secured with the cover glass. The cover plate may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may include a first layer formed from an opaque material. The second surface may further include a second layer. In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer are visible through the cover plate. 
     In another aspect, a method for forming a cover plate from a substrate is described. The cover plate may be suitable for use with a portable computing device. The method may include receiving, at a first surface of the cover plate, a material removal process to a form a pattern across the first surface to change an appearance of the first surface. The method may further include applying a first layer to a second surface the substrate opposite the first surface, the first layer include a void region. The method may further include applying a second layer to the second surface at the void region. 
     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 embodiment of a portable electronic device in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of the portable electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , with the portable electronic device in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric front view of the cover plate, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the top case shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the top portion shown in  FIG. 1 , with the cover plate removed; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of the top portion shown in  FIG. 5 , with the cover plate secured with the cover glass; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric rear view of an embodiment of the substrate used to form the cover plate; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric rear view of the cover plate shown in  FIG. 7 , with the first layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric rear view of the cover shown in  FIG. 8 , with a second layer disposed on the second surface; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric rear view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , with a third layer disposed on the first layer and the second layer; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the cover plate shown in  FIG. 10 , taken along the A-A line; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable electronic device showing a top portion and the cover plate, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a substrate used to form a cover plate, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a track pad suitable for use in a portable electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of the track pad shown in  FIG. 15 , taken along the B-B line; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a substrate undergoing a material removal process, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross sectional view of the substrate shown in  FIG. 17 , taken across the C-C line; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a portable electronic device having a cover plate with an appearance similar to that of a track pad; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cover plate; and 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cover plate; and 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for forming a cover plate for a portable electronic device. 
     
    
    
     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 features of a portable electronic device (e.g., laptop computing device). In particular, the disclosure includes a cover plate for the portable electronic device and related features of the cover plate. The cover plate may be used for multiple purposes. For instance, the cover plate may be disposed on a display, or a cover glass of the display. The cover plate may include an appearance substantially similar to that of the display to provide a continuous appearance of the display. 
     The display housing may include reduced dimensions as compared to traditional display housings. However, the display may include the same dimensions or even larger dimension than traditional displays associated with the reduced dimensions of the display housing. This requires some internal components to be moved from the display housing to a bottom portion defined by a top case and a bottom case. These internal components may nonetheless be electrically coupled with the display or a light-emitting diode (“LED”) panel associated with the display via one or more flexible circuits. The cover plate is designed to hide an appearance of these flexible circuits extending from the display housing to the bottom portion. The cover plate can further hide the appearance of several other internal components remaining in the display housing, such as the LED panel or an integrated circuit, thereby providing not only a protective cover for the internal components, but also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance by covering the internal components. 
     Also, the cover plate may be made from an electromagnetically transparent material, such as glass, to allow certain radio frequencies to pass through the cover plate. In this manner, an operational component, such as an antenna, can transmit and/or receive radio frequencies associated with, for example, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 
     The cover plate may include a substrate having a first surface. The first surface may be referred to as a front surface visible when the cover plate is secured with the display or cover glass. The first surface may include a texture or roughness substantially similar to another component of the portable electronic device, such as a track pad used to input gestures to the portable electronic device. Also, the cover plate may include on more layers designed to enhance the appearance of the cover plate. For example, the cover plate may include a first layer disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface. Accordingly, the second surface may be referred to as a rear surface opposite the front surface. The first layer may be formed from an ink material having a color similar to that of the display or border region around the display. In some cases, the cover plate may further include an additional second layer on the second surface. The second layer may be formed from an ink material defining a letter, word, symbol, shape, or combination thereof. In some cases, the cover plate further includes an additional third layer disposed over the first layer and the second layer. The third layer may also be formed from an ink layer. Each of the layers may be applied by printing techniques, such as screen printing, or other printing techniques generally known in the art for applying ink to a glass substrate. 
     The cover plate, and in particular the substrate, may undergo additional processes such as a chemical strengthening process designed to improve the rigidity of the cover plate. In this manner, the cover plate is able to withstand additional load forces associates use of a portable electronic device, such as dropping the portable electronic device. The improved rigidity provides additional support and protection to the internal components positioned behind the cover plate and not visible to a user. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 . 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 a portable electronic device  100  in an open configuration. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  is a laptop computing device. The portable electronic device  100  may include an enclosure  102  that encloses several internal components of the portable electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the enclosure  102  formed from a metal, such as aluminum. As shown, the enclosure  102  includes a top portion  104  rotationally coupled with a bottom portion  106  via a clutch and hinge (not shown). The top portion  104  includes a display  108  designed to display visual content, and a cover glass  110  disposed over the display  108 . Accordingly, the top portion  104  may be referred to as a display housing. 
     The bottom portion  106  includes a top case  120  coupled with a bottom case (not shown). The top case  120  and the bottom case may combine to enclose several internal components (for example, a battery, a memory circuit, and a processor circuit). The bottom portion  106  also includes a keyboard assembly  122  having several key caps protruding partially through openings of the top case  120 , as shown. The bottom portion  106  may further include a track pad  124  designed to facilitate one or more input gestures to the portable electronic device  100 . Also, the bottom portion  106  can include a recessed portion  126  that may receive the hinge (not shown) when the portable electronic device  100  is in a closed configuration (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring again to the top portion  104 , a cover plate  130  can be disposed on the top portion  104 . The cover plate  130  may be adhesively secured with the cover glass  110  via an adhesive layer (not shown). In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive. The cover plate  130  can be used to cover several internal components (not shown) in the top portion  104 . For example, the cover plate  130  may cover one or more flexible circuits (not shown) extending from the top portion  104  to the bottom portion  106 . One of the flexible circuits allows data communication between the display  108  and a processor circuit located in the bottom portion  106 . Another flexible circuit may allow for electrical power from a battery pack, located in the bottom portion  106 , to the display  108 . 
     Also, when the top portion  104  includes reduced dimensions, at least some internal components traditionally located in the top portion  104  can be located in the bottom portion  106  as the volume in the top portion  104  decreases. This may also be necessary when the display  108  does not include reduced dimensions. The hidden flexible circuits allow for communications between the internal components now located in the bottom portion  106  with other components located in the top portion  104 . In this manner, the portable electronic device  100  can include a smaller footprint without the loss of internal components, and accordingly, without the loss of functionality of the portable electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of the portable electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , with the portable electronic device  100  in a closed configuration. The closed configuration may be defined as the top portion  104  rotated in a direction toward the bottom portion  106  such that the top portion  104  is proximate to the bottom portion  106 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Also, in some embodiments, the top portion  104  includes a logo  142  located in a central portion  144  of the top portion  104 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric front view the cover plate  130 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The cover plate  130  may include several features. For example, the cover plate may include a substrate  232 . In some embodiments, the substrate  232  is formed from plastic. In other embodiments, the substrate  232  is formed from carbon fiber. Further, in other embodiments, the substrate  232  is formed from fiberglass. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the substrate  232  is formed from glass. Accordingly, the substrate  232  may be formed from a transparent material. Generally, the substrate  232  can be formed by any material or materials that include a relatively high stiffness-to-thickness ratio, while also allowing electromagnetic waves to pass through the substrate  232 . In this manner, an internal component such as an antenna (not shown) can be positioned in the top portion  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and also behind the substrate  232 , and the internal component still send and receive electromagnetic waves passing through substrate  232 . In other embodiments, the substrate  232  is formed from stainless steel sufficiently thin to allow electromagnetic waves to pass. 
     The substrate  232  can undergoes several processes to alter the texture or roughness. For example, the substrate  232  may undergo a blasting process (for example, sand blast) and/or chemical etching process to obtain a surface roughness similar to that of the track pad  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In particular, the blasting process may be followed by the chemical etching process. In addition, in some embodiments, the substrate  232  includes an anti-reflective coating. In this manner, the cover plate  130  may include an appearance substantially similar to that of the display  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Also, in order to straighten and/or increase the stiffness of the substrate  232 , the substrate  232  may further undergo a chemical process designed to chemically strengthen the substrate  232 . This may include submerging the substrate  232  in a chemical bath that includes potassium nitrate at a relatively high temperature (for example, 300 degrees Celsius or greater). 
     As shown, the substrate  232  includes a first surface  234 . The first surface  234  may be associated with a surface that extends away from the cover glass  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In other words, the first surface  234  is a surface that is visible when installed on the cover glass  110 . It will be appreciated that the first surface  234  may undergo or include the previous processes, such as the blasting process, chemical etching, and the anti-reflective coating. Along with the substrate  232 , the cover plate  130  may include several features. For example, the cover plate  130  may include a first layer  242 . In some embodiments, the first layer  242  is an ink layer. Generally, the first layer  242  is an opaque layer applied to the substrate  232 . Accordingly, the first layer  242  may be formed from a relatively dark material, such as black ink. However, alternatively, an opaque material including a lighter color may be applied. Also, in some embodiments, the first layer  242  is applied by screen printing onto a second surface of the substrate  232 . The second surface may be referred to as a surface that is opposite the first surface  234 . This will be discussed below. Accordingly, as shown in the enlarged view, the first layer  242  may be located behind the substrate  232  and therefore positioned between the substrate  232  and the cover glass  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when the cover plate  130  is installed. However, when the substrate  232  is formed from a transparent material such as glass, the first layer  242  is still visible when the cover plate  130  is installed. 
     The cover plate  130  can also include a second layer  252 . In some embodiments, the second layer  252  defines an indicium. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second layer  252  includes several letters. However, in other embodiments, the second layer  252  defines a word, a number, a shape, a symbol, or a combination thereof. Like the first layer  242 , the second layer  252  may also be applied to the second surface of the substrate  232 . Further, the first layer  242  may be applied to the substrate  232  such that certain voids in the first layer  242  define an outer perimeter of the second layer  252 . In other words, the first layer  242  may not be fully applied to the second surface, and in those regions, the second layer  252  is applied to the second surface of the substrate  232 . The second layer  252  may include any material or materials used to form the first layer  242 , and may be applied to the second surface in any manner used to apply the first layer  242 . However, the second layer  252  may include an appearance different from that of the first layer  242 . As a non-limiting example, the first layer  242  may be black while the second layer  252  is selected from a color consisting of gray, red, blue, green, yellow, or a combination thereof. Also, in some embodiments, the second layer  252  includes an appearance similar to that of the track pad  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For instance, the second layer  252  may include a color substantially similar to that of the track pad  124 . 
     The cover plate  130  may further include a third layer  262  disposed on the first layer  242  and the second layer  252 . The third layer  262  may be formed from any material used to form the first layer  242  and the second layer  252 , and may be applied to the second surface in any manner used to apply the first layer  242  and the second layer  252 . In some embodiments, the third layer  262  includes a relatively dark appearance similar to that of the first layer  242 . The first layer  242 , the second layer  252 , and the third layer  262  may combine to define a cosmetic layer that enhances the appearance of the substrate  232  while also cooperating with the substrate  232  to form a radio-transparent cover allow passage of certain electromagnetic radiation. 
     Also, the cover plate  130  may include a first dimension  272  representative of a lengthwise dimension of the cover plate. The first dimension  272  may be approximately similar to a lengthwise dimension of the cover glass  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). However, in other embodiments, the first dimension  272  can be increased or decreased to a desired dimension. Also, the cover plate  130  can include an extended region  280  having a second dimension  282  less than the first dimension  272 . Generally, the second dimension  282  is approximately greater than a dimension of the recessed portion  126  of the top case  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In this manner, the extended region  280  of the cover plate  130  may hide or cover additional internal components when the portable electronic device  100  is in an open configuration (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Further, the first layer  242  and the third layer  262  may also be applied to the extended region  280 . 
     The cover plate  130  may include a thickness  288  that accounts for the combined thickness of the substrate  232 , the first layer  242 , the second layer  252 , and the third layer  262 . In some embodiments, the thickness  288  is less than 1 millimeter (“mm”). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the thickness  288  is less than 0.4 mm. It will be appreciated that some features or dimensions are not drawn to scale and may be exaggerated to show certain details. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the top case  120  shown in  FIG. 1 . The top case  120  includes a recessed portion  126  designed to receive at least a portion of a clutch and a hinge when the top portion  104  is rotated toward the bottom portion  106  (for example, as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The recessed portion  126  may include a dimension  292  that may be less than or equal the second dimension  282  of the extended region  280  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the top portion  104  shown in  FIG. 1 , with the cover plate removed. As shown, several internal components are visible in the top portion  104  when the cover plate is removed. For instance, a first internal component  302 , a second internal component  304 , and a third internal component  306  can be located proximate to an attachment plate  308 . In some embodiments, the first internal component  302  is an integrated circuit associated with the display  108 . Also, in some embodiments, the second internal component  304  is a retaining mechanism for a light source used with the display  108 . Also, in some embodiments, the third internal component  306  is an antenna designed to send or receive electromagnetic waves in the form of radio frequencies. The attachment plate  308  can be used to further secure the display  108  and the cover glass  110  with the top portion  104 . Also, an adhesive layer (not shown) may secure the display  108  with the attachment plate  308 . As shown, the attachment plate  308  is secured with the top portion  104  via several fasteners. 
     Also, several flexible circuits may extend from the top portion  104 . For instance,  FIG. 5  shows a flexible circuit assembly  312  that allows allow internal components, such as the fourth internal component  309 , to be positioned in the bottom portion  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) rather than the top portion  104 , as may be custom in traditional portable electronic devices. This allows for the top portion  104  to include decreased dimensions without sacrificing the total number of internal components of a portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of the top portion  104  shown in  FIG. 5 , with the cover plate  130  secured with the cover glass  110 . The cover plate  130  may be secured to the cover glass  110  via an adhesive layer (not shown). The flexible circuit assembly  312  and the fourth internal component  309  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) are removed for purposes of clarity and simplicity. The cover plate  130  is designed contents in the top portion  104  located behind the cover plate  130 , such as the first internal component  302 , the second internal component  304 , the third internal component  306 , and the attachment plate  308 . Further, when the third internal component  306  is an antenna, the third internal component  306  is capable of transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the cover plate  130  not only provides a cosmetic cover that protects the internal components, but also is transparent with respect to electromagnetic waves in the form of radio frequencies. In addition, the materials forming the first layer  242 , the second layer  252 , and the third layer  262  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) also allow transmission of electromagnetic waves. 
       FIG. 6  shows further functional features in the top portion  104 . For example, the top portion  104  may further include a display support feature  322  that extends along a first side  354 , a second side  356 , and a third side  358  of the top portion  104 . The display support feature  322  may be formed from a compressible material, such as rubber. Also, in some embodiments, the display support feature  322  terminates on the first side  354  and the third side  358  in a location proximate to the cover plate  130 . In this manner, when the portable electronic device  100  is in a closed configuration (shown in  FIG. 2 ), the cover plate  130  and the display support feature  322  combine to engage the bottom portion  106  to prevent the cover glass  110  from contacting the bottom portion  106  or other features of the bottom portion  106 , such as the keyboard assembly  122  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The cover plate  130  and the display support feature  322  therefore combine to define a display protection that prevents certain load-bearing events to a portable electronic device that would otherwise cause deflection or displacement of the display  108 . This may be particularly useful when, for example, the load-bearing event is applied to the central portion  144  of the portable electronic device  100  in the closed configuration (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate a process for forming the cover plate  130 .  FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric rear view of an embodiment of the substrate  232  used to form the cover plate  130 . The substrate  232  includes a second surface  236  opposite the first surface  234  (shown in  FIG. 3 ).  FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric rear view of the cover plate  130  shown in  FIG. 7 , with the first layer  242  disposed on the second surface  236  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) of the substrate  232 . In some embodiments, the first layer  242  completely covers the second surface  236 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the first layer  242  includes void regions  244  that do not include material used to form the first layer  242 . Accordingly, the void regions  244  may define a shape of an additional layer or layers. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric rear view of the cover plate  130  shown in  FIG. 8 , with a second layer  252  disposed on the second surface  236  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) of the substrate  232 . As shown, the dimensions of the second layer  252  are slightly larger than the dimensions of the void regions  244  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) of the first layer  242 . This ensures the second layer  252  completely covers the void regions  244 . Accordingly, the second layer  252  includes material disposed on both the second surface  236  of substrate  232  and the first layer  242 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric rear view of the cover plate  130  shown in  FIG. 9 , with the third layer  262  disposed on the first layer  242  and the second layer  252 . The enlarged view shows substrate  232 , the first layer  242 , and the third layer  262 . In this configuration, when the cover plate  130  is secured with the cover glass  110  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), an adhesive layer, such as PSA, engages both the third layer  262  as well as the cover glass  110 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the cover plate  130  shown in  FIG. 10 , taken along the A-A line. As shown, both the first layer  242  and the second layer  252  engage the second surface  236  of the substrate  232 , and the third layer  262  is disposed on both the first layer  242  and the second layer  252 . When the substrate  232  is formed from a transparent material such as glass, the first layer  242  and the second layer  252  are visible when viewing the first surface  234  of the substrate  232 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable electronic device  300  showing a top portion  314  and the cover plate  330 , in accordance with the described embodiments. For purposes of illustration and simplicity, several internal components of the portable electronic device  300  are removed. Also, the cover plate  330  in  FIG. 12  does not include any layers of material. However, the cover plate  330  may include any layer or layers previously described for a cover plate (see for example,  FIG. 3 ). 
     As shown, the portable electronic device  300  is in a closed configuration (see, for example,  FIG. 2 ) with the top portion  314  proximate to the bottom portion  316 , and in particular, proximate to the top case  320 . Also, the cover plate  330  may be adhesively secured with the cover glass  310  and a spacing element  324  via an adhesive layer  326 . In addition to providing a cosmetic cover for internal components of the top portion  314 , the cover plate  330  may be positioned with respect to the cover glass  310  such that, in the closed configuration, the cover plate  330  engages the top case  320  before the cover glass  310 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the cover plate  330  is positioned below the cover glass  310  in the z-dimension. In this manner, the cover plate  330  may absorb certain forces or load-bearing events applied to the top portion  314  and prevent damage to the cover glass  310  or display (not shown). 
     The cover plate  330  may include additional modifications. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, the cover plate  330  may include a first chamfered region  334  and a second chamfered region  336 , both of which may extend across a top surface of the cover plate  330 . The first chamfered region  334  may enhance a cosmetic appearance of the cover plate  330  while the second chamfered region  336  may provide additional clearance from other features positioned near the cover plate  330 . Also, although not shown, the embodiments shown and described throughout this detailed description may include the first chamfered region  334  and/or the second chamfered region  336 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a substrate  432  used to form a cover plate, in accordance with the described embodiments. The substrate  432  may be formed from any material previously described for a substrate. Also, the substrate  432  may include various layers of material previously described disposed on a surface of the substrate  432 . However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , the substrate  432  is formed from glass having a first surface  434  and a second surface (not shown), both of which are generally smooth. The first surface  434  is generally associated with a visible surface of the cover plate when the cover plate is installed on a display or a cover glass of the display (such as the cover glass  110  and display  108  shown in  FIG. 1 ). The first surface  434  may include a relatively high reflective surface that reflects light at a particular intensity to define a first luminance. The first luminance may be associated with a glossy, or relatively shiny, finish due in part to the relatively large amount of light incident on the first surface  434  and reflected from the first surface  434 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a track pad  444  suitable for use in a portable electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments. The track pad  444  may be used in a portable computing device to input one or more gestures to the device. As shown, the track pad  444  includes a surface  446  having a dimple pattern  448  defined by several dimples, such as a first dimple  452  and a second dimple  454 , both of which are representative of the remaining dimples included in the dimple pattern  448 . In other words, the dimple pattern  448  is defined by a material removal process of the track pad  444 , and in particular, the surface  446  of the track pad  444 . The material removal process may include a blasting process (such as sand blasting or other small-particle blasting generally known in the art for removing material from glass substrate), etching (such as chemical etching), and/or be exposure to an acidic bath (such as anodization). The surface  446  may include a relatively low reflective surface that reflects light at a particular intensity to define a second luminance less than the first luminance of the first surface  434  (shown in  FIG. 13 ). The second luminance may be associated with a matte, or relatively dim, finish due in part to at least some light absorption by the surface  446 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of the track pad  444  shown in  FIG. 15 , taken along the B-B line. As shown, the first dimple  452  and the second dimple  454  are positioned below the surface  446  of the track pad  444 . In this manner, the first dimple  452  and the second dimple  454  may capture light incident on the track pad  444  causing the light absorption that reduces the reflectivity of the track pad  444 . 
     In some cases, it may be desirable for a portable electronic device to include different components having similar appearances to increase the overall aesthetic appearance of the portable electronic device. For example, a portable electronic device may include a cover plate may include an appearance substantially similar to that of a track pad. An “appearance” may include a reflectivity, color, texture, or a combination thereof. In order for two discrete components to include similar appearances, at least one of the components may undergo one or more processes to, for example, reduce the reflectivity of a surface. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a substrate  532  undergoing a material removal process, in accordance with the described embodiments. The substrate  532  may be formed from any material previously described for a substrate. Also, the substrate  532  may include various layers of material previously described disposed on a surface  534  of the substrate  532 . The surface  534  shown in  FIG. 16  is generally associated with a surface of the substrate  532  that does not receive the cosmetic layers previously described. In some embodiments, the substrate  532  undergoes a chemical etching process to remove material from a surface  534  of the substrate  532 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the surface  534  is exposed to particles  572  emitted from a blasting device  570  use to texturize the surface  534 . The particles  572  may be selected from materials glass, sand, ceramic, or metal. As result, the surface  534  of the substrate  532  may include a dimple pattern  548 . The dimple pattern  548  may alter the appearance of the substrate  532  in terms of reflectivity, texture (including roughness), or a combination thereof. For instance, the substrate  532  may be reduced from a first luminance to a second luminance less than the first luminance. Accordingly, the reflectivity of the substrate  532  may be reduced due to the dimple pattern  548  while the roughness may increase. If desired, one or more material removal processes may be applied to the substrate  532  such that the substrate  532  includes an appearance similar to that of the track pad  444  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). Also, the substrate  532 , along with one or more colored layers (of ink, for example) may combine to form a cover plate that includes an appearance substantially similar to that of the track pad  444 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a cross sectional view of the substrate shown in  FIG. 17 , taken across the C-C line. The substrate  532  may include a first dimple  552  and a second dimple  554 , both of which are representative of the remaining dimples included in the dimple pattern  548  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). The first dimple  552  and the second dimple  554  may be substantially to the first dimple  452  and the second dimple  454 , respectively, of the track pad  444  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) in terms of dimple diameter, depth, and/or spacing (distance) with respect to surrounding dimples. In this manner, the substrate  532  can include an appearance substantially similar to that of the track pad  444 . 
     Although the substrate  532  shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  includes material removal processes designed to create an appearance similar to that of the track pad  444  shown in  FIG. 14 , the substrate  532  may undergo one or more material removal processes to provide a cover plate with an appearance similar to another component of a portable electronic device. For example, a cover plate that includes the substrate  532  and one or more colored layers applied to the substrate  532  may include an appearance substantially similar to the display  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or a border region surrounding the display  108 . The “appearance” may include a reflectivity, color, texture, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a portable electronic device  600  having a cover plate  530  with an appearance similar to that of a track pad  444 . The cover plate  530  may include the substrate  532  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). The cover plate  530  and the track pad  444  may be similar in reflectivity, texture (roughness), color, or a combination thereof. 
     The cover plate may include different shapes. For example,  FIG. 19  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cover plate  730 . In this design, the cover plate  730  is disposed over a display  708 , and includes a shape and contour substantially similar to a shape and contour of the top portion  704 . In other words, the cover plate  730  does not include an extended region  280  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). This configuration may be used to cover additional internal components.  FIG. 20  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a cover plate  830 . The cover plate  830  is designed to extend around outer peripheral portion of a display  808  and generally fit within the dimensions of a top portion  804 . This allows for a consistent-looking frame or border around the display  808 , and also provides additional protection to the display  808 . The cover plates shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20  may include any layers previously described for a cover plate  130  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 10 ) or a cover plate  530  (shown in  FIG. 18 ), and may be formed by any materials used to form the cover plate and its components, such as a substrate  232  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or a substrate  532  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a flowchart  900  showing a method for forming a cover plate for a portable electronic device. In step  902 , a material removal process is received at a first surface of the cover plate. The material removal process may be a blasting process, a chemical etching process, or a combination thereof. The material removal process may alter at least one surface of the substrate such that the substrate, in combination with one or more layers applied to the substrate that defines the cover plate, includes an appearance, such as surface texture, similar to that of a component. In this regard, the appearance may further include a dimple pattern. Also, the material removal process may reduce the reflectivity of the cover plate such that the appearance may further be similar to that of the component. 
     In step  904 , a first layer is applied to a substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate is formed from a transparent material such as glass. Also, in some embodiments, the first layer is formed from an ink material. The ink material may be a relatively dark material, such as black. Further, in some embodiments, the first layer is opaque. The substrate may include a first (front) surface and a second (rear) surface opposite the first surface. In some embodiments, the first layer is disposed on the second surface. Also, the first layer may include void regions on the second surface define a region free of the first layer. Also, in some embodiments, step  904  is preceded by step  902 . 
     In step  906 , a second layer is applied to the substrate. The second layer may be applied to the void regions defined by the first layer. Also, a portion of the second layer may be applied to the first layer. In some embodiments, the second layer includes an ink material. Also, in some embodiments, the second layer may include a color substantially similar to that of an exterior component of the portable electronic device. For example, the second layer may be formed from a gray or metallic gray color that is substantially similar to a top case or a track pad of the portable electronic device. Also, in some embodiments, the second layer defines an indicium. The indicium may be selected from a letter, a word (formed from one or more letters), a shape, a symbol, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the void regions may be substantially similar in shape as that of the indicium. 
     The described embodiments for a cover plate include a transparent substrate having one or more layers applied to the substrate. These layers may be disposed on a second (rear) surface of the substrate. However, due to the transparency of the substrate, the one or more layers. In other embodiments, the one or more layers may be disposed on a first (front) surface opposite the second surface. This may allow for additional surface texture that may be sensed by a user even when the cover plate is installed on the cover glass (or in some cases, the display). Further, the one or more layers may be disposed on the first surface when the substrate is not formed from a transparent material. 
     Also, while the described embodiments illustrate several layers applied to a substrate, in other embodiments, the substrate includes a single layer. In other embodiments, the substrate includes two layers. Still, in other embodiments, the substrate includes three or more layers. These layers may be formed from any material or materials previously described for a layer applied to a substrate. 
     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: 20150812
Publication Date: 20180619
Grant Date: 20180619
Priority Date: 20150305
Inventors: ANDRE, BARTLEY K.
ROBINSON, KEVIN M.
SILVANTO, MIKAEL M.
CAO, ROBERT Y.
POSNER, BRYAN W.
LIN, WEY-JIUN
MATHEW, DINESH C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 56850699