PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10556408-B2
Application Number: US-201715725125-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device with a reduced friction surface

Abstract:
A surface of an electronic device includes a reduced friction surface that comprises a glass beaded film. The glass beaded film includes glass beads disposed in a polymer layer or in an adhesive layer, where a portion of the glass beads protrude from a surface of the polymer or adhesive layer. The reduced friction surface is disposed over at least a portion of the surface of the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A keycap for a key mechanism, comprising:
 a keycap body defining a top surface and at least four side surfaces; 
 a substrate attached to the top surface and the at least four side surfaces of the keycap body; and 
 a plurality of glass beads at least partially embedded in the substrate and distributed over at least the top surface of the keycap body, the plurality of glass beads having a same index of refraction as the substrate. 
 
     
     
       2. The keycap of  claim 1 , further comprising a glyph positioned on the top surface of the keycap body and visible through at least a portion of the plurality of glass beads and the substrate. 
     
     
       3. The keycap of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of glass beads comprises:
 a first group of beads having a first average diameter; and 
 a second group of beads having a second average diameter less than the first. 
 
     
     
       4. The keycap of  claim 3 , wherein the first group of beads is embedded further into the substrate than the second group of beads. 
     
     
       5. The keycap of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the plurality of glass beads are formed of borosilicate glass; and 
 the substrate is a polymer film. 
 
     
     
       6. The keycap of  claim 1 , wherein the keycap body and the substrate define a cut edge resulting from separation of the keycap body from an additional keycap body after application of the substrate to the keycap body and the additional keycap body. 
     
     
       7. The keycap of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of glass beads comprises:
 a first group of glass beads of a first diameter and having a highest point at a distance above the substrate; and 
 a second group of glass beads, of a second diameter different from the first diameter, having a highest point at a same distance above the substrate as the first group of glass beads. 
 
     
     
       8. A keycap for a key mechanism, comprising:
 a keycap body defining a top surface; and 
 a glass beaded film disposed on at least the top surface of the keycap body and comprising:
 a substrate; 
 a first plurality of glass beads of a first diameter embedded in the substrate and having a highest point at a distance above the substrate; and 
 a second plurality of glass beads, of a second diameter different from the first diameter, embedded in the substrate and having a highest point at a same distance above the substrate as the first plurality of glass beads. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The keycap of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the keycap body further defines four side surfaces; and 
 the glass beaded film is further disposed on the four side surfaces of the keycap body. 
 
     
     
       10. The keycap of  claim 8 , wherein each glass bead of the first and second pluralities of glass beads contacts an adjacent glass bead. 
     
     
       11. The keycap of  claim 8 , further comprising a glyph formed on the substrate and visible through the substrate and the first and second pluralities of glass beads. 
     
     
       12. The keycap of  claim 8 , wherein the top surface of the keycap body is concave. 
     
     
       13. The keycap of  claim 8 , wherein the glass beaded film comprises substantially a same amount of glass beads of the first diameter and glass beads of the second diameter. 
     
     
       14. The keycap of  claim 8 , wherein the substrate and the first and second pluralities of glass beads have substantially a same index of refraction. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a first glass beaded film comprising first glass beads and disposed over at least a portion of the enclosure; and 
 an input device at least partially within the enclosure and comprising:
 an actuation member defining a top surface and a side surface; and 
 a second glass beaded film disposed over at least the top surface of the actuation member, the second glass beaded film comprising second glass beads having a same size as the first glass beads. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the side surface is a first side surface; 
 the actuation member further defines three additional side surfaces; and 
 the second glass beaded film is disposed over the first side surface and the three additional side surfaces of the actuation member. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the electronic device is a laptop computer; and 
 the actuation member is a keycap of the laptop computer. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the electronic device is a handheld electronic device; and 
 the actuation member is a button. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the first glass beaded film comprises:
 a first substrate comprising polyurethane; and 
 a first plurality of borosilicate glass beads at least partially embedded in the first substrate; and 
 
 the second glass beaded film comprises:
 a second substrate comprising polyurethane; and 
 a second plurality of borosilicate glass beads at least partially embedded in the second substrate. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the second glass beaded film comprises a substrate; and 
 the second glass beads and the substrate have a same index of refraction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/326,858, filed Jul. 9, 2014, and titled “Electronic Device with a Reduced Friction Surface,” which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/844,833, filed Jul. 10, 2013 and titled “Electronic Device with a Reduced Friction Surface,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to an electronic device with one or more reduced friction surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Users interact with electronic devices, such as laptops, tablet computing devices, and smart telephones in a variety of ways. A user can view images on a display or input information using a touchscreen, keyboard, or buttons. The surfaces of the components in an electronic device, as well as the surface of the electronic device itself, can enhance the user experience by providing a tactile reduced friction surface that has a desired look or feel. However, mass manufacturing of the components that include the reduced friction surface can be difficult due to the presence of a cosmetic surface and/or display elements, such as symbols or glyphs. For example, machining around the full perimeter of a component may not be feasible when performed at mass manufacturing quantities. Additionally, positioning the transition between the surface of the component and the edges of the reduced friction surface in a non-visible location can be challenging depending on the design of the component. The transition can produce a noticeable and undesirable color change. The transition may also be detected by a user when the user touches or slides a finger over the surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a surface of an electronic device includes a reduced friction surface comprising a glass beaded film. The reduced friction surface is disposed over at least one surface of the electronic device or of a component. The reduced friction surface includes glass beads embedded or bonded in a polymer layer. A thermoplastic elastomer layer can be under the polymer layer. A portion of the glass beads protrude from the surface of the polymer layer and provide a hardness to the glass beaded film. The polymer layer provides a flexibility or elasticity to the glass beaded film. 
     In another aspect, a method for producing the reduced friction surface over one or more surfaces of an electronic device includes providing a conformal glass beaded film and pressing the at least one surface into the conformal glass beaded film to dispose the glass beaded film over the at least one surface. In one embodiment, the glass beaded film is heated to a temperature that is greater than its forming temperature, which causes the glass beaded film to be pliable and conformal when formed over the at least one surface. 
     In another aspect, a method for producing the reduced friction surface on one or more surfaces of an electronic device includes providing a mold of the at least one surface, where the mold is made of the glass beaded film, and filling the mold with a material that becomes the at least one surface. For example, an insert molding process can be performed to inject the surface material into the glass beaded film mold. 
     In yet another aspect, a method for producing the reduced friction surface on one or more surfaces of an electronic device includes positioning the electronic device in a lower mold, positioning a glass beaded film over the lower mold, and heating the glass beaded film, the component and the glass beaded film, or the electronic device and the glass beaded film. An upper mold is then positioned over the lower mold and a pressure difference is created between the upper and lower molds to overlay the glass beaded film on the at least one surface of the electronic device. 
     In another aspect, a method for producing the reduced friction surface on one or more surfaces of an electronic device includes adhering the glass beaded film to the at least one surface and removing the polymer layer. The glass beaded film can be affixed to the at least one surface with an adhesive layer that is disposed over the portions of the glass beads protruding from the polymer layer. The glass beaded film can be heated prior to removing the polymer layer. 
     And in yet another aspect, a keyboard includes at least one key mechanism having a keycap and a glass beaded film disposed over the top surface of the keycap. The glass beaded film may also be disposed over at least a portion of the sides of the keycap. The glass beaded film includes glass beads disposed in a layer such that a portion of the glass beads protrude from a surface of the layer. The layer can be a polymer layer or an adhesive layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments are better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical features that are common to the figures. 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate example electronic devices that can include one or more reduced friction surfaces; 
         FIG. 3  depicts one example of a key mechanism of a keyboard; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates one example of a keycap that includes a reduced friction surface; 
         FIGS. 5-7  depict cross-section views of example reduced friction surface materials taken along line  5 , 6 , 7 - 5 , 6 , 7  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 8-10  illustrate one method for producing a reduced friction surface over at least one surface of a keycap; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of another method for producing a reduced friction surface over at least one surface of a keycap; 
         FIG. 12  depicts block  1100  in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates block  1102  in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIGS. 14-15  depict block  1104  in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates block  1106  in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a keycap after performing block  1106  in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart of another method for producing a reduced friction surface on one or more surfaces of a keycap; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates block  1800  in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  depicts block  1802  in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIGS. 21-22  illustrate another method for producing a reduced friction surface on one or more surfaces of a keycap; and 
         FIGS. 23-24  illustrate example keycap shapes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein can provide a reduced friction surface for one or more surfaces of an electronic device or for one or more components in an electronic device. The surface can include the enclosure of an electronic device, a button, one or more keycaps in a keyboard, and other types of input devices. The reduced friction surface includes a glass beaded film that positions or affixes glass or glass-like beads in a polymer or resin layer. The glass or glass-like beads can protrude from the surface of the polymer layer. The glass or glass-like beads provide a hardness to the reduced friction surface while the polymer layer provides a flexibility or elasticity to the reduced friction surface. The reduced friction surface may have an increased abrasion resistance as compared to other surfaces. Additionally, the reduced friction surface may provide an improved user experienced with the electronic device as the tactile feel of the reduced friction surface may be preferred as compared to other surfaces. Moreover, the reduced friction surface may also provide an improved cosmetic appearance for the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the reduced friction surface is applied to one or more surfaces to avoid the need to position a transition between the reduced friction surface and the surface of the electronic device in a blind or non-visible area. For example, the reduced friction surface overlies a top surface and all four sides of a keycap when the reduced friction surface is applied to one or more keycaps of a keyboard. Various methods are described herein that can be used to dispose the glass beaded film to one or more surfaces of an electronic device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a front perspective view of an example electronic device that can include one or more reduced friction surfaces. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  102  can be a laptop or netbook computer that includes a display  104 , a keyboard  106 , and an input device  108 , shown in the illustrated embodiment as a trackpad. An enclosure  110  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the electronic device  102 , and may at least partially surround the display  104 , the keyboard  106 , and the trackpad  108 . The enclosure  110  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. 
     The display is configured to display a visual output for the electronic device  102 . The display  104  can be implemented with any suitable display, including, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting display (OLED), or organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display. 
     The keyboard  106  includes multiple keys or key mechanisms that a user can use to interact with an application running on the electronic device  102 . Example applications include a game, a word processing application, and a spreadsheet application. The key mechanisms can be configured in any arrangement, such as a QWERTY keyboard, and can include additional key mechanisms that provide control or operational inputs such as home, ESC, ALT, page up, page down, and function keys. 
     The trackpad  108  can be used to interact with one or more viewable objects on the display  104 . For example, the trackpad  108  can be used to move a cursor or to select a file or program (represented by an icon) shown on the display. The trackpad  108  can use any known touch sensing technologies, including capacitive, resistive, ultrasonic, and piezoelectric touch sensing technologies. 
     In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of some or all of the keys in the keyboard can include a reduced friction surface. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the enclosure can include a reduced friction surface. The reduced friction surface will be described in more detail in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of another example electronic device that can include one or more reduced friction surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device  200  is a smart telephone that includes an enclosure  202  surrounding a display  204  and one or more buttons  206  or input devices. The enclosure  202  can be similar to the enclosure described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , but may vary in form factor and function. 
     The display  204  can be implemented with any suitable display, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch capacitive sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, or organic electro luminescence (OEL) technology. Touch sensing technologies other than capacitive can be used in other embodiments. 
     The button  206  can take the form of a home button, which may be a mechanical button, a soft button (e.g., a button that does not physically move but still accepts inputs), an icon or image on a display, and so on. Further, in some embodiments, the button  206  can be integrated as part of a cover glass of the electronic device. 
     Like the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , at least a portion of the exterior surface of the enclosure  202  can include a reduced friction surface. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of one or more buttons, such as button  206 , can include a reduced friction surface. 
     A keycap is the component of a key or key mechanism in a keyboard that a user touches or presses when interacting with the keyboard. Example keycaps are used to describe the reduced friction surface and techniques for producing the reduced friction surface on the keycap. However, as described earlier, the reduced friction surface and fabrication techniques can be used on other types of electronic devices or components of an electronic device. As one example, the reduced friction surface can be included on at least a portion of an enclosure or on a button. The term “electronic device” as used herein is meant to be generic and encompass an electronic device and components in, connected to (wirelessly or wired), or operable with an electronic device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown one example of a key mechanism of a keyboard. The key mechanism  300  includes a keycap  302  that is attached to a base plate  304  via a scissor mechanism  306 . The base plate  304  can be a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit, or a structural member of a keyboard. The scissor mechanism  306  includes two pieces that interlock in a “scissor”-like manner, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The scissor mechanism  306  is typically formed out of a rigid material, such as a plastic, metal, or composite material, and provides mechanical stability to the key mechanism  300 . 
     A deformable structure  308  along with the scissor mechanism  306  support the keycap  302 . In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable structure  308  is an elastomeric dome, such as a rubber dome. When the keycap  302  is pressed down by a user in the direction of arrow  310 , the keycap contacts the deformable structure  308 , which in turn causes the deformable structure  308  to compress or collapse. When the deformable structure  308  compresses or collapses, the deformable structure  308  contacts a membrane  312 , which activates a switch and provides an input to the electronic device. 
     Other embodiments can construct a key mechanism differently. By way of example only, a key mechanism can include a stacked metal and elastomeric dome, with a keycap positioned over the stacked elastomeric and metal dome. When a user depresses the keycap, the elastomeric dome depresses the metal dome to activate the switch. One example of this type of key mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2011/0203912. 
     At least one surface of the keycap can include a reduced friction surface. For example, the reduced friction surface can be disposed over the top surface of the keycap. Alternatively, the reduced friction surface can be formed over the top and at least a portion of the four sides of the keycap.  FIG. 4  illustrates one example of a keycap that includes a reduced friction surface. For clarity, the reduced friction surface  400  is shown detached from the keycap  402 . The reduced friction surface  400  is disposed over and affixed to the top surface  404  of the keycap  402  and some or all of the sides  406  of the keycap  402 . The amount of reduced friction surface  400  used over the sides  406  can depend on how much of the sides is visible to a user. In some embodiments, the reduced friction surface  400  completely covers all four sides of the keycap. 
       FIGS. 5-7  depict cross-section views of example reduced friction surface materials taken along line  5 , 6 , 7 - 5 , 6 , 7  in  FIG. 4 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the reduced friction surface includes a glass beaded film  500 . As used herein, the phrases “glass beads” and “glass beaded” are meant to be generic and encompass glass and glass-like beads. The glass beaded film  500  can be a clear or light transmissive film. The glass beaded film  500  includes glass beads  502  disposed in a resin or polymer layer  504 . In one embodiment, the polymer is polyurethane or PU composite and the glass beads are borosilicate beads. The glass beads  502  provide a surface that a user touches with one or more fingers when touching or interacting with a key mechanism of a keyboard. 
     The polymer layer  504  can be formed over a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer  506 . Any suitable thermoplastic elastomer material can be used, including, but not limited to a polycarbonate (PC), a PET or PETG, and an amorphous PA. An adhesive layer  508  can be disposed under the elastomeric layer  506 . The adhesive layer  508  can be used to attach or affix the glass beaded film  500  to a surface. 
     The glass beads  502  in the glass beaded film  500  can be embedded or bonded at any depth within the polymer layer  504 . For example, the glass beads  502  in  FIG. 5  have a low bead sink, meaning the glass beads  502  are positioned at a lower depth in the polymer layer  504  so that a greater portion of the glass beads  502  protrude from the polymer layer  504 . In the illustrated embodiment, the glass beads  502  project out a distance dl from the surface of the polymer layer  504 . When positioned at a lower depth within the polymer layer  504 , the glass beads  502  can provide a greater tactile feedback to a user when a user touches or moves a finger, fingers, palm, or hand on or over the surface of the glass beaded film  500 . 
     In one embodiment, the glass beads  502  are contiguous within the polymer layer  504  and the exposed top surfaces of the glass beads  502  line up to form a common plane on the surface of the glass beaded film  500 . The surfaces of the glass beads can feel to a user like a single continuous surface. When the top surfaces of glass beads form a common plane, the glass beaded film  500  can have a low coefficient of friction that allows a user&#39;s finger to move or slide more easily on or over the surface. A user may not feel the individual glass beads when the glass beads  502  are arranged in this manner. In other embodiments, the glass beads  502  are not contiguous and can be in a spaced-apart configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the glass beads  502  may not line up to form a common plane but instead can produce a varied surface on the glass beaded film  500 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , the glass beads  502  have a high bead sink, meaning the glass beads  502  are positioned at a greater depth in the polymer layer  504  so that a smaller portion of the glass beads  502  protrude from the polymer layer  504 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the glass beads  502  project out a distance d 2  from the surface of the polymer layer  504 . The distance d 2  is less than the distance d 1  in  FIG. 5 . At a higher bead sink, the glass beads  502  may provide a user with a reduced tactile experience compared to a lower bead sink. 
     Glass beads having varying diameters are included in the glass beaded film  700  shown in  FIG. 7 . One size of glass beads  702  having a larger diameter is intermingled with another size of glass beads  704  having a smaller diameter than the diameter of glass beads  702 . The different sized glass beads  702 ,  704  can allow the density of the glass beads in the polymer layer  504  to be greater than when only one size of glass beads are used. The larger and smaller sized glass beads can alternate with respect to each other in the polymer layer  504  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the glass beads  702 ,  704  can have any given distribution within the polymer layer  504 . Additionally, both sizes of glass beads can be embedded or bonded at appropriate depths so that the top surfaces of the glass beads line up to form a common plane. Alternatively, one size of glass beads can be fixed at a first depth within the polymer layer  504  while the other size of glass beads are fixed at a different second depth, or the glass beads can be fixed at varying depths within the polymer layer  504 . 
     The glass beads can have any suitable diameter or diameters. By way of example only, the glass beads can have a diameter of 5 microns to 100 microns. In some embodiments, the glass beads have a diameter of 50 microns. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , there is shown one example method for forming a reduced friction surface over one or more surfaces of a keycap. The illustrated method is a thermoforming method. Although only one keycap and mold is shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that the method can be performed on multiple keycaps at one time. 
     The keycap  800  is disposed in a lower mold  802  with the glass beaded film  804  overlying the lower mold ( FIG. 8 ). Heat is then applied to the glass beaded film  804  to produce a pliable and conformal glass beaded film. In one embodiment, the glass beaded film is heated to a temperature that is over the film&#39;s forming temperature. Next, the upper mold  900  is joined to the lower mold  802  to seal the mold  902  and the air extracted from the upper and lower areas  904 ,  906  of the mold  902  ( FIG. 9 ). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the glass beaded film  804  defines upper and lower areas  904 ,  906  of the mold  902 , and the pressure in both the upper and lower areas  904 ,  906  is zero. 
     The pressure in the upper area  904  is then increased compared to the lower area  906 , which causes the glass beaded film  804  to attach and conform to the keycap  800  ( FIG. 10 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure in the upper area  904  is 60 to 70 kg and the pressure in the lower area  906  is 0 kg. Other embodiments can set the different pressure levels to different values. 
     The keycap  800  can now be removed from the mold. The glass beaded film  804  attaches to the top surface and all four sides of the keycap in some embodiments, which reduces or eliminates the need to position the transition between the reduced friction surface and the surface of the keycap in a blind or non-visible area. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart of another method for producing a reduced friction surface over at least one surface of a keycap. Initially, one or more glyphs can be formed on a surface of the glass beaded film (block  1100 ). A glyph can be any character, number, symbol, phrase, or combinations of such elements. By way of example only, a glyph can include a letter or number of a standard QWERTY keyboard. In one embodiment, the glyph is formed on a backside surface of the glass beaded film with a suitable dye or ink. Other embodiments can form the glyph or glyphs on the keycap or on a different surface or location of the glass beaded film. 
       FIG. 12  depicts block  1100  in  FIG. 11 . As described earlier, the backside surface  1202  of the glass beaded film  1200  is the side that contacts the surface of the keycap. Example glyphs  1204 ,  1206 ,  1208  for three keycaps are shown in the figure. The glyphs can be positioned at any location on the surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the example glyphs  1204 ,  1206 ,  1208  are arranged to appear on the top surface of each keycap. 
     Next, as shown in block  1102 , the glass beaded film is heated to produce a pliable and conformal glass beaded film. As described earlier, the glass beaded film can be heated to a temperature that is greater than the forming temperature. The glass beaded film  1202  can be placed on a fixture  1300  that includes openings  1302  (see  FIG. 13 ). The keycaps  1400  are then pressed or pushed downward (as indicated by arrow  1402 ) into the pliable and conformal glass beaded film  1202 , as shown in block  1104  and in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     The keycaps  1400  can be mounted on a key fixture  1404  for proper orientation. The pliable and conformal glass beaded film  1200  wraps around and attaches to the top surface of the keycaps all four sides in the illustrated embodiment. The glass beaded film and the keycap form an integrated or consolidated component.  FIG. 16  illustrates the keycaps within the glass beaded film  1200 . The bottom surface of the keycap may or may not be covered by the glass beaded film. 
     The key fixture  1404  is then removed and the keycaps  1500  are singulated or separated into individual keycaps (block  1106 ). For example, a cutting tool can be used to separate the keycaps  1500  along lines  1600  in  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 17  illustrates an individual keycap  1500  after separation. The glyph  1204  ( FIG. 12 ) is visible on the top surface of the keycap  1500 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , there is shown a flowchart of another method for producing a reduced friction surface on one or more surfaces of a keycap. Initially, the glass beaded film is formed into a mold having the shape of the surface or surfaces of the keycap the film will overlie (block  1800 ).  FIG. 19  depicts one example of a keycap mold  1900  formed by the glass beaded film. The glass beaded film molds can be produced, for example, using a method similar to the process shown in  FIG. 14 . In this process, the keycaps are removed from the glass beaded film after the keycaps have been pressed into the glass beaded film. 
     One or more glyphs can be formed on at least one surface of the glass beaded film mold at block  1802 . By way of example only, the one or more glyphs can be provided on the inside surface  1902  ( FIG. 19 ) of the mold. In other embodiments, the glyph or glyphs can be formed on at least one surface of the keycap. 
     Next, as shown in block  1804 , the keycaps can be singulated or separated into individual keycaps. Insert molding is then performed at block  1806  to inject the keycap material into the glass beaded film mold.  FIG. 20  illustrates the glass beaded film mold  1900  filled with keycap material  2000 . 
       FIGS. 21-22  illustrate another method for producing a reduced friction surface on one or more surfaces of a keycap. As shown in  FIG. 21 , a glass beaded film  2100  can include glass beads  2102  embedded or bonded in a polymer layer  2104 . An adhesive layer  2106  can be formed over the exposed surfaces of the glass beads  2102 . The glass beaded film  2100  can be heated and then pressed down onto at least one surface of a keycap  2108  and the polymer layer  2104  removed ( FIG. 22 ). For example, the polymer layer  2104  can be pulled off when the glass beaded film  2100  is still pliable and conformal, leaving the glass beads  2102  affixed to one or more surfaces of the keycap  2108 . Alternatively, the polymer layer  2104  can be peeled off once the glass beads  2102  are affixed to the keycap  2108 , regardless of the pliability of the glass beaded film  2100 . 
       FIGS. 23-24  illustrate example keycap shapes. The keycaps can have any given shape, geometry, and/or dimensions. For example, in a QWERTY keyboard the alphanumeric keys typically have one shape and dimensions while other keys, such as the shift and spacebar keys, have different dimensions. The function keys in a computer keyboard can have yet another size and dimensions. 
     Additionally, one or more surfaces of keycaps can be formed to have varied shapes. For example, the keycap  2300  in  FIG. 23  includes a concave top surface  2302  while the keycap  2400  in  FIG. 24  has a convex top surface  2204 . Other examples of surface features can include beveled, chamfer, rounded, and recessed. One or more techniques described herein can be used to overlay the keycaps with the glass beaded film, despite the shapes, geometries, and/or dimensions of the keycaps. 
     In some embodiments, the glass beaded film can be a light transmissive film, such as a high transmissive film. The exposed surfaces of the glass beads can be coated with any suitable material to repel contaminants such as dirt, oil, and water. The refractive index of the glass beads can match or substantially match the refractive index of the polymer layer to produce a transparent look. The number of glass beads, the material of the glass beads, and/or the bead sink can be determined based on the surface type, the desired look and feel, the intended use of the electronic device or component in the electronic device, and/or the desired durability of the reduced friction surface. 
     Various embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain features thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, block  1100  or block  1802  are optional and can be omitted in other embodiments. Additionally, as described earlier, the reduced friction surface can be disposed over one or more surfaces of other electronic devices. By way of example only, the surface can be all or some of the enclosure of a tablet computing device, a laptop, and a smart telephone, a button, or another type of input device. 
     Even though specific embodiments have been described herein, it should be noted that the application is not limited to these embodiments. In particular, any features described with respect to one embodiment may also be used in other embodiments, where compatible. Likewise, the features of the different embodiments may be exchanged, where compatible.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20171004
Publication Date: 20200211
Grant Date: 20200211
Priority Date: 20130710
Inventors: NIU, JAMES J.
LEONG, Craig C.
PILLIOD, MICHAEL K.
HENDREN, KEITH J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/51", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2264/101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2274/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/702", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2231/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C08K7/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C08K7/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B7/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/702", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24413", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/365", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2231/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/51", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2264/101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/78", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24413", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B7/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2274/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/78", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/365", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C08L101/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/51", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/365", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C08K7/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/702", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24413", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2231/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B27/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B7/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2264/101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/78", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2274/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 52276915