PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9070313-B2
Application Number: US-201113244111-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: High strength cosmetic logo construction

Abstract:
A cosmetic logo insert is adapted for fitting into an opening in the housing of an associated computing device, is formed from a single piece of metal, has a thickness less than about 0.8 mm, and provides by itself adequate shock impact and fire enclosure protection at the opening for internal device components. The insert can include a lower portion having a first circumferential shape in the form of a logo and an outer surface that is substantially flat and polished to a mirrored finish, and also an upper portion integrally formed with the lower portion and having a second circumferential shape that is larger than the first circumferential shape. A computing device can include an outer housing having a wall with a stepped and logo shaped opening, a processor located within the housing, and a cosmetic housing insert fitted into the wall opening.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computing device, comprising:
 an outer housing adapted to contain a plurality of internal device components therein, wherein the outer housing includes a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface; 
 a logo shaped opening through the wall, wherein the logo shaped opening comprises a stepped opening having an inner region proximate the inner surface and an outer region proximate the outer surface, and wherein the inner region has a cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outer region; and 
 a cosmetic housing insert formed from a single piece of material and secured within the logo shaped opening to form a part of a completed overall housing for the computing device, wherein the cosmetic housing insert includes an upper portion having a first shape and a lower portion having a shape corresponding to the logo shaped opening, the lower portion being smaller and at least partially concentric with the first shape of the upper portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the cosmetic housing insert further includes a plurality of separate lower portions. 
     
     
       3. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein a difference in size between and relative arrangement of the first shape of the upper portion and the shape of the lower portion results in a flange in the upper portion around the lower portion. 
     
     
       4. A method of manufacturing a computing device, comprising:
 forming an outer housing having an inner region and an opening through a wall thereof, wherein the opening has a shape in the form of a logo; 
 placing a plurality of internal device components within the inner region of the outer housing; 
 machining material away from a master plate formed from a single piece of metal to at least partially define a cosmetic logo insert; 
 polishing a surface of the cosmetic logo insert; 
 separating the cosmetic logo insert from the master plate; 
 forming a coating on the polished surface of the cosmetic logo insert; and 
 securing the cosmetic logo insert into the opening of the outer housing. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein securing the cosmetic logo insert comprises adhesively coupling the cosmetic logo insert to an interior facing surface of the outer housing. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the cosmetic logo insert includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface of the cosmetic logo such that a distal end of each of the plurality of protrusions cooperate to define the logo. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the cosmetic logo insert provides by itself shock impact and fire enclosure protection at the opening for at least one of the plurality of internal device components. 
     
     
       8. A computing device, comprising:
 a housing adapted to contain a plurality of internal device components therein, wherein the housing includes a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, and defines a wall opening extending through the outer and inner surfaces of the wall; 
 a housing insert formed from a single piece of metal, the housing insert comprising:
 a lower portion fitted within the wall opening to form a part of a completed overall housing for the computing device such that an external face of the lower portion cooperates with the outer surface of the housing to create a continuous surface across the outer surface of the housing, and 
 an upper portion having a perimeter larger than a perimeter of the lower portion and being coupled directly to the inner surface of the wall. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein an internal face of the housing insert cooperates with the inner surface of the housing wall to create a continuous surface across the inner surface of the housing wall. 
     
     
       10. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the wall opening at the inner surface is greater than a cross-sectional area of the wall opening at the outer surface. 
     
     
       11. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the wall opening comprises a stepped opening having an inner region proximate the inner surface and an outer region proximate the outer surface, and wherein the inner region has a cross-sectional area that is different than the cross-sectional area of the outer region. 
     
     
       12. The computing device of  claim 11 , wherein the cross-sectional area of the inner region is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outer region. 
     
     
       13. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing insert is adhesively coupled to the inner surface of the wall. 
     
     
       14. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing insert further includes a plurality of separate lower portions, the plurality of separate lower portions being positioned within corresponding ones of a plurality of wall openings defined by the wall, the plurality of separate lower portions cooperating to define a logo shape along the outer surface of the wall. 
     
     
       15. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein a difference in size between and relative arrangement of the lower portion and the upper portion results in a flange in the upper portion around the lower portion. 
     
     
       16. The computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the flange of the housing insert interacts with a portion of the wall that defines the wall opening of the housing to retain the housing insert within the housing of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       17. A cosmetic logo insert suitable for use with a portable computing device, the cosmetic logo insert comprising:
 an upper portion defining a surface; 
 a first lower portion protruding from the surface; and 
 a second lower portion protruding from the surface proximate the first lower portion, 
 wherein distal ends of the first and second lower portions cooperate to define a logo, and wherein the first and second lower portions of the cosmetic logo insert are adapted to fit within a first and a second opening defined by a housing of the portable computing device so that the distal ends of the first and second lower portions are arranged along an exterior surface of the housing. 
 
     
     
       18. The cosmetic logo insert as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the distal ends of the first and second lower portions have a curvature in accordance with the exterior surface of the housing proximate the first and second openings. 
     
     
       19. The cosmetic logo insert as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the curvature of the distal ends of the first and second lower portions are shaped to accommodate a curved exterior surface of the housing surrounding the first and second openings. 
     
     
       20. The cosmetic logo insert as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the surface of the upper portion between the first and second lower portions is configured to interact with an interior surface of the housing between the first and second openings to retain the cosmetic logo insert within the housing of the portable computing device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to consumer computing devices, and more particularly to decorative yet functional aspects along the exterior regions of such consumer computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sophisticated computers, displays, appliances and other electronic devices are developing at a rapid rate. There is an ever-present demand for improved appearance, functionality, and aesthetics in the newest devices. One area that can often be of interest to manufacturers is the ability to provide a logo, trademark or other cosmetic component at the exterior of a device. Although such items can serve to readily identify a product provider to consumers, it can be important that such items do not detract from the functional integrity and aesthetic appearance of the overall device. As consumer products become increasingly smaller and more complex, however, additional challenges can arise in presenting such logos, trademarks and other cosmetic components without compromising the structural integrity and overall appearance of a given device 
     For example, some of the aesthetic appeal of an electronic device or other consumer product can be compromised if there are too many display elements, lights, indicators, logos, other cosmetic components and the like. In addition, it can tend to be more aesthetically pleasing if such items are presented in a smooth and integrated type of presentation along the exterior of a device, rather than as separate printings, stickers, labels or other separate items attached to the outside of the device. Such items can be integrated into and be a part of an exterior housing for a device, for example. Where devices are becoming smaller, and device housings are becoming thinner, however, such devices and techniques are often difficult or impossible to use. 
     While many designs and techniques used to provide cosmetic logos about the exterior of computing devices have generally worked well in the past, there is always a desire to provide further devices and techniques to allow for thinner yet functional and reliable cosmetic logos in a computing device. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an advantage of the present invention to provide thinner yet functional, reliable and aesthetically pleasing cosmetic items, particularly for use as logos with a computing or other personal device. This can be accomplished at least in part through the use of a thin, integrated single piece insert having multiple layered portions, at least one of which is in the shape of a logo. This integrated single piece logo insert can be shaped to be inserted and fastened within a stepped opening in a device housing, such that it forms a part of the completed housing. The thin single piece insert can be formed from a high strength material, such as steel or aluminum, such that it provides by itself adequate shock impact, fire enclosure and/or electromagnetic shield protection for the opening it fills. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, a cosmetic logo insert adapted for use with an associated computing device can include a lower portion having a first circumferential shape in the form of a logo and an outer surface that is substantially flat and polished to a mirrored finish, as well as an upper portion that is integrally formed with the lower portion and having a second circumferential shape that is larger than the first circumferential shape. The cosmetic logo insert can be formed from a single piece of metal, can have a total thickness of less than about 0.8 mm and can be adapted to fit within an opening in the housing of the associated computing device to provide by itself adequate shock impact and fire enclosure protection at the opening for at least one internal device component of the computing device. The associated computing device can be a portable computing device. 
     In various further embodiments of the present invention, a computing device can include an outer housing adapted to contain a plurality of internal device components therein, a processor located within the outer housing, and a housing insert formed from a single piece of metal. The outer housing can include a wall having an outer surface, an inner surface and an opening having a logo shape therethrough, and the housing insert can take the logo shape and be fitted within the wall opening to form a part of a completed overall housing for the computing device. The housing insert can provide by itself adequate shock impact and fire enclosure protection at the opening for at least one of the plurality of internal device components. The housing insert can also provide adequate electromagnetic shield protection for the opening. 
     In various detailed embodiments, the thickness of both the housing insert and the wall proximate the opening is less than about 0.8 mm, and the thickness of the housing insert can be within the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the opening at the inner surface can greater than the cross-sectional area of the opening at the outer surface. The opening can be a stepped opening having an inner region proximate the inner surface and an outer region proximate the outer surface, wherein the inner region has a cross-sectional area that is greater or at least different than the cross-sectional area of the outer region. 
     In various detailed embodiments, the housing insert includes an upper portion having a first shape and at least one lower portion having a second shape that is smaller and at least partially concentric with the first shape. In some embodiments, the housing insert can include a plurality of separate lower portions. The difference in size between and relative arrangement of the first shape and the second shape of the upper and lower portions can result in a flange in the upper portion around the lower portion. Such a flange can be used to fit and attach the upper portion to a step within the opening. In various embodiments, the housing insert includes an outer surface that is substantially flat and polished to a mirrored finish. 
     In still further embodiments, a method of manufacturing a computing device is provided. Process steps can include forming an outer housing having an inner region and an opening through a wall thereof, placing a plurality of internal device components within the inner region of the outer housing, and fitting a cosmetic logo insert into the outer housing opening. The opening can have a shape in the form of a logo, and the cosmetic logo insert can be formed from a single piece of metal into the shape of the logo. In addition, the cosmetic logo insert can provide by itself adequate shock impact and fire enclosure protection at the opening for at least one of the plurality of internal device components. 
     In various detailed embodiments, the thickness of both the cosmetic logo insert and the wall proximate the opening is less than about 0.8 mm. In addition, the cosmetic logo insert can include an upper portion having a first shape and at least one lower portion having a second shape that is smaller and at least partially concentric with the first shape. Additional process steps can concern the formation of the cosmetic logo insert, including machining a master plate having the cosmetic logo insert contained therein, polishing a surface of the cosmetic logo insert, separating the cosmetic logo insert from the remainder of the master plate, and forming a coating on the polished surface of the cosmetic logo insert. Such a coating can be formed by way of particle vapor deposition, for example. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with 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, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing high strength cosmetic logo construction for use in computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates in top perspective view an exemplary personal computing device. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates in side perspective view an exemplary laptop computer in an open position and having a cosmetic logo on its top cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates in obverse perspective view an exemplary outer housing component of a personal computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary opening in an outer housing component according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary opening in an outer housing component and an exemplary associated cosmetic logo insert sized for the opening according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the fitted cosmetic logo insert and opening of  FIG. 3A  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the arrangement of  FIG. 3B  with an exemplary added protection layer according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates in exploded perspective view an exemplary multiple piece cosmetic logo insert according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the assembled multiple piece cosmetic logo insert of  FIG. 4A  and an exemplary opening sized therefor in an outer housing component according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the fitted cosmetic logo insert and opening of  FIG. 4B  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates in front perspective view an exemplary single piece high strength cosmetic logo insert according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the single piece high strength cosmetic logo insert of  FIG. 5A  as inserted into a suitable opening in an outer housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary single piece high strength cosmetic logo insert according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary single piece high strength cosmetic logo insert according to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of manufacturing a computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary applications of apparatuses and methods according to the present invention are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the invention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     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 of the present invention. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, 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 invention. 
     The invention relates in various embodiments to a computing device, such as any of the iMac® personal computer, MacBook® laptop computer or iPad® tablet computer manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Although the subject computing device can be a portable computing device, including even portable media players and cellular telephones, it will be readily appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein can also be used with larger personal computing devices, servers and the like. Further, the present invention can also be used in some instances in conjunction with other devices that are not even computing devices, as will be readily appreciated in view of the disclosure herein. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1A , one example of a personal computing device in the form of a tablet computer is shown in top perspective view. As shown, tablet computer  1  can generally include an outer housing  2 , and a cover glass  3  for providing a display therethrough. Various internal components (not shown) can be included within an inner cavity created by the outer housing  2  and cover glass  3  combination, which can include an internal display device, one or more processors, storage components, circuit boards, power supplies, and the like. A home button  4  and various other inputs, outputs, ports and the like can also be included on tablet computer  1 , as will be readily appreciated. Tablet computer  1  can also include a visual display in the shape of a cosmetic logo on its obverse side (not shown). Such a cosmetic logo can take the form of an insert within the housing of the tablet computer, further details for which are provided below. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 1B , an exemplary laptop computer in an open position and having a cosmetic logo on its top cover is shown in side perspective view. Laptop computer  10  can be, for example, a MacBook® laptop computer, although other brands and models of laptop computers are contemplated for use with the present invention. Laptop computer  10  can have a top cover  11 , as well as a lower portion  12  that may include a keyboard  13 . As shown, laptop computer  10  can also include a visual display  15  in the shape a cosmetic logo, such as the Apple® logo, for example. Although visual display  15  is in the shape of a cosmetic logo, it will be readily appreciated that a wide variety of shapes, sizes and types of visual displays may be used, and that such displays can be logos, trademarks, text, advertisements, or other general types of patterns or displays. Visual display  15  can actually be in insert that is fitted within an opening in the housing of top cover  11 , as set forth in greater detail below. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 2A , an exemplary outer housing component of a different personal computing device is shown in obverse perspective view. Outer housing component  20  can be formed from a single piece of material, such as steel, aluminum or plastic, for example. Outer housing component  20  can include a substantial back portion having an outer surface  22 , and be slightly convex in nature, although such curvature is not necessary. One or more vents, openings, ports or other features may be present at the outer surface of housing component  20 , various details of which need not be covered herein. One such feature can be visual display  25 , which can be in the shape of a cosmetic logo. Cosmetic logo  25  can take the form of an insert that is fitted within an opening through housing component  20 , such that the cosmetic logo actually forms a part of the overall outer housing for the associated personal computing device. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts in side cross-sectional view one example of such an opening formed outer housing component. Outer housing  30  can form a substantial part of an enclosure for an associated computing device. Such an outer housing  30  can have one or more walls  32  having various openings  36  therethrough, with such openings being designed to accommodate displays, I/O components or access to the internal region  33  of the device, such as to facilitate device manufacture or repair. Such walls  32  can include an outer surface  37  and inner surface  38 , as will be readily appreciated. In addition, a stepped opening  40  can be formed in wall  32  to facilitate the subsequent insertion of a cosmetic logo (not shown). 
     Turning next to  FIG. 3A , an exemplary opening in an outer housing component and an associated cosmetic logo insert sized for the opening are illustrated in side cross-sectional view. Arrangement  100  can include outer housing wall  132 , which can be a portion of a larger outer housing for a computing device. Housing wall  132  can include an outer surface  137  proximate the exterior of the computing device and an inner surface  138  proximate an interior region of the device. 
     In addition, a stepped opening  140  can be formed in housing wall  132 . As shown, stepped opening  140  can include a larger inner region proximate the inner surface and a smaller outer region proximate the outer surface. The inner region has a cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outer region, and the opening at the inner surface is larger than the opening at the outer surface. A step  142  can be formed in stepped opening  140 , and such a step can be used to fasten an associated cosmetic logo insert  150  that is fitted into the opening. As shown, cosmetic logo insert  150  includes an upper portion  151  having a first shape and at a lower portion  152  that is smaller than the upper portion and can have a second shape. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the fitted cosmetic logo insert and opening of  FIG. 3A . Arrangement  101  reflects the cosmetic logo insert  150  as being fitted within the opening of wall  132 . Cosmetic logo insert  150  can be formed from a single piece of material, which can be a firm plastic, for example. Wall  132  and insert  150  can both have a generally consistent thickness  139 , and the insert is fitted in place such that an aesthetically pleasing, flat and finished surface  153  is presented at the exterior of the device. Surface  153  can generally be in the shape of a logo, such as the Apple® logo. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the arrangement of  FIG. 3B  with an exemplary added protection layer according to one embodiment of the present invention. Arrangement  102  reflects the use of a protection layer  160  that can be coupled to a back surface of insert  150  at the interior of the computing device. Such a protection layer  160  can be formed from metal, such that the internal components of the computing device are protected from external shock impacts, and/or to complete an adequate fire enclosure in the event of an internal device failure. Protection layer  160  can also form a suitable electromagnetic shield protection for the opening it fills. Such a protection layer may become necessary in the event that the thickness  139  of the cosmetic insert  150  renders the material of the insert insufficient by itself to provide such protective features. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 4A  an exemplary multiple piece cosmetic logo insert is shown in exploded perspective view. Multiple piece insert  250  is an alternative design that can be used where a thinner cosmetic insert is desired, such that the plastic material used to form the insert has insufficient strength and may break while in use. Accordingly, a thin metal plate  254  is used as a strengthening backing for one or more thin plastic components  255 ,  256  that form the shape of the cosmetic logo. A thin adhesive or other similar material  257  serves to couple the metal plate  254  and plastic cosmetic components  255 ,  256 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the assembled multiple piece cosmetic logo insert of  FIG. 4A  and an exemplary opening sized therefor in an outer housing component. Unassembled arrangement  200  can include an assembled multiple piece insert  250  includes a thin metal backing plate  254  that provides structural support for one or more cosmetic components  256 . An adhesive layer  257  combines the metal plate  254  and cosmetic component(s)  256 . Similar to the foregoing embodiment, an outer housing wall  232  can include an outer surface  237 , inner surface  238  and stepped opening  240  having a step region  242  to facilitate fitting and fastening of the insert  250 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the fitted cosmetic logo insert and opening of  FIG. 4B  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Assembled arrangement  201  involves the cosmetic logo insert  250  being fitted and fastened into the opening in wall  232 . Similar to the foregoing embodiment, the housing wall  232  and insert  250  can have a relatively consistent thickness  239 , which can be thinner than the thickness of the foregoing embodiment involving an all plastic single piece cosmetic logo insert. Again, cosmetic logo insert  250  can be fitted in place such that an aesthetically pleasing, flat and finished surface  253  is presented at the exterior of the device. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5A  an exemplary single piece high strength cosmetic logo insert according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted in front perspective view. Cosmetic logo insert  350  can be particularly thin, strong and formed from a single integrated piece of material. Cosmetic logo insert  350  can have an upper region  352  and a lower region having a polished or otherwise finished surface  353  in the shape of a logo, such as, for example, the Apple® logo. In various embodiments, cosmetic logo insert  350  can have a generally consistent thickness of about 0.8 mm or less. In some embodiments, this thickness can be as low as 0.1 mm, or can range anywhere from 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Such a relatively thin insert can allow for thinner outer enclosure wall designs and greater internal space within the computing device without sacrificing the use of such cosmetic logo inserts fitted into device housing openings. 
     Because it is desirable for cosmetic logo insert  350  to be thin, yet provide by itself adequate shock impact, fire enclosure protection, and/or electromagnetic shield protection at a housing opening where it is fitted, this insert can be formed from a strong material such as steel, aluminum or any other suitable metal or material. As such, no separate metal backing may be needed for use in conjunction with insert  350 , unlike the embodiments of  FIGS. 3C through 4C . Such a steel, aluminum or other metal insert  350  can be formed from a single integrated material, and can have a thickness of less than about 0.8 mm, going as low as 0.1 mm. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 5B , the single piece high strength cosmetic logo insert of  FIG. 5A  is shown in side cross-sectional view as being inserted into a suitable opening in an associated outer housing. Arrangement  300  reflects an assembled cosmetic logo insert  350  within an outer housing wall  332  having an outer surface  337 , an inner surface  338  and a thickness  339 . Upper region  352  can be located proximate the inner region of the computing device, while finished surface  353  presents a well finished and aesthetically pleasing logo shape to a device user or viewer. One or more adhesives  360  can serve to fasten the insert  350  within the opening of the housing device wall  332 . As noted above, the thickness of the cosmetic logo insert  350  can be as low as 0.1 mm, or can range anywhere from 0.1 to 0.8 mm, which corresponding results in the ability of the wall thickness  339  to similarly be as low as 0.1 mm or to range anywhere from 0.1 to 0.8 mm. 
     Various features in the insert  350  and opening in housing wall  332  can be seen from  FIGS. 5A and 5B . For example, the cross-sectional area of the opening at the inner surface is greater than the cross-sectional area of the opening at the outer surface. In addition, the opening comprises a stepped opening having an inner region proximate the inner surface and an outer region proximate the outer surface, wherein the inner region has a cross-sectional area that is different than the cross-sectional area of the outer region. In particular, the cross-sectional area of the inner region is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outer region. In alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area can simply be different, such that a step is created to aid in the fastening of the insert within the opening. In still other embodiments, a conical shape to the opening can be created. 
     Various details of the insert  350  can include the upper portion  352  having a first shape and one or more lower portions having a second shape that is smaller and at least partially concentric with the first shape. As shown, multiple lower portions can include an apple and a leaf shape, so as to form an Apple logo. Furthermore, the difference in size between and relative arrangement of the first shape and the second shape can result in a flange in the upper portion around the lower portion. Such a flange can aid in the coupling of the insert to the housing within the opening. Again, cosmetic logo insert  350  can be fitted and fastened in place such that an aesthetically pleasing, flat and finished surface  353  is presented at the exterior of the device. Such a surface can be finished prior to or after insertion into housing wall  332 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  both illustrate in side cross-sectional view exemplary single piece high strength cosmetic logo inserts according to still other alternative embodiments of the present invention. As shown, both of arrangements  400  and  401  provide housings with insert openings that do not extend all the way through the wall of the housing. Referring first to  FIG. 6A , arrangement  400  includes an outer housing wall  433  having an outer surface  437 , an inner surface  438  and a blind recess  434  in the outer surface that does not extend through to the inner surface. Thin cosmetic logo insert  450  can be inserted into blind recess  434  and can be fastened therein by way of an adhesive, press fit, or other suitable fastening structure. Again, such a cosmetic insert can be constructed of metal or other strong material, such that the overall thickness can be about 0.8 mm or less. In particular, a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.8 mm can be possible. Similar to the foregoing embodiments, cosmetic logo insert  450  can be fitted in place such that an aesthetically pleasing, flat and finished surface  453  is presented at the exterior of the device. Again, such a surface  453  can be finished prior to or after insertion into housing wall  332 . 
       FIG. 6B  depicts arrangement  401  having a cosmetic surface  459  that is finished or coated locally on an outer surface  439  of the enclosure  435 . In such an arrangement  401 , a logo or other shape  459  can be formed as a cosmetic surface by way of machining, polishing, masking, coating and/or other finishing steps. For example, the outer surface  439  can be selectively masked and coated to add color, a hard coating and/or environmental seal to the logo or other shape forming cosmetic surface  459 . In some embodiments, one or more finishing processes can involve finishing the surface of coating or ultrathin insert  459  as well as the outer surface  439  of the housing  435  together. 
     Lastly,  FIG. 7  provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of manufacturing a computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that the provided steps are shown only for purposes of illustration, and that many other or different steps may be included in the process, as may be desired. Furthermore, the order of steps may be changed where appropriate and not all steps need be performed in various instances. For example, steps  502  and  504  may be performed after steps  506  through  512 , while step  516  may be performed at several different points in the process. Other differences may also be possible, and it will be readily appreciated that the described steps and order are not limiting. 
     After a start step  500 , an outer housing for the computing device can be formed at process step  502 . Again, such an outer housing can have an inner region for containing various internal components of the computing device. At process step  504 , a logo shaped opening can be created in the wall of the outer housing. Various details for such an opening can apply, as set forth in the various embodiments above. Process step  506  then involves machining a master plate having one or more cosmetic logo inserts thereon. The master plate can be formed from steel, aluminum or some other high strength material. In some instances, this can involve the CNC machining of a master plate having multiple inserts, such as in a mass manufacturing process. 
     At subsequent process step  508 , a common surface of all of the cosmetic logo inserts can be polished or lapped while still part of the master plate. Such a polishing or lapping can result in a mirrored finish for the common surface of the cosmetic logo inserts, such a surface intended to be the outer surface upon installation to an associated computer outer housing. At process step  510 , the cosmetic logo inserts are cut or punched from the master plate to form individual inserts, and a cosmetic coating can then be applied to the polished surface of the cosmetic logo insert at process step  512 . Such a coating can be formed by way of particle vapor deposition, for example, although other types of coatings can also be used. Alternatively, no coating may be used as well. 
     At the following process step  514 , a single unitary integrated cosmetic logo insert is then fitted into the logo shaped opening in the outer housing wall. In addition, various internal device components can be placed within the inner region of the outer housing at process step  516 . The method then ends at end step  518 . 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110923
Publication Date: 20150630
Grant Date: 20150630
Priority Date: 20110923
Inventors: TRZASKOS PIOTR S.
FRANKLIN JEREMY C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F7/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F7/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F23/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F23/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F7/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F7/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47911052