PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11194362-B2
Application Number: US-202016994299-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Handheld device enclosure having an outer periphery member and front and rear cover assemblies

Abstract:
This is directed to an electronic device enclosure. The enclosure includes an outer periphery member forming an outer surface of a device, and to which an internal platform is connected. Electronic device components can be assembled to one or both surfaces of the internal platform. The enclosure can include front and back cover assemblies assembled to the opposite surfaces of the outer periphery member to retain electronic device components. One or both of the cover assemblies can include a window through which display circuitry can provide content to a user of the device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device comprising:
 a display; and 
 a housing enclosing the display and comprising:
 a front cover assembly defining a first portion of a front surface of the portable electronic device; 
 a back cover assembly defining a first portion of a back surface of the portable electronic device; and 
 an outer periphery member attached to the front and back cover assemblies and defining a side surface that extends around the front surface, a second portion of the front surface, and a second portion of the back surface, the outer periphery member comprising: 
 a first member comprising a first metal material defining a first portion of the side surface and extending from the second portion of the front surface to the second portion of the back surface; 
 a second member comprising a second metal material defining a second portion of the side surface and extending from the second portion of the front surface to the second portion of the back surface; 
 a third member comprising a third metal material defining a third portion of the side surface and extending from the second portion of the front surface to the second portion of the back surface; 
 a first intermediate member comprising a first plastic material positioned between the first member and the second member and forming a fourth portion of the side surface; and 
 a second intermediate member comprising a second plastic material positioned between the second member and the third member and forming a fifth portion of the side surface. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the front surface defined by the front cover assembly and the second portion of the front surface defined by the outer periphery member define an entirety of the front surface of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the first portion of the back surface defined by the back cover assembly and the second portion of the back surface defined by the outer periphery member define an entirety of the back surface of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first portion of the front surface defined by the front cover assembly is flush with the second portion of the front surface defined by the outer periphery member; and 
 the first portion of the back surface defined by the back cover assembly is flush with the second portion of the back surface defined by the outer periphery member. 
 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the portable electronic device further comprises processing circuitry; and 
 the first member is operably coupled to the processing circuitry and is configured to operate as an antenna of the portable electronic device. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the front cover assembly comprises a front glass sheet that defines the first portion of the front surface. 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the housing further comprises an internal platform positioned between the front and back cover assemblies; and 
 the portable electronic device comprises one or more electronic device components that are attached to the internal platform. 
 
     
     
       8. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first, second, and third metal materials are a steel material. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device comprising:
 a touch screen display; and 
 a housing comprising:
 an outer periphery member surrounding the touch screen display and defining a side surface that extends around a perimeter of the electronic device, a peripheral front surface of the electronic device, and a peripheral back surface of the electronic device, the outer periphery member comprising:
 a first member comprising a first electrically conductive material and forming a first portion of the side surface, a first portion of the peripheral front surface, and a first portion of the peripheral back surface; 
 a second member comprising a second electrically conductive material and forming a second portion of the side surface, a second portion of the peripheral front surface, and a second portion of the peripheral back surface; 
 a third member comprising a third electrically conductive material and forming a third portion of the side surface, a third portion of the peripheral front surface, and a third portion of the peripheral back surface; 
 a first intermediate member comprising a first electrically insulating material positioned between the first member and the second member and forming a fourth portion of the side surface; and 
 a second intermediate member comprising a second electrically insulating material positioned between the second member and the third member and forming a fifth portion of the side surface; 
 
 a front cover assembly having a front sheet defining a central front surface of the electronic device; and 
 a back cover assembly having a back sheet defining a central back surface of the electronic device. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the electronic device further comprises processing circuitry configured to perform wireless circuit control functions; and 
 the first member is operably coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to operate as an antenna. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the peripheral front surface and the central front surface together define an entirety of a front surface of the electronic device; and 
 the peripheral back surface and the central back surface together define an entirety of a back surface of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the peripheral front surface of the outer periphery member is flush with the central front surface of the front sheet; and 
 the peripheral back surface of the outer periphery member is flush with the central back surface of the back sheet. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the front sheet is formed from a first glass material; and 
 the back sheet is formed from a second glass material. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the first electrically conductive material is a first aluminum material; and 
 the second electrically conductive material is a second aluminum material; and 
 the third electrically conductive material is a third aluminum material. 
 
     
     
       15. An electronic device comprising:
 a display; 
 a camera module; and 
 a housing enclosing the display and the camera module, the housing comprising:
 an outer periphery member comprising: 
 a first member comprising a first electrically conductive material and defining a first portion of a side surface, a first portion of a front surface, and a first portion of a back surface; 
 a second member comprising a second electrically conductive material and defining a second portion of the side surface, a second portion of the front surface, and a second portion of the back surface; 
 a third member comprising a third electrically conductive material and defining a third portion of the side surface, a third portion of the front surface, and a third portion of the back surface; 
 a first intermediate member comprising a first electrically insulating material positioned between the first member and the second member and forming a fourth portion of the side surface; 
 a second intermediate member comprising a second electrically insulating material positioned between the second member and the third member and forming a fifth portion of the side surface; 
 a front cover assembly defining a third portion of the front surface; and 
 a back cover assembly defining a third portion of the back surface and a camera window positioned over the camera module. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the outer periphery member defines a closed ring structure that surrounds the display. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the outer periphery member defines a first opening and a second opening along the side surface; and 
 the electronic device comprises a first audio component positioned proximate to the first opening and a second audio component positioned proximate to the second opening. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the first electrically conductive material is a first steel material and extends from the front surface to the back surface of the electronic device; 
 the second electrically conductive material is a second steel material and extends from the front surface to the back surface of the electronic device; and 
 the third electrically conductive material is a third steel material and extends from the front surface to the back surface of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the third portion of the front surface defined by the front cover assembly is flush with the first portion of the front surface defined by the first member and the second portion of the front surface defined by the second member. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the front cover assembly comprises a front glass member that defines the third portion of the front surface; and 
 the back cover assembly comprises a back glass member that defines the third portion of the back surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/405,239, filed May 7, 2019 and titled “Handheld Device Enclosure,” which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/892,310, filed Feb. 8, 2018 and titled “Handheld Device Enclosure Having Outer Periphery Members and a Front Cover Assembly,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,303,219, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/168,194, May 30, 2016 and titled “Handheld Device Enclosure,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,898,049, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/064,785, filed Oct. 28, 2013 and titled “Handheld Device Enclosure,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,357,665, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/794,529, filed Jun. 4, 2010 and titled “Handheld Device Enclosure,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,576,561, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/300,780, filed Feb. 2, 2010 and titled “Handheld Device Enclosure,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/325,625, filed Apr. 19, 2010 and titled “Electrically Insulating Connection Between Conductive Components,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/325,786, filed Apr. 19, 2010 and titled “Cosmetic Co-Grinding of Electronic Device Surfaces,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A portable electronic device can be constructed using any suitable approach. For example, a “bucket” type approach can be used in which a first housing component serves as a bucket into which electronic device components are placed, and a second housing component serves as a cover for the bucket. This arrangement secures the electronic device components between the first and second housing components. As a variation of this, some or all of the electronic device components can be assembled into the cover for the bucket, and the cover can subsequently be rotated into the bucket to close the device. 
     Other known portable electronic devices can be constructed by inserting components into a hollow housing element. For example, an electronic device can be constructed using a tubular structure (e.g., a flattened tube or a hollow rectangular tube) into which electronic device components can be inserted. The electronic device components can be inserted into the tubular structure from one or both ends, and connected within the structure. For example, one or more circuits inserted from opposite ends of the tubular structure can be connected through an opening for a window in the structure. The structure can be capped at one or both ends to ensure that the components remain fixed within the tubular structure, and to provide interface components (e.g., connectors, buttons, or ports) for the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     This is directed to an electronic device including an outer periphery member that forms the sides of the electronic device. The outer periphery member can define a volume into which electronic device components can be placed. To retain the components within the device, front and back cover assemblies can be placed over the front and back surfaces of the outer periphery member. 
     An electronic device enclosure can include several components. In some embodiments, the enclosure can include several elements including angled portions. The elements can be connected to form a closed component (e.g., a loop), such that the component defines an inner volume in which electronic device components can be retained. In some embodiments, an internal structure such as an internal platform can be placed within the component to enhance the structural integrity of the component. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic device enclosure can include an outer periphery member having an external side surface, a front surface, a back surface, and an internal surface. An internal platform can be connected to the internal surface, and placed within a volume enclosed by the outer periphery member (e.g., between the front and back surfaces of the outer periphery member). The internal platform can define first and second pockets in which electronic device components can be inserted, for example from the front surface or from the back surface of the outer periphery member. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic device enclosure can include an outer periphery member defining a ring, and within which an internal platform can be placed. The internal platform can be offset from front and back surfaces of the outer periphery member. To prevent components placed within a volume defined by the outer periphery member from being removed from the enclosure, the enclosure can include front and back cover assemblies. The cover assemblies can be placed adjacent to front and back surfaces of the outer periphery member to cover the internal platform. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic device enclosure can be constructed by providing an outer periphery member and an internal platform. The internal platform can be connected to the outer periphery member such that at least a portion of the internal platform is within a height of the outer periphery member. Electronic device components can be assembled into the electronic device enclosure from two opposite surfaces of the internal platform. In some embodiments, one or more cover assemblies can be assembled over the two opposite surfaces of the internal platform or over two opposite surfaces of the outer periphery member to retain the electronic device components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device that can be provided with mechanical and electrical features in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device structure taken along the device width in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device taken along the device length in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2D-2E  are bottom views of embodiments of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic view of an illustrative internal platform coupled to an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of an illustrative internal platform coupled to an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative internal platform assembled to an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for assembling an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic device can be provided with mechanical and electrical components for providing different functionality to a user. In some cases, components of an electronic device can be constructed to provide mechanical features that improve the performance, aesthetics, robustness and size of the electronic device. 
     Electronic devices that may be provided with these components can include desktop computers, computer monitors, computer monitors containing embedded computers, wireless computer cards, wireless adapters, televisions, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, routers, portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, and handheld devices such as cellular telephones and media players, and small devices such as wrist-watch devices, pendant devices, headphone and earpiece devices, and other wearable and miniature devices. Portable devices such as cellular telephones, media players, and other handheld electronic devices are sometimes described herein as an example. 
     An illustrative electronic device that can be provided with mechanical and electrical features to improve performance, aesthetics, robustness, and size is shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , device  10  can include storage and processing circuitry  12 . Storage and processing circuitry  12  can include one or more different types of storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random-access-memory), or combinations of these. Storage and processing circuitry  12  may be used in controlling the operation of device  10 . Processing circuitry in circuitry  12  can be based on processors such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, dedicated processing circuits, power management circuits, audio and video chips, and other suitable integrated circuits. 
     With one suitable arrangement, storage and processing circuitry  12  can be used to run software on device  10 , such as internet browsing applications, voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) telephone call applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, antenna and wireless circuit control functions, or combinations of these. Storage and processing circuitry  12  can be used in implementing suitable communications protocols. Communications protocols that may be implemented using storage and processing circuitry  12  can include internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols—sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi®), protocols for other short-range wireless communications links such as the Bluetooth® protocol, protocols for handling cellular telephone communications services, or other such communications protocols. 
     Input-output devices  14  may be used to allow data to be supplied to device  10  and to allow data to be provided from device  10  to external devices. Examples of input-output devices  14  that may be used in device  10  include display screens such as touch screens (e.g., liquid crystal displays or organic light-emitting diode displays), buttons, joysticks, click wheels, scrolling wheels, touch pads, key pads, keyboards, microphones, speakers and other devices for creating sound, cameras, sensors, or combinations of these. A user can control the operation of device  10  by supplying commands through devices  14  or by supplying commands to device  10  through an accessory that communicates with device  10  through a wireless or wired communications link. Devices  14  or accessories that are in communication with device  10  through a wired or wireless connection may be used to convey visual or sonic information to the user of device  10 . Device  10  may include connectors for forming data ports (e.g., for attaching external equipment such as computers, accessories, etc.). 
     The various components of the electronic device may be surrounded by housing  16 . The housing can protect the internal components and may help keep the internal components in their assembled position within device  10 . Housing  16  may also help form part of the outer peripheral look and feel of device  10 , (e.g., the ornamental appearance). The housing can be widely varied. For example, the housing can include a variety of external components that utilize a variety of different materials. In one example, at least a portion of the housing can include a translucent/transparent portion through which internal components may optically communicate to the outside world. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, device  10  can include optical system  18 . Optical system  18  can include, for example, optical components that work through window or opening  22  in the housing  16 . The optical components can, for example, correspond to one or more camera modules. Although situated inside the housing  16 , the camera modules may be configured to capture image data outside the device  10  via window  22  by a line of sight that passes through window  22 . The optical components can be oriented along axis  24 , where the axis is aligned with window  22  to provide the best possible image capture. By way of example, window  22  may be associated with a translucent or transparent portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the device  10  can include one or more alignment structures for ensuring proper mounting and operation of optical system  18  relative to the housing  16 . 
     A housing member of an electronic device can provide a variety of attributes to the electronic device including, for example, structural attributes, functional attributes, cosmetic attributes, or combinations of these. In some cases, a housing member can form an external component of the electronic device, and therefore provide the mechanical structure for the device. A housing member can be provided in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the housing member can include an outer periphery member.  FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device structure having an outer periphery member taken along the device width in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device having an outer periphery member taken along the device length in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2C  is a top view of an illustrative electronic device having an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 2D and 2E  are bottom views of various embodiments of an illustrative electronic device having an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device  200  can include any suitable type of electronic device, including for example one or more of the types of electronic devices described above in connection with device  10  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Electronic device  200  can have any suitable shape, including for example a shape delimited by front surface  210 , back surface  212 , left surface  214 , right surface  216 , top surface  218  and bottom surface  219  (not shown in the cross-sections of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Each surface can be substantially planar, curved, or combinations of these. The surfaces can include one or more chamfers, detents, openings, dips, extensions, or other features modifying the smoothness of the surfaces. 
     Electronic device  200  can be constructed using any suitable structure, including for example using outer periphery member  220 . Outer periphery member  220  can form a loop that surrounds or wraps around some or all of the electronic device. The loop formed by outer periphery member  220  can define internal volume  222  into which electronic device components can be placed. For example, outer periphery member  220  can wrap around the device such that the external surfaces of outer periphery member  220  define some or all of left surface  214 , right surface  216 , top surface  218  and bottom surface  219  of the device. To provide a desired functionality to a user, the electronic device can include several components placed within the device, for example within volume  222 . 
     The outer periphery member can have a particular height (e.g., the device height h) that serves to define an amount of volume  222 . In particular, volume  222 , or individual measurable quantities of outer periphery member  220  (e.g., height, thickness, length, or width) can be selected to provide at least a minimum volume amount required for receiving and securing electronic device components. In some embodiments, other criteria can instead or in addition drive the measurable quantities of outer periphery member  220 . For example, the thickness (e.g., outer periphery member thickness t), length (e.g., device length  1 ), height (e.g., device height h), and cross-section of the outer periphery member can be selected based on structural requirements (e.g., stiffness, or resistance to bending, compression, tension or torsion in particular orientations). As another example, the measurable quantities of outer periphery member  220  can be selected based on a desired device size or shape, for example driven by industrial design considerations. 
     In some embodiments, the outer periphery member can serve as a structural member to which other electronic device components can be mounted. In particular, it may be desirable to secure individual electronic device components placed within the device to ensure that the components do not move and break, which could adversely affect the functionality of the device. Outer periphery member  220  can include any suitable feature for securing a device component. For example, the outer periphery member can include one or more depressions, recesses, channels, protrusions, or openings for receiving or engaging electronic device components. In some embodiments, the outer periphery member can instead or in addition include features for retaining internal structural device components to which other components can be secured. For example, an internal structure such as an internal platform (described below in more detail) can be coupled to an internal surface of the outer periphery member, such that other electrical components can be mounted to the internal platform. In some embodiments, the outer periphery member can include one or more openings to provide access to one or more internal components retained within volume  222 . 
     Outer periphery member  220  (or device  200 ) can have any suitable cross-section. For example, outer periphery member  220  can have a substantially rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  220  can instead or in addition have a cross-section in a different shape, including for example a circular, oval, polygonal, or curved cross-section. In some embodiments, the shape or size of the cross-section can vary along the length or width of the device (e.g., an hourglass shaped cross-section). 
     Outer periphery member  220  can be constructed using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  220  can be constructed by connecting several distinct elements together. For example, outer periphery member  220  can be constructed by connecting three distinct elements together (e.g.  424 ,  426  and  428 ). The elements can be formed from any suitable material, including for example a metal. In particular, the elements can be included in one or more electrical circuits (e.g., as part of an antenna assembly, or as a heart-rate monitor). The individual elements can be formed using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, an element can be formed using cold work. In some embodiments, an element can instead or in addition be formed using a forging process, an annealing process, a machining process, or any other suitable process or combination of processes. In some embodiments, individual elements can be connected to each other or to other electronic device components using a braising process (e.g., to connect a ceramic material to an individual component serving as part of an antenna). It should be appreciated that the gaps or breaks between each adjacent element  424 ,  426  and  428  may be smaller than shown in  FIGS. 2E and/or 4B , which emphasize the breaks for clarity. 
     The individual elements of the outer periphery member can be connected together using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, a fastener or adhesive can be used to connect the individual elements. In some embodiments, intermediate elements  430  can instead or in addition be placed between adjacent individual elements to securely connect the individual elements together. For example, an intermediate element  430  can be formed from a material that can change from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the material of the intermediate element  430  can flow in a gap between adjacent individual elements. In the second state, the material can adhere to the adjacent individual elements, and provide a structural bond between the individual elements such that the individual elements and the intermediate element  430  form an integral component. For example, the intermediate element  430  can be constructed from a plastic material. 
     In some embodiments, the individual elements can be formed from a conductive material, while the intermediate elements  430  can be formed from an insulating or dielectric material. This can ensure that different electrical circuits that include individual elements do not interfere with one another. In addition, the dielectric material in gaps between individual elements can help control capacitance, radio frequency energy, and other electrical transfers across the gaps. 
     Connecting individual elements together using an intermediate element  430  can create artifacts or other imperfections along the interfaces between the individual elements and the intermediate element  430 . For example, excess material of the intermediate element  430  can flash or spill beyond a boundary of the interface, and onto an external surface of one of the individual elements. To ensure that the resulting component is aesthetically pleasing and satisfies industrial design requirements, the component can be processed to remove excess material from one or more of the individual elements and the intermediate element. For example, a single process or tool can be used to finish the different elements. The single process can be applied at a single setting including, for example, a setting corresponding to the softest material of the individual elements and intermediate element used to form the component. In some cases, the process can instead or in addition dynamically adjust the manner in which the process is applied based on the material or element being processed. For example, the force, speed or tool type used can vary based on the element being processed. The resulting component can include a continuous surface across an interface between an individual element and an intermediate element. For example, the resulting component can include a smooth surface across a seam between two elements. 
     Electronic device components can be placed within volume  222  using any suitable approach. For example, electronic device  200  can include components  230  and  232  inserted into volume  222 . Each of components  230  and  232  can include individual components, or several components assembled together as a component layer or stack, or include several distinct layers of components to insert within volume  222 . In some embodiments, components  230  and  232  can each represent several components stacked along the height of the device. The component layers can be electrically coupled to each other to enable data and power transfers, as required for the proper operation of electronic device  200 . For example, the component layers can be electrically coupled using one or more of a PCB, flex, solder, SMT, wires, connectors, or combinations of these. The component layers can be inserted into outer periphery member  220  using any suitable approach. For example, components  230  and  232  can all be inserted from front surface  210  or from back surface  212  (e.g., back to front, front to back, or middle to front and back). Alternatively, the components can be inserted from both front surface  210  and back surface  212 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the components can serve as a structural element. Alternatively, electronic device  200  can include a distinct structural element placed within volume  222  and coupled to outer periphery member  220 . For example, electronic device  200  can include one or more internal members or platforms  240 , which can serve as a mounting points or regions for helping secure, hold or pack one or more component layers (e.g., attaching component  230  to the back surface of internal platform  240 , and component  232  to the front surface of internal platform  240 ). Internal platform  240  can be coupled to outer periphery member  220  using any suitable approach, including for example using snaps, fasteners, flexures, welds, glue, or combinations of these. Alternatively, internal platform  240  may even be part of the outer periphery member (e.g., machined, extruded, or cast, or integrally formed as a single unit). The internal platform can have any suitable size, including for example a size that is smaller than the internal volume of outer periphery member  220 . 
     Internal platform  240  can be positioned at any suitable height within outer periphery member  220 , including for example substantially at half the height of outer periphery member  220 . The resulting structure (e.g., outer periphery member  220  and internal platform  240 ) can form an H-shaped structure that provides sufficient stiffness and resistance to tension, compression, torsion and bending. 
     The internal platform, inner surfaces of the outer periphery members, or both can include one or more protrusions, depressions, shelves, recesses, channels, or other features for receiving or retaining electronic device components. In some cases, the internal platform, outer periphery member or both can include one or more openings for coupling components located in the front and back regions of internal platform  240 . The size of each region can be selected based on any suitable criteria, including for example operational needs of system, numbers and types of electrical components in the device, manufacturing constraints of the internal platform, or combinations of these. The internal platform can be constructed as a distinct component from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal or both), or instead defined from an existing electronic device component placed within the volume defined by the outer periphery member. For example, the internal platform can be formed by a printed circuit board or chip used by the device. 
     In some embodiments, internal platform  240  can include one or more electrically conductive elements for providing electrical connections between the components. For example, internal platform  240  can include one or more PCB, flex, wire, solder pad, cable, connector, or other electrically conductive mechanism for connecting components within the device. 
     Electronic device  200  can include front cover assembly  250  and back cover assembly  260  defining the front and back surfaces, respectively, of device  200 . The front and back cover assemblies can include one or more components, or can include at least a front member and a back member that form some or all of the outer front and back surfaces of the device. Front and back cover assemblies  250  and  260  can be flush, recessed or protruding relative to the front and back surfaces of outer periphery member  220 . In the example of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , front cover assembly  250  and back cover assembly  260  can be proud or protrude above front and back edges of outer periphery member  220  (e.g., such than an interior surface of the cover assemblies is flush with a front or back surface of the outer periphery member). 
     Alternatively, one or both of the cover assemblies can be flush or sub flush relative to the outer periphery member, for example to prevent edges from engaging other surfaces (e.g., at least a portion of the cover assemblies can be included within volume  222 ). In some embodiments, one or both of front cover assembly  250  and back cover assembly  260  can include one or more windows. Any suitable information or content can pass through the windows. For example, a cover assembly can include a window through which a camera can capture images. As another example, a cover assembly can include a window through which content provided by a display may be made available, or through which light (e.g., from a flash) can be provided. 
     In some embodiments, different components of the electronic device can be substantially made of glass. For example, portions of the electronic device housing can have at least 75% of its exterior as glass. In one implementation, one or both of the cover assemblies can include a glass element providing a substantial portion of the cover assembly. In particular, the front and back surfaces of the device can include substantial amounts of glass, while left, right, top and bottom surfaces of the device can include substantial amounts of a metal (e.g., steel). 
     In some embodiments, the housing of a portable electronic device can be banged or rub against various surfaces. When plastic or softer metal housing surfaces are used, the surfaces can tend to become scratched. On the other hand, glass housing surfaces (e.g., glass cover assemblies) can be more scratch resistant. Moreover, glass housing surfaces can offer radio transparency, while metal housing surfaces can disturb or hinder radio communications. In one embodiment, an electronic device housing can use glass housing members (e.g., glass cover assemblies) for a front surface and a back surface of the electronic device housing. For example, a front surface formed from a glass housing member can be transparent to provide visual access to a display device positioned behind the glass housing member at the front surface, while a back surface formed from a glass housing member can be transparent or non-transparent. Non-transparency, if desired, can conceal any interior components within the electronic device housing. In one embodiment, a surface coating or film can be applied to the glass housing member to provide non-transparency or at least partial translucency. Such a surface coating or film can be provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the glass housing member. 
       FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The electronic device of  FIGS. 3A-3C  can include some or all of the features of the electronic device of  FIGS. 2A-2D . In particular, components having similar numbers can share some or all features. Outer periphery member  320  can surround the periphery of electronic device  300  to form some or all of the outer-most side, top and bottom surfaces (e.g., front surface  310 , back surface  312 , left surface  314 , right surface  316 , top surface  318  and bottom surface  319 ) of the electronic device. Outer periphery member  320  can have any suitable shape, including for example one or more elements that can be combined to form a ring. The ring-shape of outer periphery member  320  can enclose volume  322  in which electronic device components can be assembled and retained. The shape of outer periphery member  320  can define the boundaries of volume  322 , and therefore can be determined based on the size and type of components placed within volume  322 . The boundaries of volume  322  (e.g., determined by the shape of outer periphery member  320 ) can have any suitable shape, including for example a substantially rectangular shape (e.g., having straight or rounded edges or corners), a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape, or any other closed shape that can define a volume. 
     Outer periphery member  320  can have any suitable size, which can be determined based on any suitable criteria (e.g., aesthetics or industrial design, structural considerations, components requires for a desired functionality, or product design). For example, outer periphery member  320  can have a length (e.g., along axis  101 ) in the range of 70 mm to 150 mm, such as 80 mm to 140 mm, 90 mm to 130 mm, 100 mm to 120 mm, or 105 mm to 115 mm, or any other sub-range within the range of 70 mm to 150 mm. As another example, outer periphery member  320  can have a width (e.g., along axis  102 ) in the range of 40 mm to 85 mm, such as 50 mm to 75 mm, 55 mm to 65 mm, or any other sub-range within the range of 40 mm to 85 mm. As still another example, outer periphery member  320  can have a height (e.g., along axis  103 ) in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm, such as 5 mm to 14 mm, 6 mm to 13 mm, 7 mm to 12 mm, 8 mm to 11 mm, 9 mm to 10 mm, or any other sub-range within the range of 4 mm to 15 mm. 
     The outer periphery member can have any suitable cross-section, including for example a variable cross-section or a constant cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the ring can be selected based on desired structural properties for the outer periphery member. For example, the cross-section of outer periphery member  320  can be substantially rectangular, such that the height of the outer periphery member is substantially larger than the width of the outer periphery member. This can provide structural stiffness in compression and tension, as well as bending. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the outer periphery member cross-section can be determined relative to the dimensions of the internal platform cross section. For example, the outer periphery member height can be in a range of 5 to 15 times the height of the internal platform, for example 8 to 12 times, 9 to 11 times, or approximately 10 times the height of the internal platform. In one implementation, the height of the outer periphery member can be approximately 9 mm, and the height of the internal platform can be approximately 0.9 mm. 
     As another example, the width of the outer periphery member can be in a range of 8 to 25 times the width of the internal platform, for example 12 to 20 times, 15 to 18 times, or approximately 16 times the internal platform width. For example, the width of the outer periphery member can be 3 mm and the width of the internal member can be 50 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the internal platform can be related to the width of the outer periphery member. For example, the width of the outer periphery member can be 1 to 8 times the height of the internal platform, such as 2 to 6 times or approximately 4 times the height of the internal platform. In one implementation, the height of the internal platform can be approximately 0.7 mm and the width of the outer periphery member can be approximately 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the outer periphery member can be related to the width of the internal platform. For example, the width of the internal platform can be 3 to 10 times the height of the outer periphery member, such as 4 to 8 times, 5 to 7 times, or approximately 6 times the height of the outer periphery member. For example, the width of the internal platform can be approximately 5.5 mm and the height of the outer periphery member can be approximately 0.9 mm. 
     In some embodiments, outer periphery member  320  can include one or more openings, knobs, extensions, flanges, chamfers, or other features for receiving components or elements of the device. The features of the outer periphery member can extend from any surface of the outer periphery member, including for example from internal surfaces (e.g., to retain internal components or component layers), or from external surfaces. In particular, outer periphery member  320  can include a slot or opening  324  for receiving a card or tray within the device. Opening  324  can be aligned with one or more internal components operative to receive and connect to an inserted component (e.g., an inserted SIM card). As another example, outer periphery member  320  can include connector opening  325  (e.g., for a 30-pin connector) through which a connector can engage one or more conductive pins of electronic device  300 . Outer periphery member  320  can include openings  326  and  327  for providing audio to a user (e.g., an opening adjacent to a speaker), or receiving audio from a user (e.g., an opening adjacent to a microphone). Outer periphery member  320  can instead or in addition include an opening for an audio connector or power supply (e.g., opening  328 ), or features  329  for retaining and enabling a button such as a volume control or silencing switch. 
     The various features of outer periphery member  320  can be constructed using any suitable approach and at any suitable time. In some embodiments, the features can be constructed as part of a process that creates outer periphery member  320  from a single piece of material that is manufactured into the final shape of outer periphery member  320  (e.g., using a machining process). In some embodiments, several pieces of material can instead or in addition be shaped individually and combined into outer periphery member  320 . For example, several angled elements (e.g., two elements with sections having substantially 90 degree angles, and one element with two sections each having a 90 degree angle) can be connected together to form a closed component (e.g., a loop). The various features can then be created as part of each individual piece, or once the entire outer periphery member has been assembled. Outer periphery member  320  can be constructed from any suitable material, including for example a metal (e.g., steel or aluminum), plastic (e.g. polyurethane, polyethylene or polycarbonate), composite material, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  320  can be constructed from the combination of several materials. 
     In some embodiments, outer periphery member  320  can have a functional use or purpose in addition to serving as a cosmetic component or as a structural component. For example, outer periphery member  320  can be used as part of an antenna for capturing electromagnetic waves radiated by or in a communications network. In some cases, outer periphery member  320  can be used as parts of more than one antenna. 
     In some embodiments, one or more portions of outer periphery member  320  can be treated to provide an aesthetically pleasing component. In particular, left surface  314 , right surface  316 , top surface  318 , and bottom surface  319  can be treated using a cosmetic surface treatment such as, for example, polishing, coating (e.g., using a dye or coloring material, or a material providing an optical effect), glazing, thin film deposition, grinding, superfinishing, or any other suitable process. In some embodiments, front or back surfaces of outer periphery member  320  can instead or in addition be provided with a cosmetic treatment (e.g., for regions of the outer periphery member that may not be covered by back and front cover assemblies  350  and  360 ). 
     To reduce the overall weight, size or both of electronic device  300 , the thickness of outer periphery member  320  can be selected such that outer periphery member  320  is only minimally resistant to one or more of bending, torsion, tension, compression, or other deformation of the band. For example, outer periphery member  320  can be more resistant to tension and compression, but less resistant to bending or torsion. To provide sufficient resistance to all types of deformation, electronic device  300  can include a structural component placed within volume  322 . In some embodiments, one or more of the internal components of the electronic device can be connected to the outer periphery member and serve as a structural component. For example, a circuit board (with or without a separate stiffening element) can be connected to opposite portions of outer periphery member  320 . Alternatively, a distinct and dedicated structural component can be coupled to outer periphery member  320 . In the example of  FIGS. 3A-3C , electronic device  300  can include internal platform  340  forming a distinct structural component of the electronic device. Internal platform  340  can include any suitable shape, including for example a substantially planar shape. In some embodiments, internal platform  340  can include several distinct regions, such as a primary region and step regions extending from the primary region to engage one or more features of outer periphery member  320 . An internal platform such as internal platform  340  is described in more detail in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4B . 
       FIG. 4A  is a schematic view of an illustrative internal platform coupled to an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4B  is a top view of an illustrative internal platform coupled to an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative internal platform coupled to an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Device housing  400  can include outer periphery member  420  to which internal platform  440  is coupled. The outer periphery member and internal platform can include some or all of the features described above with respect to the devices of  FIGS. 2A-2E and 3A-3C . In particular, internal platform  440  can include some or all of the features described above in connection with internal platform  340 . 
     Internal platform  440  can be constructed using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, internal platform  440  can be constructed from a single element or as a combination of several elements. Internal platform  440  can be placed within an electronic device to support or retain electrical components. Internal platform  440  can include several distinct conductive plates (e.g., metal plates), including base plate  441 , top step  442 , and bottom step  444 . The plate and steps can have any suitable size including, for example, a large plate cover a substantial portion of the area enclosed by an outer periphery member (e.g., 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%). Alternatively, the entire internal platform  440  can cover only a portion of the area enclosed by an outer periphery member (e.g., 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more). The steps can be substantially smaller than the plate including, for example, serving as tabs to ground portions of internal platform  440 . 
     Each of the plates and steps can be constructed from the same or different material including, for example, from a same conductive material (e.g., from a metal). In some embodiments, one or more of the steps can be incorporated in the same piece of material used to form the plate. For example, step  444  can include a stepped-up region of plate  441 . Alternatively, a step can be constructed from a different piece of material than the plate. For example, step  442  can be constructed from a different piece of material that plate  441 . Plate  441  and steps  442  and  444  can be placed in the same or different planes. In one implementation, base plate  441  can be placed at a first level, while steps  442  and  444  can be offset relative to base plate  441  (e.g., stepped up towards the front surface of the device). Steps  442  and  444  can be stepped by any suitable amount including, for example, a substantially identical amount (e.g., such that steps  442  and  444  are substantially in the same plane). For example, steps  442  and  444  can be positioned such that the front surfaces of the step are flush or slightly sub flush relative to a front surface of outer periphery member  420 , to which the steps are connected. Breaks in internal platform  440  for distinguishing between plate  441  and steps  442  and  444  can be provided at any suitable position. For example, the breaks can be located as part of the stepped up surface, as the step, or on the plate. In some embodiments, the distinction between a plate and step can be arbitrary because the step and plate are constructed from a single piece of material. 
     Plate  441  and steps  442  and  444  can be at least partially electrically isolated to ensure that elements of an outer periphery member remain electrically isolated (e.g., to guarantee antenna performance). For example, step  442  can be connected to plate  441 , or to a stepped up portion of plate  441  using connecting element  450 . Connecting element  450  can be constructed from any suitable material, including for example a suitable insulating material (e.g., plastic injection molded between step  442  and plate  441 ). As another example, step  444  can be incorporated as part of the piece of material used to form plate  441 , and can therefore be electrically connected to the plate. Step  444  can include connecting element  452  placed on a front surface of the step, for example mirroring connecting element  450 . In particular, connecting elements  450  and  452  can be positioned to extend forward from a front surface of outer periphery member  420 . Connecting elements  450  and  452  can be provided using any suitable approach, including for example by molding material (e.g., plastic) between the plate and the steps, or on a surface of one or more of the plate and steps. Connecting elements  450  and  452  can have any suitable shape including, for example, a planar shape or a three-dimensional shape (e.g., including a step to connect plate  441  to one or more of steps  442  and  444  positioned in different planes). Elements  450  and  452  can form distinct elements, or can instead be different portions of a continuous element. In some embodiments, connecting elements  450  and  452  can be connected to the outer periphery member in a manner that electrically isolates different sections of plate  441  (e.g., as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4B ). Alternatively, connecting elements  450  and  452  can be provided in a manner to electrically insulate different sections of outer periphery member  420  (e.g., insulate elements  424  and  426 , but only in the vicinity of step  444 , as required for antenna performance). 
     Internal platform  440  can be coupled to outer periphery member  420  using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, portions of plate  441  and steps  442  and  444  can extend beyond the edges of connecting elements  450  and  452  so that the internal platform can be coupled to the outer periphery member via the plate and steps (e.g., the metal elements of the internal platform can be coupled to the metal outer periphery member for grounding or antenna performance). For example, exposed metal surfaces of plate  441  and steps  442  and  444  can be coupled to outer periphery member  420  using welding, soldering, or any other connection process that maintains conductivity. Alternatively, one or more of heat staking, an adhesive, tape, a fastener, or other non-conductive connection processes can be used. When a conductive process is used, such as welds  460  (e.g., laser welds), the welds can be distributed such that the outer periphery member elements that are to remain electrically isolated remain isolated. In particular, welds  460  along plate  441  can be positioned such that small L-shaped element  426  is electrically isolated from large L-shaped element  424  and U-shaped element  428 . Alternatively, if it is important for small shaped element  426  and large shaped element  424  to be electrically insulated only in the vicinity of the interface between the elements, welds  460  can be distributed such that an electrically conductive path exists between elements  424  and  426  through plate  441 , and not through step  444 . 
     Internal platform  440  can be coupled to any suitable portion of outer periphery member  420 . For example, internal platform  440  can be assembled within the height of outer periphery member  420  (e.g., based on the position of contact points or regions of the outer periphery member). The distribution of the contact points can be selected based on structural considerations including, for example, based on a desired resistance to torsion, bending, or other mechanical forces. In particular, the electronic device can include at least four contact points or regions distributed within outer periphery member  420  (e.g., near corners of the outer periphery member). As another example, internal platform  440  can include contact regions along the straight portions of outer periphery member  420  (e.g., along the edges of plate  441 ). As still another example, stepped regions of internal platform  440  (e.g., steps  442  and  444 ) can be coupled to or near the front or back surfaces of outer periphery member  420  (e.g., on opposite portions of the front or back surfaces) such that portions of steps  442  and  444  (e.g., connecting elements  450  and  452 ) extend beyond a front surface of outer periphery member  420 , while plate  441  does not. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  420  can include one or more tabs or extensions for supporting internal platform  440  (e.g., tabs on which the platform is soldered or welded). For example, outer periphery member  420  can include tabs  422  for supporting internal platform  440  when it is inserted within the outer periphery member. 
     In some embodiments, internal platform  440  can be placed within the height of outer periphery member  420  such that components can be placed on both the front and back surfaces of internal platform  440 . For example, some components can be inserted from a back surface, and some components can be inserted from a front surface. The components can be coupled to an internal platform for security, and can instead or in addition be electrically connected to each other through an opening in or around a periphery of the internal platform. In some embodiments, some components can first be coupled to back and front cover assemblies placed over the front and back surfaces of the outer periphery member, respectively, before being inserted in an internal volume enclosed by outer periphery member  420  and coupled to the outer periphery member. In effect, by its position, internal platform  440  can define back and front pockets or regions within the volume in which electronic device components can be placed. The size of each pocket or region can be determined based on any suitable criteria including, for example, the number and size of components to place in each region, the required position of internal platform  440  relative to the outer periphery member (e.g., if available positions are limited due to structural requirements), or combinations of these. For example, a front pocket can be used for display circuitry and a touch interface, while a back pocket can be used for processing circuitry, a battery, connector interfaces, and an input interface. 
     The components can be coupled to internal platform  440  for security, and can instead, or in addition, be electrically connected to each other through an opening in internal platform  440 . Internal platform  440  can include any suitable feature for securing or connecting electronic device components, such as one or more snaps, prongs, chamfers, extends, openings, access points, doors, or combinations of these. In some cases, internal platform  440  can include one or more dedicated features for receiving or securing specific electrical components, such as speakers, microphones, audio jacks, cameras, light sources, chips, or combinations of these. In addition, internal platform  440  can include one or more electronic components, including for example connectors and conductive paths for electrically connecting to electronic device components, and for transferring data, power, or both between electronic device components. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 3A-3C , to retain components within volume  332 , electronic device  300  can include back cover assembly  360  and front cover assembly  350  providing the back and front surfaces of the electronic device, respectively. Each cover assembly can be coupled to outer periphery member  320  using any suitable approach, including for example using an adhesive, tape, mechanical fastener, hooks, tabs, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or both of cover assemblies  350  and  360  can be removable, for example for servicing or replacing electronic device components (e.g., a battery). In some embodiments, front and back cover assemblies  350  and  360  can include several distinct parts, including for example a fixed part and a removable part. The inner surfaces of front cover assembly  350  and back cover assembly  360  can include any suitable feature, including for example one or more ridges, hooks, tabs, extensions, or any combination thereof for retaining the covers or ensuring proper alignment of the covers on outer periphery member  320 . The features of front and back cover assemblies  350  and  360  can interact with corresponding features of outer periphery member  320  or other components of the electronic device to ensure proper placement of the covers. 
     Back cover assembly  360  and front cover assembly  350  can be positioned in any suitable manner relative to outer periphery member  320 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device  500  can include outer periphery member  520  having some or all of the features of outer periphery member  220  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ). In particular, outer periphery member  520  can include one or more features for retaining internal components of the device (e.g. component  530 ). The front and back surfaces of electronic device  500  can be provided by in part by front cover assembly  550  and back cover assembly  560 , and in part by front and back exposed surfaces of outer periphery member  520 . In particular, front cover assembly  550  and back cover assembly  560  can be recessed within outer periphery member  520 , for example to protect components of the cover assemblies from damage due to impacts along the front or back surfaces. Front cover assembly  550  and back cover assembly  560  can include some or all of the features of back cover assembly  260  and front cover assembly  250  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ). 
     Front cover assembly  550  and back cover assembly  560  can be coupled to any suitable portion of outer periphery member  520 . In some embodiments, front cover assembly  550  and back cover assembly  560  can be connected relative to outer periphery member  520  in the same or different manners. In the example of electronic device  500 , both front cover assembly  550  and back cover assembly  560  can be recessed within the front and back surfaces, respectively, of outer periphery member  520 . In particular, front cover assembly  550  can cover none or only some of front surface  524  of outer periphery member  520  such that both outer periphery member  520  and front cover assembly  550  define front surface  510  of electronic device  500 . Similarly, back cover assembly  560  can cover none or some of back surface  522  of outer periphery member  520  such that back cover assembly  560  defines some or all of back surface  512  of electronic device  500 . The resulting height of electronic device  500  can then be limited to the height of outer periphery member  520  (e.g., in contrast to the embodiment described in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2E , where the height of device  200  can be the sum of the heights of back cover assembly  260 , outer periphery member  220 , and front cover assembly  250 ). 
     In some embodiments (not shown), one or both of front cover assembly  550  and back cover assembly  560  can partially cover front surface  524  and back surface  522 , respectively, such that the entirety of the cover assembly is not recessed relative to outer periphery member  520 . In some cases, the cover assembly can include an interior lip such that the lip can extend into the volume enclosed by outer periphery member  520 , while a stepped up portion of the assembly offset from the lip can extend over a front or back surface of the outer periphery member. 
     In some embodiments, one or both of the cover assemblies can instead be partially or entirely recessed within the outer periphery member.  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device  600  can include outer periphery member  620  having some or all of the features of outer periphery member  220  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ). In particular, outer periphery member  620  can include one or more features for retaining electronic components within the device (e.g. component  630 ). The front and back surfaces of electronic device  600  can be provided in part by front cover assembly  650  and back cover assembly  660 , which can include some or all of the features of front cover assembly  250  and back cover assembly  260  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ). 
     In contrast with electronic device  500  ( FIG. 5 ), one or both of front cover assembly  650  and back cover assembly  660  can be placed within the periphery of outer periphery member  620  (e.g., recessed within the outer periphery member). In the particular example of  FIG. 6 , back cover assembly  660  can be recessed within outer periphery member  620 , while front cover assembly  650  can be placed over the front surface of outer periphery member  620  (e.g., be proud). Back cover assembly  660  can be sized such that some or all of the back cover assembly can fit within volume  621  defined by outer periphery member  620 . In particular, back cover assembly  660  can be positioned such that back surface  622  of outer periphery assembly  620  remains exposed to a user. Any suitable amount of back cover assembly  660  can be recessed within outer periphery member  620 . For example, the entirety of back cover assembly  660  can be recessed within outer periphery member  620  such that the back surface of back cover assembly  660  is flush with or behind back surface  622  of outer periphery member  620 . The resulting height of electronic device  600  can then be the sum of the heights of outer periphery member  620  and front cover assembly  650  (and only the height of the outer periphery member if both cover assemblies are recessed, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). Alternatively, a portion of back cover assembly  660  can extend beyond back surface  622  while remaining within the periphery defined by outer periphery member  620 . In such cases, the amount by which back cover assembly  660  extends beyond back surface  622  can be included in the total height of device  600 . 
     Returning to electronic device  300  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ), front cover assembly  350  and back cover assembly  360  can be constructed from any suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, each of cover assemblies  350  and  360  can be constructed by combining several distinct elements. For example, one or both cover assemblies can include a transparent or translucent plate (e.g., a rectangular plate of glass). As another example, one or both cover assemblies can include a base or support structure constructed from one or more of a metal or plastic (e.g., aluminum) onto which a transparent element can be assembled. The transparent element can be assembled using any suitable approach, including for example such that one or more electronic device components can be visible through the transparent element (e.g., display circuitry or a flash for image capture). As another example, the transparent element can be provided to receive signals or detect a user&#39;s environment through the transparent element (e.g., using sensors or a camera). Alternatively, one or more portions of the transparent element can be rendered opaque (e.g., using an ink, or by placing a support structure behind the transparent element) such that the transparent element can primarily serve as a cosmetic component. The different components of each cover assembly can be assembled using any suitable approach, including for example using one or more of an adhesive, fastener, tape, interlocking components, overmolding or manufacturing process, or any combination of these. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 3A-3C , front cover assembly  350  can include support structure  352  on which glass plate  354  is assembled. Support structure  352  can include one or more openings, including an opening through which display  355  can be provided. In some embodiments, one or both of support structure  352  and glass plate  354  can include openings for device components, such as button opening  356  and receiver opening  357 , as well as other openings for a camera, flash, or other device sensors or input interfaces. The size and shape of the openings can be selected using any suitable approach, including for example based on the size and shape of the device components placed in or underneath the openings (e.g., opening  356  can determined by the size of the button, while opening  357  can be determine from the size of a receiver, and acoustic considerations for providing sufficient audio to a user). 
     In some embodiments, glass plate  354  can include a cosmetic finish hiding from view internal components of the electronic device. For example, an opaque layer can be applied region  359  surrounding display  355  to hide from view the non-display portions of the display circuitry. Because one or more sensors may receive signals through glass plate  354 , the opaque layer can be selectively removed, or selected to allow signals to pass through the glass plate to a sensor behind the plate. For example, glass plate  354  can include regions  359   a  and  359   b  through which sensors (e.g., a camera, infrared sensor, proximity sensor, or ambient light sensor) can receive signals. 
     In some embodiments, front cover assembly  350  can support or enable one or more interfaces by which a user can use the electronic device. For example, glass plate  354  can support a touch interface (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen) for controlling electronic device processes and operations. As another example, front cover assembly  350  can include one or more buttons or sensors (described above) for interacting with the device. In some cases, buttons, switches or other interface elements can be instead or in addition incorporated in outer periphery member  320  or back cover assembly  360 . Electronic device  300  can include any other suitable interface for interacting with a user, including for example display circuitry, a projector, audio output circuitry (e.g., speakers or a an audio port), a haptic interface (e.g., a motor for creating vibrations, or a power source for providing an electrical stimulus), or combinations of these. 
     To enhance the cosmetic or aesthetic appeal of electronic device  300 , one or all of outer periphery member  320 , front cover assembly  350  and back cover assembly  360  can be finished using an appropriate process. For example, one or more of polishing, coating (e.g., using a dye or coloring material, or a material providing an optical effect), glazing, thin film deposition, grinding, superfinishing, or any other suitable process can be applied to electronic device components. In some embodiments, one or more glass surfaces (e.g., of front cover assembly  350  or of back cover assembly  360 ) can be finished to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, for example using one or more masks, coatings (e.g., photochromatic or dichroic coatings), ink layers, or combinations of these. The particular finishes applied to the glass surfaces of front cover assembly  350  and back cover assembly  360  can be selected so that front and back surfaces  310  and  312  have similar or different appearances. In some embodiments, a glass surface can be treated to resist wear or impacts (e.g., scratch resistance), oils from touching, or any other external force applied to the device. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for assembling an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Process  700  can begin at step  702 . At step  704 , an outer periphery member can be provided. For example, a housing component constructed in the shape of a loop can be provided. The outer periphery member can be constructed using any suitable approach, including for example by connecting together several distinct elements using intermediate elements  430 . The outer periphery member can be constructed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including for example conductive and insulating materials, where the conductive materials are provided for elements forming parts of electrical circuits. At step  706 , an internal platform can be provided. For example, a component having at least one planar region can be provided, where the component is sized to at least partially fit within a volume enclosed by the outer periphery member. The internal platform can be constructed from one or more elements including, for example, by combining several elements. In some embodiments, different conductive elements can be combined in a manner that electrically insulates the conductive elements of the internal platform. 
     At step  708 , the internal platform can be connected to the outer periphery member. For example, the internal platform can be inserted into a volume defined by the outer periphery member, and retained by the outer periphery member. Any suitable approach can be used to retain the internal platform, including for example a press fit, mechanical fastener, an adhesive, molding process (e.g., using an intermediate material  430 ), soldering, welding, or combinations of these. In some embodiments, the process used can be selected based on conductive properties of the process. In some embodiments, the internal platform can be connected to the band in a manner that increases the structural integrity of the outer periphery member (e.g., improve resistance to a particular type of force). The internal platform can divide the volume enclosed by the outer periphery member into two regions or pockets, where each pocket is accessible from an opposite side or surface of the outer periphery member (e.g., from the front or back of the outer periphery member). At step  710 , electronic device components can be inserted into the volume enclosed by the outer periphery member. For example, components can be inserted from one or both surfaces of the outer periphery member, into one or both of the pockets defined by the internal platform. Components can be inserted individually, and later connected to each other within the outer periphery member, or can instead be at least partially connected outside of the pockets, and inserted, as component assemblies, into the outer periphery member. Individual components or component assemblies can be connected to the internal platform, or can connect to components placed in the other pocket through the internal platform. 
     At step  712 , cover assemblies can be placed over open surfaces of the outer periphery member. For example, a front cover assembly can be placed over a front surface of the outer periphery member, and a back cover assembly can be placed over a back surface of the outer periphery member. The cover assemblies can be connected or coupled to the outer periphery member using any suitable approach, including for example using one or more hooks, recesses, protrusions, interlocks, mechanical fasteners, springs, or other retention components. The cover assemblies can serve as external surfaces of the device, such that components inserted within the volume of the outer periphery member (e.g., at step  710 ) can be retained and constrained within the device. In some embodiments, one or both of the front and back cover assemblies can be aligned relative to internal components of the device to ensure that an internal component can operate properly. For example, a window of the cover assembly can be aligned with a sensor, light source, or display of the device. Process  700  can then end at step  714 . 
     The previously described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. It is understood that one or more features of an embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide systems and/or methods without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200814
Publication Date: 20211207
Grant Date: 20211207
Priority Date: 20100202
Inventors: MYERS, SCOTT
THEOBALD, MATTHEW
HELEY, RICHARD
STAGNARO, ADAM
DINH, RICHARD HUNG MINH
PAKULA, DAVID
TAN, TANG YEW
Assignee: APPLE INC
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Family ID: 44340637