OVERLAY APPLICATOR, APPLICATOR MACHINE, AND CRADLE, AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AND USING THE SAME

• US 20150047773A1
• Filed: 10/13/2014
• Published: 02/19/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Belkin International Incorporated (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Belkin International Incorporated (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Wadsworth, John F., Conley, William P., Nalwad, Vijendra, Jakobson, Justin, Lane, Steven, Beaupre, Eric, Kleeman, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 10,155,370 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 156/182
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2063/0008 Registering, centering the lining material on the substrate
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 63/0004 Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 63/0047 Preventing air-inclusions
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 63/02 using sheet or web-like material B29C63/26 and B29C63/38 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3437 Cellular phones
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3475 Displays, monitors, TV-sets, computer screens
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2037/268 Release layers
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2457/20 Displays, e.g. liquid crystal displays, plasma displays
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/18 involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/26 with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the lamination process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 38/1833 Positioning, e.g. registration or centering
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1082 Partial cutting bonded sandwich [e.g., grooving or incising]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1744 Means bringing discrete articles into assembled relationship
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49 Method of mechanical manufacture

Abstract

An overlay applicator can include an overlay with a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side can include an adhesive agent configured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device. The overlay applicator can include an adhesive release liner. The adhesive release liner can include a top side and a bottom side. The top side of the adhesive release liner can be removably attached to the bottom side of the overlay. The adhesive release liner can be configured to protect the adhesive agent at the bottom side of the overlay from contaminants. The overlay applicator can include a protective film removably attached to the top side of the overlay. The overlay applicator can include an alignment tab. The alignment tab can include an alignment mechanism. The overlay applicator further can include a pull tab. The pull can include a wiper. Other embodiments are provided.

Claims

1. A method of providing an overlay applicator, the method comprising:

providing an adhesive release liner comprising a top side and a bottom side;

providing a pull tab comprising a top side and a bottom side;

attaching a wiper to the top side of the pull tab;

providing an overlay layer comprising a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side comprising an adhesive agent configured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device;

attaching the bottom side of the overlay layer to the top side of the adhesive release liner;

providing a protective film layer comprising a top side and a bottom side;

attaching the bottom side of the protective film layer to the top side of the overlay layer;

cutting the protective film layer and the overlay layer to create an interface slit between an alignment tab and a device portion, and to create a tail slit between a tail portion and the device portion; and

attaching a sticker to the top side of the protective film, wherein the sticker spans the interface slit between the device portion and the alignment tab,

wherein;

the device portion of the overlay layer is configured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device; and

the device portion has dimensions approximately the same as dimensions of the screen of the electronic device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the sticker comprises a non-stretching material.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the alignment tab is configured to engage with an alignment base to align the overlay with the screen of the electronic device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the adhesive release liner is integral with the pull tab.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

adhering the adhesive release liner to the pull tab.

6. A cradle comprising:

a base;

an alignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator; and

one or more frame pieces configured to securely hold an electronic device in a device slot in a fixed position with respect to the alignment base;

wherein;

the base, the alignment base, and the one or more frame pieces are configured to;

hold the overlay applicator between the base and a screen of the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device is facing toward the base; and

facilitate applying an overlay of the overlay applicator to the screen of the electronic device.

7. The cradle of claim 6, wherein:

the one or more frame pieces are configured to align the overlay applicator as the overlay of the overlay applicator is applied to the screen of the electronic device.

8. The cradle of claim 6, wherein:

the one or more frame pieces comprise;

two corner frames located at a first end of the base proximate to the alignment base;

an end frame located at a second end of the base opposite the first end; and

two side frames located at each side of the base between the first end and the second end.

9. The cradle of claim 6, wherein:

the one or more frame pieces comprise a pull tab slot configured to allow a pull tab of the overlay applicator to extend beyond the device slot.

10. The cradle of claim 6, wherein:

the base comprises a support piece extending in a first direction; and

the support piece is configured to press an adhesive side of the overlay of the overlay applicator toward the screen of the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device is facing toward the support piece and a pull tab of the overlay applicator is pulled in the first direction to remove an adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator and expose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

11. The cradle of claim 10, wherein:

the support piece comprises an elastomeric material.

12. The cradle of claim 10, wherein:

the support piece is configured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of the electronic device when the adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator is removed to expose the adhesive side of the overlay.

13. The cradle of claim 10, wherein:

the support piece is configured to press a wiper of the pull tab toward the screen of the electronic device as the wiper moves across the screen of the electronic device in the first direction.

14. A method of providing a cradle, the method comprising:

providing a base;

providing an alignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator; and

providing one or more frame pieces configured to securely hold an electronic device in a device slot in a fixed position with respect to the alignment base;

wherein;

the base, the alignment base, and the one or more frame pieces are configured to;

hold the overlay applicator between the base and a screen of the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device is facing toward the base; and

facilitate applying an overlay of the overlay applicator to the screen of the electronic device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein:

the one or more frame pieces are configured to align the overlay applicator as the overlay of the overlay applicator is applied to the screen of the electronic device.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein:

the one or more frame pieces comprise;

two corner frames located at a first end of the base proximate to the alignment base;

an end frame located at a second end of the base opposite the first end; and

two side frames located at each side of the base between the first end and the second end.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein:

the one or more frame pieces comprise a pull tab slot configured to allow a pull tab of the overlay applicator to extend beyond the device slot.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein:

the base comprises a support piece extending in a first direction;

the support piece is configured to press an adhesive side of the overlay of the overlay applicator toward the screen of the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device is facing toward the support piece and a pull tab of the overlay applicator is pulled in the first direction to remove an adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator and expose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein:

the support piece comprises an elastomeric material.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein:

the support piece is configured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of the electronic device when the adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator is removed to expose the adhesive side of the overlay.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein:

the support piece is configured to press a wiper of the pull tab toward the screen of the electronic device as the wiper moves across the screen of the electronic device in the first direction.

22. A machine comprising:

a base comprising;

a first end;

a second end;

an alignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator, the overlay applicator comprising a first alignment tab and a second alignment tab, the first alignment tab comprising a first portion of the alignment mechanism, and the second alignment tab comprising a second portion of the alignment mechanism, the alignment base comprising;

a first side proximate the first end of the base, the first side being configured to engage with the first portion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator; and

a second side proximate the second end of the base, the second side being configured to engage with the second portion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator; and

a pull slot;

a cradle located between the first side of the alignment base and the second side of the alignment base, wherein the cradle is configured to securely hold an electronic device; and

a slider configured to move between the first and second ends of the base, the slider comprising a bar,

wherein;

the bar is configured to press an overlay of the overlay applicator toward a screen of the electronic device when the slider is moved between the first and second ends of the base.

23. The machine of claim 22, wherein:

the pull slot is located between the cradle and the second side of the alignment base.

24. The machine of claim 22, wherein:

the base comprises;

one or more first cams at the first end of the base; and

one or more second cams at the second end of the base;

the one or more first cams are configured to prevent the bar from contacting the first side of the alignment base when the slider is moved between the first and second ends of the base; and

the one or more second cams are configured to prevent the bar from contacting the second side of the alignment base when the slider is moved between the first end and second ends of the base.

25. The machine of claim 22, wherein:

the bar is spring-loaded to press downward toward the base.

26. The machine of claim 22, wherein:

the base comprises one or more tracks configured to engage with the slider and allow the slider to move between the first and second ends of the base.

27. The machine of claim 22, wherein:

the machine is configured such that when the alignment base is engaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator and the cradle is holding the electronic device, a pull tab of the overlay applicator can be pulled through the pull slot to remove an adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator and expose an adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

28. The machine of claim 27, wherein:

the machine is further configured such that when the adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator is removed to expose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device and the slider is moved between the first and second ends of the base, the bar is configured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of the electronic device.

29. The machine of claim 22, wherein:

the cradle is integral with the base.

30. The machine of claim 22, wherein:

the cradle is removably coupled to the base.

31. A method of providing a machine comprising:

providing a base comprising;

a first end;

a second end;

an alignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator, the overlay applicator comprising a first alignment tab and a second alignment tab, the first alignment tab comprising a first portion of the alignment mechanism, and the second alignment tab comprising a second portion of the alignment mechanism, the alignment base comprising;

a first side proximate the first end of the base, the first side being configured to engage with the first portion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator; and

a second side proximate the second end of the base, the second side being configured to engage with the second portion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator; and

a pull slot;

providing a cradle located between the first side of the alignment base and the second side of the alignment base, wherein the cradle is configured to securely hold an electronic device; and

providing a slider configured to move between the first and second ends of the base, the slider comprising a bar,

wherein;

the bar is configured to press an overlay of the overlay applicator toward a screen of the electronic device when the slider is moved between the first and second ends of the base.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the pull slot is located between the cradle and the second side of the alignment base.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the base comprises;

one or more first cams at the first end of the base; and

one or more second cams at the second end of the base;

the one or more first cams are configured to prevent the bar from contacting the first side of the alignment base when the slider is moved between the first and second ends of the base; and

the one or more second cams are configured to prevent the bar from contacting the second side of the alignment base when the slider is moved between the first end and second ends of the base.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the bar is spring-loaded to press downward toward the base.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the base comprises one or more tracks configured to engage with the slider and allow the slider to move between the first and second ends of the base.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the machine is configured such that when the alignment base is engaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator and the cradle is holding the electronic device, a pull tab of the overlay applicator can be pulled through the pull slot to remove an adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator and expose an adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein:

the machine is further configured such that when the adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator is removed to expose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device and the slider is moved between the first and second ends of the base, the bar is configured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of the electronic device.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the cradle is integral with the base.

39. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the cradle is removably coupled to the base.

40. A machine comprising:

a base;

a cradle configured to securely hold an electronic device, the cradle comprising an alignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator; and

an arm comprising;

an expandable bladder; and

a pumping mechanism configured to inflate the expandable bladder;

wherein;

the arm is configured to be hingedly rotated between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and

the machine is configured such that when the arm is in the closed configuration and the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandable bladder presses an overlay of the overlay applicator toward a screen of the electronic device to adhere an adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

41. The machine of claim 40, wherein:

the alignment base comprises six protrusions configured to engage with an alignment frame of the overlay applicator.

42. The machine of claim 40, wherein:

the arm comprises a handle.

43. The machine of claim 40, wherein:

the machine is further configured such that when (a) the arm is in the closed configuration, (b) a pull tab of the overlay applicator is pulled to remove an adhesive release liner and expose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device, and (c) the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandable bladder is configured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of the electronic device.

44. The machine of claim 40, wherein:

the pumping mechanism comprises a button configured to control inflation of the expandable bladder.

45. The machine of claim 40, wherein:

the cradle is integral with the base.

46. The machine of claim 40, wherein:

the base comprises a cradle support configured to removably hold the cradle.

47. The machine of claim 40, wherein:

the arm is hingedly attached to the base.

48. The machine of claim 40, further comprising:

a stand attached to the base and hingedly attached to the arm.

49. The machine of claim 40, further comprising:

a cradle frame configured to engage with the cradle and secure the overlay applicator to the cradle.

50. The machine of claim 49, wherein:

the cradle frame comprises a bottom plate comprising a crease configured to press downward on the overlay applicator to adhere the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

51. The machine of claim 49, wherein:

the cradle frame comprises a recess; and

the expandable bladder is configured to be positioned within the recess of the cradle frame when the arm is in the closed configuration.

52. The machine of claim 49, wherein:

the cradle frame comprises alignment holes configured to engage with the alignment base.

53. A method of providing a machine, the method comprising:

providing a base;

providing a cradle configured to securely hold an electronic device, the cradle comprising an alignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator;

providing an arm comprising;

an expandable bladder; and

a pumping mechanism configured to inflate the expandable bladder;

wherein;

the arm is configured to be hingedly rotated between an open configuration and a closed configuration;

the machine is configured such that when the arm is in the closed configuration and the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandable bladder presses an overlay of the overlay applicator toward a screen of the electronic device to adhere an adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein:

the alignment base comprises six protrusions configured to engage with an alignment frame of the overlay applicator.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein:

the arm comprises a handle.

56. The method of claim 53, wherein:

the machine is further configured such that when (a) the arm is in the closed configuration, (b) a pull tab of the overlay applicator is pulled to remove an adhesive release liner and expose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device, and (c) the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandable bladder is configured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of the electronic device.

57. The method of claim 53, wherein:

the pumping mechanism comprises a button configured to control inflation of the expandable bladder.

58. The method of claim 53, wherein:

the cradle is integral with the base.

59. The method of claim 53, wherein:

the base comprises a cradle support configured to removably hold the cradle.

60. The method of claim 53, wherein:

the arm is hingedly attached to the base.

61. The method of claim 53, further comprising:

providing a stand attached to the base and hingedly attached to the arm.

62. The method of claim 53, further comprising:

providing a cradle frame configured to engage with the cradle and secure the overlay applicator to the cradle.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein:

the cradle frame comprises a bottom plate comprising a crease configured to press downward on the overlay applicator to adhere the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

64. The method of claim 62, wherein:

the cradle frame comprises a recess; and

the expandable bladder is configured to be positioned within the recess of the cradle frame when the arm is in the closed configuration.

65. The method of claim 62, wherein:

the cradle frame comprises alignment holes configured to engage with the alignment base.