Multi-layer transparent structures for electronic device housings
First Claim
1. A housing for an electronic device comprising:
- a multi-layer cover for the housing including;
a first glass layer having a first level of chemical strengthening to a first depth of layer and defining at least a portion of an external surface of the electronic device; and
a second glass layer bonded to the first glass layer and having a second level of chemical strengthening different from the first level of chemical strengthening, the second level of chemical strengthening to a second depth of layer that is less than the first depth of layer; and
a glass housing structure defining an opening and having sides and a bottom defining at least a portion of the external surface of the electronic device, the multi-layer cover positioned over the opening in the glass housing structure.
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Abstract
Transparent structures for portions of electronic device housings are disclosed. The transparent structures are formed from multiple layers of transparent (optically clear) materials. The multiple layers can include at least an outer glass layer and one or more other transparent layers that can be either glass or polymer layers. The multiple layers can be bonded together with one or more lamination layers. Accordingly, multi-layer transparent structures that are formed from multiple layers bonded together are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The multi-layer transparent structures are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).
274 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A housing for an electronic device comprising:
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a multi-layer cover for the housing including; a first glass layer having a first level of chemical strengthening to a first depth of layer and defining at least a portion of an external surface of the electronic device; and a second glass layer bonded to the first glass layer and having a second level of chemical strengthening different from the first level of chemical strengthening, the second level of chemical strengthening to a second depth of layer that is less than the first depth of layer; and a glass housing structure defining an opening and having sides and a bottom defining at least a portion of the external surface of the electronic device, the multi-layer cover positioned over the opening in the glass housing structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A housing for an electronic device comprising:
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a front cover member for the housing including; a first layer including a first chemically strengthened glass material having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the first outer surface defining at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the housing and having a first compressive stress; and a second layer including a second chemically strengthened glass material having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the second inner surface having a second compressive stress that is less than the first compressive stress; and a housing structure having glass sides and a bottom and defining at least a portion of an interior volume and a second portion of the exterior surface of the housing, the second inner surface of the front cover member coupled to the glass sides of the housing. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An electronic device housing comprising:
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a glass housing structure having sides and a bottom formed from glass and defining at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the electronic device housing; and a cover structure attached to the glass housing structure and comprising; a first glass layer having a first compressive stress profile with a first depth, the first glass layer defining at least a second portion of the exterior surface of the electronic device housing; and a second glass layer bonded to the first glass layer and having a second compressive stress profile with a second depth that is less than the first depth. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification