US20150013891A1 - Touch screen saver - Google Patents
Touch screen saver Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150013891A1 US20150013891A1 US13/935,258 US201313935258A US2015013891A1 US 20150013891 A1 US20150013891 A1 US 20150013891A1 US 201313935258 A US201313935258 A US 201313935258A US 2015013891 A1 US2015013891 A1 US 2015013891A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shield
- touch sensitive
- sensitive screen
- transparent layer
- canceled
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Definitions
- the present invention relates to transparent films applied to touch sensitive screens for impact and/or scratch protection.
- Electronic devices such as the iPhone have a touch sensitive screen by which the user may operate the electronic device.
- the touch sensitive screen displays electronic buttons and search boxes that the user can select by touch.
- These touch sensitive screens are very large and subject to cracking and scratching during normal use by the user as well as when the electronic device is dropped. The resulting damage may be costly to repair and may require replacement of the entire electronic device or phone. Accordingly, there is a need for a low cost device that will cushion and absorb an impact that could break or scratch the glass face of the electronic device and yet not interfere with the functionality and sensitivity of the touch screen or the quality of the image displayed on the screen.
- the touch screen shield disclosed herein addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.
- the touch screen shield disclosed herein may comprise a base transparent layer that is attached to a touch sensitive screen of an electronic device.
- a planar air bearing may be formed between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen by attaching only the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer to the touch sensitive screen.
- the air gap may be continuous and planar between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen by adhering a protective liner to the underside of the base transparent layer.
- the protective liner has an outer periphery which is smaller than the outer periphery of the base transparent layer so as to form a step.
- the air gap between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen may also be formed by forming a thick adhesive layer at the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer.
- the adhesive is sufficiently thick so that the base transparent layer is lifted off of the touch sensitive screen when the touch screen shield is mounted to the electronic device.
- one or more sacrificial layers may be mounted on top of the base transparent layer.
- the sacrificial layers may be removed one at a time from top to bottom as the top most sacrificial layer is damaged.
- the additional layers provide additional impact protection and retains flexibility so that touch sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen is not compromised.
- the shield may be formed with an opaque border (e.g., black, pattern, etc.) to hide air bubbles that might form between the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen.
- an opaque border e.g., black, pattern, etc.
- a transparent shield for a touch sensitive screen of a device may comprise a first transparent layer, a thin layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and a second transparent layer.
- the first transparent layer may define opposed first and second sides.
- the first transparent layer may also define an outer periphery.
- the thin layer of pressure sensitive adhesive may be disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer.
- the second transparent layer may define opposed first and second sides.
- the first side of the second transparent layer may be attached to a central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer.
- An outer periphery of the second transparent layer may be smaller than the outer periphery of the first transparent layer so as to define a step.
- the outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer may be attached to the device so that the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer is positioned on top of the touch sensitive screen of the device.
- the first transparent layer may be placed in tension when the outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer is attached to the device.
- the shield may further comprise adhesive disposed between the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer for attaching the first and second transparent layer to each other.
- the adhesive disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer may be protected by a removable liner.
- the adhesive may form an enclosed air gap between the shield and touch sensitive screen.
- the enclosed air gap may form a planar air bearing.
- the shield may further comprise one or more transparent sacrificial layers peelably removable from each other and the first side of the first transparent layer so that a top most sacrificial layer may be removed as desired.
- the first and second transparent layers may be thicker compared to the one or more sacrificial layers.
- the sacrificial layers may have staggered tabs for assisting in the peeling of the top most sacrificial layer. A peel value between the sacrificial layers may be progressively stronger as the top most sacrificial layer is peeled away.
- the adhesive and the first and second transparent layers may have a difference in index of refraction less than 0.2.
- the shield may further comprise an opaque annular film at an outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer.
- a transparent shield for a touch sensitive screen of a device may comprise a first transparent layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive.
- the first transparent layer may define opposed first and second sides.
- the pressure sensitive adhesive may be disposed only at an outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer.
- the pressure sensitive adhesive may be sufficiently thick so as to form an air gap between the first transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen when the shield is mounted to the electronic device.
- the air gap may be a planar air bearing.
- the outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer may be attached to the device so that the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer is positioned on top of the touch sensitive screen of the device.
- the shield may further comprise one or more transparent sacrificial layers peelably removable from each other and the first side of the first transparent layer so that a top most sacrificial layer may be removed as desired.
- the shield may further comprise an opaque annular film at an outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer.
- a transparent shield for a touch sensitive screen of a device may comprise a first transparent layer defining opposed first and second sides and a first annular film disposed only at an outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer.
- the first annular film may be sufficiently thick so as to form an air gap between the first transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen when the shield is mounted to the electronic device.
- the outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer is attachable to the device so that the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer is positioned on top of the touch sensitive screen of the device.
- the first annular film may be opaque to hide air bubbles when the shield is mounted to the device. Additionally or alternatively, an annular portion of the first transparent layer may be opaque. Additionally or alternatively, the shield may further comprise a second transparent layer with an opaque border adhered on top of the first transparent layer.
- the shield may further comprise at least one sacrificial layer adhered to the first transparent layer.
- the shield may further comprise a second transparent layer with an opaque border adhered on top of any one of the sacrificial layers.
- An index of refraction between the sacrificial layers and the first transparent layer may be less than about 0.2.
- a method for forming a shield for a touch sensitive screen of an electronic device may comprise the steps of nipping first and second films together; cutting out a central portion of the first and second films for providing an air gap when the shield is mounted to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device; and nipping a third film to the first and second films.
- the first and second films may be a protective liner and an opaque film, respectively.
- the opaque second film may hide air bubbles that may form when the shield is mounted to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device.
- the third film is a protective film for mitigating scratches on the touch sensitive screen.
- the method may further comprise at least one sacrificial layer adhered to the third film.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded top view of an electronic device with a shield mountable thereon;
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the shield shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the shield mounted to the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the shield shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of the shield and the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 with a shield having an opaque border for hiding air bubbles;
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a shield with an opaque border attached to the electronic device shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a shield with an opaque border attached to the electronic device shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is a top view of a stack of sacrificial layers with tabs for peeling a topmost layers, the stack being mountable to the shield shown in FIGS. 1-8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a top view of a stack of sacrificial layers with a stair step configuration for peeling a topmost layer, the stack being mountable to the shield shown in FIGS. 1-8 ;
- FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view of the stair step shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 11B is an alternative arrangement to the stair step shown in FIG. 11A
- FIG. 12 is a top view of an electronic device (e.g., ipad) having a different configuration compared to the electronic device shown in FIG. 6 ;
- an electronic device e.g., ipad
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a shield comprising a stack of sacrificial layers with an opaque border
- FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for forming the shield.
- a shield 10 for a touch sensitive screen 12 is shown.
- the shield 10 protects the touch sensitive screen 12 from scratches, impacts, etc.
- the shield 10 is damaged instead of the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the shield 10 may be replaced with a new shield 10 .
- the shield 10 may have one or more sacrificial layers 14 which may be individually peeled off from each other starting from the top most layer going down to the base shield 10 as the top most sacrificial layer 14 is damaged.
- the sacrificial layers 14 a - h may be mounted on top of the shield 10 , 10 a.
- an air gap 16 may be formed between the shield 10 and an active area 18 of the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the air gap 16 eliminates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped area bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the air gap 16 may be formed by providing a base transparent layer 20 which defines an exposed side 22 and an interior side 24 (see FIG. 3 ).
- the interior side 24 may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive 26 (e.g., acrylic adhesive).
- the pressure sensitive adhesive 26 may cover the entire interior side 24 of the base transparent layer 20 .
- a protective liner 28 may cover the pressure sensitive adhesive 26 coated on the interior side 24 and be attached to the protective liner 28 .
- an outer peripheral portion 30 see FIG. 2
- annulus of the protective liner 28 may be removed from the base transparent layer 20 to expose the adhesive 26 only at the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer 20 on the interior side 24 .
- a step 27 (see FIGS.
- the shield 10 may be attached to the touch sensitive screen 12 as shown in FIG. 3 . More particularly, the entire outer periphery of the base transparent layer 20 may be adhered to the touch sensitive screen 12 so as to form an enclosed air gap 16 and form a planar air bearing.
- the base transparent layer 20 is tensioned about the step 27 . Since an interior side 32 (see FIG. 3 ) of the protective liner 28 does not have any adhesive, a continuous air gap 16 may be formed between the protective liner 28 and the exposed side 34 of the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- a base transparent layer 20 a may be provided with an adhesive 26 a only on the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 a, as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the shield 10 may be attached to the touch sensitive screen 12 by way of the adhesive 26 a, as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the adhesive 26 a may be sufficiently thick such that upon adhesion of the base transparent layer 20 a to the touch sensitive screen 12 , air gap 16 a is formed, as shown in FIG. 5 .
- an opaque film 52 may be disposed at the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 to hide any air bubbles 60 that might form between the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 and the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- an electronic device 38 such as an iPhone is shown. It is also contemplated that the electronic device 38 may be any type of visual display for photographs, video, etc.
- the electronic device 38 may have a touch sensitive screen 12 which allows a user to operate the electronic device 38 .
- the touch sensitive screen 12 may define an active area 18 . In the active area 18 , the user may depress various electronic buttons, keys, etc. electronically displayed on the active area 18 to operate the electronic device 38 so as to play video, navigate, start applications, etc.
- the active area 18 may be disposed adjacent or enclosed within an inactive area 42 .
- the active area 18 of the touch sensitive screen 12 may be protected by disposing the shield 10 over the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the shield 10 may be adhered to the touch sensitive screen 12 wherein only the outer peripheral portion of the shield 10 is adhered to the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- a continuous air gap 16 may exist between the central portion 44 of the shield 10 and the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the adhesive 26 used to adhere the outer peripheral portion of the shield 10 to the touch sensitive screen 12 contacts only the inactive area 42 .
- the adhesive 26 may adhere the shield 10 also to an outer peripheral portion of the active area 18 .
- the shield 10 may comprise the base transparent layer 20 .
- the base transparent layer 20 may be fabricated from a transparent material (e.g., biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephalate material (boPET), etc.).
- the base transparent layer 20 may be approximately 4 mil thick (i.e., 0.004′′).
- Adhesive 26 may be coated on a majority, if not the entire, interior side 24 of the base transparent layer 20 .
- the protective liner 28 may cover the entire interior side 24 of the base transparent layer 20 .
- the adhesive 26 attaches the protective liner 28 to the base transparent layer 20 .
- a cut or slit 46 may be made through the protective liner 28 so as to define an outer peripheral portion 30 or annulus of the protective liner 28 and a central portion 48 of the protective liner 28 .
- the cut or slit 46 may be made with a rotary die, steel rule die, lasers or other methods known in the art.
- the user When the user is ready to attach the shield 10 to the touch sensitive screen 12 of the electronic device 38 , the user removes the outer peripheral portion 30 of the protective liner 28 from the shield 10 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the user may apply a small piece of tape to the outer peripheral portion 30 and peel the outer peripheral portion 30 off of the base transparent layer 20 .
- This exposes the adhesive 26 only at the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 .
- This also creates the step 27 between the protective layer 28 still remaining on the base transparent layer 20 and the base transparent layer 20 .
- the user aligns the shield 10 to the touch sensitive screen 12 and applies pressure to the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 so that the adhesive 26 adheres the base transparent layer 20 to the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the adhesive 26 is disposed only on the inactive area 42 of the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the adhesive 26 traps air between the base transparent layer 20 and the touch sensitive screen 12 to form the enclosed air gap 16 .
- the air gap 16 (see FIG. 3 ) may define a planar air bearing due to tension applied to the base transparent layer 20 about the step 27 .
- the enclosed air gap 16 and the tension lifts the shield 10 off of active area 18 to form a planar air bearing to mitigate unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings, and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch screen.
- the adhesive 26 may be disposed on a portion of the active area 18 at the outer peripheral portion of the active area 18 . In this manner, a majority of the active area 18 has an air gap 16 between the touch sensitive screen 12 and the shield 10 .
- the shield 10 may have one or more sacrificial layers 14 a - n.
- the sacrificial layers 14 may be adhered to each other by way of a peelable adhesive disposed between each of the sacrificial layers 14 as well as a bottommost sacrificial layer 14 a and the exposed side 22 of the base transparent layer 20 .
- the topmost sacrificial layer 14 c may become dented, scratched, etc. or otherwise damaged such that viewing through the shield. 10 may be unacceptable.
- the topmost sacrificial layer 14 c may be removed (e g., peeled) from the shield 10 . This uncovers a fresh, clean sacrificial layer 14 b.
- the other sacrificial layers 14 b and 14 a may be removed top-down as the topmost sacrificial layer 14 becomes damaged.
- the sacrificial layers 14 a - n may be fabricated from a transparent material such as biaxially-oriented polyethelene terephalate (boPET).
- a shield 10 a may comprise base transparent layer 20 a.
- a thick coat of adhesive 26 a may be applied only to the underside of the outer peripheral portion 36 a of the base transparent layer 20 a.
- Protective liner 28 a may be placed over the thick adhesive coating 26 a to protect the adhesive 26 a from dirt and grime up until prior to installation of the shield 10 a to the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the shield 10 a is aligned to the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the adhesive 26 a is preferably aligned to the inactive area 42 of the touch sensitive screen.
- Air gap 16 a is formed between the base transparent layer 20 a and the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the thick adhesive 26 a lifts the base transparent layer 20 a off of the active area 40 to form the planar air bearing, as shown in FIG. 5 .
- one or more sacrificial layers 14 a - n as discussed above in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 may be mounted to the shield 10 a.
- the sacrificial layers 14 a - n may be removed one by one as the topmost sacrificial layer is damaged (e.g., dented, scratched, etc.).
- an opaque annular film 52 may be interposed between the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 , 20 a and the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the opaque annular film 52 may be incorporated into the shields 10 , 10 a discussed in relation to FIGS. 2-5 .
- the opaque annular film 52 may be black, dark color, patterned, etc. so long as the pattern or color hides or mitigates visibility of air bubbles 60 .
- the opaque transparent layer 52 hides any air bubbles 60 that may exist when attaching the shield 10 , 10 a to the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a black border. However, upon further inspection of the border area in FIGS. 7 and 8 , an air bubble 60 exists between the shield 10 , 10 a and the touch sensitive screen 12 . Nonetheless, due to the opaque annular film 52 , such air bubble 60 is not noticeable or is not as noticeable when viewing the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the shield 10 a may have an adhesive 26 b disposed about the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 b.
- the opaque annular film 52 may be attached to the base transparent layer 20 b by way of the adhesive 26 b.
- Adhesive 54 may now be coated, sprayed or disposed onto the bottom surface of the opaque annular film 52 for attachment of the shield 10 a to the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- the adhesive 26 b may be thin so as to not appreciably add to the thickness of the base transparent layer 20 .
- the adhesive 26 b or 54 may be thick such as in the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 4-5 . Nonetheless, the film 52 and/or the adhesive 26 b, 54 may independently or collectively be sufficiently thick so that the air gap 16 a may be formed between the shield 10 a and the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- Sacrificial layers 14 a - n may be stacked on top of the base transparent layer 20 a as discussed above in relation to FIGS. 2-5 .
- the shield 10 may also have an opaque annular film 52 .
- the opaque annular film 52 may be disposed at the outer peripheral portion 36 of the base transparent layer 20 .
- the opaque annular film 52 and the adhesive 26 , 54 is thinner than the protective liner 28 , and more particularly, is thinner than the central portion 48 of the protective liner 28 .
- the step 27 is formed at the outer peripheral edge of the protective liner 28 .
- the opaque annular film 52 shown in FIG. 8 is attached to the base transparent layer 20 by way of adhesive 26 .
- Adhesive 54 may be applied to the underside of the opaque annular film 52 to attach the shield 10 to the touch sensitive screen 12 .
- Sacrificial layers 14 a - n may also be stacked on top of the base transparent layer 20 as discussed above in relation to FIGS. 2-5 .
- An index of refraction of the adhesive and the transparent material which forms the sacrificial layers 14 a - n, base transparent layer 20 and the protective liner 28 may have a refraction mismatch of 0.2 to minimize unwanted internal reflection, haze, maximize transmissions and contrast of the screen and to maintain the high brightness and contrast of the visual objects displayed on the touch sensitive screen 12 . It is also contemplated that the upper surface of each of the sacrificial layers 14 and the exposed side 22 of the base transparent layer 20 may have a thin hard coating.
- the adhesive that attaches each of the sacrificial layers 14 together as well as the stack of sacrificial layers 14 to the base transparent layer 20 may be provided so that the peel strength is the same throughout the stack.
- the bottom most layer 14 , 20 may have a higher peel value than the layers 14 above the bottom most layer 14 , 20 .
- the peel strength may range between about 25 to about 300 grams/inch.
- the adhesive discussed herein may be permanently attached to the layer immediately above the adhesive. Accordingly, when the topmost sacrificial layer 14 is peeled, no residue of the adhesive is left on the layer below. The exposed or top side of the fresh sacrificial layer 14 mostly, if not entirely is free from adhesive. Additionally, when all of the sacrificial layers 14 are removed from the shield 10 , no adhesive residue is left on the exposed side 22 of the base transparent layer 20 .
- Each of the sacrificial layers 14 , base transparent layer 20 and the protective layer 28 may have a thickness between about 1 mil to about 7 mil with each mil being 0.001′′ thick.
- the adhesive layer attaching the sacrificial layers 14 to each other as well as the sacrificial layers 14 to the base transparent layer 20 may add negligible thickness to the shield 10 , 10 a.
- the total thickness of the shield 10 may be 8 mil thick provided that there are only two sacrificial layers 14 and one base transparent layer 20 and one protective liner 28 .
- the sacrificial layers 14 a - n may be stacked upon each other.
- the sacrificial layers may be generally coextensive with each other so that the stack of sacrificial layers 14 a - n appear to be a single film.
- the adhesive peel strength may be adjusted to be the weakest at the top most sacrificial layer and stronger as the top most sacrificial layer is peel away.
- tabs 56 which are shown in FIG. 9 may be formed as part of the sacrificial layers 14 .
- Each of the sacrificial layers 14 a - n may be formed with the tab 56 that extends outward as shown in FIG. 9 . No adhesive is formed on the area of the tab 56 .
- Each of the tabs 56 may be offset or staggered with the tabs 56 of the other sacrificial layers so that the user can pull the tab 56 of the then top most sacrificial layer at the time to peel off the top most sacrificial layer 14 .
- Other tabbing systems known in the art may be incorporated such as those shown and described in relation to Japanese Kokai Patent Publication Number 4-314537 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,055.
- a peel assist system shown in FIGS. 10-11B may be incorporated into the shield 10 , 10 a.
- a corner of the shield 10 , 10 a may have a stair step configuration.
- the upper left corner of the shield 10 , 10 a is shown as having the stair step configuration, any of the other corners, upper right, lower left and/or right corners may have the stair step configuration.
- a first configuration of the stair step is shown in FIG. 11A .
- Sacrificial layers 14 may be peeled off layer by layer.
- the top most sacrificial layer 14 may be peeled off with the aid of a sharp blade or fingernail that digs between the first and second top most layers 14 as shown by arrow 62 to initiate peeling of the top most layer 14 .
- FIG. 11B illustrates a second configuration of the stair step configuration. The stair step configuration is reverse compared to the stair step configuration shown in FIG. 11A . The user may lift the top most layer 14 with his or her finger since the top most layer 14 extends over the rest of the stack of layers 14 .
- the shield 10 , 10 a has been shown generically attached to the electronic device 38 for the purposes of clarification. However, any of the attachment methods discussed herein may be implemented in the shield 10 , 10 a embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-11B .
- Certain embodiments of the shield 10 above were directed to a multi-layer shield 10 .
- Either the base transparent layer 20 was adhered to a lower protective layer 28 and/or one or more sacrificial layers 14 a - n. These layers 20 , 28 , 14 a - n are each adhered to each other.
- the layers 20 , 28 , 14 a - n and the adhesive may absorb impact shock caused when the electronic device 38 is dropped or the touch sensitive screen 12 hits a solid object. The impact is reduced at each adhesive interface where the softer adhesive may yield and spread out the impact force laterally instead of proceeding directly into the glass of the touch sensitive screen.
- the stacked construction of the shield 10 and the sacrificial layers 14 a - n retain the flexibility or bendability of the layers to maintain the tactile response for the touch sensitive screen.
- the base transparent layer 20 , protective layer 28 , and sacrificial layers 14 are fabricated from biaxially oriented polyethelene terephalate material (boPET).
- biPET biaxially oriented polyethelene terephalate material
- the various embodiments of the shield and sacrificial layers disclosed herein may be enlarged to cover the front surface of the electronic device 38 .
- An example of the enlarged shield is shown in FIG. 1 in hidden lines. Cutouts 58 may be made through the shield to allow for physical buttons and speakers on the electronic device 38 .
- the base transparent layer 20 , 20 a may have an opaque printed border which serves the same function as the opaque annular film 52 .
- the opaque border on the base transparent layer 20 , 20 a may be formed by a screen printing, etc. or other methods known in the art.
- the adhesive 26 , 26 a, 26 b, 54 may be colored so as to be opaque and hide the air bubbles 60 .
- a shield 10 b for an electronic device having a different configuration is shown.
- the shield 10 b may have the same structure as the shield described in relation to FIG. 6 .
- the shield 10 b is configured to fit a touch sensitive screen of the electronic device.
- Both shields 10 a, 10 b shown in FIGS. 6 and 12 may be fabricated in the following manner. The following description is in relation to the shield 10 b shown in FIG. 12 . However, the following discussion is also applicable to fabrication and structure of the shield 10 a and shield having other configurations.
- the shield 10 b may have a base layer 20 b.
- An opaque annular film 52 b may be adhered to the bottom side of the base transparent layer 20 b through a pressure sensitive adhesive 26 c.
- the base layer 20 b and opaque annular film 52 b may be adhered to the touch sensitive screen 12 of the electronic device by way of adhesive 54 .
- the adhesive 54 may be protected from dirt and grime by way of a release liner or protective liner 28 b until the user is ready to attach the shield 10 b on the iPad or touch sensitive screen of the electronic device.
- the protective liner 28 b may be removed immediately prior to mounting the shield 10 b to the touch sensitive screen 12 of the electronic device.
- one or more sacrificial layer 14 a, 14 b, 14 n may be mounted to the top side of the base transparent layer 20 b.
- a protective liner 64 may be adhered to the top most sacrificial layer 14 b to protect the top most sacrificial layer 14 b from unnecessary scratches during storage and transport to the end user.
- the protective liner 64 may be removed from the top most sacrificial layers 14 b immediately before but preferably after mounting the shield 10 b to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device.
- the opaque annular film 52 b may initially be provided as a roll of film 66 .
- the release liner 28 b and adhesive 54 may be provided as a roll of film 68 .
- the rolls of film 66 , 68 may be nipped together by rollers 70 a, 70 b.
- a protective liner 72 may be removed from the roll 68 of film to expose the adhesive 54 so that the adhesive 54 adheres to the opaque colored film 52 .
- the release liner 28 b is adhered to the opaque film 52 by adhesive 54 .
- the center portion 71 (see FIG. 13 ) which defines air gap 16 a is cut out during the center cutting operation 76 .
- a protective liner 78 protecting adhesive 26 c may be peeled off and discarded as shown in FIG. 14 .
- the base transparent layer 20 b along with the optional sacrificial layers 14 may be provided as roll 88 and may then be nipped to the opaque annular film 52 by rollers 80 a, 80 b. After the base transparent layer 20 and the sacrificial layers 14 are nipped to the opaque annular film 52 b, the stack may undergo a final outer periphery cutting operation 82 .
- the outer periphery of the shield 10 b is cut. Additionally, any other aperture that needs to be cut throughout the entire stack is also performed.
- the center hole 82 for pressing upon a joy stick of the electronic device is cut during the final cutting operation 82 .
- a film 84 may be disposed above the base transparent layer 20 b as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the film 84 may have an opaque border 86 .
- the center portion 73 may be transparent.
- the film 84 may have the same structure as the sacrificial layers 14 a, 14 b and the base transparent layer 20 b with respect to index of refraction and clarity. It is also contemplated that the film 84 may replace the base transparent layer 20 b or any one of the sacrificial layers 14 a, 14 b. It is also contemplated that a colored adhesive may be laid on the border of any one of the base transparent layer 20 b, or sacrificial layers 14 a, 14 b.
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Abstract
A shield that is attachable to a touch sensitive screen is disclosed. The shield may be attached to the touch sensitive screen only at its outer peripheral portion. An air gap is enclosed between the shield and the touch sensitive screen to form a planar air bearing. The shield preferably does not touch the active area of the touch sensitive screen when the user is not touching the shield but only viewing the touch sensitive screen through the shield. This mitigates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/780,443 filed on May 14, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Not Applicable
- The present invention relates to transparent films applied to touch sensitive screens for impact and/or scratch protection.
- Electronic devices such as the iPhone have a touch sensitive screen by which the user may operate the electronic device. The touch sensitive screen displays electronic buttons and search boxes that the user can select by touch. These touch sensitive screens are very large and subject to cracking and scratching during normal use by the user as well as when the electronic device is dropped. The resulting damage may be costly to repair and may require replacement of the entire electronic device or phone. Accordingly, there is a need for a low cost device that will cushion and absorb an impact that could break or scratch the glass face of the electronic device and yet not interfere with the functionality and sensitivity of the touch screen or the quality of the image displayed on the screen.
- Prior art films do exist that are adhered to the touch sensitive screen. Unfortunately, these protective films leave unsightly air bubbles between the transparent protective film and the transparent glass of the electronic device. Moreover, these films provide no impact absorption protection to the glass face.
- Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improved protective film for touch sensitive screens.
- The touch screen shield disclosed herein addresses the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.
- The touch screen shield disclosed herein may comprise a base transparent layer that is attached to a touch sensitive screen of an electronic device. A planar air bearing may be formed between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen by attaching only the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer to the touch sensitive screen. The air gap may be continuous and planar between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen by adhering a protective liner to the underside of the base transparent layer. The protective liner has an outer periphery which is smaller than the outer periphery of the base transparent layer so as to form a step. When the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer is adhered to the touch sensitive screen, the base transparent layer is placed into tension by the step thereby lifting the protective liner above and off of the touch sensitive screen. Additionally, the adhesive surrounding the base transparent layer forms an enclosed air gap and traps air between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen. These factors promote formation of the planar air bearing between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen.
- The air gap between the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen may also be formed by forming a thick adhesive layer at the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer. The adhesive is sufficiently thick so that the base transparent layer is lifted off of the touch sensitive screen when the touch screen shield is mounted to the electronic device.
- It is also contemplated that in any of the embodiments discussed herein of the shield, one or more sacrificial layers may be mounted on top of the base transparent layer. The sacrificial layers may be removed one at a time from top to bottom as the top most sacrificial layer is damaged. The additional layers provide additional impact protection and retains flexibility so that touch sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen is not compromised.
- It is also contemplated that the shield may be formed with an opaque border (e.g., black, pattern, etc.) to hide air bubbles that might form between the outer peripheral portion of the base transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen.
- More particularly, a transparent shield for a touch sensitive screen of a device is disclosed. The shield may comprise a first transparent layer, a thin layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and a second transparent layer. The first transparent layer may define opposed first and second sides. The first transparent layer may also define an outer periphery. The thin layer of pressure sensitive adhesive may be disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer. The second transparent layer may define opposed first and second sides. The first side of the second transparent layer may be attached to a central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer. An outer periphery of the second transparent layer may be smaller than the outer periphery of the first transparent layer so as to define a step.
- The outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer may be attached to the device so that the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer is positioned on top of the touch sensitive screen of the device. The first transparent layer may be placed in tension when the outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer is attached to the device.
- The shield may further comprise adhesive disposed between the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer for attaching the first and second transparent layer to each other. The adhesive disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer may be protected by a removable liner. The adhesive may form an enclosed air gap between the shield and touch sensitive screen. The enclosed air gap may form a planar air bearing.
- The shield may further comprise one or more transparent sacrificial layers peelably removable from each other and the first side of the first transparent layer so that a top most sacrificial layer may be removed as desired. The first and second transparent layers may be thicker compared to the one or more sacrificial layers. The sacrificial layers may have staggered tabs for assisting in the peeling of the top most sacrificial layer. A peel value between the sacrificial layers may be progressively stronger as the top most sacrificial layer is peeled away.
- The adhesive and the first and second transparent layers may have a difference in index of refraction less than 0.2.
- The shield may further comprise an opaque annular film at an outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer.
- Moreover, a transparent shield for a touch sensitive screen of a device is disclosed. The shield may comprise a first transparent layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive. The first transparent layer may define opposed first and second sides. The pressure sensitive adhesive may be disposed only at an outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive may be sufficiently thick so as to form an air gap between the first transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen when the shield is mounted to the electronic device. The air gap may be a planar air bearing.
- The outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer may be attached to the device so that the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer is positioned on top of the touch sensitive screen of the device.
- The shield may further comprise one or more transparent sacrificial layers peelably removable from each other and the first side of the first transparent layer so that a top most sacrificial layer may be removed as desired.
- The shield may further comprise an opaque annular film at an outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer.
- Additionally, a transparent shield for a touch sensitive screen of a device is disclosed. The shield may comprise a first transparent layer defining opposed first and second sides and a first annular film disposed only at an outer peripheral portion of the second side of the first transparent layer. The first annular film may be sufficiently thick so as to form an air gap between the first transparent layer and the touch sensitive screen when the shield is mounted to the electronic device. The outer peripheral portion of the first transparent layer is attachable to the device so that the central portion of the second side of the first transparent layer is positioned on top of the touch sensitive screen of the device.
- The first annular film may be opaque to hide air bubbles when the shield is mounted to the device. Additionally or alternatively, an annular portion of the first transparent layer may be opaque. Additionally or alternatively, the shield may further comprise a second transparent layer with an opaque border adhered on top of the first transparent layer.
- The shield may further comprise at least one sacrificial layer adhered to the first transparent layer. The shield may further comprise a second transparent layer with an opaque border adhered on top of any one of the sacrificial layers.
- An index of refraction between the sacrificial layers and the first transparent layer may be less than about 0.2.
- Additionally, a method for forming a shield for a touch sensitive screen of an electronic device is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of nipping first and second films together; cutting out a central portion of the first and second films for providing an air gap when the shield is mounted to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device; and nipping a third film to the first and second films.
- The first and second films may be a protective liner and an opaque film, respectively. The opaque second film may hide air bubbles that may form when the shield is mounted to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device. The third film is a protective film for mitigating scratches on the touch sensitive screen.
- The method may further comprise at least one sacrificial layer adhered to the third film.
- These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded top view of an electronic device with a shield mountable thereon; -
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the shield shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the shield mounted to the electronic device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the shield shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of the shield and the electronic device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of the electronic device shown inFIG. 1 with a shield having an opaque border for hiding air bubbles; -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a shield with an opaque border attached to the electronic device shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a shield with an opaque border attached to the electronic device shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is a top view of a stack of sacrificial layers with tabs for peeling a topmost layers, the stack being mountable to the shield shown inFIGS. 1-8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a top view of a stack of sacrificial layers with a stair step configuration for peeling a topmost layer, the stack being mountable to the shield shown inFIGS. 1-8 ; -
FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view of the stair step shown inFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 11B is an alternative arrangement to the stair step shown inFIG. 11A -
FIG. 12 is a top view of an electronic device (e.g., ipad) having a different configuration compared to the electronic device shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a shield comprising a stack of sacrificial layers with an opaque border; and -
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for forming the shield. - Referring now to the drawings, a
shield 10 for a touchsensitive screen 12 is shown. Theshield 10 protects the touchsensitive screen 12 from scratches, impacts, etc. Theshield 10 is damaged instead of the touchsensitive screen 12. When theshield 10 is scratched, dented, etc. to a degree that makes viewing the touchsensitive screen 12 unacceptable for the user, theshield 10 may be replaced with anew shield 10. Optionally, theshield 10 may have one or moresacrificial layers 14 which may be individually peeled off from each other starting from the top most layer going down to thebase shield 10 as the top mostsacrificial layer 14 is damaged. Thesacrificial layers 14 a-h may be mounted on top of theshield shield 10 is attached to the touchsensitive screen 12, an air gap 16 (seeFIG. 3 ) may be formed between theshield 10 and anactive area 18 of the touchsensitive screen 12. Theair gap 16 eliminates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped area bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touchsensitive screen 12. - The
air gap 16 may be formed by providing a basetransparent layer 20 which defines an exposedside 22 and an interior side 24 (seeFIG. 3 ). Theinterior side 24 may be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive 26 (e.g., acrylic adhesive). The pressuresensitive adhesive 26 may cover the entireinterior side 24 of the basetransparent layer 20. Aprotective liner 28 may cover the pressure sensitive adhesive 26 coated on theinterior side 24 and be attached to theprotective liner 28. When theshield 10 is ready to be mounted to the touchsensitive screen 12, an outer peripheral portion 30 (seeFIG. 2 ) or annulus of theprotective liner 28 may be removed from the basetransparent layer 20 to expose the adhesive 26 only at the outer peripheral portion of the basetransparent layer 20 on theinterior side 24. A step 27 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) is formed at the outer peripheral edge of theprotective liner 28. Theshield 10 may be attached to the touchsensitive screen 12 as shown inFIG. 3 . More particularly, the entire outer periphery of the basetransparent layer 20 may be adhered to the touchsensitive screen 12 so as to form anenclosed air gap 16 and form a planar air bearing. The basetransparent layer 20 is tensioned about thestep 27. Since an interior side 32 (seeFIG. 3 ) of theprotective liner 28 does not have any adhesive, acontinuous air gap 16 may be formed between theprotective liner 28 and the exposed side 34 of the touchsensitive screen 12. - Alternatively, a base
transparent layer 20 a may be provided with an adhesive 26 a only on the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer 20 a, as shown inFIG. 4 . Theshield 10 may be attached to the touchsensitive screen 12 by way of the adhesive 26 a, as shown inFIG. 5 . The adhesive 26 a may be sufficiently thick such that upon adhesion of the basetransparent layer 20 a to the touchsensitive screen 12,air gap 16 a is formed, as shown inFIG. 5 . - Moreover, it is contemplated that an opaque film 52 (see
FIGS. 6-8 ) may be disposed at the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer 20 to hide any air bubbles 60 that might form between the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer 20 and the touchsensitive screen 12. - More particularly, referring now back to
FIG. 1 , anelectronic device 38 such as an iPhone is shown. It is also contemplated that theelectronic device 38 may be any type of visual display for photographs, video, etc. Theelectronic device 38 may have a touchsensitive screen 12 which allows a user to operate theelectronic device 38. The touchsensitive screen 12 may define anactive area 18. In theactive area 18, the user may depress various electronic buttons, keys, etc. electronically displayed on theactive area 18 to operate theelectronic device 38 so as to play video, navigate, start applications, etc. Theactive area 18 may be disposed adjacent or enclosed within aninactive area 42. - The
active area 18 of the touchsensitive screen 12 may be protected by disposing theshield 10 over the touchsensitive screen 12. To this end, theshield 10 may be adhered to the touchsensitive screen 12 wherein only the outer peripheral portion of theshield 10 is adhered to the touchsensitive screen 12. Acontinuous air gap 16 may exist between thecentral portion 44 of theshield 10 and the touchsensitive screen 12. Preferably, the adhesive 26 used to adhere the outer peripheral portion of theshield 10 to the touchsensitive screen 12 contacts only theinactive area 42. However, it is also contemplated that the adhesive 26 may adhere theshield 10 also to an outer peripheral portion of theactive area 18. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , theshield 10 may comprise the basetransparent layer 20. The basetransparent layer 20 may be fabricated from a transparent material (e.g., biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephalate material (boPET), etc.). The basetransparent layer 20 may be approximately 4 mil thick (i.e., 0.004″).Adhesive 26 may be coated on a majority, if not the entire,interior side 24 of the basetransparent layer 20. To protect the adhesive 26 from dirt and grime prior to installation on the touch sensitive screen, theprotective liner 28 may cover the entireinterior side 24 of the basetransparent layer 20. The adhesive 26 attaches theprotective liner 28 to the basetransparent layer 20. A cut or slit 46 may be made through theprotective liner 28 so as to define an outerperipheral portion 30 or annulus of theprotective liner 28 and acentral portion 48 of theprotective liner 28. The cut or slit 46 may be made with a rotary die, steel rule die, lasers or other methods known in the art. - When the user is ready to attach the
shield 10 to the touchsensitive screen 12 of theelectronic device 38, the user removes the outerperipheral portion 30 of theprotective liner 28 from theshield 10 as shown inFIG. 2 . For example, the user may apply a small piece of tape to the outerperipheral portion 30 and peel the outerperipheral portion 30 off of the basetransparent layer 20. This exposes the adhesive 26 only at the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer 20. This also creates thestep 27 between theprotective layer 28 still remaining on the basetransparent layer 20 and the basetransparent layer 20. The user aligns theshield 10 to the touchsensitive screen 12 and applies pressure to the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer 20 so that the adhesive 26 adheres the basetransparent layer 20 to the touchsensitive screen 12. Preferably, the adhesive 26 is disposed only on theinactive area 42 of the touchsensitive screen 12. The adhesive 26 traps air between the basetransparent layer 20 and the touchsensitive screen 12 to form theenclosed air gap 16. Also, the air gap 16 (seeFIG. 3 ) may define a planar air bearing due to tension applied to the basetransparent layer 20 about thestep 27. Theenclosed air gap 16 and the tension lifts theshield 10 off ofactive area 18 to form a planar air bearing to mitigate unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings, and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch screen. It is also contemplated that the adhesive 26 may be disposed on a portion of theactive area 18 at the outer peripheral portion of theactive area 18. In this manner, a majority of theactive area 18 has anair gap 16 between the touchsensitive screen 12 and theshield 10. - Optionally, the
shield 10 may have one or moresacrificial layers 14 a-n. Thesacrificial layers 14 may be adhered to each other by way of a peelable adhesive disposed between each of thesacrificial layers 14 as well as a bottommostsacrificial layer 14 a and the exposedside 22 of the basetransparent layer 20. During use of theelectronic device 38, the topmostsacrificial layer 14 c may become dented, scratched, etc. or otherwise damaged such that viewing through the shield. 10 may be unacceptable. At this point, the topmostsacrificial layer 14 c may be removed (e g., peeled) from theshield 10. This uncovers a fresh, cleansacrificial layer 14 b. The othersacrificial layers sacrificial layer 14 becomes damaged. There may be one or moresacrificial layers 14 a-n or stack ofsacrificial layers 14 a-n adhered to the basetransparent layer 20. Preferably, there are between two (2) to ten (10)sacrificial layers 14 a-n. Thesacrificial layers 14 a-n may be fabricated from a transparent material such as biaxially-oriented polyethelene terephalate (boPET). - Referring now to a second embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , ashield 10 a may comprise basetransparent layer 20 a. A thick coat of adhesive 26 a may be applied only to the underside of the outerperipheral portion 36 a of the basetransparent layer 20 a. Protective liner 28 a may be placed over the thickadhesive coating 26 a to protect the adhesive 26 a from dirt and grime up until prior to installation of theshield 10 a to the touchsensitive screen 12. After removing the protective liner 28 a from theshield 10 a, theshield 10 a is aligned to the touchsensitive screen 12. In particular, the adhesive 26 a is preferably aligned to theinactive area 42 of the touch sensitive screen.Air gap 16 a is formed between the basetransparent layer 20 a and the touchsensitive screen 12. The thick adhesive 26 a lifts the basetransparent layer 20 a off of theactive area 40 to form the planar air bearing, as shown inFIG. 5 . - Optionally, one or more
sacrificial layers 14 a-n as discussed above in relation toFIGS. 2 and 3 may be mounted to theshield 10 a. Thesacrificial layers 14 a-n may be removed one by one as the topmost sacrificial layer is damaged (e.g., dented, scratched, etc.). - Referring now to
FIGS. 6-8 , an opaqueannular film 52 may be interposed between the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer sensitive screen 12. The opaqueannular film 52 may be incorporated into theshields FIGS. 2-5 . The opaqueannular film 52 may be black, dark color, patterned, etc. so long as the pattern or color hides or mitigates visibility of air bubbles 60. The opaquetransparent layer 52 hides any air bubbles 60 that may exist when attaching theshield sensitive screen 12.FIG. 6 illustrates a black border. However, upon further inspection of the border area inFIGS. 7 and 8 , anair bubble 60 exists between theshield sensitive screen 12. Nonetheless, due to the opaqueannular film 52,such air bubble 60 is not noticeable or is not as noticeable when viewing the touchsensitive screen 12. - More particularly, referring now to
FIG. 7 , theshield 10 a may have an adhesive 26 b disposed about the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer 20 b. The opaqueannular film 52 may be attached to the basetransparent layer 20 b by way of the adhesive 26 b.Adhesive 54 may now be coated, sprayed or disposed onto the bottom surface of the opaqueannular film 52 for attachment of theshield 10 a to the touchsensitive screen 12. The adhesive 26 b may be thin so as to not appreciably add to the thickness of the basetransparent layer 20. Alternatively, the adhesive 26 b or 54 may be thick such as in the embodiment disclosed inFIGS. 4-5 . Nonetheless, thefilm 52 and/or the adhesive 26 b, 54 may independently or collectively be sufficiently thick so that theair gap 16 a may be formed between theshield 10 a and the touchsensitive screen 12. -
Sacrificial layers 14 a-n may be stacked on top of the basetransparent layer 20 a as discussed above in relation toFIGS. 2-5 . - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , theshield 10 may also have an opaqueannular film 52. The opaqueannular film 52 may be disposed at the outerperipheral portion 36 of the basetransparent layer 20. Preferably, the opaqueannular film 52 and the adhesive 26, 54 is thinner than theprotective liner 28, and more particularly, is thinner than thecentral portion 48 of theprotective liner 28. Thestep 27 is formed at the outer peripheral edge of theprotective liner 28. The opaqueannular film 52 shown inFIG. 8 is attached to the basetransparent layer 20 by way of adhesive 26.Adhesive 54 may be applied to the underside of the opaqueannular film 52 to attach theshield 10 to the touchsensitive screen 12.Sacrificial layers 14 a-n may also be stacked on top of the basetransparent layer 20 as discussed above in relation toFIGS. 2-5 . - An index of refraction of the adhesive and the transparent material which forms the
sacrificial layers 14 a-n, basetransparent layer 20 and theprotective liner 28 may have a refraction mismatch of 0.2 to minimize unwanted internal reflection, haze, maximize transmissions and contrast of the screen and to maintain the high brightness and contrast of the visual objects displayed on the touchsensitive screen 12. It is also contemplated that the upper surface of each of thesacrificial layers 14 and the exposedside 22 of the basetransparent layer 20 may have a thin hard coating. The adhesive that attaches each of thesacrificial layers 14 together as well as the stack ofsacrificial layers 14 to the basetransparent layer 20 may be provided so that the peel strength is the same throughout the stack. Alternatively, the bottommost layer layers 14 above the bottommost layer sacrificial layer 14 is peeled from the lowersacrificial layers 14, the act of peeling the topmostsacrificial layer 14 does not also peel the lowersacrificial layers 14. The peel strength may range between about 25 to about 300 grams/inch. The adhesive discussed herein may be permanently attached to the layer immediately above the adhesive. Accordingly, when the topmostsacrificial layer 14 is peeled, no residue of the adhesive is left on the layer below. The exposed or top side of the freshsacrificial layer 14 mostly, if not entirely is free from adhesive. Additionally, when all of thesacrificial layers 14 are removed from theshield 10, no adhesive residue is left on the exposedside 22 of the basetransparent layer 20. - Each of the
sacrificial layers 14, basetransparent layer 20 and theprotective layer 28 may have a thickness between about 1 mil to about 7 mil with each mil being 0.001″ thick. Unless otherwise stated, the adhesive layer attaching thesacrificial layers 14 to each other as well as thesacrificial layers 14 to the basetransparent layer 20 may add negligible thickness to theshield sacrificial layers 14, the basetransparent layer 20 and theprotective layer 28 have a thickness of 2 mil, then the total thickness of theshield 10 may be 8 mil thick provided that there are only twosacrificial layers 14 and one basetransparent layer 20 and oneprotective liner 28. - The
sacrificial layers 14 a-n may be stacked upon each other. Preferably, the sacrificial layers may be generally coextensive with each other so that the stack ofsacrificial layers 14 a-n appear to be a single film. As discussed above, in order to assist in the peeling of only the top mostsacrificial layer 14 while leaving the lowersacrificial layers 14 in place, the adhesive peel strength may be adjusted to be the weakest at the top most sacrificial layer and stronger as the top most sacrificial layer is peel away. Alternatively, or additionally,tabs 56 which are shown inFIG. 9 may be formed as part of the sacrificial layers 14. Each of thesacrificial layers 14 a-n may be formed with thetab 56 that extends outward as shown inFIG. 9 . No adhesive is formed on the area of thetab 56. Each of thetabs 56 may be offset or staggered with thetabs 56 of the other sacrificial layers so that the user can pull thetab 56 of the then top most sacrificial layer at the time to peel off the top mostsacrificial layer 14. Other tabbing systems known in the art may be incorporated such as those shown and described in relation to Japanese Kokai Patent Publication Number 4-314537 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,055. - Additionally or alternatively, a peel assist system shown in
FIGS. 10-11B may be incorporated into theshield shield shield FIG. 11A .Sacrificial layers 14 may be peeled off layer by layer. The top mostsacrificial layer 14 may be peeled off with the aid of a sharp blade or fingernail that digs between the first and second topmost layers 14 as shown byarrow 62 to initiate peeling of the topmost layer 14.FIG. 11B illustrates a second configuration of the stair step configuration. The stair step configuration is reverse compared to the stair step configuration shown inFIG. 11A . The user may lift the topmost layer 14 with his or her finger since the topmost layer 14 extends over the rest of the stack oflayers 14. Theshield electronic device 38 for the purposes of clarification. However, any of the attachment methods discussed herein may be implemented in theshield FIGS. 10-11B . - Certain embodiments of the
shield 10 above were directed to amulti-layer shield 10. Either the basetransparent layer 20 was adhered to a lowerprotective layer 28 and/or one or moresacrificial layers 14 a-n. Theselayers layers electronic device 38 is dropped or the touchsensitive screen 12 hits a solid object. The impact is reduced at each adhesive interface where the softer adhesive may yield and spread out the impact force laterally instead of proceeding directly into the glass of the touch sensitive screen. Additionally, the stacked construction of theshield 10 and thesacrificial layers 14 a-n retain the flexibility or bendability of the layers to maintain the tactile response for the touch sensitive screen. - Preferably, the base
transparent layer 20,protective layer 28, andsacrificial layers 14 are fabricated from biaxially oriented polyethelene terephalate material (boPET). - Referring back to
FIG. 1 , the various embodiments of the shield and sacrificial layers disclosed herein may be enlarged to cover the front surface of theelectronic device 38. An example of the enlarged shield is shown inFIG. 1 in hidden lines.Cutouts 58 may be made through the shield to allow for physical buttons and speakers on theelectronic device 38. - In lieu of the opaque
annular film 52, it is also contemplated that the basetransparent layer annular film 52. The opaque border on the basetransparent layer - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , ashield 10 b for an electronic device having a different configuration (e.g., iPad) is shown. Theshield 10 b may have the same structure as the shield described in relation toFIG. 6 . Theshield 10 b is configured to fit a touch sensitive screen of the electronic device. However, other configurations are also contemplated. Both shields 10 a, 10 b shown inFIGS. 6 and 12 may be fabricated in the following manner. The following description is in relation to theshield 10 b shown inFIG. 12 . However, the following discussion is also applicable to fabrication and structure of theshield 10 a and shield having other configurations. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , theshield 10 b may have abase layer 20 b. An opaqueannular film 52 b may be adhered to the bottom side of the basetransparent layer 20 b through a pressure sensitive adhesive 26 c. Thebase layer 20 b and opaqueannular film 52 b may be adhered to the touchsensitive screen 12 of the electronic device by way of adhesive 54. The adhesive 54 may be protected from dirt and grime by way of a release liner orprotective liner 28 b until the user is ready to attach theshield 10 b on the iPad or touch sensitive screen of the electronic device. Theprotective liner 28 b may be removed immediately prior to mounting theshield 10 b to the touchsensitive screen 12 of the electronic device. As discussed above, one or moresacrificial layer transparent layer 20 b. Aprotective liner 64 may be adhered to the top mostsacrificial layer 14 b to protect the top mostsacrificial layer 14 b from unnecessary scratches during storage and transport to the end user. Theprotective liner 64 may be removed from the top mostsacrificial layers 14 b immediately before but preferably after mounting theshield 10 b to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , a process for fabricating theshield 10 b is shown. The opaqueannular film 52 b may initially be provided as a roll offilm 66. Also, therelease liner 28 b and adhesive 54 may be provided as a roll offilm 68. The rolls offilm rollers film 68 is being unrolled, aprotective liner 72 may be removed from theroll 68 of film to expose the adhesive 54 so that the adhesive 54 adheres to the opaquecolored film 52. When thefilm rollers release liner 28 b is adhered to theopaque film 52 byadhesive 54. After thenipping operation 74, the center portion 71 (seeFIG. 13 ) which definesair gap 16 a is cut out during thecenter cutting operation 76. After thecenter cutting operation 76, aprotective liner 78 protectingadhesive 26 c may be peeled off and discarded as shown inFIG. 14 . The basetransparent layer 20 b along with the optionalsacrificial layers 14 may be provided asroll 88 and may then be nipped to the opaqueannular film 52 byrollers 80 a, 80 b. After the basetransparent layer 20 and thesacrificial layers 14 are nipped to the opaqueannular film 52 b, the stack may undergo a final outerperiphery cutting operation 82. During thefinal cutting operation 82, the outer periphery of theshield 10 b is cut. Additionally, any other aperture that needs to be cut throughout the entire stack is also performed. By way of example and not limitation, thecenter hole 82 for pressing upon a joy stick of the electronic device is cut during thefinal cutting operation 82. - Instead of disposing an opaque
annular film 52 b below the basetransparent layer 20 b, it is also contemplated that afilm 84 may be disposed above the basetransparent layer 20 b as shown inFIG. 13 . Thefilm 84 may have anopaque border 86. Thecenter portion 73 may be transparent. Thefilm 84 may have the same structure as thesacrificial layers transparent layer 20 b with respect to index of refraction and clarity. It is also contemplated that thefilm 84 may replace the basetransparent layer 20 b or any one of thesacrificial layers transparent layer 20 b, orsacrificial layers - The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of forming the slit for the annular ring. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
Claims (26)
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. A method for forming a shield for a touch sensitive screen of an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of:
nipping first and second films together;
cutting out a central portion of the first and second films for providing an air gap when the shield is mounted to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device; and
nipping a third film to the first and second films.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the first and second films are a protective liner and an opaque film, respectively, and the opaque second film hides air bubbles that may form when the shield is mounted to the touch sensitive screen of the electronic device.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the third film is a protective film for mitigating scratches on the touch sensitive screen.
26. The method of claim 24 further comprising at least one sacrificial layer adhered to the third film.
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9128545B2 (en) | 2015-09-08 |
US20110279383A1 (en) | 2011-11-17 |
US20150309609A1 (en) | 2015-10-29 |
US20150132522A1 (en) | 2015-05-14 |
US9104256B2 (en) | 2015-08-11 |
US20130209752A1 (en) | 2013-08-15 |
US9471163B2 (en) | 2016-10-18 |
US10345934B2 (en) | 2019-07-09 |
US20170147100A1 (en) | 2017-05-25 |
US20150177863A1 (en) | 2015-06-25 |
US8974620B2 (en) | 2015-03-10 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RACING OPTICS, INC., NEVADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WILSON, STEPHEN S.;WILSON, BART;WILSON, SETH;SIGNING DATES FROM 20111003 TO 20111004;REEL/FRAME:030739/0050 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |