Embedded antenna structures

A method of forming electronic device structures for an electronic device with opposing front and rear exterior surfaces and an interior, wherein the front surface is formed from a transparent member that overlaps a display, and wherein the rear exterior surface is formed by a metal housing having first and second opposing surfaces, the method comprising:

• forming a first shot of plastic;
• forming antenna structures for the electronic device on the first shot of plastic, wherein the antenna structures comprise a conductive antenna element;
• and
• overmolding a second shot of plastic over the first shot of plastic and the conductive antenna element to form a plastic housing structure over the conductive antenna element, wherein the plastic housing structure forms a portion of the rear exterior surface of the electronic device, wherein the plastic housing structure is formed in an opening in the metal housing, wherein a portion of the plastic housing structure contacts the transparent member that overlaps the display, wherein the first surface of the metal housing forms an additional portion of the rear exterior surface of the electronic device, wherein the second surface faces the interior of the electronic device, wherein the first and second shots of plastic completely fill the opening in the metal housing and extend from the first surface of the metal housing to the second surface of the metal housing, and wherein the conductive antenna element is completely surrounded by and in direct contact with the plastic housing structure.

An electronic device with opposing front and rear exterior surfaces and an interior, comprising:

• a metal housing with an elongated opening that runs along an edge of the metal housing, wherein the metal housing has opposing first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface forms a first portion of the rear exterior surface of the electronic device, and wherein the second surface faces the interior of the electronic device;
• a display mounted in the metal housing, wherein the display is overlapped by a transparent member that forms the front exterior surface;
• a molded plastic housing structure that completely fills the opening and extends from the first surface of the metal housing to the second surface of the metal housing, wherein the molded plastic housing forms a second portion of the rear exterior surface of the electronic device, wherein the molded plastic housing structure is formed from first and second shots of plastic, and wherein a portion of the molded plastic housing structure contacts the transparent member;
• and
• an antenna element that is embedded in the molded plastic housing structure, wherein the antenna element is interposed between the first and second shots of plastic.