Laser-formed features
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsPeter N. Russell-Clarke, Michael S. Nashner, Houtan R. Farahani
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to laser-based processes for forming features on the surface of a part. The feature may include a geometric element, a color element, and/or a surface finish element. In some cases, the laser-formed features are formed as a pattern of textured features that produce an aesthetic and/or tactile effect on the surface of the part. In some cases, the texture features may be sufficiently small that they may not be discerned by the unaided human eye. Also, in some cases, a multiple laser-based processes are combined to form a single feature or a finished part having a specific aesthetic and/or tactile effect.
Claims17
An electronic watch comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- an input dial that is rotatable, about a rotation axis of the input dial, relative to the housing and comprising:
- a hub portion defining a first portion of an end surface of the input dial and having a first texture;
- a peripheral portion defining a curved peripheral surface surrounding the end surface of the input dial and having a second texture different from the first texture, the second texture defined by a radial array of grooves formed into the curved peripheral surface;
- and
- a trim ring positioned between the hub portion and the peripheral portion and defining a second portion of the end surface of the input dial.
An electronic watch comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- a dial that is rotatable relative to the housing, the dial comprising:
- a hub member defining a first portion of an axial end surface of the dial;
- a trim ring extending around the hub member and defining a second portion of the axial end surface of the dial;
- a peripheral member defining:
- a third portion of the axial end surface of the dial;
- a curved peripheral surface of the dial;
- and
- a texture pattern defined by a radial array of grooves formed into the curved peripheral surface of the dial.
An electronic watch comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- an input dial that is rotatable, about a rotation axis, relative to the housing and comprises:
- a hub member defining a circular first portion of an axial end surface of the input dial;
- a trim ring extending about an outer periphery of the hub member and defining a second portion of the axial end surface of the input dial;
- and
- a peripheral member extending about an outer periphery of the trim ring and defining:
- a peripheral surface of the input dial;
- and
- a texture pattern defined by a radial array of grooves formed into the peripheral surface of the input dial.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.