Method for laser engraved reflective surface structures
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsMichael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings may be precisely formed using a laser. Processing may be used to increase reflectivity of the markings.
Claims26
A method for marking an electronic device housing comprising:
- providing a substrate of the electronic device housing, the substrate having an outer surface;
- substantially athermally ablating the outer surface of the substrate, so as to provide an athermally ablated surface layer of markings recessed into the outer surface of the substrate, wherein a plurality of light scattering features are overlain on the athermally ablated surface layer;
- and
- thermally melting the plurality of light scattering features, so as to provide a plurality of melted regions overlaying the athermally ablated surface layer.
A method for marking an article comprising:
- providing a substrate of the article, the substrate having an outer surface;
- substantially athermally ablating the outer surface of the substrate so as to provide first and second recessed markings disposed on the outer surface of the substrate, wherein each of the first and second recessed markings comprises a respective ablated surface having a respective plurality of light scattering features overlain thereon;
- and
- selectively altering the plurality of light scattering features of one of the first and second recessed markings so that the first and second recessed markings have contrasting appearances.
A method for marking an article comprising:
- providing a substrate of the article, the substrate having an outer surface;
- substantially athermally ablating the outer surface of the substrate, so as to provide an athermally ablated surface layer of markings recessed into the outer surface of the substrate, wherein a plurality of light scattering features are overlain on the athermally ablated surface layer, and wherein the markings are arranged in one or more textual or graphical indicia on the outer surface the substrate;
- and
- thermally melting the plurality of light scattering features, so as to provide a plurality of melted regions overlaying the athermally ablated surface layer.
A method for marking an article comprising:
- providing a substrate of the article, the substrate having an outer surface;
- substantially athermally ablating the outer surface of the substrate, so as to provide an athermally ablated surface layer of markings recessed into the outer surface of the substrate, wherein a plurality of light scattering features are overlain on the athermally ablated surface layer, and wherein the markings are arranged in a tactile texture on the outer surface the substrate;
- and
- thermally melting the plurality of light scattering features, so as to provide a plurality of melted regions overlaying the athermally ablated surface layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.