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US 9,434,197 B2Granted
Laser engraved reflective surface structures
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsMichael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
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.
Claims23
An electronic device housing comprising:
- a substrate of the electronic device housing, the substrate having an outer surface;
- and
- recessed markings disposed on the outer surface of the substrate of the electronic device housing, wherein the recessed markings comprise an athermally ablated surface layer, and a plurality of melted regions overlaying the athermally ablated surface layer.
An apparatus comprising:
- a substrate having an outer surface;
- and
- first and second recessed markings disposed on the outer surface of the substrate, wherein the first and second recessed markings have contrasting appearances, wherein each of the first and second recessed markings comprises a respective ablated surface layer, and wherein the first recessed markings comprises a plurality of melted regions overlain on the ablated surface layer,
- wherein the ablated surface layers are ablated substantially athermally.
1 more element
An apparatus comprising:
- a substrate having an outer surface;
- and
- recessed markings arranged in one or more textual or graphical indicia on the outer surface of the substrate, wherein the recessed markings comprise an athermally ablated surface layer, and a plurality of melted regions overlaying the athermally ablated surface layer.
An apparatus comprising:
- a substrate having an outer surface;
- and
- recessed markings arranged in a tactile texture on the outer surface of the substrate, wherein the recessed markings comprise an athermally ablated surface layer, and a plurality of melted regions overlaying the athermally ablated surface layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.