Mirror feature in devices
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsMatthew D. Hill, Wayne Wei-Cheng Huang, Lee Hua Tan, Nicholas Isaac Reid, Reid Collins, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Ian A. Spraggs
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Abstract
Various processes for creating mirrored features are discussed herein as well as devices that include the mirrored features. One embodiment includes a button having a transparent layer and an opaque layer coupled to the transparent layer. A portion of the transparent layer extends through the opaque layer so that the portion of the transparent layer is flush with a back surface of the opaque layer and generally has a shape of a desired feature. The button also includes a reflective object positioned so that it may be seen through the transparent layer.
Claims26
A button comprising:
- a transparent layer;
- an opaque layer coupled to the transparent layer and defining an opening through which a portion of the transparent layer extends;
- and
- an opaque reflective element positioned at an end of the opening and having a surface coupled to the transparent layer, wherein:
- a majority of the surface is visible through the opening and a remaining portion of the surface is coupled to the opaque layer and is not visible through the opening.
A button comprising:
- an opaque layer defining an opening that extends through the opaque layer;
- a transparent layer positioned over the opaque layer and extending into the opening;
- and
- one or more opaque mirror coating layers positioned at an end of the opening and having a surface coupled to the transparent layer, wherein:
- a majority of the surface is visible through the transparent layer and a remaining portion of the surface is coupled to the opaque layer and is not visible through the transparent layer.
The button of 11, wherein a surface of the portion of the transparent layer is formed by a surface of an injection molding tool.
A portable electronic device, comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- a multilayer plastic button, comprising:
- an opaque layer that has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface, the opaque layer defining an aperture that extends from the upper surface to the lower surface;
- a flange extending from the side surface of the opaque layer that couples the multilayer plastic button to the housing;
- a transparent layer coupled to a portion of the upper surface of the opaque layer and extending through the aperture;
- and
- a fully reflective mirror feature positioned at an end of the aperture and having a surface coupled to the transparent layer wherein a majority of the surface is visible through the aperture and a remaining portion of the surface is coupled to the opaque layer and is not visible through the transparent layer.
A key cap for a keyboard comprising:
- an opaque material defining an opening having a shape that corresponds to a symbol,
- a transparent material positioned over the opaque material and extending into the opening;
- and
- an opaque reflective element positioned at a bottom of the opening and having a surface coupled to the transparent material, wherein a majority of the surface is visible through the opening and a portion of the surface is coupled to the opaque material and is not visible through the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.