WO2011163151A1

WO2011163151A1 - Assembly, kit and related method for applying a polymeric film to a device

Info

Publication number: WO2011163151A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/041134
Authority: WO
Inventors: James E. Mcguire, Jr.; Robert G. Pedersen; Derek M. Smith; John H. Melville; Brian S. Packer
Original assignee: Entrotech, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-06-24
Filing date: 2011-06-21
Publication date: 2011-12-29

Abstract

An assembly for application of a polymeric film to at least one surface of a device comprises: the polymeric film to be applied to the surface, wherein the polymeric film comprises an outwardly exposed adhesive layer and a shape compatible with the surface of the device; and, an application film adhered to the polymeric film on a side opposite that of the adhesive layer, wherein the application film laterally extends from the polymeric film for handling of the assembly by grasping the application film without touching the polymeric film. Kits of the invention comprise such an assembly and a squeegee for removing entrapped air bubbles after the polymeric film of the assembly is adhered to the surface of the electronic device. Methods using such assemblies and kits are also disclosed.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Assembly, Kit, and Related Method for Applying a Polymeric Film to a Device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to assemblies for application of a polymeric film to at least one surface of a device, such as an electronic device, as well as methods of using such assemblies and related kits.

[0003] Polymeric films are applied to surfaces of articles for a number of reasons. One significant application for polymeric films is for providing a protective covering on an article's surface. For example, certain polymeric films are capable of protecting an article's surface from damage during use of the article. Such protective polymeric films are often adhered to an article's surface to minimize damage thereto.

[0004] A wide variety of methods have been employed to adhere such films to an article's surface. Methods of adhering such films to an article's surface include, for example, electrostatically adhering the film to a surface, adhering the film to a surface using a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and adhering the film to a surface using a more permanent bonding agent. To date, each of these methods is in need of optimization. For example, electrostatically adhered films tend to peel away from the surface to which they are adhered, often leaving the surface with an unsightly appearance and providing inadequate protection.

[0005] Applications for protective and other polymeric films are becoming increasingly desirable as widespread use of consumer electronic devices soars. Many consumer electronic devices employ a display that can easily be

scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged. For example, most personal data assistants, cellular phones, laptop and notebook computers, and similar devices include a display for viewing data and/or images thereon. In order to optimize viewing efficiency, such displays are highly engineered to maximize clarity of data and images viewed thereon. Unfortunately, however, such displays are often prone to scratching, cracking, or other types of damage, especially as users of such electronic devices tote the devices haphazardly through their daily lives.

[0006] Conventionally, when protective polymeric films are applied to electronic devices, the goal is to provide a protective covering on the display or other surfaces of the device that does not significantly diminish desired qualities of the underlying surface. Importantly, when a protective polymeric film is applied to a display, the film is selected to have desired optical clarity. Then, when the polymeric film is applied to the display, it is important to maintain desired optical clarity of the film as well as views of the display therethrough. Entrapped air bubbles between the polymeric film and the display are the leading contributor to degradation of optical clarity.

[0007] One polymeric film structure known to facilitate air bleed between the structure and an underlying surface after application includes a

microstructured surface, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,897,930. While effective in many applications, such microstructures have still been found to obscure optical clarity in certain applications. In addition, types of polymeric films able to be effectively applied to an article's surface are limited by the constraints associated with presence of such a microstructured surface.

[0008] Most conventional methods for application of protective polymeric films to consumer electronic devices employ a liquid solution for wetting the article's surface before application of the polymeric film thereon in a "wet install" method. After the surface is wet, the polymeric film is typically adhered to the wet surface, after which time hand pressure, pressure from a squeegee, or other physical force is used to remove air bubbles entrapped between the polymeric film and the underlying surface. In addition to potential problems caused by stretching or otherwise altering the polymeric film's shape during such physical removal of air bubbles, the use of a liquid solution can contribute to undesired plasticization or other chemical alteration in materials with which it comes into contact. Further, it is desirable to minimize moisture contacting electronic devices so as to prevent potentially catastrophic electronic circuit shorts and the like. [0009] Case-mate (Tucker, GA) announced in January 2010 the launch of "go Bare," which they refer to as "the first solution-free protective film." The product is described in Case-mate's press releases as providing "quick application - no sprays, no drying time - it's applied with your thumb and can be removed and manipulated." Further, Case-mate states that applicators "have the option to apply, reapply, take off and manipulate the film as many times as needed." However, while advantageously eliminating liquid solution from the application method, the application method described has the potential to and has proven to obscure optical clarity by subjecting the polymeric film to

concentrated physical force that can undesirably stretch or otherwise significantly alter the polymeric film's shape. In addition, the application method appreciably exposes adhesive used to adhere the polymeric film to the surface to dirt, fingerprints, and other contaminants that can negatively affect optical clarity of the applied film. This is particularly the case along edges of the polymeric film where it is handled during application of the polymeric film to an article's surface. Not only do such contaminants hinder optical clarity of the applied film, but they can also negatively impact continued adhesion of the polymeric film to the surface.

[00010] Still further, it has been found that an oily residue presents itself on the outside surface to which such a polymeric film has been applied immediately after installation of the polymeric film. The residue resembles oils very similar to those left from a person's skin or face {e.g., in the case of pressing a phone against the side of one's face when talking on the phone) or consumer mineral oil. Although the residue can often be removed, typically this is an undesirable additional cleaning step, especially not knowing the chemical constituency of such residue.

[00011] The presence of the oily residue suggests that a fugitive plasticizer is present in the adhesive. The presence of such a plasticizer can have a negative effect on the initial performance as well as the long term performance of the adhesive. By plasticizing an adhesive, a softer adhesive product having a higher initial tack and peel is generally obtainable. These properties detract from optimized repositionability of the product {e.g., in case of misalignment of the product during installation). Additionally, as such an adhesive ages after installation, plasticizer therein can migrate to one or both surfaces of the adhesive, possibly causing a reducing in overall adhesion to one or both of the film or surface to which it is applied. This reduction in adhesion is often more prevalent on curved surfaces/corners and can lead to, for example, untimely peeling of the film or the presence of adhesive residue on the underlying surface after removal of the film.

[00012] In addition to Case-mate's solution-free protective film, Wrapsol, LLC (Weymouth, MA) recently introduced a product, and in doing so states: "ultra drop + scratch protection system utilizes our patent-pending dry-application repositionable film that releases air bubbles while eliminating any risk of moisture damage." Desirability of this product is yet to be determined.

[00013] In any event, it is desirable to provide alternative assemblies and methods for application of polymeric films to surfaces of articles. Particularly desirable are alternative assemblies and methods for dry application of polymeric films to electronic devices - i.e., "dry install" methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00014] An assembly for application of a polymeric film to at least one surface of an electronic device comprises: the polymeric film to be applied to the surface, wherein the polymeric film comprises an outwardly exposed adhesive layer and a shape compatible with the surface of the electronic device; and, an application film adhered to the polymeric film on a side opposite that of the adhesive layer, wherein the application film laterally extends from the polymeric film for handling of the assembly by grasping the application film without touching the polymeric film.

[00015] According to one aspect of the invention, the shape compatible with the surface of the electronic device comprises at least one cut-out. According to another aspect of the invention, the surface of the electronic device with which the shape of the polymeric film is compatible comprises a visual display on at least one of a personal data assistant, a cellular phone, or a personal computer.

[00016] According to one embodiment, the polymeric film is essentially transparent. In an exemplary embodiment, the polymeric film comprises at least one polyurethane-based layer. In another exemplary embodiment, the polymeric film comprises a protective polymeric film. According to one embodiment of another aspect of the invention, the outwardly exposed adhesive layer is essentially smooth. According to another embodiment, the adhesive layer is essentially free of non-reacted components. According to a further embodiment, the assembly comprises a protective liner positioned between the polymeric film and the application film.

[00017] A kit of the invention comprises such an assembly; and a squeegee for removing entrapped air bubbles after the polymeric film of the assembly is adhered to the surface of the electronic device. In an exemplary embodiment, the squeegee comprises both a rigid edge and a flexible edge for removing entrapped air bubbles.

[00018] A method for application of a polymeric film to at least one surface of an electronic device comprises: providing the polymeric film to be applied to the surface, wherein the polymeric film comprises an outwardly exposed adhesive layer; adhering an application film to the polymeric film on a side opposite that of the adhesive layer to form an assembly, such that the application film laterally extends from the polymeric film for handling of the assembly by grasping the application film without touching the polymeric film; positioning the assembly on the surface of the electronic device, wherein the surface is essentially dry; and removing entrapped air bubbles between the surface and the polymeric film. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device comprises at least one of a personal data assistant, a cellular phone, and a personal computer.

[00019] According to one embodiment of such a method, the step of removing the entrapped air bubbles comprises applying physical force to a top surface of the application film. According to another embodiment of such a method, the physical force is applied using a squeegee with a relatively rigid edge. According to yet a further embodiment of such a method, width of the squeegee edge used to apply the physical force exceeds width of the polymeric film.

[00020] In one embodiment, the step of removing the entrapped air bubbles comprises applying physical force to a top surface of the polymeric film using a squeegee with a relatively flexible edge. In yet another embodiment, the step of removing the entrapped air bubbles comprising applying physical force to a top surface of the application film and subsequently applying physical force to a top surface of the polymeric film after removal of the application film.

[00021] According to one aspect of this method, the polymeric film is applied to the surface without touching the adhesive layer of the polymeric film. According to another aspect of this method, the outwardly exposed adhesive layer is essentially smooth. According to yet another aspect of this method, the adhesive layer is essentially free of non-reacted components. According to a further embodiment of such a method, the method further comprises the step of removing the application film from the polymeric film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[00022] FIG. 1 A is a top view of one embodiment of a polymeric film of the present invention, which is configured for dry application to a surface of device.

[00023] FIG. 1 B is a side view of the polymeric film of FIG. 1 A.

[00024] FIG. 2A is a top view of an embodiment of an installation assembly that includes the polymeric film of FIGS. 1 A and 1 B, as well as a release liner, a protective liner, and an application film.

[00025] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the installation assembly of FIG. 2A.

[00026] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the installation assembly of FIG. 2A, taken along reference line A-A.

[00027] FIG. 2D is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the installation assembly of FIG. 2A, taken along a central region of reference line A- A. [00028] FIG. 3 illustrates the installation assembly of FIG. 2A, but wherein the release liner has been partially removed.

[00029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an installation assembly according to the present invention.

[00030] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate steps included within one embodiment of a method for forming the installation assembly of FIGS. 2A-2D.

[00031] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate steps included within one embodiment of a method for installing a polymeric film on a surface of a device using the installation assembly of FIGS. 2A-2D.

[00032] FIG. 7 is one embodiment of an electronic device comprising at least one polymeric film on at least one surface thereof according to the invention.

[00033] FIG. 8A is a top plan view of an exemplary squeegee for application of a polymeric film to a surface of a device according to the invention.

[00034] FIG. 8B is a side plan view of the exemplary squeegee of FIG. 8A.

[00035] FIG. 9 is one embodiment of a release tab in accordance with certain embodiments of installation assemblies of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00036] Assemblies, kits, and methods of the invention are pertinent to application of a variety of polymeric films. For example, polymeric films providing functionality that is protective, decorative, reflective, for privacy, and the like can be effectively applied to one or more surfaces of a device, such as an electronic device, according to the invention. The invention is applicable to any of a number of devices, such as consumer electronic devices. Exemplary consumer electronic devices include personal data assistants, cellular phones, personal computers {e.g., laptop and notebook computers), and similar devices that include a display for viewing data and/or images thereon. According to other embodiments, polymeric films are applied to other types of surfaces, such as crystal faces on watches and other vulnerable surfaces that may benefit, aesthetically or otherwise, from a protective film covering. [00037] A polymeric film of the present invention is configured to adhere to a surface to be protected without the use of a so-called "wet" adhesive. Thus, in various embodiments, an adhesion surface of a polymeric film of the present invention is at least partially coated with an adhesive {e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive). Opposite the adhesion surface, the polymeric film includes an exterior surface that is substantially free of adhesive. In an exemplary

embodiment, a polymeric film is applied to a surface to be protected using a pressure-sensitive adhesive in a "dry install" method, essentially without compromising aesthetics of the surface to which the polymeric film is applied.

[00038] A polymeric film of the present invention may be applied to one or more surfaces of an article, such as a surface on which data or images are visible {e.g., the surface of a monitor or screen). When configured for use over a surface on which data and/or images are to be viewed, a polymeric film of the present invention may be transparent. Polymeric films configured for application to other surfaces, including surfaces through which data and/or images need not be viewed, may be, for example, transparent, translucent, or opaque. In further embodiments, polymeric films of the invention include one or more decorative features that enhance the look of a surface onto which they are to be applied.

[00039] In one embodiment, an installation assembly of the present invention comprises a polymeric film, which polymeric film ultimately serves as a protective film on the surface of a device to be protected, and an application film. The application film is superimposed over an exterior surface of the polymeric film. At least one portion of the application film, each of which is also referred to herein as a "peripheral portion" of the application film, may extend laterally beyond at least one outer edge of the polymeric film. The peripheral portion may be grasped by an individual to enable orientation and application of the polymeric film to a surface that is to be protected, while minimizing or eliminating direct contact by the individual with the polymeric film.

[00040] In a further, more specific embodiment, an installation assembly of the present invention comprises: a polymeric film comprising an adhesion surface and an exterior surface opposite the adhesion surface; a release liner adjacent to the adhesion surface of the polymeric film; an intermediate, protective liner adjacent to the exterior surface of the polymeric film for protecting the polymeric film as it is applied to a surface of a device to be protected; and an application film adjacent to an opposite surface of the protective liner from the polymeric film.

[00041] In an exemplary embodiment, the protective liner, which may be fully superimposed over the polymeric film, has substantially the same lateral dimensions as those of the polymeric film. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective liner is substantially transparent. In some embodiments, the protective liner bears at least one indicium. Indicia on the protective liner can, for example, facilitate alignment of the protective liner and, thus, the polymeric film over a surface of the device. In addition, or as an alternative to facilitating alignment, indicia on the protective liner can also provide basic instructions on applying the polymeric film to the surface of the device.

[00042] While the protective liner may have substantially the same lateral dimensions as the polymeric film, at least one dimension {e.g., length or width) of the application film may exceed at least one corresponding dimension of the protective liner and/or polymeric film. Thus, a portion of the application film (e.g., the "peripheral portion") may extend laterally beyond corresponding edges of the protective liner and/or polymeric film. Each peripheral portion of the application film that extends laterally beyond a corresponding edge of the protective liner and/or polymeric film may be located adjacent to a corresponding portion of the release liner.

[00043] An adhesive {e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) on the adhesion surface of the polymeric film may secure the adhesion surface of the polymeric film to the release liner. An adhesive {e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) on the adhesion surfaces of the protective liner and application film may similarly secure the adhesion surfaces of the protective liner and the application film to exterior surfaces of the polymeric film and the protective liner, respectively. In addition, adhesive on portions of the adhesion surface of the application film extending laterally beyond at least one outer edge of the protective liner and at least one outer edge of the polymeric film may secure those portions of the application film to the release liner.

[00044] Upon removal from a surface or adjacent layer, the adhesion surfaces of each of the polymeric film, the protective liner, and the application film may be configured to leave little or essentially no adhesive residue on a surface to which it was previously secured. Thus, for example, the adhesion surface of the application film may be removed from the exterior surface of the protective liner with little or essentially no adhesive residue remaining on the exterior surface of the protective liner. As another example, the adhesion surface of the protective liner may be similarly removed from the exterior surface of the polymeric film without little or essentially no adhesive residue remaining on the exterior surface of the polymeric film. Still further, the adhesion surface of the polymeric film may be removed from the release liner and/or the surface of a device with little or essentially no adhesive residue remaining on the release liner or the surface of the device thereafter. Such selective adhesion may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, to following :

selecting appropriate adhesive materials; configuring adhesion surfaces of the polymeric film, the protective liner, and the application film to retain the adhesive better (e.g., with surface roughness or other characteristics) on the respective polymeric film, the protective liner, and/or the application film than on the surfaces to which these elements are applied; selecting appropriate methods for adhering adhesive materials to their respective adhesion surfaces; and, using other suitable configurations.

[00045] According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesive material on the adhesion surface of the polymeric film has greater adhesive strength than the adhesive material on the adhesion surface of the protective liner. According to another aspect of the invention, the adhesive material on the adhesion surface of the protective liner has greater adhesive strength than the adhesive material on the adhesion surface of the application film.

[00046] In addition to the foregoing, further embodiments of installation assemblies having protective liners that are fully superimposed over and have substantially the same lateral dimensions as adjacent polymeric films. While each of the release liner and the protective liner is optional, certain embodiments of installation assemblies may include the release liner, but lack the protective liner, and vice versa.

[00047] When present, protective liners may additionally include removal tabs according to further embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, a removal tab comprises a film with an adhesion surface that is at least partially coated with an adhesive material. The adhesive material on the adhesion surface of a removal tab may adhere to the exterior surface of the protective liner with greater strength than strength of the adhesive that secures the protective liner to the polymeric film. In further embodiments, the removal tab is initially separated from the remainder of the assembly, with a release liner covering the adhesion surface of the removal tab.

[00048] An installation assembly of the present invention may be formed under conditions that minimize or eliminate the presence of contaminants therein. For example, contaminants can be minimized or eliminated on the adhesion surface of the polymeric film, in the adhesive material adjacent the adhesion surface of the polymeric film, and between the adhesion layer of the polymeric film and a surface protected by the polymeric film. For example, some or all of the installation assembly is formed in a clean room environment, which may limit the number of contaminants present on the adhesion surface of the polymeric film or within the adhesive material carried by the polymeric film.

[00049] The present invention also includes embodiments of methods for protecting a surface of a device, such as a surface of an electronic device.

According to one embodiment of such methods, an installation assembly comprising a peripheral portion of the application film laterally extending beyond at least one outer edge of the polymeric film is positioned over the surface that is to be protected such that the outer edge of the polymeric film is aligned over a corresponding feature {e.g., an edge of the surface) of the device. The exposed adhesion surface of that peripheral portion of the application film may then be secured to the surface of the device, and pressure may be applied to portions of the application film superimposed over the polymeric film to secure the polymeric film to the surface of the device. Pressure may be applied along a pressure front that extends across an entire dimension (e.g., length or width) of the polymeric film and moves from one edge of the polymeric film to the other. The pressure front may be moved in any direction that extends from the portion of the application film initially secured to the device. Movement of the pressure front may be continuous or discontinuous. In one embodiment, such a pressure front is created using a rigid edge of a squeegee.

[00050] In certain embodiments, where the installation assembly lacks a protective liner, further pressure fronts may be applied to the application film from somewhat central locations over the polymeric film and moving over peripheral portions of the application film, toward and over outer edges of the polymeric film. The application of one or more pressure fronts in this manner removes air pockets, or bubbles, from between the polymeric film and the surface to which the polymeric film has been secured. In one embodiment, a flexible edge of a squeegee is used to remove air pockets, or bubbles, from between the polymeric film and the surface to which the polymeric film has been applied, minimizing damage to the polymeric film.

[00051 ] In other embodiments, where the installation assembly includes a protective liner, the application film may be removed from the exterior surface of the protective liner after creating and moving the initial pressure front. Further pressure fronts, for example, those originating at somewhat central locations over the polymeric film and moving toward and over edges of the polymeric film may then be applied to the protective liner to remove air pockets, or bubbles, from between the polymeric film and the surface to which the polymeric film has been applied. In a specific embodiment, a rigid edge and/or a flexible edge of a squeegee may be used to apply pressure fronts to the protective liner in this manner. Once substantially all air pockets, or bubbles, have been removed from between the polymeric film and the surface on which it is applied, the protective liner can be removed from the polymeric film. In embodiments where the protective liner has substantially the same lateral dimensions as the polymeric film, a removal tab may be applied over an outer edge of the protective liner, secured to the protective liner, and pulled away from the device to enable removal {e.g., peeling away) of the protective liner from the polymeric film. Any remaining air pockets, or bubbles, if present, may diminish over time as the polymeric film relaxes to substantially assume its original dimensions.

[00052] FIGS. 1 A and 1 B illustrate one embodiment of a polymeric film 30 according to the present invention. The polymeric film 30 includes a substantially planar member with an exterior surface 32 and an opposite adhesion surface 34 configured to be secured to a surface of a device. The adhesion surface 34 carries an adhesive material 36, which enables the polymeric film 30 to be secured to the surface of the device by a "dry install" method of the invention, which advantageously does not require the use of any "wet" chemicals.

[00053] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, an embodiment of an installation assembly 10 is depicted that comprises the polymeric film 30 of FIGS. 1 A-1 B. In addition, the installation assembly 10 comprises an optional release liner 20, an optional protective liner 40, and an application film 50. In sequence from an adhesion surface 14 of the installation assembly 10 to an opposite application surface 12, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, the installation assembly 10 includes the release liner 20, the polymeric film 30, the protective liner 40, and the application film 50. More specifically, adhesion surfaces 34, 44, and 54 of the polymeric film 30, the protective liner 40, and the application film 50, respectively, are secured, in sequence, by adhesive materials 36, 46, and 56 to an internal surface 22 of the release liner 20 and to exterior surfaces 32 and 42 of the polymeric film 30 and the protective liner 40, respectively.

[00054] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, the protective liner 40 is completely superimposed over the polymeric film 30 and has the same lateral dimensions or substantially the same lateral dimensions (i.e., within acceptable tolerances, with the exception of any protruding edges or tabs that facilitate removal of the protective liner 40 from the polymeric film 30) as the polymeric film 30. The application film 50, in contrast, has at least one lateral dimension that exceeds a corresponding lateral dimension of each of the protective liner 40 and the polymeric film 30. Thus, the application film 50 includes at least one peripheral portion 51 that extends laterally beyond corresponding outer edges 41 and 31 of the protective liner 40 and the polymeric film 30, respectively. In the depicted embodiment, peripheral portions 51 of the application film 50 extend laterally beyond each of the outer edges 41 of the protective liner 40 and beyond each of the outer edges 31 of the polymeric film 30. The release liner 20 may have the same lateral dimensions or substantially the same lateral dimensions (i.e., within acceptable tolerances, with the exception of any protruding edges or tabs that facilitate removal of the protective liner 40 from the polymeric film 30) as the application film 50.

[00055] In such an embodiment, peripheral portions 55 of the adhesion surface 54 of the application film 50 are exposed laterally beyond outer edges 41 , 31 of the protective liner 40 and the polymeric film 30, respectively. Thus, when the installation assembly 1 0 is assembled, peripheral portions 55 of the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 and peripheral portions 51 of the application film 50 exposed laterally beyond the polymeric film 30 are secured to the interior surface 22 of the release liner 20. This arrangement protects the adhesive material 36 on the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 during manufacture (e.g., as installation assemblies 1 0 are die cut), packaging, and storage of the installation assembly 1 0.

[00056] As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the release liner 20 of the installation assembly 1 0 comprises a thin, flexible, substantially planar element with an interior surface 22 and an opposite exterior surface 24. The exterior surface 24 is configured to be located at the adhesion surface 14 of the installation assembly 1 0, while the interior surface 22 is configured to temporarily adhere to the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 and to peripheral portions 55 of the adhesion surface 54 of the application film 50. It is to be understood, however, that the release liner 20 is optional.

[00057] The protective liner 40 includes an adhesion surface 44, which carries adhesive material 46 and is configured to be temporarily secured to the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30. The protective liner 40 is configured to prevent damage to the polymeric film 30 as the polymeric film 30 is secured to the surface of a device. In some embodiments, including those where the polymeric film 30 comprises a transparent element for protecting the surface of a monitor, or screen, of the device, the protective liner 40 may be configured to preserve the optical properties of the polymeric film 30 during application of the polymeric film 30 to the surface of the monitor, or screen.

[00058] Although optional, when used, the protective liner 40 may comprise a material that facilitates a differential release between the application film 50 and the polymeric film 30. The inclusion of a protective liner 40 may be desirable when adhesion between the application film 50 and the polymeric film 30 is stronger than adhesion between the polymeric film 30 and the surface on which it is applied.

[00059] The adhesive material 46, when carried by the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 and secured to the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30, may have an adhesive strength sufficient to enable the protective liner 40 to remain in place on the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30 as the application film 50 is removed from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40. The adhesive strength of the adhesive material 46 on the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 may also enable removal of the protective liner 40 from the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30 without overcoming the adhesive strength with which the adhesive material 36 on the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 secures the polymeric film 30 to a surface of a device. Thus, the protective liner 40 may be removed from the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30 without pulling the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 from the surface of the device. In some embodiments, one or more of the adhesive material 46, the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40, and the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30 may be configured to enable removal of the protective liner 40 from the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30 while leaving little or no residue of adhesive material 46 on the exterior surface 32. [00060] The application film 50 includes an adhesion surface 54, which carries adhesive material 56 and is configured to be temporarily secured to the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40. The application film 50 is configured to facilitate alignment of the polymeric film 30 over a surface of an electronic device and to facilitate preliminary or initial adhesion of the polymeric film 30 to the surface of the electronic device. In this regard, the application film 50 may comprise a relatively thin, flexible film of somewhat transparent material.

[00061] The adhesive material 56 on the application film 50, when carried by the adhesion surface 54 of the application film 50 and adhered to the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40, may have an adhesive strength enabling the application film 50 to be removed from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 without overcoming the adhesive strength with which the adhesive material 46 on the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 is secured to the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30. Thus, the application film 50 may be removed from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 without removing the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 from the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30. The adhesive material 56, the adhesion surface 54 of the application film 50, the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40, the material from which the protective liner 40 is formed, or any combination of these features, may be configured to enable removal of the application film 50 from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 while leaving little or no residue of adhesive material 56 on the exterior surface 42.

[00062] As shown in FIG. 3, in which the release liner 20 has been partially peeled away from the remainder of the installation assembly 10, the protective liner 40 includes indicia 47, which may be visible from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40. The indicia 47 may include one or more alignment features 48, one or more instructional features 49, or any other features that may facilitate or enable proper application of the polymeric film 30 to the surface of a device. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicia 47 include both an alignment feature 48 and instructional features 49a, 49b, 49c, and 49d (collectively, instructional features 49). More specifically, the illustrated alignment feature 48 facilitates positioning of a bottom edge of the protective liner 40 and the adjacent polymeric film 30 against a bottom edge of a surface of a monitor of an electronic device to which the polymeric film 30 is to be secured, while the instructional features 49 include numbers 49a identifying the order in which various acts are to be carried out, or effected, as well as textual indicators 49b and 49c and graphical indicators 49d describing the acts that are to be performed. In some embodiments, the indicia 47 may be the same color as any underlying elements, which may reduce the visibility of the indicia 47 prior to using the installation assembly 10 to secure the polymeric film 30 to the surface of a device. In other embodiments, indicia may be included on the application film of an installation assembly that incorporates teachings of the present invention.

[00063] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of installation assembly 10^' that lacks a protective liner 40 (such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-2D). In such an embodiment, the adhesive material 56 on the adhesion surface 54 of the application film 50 secures the application film 50 directly to the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30. A release liner 20 covers the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30, as well as peripheral portions 55 of the adhesion surface 54 that are located laterally beyond outer edges 31 of the polymeric film 30. Regardless of whether an installation assembly 10 includes a protective liner 40, the application film 50 protects the polymeric film 30 during handling, storage, shipping, as well as when the polymeric film 30 is applied to a surface that is to be protected.

[00064] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate steps included within one embodiment of a method for forming the installation assembly 10 of FIGS. 2A-2D. Separate rolls (not shown) of a release film 20^', a polymeric film 30^', a protective liner 40^', and an application film 50^' may be provided. Each of the polymeric film 30^', the protective liner 40^', and the application film 50^' may include an adhesion surface 34, 44, and 54, respectively, onto which an adhesive material 36, 46, and 56, respectively, has been applied.

[00065] The release film 20^' and the polymeric film 30^' may be formed in environments {e.g., in a clean room environment, such as an ISO class 5 clean room or in a cleaner environment, such as an ISO class 1 clean room), which are free of contaminants {e.g., dust and other particles). In other embodiments, an interior surface 22 of the release film 20^' and an adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30^' may be cleaned to remove any contaminants before an adhesive material 36 is applied to the adhesion surface 34 and secures the interior surface 22 to the adhesion surface 34.

[00066] The adhesive material 36 may also be manufactured in an environment that is free of contaminants, or it may be filtered to remove contaminants. The adhesive material 36 may then be applied to the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30^' in a contaminant-free environment. In specific embodiments, each cubic meter of adhesive material 36 may include, on average, no more than 10⁵ (i.e., 100,000) contaminant particles having dimensions larger than 0.1 μιτι; fewer, on average, than 30 contaminant particles having dimensions larger than 5 μιτι; on average, no more than ten (10) contaminant particles having dimensions larger than 0.1 μιτι; or no more than an average of two contaminant particles having dimensions larger than 0.2 μιη. In some embodiments, one or both of the protective liner 40^' and the application film 50^' may also be contaminant-free.

[00067] Indicia 47 may be printed on an exterior surface 42^' of the protective liner 40^' in a suitable manner, such as that shown by FIG. 5A. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the adhesion surface 44^' of a protective liner 40^' from which the protective liner 40 of the installation assembly 10 is formed is brought into contact with, or at least in close proximity to, an exterior surface 32^' of the polymeric film 30^', from which the polymeric film 30 and, ultimately, a protective liner 40 are formed. As the adhesion surface 44^' of the protective liner 40^' and the exterior surface 32^' of the polymeric film 30^' are brought together, the protective liner 40 and the polymeric film 30 are adhered as shown in FIGS. 5C- 5D.

[00068] One or more laminates comprising the polymeric film 30 and the protective liner 40 may be defined from the laminate of the polymeric film 30^' and the protective liner 40^', such as that illustrated in FIG. 5C. Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the laminate of the polymeric film 30^' and the protective liner 40^' may be die cut, with the resulting polymeric film 30 (and protective liner 40) having a desired configuration (e.g., a shape that is designed to protect a surface of a particular device.)

[00069] As shown in FIG. 5D, each laminate of the polymeric film 30 and the protective liner 40 may be disposed between an interior surface 22^' of the release film 20^' and an opposed adhesive 56-coated adhesion surface 54^' of the application film 50^'. As pressure is applied to opposite exterior surfaces 24^' and 52^' of the release film 20^' and the application film 50^', respectively, adhesive material 56 on the adhesion surface 54^' of the application film 50^' secures the adhesion surface to the exterior surface 42 of each protective liner 40 and to portions of the interior surface 22^' of the release film 20^' located laterally beyond the outer edges 31 and 41 of the polymeric film 30 and the protective liner 40, respectively. Thus, each laminate of the polymeric film 30 and the protective liner 40 is captured and secured in place between the release film 20^' and the application film 50^'. Thereafter, the release film 20^' and the application film 50^' may be cut {e.g., die cut, etc.) to respectively define the release liner 20 and the application film 50 of each installation assembly 10.

[00070] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6F, an embodiment of a method for protecting a surface 1 10 of an electronic device 100 is explained. In FIG. 6A, the release liner 20 is removed from the peripheral portions 55 (as shown in FIG. 2C) of the adhesion surface 54 of the application film 50 of an installation

assembly 10, and from the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 of the installation assembly 10 (as shown in FIG. 2C).

[00071] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, indicia 47 (as shown in FIG. 5A) may provide instructions on application of the polymeric film 30 to the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100. Next, as also shown in FIG. 6B, an outer edge 31 of the polymeric film 30 may be aligned with a corresponding feature {e.g., an edge of a surface 1 10, such as the edge of a monitor) on the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100. With the polymeric film 30 properly aligned, a peripheral portion 51 of the application film 50, which peripheral portion 51 is located laterally adjacent to the outer edge 31 of the polymeric film 30, may be secured to a corresponding location 1 12 (e.g., a bottom edge of the electronic device 100) adjacent to the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100.

[00072] As depicted by FIGS. 6C-6D, a pressure front 150 {e.g., having a pressure of about 360 g/cm²) may be established at or just outside of the outer edge 31 of the polymeric film 30. In the depicted embodiment, the pressure front 150 is substantially linear, although the application of pressure fronts of other configurations {e.g., curved pressure fronts or chevron pressure fronts) are also within the scope of the present invention. The pressure front 150 may have a width that is substantially the same as or exceeds a corresponding dimension of the polymeric film 30. The pressure front 150 may be established by positioning an edge 210 of a pressure application element 200, such as the depicted squeegee, against the exterior surface 52 of the application film 50 at its peripheral portion 51 . Once the pressure front 150 has been established, the pressure application element 200 may be moved in a direction 160 transverse to an orientation of the pressure front 150 {i.e., such that during linear movement, the pressure front 150 will completely cross a corresponding dimension of the polymeric film 30). The pressure applied at the pressure front 150 may be constant or substantially constant (i.e., sufficient to force the adhesive 36 on the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 against the surface 1 10 of the device). Movement of the pressure front 150 may be continuous or substantially continuous (i.e., varied rate of movement, but without stopping until the pressure front 150 has moved completely across the polymeric film 30). Such action may adhere the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 to the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100 while removing air gaps, or bubbles, from between a central region 33 of the polymeric film 30 and the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100.

[00073] With the polymeric film 30 at least partially secured to the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100, the application film 50 may be removed from over the polymeric film 30 by pulling in direction 161 , as shown in FIG. 6E. [00074] FIG. 6F illustrates an embodiment of the manner in which any air gaps, or bubbles, between the polymeric film 30 and the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100 to which the polymeric film 30 has been applied may be removed from locations that are adjacent to one or more outer edges 31 of the polymeric film 30. In particular, one or more pressure fronts 170a, 170b, etc., may be applied over the polymeric film 30 at locations between the central region 33 of the polymeric film 30 and outer edges 31 of the polymeric film 30. The pressure fronts 170a, 170b, etc., may be oriented parallel to or substantially parallel to corresponding outer edges 31 of the polymeric film 30 over which the pressure fronts 170a, 170b, etc., will move. Once established, each pressure front 170a, 170b, etc., may move in a direction 180a, 180b, etc., which extends from an initial position over the central region of the polymeric film 30 to a terminal position over or outside of its corresponding outer edge 31 .

[00075] In embodiments where the installation assembly 10 includes a protective liner 40, the pressure fronts 170a, 170b, etc., may be applied after the application film 50 has been removed, in which case they may be applied directly to and move over the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40. Alternatively, the pressure fronts 170a, 170b, etc., may be applied to the exterior surface 52 of the application film 50 prior to its removal from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40.

[00076] In embodiments where an installation assembly 10 lacks a protective liner 40 (such as that illustrated in FIG. 2B), the pressure fronts 170a, 170b, etc., may be applied to the exterior surface 52 of the application film 50 prior to its removal from the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30.

[00077] Once all or substantially all of the air gaps, or bubbles, have been removed from between the polymeric film 30 and the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100, the protective liner 40, if any, may be removed from the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 32. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6G, removal of the protective liner 40 may be effected with a release tab 70 as further described below with reference to FIG. 9. [00078] A release tab 70 is shown in FIG. 9. During use, a backing 78 may be removed from the adhesion surface 74 of the release tab 70 to expose the adhesive material 76 on the adhesion surface 74. With the adhesive material 76 exposed, the release tab 70 may be positioned over the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 at or near an outer edge 41 of the protective liner 40, and then secured to the exterior surface 42 by applying pressure sufficient to the application surface 72 of the release tab 70. The release tab 70 may then be grasped and pulled away from the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100, which also overcomes the strength with which the adhesive 46 on the protective liner 40 secures the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 to the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30. Thus, as the release tab 70 is pulled away from the surface 1 10 of the electronic device 100, it pulls the protective liner 40 with it, removing the protective liner 40 from the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30.

[00079] The adhesive material 76 of the release tab 70 may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or include a pressure-sensitive component, that will secure the release tab 70 to the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 when the adhesion surface 74 of the release tab 70 is positioned against the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 and sufficient pressure is applied to the application surface 72 of the release tab 70. As the release tab 70 is configured to enable removal of the protective liner 40 from the polymeric film 30, one or more of the adhesive material 76, the adhesion surface 74 by which the adhesive material 76 is carried, and the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 may be configured to effectively impart the adhesive material 76 with an adhesion strength that exceeds the strength with which the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 is secured to the exterior surface 32 of the polymeric film 30. Conversely, the strength with which the adhesive material 76 secures the adhesion surface 74 of the release tab 70 to the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 may be insufficient to overcome the strength with which the adhesive material 36 on the adhesion surface 34 of the polymeric film 30 secures the polymeric film 30 to a surface of an electronic device. Thus, the release tab 70 may enable removal of the protective liner 40 from the polymeric film 30 without enabling removal of the polymeric film 30 from the surface of the electronic device.

[00080] An embodiment of the protected electronic device 100^' is shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, electronic device 100^' includes a surface 1 10 that is covered by a polymeric film 130. The polymeric film 130 has been secured to the surface 1 10 using a dry install process, which eliminates the need for wet adhesives that may otherwise any warranty covering the electronic device 100^'. In the depicted embodiment, the polymeric film 130 substantially covers a surface 1 10 through which a monitor 1 14 of the electronic device 100^' is visible. The transparency of polymeric film 130 and the adhesive material 36 that secures the same to the surface, the lack of any contaminants within the adhesive material 36 or otherwise between the polymeric film 130 and the surface 1 10, the absence of any imperfections in the protective liner 1 10 from the installation process, and the lack of any air voids, or bubbles, between the polymeric film 130 and the surface 1 10 optimize the aesthetics of the polymeric film 130 and enable distortion-free viewing of the monitor 1 14.

[00081] In the event that, with repeated use of the electronic device 100^', one or more edges 131 of the polymeric film 130 peel away from the surface 100, the polymeric film 130 is scratched, or the polymeric film 130 otherwise gains an undesirable appearance, it may be peeled from the surface 100 and replaced with another polymeric film 130.

[00082] Other surfaces of the electronic device 100 may be covered with transparent, translucent, and/or opaque polymeric films in a manner consistent with teachings of the present invention.

[00083] A kit of the present invention may include at least one installation assembly, a tool for applying a pressure front across the polymeric film of each installation assembly, and instructions for applying the polymeric film to a surface of a device, such as an electronic device. In one embodiment, the pressure front application tool of such a kit comprises a squeegee. In some embodiments, the squeegee comprises both a rigid edge and a flexible edge. The rigid edge may be configured for initial application of the polymeric film to the surface of the electronic device, while the flexible edge may be configured to enable the removal of air pockets, or bubbles, from between the polymeric film and the device after removal of the application film from the polymeric film. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the squeegee 200 comprises both a relatively rigid edge 202 and a relatively flexible edge 204 for such dual use in removing entrapped air bubbles.

[00084] According to another aspect, the present invention includes devices, such as electronic devices, with one or more surfaces covered with a polymeric film. According to a further aspect, the polymeric film comprises a "dry install" polymeric film with essentially no visible {e.g., visible to the naked eye, without image enhancement) air pockets, or bubbles, between the polymeric film and the device. According to yet a further aspect, the polymeric film comprises one having been applied by a method that will not void any warranty covering the device.

[00085] In an exemplary embodiment, a protective polymeric film is applied to at least one surface of an electronic device according to the invention. Any suitable protective polymeric film can be applied as such. The polymeric film may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The exterior surface of the polymeric film may be configured with a finish that appears (to the so-called "naked eye", without image enhancement) to be smooth (e.g., glossy), to have a matte finish, or to have any other desired texture. The exterior surface of the polymeric film may include features that provide privacy {e.g., only allow images to be viewed through the polymeric film within a narrow range of angles around 90°). The exterior surface may be reflective when viewed at certain angles. In some embodiments, the polymeric film may include decorative features.

[00086] In some embodiments, the polymeric film may include one or more layers. The material and thickness of each layer may be tailored to provide the polymeric film with desired characteristics, or properties, as understood by those of skill in the art. [00087] The polymeric film comprises any suitable chemistry. Suitable base polymers include, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polypropylene, polyester, poly(meth)acrylate, polyethylene, polyurethane, one of a number of rubbery resins (e.g., silicone elastomers), and combinations thereof. Preferably, when the surface on which it is applied is a display, the polymeric film is translucent and more preferably, transparent.

[00088] A number of polyurethane films are known to provide a particularly desirable combination of protective and optical properties. For simplicity, the term "polyurethane" as used herein includes polymers containing urethane (also known as carbamate) linkages and, optionally, urea (also known as carbamide) linkages (i.e., in the case of poly(urethane-urea)s). Thus, polyurethanes are understood herein to contain at least urethane linkages and, optionally, urea linkages. In one embodiment, polyurethane-based layers are based on polyurethanes where the backbone has at least about 80% urethane and/or urea repeat linkages formed during their polymerization. Polyurethane chemistry is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[00089] Many commercially available polyurethanes are available and suitable for use as polymeric films according to the present invention.

Commercial vendors include Huntsman Corporation of Auburn Hills, Ml (which sells polyurethanes under the KRYSTALFLEX trade designation); Bayer

MaterialScience LLC of Pittsburgh, PA (which sells polyurethanes under the DURAFLEX trade designation) ; Argotec; American Polyfilm Inc. of Branford, CT; Stevens Urethane of Easthampton, MA; and others. For example, polyurethanes are available from Thermedics (Noveon, Inc.) of Wilmington, MA, under the TECOFLEX trade designation (e.g., CLA-93AV) and from Bayer MaterialScience LLC of Pittsburgh, PA, under the TEXIN trade designation (e.g., an aliphatic ester-based polyurethane suitable as a base polymer for polymeric films of the invention is available under the trade designation, TEXIN DP7-3008). Stevens Urethane of Easthampton, MA, as another example, markets such polyurethane films as extrudable aliphatic polyurethanes designated SS-1 21 9-92 and SS- 221 9-92. [00090] The thickness of the polymeric film and each individual layer therein can vary as known to those skilled in the art. When multiple layers form the polymeric film, each of the individual layers can be the same or different chemistries.

[00091] According to one aspect of the invention, the polymeric film comprises an adhesive layer on one outwardly exposed surface thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive layer comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive. According to another embodiment, the adhesive layer comprises a heat-activated adhesive.

[00092] While any suitable chemistry can be used for the base polymer in the adhesive layer, (meth)acrylate - i.e., acrylate and/or methacrylate - chemistry is preferred. However, other suitable chemistries are known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, those based on synthetic and natural rubbers, polybutadiene and copolymers thereof, polyisoprene or copolymers thereof, and silicones {e.g., polydimethylsiloxane and polymethylphenylsiloxane). In particular, an adhesive based on 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, and acrylic acid monomers polymerized as known to those skilled in the art was found useful in one embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive comprises that available from entrochem, inc. of Columbus, Ohio, under the "entrochem eca-340" trade designation.

[00093] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer has a thickness of about 5 microns to about 150 microns. In a further embodiment, the adhesive layer has a thickness of about 30 microns to about 100 microns. However, the thickness of the adhesive layer can vary substantially without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00094] Any suitable additives can be present in the polymeric film and individual layers thereof as known to those skilled in the art and based on the intended application. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer is crosslinked, for example, using conventional aluminum or melamine crosslinkers. Those skilled in the art are readily able to determine the amount of such additives to use for the desired effect. [00095] In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive layer is essentially free of components that may tend to migrate to the outer surfaces thereof, where such components may promote delamination of the adhesive layer and polymeric film or otherwise detrimentally affect desired adherence of the polymeric film to the device or optical clarity thereof. Similarly, in order to optimize optical clarity of the applied polymeric film, it is preferred that the adhesive layer contains fewer residuals (i.e., reactive components, such as monomers, that remain unreacted in the reaction product) than the number of residuals in conventional adhesives having a similar chemistry. In one embodiment, the adhesive is essentially free of non-reacted components.

[00096] The polymeric film is prepared according to any suitable method and as known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, in order to optimize optical clarity, the outwardly exposed adhesive layer of the polymeric film is essentially smooth. Until its application on a surface, the adhesive layer can be protected using, for example, a conventional release liner. As such, the polymeric film can be stored and shipped easily until its application. In a specific embodiment, the release liner comprises paper or a paper-like material (e.g., a sheet formed at least partially from polymer fibers). An interior surface of the release liner may have a smoothness that minimizes any adhesive material residue thereon upon removal of the interior surface of the release liner from an adhesion surface of the polymeric film. In some embodiments, such smoothness may be achieved by way of a polymer coating on the interior surface of the release liner.

[00097] To apply the polymeric film to an article's surface, an application film is adhered to the polymeric film on a side opposite that of the adhesive layer. The application film comprises any suitable material. For ease of application, it is preferred that the application film comprises an essentially transparent material. In order to effectively adhere the application film to the polymeric film, it is preferred that the application film comprises an adhesive on at least one side thereof. Any suitable adhesive can be used as such, but it is preferred for removability of the application film from the polymeric film after application that the adhesive comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In an exemplary embodiment, the application film comprises an adhesive available from entrotech, inc. of Columbus, Ohio, under the "entrofilm" trade designation.

[00098] Preferably, the application film laterally extends from the polymeric film, at one or more locations, for handling of the assembly by grasping the application film without touching the polymeric film. As such, the application film provides a rigid structure for handling the polymeric film and positioning it on an article's surface without requiring that the polymeric film itself be touched by one applying the polymeric film. In addition, the application film provides structural support for the polymeric film, minimizing undesirable physical alteration of the polymeric film's shape during application of physical force to bleed air entrapped between the polymeric film and a surface on which it is applied.

[00099] Preferably, a protective liner is adhered between the application film and the polymeric film. When used, the protective liner has any suitable dimensions. In an exemplary embodiment, length and width of the protective liner approximate the same dimensions of the polymeric film. In this

embodiment, at least one of the length and/or width of the application film extends beyond the same dimension of the protective liner so that the application film can be grasped without contacting the protective liner and/or polymeric film.

[000100] In some embodiments, the protective liner may have a thickness that absorbs and, optionally, distributes potentially damaging forces that may be applied to secure the polymeric film to the surface of an electronic device.

Alternatively, or in addition, the protective liner may be formed from a material with a hardness that will absorb and/or distribute forces that may be applied to secure the polymeric film to the surface of the electronic device, but which could otherwise damage the polymeric film.

[000101] Use of a protective liner can provide additional protection of the polymeric film during application of the polymeric film to an electronic device, particularly when using a squeegee to remove entrapped air bubbles at the film/device interface. Further, the protective liner can help minimize transfer of any pattern imparted by the application film to the polymeric film, especially when the protective liner adjacent the polymeric film comprises a smooth surface. The protective liner is adhered between the application film and the polymeric film using any suitable method. For example, the protective liner can be adhered using thermal and/or adhesive bonding techniques. For ease of application, it is preferred that the protective liner comprises an essentially transparent material. Exemplary materials for the protective liner comprise polyester and

polypropylene, which films are commercially available from such vendors as Dupont (Wilmington, DE) and ExxonMobil (Irving, TX). In some embodiments, the protective liner may comprise a rigid, but flexible, polymeric film. The use of a material that is harder than the material of the polymeric film (e.g., harder than a Shore A hardness of about 90) may provide a desired balance of adhesion between adjacent layers of the installation assembly.

[000102] Although optional, when used, the protective liner comprises any suitable material for providing a differential release between the application film and the polymeric film. Use of a protective liner is especially desirable when adhesion between the application film and the polymeric film is a higher force than adhesion between the polymeric film and the surface on which it is applied. In general, when a harder polymeric film is used, release benefits obtainable when using a protective liner become less pronounced as one can more readily obtain desired release of the application film from such harder materials without use of a protective liner. In an exemplary embodiment, however, a polymeric film having a Shore A Hardness of about 90 is used with a protective liner to facilitate a desired balance of adhesion between layers.

[000103] The application film and protective liner, if present, are adhered to the polymeric film to provide an assembly for application of the polymeric film to at least one surface of an electronic device. The assembly can be shipped and stored as such until its desired application. Advantageously, when included within such an assembly, the polymeric film has enhanced protection from damage during shipping and storage before its application to a surface.

[000104] Assemblies of the invention comprise the polymeric film and an application film for application of the polymeric film to at least one surface of an electronic device. In such assemblies, the polymeric film is shaped as desired and such that it is compatible with the surface of the electronic device to which it is to be applied. For example, one assembly comprises that for application to Apple Inc.'s "iPhone 3G."

[000105] After application of the polymeric film, the application film and protective liner are removed from the polymeric film. The application film and protective liner can be removed using any suitable method. In an exemplary embodiment, the application film and protective liner are easily removed simultaneously by gently pulling upward on the application film from the surface of the article. In another exemplary embodiment, the application film and protective liner are removed consecutively.

[000106] According to a further embodiment, a pull tab is used to remove the protective liner from the polymeric film. For example, such a pull tab can be placed on one or more corners of the protective liner. By pulling up on the pull tab, the protective liner can be easily removed from the polymeric film on the device as adhesion of the pull tab to the protective liner is stronger than adhesion between the protective liner and the polymeric film. The pull tab comprises any suitable material, including for example, the same materials useful for the polymeric film and can be adhered using any suitable material, including for example, the same materials useful for forming the adhesive layer between the polymeric film and the device on which it is applied.

[000107] Assemblies of the invention can be provided with a squeegee as a kit for application of the polymeric film to at least one surface of an electronic device. Preferably, assemblies of the invention are applied to at least one surface of an article by positioning of the assembly on the surface without touching the polymeric film. Advantageously properties of the polymeric film are maintained during application by handling only the application film, without touching the adhesive layer of the polymeric film. By eliminating handling of the polymeric film itself, dirt, fingerprints, and other contaminants that negatively affect optical clarity of the applied film.

[000108] After the assembly is initially adhered to the surface, an edge of a squeegee or similar tool is preferably used to apply physical force to a top surface of the application film in order to eliminate air bubbles entrapped between the polymeric film and the underlying surface. Air bubbles are removed using such a tool according to methodology utilized to remove entrapped air bubbles when first wetting the surface with a liquid solution as conventionally known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the squeegee or other tool is configured so that width of the edge used to apply the physical force meets or exceeds, preferably exceeds, width of the polymeric film in order to facilitate application of equal pressure across the polymeric film to efficiently remove entrapped air bubbles.

[000109] In one embodiment, a relatively rigid edge of a squeegee is used to apply physical force to the application film when eliminating entrapped air bubbles. Relatively rigid edges on squeegees of the invention comprise any suitable material that essentially does not flex in response to pressure applied during typical application of a polymeric film according to the invention (i.e., a pressure of about 360 grams/cm²). Exemplary materials comprise metal, ceramic, and polymeric materials, including thermoset and thermoplastic polymeric materials (e.g., nylon).

[000110] Once air bubbles have been effectively eliminated as such, the application film and, optionally, the protective liner are removed from the polymeric film. In a further embodiment, a relatively flexible edge of a squeegee is used to apply physical force to the protective liner overlying the polymeric film after removal of the application film in order to eliminate any remaining entrapped air bubbles (e.g., those on an outer perimeter of the applied polymeric film) that may exist. Relatively flexible edges of squeegees of the invention comprise any suitable material that will not significantly damage (e.g., mar, scratch, or physically deform) the polymeric film. Exemplary materials include lubricated elastomers such as polychloroprene sold by DuPont Performance Elastomers (Wilmington, DE) under the NEOPRENE trade designation.

[000111 ] According to one aspect of kits of the invention, an assembly is provided with a squeegee for application of a polymeric film to an article's surface. In one embodiment, the squeegee comprises both a rigid edge and a flexible edge for such dual use in removing entrapped air bubbles. To form such a squeegee, for example, an elastomer can be co-molded to a portion of a nylon squeegee.

[000112] Advantageously, methods of the present invention - "dry install" methods - allow one to use the same polymeric film and adhesives used with conventional wet install methods, but without detriments associated with such wet install methods. For example, a consistent level of adhesion between the polymeric film and the device throughout life of the product is obtainable using the present "dry install" method. Further, polymeric films applied as such have less susceptibility to softening during aging after application.

[000113] The ultimate consumer advantage, however, is the instant clarity and appealing aesthetics observed once the "dry install" method is complete. Generally, there is no cloudy appearance that the consumer has to hope goes away with time {e.g., 48-72 hours). This clarity is due, in part, to a reduction in possible fingerprints on the adhesive layer, which improvement is facilitated by configuration of assemblies of the invention where the application film is handled during application of the polymeric film instead of one having to handle the polymeric film and adhesive thereon directly. In contrast, according to

conventional application methods, the polymeric film itself must be handled directly by a consumer installing the film on a device, which handling leads to fingerprints - particularly on the adhesive, if the consumer touches the adhesive- containing side of the polymeric film (which is very difficult to avoid). While use of a wet application solution in conjunction with polymeric film installation can help reduce lasting impressions of such fingerprints, there are disadvantages with wet install methods as discussed above.

[000114] In today's "what have for you done for me now" world, consumers are looking for an immediate satisfaction. Not to mention, when a consumer purchases a product and installs it, the consumer's first impression of its quality is generally going to be its most lasting impression. A consumer's immediate response to a product just purchased and tested will more often than not determine the consumer's overall level of satisfaction and success of the product in the marketplace. With "dry install" methods according to the present invention, what a consumer sees immediately upon application of the assembly is generally appealing. While clarity and aesthetics may improve slightly with time, if installed properly according to methods of the invention, a consumer is able to have confidence that their purchase was the right choice.

[000115] Exemplary embodiments and applications of the invention are described in the following non-limiting examples.

[000116] Example 1 : Assembly Application

[000117] The following instructions pertain to application of an assembly of the invention to a surface of a consumer electronic device.

[000118] Step 1 : Wash hands and then clean the surface of the device to remove smudges, particles, and skin oils. Set the device on a clean, stable surface.

[000119] Step 2: Carefully peel the release liner from the adhesive on the polymeric film without touching the adhesive.

[000120] Step 3: Secure the top portion of the application film to the top of the device. Make sure the polymeric film is centered and aligned properly while the application film is being applied. Optional die cut holes can assist in aligning the polymeric film with any buttons, speakers, and the like on the surface of the phone.

[000121] Step 4: In one fluid movement, slowly apply firm, steady pressure using the squeegee directed from one side of the device to the other side, adhering the polymeric film to the device. Hold the film away from the screen of the device until it is applied by the squeegee.

[000122] Step 5: Slowly peel back the application film and remove just the application film - not the protective liner - from the device.

[000123] Step 6: Look for any remaining bubbles and/or other defects in the applied polymeric film and continue to work those defects out by pressing the squeegee against the protective liner. [000124] Step 7: Once any defects are satisfactorily removed, remove the protective liner from the polymeric film using the pull-tab to reveal the polymeric film with essentially no defects and excellent clarity.

[000125] Various modifications and alterations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims. It should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order that they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in which they are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step, or component provides the basis for claims where the absent feature or component is excluded by way of a proviso or similar claim language.

[000126] Further, as used throughout, ranges may be used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. Similarly, any discrete value within the range can be selected as the minimum or maximum value recited in describing and claiming features of the invention.

Claims

1 . An assembly for application of a polymeric film to at least one surface of an electronic device, the assembly comprising:

the polymeric film to be applied to the surface, wherein the polymeric film comprises an outwardly exposed adhesive layer and a shape compatible with the surface of the electronic device; and,

an application film adhered to the polymeric film on a side opposite that of the adhesive layer, wherein the application film laterally extends from the polymeric film for handling of the assembly by grasping the application film without touching the polymeric film.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the shape compatible with the surface of the electronic device comprises at least one cut-out.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the surface of the electronic device with which the shape of the polymeric film is compatible comprises a visual display on at least one of a personal data assistant, a cellular phone, or a personal computer.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a protective liner positioned between the polymeric film and the application film.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric film is essentially transparent.

6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric film comprises at least one polyurethane-based layer.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric film comprises a protective polymeric film.

8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outwardly exposed adhesive layer is essentially smooth.

9. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer is essentially free of non-reacted components.

10. A kit comprising:

the assembly of claim 1 ; and

a squeegee for removing entrapped air bubbles after the polymeric film of the assembly is adhered to the surface of the electronic device.

1 1 . The kit of claim 10, wherein the squeegee comprises both a relatively rigid edge and a relatively flexible edge for removing entrapped air bubbles.

12. A method for application of a polymeric film to at least one surface of an electronic device, the method comprising:

providing the polymeric film to be applied to the surface, wherein the polymeric film comprises an outwardly exposed adhesive layer;

adhering an application film to the polymeric film on a side opposite that of the adhesive layer to form an assembly, such that the application film laterally extends from the polymeric film for handling of the assembly by grasping the application film without touching the polymeric film;

positioning the assembly on the surface of the electronic device, wherein the surface is essentially dry; and

removing entrapped air bubbles between the surface and the polymeric film.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of removing the entrapped air bubbles comprises applying physical force to a top surface of the application film.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the physical force is applied using a squeegee with a relatively rigid edge.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein width of the relatively rigid edge used to apply the physical force exceeds width of the polymeric film.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of removing the application film from the polymeric film.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of removing the entrapped air bubbles comprises applying physical force to a top surface of the polymeric film using a squeegee with a relatively flexible edge.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of removing the entrapped air bubbles comprising applying physical force to a top surface of the application film and subsequently applying physical force to a top surface of the polymeric film after removal of the application film.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of a personal data assistant, a cellular phone, and a personal computer.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the polymeric film is applied to the surface without touching the adhesive layer of the polymeric film.

21 . The method of claim 12, wherein the outwardly exposed adhesive layer is essentially smooth.

22. The method of claim 12, wherein the adhesive layer is essentially free of non-reacted components.

23. An assembly for installing a polymeric film on a surface to be protected, comprising:

a release liner including an exterior surface and an interior surface;

a polymeric film including an adhesion surface and an opposite exterior surface;

a polymeric film adhesive material securing at least a portion of the adhesion surface of the polymeric film to at least a portion of the interior surface of the release liner;

an application film including an adhesion surface and an opposite exterior surface; and

an application film adhesive material securing at least a portion of the adhesion surface of the application film to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the polymeric film and to a portion of the interior surface of the release liner laterally extending from at least one outer edge of the polymeric film.

24. The assembly of claim 23, further comprising:

a protective liner including an adhesion surface and an opposite exterior surface, wherein the protective liner is superimposed over at least a portion of the polymeric film adjacent to the interior surface of the release liner; and

a protective liner adhesive material securing the adhesion surface of the protective liner to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the polymeric film.

25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the application film adhesive material secures at least a portion of the adhesion surface of the application film to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the protective liner.

26. The assembly of claim 23, wherein at least one of the polymeric film adhesive material, the adhesion surface of the polymeric film, and the interior surface of the release liner is configured to enable the polymeric film to be removed from the interior surface of the release liner while leaving substantially no adhesive residue on the interior surface of the release liner.

27. The assembly of claim 23, wherein at least one of the polymeric film adhesive material and the adhesion surface of the polymeric film is configured to enable the polymeric film to be removed from a protected surface while leaving substantially no adhesive residue on the protected surface.

28. The assembly of claim 24, wherein at least one of the protective liner adhesive material, the adhesion surface of the protective liner, and the exterior surface of the polymeric film is configured to enable the protective liner to be removed from the exterior surface of the polymeric film while leaving substantially no adhesive residue on the exterior surface of the polymeric film.

29. The assembly of claim 24, wherein at least one of the application film adhesive material, the adhesion surface of the application film, and the exterior surface of the protective liner is configured to enable the application film to be removed from the exterior surface of the protective liner while leaving

substantially no adhesive residue on the exterior surface of the protective liner.

30. The assembly of claim 24, wherein a strength with which the polymeric film adhesive material will adhere the polymeric film to a protected surface exceeds a strength with which the protective liner adhesive material adheres the adhesion surface of the protective liner to the exterior surface of the polymeric film.

31 . The assembly of claim 30, wherein the strength with which the protective liner adhesive material adheres the adhesion surface of the protective liner to the exterior surface of the polymeric film exceeds a strength with which the application film adhesive material adheres the adhesion surface of the

application film to the exterior surface of the protective liner.

32. The assembly of claim 24, wherein at least one of the protective liner and the application film bears at least one indicium.

33. The assembly of claim 24, further comprising:

a release tab including an adhesion surface and an opposite application surface; and

a release tab adhesive material for securing the adhesion surface of the release tab to the exterior surface of the protective liner.

34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein a strength with which the release tab adhesive material is configured to secure the adhesion surface of the release tab to the exterior surface of the protective liner exceeds a strength with which the protective liner adhesive material secures the adhesion surface of the protective liner to the exterior surface of the polymeric film and is less than a strength with which the polymeric film adhesive material secures the adhesion surface of the polymeric film to a protected surface.

35. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the application film adhesive material secures at least a portion of the adhesion surface of the application film directly to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the polymeric film.

36. The assembly of claim 23, wherein fewer than an average of 10⁵ contaminant particles having dimensions larger than about 0.1 μιτι and fewer than an average of 30 contaminant particles having dimensions larger than about 5 μιτι are located between the adhesion surface of the polymeric film and the interior surface of the release layer.

37. A method for applying a polymeric film to a protected surface, the method comprising steps of:

providing a polymeric film comprising an adhesion surface; providing a release liner adhered to the adhesion surface of the polymeric film;

providing an application film comprising an adhesion surface adhered to the polymeric film, and laterally extending beyond at least one outer edge thereof, on a side of the polymeric film opposite that to which the release liner is adhered;

removing the release liner from the adhesion surface of the polymeric film and the adhesion surface of the application film laterally extending beyond the polymeric film, exposing a polymeric film adhesive material on the adhesion surface of the polymeric film and an application film adhesive material on at least one peripheral portion of the adhesion surface of the application film laterally extending beyond the outer edge of the polymeric film;

grasping the application film, without contacting the polymeric film, and aligning the polymeric film adhered thereto over a first location of a surface to be protected;

securing at least one peripheral portion of the adhesion surface of the application film to at least one surface adjacent the surface to be protected; creating a pressure front against the application film, the polymeric film, and the surface to be protected, such that the pressure front is adjacent to the first location of the surface to be protected and extends across an entire first dimension of the polymeric film; and

moving the pressure front from the first location of the surface to be protected to a second location of the surface to be protected at an opposite end of the surface to be protected from the first location.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the step of moving the pressure front comprises moving the pressure front substantially continuously across the application film.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising steps of: creating at least one additional pressure front over a central location of the polymeric film; and

moving the at least one additional pressure front from the central location, over and beyond at least one outer edge of the polymeric film.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the steps of creating and moving the at least one additional pressure front are effected directly against the application film.

41 . The method of claim 39, further comprising a step of removing the application film from a protective liner adhered between the application film and the polymeric film.

42. The method of claim 41 , wherein the step of removing the application film is effected before the steps of creating and moving the at least one additional pressure front.

43. The method of claim 41 , wherein the steps of creating and moving the at least one additional pressure front are effected directly against the protective liner.

44. An electronic device comprising:

at least one protected surface; and

a polymeric film secured to the at least one protected surface with a pressure-sensitive adhesive,

wherein fewer than an average of 10⁵ contaminant particles having dimensions larger than about 0.1 μιτι and fewer than an average of 30 contaminant particles having dimensions larger than about 5 μιτι are present between the polymeric film and the protected surface.

45. The electronic device of claim 44, wherein the polymeric film and the pressure-sensitive adhesive are essentially transparent.

46. The electronic device of claim 45, wherein essentially no visible air voids or bubbles are present between the polymeric film and the protected surface.