WO2019199929A1

WO2019199929A1 - Screen protector application systems and methods of applying screen protectors using screen protector application systems

Info

Publication number: WO2019199929A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/026735
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean Michael BUONO; Anneliese Perovich MILLER
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2018-04-12
Filing date: 2019-04-10
Publication date: 2019-10-17
Also published as: TW202004073A

Abstract

Screen protector application systems and methods of applying screen protectors to electronic devices using screen protector application systems are disclosed herein. A screen protector application system includes a first alignment tray comprising a device cavity and a second alignment tray. The second alignment tray includes a screen protector cavity that is sized to receive a screen protector, a flap having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the flap is movable between (i) a first position wherein the flap is oriented toward the screen protector cavity and (ii) a second position wherein the flap is oriented away from the screen protector cavity, and a retaining adhesive that is attached to at least a portion of the second surface of the flap.

Description

SCREEN PROTECTOR APPLICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF APPLYING SCREEN PROTECTORS USING SCREEN PROTECTOR APPLICATION SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of ET.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/656,588 filed on April 12, 2018, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present specification relates to application systems for positioning and installing screen protectors on electronic devices.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] Screen protectors are commonly used by users to protect electronic devices having displays from damage. Conventional screen protectors are applied by users to devices that are in the field. Screen protectors can be difficult to install by users, as misalignment or improper installation may lead to aesthetic or functional disadvantages. Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods of applying screen protectors to electronic devices.

SUMMARY

[0004] Screen protector application systems and methods of applying screen protectors using screen protector application systems are disclosed herein.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a screen protector application system includes a first alignment tray comprising a device cavity and a second alignment tray. The second alignment tray includes a screen protector cavity sized to receive a screen protector, a flap having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the flap is movable between (i) a first position wherein the flap is oriented toward the screen protector cavity and (ii) a second position wherein the flap is oriented away from the screen protector cavity; and a retaining adhesive that is attached to at least a portion of the second surface of the flap.

[0006] A second embodiment according to the first embodiment, wherein the device cavity is sized to receive at least a portion of an electronic device to which the screen protector is applied.

[0007] A third embodiment according to the first or second embodiments, wherein the flap is hingedly movable between the first and second positions.

[0008] A fourth embodiment according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second alignment tray further comprises a second cavity that is sized to receive at least a portion of an electronic device.

[0009] A fifth embodiment according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second cavity has a larger perimeter than a perimeter of the screen protector cavity.

[0010] A sixth embodiment according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, wherein screen protector cavity is nested within and extends to a greater depth from the second cavity.

[0011] A seventh embodiment according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first alignment tray is attached to a second alignment tray by a tray hinge portion.

[0012] An eighth embodiment according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the tray hinge portion allows the second alignment tray to move relative to the first alignment tray between (i) a first position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray; and (ii) a second position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces away from the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray.

[0013] A ninth embodiment according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the tray hinge portion further allows the second alignment tray to translate in position relative to the first alignment tray.

[0014] A tenth embodiment according to the eighth or ninth embodiment, wherein the tray hinge portion has a lower stiffness than the first alignment tray and the second alignment tray.

[0015] A eleventh embodiment according to any one of the eighth through tenth embodiments, wherein the tray hinge portion is non-integral with the first alignment tray and the second alignment tray. [0016] A twelfth embodiment according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a release tab that is coupled to the flap and allows for an application of a release force to the flap in an orientation away from the screen protector cavity.

[0017] A thirteenth embodiment according to the twelfth embodiment, wherein the retaining adhesive is positioned on a portion of the release tab.

[0018] A fourteenth embodiment according to the twelfth or thirteenth embodiment, wherein the second alignment tray comprises an opening positioned proximal to the flap that allows the release tab to extend from within the screen protector cavity to a position that opposes the screen protector cavity.

[0019] A fifteenth embodiment according to any one of the twelfth through fourteenth embodiments, wherein the release tab is adhered to the flap, and an adhesive strength between the release tab and the flap is greater than an adhesive strength between the retaining adhesive and the screen protector.

[0020] A sixteenth embodiment according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a screen protector.

[0021] A seventeenth embodiment according to the sixteenth embodiment, wherein the screen protector comprises glass or glass ceramic.

[0022] An eighteenth embodiment according to the seventeenth embodiment, wherein the screen protector comprises a chemically-strengthened glass or glass ceramic.

[0023] A nineteenth embodiment according to any one of the sixteenth through eighteenth embodiments, wherein the screen protector is coupled to the retaining adhesive when the flap is in the first position and the screen protector is positioned a spacing distance away from the second cavity.

[0024] A twentieth embodiment according to any one of the sixteenth through nineteenth embodiments, wherein the screen protector contacts a least a portion of walls of the screen protector cavity.

[0025] A twenty-first embodiment according to any one of the sixteenth through twentieth embodiments, wherein: the screen protector application system aligns the screen protector to an electronic device; and when the first and second alignment trays are in the first position, the screen protector maintains a spacing distance between the screen protector and the electronic device that is in a range from about 0.5 mm to about 4.0 mm. [0026] In a twenty second embodiment, a method of applying a screen protector to an electronic device includes disposing the electronic device in a device cavity of a first alignment tray, aligning a second alignment tray that is coupled to the screen protector by a retaining adhesive with the first alignment tray. The second alignment tray includes a screen protector cavity sized to receive a screen protector, a flap having a first surface and an opposing second surface, where the flap is movable between (i) a first position wherein the flap is oriented toward the screen protector cavity and (ii) a second position wherein the flap is oriented away from the screen protector cavity, and a retaining adhesive that is attached to at least a portion of the second surface of the flap. The method further includes moving the flap from the first position to the second position to release the screen protector from the retaining adhesive and applying the screen protector to the electronic device.

[0027] A twenty third embodiment according to the twenty second embodiment, wherein the first alignment tray is attached to a second alignment tray by a tray hinge portion.

[0028] A twenty fourth embodiment according to the twenty third embodiment, wherein the tray hinge portion allows the second alignment tray to move relative to the first alignment tray between (i) a first position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray; and (ii) a second position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces away from the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray.

[0029] A twenty fifth embodiment according to the twenty fourth embodiment, wherein when the second alignment tray is in the second position, the flap is in the first position, and the screen protector is coupled to the second alignment tray, the screen protector is positioned a spacing distance away from the electronic device.

[0030] A twenty sixth embodiment according to any one of the twenty second through twenty ninth embodiments, wherein the second alignment further comprises a release tab that is coupled to the flap and allows for an application of a release force to the flap in an orientation away from the screen protector cavity.

[0031] A twenty seventh embodiment according to the twenty sixth embodiment, wherein the application of the release force to the flap exceeds an adhesive force between the flap and the screen protector.

[0032] A twenty eighth embodiment according to the twenty seventh embodiment, wherein the flap is hingedly movable; and separation of the adhesive force between the flap and the screen protector follows a separation front that moves in a direction from the release tab toward a location of hinged attachment of the flap to the second alignment tray.

[0033] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a screen protector application system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a side sectional schematic view of a screen protector application system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a detailed side sectional view of the gendered protrusions and receptacles of a screen protector application system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a side sectional schematic view of the screen protector application system shown along line A- A of FIG. 1; and

[0038] FIG. 5 is a side sectional schematic view of the screen protector application system shown along line A- A of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. [0040] In various embodiments, a screen protector application system includes a first alignment tray and a second alignment tray. The first alignment tray includes a device cavity that is sized to receive at least a portion of an electronic device. The second alignment tray includes a screen protector cavity that is sized to receive a screen protector, a flap that is movable between a first position and a second position in which the flap is oriented away from the screen protector cavity, and a retaining adhesive that is attached to at least a portion of a surface of the flap that is oriented toward the screen protector cavity. When the second alignment tray is oriented in the proper position relative to the first alignment tray for installation, the screen protector is maintained in a position relative to the screen protector cavity, and is spaced apart from the electronic device. A user may release the screen protector from the screen protector cavity by moving the flap from a first position to a second position, thereby allowing the screen protector to drop and come into contact with the electronic device, but without complete wetting of an adhesive that secures the screen protector to the electronic device. The user may subsequently apply force to wet an adhesive that adheres the screen protector to the electronic device. The controlled release of the screen protector and the subsequent the wetting may be completed in a manner that minimizes non uniformities between the screen protector and the electronic device.

[0041] Conventional screen protectors are known for use in applications related to electronic devices, and, in particular, for applying to cover substrates or display screens of electronic devices to mitigate damage that may be introduced to the cover substrates and/or display screens of the electronic devices. The screen protector can act as a sacrificial member, thereby preventing damage from being introduced to the cover substrate and/or display screen of the electronic device.

[0042] However, conventionally applied screen protectors provide inferior optical performance of the electronic devices. Conventionally applied screen protectors are prone to incorporate dust between the screen protector and the electronic device, may exhibit air bubbles or other application phenomenon, and may be misaligned relative to the electronic device itself.

[0043] Embodiments according to the present application are directed to application systems and methods for applying screen protectors to electronic devices using a screen protector application system that provides a high degree of alignment between the screen protector and the electronic device and reduces imperfections that arise during conventional screen protector assembly. [0044] In some embodiments, the application systems disclosed herein provide alignment between the screen protector and the electronic device by aligning a first alignment tray that provides locational positioning of the electronic device with a second alignment tray that provides locational positioning of the screen protector. The first alignment tray and the second alignment tray may include a hinge portion that allows the first alignment tray and the second alignment tray to be oriented through a variety of positions in order to arrange the screen protector in proper alignment relative to the electronic device. With the first alignment tray (positioning the electronic device) and the second alignment tray (positioning the screen protector) aligned relative to one another, the user may apply a force to the flap to separate the screen protector from the second alignment tray, thereby allowing the screen protector to drop onto the electronic device and make contact with the electronic device. The weight of the screen protector, however, may not be enough to cause the screen protector to fully wet (or activate) an adhesive between the screen protector and the electronic device. Instead, use of the first and second alignment trays allows the screen protector to be positioned in proper orientation relative to the electronic device and the screen protector is subsequently secured to the electronic device in an adhesive wetting step. The adhesive wetting step allows an adhesive that couples the screen protector to the electronic device to be wetted (activated) in a manner in which the formation of non-uniformities, for example, the capture of air bubbles between the screen protector and the electronic device, is limited.

[0045] In general, proper application of a screen protector to an electronic device is important to minimize non-uniformities, such as air bubbles or discontinuities in an adhesive layer between the screen protector and the electronic device, which may adversely affect a user’s experience with the electronic device and are unsightly. Therefore, an application system that minimizes the formation of such non-uniformities may be desirable to improve the user’s experience with the electronic device.

[0046] Further, as electronic devices continue to exhibit curvature in the display surfaces, for example, non-continuous curvature of the display surfaces that occurs at positions proximate to the edges of the electronic devices, alignment of the screen protectors to the electronic devices increases in criticality. In such instances, the screen protector may be 3 dimensional or 3D in that both of the major surfaces of the screen protector have curvature. The screen protector itself may not be conformable to the electronic device that exhibits such curvature, and instead may exhibit stiffness and resilience. Proper attachment of the screen protector, therefore, necessitates proper positional and rotational alignment between the screen protector and the electronic device such that the curvatures of the screen protector and of the electronic device can be properly matched. In some embodiments, the screen protectors may be 2 dimensional or“2D” in that both major surfaces are flat. In other embodiments, the screen protectors may be 2-1/2 dimensional or“2.5D” in that one of the major surfaces has curvature.

[0047] The screen protector application system, therefore, enables improved alignment and attachment of the screen protector to the electronic device.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one exemplary embodiment of a screen protector application system 100 is depicted. The screen protector application system 100 includes a first alignment tray 110 having a device cavity 112 that extends away from a surround portion 114, a plurality of stiffening ribs 116 that extend away from the surround portion 114, and a plurality of gendered receptacles 118. The device cavity 112 is generally configured to accept at least a portion of an electronic device 90, for example, a phone, a tablet, a gaming console, and the like having a display screen. The device cavity 112 may be sized and contoured to generally contact the electronic device 90 on surfaces of the electronic device 90, including on the back 92 and sides 94 of the electronic device 90. In the depicted embodiment, the device cavity 112 is shallower than a thickness of the electronic device, such that the display surface or cover substrate 96 of the electronic device is spaced above the surround portion 114 of the first alignment tray 110.

[0049] The screen protector application system 100 further includes a second alignment tray 130. The second alignment tray 130 includes a screen protector cavity 132 that extends away from a surround portion 134, a plurality of stiffening ribs 136 that extend away from surround portion 134, and a plurality of gendered protrusions 138. The screen protector cavity 132 is sized to receive a screen protector 80, such that at least a portion of the screen protector 80 is positioned within the screen protector cavity 132. In some embodiments, the second alignment tray 130 may also include a second cavity 139 that accommodates at least a portion of the electronic device 90. The second cavity 139 allows for insertion of the electronic device 90 to a prescribed depth into the second alignment tray 130 relative to the screen protector cavity 132 and the surround portion 134. In some embodiments, second cavity 139 has a larger perimeter than screen protector cavity 132 and screen protector cavity 132 transitions into second cavity 139. In some embodiments, when screen protector 80 is coupled to second alignment tray 130, screen protector 80 is positioned a spacing distance 152 away from second cavity 139. In some embodiments, the spacing distance 152 may be in a range from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, for example, from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, for example, about 2 mm.

[0050] The screen protector 80 may be aligned within the screen protector cavity 132 through contact with the walls of the screen protector cavity 132. In some embodiments, the screen protector 80 and the screen protector cavity 132 may be sized such that the screen protector 80 comes into contact with at least a portion of the walls of the screen protector cavity 132 and together may be sized to form a line-to-line fit or an interference fit. Such a fit between the screen protector 80 and the screen protector cavity 132 may maintain proper alignment of the screen protector 80 relative to the second alignment tray 130.

[0051] The screen protector 80 may be made from a variety of materials having desired mechanical and optical properties, for example plastic, glass or glass ceramics, including chemically-strengthened glass or glass ceramics. The screen protector 80 may be secured to the electronic device 90 using conventional attachment methods. In some embodiments, the screen protector 80 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive that is applied to the surface of the screen protector 80 that will come into contact with the electronic device 90. In such embodiments, the screen protector 80 may include a variety of protective films (not shown) that are removed by a user prior to assembly of the screen protector 80 onto the electronic device 90. In other embodiments, the screen protector 80 may be secured to the electronic device 90 using a liquid optically clear adhesive. In such embodiments, the liquid optically clear adhesive may be applied by a user to a surface of the electronic device 90. When the screen protector 80 is brought into contact with the electronic device 90, the screen protector may at least partially wet the liquid optically clear adhesive, and may distribute the liquid optically clear adhesive between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90.

[0052] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first alignment tray 110 and the second alignment tray 130 may be coupled to one another by a tray hinge portion 120. The tray hinge portion 120 allows the second alignment tray 130 to move relative to the first alignment tray 110 between a first position in which the first and second alignment trays 110, 130 are positioned such that the device cavity 112 of the first alignment tray 110 faces the screen protector cavity 132 of the second alignment tray 130 (see FIG. 2) and a second position in which the first and second alignment trays 110, 130 are positioned such that the device cavity 112 of the first alignment tray 110 faces away from the screen protector cavity 132 of the second alignment tray 130 (see FIG. 1). The tray hinge portion 120 may allow the second alignment tray 130 to translate in position relative to the first alignment tray 110, in addition to allowing relative rotation between the first alignment tray 110 and the second alignment tray 130.

[0053] The first alignment tray 110 and the second alignment tray 130 may be made in an injection molding operation from materials that are conventionally used in such operations. Such materials include, for example, and without limitation, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and the like. The structural properties of the first and second alignment trays 110, 130 are controlled by the material properties of the first and second alignment trays 110, 130 and the configuration of the first and second alignment trays 110, 130. In general, the portions of the first and second alignment trays 110, 130 that provide a three-dimensional shape, for example, the device cavity and the stiffening ribs 116 of the first alignment tray 110 and the screen protector cavity 132 and the stiffening ribs 136 of the second alignment tray 130, increase the section modulus of the respective first or second alignment tray 110, 130, and provide more rigidity to the member itself.

[0054] The tray hinge portion 120 exhibits a lower stiffness than the first and second alignment trays 110, 130, such that relative movement between the first and second alignment trays 110, 130 is captured in the tray hinge portion 120. In some embodiments, the tray hinge portion 120 may be made from a material having a lower stiffness than the first alignment tray 110 and the second alignment tray 130. In some embodiments, the tray hinge portion 120 may be non-integrally formed with either the first alignment tray 110 or the second alignment tray 130. In such embodiments, the tray hinge portion 120 may be coupled to the first alignment tray 110 and the second alignment tray.

[0055] The tray hinge portion 120 allows for flexible repositioning of the second alignment tray 130 relative to the first alignment tray 110, thereby allowing a user to move and position the second alignment tray 130 into a prescribed position relative to the first alignment tray 110. The design of the tray hinge portion 120 may reduce the forces that are necessary to articulate the second alignment tray 130 relative to the first alignment tray 110, thereby minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent release of the screen protector 80 from the screen protector cavity 132. [0056] Referring to FIG. 2, the surround portion 114 of the first alignment tray 110 may contact the surround portion 134 of the second alignment tray 130, thereby providing a limit to the relative translation of the second alignment tray 130 toward the first alignment tray 110. When the surround portion 114 of the first alignment tray 110 contacts the surround portion 134 of the second alignment tray 130, the screen protector 80 is held a spacing distance 152 away from the electronic device 90, such that there is no contact between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90. Only after the screen protector 80 is intentionally released from the second alignment tray 130 does the screen protector 80 come into contact with the electronic device 90.

[0057] Maintaining spacing during alignment and prior to contact between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90 prevents inadvertent wetting of the components with an adhesive that selectively adheres the screen protector 80 to the electronic device 90. Such inadvertent wetting may tend to introduce non-uniformities into the adhesive, and may introduce adverse optical defects between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 3, the gendered receptacles 118 and the gendered protrusions 138 may be sized to nest within one another. The relative sizes and shapes of the gendered receptacles 118 and the gendered protrusions 138 may provide a desired degree of alignment between the gendered receptacles 118 and the gendered protrusions 138. In various embodiments, the gendered receptacles 118 and/or the gendered protrusions 138 may exhibit a loose fit, a line-to-line fit, or an interference fit. The gendered receptacles 118 and/or the gendered protrusions 138 may exhibit a tapered fit such that the alignment of the gendered protrusions 138 improves with increasing depth of insertion into the gendered receptacle 118.

[0059] When the second alignment tray 130 is positioned in the first position in which the device cavity 112 faces the screen protector cavity 132, the gendered protrusions 138 of the second alignment tray 130 may be positioned within the gendered receptacles 118 of the first alignment tray, thereby providing positional and rotational alignment between the first alignment tray 110 and the second alignment tray. The gendered protrusions 138 and the gendered receptacles 118 may limit relative positional misalignment of the second alignment tray 130 relative to the first alignment tray 110 in a range that is less than about 200 microns, for example, less than about 175 microns, 150 microns, 125 microns, 100 microns, 75 microns, 50 microns, or 25 microns. The gendered protrusions 138 and the gendered receptacles 118 may limit relative rotational misalignment of the second alignment tray 130 relative to the first alignment tray 110.

[0060] While the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 includes gendered protrusions 138 that are positioned on the second alignment tray 130 and gendered receptacles 118 that are positioned on the first alignment tray 110, the relative positioning of the gendered protrusions and the gendered receptacles may be modified between the first alignment tray and the second alignment tray. Accordingly, the particular location of the gendered protrusions and gendered receptacles is not meant to be limiting. Instead, the gendered protrusions and the gendered receptacles may be positioned in various locations throughout the screen protector application system such that the gendered protrusions are positioned within the gendered receptacles when the first alignment tray and the second alignment tray are in the first position.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the second alignment tray 130 further includes a flap 140 that is positioned proximate to the screen protector cavity 132 and is surrounded by a portion 142 of a first or outer surface of second alignment tray 130. The flap 140 is movable between a first position (see FIG. 4) in which the flap 140 is oriented toward the screen protector cavity 132 and generally aligned with the portion 142 of the second alignment tray 130 surrounding the flap 140 and a second position (see FIG. 5) in which the flap 140 is oriented away from, or in a transverse orientation relative to, the portion 142 of the second alignment tray 130. The flap 140 may define a portion of an opening that passes through the screen protector cavity 132, and in which the flap 140 generally closes the opening to prevent access to the screen protector cavity 132 when the flap 140 is positioned in the first position and allows access to the screen protector cavity 132 when the flap is positioned in the second position.

[0062] The flap 140 may include a retaining adhesive 144 that is coupled to at least a portion of a surface of the flap 140 that is oriented toward the screen protector cavity 132. As used herein, retaining adhesive 144 refers to an adhesive that maintains the screen protector 80 within the screen protector cavity 132 prior to installation of the screen protector 80, and may be selectively released to allow the screen protector to be installed by a user of the screen protector application system 100. When the flap 140 is positioned in the first position, the screen protector 80 may be positioned within the screen protector cavity 132 and maintained in position in the screen protector cavity 132 by an adhesive bond between the retaining adhesive 144 and the screen protector 80. The flap 140 may be hingedly attached 148 to the portion 142 of the first or outer surface of the second alignment tray 130, and may generally pivot between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the flap 140 is integrally formed with the second alignment tray 130 and may be hingedly movable at a location 148 on one side and defined by a single slit or multiple slits (e.g. perforated) in the portion of outer surface 142 on the remaining sides of the flap. In embodiments where there are multiple slits defining the flap 140 (e.g., there are perforations), the area between the slits is sufficiently weak so that the perforations are broken when moving the flap 140 from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, location 148, which permits the flap 140 to be hingedly movable, may include one or more perforations, but the flap 140 remains connected along the hinge to the second alignment tray 130 when moving between the first and second positions.

[0063] The second alignment tray 130 may also include a release tab 146 that is coupled to the flap 140 and allows for the application of a release force to the flap 140 in an orientation away from the screen protector cavity 132. The release tab 146 may be coupled to the flap 140 by an adhesive. The retaining adhesive 144 may also be positioned on an opposing side of the release tab 146, such that the retaining adhesive 144 may contact the screen protector 80 and maintain the position of the screen protector 80 within the screen protector cavity 132. The strength of the adhesive between the release tab 146 and the flap 140 may be greater than the maximum strength of the retaining adhesive, such that an application of force to the release tab 146 tends to separate the screen protector 80 from the flap 140 and not the release tab 146 from the flap 140.

[0064] The second alignment tray 130 may also include an opening 150 that passes through the second alignment tray 130 in a region within the screen protector cavity 132 and at a position that is proximal to the flap 140. The opening 150 allows the release tab 146 to extend from within the screen protector cavity 132 to a position outside and opposing the screen protector cavity 132, thereby allowing a user to grip the release tab 146 and apply force to the release tab 146 in a direction that tends to move the flap 140 from the first position where the screen protector 80 is secured to the flap 140 by retaining adhesive 144 (as shown in FIG. 4) to the second position where the screen protector 80 is released from the flap 140 (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0065] The screen protector application system 100 is used in a screen protector application operation in which the screen protector 80 is assembled onto the electronic device 90. The procedures of such an operation are described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2

[0066] A user may receive the screen protector application system 100 in which a screen protector 80 is adhered to the second alignment tray 130. A user may arrange the screen protector application system 100 such that the second alignment tray 130 is oriented in the second position in which the device cavity 112 of the first alignment tray 110 faces away from the screen protector cavity 132. The user may position his electronic device 90 in the device cavity 112 of the first alignment tray 110, such that at least a portion of the electronic device 90 is received within the device cavity 112. The device cavity 112 supports the electronic device 90 on surfaces other than those to which the screen protector 80 is to be applied, for example, the back 92 and the sides 94 of the electronic device 90.

[0067] The user may prepare the adhesive that attaches the screen protector 80 to the electronic device 90 or installation. In embodiments in which the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the screen protector 80, protective films that cover the pressure sensitive adhesive may be removed. In embodiments in which the adhesive is a liquid optically clear adhesive, the adhesive may be applied to a surface of the electronic device 90.

[0068] The user may move the second alignment tray 130 into the first position in which the screen protector cavity 132 of the second alignment tray 130 faces the device cavity 112 of the first alignment tray 110. The second alignment tray 130 may be positioned such that the gendered protrusions 138 of the second alignment tray 130 are positioned within the gendered receptacles 118 of the first alignment tray 110, and the surround portion 114 of the first alignment tray 110 contacts the surround portion 134 of the second alignment tray 130.

[0069] With the second alignment tray 130 now positioned in the first position, the user may apply a release force to the flap 140 to separate the adhesive that couples the flap 140 to the screen protector 80. In the depicted embodiment, the release force may be applied by the user through gripping and pulling the release tab 146 that is coupled to the flap 140. The application of release force to the tab moves the flap from where the screen protector 80 is secured to the flap 140 by retaining adhesive 144 (as shown in FIG. 4) to the second position where the screen protector 80 is released from the flap 140 (as shown in FIG. 5). The retaining adhesive 144 that couples the screen protector 80 to the flap 140 may be separated from the screen protector in a progressive manner, such that a separation front between the screen protector 80 and the flap 140 moves toward a point of hinged attachment of the flap 140. As the surface area maintaining the adhesion of screen protector 80 to the flap 140 decreases, the strength of the adhesive bond provided by the retaining adhesive 144 decreases. As the weight of the screen protector 80 exceeds the remaining adhesive bond strength of the retaining adhesive between the screen protector 80 and the flap 140, the screen protector 80 falls toward the electronic device 90. Because of the relatively low weight of the screen protector 80 and the relatively small distances between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90, the fall and subsequent contact between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device does not result in force that is large enough to cause complete wetting (or activation) of the adhesive between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90.

[0070] The user may then move the second alignment tray from the first position to the second position in which the device cavity 112 of the first alignment tray 110 faces away from the screen protector cavity 132 of the second alignment tray 130. The user may apply force to the screen protector 80 to activate the adhesive between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90. Because the adhesive is activated after alignment of the screen protector 80 is completed, the user can use a tool, such as a squeegee, a spatula, or a burnishing tool, to selectively apply force to the screen protector 80 in a generally linear manner across an axis of the electronic device 90. Such a directional application of force may result in an even activation of the adhesive across the surface of the electronic device 90, which may result in the formation of fewer non-uniformities, such as air bubbles or non- activated adhesive, between the screen protector 80 and the electronic device 90. By reducing the formation of such non-uniformities, the optical characteristics of screen protectors 80 applied using the screen protector application system 100 according to the present disclosure may exceed those of conventionally applied screen protectors. In some embodiments, if the screen protector is damaged, for example cracked or scratched, the adhesive used to adhere the screen protector to the device permits the screen protector to be peeled (or otherwise removed) from the electronic device without the application of excessive force or damage to the electronic device. Subsequent to the removal of the screen protector, a new screen protector may be applied to the electronic device.

[0071] It should now be understood that screen protector application systems according to the present disclosure include first and second alignment trays that provide for proper orientation of an electronic device and a screen protector. The first and second alignment trays maintain a spacing between the screen protector and the electronic device until the screen protector is intentionally released from the second alignment tray. Such selective release of the screen protector may allow for reduced non-uniformities between the screen protector and the electronic device, which may result in improved optical and aesthetic performance of the screen protector on the electronic device.

Terminology and Interpretative Norms

[0072] The term“coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0073] Numerical values, including endpoints of ranges, can be expressed herein as approximations preceded by the term“about,”“approximately,” or the like. In such cases, other embodiments include the particular numerical values. Regardless of whether a numerical value is expressed as an approximation, two embodiments are included in this disclosure: one expressed as an approximation, and another not expressed as an approximation. It will be further understood that an endpoint of each range is significant both in relation to another endpoint, and independently of another endpoint.

[0074] Directional terms as used herein - for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal - are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0075] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order, nor that with any apparatus specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0076] As used herein, the singular forms“a,”“an” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the word“or” when used without a preceding“either” (or other similar language indicating that“or” is unequivocally meant to be exclusive - e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g.,“x or y” means one or both x or y).

[0077] The term“and/or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g.,“x and/or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where“and/or” or“or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, terms used in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, and including should be construed to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising.

[0078] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be modified in all instances by the term“approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term“approximately” should be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0079] All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

[0080] All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range (e.g., 15.2).

[0081] The drawings shall be interpreted as illustrating one or more embodiments that are drawn to scale and/or one or more embodiments that are not drawn to scale. This means the drawings can be interpreted, for example, as showing: (a) everything drawn to scale, (b) nothing drawn to scale, or (c) one or more features drawn to scale and one or more features not drawn to scale. Accordingly, the drawings can serve to provide support to recite the sizes, proportions, and/or other dimensions of any of the illustrated features either alone or relative to each other. Furthermore, all such sizes, proportions, and/or other dimensions are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values.

[0082] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase“as used in this document shall mean” or similar language (e.g.,“this term means,”“this term is defined as,”“for the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of“i.e.,” use of the word“invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

[0083] The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described in this document.

[0084] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A screen protector application system comprising:

a first alignment tray comprising a device cavity; and

a second alignment tray comprising:

a screen protector cavity sized to receive a screen protector;

a flap having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the flap is movable between (i) a first position wherein the flap is oriented toward the screen protector cavity and (ii) a second position wherein the flap is oriented away from the screen protector cavity; and

a retaining adhesive that is attached to at least a portion of the second surface of the flap.

2. The screen protector application system of claim 1, wherein the device cavity is sized to receive at least a portion of an electronic device to which the screen protector is applied.

3. The screen protector application system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap is hingedly movable between the first and second positions.

4. The screen protector application system of any preceding claim, wherein the second alignment tray further comprises a second cavity that is sized to receive at least a portion of an electronic device.

5. The screen protector application system of claim 4, wherein the second cavity has a larger perimeter than a perimeter of the screen protector cavity.

6. The screen protector application system of claim 4 or 5, wherein screen protector cavity is nested within and extends to a greater depth from the second cavity.

7. The screen protector application system of any preceding claim, wherein the first alignment tray is attached to a second alignment tray by a tray hinge portion.

8. The screen protector application system of claim 7, wherein the tray hinge portion allows the second alignment tray to move relative to the first alignment tray between (i) a first position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray; and (ii) a second position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces away from the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray.

9. The screen protector application system of claim 8, wherein the tray hinge portion further allows the second alignment tray to translate in position relative to the first alignment tray.

10. The screen protector application system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the tray hinge portion has a lower stiffness than the first alignment tray and the second alignment tray.

11. The screen protector application system of any one of claims 8-10, wherein the tray hinge portion is non-integral with the first alignment tray and the second alignment tray.

12. The screen protector application system of any preceding claim, further comprising a release tab that is coupled to the flap and allows for an application of a release force to the flap in an orientation away from the screen protector cavity.

13. The screen protector application system of claim 12, wherein the retaining adhesive is positioned on a portion of the release tab.

14. The screen protector application system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the second alignment tray comprises an opening positioned proximal to the flap that allows the release tab to extend from within the screen protector cavity to a position that opposes the screen protector cavity.

15. The screen protector application system of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the release tab is adhered to the flap, and an adhesive strength between the release tab and the flap is greater than an adhesive strength between the retaining adhesive and the screen protector.

16. The screen protector application system of any preceding claim, further comprising a screen protector.

17. The screen protector application system of claim 16, wherein the screen protector comprises glass or glass ceramic.

18. The screen protector application system of claim 17, wherein the screen protector comprises a chemically-strengthened glass or glass ceramic.

19. The screen protector application system of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the screen protector is coupled to the retaining adhesive when the flap is in the first position and the screen protector is positioned a spacing distance away from the second cavity.

20. The screen protector application system of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the screen protector contacts a least a portion of walls of the screen protector cavity.

21. The screen protector application system of any one of claims 16-20, wherein:

the screen protector application system aligns the screen protector to an electronic device; and

when the first and second alignment trays are in the first position, the screen protector maintains a spacing distance between the screen protector and the electronic device that is in a range from about 0.5 mm to about 4.0 mm.

22. A method of applying a screen protector to an electronic device, comprising:

disposing the electronic device in a device cavity of a first alignment tray;

aligning a second alignment tray that is coupled to the screen protector by a retaining adhesive with the first alignment tray, wherein the second alignment tray comprises:

a screen protector cavity sized to receive a screen protector;

the retaining adhesive that is attached to at least a portion of the second surface of the flap;

moving the flap from the first position to the second position to release the screen protector from the retaining adhesive; and

applying the screen protector to the electronic device.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first alignment tray is attached to a second alignment tray by a tray hinge portion.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the tray hinge portion allows the second alignment tray to move relative to the first alignment tray between (i) a first position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray; and (ii) a second position wherein the first and second alignment trays are positioned such that the device cavity of the first alignment tray faces away from the screen protector cavity of the second alignment tray.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein when the second alignment tray is in the second position, the flap is in the first position, and the screen protector is coupled to the second alignment tray, the screen protector is positioned a spacing distance away from the electronic device.

26. The method of any one of claims 22-25, wherein the second alignment further comprises a release tab that is coupled to the flap and allows for an application of a release force to the flap in an orientation away from the screen protector cavity.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the application of the release force to the flap exceeds an adhesive force between the flap and the screen protector.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein:

the flap is hingedly movable; and separation of the adhesive force between the flap and the screen protector follows a separation front that moves in a direction from the release tab toward a location of hinged attachment of the flap to the second alignment tray.