RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 62/293,482, filed on Februar 1.0, 2016, titled "Touch Screen Protector/' which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,

TECHNICAL FIELD

{00021 The present disclosure generall relates to protectors for touch screen devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to touch screen protectors that protect touch screen devices without directly adhering to an. active display portions of the touch screen.

BACKGROUND

{00031 Some electronic devices, such as smart phones and tablets (e.g., the IPHONE and IP AD), have a touch sensitive screen that enables a user to interact with and operate the electronic device. The touch sensitive screen displays electronic buttons, icons, and search boxes that the user can activate or select by touching on the screen. Because these electronic devices are ofte portable, the touch sensitive screens can be subjected to factors that can result in cracking and scratching during normal use _. , or when the device is mishandled or dropped. The resulting damage from such use may be costly to repair and, in some situations, may even be irreparable.

{0004] Protective films that adhere to touch screens can. leave unsightl floating air bubbles between the transparent protective film and the touch screen surface (e.g., glass surface) of the electronic device. This is a particular problem, for "'f ll adhesive" protectors that have an adhesive layer applied on all, or at least a signif icant portion of the adhering surface of the screen. That is, where a protector attaches to a device by way of an adhesive that is applied to essentially all of the lower surface, floating air bubbles can. form between the protector, the touch screen, and. the adhesive, and can cause optical issues that make the touch screen more difficult to read . Moreover, these "full adhesive'' films do not provide an impact absorption, or cushioning effect that protects the surface of the touch screen dev ice.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure describes examples of a removable touch screen protector. The protector is configured to removably attach to a touch screen device, such as a smar phone,, tablet computer, or other touch-operable interface. The protector attaches about an oute peripheral portion of the touch screen via an adhesive, but does not ad here to the central portion of the touch screen. So configured, the protector mounts to the touch screen i a manner that inhibits forming floating air bubbles or other undesirable optical artifacts between the protector, the adhesive, and the touch screen.

[0006] The protector is also pre-f ^' ormed wi th a curvature (also refer ed to herein as a curl, bend, or curvature memory) that causes the protector when attached to the device to deflect away from the touch screen. This deflection provides an upward force that inhibi ts the protector from contacting or otherwise drawing too close to the touch screen while at rest. By biasing the protector away from the touch screen, the attached protector inhibits formation of optical interference (e.g., Newton rings, moire interference patterns, chromatic interference, etc) that can occur when a protective layer contacts or otherwise comes too close to the touch screen.

[0007] The curvature applied to the protector is configured based upon various factors and conditions that can include, or example, the size of the touch scree device that it will be applied to, and the weigh and flexibility of the protector material. In particular, the pre-formed curvature of the protector is configured so that the protector attaches to the touch screen device with a separation that is large enough to inhibit formation of optical interference problems, but small enough to maintain the touch sensitivit of the touch screen through the protector, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] This builds upon, and incorporates by reference the entire disclosure, including the specification, drawings, and claims, of U.S. patent application no. 12/780,443 (now issued as U.S. patent no. 9,1.28,545), and all applications that claim priority thereto, including U.S. patent application nos. 13/838,311 (now U.S. patent no. 8,974,620), 14/599,176 (now U.S. patent no. 9,104,256)/ 13/ 86,690, 14/642,406, and 14/794,156 (collectively referred t as ^' 'the Touch Scree Shield References"). In addition to the Figures of the Touch Screen Shield References, the prese application includes the following Figures that show examples of components, aspects, features, methods, and /or techniques in accordance with at least some inventive embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00093 Figure 1 show's an example touch screen protector pre-formed with a longitudinal curl or curvature that deflects and /or biases the central portion of the protector upwards, or away from a surface that the prote tor attaches to,

[0010] Figures 2 and 3 show examples of touch screen protectors wrapped along their longitudinal axes around an outer diameter of a tube to form a longitudinal curl or curvature in the protector,

[0011] Figures 4 and 5 show examples of touch screen protectors rolled along their longitudinal axes and inserted into a tube to form a longitudinal curl or curvature in the protector.

[0012] Figure 6 shows an example touch screen protector rolled along its longitudinal axes around a semi-cylinder to form a longitudinal curl or curvature In the protector.

[0013] Figure 7 shows an example touch screen protector wrapped along its transverse axis around an outer diameter of a tube to form a transverse curl or curvature in the protector.

[0014] Figure 8 shows an example touch screen protector rolled along its transverse axis and maintained in the rolled position with adhesive tape to form transverse curl or curvature in the protector. [0015] Figure 9 is a photograph showing two touch, screen protectors preformed with a longitudinal cur! or curvature using different molding techniques, and details pertaining to the protectors,

[0016] Figure 10 shows two touch screen protectors pre-formed with a longitudinal curl or curvature using different molding techniques, and details pertaining to the protectors.

[0017] Figures 11 A and B show top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a touch screen protector attached to a touch screen device in accordance with examples described in this application.

fOOXS] Figure 12 is an. exploded top view of an electronic device with an example of a protective shield mounted thereon,

|0019] Figure 13 is a blown-apart isometric view of a touch scree protector with an annular layer in accordance with aspects described in this application.

[0020] Figure 14 is a flow diagram describing a method for forming a touch screen protector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure describes examples of a removable touch screen protector and /or shield. The protector is configured to removably attach to a touch screen device,- such as a smart phone, tablet computer, or other touch-operable interface. The protector may include, or may build u on one or more of the protectors and/or shields described in the Touch Screen Shield References, or variants thereof. That is, the protector may be configured so that adhesi ve is applied abou t a periphery of an inner side of the protector, so that when the protector attaches to a touch screen device, the central, portion of the protector does not adhere to the central display area of the touch screen. In some embodiments., rather than adhering to the central display area, the protector forms a separation or air gap between the inner surface of the protector and the upper surface of the touch screen.

[0022] Some embodiments of the present application describe touch screen protectors (or simply "protectors") that are pre-formed with curvature. As used throughout this application, the term curvature (sometimes referred to as curl or curvature memory) refers to the properties of a sheet of material that cause it to bend; out of its plane. When, a curved sheet is made flat, the inner surface develops tensile stress and the outer surface compresses. Together, the stresses generate a bending moment that causes the material to form a tube when free from force. Depending on the flexibility/rigidity of the material, the degree of curl applied thereto, and the forces acting on the material, the curl may or may not be noticeable to the naked eye. The present application describes touch screen protectors that are pre-formed with curvature to cause the protector to bend away from the touch screen to which it attaches. The curvature can be applied to a. generally flexible material, such as a flexible film material, or to a more rigid material, such as glass.

[0023] One example of a protector attaches to the touch screen device about an outer peripheral portion of the touch screen. Figure 12 shows an exploded view of an electronic device 1.0 with a touch scree surface 20 protected by a protective shield 100 mounted thereon. M re specifically, the electronic device 10 is a smart phone (e.g., an IPHONE) with a touch operable surface 20 that allows a user t operate th eJectronic device 20 by capaeitive touch.

[0024] The touch screen 20 defines an operating area 40 that, is surrounded, by a border area 25, The active display area 40 represents the central, operating area of the touch screen 20, and may correspond with a digital screen that changes display based on the operation of the electronic device. The active display area 40 may be partially or fully touch sensitive, providing a user interface that allows a user to manipulate, control, or otherwise operate the device 10. The active display area 20 may he disposed adjacent or enclosed within a border area 60,

[0025] The border area 60 may be an inactive area that surrounds the active display area 40, and ma include features such as brand labelling, graphics, speakers, mechanical buttons, LED lights, non-graphical displays, and the like. In some instances,, the border area 60 ma include touch sensitive portions (e.g., touch sensitive buttons or icons) that also allow operation of the device 10. In some instances, the border 60 may exhibit all the f nctionality of the active display area 40, For example, in some instances where the electronic device 10 comprises a full displa tha extends between ail edges of the device, the borde area 60 may simply represent an outer area of the fully operating display. In other examples,, the border area 60 may be inactive, or largely inactive, such that the border 60 provides limited or no operable functionality.

[0026] The active display area 40 of the touch screen 20 is protected by a shield or protector 100, which is disposed over the touch screen 20. In some configura ions (including the examples shown in Figures HA and 1 IB),, the protector 100 attaches to the touch screen 20 so that the outer peripheral portion 25 of the protector 100 adheres to the border area 60 of the touch screen 20. In these examples, the attached protector 100 may form, a space, or an air gap 122 (see Figure 118) between the central portion 35 of the protector 100 and the touch screen 20, as described in the references in the patent family of US. patent no. 9,128,545 (hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). The protector 100 may attach via an adhesive 120 (see Figure 11B) that is applied only about the outer peripheral portion 25 of a lower surface of the protector 100, and not on. the cen ral portion 35. Because of this adhesive application configuration, the protector does not adhere to the active display area 40 of the touch screen 20, which is ty pically the portion of the device that includes a visual display.

[0027] The outer periphery 25 of the protector 100 (i.e., the portion that has the adhesive) may correspond in size and/ or shape to an inactive portion of the touch screen, or at least to a non-primary display portion of the touch screen. Fo example, the adhesive 120 may be applied i a pattern or shape that corresponds to the border 60 surrounding a display. The border 60 may be inactive or partial Sy inactive,, bu typically will not be capable of all the same functionality of the primary display portion of the touch screen. In some examples., the touch screen device will have a 3- dimensionai shape— that is, the touch screen 20 itself may have a curved surface. In such a situation, the touch screen protector 100 may also have a curved shape, or otherwise be configured to attach to the touch screen device 10 in a manner that covers the curved touch screen device without adhering to the primary display portion of the curved touch screen,

[00281 The central portion 35 of the protector 100 corresponds to the central or primary display 40 portion of the touch screen 20. Because the central portion 35 of the protector (or at least a portion of the central portion) does not have adhesive, attaching the protector to the touch screen device will not adhere the protector 100 to the central or active display area 40. This may inhibit, mitigate, reduce, prevent or even eliminate the formation of undesirable optical artifacts such as floating air bubbles, Newton rings, moire interference patterns, and chromatic interference, while still maintaining touch sensitivity of the touch screen through the attached protector.

[0029] In some aspects the protector 100 ma form a space, air gap, air bearing, or general separation between the protector and the touch screen. This separation can be formed, for example, via a thick adhesive, via a spacer such as an annular layer between the base layer of the protector and the adhesive, or combinations thereof. Figure 1.3 shows an exploded view of a protector 100 that utilizes such a mask layer 110. As show In Figure 13, the protector 100 Includes a base layer 101, which may have a pre-formed curvature. A mask layer 110 may include an opaque annular film that is adhered to an under-side of the base layer 101. The adhesive layer 120, which may include a pressure sensitive adhesive, is applied on the under-side of the mask layer 110, The pressure sensitive adhesive 120 may be configured to allow the shield to be removably attached to a touch screen, such that the adhesive layer 120 remains with the protector 120 (as opposed to sticking behind o the touch screen surface) upo removal. The mask layer 110 may Include a pattern or darker appearanc so as to mask or hide any bubbles that may result from the attachment of the protector to the touch screen device 10. The thickness of the mask layer 110 can cause the central, portion of the protector to lift off of the touch screen, thereby causing the separation. In some instances, the adhesive 120 may completely surround the touch screen, thereby forming an enclosed air gap (e.g., a planar air bearing) between the protector and the touch screen. The enclosed air gap can serve as a cushion, thereby providing added protection to the touch screen device. ]0030] It has been found that in some situations, depending on some factors, an attached protector may stil! contact (or come in close proximity) the touch screen in certain areas. These factors Include,, for example, the separation between the attached protector and the touch screen, the thickness of the protector, the material of the protector, the rigidity, stiffness, or hardness of the protector, the weight of the protector, the size of the touch screen and/ or protector, unintended or unrecognized concave cu ! of the protector, ambient temperature and air pressure, moisture levels between the protector and the touch screen, the thickness of the spacer/ adhesive/annular layer, and static attraction between the touch screen and the protector. Such contact (or near contact) between the protector and the touch screen can occur during or after operation of the touch screen device, for example, because friction or static generated between the touch screen and the protector generates an attractive force between the two. The contact (or near contact) can also occur even when the device is not in operation, for example, because the protector can sag or drop in certain portions. This contact (or near contact) can generate undesirable optica! effects, interference, or artifacts (e.g., Newton rings).

[0031] To alleviate these undesirable optical effects, the presently described touch screen protectors are configured to bend or deflect away from the touch screen once attached. This affinit to deflect can occur because of a cur! or curvature that has been pre-forrned in the protector.

|0032] The pre-formed curvature is generall provided to form a convex, parabolic protector. That is, the curvature is provided so that an attached protector will have a propensity to lift off or bend way from the touch screen of the device to which it attaches. B biasing the protector awa from the touch screen, the attached protector inhibits formation of negative optica! interference such as Newton rings, moire interference patterns, and chromatic interference that are sometimes visible when a protector is in contact or near contact with the touch screen that it protects. Moreover, a curved protector, when, attached at the opposing edges, forms a convex shield that can serve as a cushion to deflect or mitigate impacts and other forces, thereby providing added touch screen protection. [0033] he protectors described herein can be made of flexible materials, for example, plastic films such as PET films, polycarbonate films, and/or an of the materials described in the Touch Screen Shield References. Other protectors can be formed of more rigid materials, such as glass or harder plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylic, etc). While the techniques for forming pre-curvature in flexible and rigid protectors ma differ, the effects may nevertheless be the same. That is, whether the shield is flexible or rigid, pre- orming a curvature in the protector generates a propensity in the protector to Sift itself ^' away from an attached surface. This lift propensity helps maintain adequate separation between the central portion of an attached protector and the touch screen shield. This lift propensity can also overcome forces that may be apt to draw the protector into contact or close proximity with the touch screen, such as gravity, static, or other factors. The curvature may be significant enough to lift the protector and inhibit the formation of optical artifacts, while also bein subtle enough such that the touch screen of the electronic device still maintains touch sensitivity, and thus can still b operated through t he attached protector.

|CM 4J Figure 1 shows an example of a touch screen protector 100 pre-formed with a longitudinal curvature that deflects or bends the central portion of the protector up, or away from the mounting surface. The protector 100 of Figure 1 is not attached to a device, thus the curvature ma be more pronounced than it would otherwise be while attached. This is because the edges, in particular the top and bottom edges (corresponding to the top and bottom portions of the electronic device) are not adhered or anchored to a surface, and are therefore allowed to rise up along with the central portion of the protector 100. it should be noted that while the protector 100 of Figure 1 is shown with a certain pre-formed. curvature that is significant and identifiable for demonstrative purposes, it is other protectors having pre~.for.med curvatures that are .less, or even significantly less than that shown in Figure 1 could also be employed with successful results. The amount of curvature necessary in the shield will depend on. a number of factors, including but not limited to, the size of the protector and touch screen, the flexibility / rigidity of the pr otector, t he thickness of the protector, the type of materia! forming the protector, and the sensitivit of the touc screen device, for example.

100351 Figures 11 A. and B show an example of a touch screen protector 100 attached to a touch screen device 10. In particular, Figure 11 A shows a front or top view of a touch screen device 10 with a protector 100 mounted thereon, and Figure 11B shows a cross-sectional side view thereof. The touch screen device 10 can include a smart phone, tablet, or other mobile touch-operated device thai includes a touch screen surface 20. As shown, the touch screen protector 100 has a shape and configuration that corresponds to that of the touch screen device 10, The protector has a central portion 35, which is generally transparent such that the active display area of the touch screen 20 can be readily viewed. The outer peripheral portion 25 of the protector 100 surrounds the central display area 35, and corresponds in size and/or shape, generally, with that of the border area 60 of the touch screen surface 20 of the device 10.

{0036] In the cross-sectional view of Figure 1 IB, the outer peripheral portion 25 of th shield is applied with an adhesive layer 120, which adhesive layer 120 attaches the protector 100 to the device 100. I some embodiments, the adhesive 120 is a pressure sensitive adhesive, and is applied about just the outer periphery of the protector 100 in a manne such that the adhesive corresponds to a border area 60 or oute perimeter of the touch screen surface 20, The adhesive 120 is applied about an interior surface of the protector 100 in a manner such that the adhesive 120 corresponds to the border area 60 or the outer perimete of the touch screen surface 20 that surrounds the active displa area. The adhesive 120 may be applied only, or essentially only, about the outer peripheral area such that no adhesive is applied to the central portion 35 of the protector 100. In this way, the protector 100 can mount to a device without adhering to the active area (e.g., the display portion) of the touch screen 20, In some forms, the adhesive 120 may further include a spacer or an annular layer to allow for further spacing between the protector 100 and the touch screen 20, and/ or to provide a patterned appearance that inhibits visibility of the adhesive and/ or air bu bbles formed .between the protector 100 and the device 10 that it attaches to.

|0037| As shown in Figure 11.B, the protector 100 has a pre-formed curvature that facilitates maintaining the air gap 122 or separation between the touch screen 20 and the protector. The curvature may be more or less pronounced than what is shown in Figure 11 B, but the curvature is provided in a manner that forms a convex curve relative to the upper surface of the protector 100. That is, the pre-fonrsed curvature forms a curve that facilitates lifting of the in the attached protector 100 of Figure 11 A and B, the curvature may be more or less pronounced than when the protector 100 is unattached, but the curvature is still suf ficient to cause the protector 100 to bend away from the touch screen surface 20, facilitating the formation of a spacing 122, such as an air gap or other form of separation, between the protector 100 and the active area 40 of the touch screen surface 20. The spacing 122 shown i Figure 11B, and in particular, the thickness of the adhesive 20, may not be dra wn to scale. The adhesive 120 and the spacing 122 are pronounced in Figure llBfor demonstrative purposes. In many embodiments, the thickness of the adhesive layer 20 and the spacing 122 will be thinner than the thickness of the protector 100 t maintain the touch sensitivity of the touch screen 20 through the attached protector,

[0038] The formation of the air gap or spacing 122 can also be facilitated by the adhesive 120 and/ or other layer (e.g., a film layer, a mask layer, a double-sided tape, etc.) between the touch screen device 10 and the outer perimeter of the protector 100, such that the layers provide lift and separation between the protector 100 and the touch screen 20 of the device 10. Figure 12 shows an example of such a protector 100. However,, the curvature of the shield helps provide a lift tendency, or bias that facilitates this separation, particularly across the middle of the touch screen 20, and thereby inhibits sagging and contact between the protector 100 and the touch screen 20,Further, once the protector 100 Is attached In this manner, the curved protector 100 can provide a spring-back cushioned effect, as the attached rails 190 (I.e., the adhesive 120 securing the edges 70 of the protector 100 to the border area 60 that surrounds the active area 35 of th touch screen 20 of the device 10) inhibit lateral movement of the protector edges 70 when the curved protector is pressed,

[00391 The pre-formed curvature of the touch screen protector 100 is configured to facilitate separation 122 between the protector 100 and the touch screen 20, while still maintaining a proximity so that the touch screen 20 can be readily operated through the protector 100. That is, though the attached protector 100 may be separated from the touch screen 20, a finger or stylus touching or pressin down on the protector 100 will still be close enough to effect capacitive touch recognition. In some embodiments, the protector 100 will be configured so that the adhesive/ spacer/annular layer 120 and the pre-formed curvature help the protector 100 to maintain a minimum separation that inhibits formation of undesirable optical interference. The desired minimum separation level can vary depending on various circumstances that include but are not limited to, the material properties of the touch screen 20 and the protector 100, moisture levels between the two surfaces, and the weigh and flexibility of the protecto 100. In some circumstances, the minimum separation will be at least about 3 to about 5 microns while not in. operation {i.e., while not being pressed or touched by a user). In other situations, it may be preferred to maintain a minimum separation of abou 10 microns, or even about 50 microns to assure that the attached protector 100 does not generate optical interference with respect to the touch screen 20. The protector will also be configured to maintain a maximum separation to assure tha the touch screen 20 maintains capacitive touch sensitivity through the attached protector/shieid 100. This maximum separation can also var depending on various factors, including but not limited to the touch sensitivity of the touch screen 20, the thickness and insulating properties of the protector material, and the touch accuracy demands expected b the user. For example, in some situations, it ma be preferred to maintain a maximum separation of about 400 microns. In other situations, it may be preferable to maintain a smaller maximum separation of about 300 microns, or even 200 microns, so as to maintain high touch sensitivity of the touch screen 20 through the attached protector/shieid 100. [0040] As noted above, th desired separation between protector 100 and touch screen 20 may depend on a number of factors, and an idea! separation range for one application may not be ideal or even suitable for other applications. That is, depending on the touch sensitivity of the screen 20, the thickness and conductivity of a protector 100, the flexibility /rigidity of the protector 100, the size of the touch scree 20 and the protector 100, and the material properties of the protector 100 and the touch screen 20, it ma be more or less preferable to aim for a higher or lower separation 122 distances. For example, in some situations the attached protector 100 will he configured to maintain separation of between about 75 to about 100 microns when not in operation so as to maximize touch sensitivity of the touch screen, while minimizing the likelihood of the protector 100 generating optical interference from being too close to the touch screen 20. In operation, of course, the protector 100 may deflect to bring the protector 10 into close proximity or even contact with the touch screen 20. However, upon release, the pre- formed curvature may act as a sprin that deflects the ce ral portion of the protector 00 off the touch screen 20.

[0041] The degree curvature provided to the protector will also vary depending on a number of factors. For example, i some situations, a higher degree of curvature will be appropriate for protectors configured to protect a larger touch screen. For larger screens, the protector 100 will have to span a larger distance between edge rails 190 (i.e., the points at which the protector 100 contacts the device 10), and will thus require higher forces to maintain separation from the central portion of the touch screen 20. In such a situation, applying a higher degree of curvature will generate a greater upward deflection force, thereb helping maintain separation over the greater surface area. Fo example, a protector that is config ed to protec an 1.1. to 1.3~mch touch screen of a tablet device (e.g., an IPAD), may be configured with a higher degree of curvature than a similar protector product configured to protect a smart phone having a 4-6 inch display (e.g., an IPHONE). Of course, other factors ma also be relevant into the amount of curvature suitable for a particular product, including but not limited to the thickness and f lexibility of the protector material. |0042| As noted above, the presently described protectors inhibit formation of undesirable optica! effects. The described protectors can inhibit these undesirable optical effects without incorporating additional components or objects into the protector 1.00. For example, the described protectors can inhibit forming Newton rings or other optical interference without using coatings, sprays, bumps, dots, and separators, which ail add expense and complications to the formation of the protector 100. Further, such coatings, sprays, bumps, dots, or separators can negatively impact the optical clarity through the protector 100. Further still, these features do not add the additional cushioning effect that a protector with a pre-formed curvature can provide.

[0043] The pre-formed curvature can be applied t the protector 1.00 in a variety of ways. For example, the protector 100 can be formed or molded during or after manufacture to provide a convex curl. In a large scale manufacturing process, the curvature can be added by way of a molding process that occurs before, during, or after the formation (e.g., the ^' laminating, cutting, printing, etc.) of ^' the protector 100. The molding process can be provided with added heat to help set the protector 100 in the molded shape. For example, the protector 00 can be molded using a controlled industrial thermos-molding process.

[0044] Additionally ancl/or alternatively, the protector 100 can be cut from a material that is originally provided in roll stock, which roll stock can be designed to establish a curvature memory in the material. The roll stock ma need to be specifically configured, for example, so that the material curves in an appropriate direction (e.g., to form a convex shape when attached to a screen), and at an appropriate level (e.g., to form a suitable separation when attached to the screen). In some aspects, the pre-formed curvature can be provided by rolling or curling the protectors in a convex direction, and maintained in that position for a predetermined period of time. Figures 2 and 3 show examples of touch screen protectors 100 curled about their longitudinal axes around an outer diameter 165 of a tube or mandrel 160, The tubes 160 of Figures 2 and 3 are of different diameters. The protectors 100 are sho n maintained m the curled position via tap 210, but o her holding devices could be used, such as dips, clamps, or the like,

100451 Figures 4 and 5 show examples of touch screen protectors 100 rolled along their longitudinal axes and inserted into a tub 161. Specifically, Figure 4 shows the protector 100 rolled in the tube 1 1 with the edges curled away from the view point, and Figure 5 shows the opposite side, with the protector 100 curled with the edges curled toward the view point. Figure 6 shows a touch screen protector 100 rolled along its longitudinal axes around a semi-cylinder to form a longitudinal curl or curvature in the protector 100. In some aspects, the pre-formed curvature can be applied to a protector by inserting the protector into a mold, by stamping the protector with a die or press, or other techniques,

[00461 The protectors in Figures 2-6 are shown curled in two dimensional space. That is, these protectors are curled about the longitudinal direction so that the right and left side edges (72a and 72b, respectively, though the left edge 72b is obscured) curl toward each othe rathe than the top and bottom edges (72c and 72d, respectively). This longitudinal curl molds the protector in a directio to form a taco- iike shape during molding. It was found during experimentation that this 2- dimensional longitudinal curl generated better results than did 2-dimensional transverse curls (e.g., protectors curling the top and bottom edges toward each other) for certain applications. However, different molding techniques and different curling effects may be preferred for different applications. For example, the level and type of curl, and the molding technique may depend on factors that include, but are not limited to, the touch sensitivity of the touch screen, the size of the touch screen, the weight of the protector, the rigidity of the protector, the thickness of the adhesive/ spacer on the protector, and other features.

[0047] In some examples, curvature can be formed in a protector about a transverse axis. That is, it may be beneficial to form a curvature that causes the upper and lower edges of the protector to curl toward one another. Figures 7 and 8 show protectors 100 bei g molded to pre-for a curl about the transverse axis, with the top 72c and bottom edges 72d (Fig.8) of the protector 100 rolled toward one another. More specifically, Figure 7 shows a touch screen protector 100 wrapped along its transverse axis around an outer diameter 165 of a tube 160 to form a transverse curl m the protector 100. Figure 8 shows an example touch screen protector 100 rolled along its transverse axis and maintained in the roiled position with adhesive tape 210 to form transverse curl or curvature in the protector 100.

[0048J In still other examples, the protector can be formed with multiple curvatures, such that the protector curves about multiple axes and/ or in three dimensional space. This multi-axis curvature can be applied by way of molding, whereby the molds are configured to curve the protector in three dimensional space. For example, the protector can be configured to curve about both the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The protector can be additionally and/or alternativel configured to curve about other axes as well, to conform the protector to the shape of the touch screen and the desired separation level. Some of the curvature can be applied to provide lift to the protector when attached to a device. However, other forms of curvature can be added to the protector to correspond to specific shape or structure of the touch screen (e.g., a curved touch screen), or for aesthetic purposes, for example.

[0049] The size and shape of a moid used to pre-form the curvature in the protector will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to the thickness of the protector, the size of the protector, the material forming the protector, the stiffness and brittleness of the protector, the malleability of the protector, the size of the touch screen, and the desired amount of deflection. In one example, i was found that rolling a protector and insexting the protector into a tube having an inner diameter of about 1 W (1.875 inches) (see, e,g Figure 4), and leaving that protector in a tube overnight (e.g., greater than 8 hours) without heat resulted in a protector with a desired level of pre-formed curvature on a protector for a smart phone device,

[0050] The amount of time for the molding/pre-fomung of the curl will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to the malleability of the protector, the level and duration of heat applied during the molding process, the size of the protector, the size of the touch screen, the amount o deflection desired, and the molding technique applied. For instance, in some situations, i may be desirable to mold the protector for a longe period, such as 8+ hours (or overnight), or even over 24 hours. In other situations, less molding time may he more appropriate, such as 4. hours, 2 hours,, 1 hour, 30 minutes, 10 minutes, or even less. In some exam les _/ for example, where heat is used to facilitate setting the protector, the time for molding can be significantly less.

|Q051] As noted, it may be ^' beneficial to apply heat in some situations to facilitate the molding process. The heat can help soften the material of the protector, or otherwise make the protector more prone to plastic deformation. In some situations, heat can be used in conjunction with a quenching or cooling process that facilitates setting the protector in the pre-formed shape, This can reduce the amount of molding time needed to pre-form the curvature. However, depending on the level of heat, and other factors, heat may have a detrimental effect if it is not applied in an appropriate manner.

EXAMPLES

[0052] As noted above, pre-formed curvature can he applied to a protector in numerous ways. The amount of curvature applied to the protector will depend on a number of factors, including the size and shape of the touc screen that the protector is desig ed t protect. The following description pertainin to Figures 9 and 10 are photographs showing four protectors that were each pre-formed with curvature using different techniques and/or process parameters. Each of the four protectors were produced with a size and shape to protect an IPHONE device. Figures 9 and 10 also include markings and details that pertaining to those protectors and their performance, As discussed below, one of the protectors was surprisingly found to exhibit suitable characteristics for protecting an IPfiONE without generating undesirable levels of optical interference, whereas the other protectors still produced optical interference patterns at various locations on the touch screen.

|0053] Figure 9 shows two protector prototypes, each of which is configured to be applied with an IPHONE. The protector 100a on the left was pre-formed with curvature by wrapping the protec tor longitudinally about the outside of a tube having an outer diameter of about 2 ¾" (2.25 inches). The wrapped protector was left in the molding position overnight, without adcied heat. As identified on the central portion 910 of the protector 100a, attaching the protector 1.00a to a touch screen device produced small Interference patterns 920 along the touch screen (the places where interference patterns were discovered were circled with a marker). These interference patterns 920 resulted from the protector 100a contacting, or coming close to contacting the touch screen in or around these areas.

{0054] The protector 100b on the righ t of Figure 9 was .rolled longitudinally and inserted into a tube having an inner diameter of about 1 W (1.875 inches), and left in the molding position overnight, without added heat. Because the wrapping in this example was tighter than, that of the example on the left, the pre-formed curl in. this prototype protector was greater than that of the prototype protector on the left. As shown b the markings on this sample, the protector 100b on the right attached to a touch screen device without producin an visible interference or negative optical effects. Accordingly, this technique generated a suitable pre-formed curvature for a protector designed to be used with, an 1PHONE.

[0055] Figure 10 also shows two protectors 100c,d, each of which is configured to be applied with an ίΡΗΟΝΕ, Each tube was rolled longitudinally and inserted into a tube having an inner diameter of about 1 W (1.875 inches). The tube on the left was left in the molding position for about 2.5 hours, w ithout added heat, and the tube on the right was left in the molding position for abou 1 hour, without added heat. As identified on the central portion of each protector, when the protectors were applied to the touch screen device the both produced small interference patterns 10.20e,d. These interference patterns 1020c,d resulted from the protectors 10{)c,d contacting, or coming close to contacting the touch screen in or around, these areas. While the resulting products produced some interference patterns, it was discovered that the shields with pre-formed curvature in. many situations was significantly better than shields without pre-formed curvature. That is, even though interference patterns were identified in these examples, the resulting appearance was at least as good as, if not better than shields without any pre-formed curvature. This is particuiari true for the example protector 100b shown in Figure 9.

100561 Figures 2-10 show examples of prototype protectors and the molding techniques that were used to generate them. These prototypes were made to test the functionalit of pre-curveci protectors, and to determine suitable ranges of curvature levels. It is appreciated that in certain settings, particularly large scale industrial settings, usin the " ^" wrapping" techniques described herein may not be as efficient or effective as other techniques. Moreover, -certain protector products, particuiariy those made from rigid and/ or brittle materials like glass, may be better formed using alternative techniques that do not risk exposing the protector to breaking. However, regardless of the techniques used to produce the pre-curveil protectors, the aforementioned prototypes demonstrate that applying a pre-curvature to a protector can improve visibility of a touch screen through the protector b inhibiting formation of optical in erferences, and provide added cushioning protection to the touch screen, all while maintaining touch sensitivity of the touch screen device through the protector.

{0057] The protectors presented in Figures 1-10 and described above relate generall to protectors for fiat touch screens. That is, the aforementioned protectors are generally configured to protect touch screens that do not themselves have any curvature t -them. It is appreciated, however, that some touch screen devices do have a curvature in the surface of the touch screen itself. One example of such a device is the SAMSUNG GALAXY S6 EDGE + device, which has a generally flat central portion positioned between tw curved edge surfaces. The present disclosure also describes protectors that are configured to protect such a curved touch screen device while maintaining separation between the touch screen and the protector.

[0058] As noted above, full adhesive protectors are ofte difficult to mount to touch screen devices because they can wrinkle and produce floating air bubbles between the touch screen, the protector, and the adhesive. Such full adhesive protectors can be even more difficult to mount to touch screen devices that have a curved touch screen surface. Applying a protector that does not adhere to portions of the touch screen ma be better suited for such a curved touch screen application. However, maintaining separation between the protector and the curved touch screen can present challenges.

|0059J Some examples of the present touch screen protectors are configured to attach to curved touch screen devices while maintaining a separation along the touch scree that is sufficient to mai tain touch sensitivity through the protector at both the fiat and curved portions, while inhibiting formatio of undesirable optical artifacts and interferences. The protector can he formed with a spacer (which can he, for example, a thick adhesive, an annular layer, and/or a combination thereof) that spaces the adhesive a distance away from the protector. The protector ca be curved so as to form to the contours of the curved touch screen. Thai is, the protector can include curved edges that correspond to the curved edges of the touch screen device. Such curves can be pre-formed by a mold or othe techniques as described herein.

|0060] In some exam les, the protector is provided with a second pre-formed curvature thai extends along the portion of the protector that corresponds to the fla surface of the touch screen. That is, the protector can be provided with a second preformed curvature betwee the curved edges of the protector. This second pre-formed curvature can generate a bow or bend between the curved edges that causes the protector to deflect upwards, away from the touch screen when attached to the device. In some aspects, the protector may not full deflect away from the device until the edges of the protector are attached and adhered to the device. Accordingly., because the protector is pre-curved, it may be appropriate or even necessary to squeeze the side edges i order to attach the sides to the device. Squeezing these edges causes the central portion of the protector to flex upward, thereby establishing separation between the central portion of the touch screen and the central protective shield. |0061J Some touch screen devices may compose multiple curves, such that the touch screen, curves about more than, one axis, and in three dimensional space. As described above, the presently described protectors can. be pre-foraied with curvature that corresponds to such a three-dimensionally curved touch screen. For example, the curvature can be applied by molding the protector in a multi-axis (e.g., about the longitudinal and transverse axes), or three dimensionally shaped mold, hi this manner, the protector can be provided with three, four, or even more pre-formed curvatures to facilitate attaching the protector to the appropriate touch screen. Further, as described above, the multiple curvatures can be applied in different forms, with some of the curvatures taking on. a more pronounced shape so as to conform to contours of the touch screen, and other curvatures configured to provide the lift and separatio from the touch screen.

{0062] The present disclosure also describes methods for forming a touch screen protector. Figure 14 shows an example of one method 1400 that includes forming a protector, such as any of the protectors described herein or in any of the Touch Screen. Shield References, The forming can include laminating 1410 a base layer with an adhesive layer and then cutting the formed protector, The forming can also include applying a spacer or annular layer between the base layer and the adhesive (e.g., to form the configuration shown in Figure 13). The forming can include applying the adhesi ve in a shape, pattern, or configur tion to correspond to a border or inactive (or partially inactive) portion of a touch screen device.

[0063] In some examples, the method 1400 includes cuttin 1420 the pr tector from, a sheet of material. The cutting can involve stamping or other techniques. The cutting 1420 can occur before, after, or even during the lamination step 1410, For example, in some embodiments, an un-larninated base layer can be cut 1420 from a sheet of roll stock, and then laminated 1410 with an adhesive layer such that the adhesive is configured to be applied about a border area of a touch screen device. In other examples, sheet of material can be laminated with repeating patterns of adhesive, each pattern corresponding to a single protector. After lamination _. , the individual protectors can be cut 1.420 or stamped out as appropriate, with the laminated adhesive thereon,

f0064] The method also includes pre-forming 1430 a curvature into the protector. The pre-curvature is configured to cause the protector to bend away from a touch screen when attached to the touch screen device, The pre-forming 1430 can include molding the protector, fo example, by molding and thermosetting the protector. In some examples, the pre-forming can occur by curling or rolling the protector, and maintaining the protector in the roiled position for a pre-determined period of time. For example, the molding step can include roiling the protector longitudinally and then inserting the protector into a tube (e.g. a tube having an inner diameter of 1 ¾") and leaving the protector in the tube for a certain time (e.g., overnight or between 8 to 16 hours). In some examples, the pre-forming 1430 can occur by way of molding, such that the base layer is formed via a molding process to impart a pre-formed curvature thereon. In some situations, the step of pre-forming 1430 curvature can occur before, during, or after each of the lamination 1410 and cutting steps 1420. For instance, in some examples, a base layer can be pre-formed 1420 with curvature before it is laminated 1410 with an adhesive and/or a mask layer and then cut 1420 to shape, In other situations, the pre-formed curvature ca be a product of the base layer of the protector itself, For instance, where the base layer comes from a sheet of material on a roll stock, that roll stock ma impart a pre-formed. curvature on the base layer itself,

|0065] The present disclosure describes preferred embodiments and examples of protectors pre-formed with curvature. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variet of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, and that such modifications,- alterations, and combinations are t be viewed as being withi the ambit of the inventive concept. In addition, it should also be understood that features of one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments to provide yet other embodiments as desired. In particular, it should be understood thai all embodiments described herein can be applied to, and used in connection with the embodiments of shields and protectors and methods described in the Touch Screen Shield References, and variations thereof. All. references cited in the present disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.