Shock mounting cover glass in consumer electronic devices

Abstract

Apparatus, systems and methods for shock mounting glass for an electronic device are disclosed. The glass for the electronic device can provide an outer surface for at least a portion of a housing for the electronic device. In one embodiment, the shock mounting can provide a compliant interface between the glass and the electronic device housing. In another embodiment, the shock mounting can provide a mechanically actuated retractable. For example, an outer glass member for an electronic device housing can be referred to as cover glass, which is often provided at a front surface of the electronic device housing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing;   a cover glass; and   a force-sensing gasket coupling the cover glass to the housing and configured to provide a non-binary output that corresponds to an amount of force applied to the cover glass.   
     
     
         22 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the force-sensing gasket is disposed inside the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         23 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the force-sensing gasket includes silicone. 
     
     
         24 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the force-sensing gasket forms a water seal between the cover glass and the housing. 
     
     
         25 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the force-sensing gasket comprises multiple layers. 
     
     
         26 . The portable electronic device of  claim 25 , wherein the multiple layers comprise a first layer formed of a first material and a second layer formed of a second material. 
     
     
         27 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the force-sensing gasket is compliant. 
     
     
         28 . A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a display;   an enclosure; and   a force sensor that seals the display to the enclosure and deforms under movement of the display with respect to the enclosure.   
     
     
         29 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the force sensor includes a polymer. 
     
     
         30 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the force sensor forms a continuous perimeter. 
     
     
         31 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the display and the enclosure at least partially surround the force sensor. 
     
     
         32 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the display is a touch display. 
     
     
         33 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the portable electronic device interprets movement of the display detected by the force sensor as a non-binary control for an application executing on the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         34 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the force sensor is coupled to a surface of the enclosure and the enclosure includes a projection that extends from the surface above the force sensor. 
     
     
         35 . A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a body;   a transparent outer surface; and   a gasket coupling the transparent outer surface to the body that produces a non-binary output when deformed by movement of the transparent outer surface with respect to the body corresponding to an amount of force that causes the movement.   
     
     
         36 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the gasket includes a piezoelectric material. 
     
     
         37 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the gasket is disposed in a recess defined by the body. 
     
     
         38 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the gasket has a smaller perimeter than the transparent outer surface and the body. 
     
     
         39 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the gasket defines a cavity between the body and the transparent outer surface. 
     
     
         40 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the gasket is operable to compress.