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 display coupled to the housing;   a cover; and   an opaque force sensor that couples the cover to the housing.   
     
     
         22 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the opaque force sensor does not obstruct view of the display through the cover. 
     
     
         23 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the cover is integrally formed with the display. 
     
     
         24 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the opaque force sensor allows movement of the cover in a direction normal to a planar surface of the cover. 
     
     
         25 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the opaque force sensor includes a first material defining a gap and a second material positioned in the gap. 
     
     
         26 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the opaque force sensor includes piezoelectric material. 
     
     
         27 . The portable electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the opaque force sensor includes a polymer. 
     
     
         28 . A portable electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure;   a cover glass;   a display, coupled to the enclosure, that is visible through the cover glass; and   a force sensor that couples the cover glass to the housing and is not disposed directly between the display and the cover glass.   
     
     
         29 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the force sensor includes silicone rubber. 
     
     
         30 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the cover glass is positioned over the display. 
     
     
         31 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the force sensor seals the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         32 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein cover glass strain compresses the force sensor. 
     
     
         33 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the force sensor includes at least a first layer of a first material and a second layer of a second material. 
     
     
         34 . The portable electronic device of  claim 28 , wherein the force sensor is not optically transparent. 
     
     
         35 . A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a body;   a display coupled to the housing;   a glass layer; and   a sensor that:
 couples the glass layer to the body; 
 is optically opaque; and 
 is operable to detect strain of the glass layer or the body. 
   
     
     
         36 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the glass layer is a incorporated into a capacitive touch screen. 
     
     
         37 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the glass layer is coupled to the display. 
     
     
         38 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the sensor absorbs shock transmitted between the body and the glass layer. 
     
     
         39 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the display is positioned adjacent the glass layer. 
     
     
         40 . The portable electronic device of  claim 35 , wherein the glass layer forms an external surface of the portable electronic device.