Apple patents phone frame design that snaps two halves together
Apple describes a method for building portable devices using two separate housing parts that snap together. One part holds the screen and metal frame, while the other holds the internal electronics and plastic backing. The parts are joined using metal clips and springs that are welded directly to the frame and bezel.
In the filing’s own words
Portable electronic devices are provided. Each device may be formed from two parts. A first part may be provided with components such as a display, a touch screen, a cover glass, and a frame. A second part may be provided with a plastic housing, circuit boards containing electrical components, and a bezel. Engagement members may be connected to the first and second parts. The engagement members may be formed from metal clips with holes and springs with flexible spring prongs that mate with the holes in the clips. The metal clips may be welded to frame struts on the frame and the springs may be welded to the bezel. During assembly, the first part may be rotated into place within the second part. Retention clips attached to the frame may be used to secure the two parts together. Assembly instructions and associated connector numbers may be provided within the devices.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An electronic device, comprising: a display comprising a capacitive touch sensor; a display cover glass overlapping the display; a metal frame; and a molded plastic member that supports the display cover glass and is coupled to the metal frame, wherein the molded plastic member is overmolded onto the metal frame.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Portable electronic device with two-piece housing
- Patent number
- US12732222B2
- Application number
- 18807031
- Filed
- Aug 16, 2024
- Granted
- Sep 8, 2026
- Inventors
- 18
- Claims
- 19
Classified under
H04B 1/3888 Electricity & electronicsG06F 1/1626 Physics & computingG06F 1/1637 Physics & computingG06F 1/1656 Physics & computingG06F 1/1658 Physics & computingH04M 1/0252 Electricity & electronicsMore from Apple in Phones & computers
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.