On November 30, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple’s continuation-in-part patent application titled ‘Handheld computing device,’ which was filed on August 7, 2006. Apple’s patent application relates generally to portable computing devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to enclosures of portable computing devices and methods of assembling portable computing devices. Specifically, Apple discusses one of the variant handheld-devices/iPod’s including an enclosure having structural walls formed from Zirconia, a ceramic material which is radio-transparent. To clarify matters, Apple’s patent relates the use of zirconia with such applications as a cell phone and wireless iPod.

Apple’s Summary

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a portable computing device capable of wireless communications. The portable computing device includes an enclosure that surrounds and protects the internal operational components of the portable computing device. The enclosure includes a structural wall formed from a ceramic material that permits wireless communications therethrough. The wireless communications may for example correspond to RF communications, and further the ceramic material may be radio-transparent thereby allowing RF communications there through.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable computing device. The portable computing device includes an enclosure that surrounds and protects the internal operational components of the portable computing device. The enclosure includes a structural wall formed from a ceramic material. In some cases, multiple structural walls are formed from the ceramic material. In other cases, a significant portion of the entire enclosure is formed from the ceramic material.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a handheld computing device. The handheld computing device includes a seamless tube formed from a ceramic material and extending along a longitudinal axis. The seamless tube has a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end. The elongated seamless tube defines an internal lumen which is sized and dimensioned for insertion of operational components of the handheld computing device.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable computing device capable of wireless communications. The portable computing device includes an enclosure that surrounds and protects the internal operational components of the portable computing device. The enclosure includes a structural wall formed from a material other than plastic that permits wireless communications therethrough. The portable computing device also includes an internal antenna disposed inside the enclosure.

Radio Transparent Zirconia

Apple introduces the topic of Zirconia in their patent by stating that “in another implementation, the ceramic material is zirconia. Some of the reasons for using ceramics over other materials are that it is structurally strong, stiff and radio transparent. This is especially important for wireless hand held devices that include antennas internal to the enclosure. Radio transparency allows the wireless signals to pass through the enclosure and in some cases enhances these transmissions.”

Apple notes that “ceramics have been used in a wide variety of products including electronic devices such as watches, phones, and medical instruments. In all of these cases, however, the ceramic material has not been used as structural components. In most of these cases they have been used as cosmetic accoutrements. It is believed up till now ceramic materials have never been used as a structural element including structural frames, walls or main body of a consumer electronic device, and more particularly an enclosure of a portable electronic device such as a media player or cell phone.

In patent FIG. 11, Apple illustrates a method of creating a ceramic enclosure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The ceramic enclosure may be embodied in various forms including any of those previously mentioned.

Apple then notes that “the method begins at block 402 where a ceramic material is provided. The ceramic material may be in a form ready for forming or it may be in a raw state. If in a raw state, raw material processing is typically performed to ready it for forming. For example, a co-precipitation method may be performed in order to produce Y2O3 stabilized zirconia. Zirconia may be embodied in a variety of colors including white, black, navy blue, ivory, brown, dark blue, light blue, platinum, gold (among others). The colors may for example be created by adding doping materials to the ceramic material. Other materials may also be added including Yttrium, which helps keep the crystalline structure intact across all temperatures especially for maintaining strength as the part cools down.”

Finally on this subject, Apple states that “generally speaking, when using an internal antenna, it is desirable to increase the radio transparency of the enclosure in order to effectively perform wireless transmissions therethrough. Thus, a substantial portion of the enclosure is formed form materials capable of providing radio-transparency (e.g., ceramics, plastics, etc.). In most cases, the radio transparent portion(s) of the enclosure constitutes a significant area of the entire enclosure: For example, greater than 50%, more particularly greater than 75%, and even more particularly greater than 85%. The radio transparent portions may even be greater than 90%, and more particularly greater than 95%, and in some cases 100% of the enclosure.

The radio transparent portions may be embodied in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the radio transparent portions constitute the entire enclosure. For example, all the walls of the enclosure are radio transparent (e.g., both the main body and the end caps).

Wireless iPod

In respect to the iPod, Apple states that the “radio transparent portions constitute one or more walls of the housing. For example, the top and/or bottom member of the enclosure shown in FIG. 13 or one or more plates of the enclosure shown in FIG. 12. In another embodiment, the radio transparent portions may constitute a part of one or more walls of the enclosure. That is, only a portion of a wall may be radio transparent. For example, the wall may be separated into two parts, or in the case of a laminated wall, some portion of the wall may include a non radio transparent layer.

It is generally believed that a greater area of radio transparency produces a stronger signal during transmissions and stronger reception when a signal is received. However, other factors may play a role as for example the location of the internal antenna. By way of example, in an enclosure with a decreased amount of radio transparency, the internal antenna may be positioned closer or proximate to the radio transparent portions of the enclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that although non radio transparent portions such as metals typically degrade radio transmissions, in some cases, non radio transparent portions may be designed in such a manner as to enhance or help radio transmissions.”

Other Device Applications

Apple finalizes their patent by clarifying that “although the invention is directed primarily at portable electronic devices such as media players, and cell phones, it should be appreciated that the technologies disclosed herein can also be applied to other electronic devices such as remote controls, mice, keyboards, monitors, and accessories for such devices.

NOTICE: MacNN presents only a brief summary of patents with associated graphic(s) for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application and/or grant is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent applications and/or grants should be read in its entirety for further details.

Written and researched by Neo.