U.S. patent application number 16/285033 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-27 for textile covering for electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC. Invention is credited to Kelly Marie BOGAN, Anatoly CHURIKOV, Lincoln Matthew GHIONI, Paul Ryan SANDOVAL.
Application Number | 20200270778 16/285033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004067592 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200270778 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOGAN; Kelly Marie ; et
al. |
August 27, 2020 |
TEXTILE COVERING FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
Examples are disclosed that relate to textile coverings for
electronic devices and methods for manufacturing textile coverings
for electronic devices. In one example, a textile covering for an
electronic device comprises one or more structural fibers woven
into a seamless tube, the seamless tube configured to encircle at
least a portion of the electronic device. The textile covering also
comprises one or more heat-shrink fibers and/or one or more
adhesive fibers woven into the seamless tube. The heat-shrink
fibers shrink when the seamless tube is heated above a threshold
temperature, thereby constricting the seamless tube around the
electronic device. The one or more adhesive fibers adhere the
textile covering to the electronic device.
Inventors: |
BOGAN; Kelly Marie;
(Redmond, WA) ; GHIONI; Lincoln Matthew; (Redmond,
WA) ; CHURIKOV; Anatoly; (Redmond, WA) ;
SANDOVAL; Paul Ryan; (Kirkland, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC |
Redmond |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Microsoft Technology Licensing,
LLC
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
1000004067592 |
Appl. No.: |
16/285033 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 3/02 20130101; D03D
15/04 20130101; D10B 2401/04 20130101; D10B 2331/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D03D 3/02 20060101
D03D003/02; D03D 15/04 20060101 D03D015/04 |
Claims
1. A textile covering for an electronic device, the textile
covering comprising: one or more structural fibers woven into a
seamless tube, the seamless tube configured to encircle at least a
portion of the electronic device; and one or more heat-shrink
fibers woven into the seamless tube, wherein the heat-shrink fibers
shrink when the seamless tube is heated above a threshold
temperature, thereby constricting the seamless tube around the
electronic device.
2. The textile covering of claim 1, wherein the seamless tube
further comprises a tapered end.
3. The textile covering of claim 1, wherein the one or more
heat-shrink fibers comprise one or more polyester or elastane
fibers.
4. The textile covering of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive
layer configured to adhere the textile covering to the electronic
device.
5. The textile covering of claim 1, further comprising one or more
adhesive fibers woven into the seamless tube, wherein the one or
more adhesive fibers adhere the textile covering to the electronic
device.
6. The textile covering of claim 1, wherein the one or more
structural fibers comprise two or more different structural fibers
that each comprise a different material.
7. The textile covering of claim 1, wherein the seamless tube
further comprises a plurality of differently-textured areas.
8. The textile covering of claim 7, wherein each of the
differently-textured areas comprises a differently-sized structural
fiber.
9. The textile covering of claim 7, wherein each of the
differently-textured areas comprises a different weave pattern.
10. The textile covering of claim 7, wherein one or more of the
plurality of differently-textured areas indicate an underlying
component of the electronic device.
11. The textile covering of claim 1, further comprising one or more
conductive fibers woven into the seamless tube.
12. The textile covering of claim 11, wherein the one or more
conductive fibers provide inputs to the electronic device.
13. The textile covering of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
comprises a hand-held pen configured to provide user input to a
computing device.
14. A textile covering for an electronic device, the textile
covering comprising: one or more structural fibers woven into a
seamless tube, the seamless tube configured to encircle at least a
portion of the electronic device; and one or more adhesive fibers
woven into the seamless tube, wherein the one or more adhesive
fibers adhere the textile covering to the electronic device.
15. The textile covering of claim 14, wherein the seamless tube
further comprises a tapered end.
16. The textile covering of claim 14, wherein the one or more
structural fibers comprise two or more different structural fibers
that each comprise a different material.
17. The textile covering of claim 14, wherein the seamless tube
further comprises a plurality of differently-textured areas.
18. The textile covering of claim 17, wherein each of the
differently-textured areas comprises a differently-sized structural
fiber.
19. The textile covering of claim 17, wherein each of the
differently-textured areas comprises a different weave pattern.
20. The textile covering of claim 17, wherein one or more of the
plurality of differently-textured areas indicate an underlying
component of the electronic device.
21. The textile covering of claim 14, further comprising one or
more conductive fibers woven into the seamless tube.
22. The textile covering of claim 21, wherein the one or more
conductive fibers provide inputs to the electronic device.
23. The textile covering of claim 14, wherein the electronic device
comprises a hand-held pen configured to provide user input to a
computing device.
24. A method for manufacturing a textile covering for an electronic
device, the method comprising: weaving one or more structural
fibers into a seamless tube, the seamless tube configured to
encircle at least a portion of the electronic device; weaving one
or more heat-shrink fibers and/or one or more adhesive fibers into
the seamless tube; when the textile covering comprises the one or
more heat-shrink fibers, heating the seamless tube above a
threshold temperature, thereby constricting the seamless tube
around the electronic device; and when the textile covering
comprises the one or more adhesive fibers, adhering the textile
covering to the electronic device via the adhesive fibers.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Some electronic devices may include a covering that provides
a visually-appealing appearance and/or a pleasing tactile user
interface. Providing a suitable textile covering for an electronic
device that embodies these characteristics while also avoiding
additional complexity and/or cost in corresponding manufacturing
and assembly processes can prove challenging.
SUMMARY
[0002] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not
limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages
noted in any part of this disclosure.
[0003] Examples are disclosed that relate to textile coverings for
electronic devices and methods for manufacturing textile coverings
for electronic devices. In one example, a textile covering for an
electronic device comprises one or more structural fibers woven
into a seamless tube, the seamless tube configured to encircle at
least a portion of the electronic device. The textile covering also
comprises one or more heat-shrink fibers woven into the seamless
tube. The heat-shrink fibers shrink when the seamless tube is
heated above a threshold temperature, thereby constricting the
seamless tube around the electronic device. Additionally or
alternatively, the textile covering may comprise one or more
adhesive fibers woven into the seamless tube. The one or more
adhesive fibers adhere the textile covering to the electronic
device.
[0004] Another example provides a method for manufacturing a
textile covering for an electronic device. The method comprises
weaving one or more structural fibers into a seamless tube, the
seamless tube configured to encircle at least a portion of the
electronic device. The method also comprises weaving one or more
heat-shrink fibers and/or one or more adhesive fibers into the
seamless tube. When the textile covering comprises the one or more
heat-shrink fibers, the method comprises heating the seamless tube
above a threshold temperature, thereby constricting the seamless
tube around the electronic device. When the textile covering
comprises the one or more adhesive fibers, the method comprises
adhering the textile covering to the electronic device via the
adhesive fibers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an example of a textile covering for an
electronic device according to examples of the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a textile covering for
an electronic device according to examples of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows an unassembled view of a textile covering for
an electronic device including one or more heat-shrink fibers.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows an unassembled view of a textile covering for
an electronic device including one or more adhesive fibers.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows an end view of the textile covering of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows an end view of the textile covering of FIG. 2
viewed from a tapered end.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the textile covering of FIG. 2
viewed from the non-tapered end.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows an unassembled view of a textile covering for
an electronic device including one or more conductive fibers.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example method for
manufacturing a textile covering for an electronic device according
to examples of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Electronic device coverings may provide a device with a
visually pleasing and/or personalized appearance, as well as
provide a comfortable tactile experience when touched. For example,
a textile covering may mask unappealing parts of the electronic
device, such as areas that are formed from different materials,
openings in the device, or components such as speakers, lights, or
sensors.
[0015] In some examples, the textile covering may be configured as
a tube that encircles at least a portion of the electronic device.
However, tubular textile coverings that include one or more seams
may provide a less-than-desirable user experience. For example, a
seam may detract from the appearance of the covering and the
underlying device. Further, a seam also may hinder or negatively
impact the user's tactile interactions with the covering,
particularly if it obstructs or overlies a location where the user
intends to touch or grip the device.
[0016] Additionally, utilizing a seam may add complexity and/or
cost to the covering's assembly and manufacturing processes. For
example, in addition to sewing the seam itself, the tube may
further require trimming, smoothing, and/or other post-processing
procedures to smooth raw edges, treat, or otherwise finish the
seam.
[0017] Accordingly, and in one potential advantage of the present
disclosure, a textile covering for an electronic device comprises a
seamless tube. As described in more detail below, utilizing the
seamless tube may simplify the covering's assembly and/or
manufacturing, while also contributing to a pleasing visual and
tactile user experience. The seamless tubes may include heat-shrink
fibers and/or adhesive fibers to improve manufacturability and
related installation considerations of the covering.
[0018] In some examples, textile coverings of the present
disclosure also may provide electronic devices with an intuitive
tactile user interface. For example, as described in more detail
below, one or more locations on the device may be designated by
portions of the textile having distinctive characteristic(s), such
as a unique or contrasting tactile feel, a different color, etc. In
this manner, users may be guided or naturally drawn to touch or
grip the device at such locations.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows one example of a seamless, tubular textile
covering 100 encircling a portion of an electronic device. In the
example of FIG. 1, the electronic device comprises a hand-held pen
104 (or stylus) configured to provide user input to a computing
device. The pen 104 may also include one or more components, such
as buttons, sensors and/or haptic feedback actuators. In some
designs, these components could detract from the device's
appearance. In such examples, the textile covering 100 may provide
the device with a more pleasing and uniform aesthetic, while also
augmenting a user's tactile experience with the device.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 and described in more detail below, the
textile covering 100 comprises one or more structural fibers 108,
such as a thread or other yarn that is woven into a seamless tube
112. In different examples the structural fiber(s) 108 may comprise
natural and/or synthetic fibers, such as cotton, silk, wool, nylon,
polyester, metallic, composite, and/or other materials.
Additionally, and as described in more detail below, the textile
covering may include one or more heat shrink fibers and/or one or
more adhesive fibers woven into the seamless tube.
[0021] The seamless tube 112 may be formed via any suitable
technique, such as by weaving the one or more structural fibers 108
on a loom. In other examples, knitting, sewing, felting, or other
techniques may be utilized. As described below, the yarns may be
woven together in a plain weave pattern, in which a single
crosswise or weft fiber alternates over and under a single
lengthwise or warp fiber. It will be appreciated that the seamless
tube may have any other suitable dimensions and textile
characteristics that accommodate different types and configurations
of electronic devices. For example, the seamless tube may be
configured to cover the entire electronic device or only a portion
of the device.
[0022] In some examples, multiple textile coverings may be created
by weaving a single, continuous seamless tube that is then cut to
produce coverings of a desired length. Each covering may then be
finished using any suitable finishing processes, and treated as a
piece part during assembly of the electronic device. Producing the
textile covering in this manner may provide operational and cost
advantages. However, it will also be appreciated that the textile
covering may be produced in any other suitable manner, including
producing one at a time.
[0023] In the example of FIG. 1 and with reference also to FIG. 5,
the seamless tube 112 takes the form of a cylinder having a
substantially uniform diameter along its length. In other examples,
suitable textile coverings for an electronic device may have a
variety of other forms or structures. For example, FIG. 2 shows
another example of a textile covering 200 for the pen 104 that
comprises a seamless tube 208 including a tapered end that
form-fits to a tapered portion of the pen 104.
[0024] In this example, the seamless tube 208 comprises a tapered
end 212 configured to encircle and envelop the tapered portion 216
of the pen 104. FIG. 6 shows an end view of the seamless tube 208
viewed from the tapered end 212. FIG. 7 shows an end view of the
seamless tube 208 from the non-tapered end 220 opposite the tapered
end 212. In various examples, the non-tapered portion of the
seamless tube 208 may have any suitable circumference, and
similarly may taper down to any suitable circumference at the
distal end of the tapered end 212. The circumference may taper down
over any suitable distance. In different examples, any suitable
dimensions and configurations of a seamless tube comprising one or
more tapered ends may be utilized to accommodate different
configurations of electronic devices.
[0025] It will also be appreciated that various characteristics of
the textile, such as the EPI and PPI, may be configured in any
suitable manner to accommodate the structure of the tapered
seamless tube 208. For example, these characteristics may change in
locations where the textile tapers. In this manner, the textile
covering 200 may conform to an underlying structure of the
electronic device to provide a desired form factor or achieve an
intended user experience.
[0026] A variety of suitable methods may be used to create such
varying forms or structures. In one example of producing a tapered
end, the seamless tube 208 may be woven on a loom that includes one
or more adjustable reeds. When the loom is set up, a lengthwise or
warp fiber may be threaded through heddles that move the structural
fibers into a pattern, then through a "V" reed that sets a density
of the fibers. By collapsing the V reed, the fibers may be
compacted into a denser structure that reduces the diameter of the
seamless tube to produce a tapered end. In this manner, the
seamless tube 208 may be woven with a variety of textures and/or
shapes.
[0027] Additionally and in some examples, different types of fibers
may be utilized to alter the shape, texture, and/or other
properties of the seamless tube. For example, and with reference
again to FIG. 1, the structural fibers 108 of seamless tube 112 may
include two or more different fibers that each comprise a different
material. In one example, the structural fibers 108 may include a
nylon air-textured yarn along with a stiffer metallic fiber. In
this manner, different structural fibers may utilize materials
having different properties and/or other characteristics, such as
varying stiffness/softness, elasticity, weight, etc., to provide a
variety of tactile user experiences. Additionally and as described
in more detail below, other types of fibers including
heat-shrinking, adhesive, and/or conductive fibers, may be woven
into the seamless tube.
[0028] As noted above, incorporating different textures into a
textile covering may augment a user's tactile experience with an
electronic device. Accordingly, the seamless tube 112 may comprise
a plurality of differently-textured areas to provide a user of the
pen 104 with a different tactile experience in each area. For
example, the textile covering 100 may provide a grip area 122 that
features a softer texture, such as a sateen weave, as compared to
other areas of the textile covering. In this manner, the user may
have a more comfortable tactile experience and may be more inclined
to grip the pen at the grip area 122.
[0029] In some examples, the textile covering may be made thicker
in one or more areas to provide the user with visual and tactile
cues for where and/or how to grip the device. For example, the grip
feature described above may comprise a raised area 116 that
projects outwardly from the seamless tube 112. The structural
fibers in the raised area 116 may differ from the structural fibers
in the rest of the seamless tube 112. For example, cutout view 120
depicts the structural fibers 108 that comprise most of the
seamless tube 112 in the example of FIG. 1. In contrast and as
schematically shown in cutout view 124, the raised area 116 of the
seamless tube 112 comprises larger structural fibers 130. As one
example, the larger structural fibers 130 may comprise a thick yarn
with a greater diameter and heavier weight than the structural
fibers 108.
[0030] Additionally and in some examples, differently-textured
areas on the textile covering may be used to guide the user to a
location of an underlying component of the pen 104. Such components
may include one or more haptic feedback mechanisms, such as a
linear resonant actuator, input buttons, pressure or touch sensors,
biometric sensors, etc. Utilizing unique textures at these
locations may also enhance tactile feedback when the user interacts
with such components.
[0031] Such different textures in a textile covering may be
provided in a variety of ways. For example, as described above, a
loom may be used to weave various textures, forms, and materials
into the seamless tube 112. In other examples, one or more
post-processing treatments may be applied to change the texture of
the seamless tube 112. Some non-limiting examples of
post-processing treatments may include trimming, chemical
processing, or applying additional materials onto the seamless tube
112. In other examples, the yarns or other structural fibers may
have any other suitable structure configurable to create
differently textured areas within the seamless tube 112.
[0032] In some examples, different textures may also be provided by
incorporating two or more different weave patterns at different
locations of the textile covering. For example, one or more of
satin, twill, basket weave, and plain weave patterns may utilized
at different locations. Accordingly, each weave pattern may provide
a different tactile experience when touched.
[0033] For example and with continued reference to FIG. 1, the
seamless tube 112 may include a rough textured area 132 in which
the structural fibers 108 may be interwoven with a different weave
pattern than in the remainder of the seamless tube 112. As
illustrated in cutout view 136, in this example the structural
fibers 108 in the rough textured area 132 may be woven together in
a basket weave pattern, wherein two or more structural fibers 108
are grouped together and woven as one. In contrast, and as shown in
the cutout view 120, in the remainder of the seamless tube 112 the
same structural fibers 108 may be woven together in a plain weave
pattern.
[0034] In this manner, the basket weave pattern may provide a
coarser texture in the rough area 132 as compared to the plain
weave pattern utilized in other portions of the cover. It will also
be appreciated that in other examples, different weave patterns may
be incorporated to provide other effects, such as making the
texture smoother.
[0035] The seamless tube 112 may additionally or alternatively
include one or more differently-colored areas. Like the
differently-textured areas, different colors may indicate various
functional areas on the pen 104, such as a location of a button or
a sensor. For example, the large structural fibers 130 in the
raised area 116 may be given a different color that contrasts with
the structural fibers 108 in the remainder of the covering. This
may highlight the grip area 122 for users. In another example, the
rough textured area 132 may be a different color than the remainder
of the seamless tube 112 to indicate the location of a button or
sensor.
[0036] In some examples, different weave patterns may be used to
incorporate different colors into the seamless tube 112. For
example, a jacquard weave may be used to incorporate structural
fibers of different colors at different positions on the seamless
tube 112 to weave differently-colored areas or different patterns
directly into the textile.
[0037] It will also be appreciated that such differently-colored
areas may be provided in any suitable manner, such as using one or
more post-processing treatments. Some non-limiting examples of
post-processing color treatments include dying, bleaching, or
depositing one or more colored materials on the seamless tube 112.
It will be appreciated that these and other post-processing
treatments described herein may be applied at any point during
manufacturing or assembly of the textile covering 100 and pen 104,
including before and/or after the textile covering 100 is fitted
over the device.
[0038] As described in more detail below and with reference now to
FIGS. 3-8, a non-tapered seamless tube and/or a tapered seamless
tube as described above may further comprise one or more
heat-shrink fibers, one or more adhesive fibers, one or more
conductive fibers, an adhesive layer, and/or any combination of
these features. FIG. 3 shows an example of an unassembled
non-tapered textile covering 300 and corresponding electronic
device in the form of pen 304. Like the examples described above
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the textile covering 300 comprises
a seamless tube 308 woven with one or more structural fibers 312.
In some examples, to install the textile covering 300 on the pen
304, the seamless tube 308 may be slid over one end of the pen 304.
It will also be appreciated that the textile covering 300 may be
installed on the pen 304 in any other suitable manner.
[0039] To facilitate an easier assembly process, in some examples
the seamless tube 308 may comprise one or more heat-shrink fibers.
In these examples, and in one potential advantage of the present
disclosure, the heat-shrink fibers may be configured to stretch
while being slid over the pen 304, and then constrict around at
least a portion of the pen when heated. In the example of FIG. 3
and as shown in cutout 316, one or more heat-shrink fibers 320 may
be woven into the seamless tube 308 in an alternating manner with
the structural fibers 312. In other examples, the one or more
heat-shrink fibers 320 may be incorporated into the seamless tube
308 in any other suitable manner.
[0040] The one or more heat-shrink fibers 320 may comprise any
suitable heat-shrink material. Some examples of suitable
heat-shrink fibers 320 include a polyester, lycra, or elastane core
surrounded by a natural or synthetic material such as nylon. In
this manner, the one or more heat-shrink fibers 320 may complement
the material properties of the structural fibers 312 by providing
the seamless tube 308 with heat-shrink properties.
[0041] Each heat-shrink fiber 320 may be configured to shrink when
the seamless tube 308 is heated to a temperature above a threshold
temperature, thereby constricting the seamless tube 308 around the
barrel 326 of the pen 304. In some examples, to facilitate easier
assembly, the seamless tube 308 may be woven with a slightly larger
diameter than the barrel 326 of the pen 304. After sliding and
positioning the seamless tube 308 over the barrel 326 of pen 304,
the tube may be heated above a threshold temperature, such as
approximately 250-260.degree. C. for a polymer yarn, to cause the
heat-shrink fibers 320 to constrict and squeeze the tube against
the barrel of the pen. In this manner, the seamless tube 308 may
accommodate and be securely fitted to a variety of form factors of
the underlying device.
[0042] For example, the heat-shrink fibers 320 may enable a
seamless tube to accommodate a tapered portion of an electronic
device without weaving a tapered end into the seamless tube itself.
In one example, the length of seamless tube 308 of FIG. 3 may be
extended to also enclose the tapered end 330 of the pen 304. Once
installed over the barrel 326 and tapered end 330, the seamless
tube 308 is heated above a threshold temperature that causes the
heat-shrink fibers to constrict and form-fit a distal end of the
tube to the tapered end.
[0043] In other examples, a seamless tube that includes a woven
tapered end, such as the seamless tube 208 of FIG. 2, may
incorporate heat-shrink fibers within the woven tapered end. In
this manner, the heat-shrink fibers may enable the tapered end to
more securely seat around the corresponding underlying tapered
structure. In some examples, the heat-shrink fibers may enable the
tapered end of a seamless tube to shrink to a narrower diameter
than may be woven on a loom.
[0044] In some examples, a seamless tube of a textile covering may
additionally or alternatively include one or more adhesive fibers
woven into the tube. In these examples, the one or more adhesive
fibers may fuse or adhere the seamless tube to the underlying
structure of an electronic device. Examples of adhesive fibers that
may be utilized include nylon and polyester filaments that melt or
fuse when heated above a threshold temperature.
[0045] In one example and with reference now to FIG. 4, a textile
covering 400 may comprise a seamless tube 416 that includes one or
more adhesive fibers 412. The one or more adhesive fibers may be
incorporated in any suitable manner. For example, and as shown in
cutout 408, one or more adhesive fibers 412 may be woven into
seamless tube 416 in an alternating manner with one or more
structural fibers 420. In this manner, the seamless tube 416 may be
adhered to a surface of the pen 404 by activating the one or more
adhesive fibers 412 when the textile covering 400 is assembled on
the pen.
[0046] In other examples, a textile covering may be adhered to an
electronic device via a layer or film of adhesive material
deposited on an inner surface of the covering. For example, FIG. 5
shows an end view of the textile covering 100 of FIG. 1. As shown
in FIG. 5, the textile covering 100 may include an inner adhesive
layer 156 on the inner surface of the seamless tube 112, with the
adhesive layer configured to adhere the tube to the pen 104. The
adhesive layer 156 may comprise any suitable adhesive material,
such as a polyurethane or thermoplastic heat-activated film, a
pressure-sensitive coating, or other suitable adhesive. In this
example, the adhesive layer 156 is positioned adjacent to the
barrel of pen 104 when the seamless tube 112 is slid over the pen.
In other examples, the adhesive layer 156 may initially be formed
on an outer surface of the seamless tube 112, which is then
inverted before or during assembly of the pen 104. In different
examples, the adhesive layer may cover substantially all of the
inner surface of the seamless tube 112, or one or more portions of
the inner surface.
[0047] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate similar end views of the textile
covering 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 shows an end view of the seamless
tube 208 viewed from the tapered end 212. FIG. 7 shows an end view
of the textile covering 200 from the opposite non-tapered end 220.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the textile covering 200 may also
comprise an inner adhesive layer 226, which may follow the shape of
the inner surface of seamless tube 208 into the tapered end
212.
[0048] In some examples, one or more of the textile coverings
described herein may be configured to be interchangeable with other
coverings. In this manner, and with reference to the example of
FIG. 1, the pen 104 may accommodate one or more different textiles
coverings in addition to the textile covering 100. In this manner,
different textile coverings may be selected to accommodate
different ergonomic preferences and/or accessibility requirements
of various users. For example, different features of the textile
covering 100 may be particularly configured for users living with
arthritis or other dexterity-related conditions, for left-handed or
right-handed users, or others. The textile covering 100 may also be
interchangeable for cosmetic purposes, such as to enable users to
customize the device's color.
[0049] In some examples, a seamless tube of a textile covering may
additionally or alternatively include one or more conductive fibers
woven into the tube that may complement functionality of an
underlying electronic device. For example, sensing and/or output
functionality of a device may be provided or enhanced by
incorporating one or more conductive fibers into a textile
covering.
[0050] With reference now to FIG. 8, a textile covering 800 may
include electronic functionality that complements a pen 804. As
schematically illustrated in cutout 808, one or more conductive
fibers 812 may be sewn into seamless tube 816 over one or more
structural fibers 820. In other examples, the conductive fibers 812
may be woven or incorporated into the seamless tube 816 in any
other suitable manner. For example, the conductive fibers 812 may
be woven into the seamless tube 816 along with the structural
fibers 820 in a manner similar to the heat-shrink fibers 320 in the
example of FIG. 3 described above, or similar to the adhesive
fibers 412 in the example of FIG. 4.
[0051] The one or more conductive fibers 812 may comprise any
suitable material or structure. In some examples, each of the
conductive fibers 812 may comprise an intrinsically conductive wire
covered by a textile material, such as a silver or copper core
covered with nylon or polyester. For example, a conductive yarn may
be formed via a pull through yarn process. In this manner, robust,
wrapped wires may be produced that may be woven into the seamless
tube 816.
[0052] In another example, each of the one or more conductive
fibers 812 may comprise a nonconductive material, such as a
polymer, monofilament, or staple filament, that is treated with a
conductor, such as copper or silver, and formed into a yarn. In
other examples, each conductive fiber 812 may comprise a conductive
yarn coated with an enamel dielectric coating. In this manner, the
dielectric coating may prevent the conductive fibers 812 from
short-circuiting.
[0053] The one or more conductive fibers 812 may provide the
textile covering 800 with touch-sensing or other electronic
capability. For example, the one or more conductive fibers 812 may
comprise a resistive or capacitive touch sensor, pressure sensor,
and/or proximity sensor, an antenna, an inductive coil for wireless
charging, an inductive sensor, or any other suitable electronic
component. The conductive fibers 812 may additionally or
alternatively facilitate connections with one or more output
components and/or indicators, such as standalone lights or LED
arrays, which in some examples may be printed on flexible circuit
boards.
[0054] Utilizing conductive fibers in this manner may provide the
pen 804 with a wide range of functionality. For example, the one or
more conductive fibers 812 may comprise a touch sensor integrated
into the textile covering 800 and configured to detect how a user
is holding the pen 804. In some examples, the user's grip on the
pen 804 may be used to predict how the user's hand may occlude a
display of a tablet computing device, which may respond by
rearranging how user interface elements are displayed. Similar
inputs may also help the tablet computing device filter out noise
from the user's hand contacting a touch-screen display, or
rearrange the user interface to accommodate preferences of left- or
right-handed users. In yet another example, the one or more
conductive fibers 812 may also provide biometric sensing
capabilities, which may be used to help a computing device identify
the user.
[0055] Accordingly, by weaving the one or more conductive fibers
812 into the seamless tube 816, sensing functionality may be
provided by the textile covering 800. In some examples, the one or
more conductive fibers 812 may form a continuous sensor around the
entirety of the seamless tube 816. In other examples, electronic
functionality may be provided by depositing one or more conductive
traces on the textile material. For example, conductive traces may
be printed on an inside or outside surface of the textile by
processes such as silk screening or ink jet printing.
[0056] It will be appreciated that textile coverings of the present
disclosure may or may not include electronic functionality and/or
conductive components. For example, a textile covering configured
to cover an electronic device for cosmetic and/or tactile purposes
may not include conductive properties.
[0057] With reference now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram is provided
depicting an example method 900 for manufacturing a textile
covering for an electronic device. The following description of
method 900 is provided with reference to the materials and
components described herein and shown in FIGS. 1-8. It will be
appreciated that method 900 also may be performed in other contexts
using other suitable materials and components.
[0058] At 904, the method 900 includes weaving one or more
structural fibers into a seamless tube that is configured to
encircle at least a portion of the electronic device. At 908, the
method 900 includes weaving one or more heat-shrink fibers and/or
one or more adhesive fibers into the seamless tube. At 912, the
method 900 includes, when the textile covering comprises the one or
more heat-shrink fibers, heating the seamless tube above a
threshold temperature to constrict the seamless tube around the
electronic device. At 916, the method 900 includes, when the
textile covering comprises the one or more adhesive fibers,
adhering the textile covering to the electronic device via the
adhesive fibers.
[0059] The following paragraphs provide additional support for the
claims of the subject application. One aspect provides a textile
covering for an electronic device, the textile covering comprising:
one or more structural fibers woven into a seamless tube, the
seamless tube configured to encircle at least a portion of the
electronic device; and one or more heat-shrink fibers woven into
the seamless tube, wherein the heat-shrink fibers shrink when the
seamless tube is heated above a threshold temperature, thereby
constricting the seamless tube around the electronic device. The
textile covering may additionally or alternatively include, wherein
the seamless tube further comprises a tapered end. The textile
covering may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the one
or more heat-shrink fibers comprise one or more polyester or
elastane fibers. The textile covering may additionally or
alternatively include, an adhesive layer configured to adhere the
textile covering to the electronic device. The textile covering may
additionally or alternatively include, one or more adhesive fibers
woven into the seamless tube, wherein the one or more adhesive
fibers adhere the textile covering to the electronic device. The
textile covering may additionally or alternatively include, wherein
the one or more structural fibers comprise two or more different
structural fibers that each comprise a different material. The
textile covering may additionally or alternatively include, wherein
the seamless tube further comprises a plurality of
differently-textured areas. The textile covering may additionally
or alternatively include, wherein each of the differently-textured
areas comprises a differently-sized structural fiber. The textile
covering may additionally or alternatively include, wherein each of
the differently-textured areas comprises a different weave pattern.
The textile covering may additionally or alternatively include,
wherein one or more of the plurality of differently-textured areas
indicate an underlying component of the electronic device. The
textile covering may additionally or alternatively include, one or
more conductive fibers woven into the seamless tube. The textile
covering may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the one
or more conductive fibers provide inputs to the electronic device.
The textile covering may additionally or alternatively include,
wherein the electronic device comprises a hand-held pen configured
to provide user input to a computing device.
[0060] Another aspect provides a textile covering for an electronic
device, the textile covering comprising: one or more structural
fibers woven into a seamless tube, the seamless tube configured to
encircle at least a portion of the electronic device; and one or
more adhesive fibers woven into the seamless tube, wherein the one
or more adhesive fibers adhere the textile covering to the
electronic device. The textile covering may additionally or
alternatively include, wherein the seamless tube further comprises
a tapered end. The textile covering may additionally or
alternatively include, wherein the one or more structural fibers
comprise two or more different structural fibers that each comprise
a different material. The textile covering may additionally or
alternatively include, wherein the seamless tube further comprises
a plurality of differently-textured areas. The textile covering may
additionally or alternatively include, wherein each of the
differently-textured areas comprises a differently-sized structural
fiber. The textile covering may additionally or alternatively
include, wherein each of the differently-textured areas comprises a
different weave pattern. The textile covering may additionally or
alternatively include, wherein one or more of the plurality of
differently-textured areas indicate an underlying component of the
electronic device. The textile covering may additionally or
alternatively include, one or more conductive fibers woven into the
seamless tube. The textile covering may additionally or
alternatively include, wherein the one or more conductive fibers
provide inputs to the electronic device. The textile covering may
additionally or alternatively include, wherein the electronic
device comprises a hand-held pen configured to provide user input
to a computing device.
[0061] Another aspect provides a method for manufacturing a textile
covering for an electronic device, the method comprising: weaving
one or more structural fibers into a seamless tube, the seamless
tube configured to encircle at least a portion of the electronic
device; weaving one or more heat-shrink fibers and/or one or more
adhesive fibers into the seamless tube; when the textile covering
comprises the one or more heat-shrink fibers, heating the seamless
tube above a threshold temperature, thereby constricting the
seamless tube around the electronic device; and when the textile
covering comprises the one or more adhesive fibers, adhering the
textile covering to the electronic device via the adhesive
fibers.
[0062] It will be understood that the configurations and/or
approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these
specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a
limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The
specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or
more of any number of strategies. As such, various acts illustrated
and/or described may be performed in the sequence illustrated
and/or described, in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted.
Likewise, the order of the above-described processes may be
changed.
[0063] The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all
novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the
various processes, systems and configurations, and other features,
functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any
and all equivalents thereof.
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