COMPOSITE FIBER REINFORCEMENT FOR STIFFENING SHELLS

摘要

This application relates to methods and apparatus for reinforcing fragile portions of a device case. In some embodiments, the device case can be reinforced by a reinforcing member made up of composite extrusions that are embedded within a top edge portion of the stiffening shell. The device shell can be utilized to define and maintain an overall shape of the device case. Composite fibers suitable for use in these embodiments can have high tensile strength and high tensile modulus. The device case can include a single length of embedded twisted composite fibers that extend continuously around the top edge or alternatively can include a number of discrete segments that reinforce particularly fragile portion of the top edge.

主权项

1. A case for a portable electronic device, comprising:
an injection-molded stiffening shell, comprising:
a bottom wall and side walls that cooperate to form a cavity having a shape and size in accordance with the portable electronic device, wherein at least one of the side walls comprises an opening adjacent to a top edge of the side wall, anda plurality of interwoven fibers embedded within the top edge and configured to reinforce at least one side of the opening; and a cosmetic layer encasing and conforming to a shape of the injection-molded stiffening shell.