Apple Inc.
PRINTABLE RING ADHESIVES FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Abstract:

This application relates to ring-shaped adhesives for use during the manufacturing of a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can have a small form factor, such as being a tablet computer or a mobile phone. A printable adhesive is dispensed on a release liner in a shape that conforms with a surface of the portable electronic device. The shape of the printable adhesive follows a path characterized by a continuous closed curve and encloses an area on the release liner without printable adhesive dispensed therein. The width of the printable adhesive along the continuous closed curve can vary to conform to features in one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device. The features can have dimensions of less than one millimeter. The printable adhesive can be can be applied to the release liner by a screen printing process or by dispensing the printable adhesive through a nozzle.