Glass articles comprising debossed features and methods of making the same

Abstract

A glass article includes: a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a fill material positioned in a debossed region on the second surface. A method of making a glass article includes: etching a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the etching removes a portion of the second surface, thereby forming a debossed region on the second surface; and applying a fill material to the debossed region, wherein an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.05.

Description

Attorney Docket No. SP25-157PCTGLASS ARTICLES COMPRISING DEBOSSED FEATURES AND METHODS OFMAKING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 867,932 filed August 21, 2025, and also claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 734,923 filed December 17, 2024, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to glass articles and methods of making glass articles. In particular, the disclosure relates to glass articles that comprise debossed features and methods of making said glass articles.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various electronics, such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc., are ubiquitous. Decoration and / or identification of such devices is desired. Conventional methods of providing features on glass substrates may include modifying an outer surface of a glass substrate where such features have a feature height that provides a tactile surface feel for a consumer. However, glass articles that include one or more features within a surface of the glass article and methods of making such glass articles are limited. Therefore, there is a need for new glass articles and methods of making glass articles, where one or more visual features may be positioned within the glass articles.SUMMARY

[0004] A first aspect may be directed to a method of making a glass article, the method comprising: etching a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the etching removes a portion of the second surface, thereby forming a debossed region on the second surface; and applying a fill material to the debossed region, wherein an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.05.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure may include the first aspect, wherein a depth of the debossed region is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.

[0006] A third aspect of the present disclosure may include the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein a depth of the fill material is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through third aspects, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48.

[0008] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through fourth aspects, wherein the fill material has a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52.

[0009] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through fifth aspects, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 2.1.

[0010] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through sixth aspects, wherein the applying the fill material to the debossed region comprises positioning an uncured material within the debossed region and curing the uncured material to form the fill material.

[0011] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through seventh aspects, wherein the fill material comprises a polymer, an ink, or combinations thereof.

[0012] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through eighth aspects, wherein the fill material comprises an acrylate polymer.

[0013] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through ninth aspects, wherein the fill material comprises a cured product of a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer, wherein the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer are not the same.

[0014] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure may include the tenth aspect, wherein the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48.

[0015] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure may include either one of the tenth or eleventh aspects, wherein the first acrylate monomer is ethoxy ethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is aliphatic urethane acrylate.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT

[0016] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include the tenth aspect, wherein the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52.

[0017] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include the thirteenth aspect, wherein the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index less than or equal to 2.1.

[0018] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through tenth and thirteenth through fourteenth aspects, wherein the first acrylate monomer is biphenylmethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is bisphenol A epoxy acrylate.

[0019] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through fifteenth aspects, wherein the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer have a refractive index: greater than or equal to 1.52; or less than or equal to 1.48.

[0020] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through sixteenth aspects, wherein the fill material, prior to the applying, has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1 Poise and less than or equal to 20 Poise, as measured according to ASTM D4287.

[0021] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through seventeenth aspects, wherein the fill material, prior to the applying, has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 3 Poise and less than or equal to 10 Poise, as measured according to ASTM D4287.

[0022] A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through eighteenth aspects, wherein the etching comprises chemical etching, mechanical etching, or combinations thereof.

[0023] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through nineteenth aspects, wherein the method comprises, prior to the etching, applying a mask layer to the second surface.

[0024] A twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure may include the twentieth aspect, wherein the method comprises removing a portion of the mask layer on the second surface prior to the etching.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT

[0025] A twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through twenty-first aspects, wherein the method comprises applying a mask layer to the first surface prior to the etching.

[0026] A twenty -third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through twenty-second aspects, wherein the method comprises, subsequent to applying the fill material to the debossed region, applying the fill material on the second surface.

[0027] A twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through twenty -third aspects, wherein the method comprises, subsequent to applying the fill material to the debossed region, applying an additional layer on the second surface.

[0028] A twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure may include the twenty-fourth aspect, wherein the additional layer comprises an ink layer, a laminate film, or both.

[0029] A twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first through twenty-fifth aspects, wherein the method comprises ion-exchanging the glass substrate.

[0030] A twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure may be directed to a glass article comprising: a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a fill material positioned in a debossed region on the second surface, where an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.05.

[0031] A twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure may include the twenty-seventh aspect, wherein the absolute value of the difference in the refractive index of the glass substrate and the refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.1.

[0032] A twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure may include either one of the twentyseventh or twenty-eighth aspects, wherein the fill material positioned in the debossed region on the second surface comprises a cured polymer material.

[0033] A thirtieth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twenty-seventh through twenty-ninth aspects, wherein a depth of the debossed region is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.

[0034] A thirty-first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twenty-seventh through the thirtieth aspects, wherein a depth of the fill material is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT

[0035] A thirty-second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twentyseventh through thirty-first aspects, wherein the fill material comprises a polymer, an ink, or combinations thereof.

[0036] A thirty-third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twentyseventh through thirty-second aspects, wherein the fill material comprises an acrylate polymer.

[0037] A thirty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twentyseventh through thirty-third aspects, wherein the fill material comprises a cured product of a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer, wherein the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer are not the same.

[0038] A thirty -fifth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twenty-seventh through thirty-fourth aspects, wherein the first acrylate monomer is ethoxy ethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is aliphatic urethane acrylate.

[0039] A thirty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twentyseventh through thirty-fourth aspects, wherein the first acrylate monomer is biphenylmethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is bisphenol A epoxy acrylate.

[0040] A thirty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twentyseventh through the thirty-sixth aspects, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48.

[0041] A thirty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twentyseventh through the thirty-sixth aspects, wherein the fill material has a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52.

[0042] A thirty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twentyseventh through the thirty-eighth aspects, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48, or greater than or equal to 1.52.

[0043] A fortieth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the twenty-seventh through the thirty-ninth aspects, wherein the glass article further comprises an additional layer on the second surface.

[0044] A forty-first aspect of the present disclosure may include the fortieth aspect, wherein the additional layer comprises an ink layer, a laminate film, or both.Attorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG. 1 depicts a process step in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0046] FIG. 2 depicts a process step in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0047] FIG. 3 depicts a process step in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0048] FIG. 4 depicts a process flow diagram in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0049] FIG. 5 depicts a glass article of Example 1 in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein; and

[0050] FIG. 6 depicts a glass article of Example 2 in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to glass articles and methods of making said glass articles. Various aspects of the glass articles and methods of forming the glass articles will be described herein with specific reference to the drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the exemplary aspects.

[0052] In embodiments, a method of making a glass article may comprise: etching a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the etching removes a portion of the second surface, thereby forming a debossed region on the second surface; and applying a fill material to the debossed region, wherein an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.05.

[0053] In embodiments, a glass article may comprise a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a fillAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT material positioned in a debossed region on the second surface, where an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.05.

[0054] The methods disclosed herein may be used to deboss a design or feature into a surface of the glass substrate. In embodiments, a reverse design or feature may be debossed on the second surface such that the desired design or feature within the glass article is oriented when viewing the glass feature through the first surface. Such embodiments may be desired over glass articles made using conventional methods that may deboss the outer first surface of the glass article, where the conventional methods may result in features that have a tactile response to the end user. In embodiments described herein, the glass articles may have a debossed feature encapsulated within the glass article, where the debossed feature is not touched by an end user. The debossed feature positioned below the first surface of the glass article may result in the features appearing to be “floating” within the glass article. Such glass articles may be incorporated into one or more electronics such as a laptop, cell phone, tablet, etc.

[0055] The definitions of certain terms used in the present disclosure are provided below. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present technology belongs.

[0056] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to “a cell” includes a combination of two or more cells, and the like. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (or other similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to be exclusive - e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y). Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures in cell culture, molecular genetics, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and nucleic acid chemistry described below are those well-known and commonly employed in the art.

[0057] The term “and / or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x and / or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and / or” or “or” are used as a conjunction for a groupAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, terms used in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, and including should be construed to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. As a non-limiting example, a reference to “X and / or Y” can refer, in one aspect, to X only (optionally including elements other than Y); in some aspects, to Y only (optionally including elements other than X); in yet some aspects, to both X and Y (optionally including other elements).

[0058] In aspects, a depth of the debossed region on the second surface of the glass substrate may be modified depending on desired properties of the debossed features within the glass articles. In embodiments where the debossed features are decorative, the depth of the debossed region may be increased to increase a visual floating effect of the feature within the glass article. In such embodiments, a depth of the debossed region may be greater than or equal to 10% of a depth of the thickness of the glass article, such as greater than or equal to 15%, greater than or equal to 20%, or greater than or equal to 25%.

[0059] In aspects, the method of making the glass article may comprise, prior to the etching, applying a mask layer to the second surface. In embodiments, the mask layer may be applied to the second surface such that a portion of the second surface is not covered by the mask layer. In other aspects, a mask layer may be applied to the second surface and a portion of the mask layer may be removed, prior to the etching, by methods known in the art, such as laser ablation of a portion of the mask layer to provide a pattern of openings through the mask layer. In aspects, the method may comprise applying a mask layer to the first surface prior to the etching. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the mask layer may prevent removal of material on the glass substrate below the mask layer during the etching in the methods described herein. FIG. 1 depicts a glass substrate having a mask layer positioned on the first surface and a partial mask layer positioned on the second surface.

[0060] Examples of suitable mask materials include, but may not be limited to, an ink or a laminate (e.g. “blue tape” such as ScotchBlue™ Painter’ s tape from 3M). Examples of suitable methods of applying the mask layer to a surface of the glass substrate may include, but not be limited to, printing, nip rolling lamination, and / or autoclave type processes.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT

[0061] In embodiments, the method may comprise etching the glass substrate, wherein the etching removes a portion of the second surface, thereby forming a debossed region on the second surface. FIG. 2 depicts the etching of the second surface of the glass substrate. In embodiments, the etching may comprise chemical etching (e.g. acid etching). In other embodiments, the etching may comprise mechanical etching, such as but not limited to sandblasting. In embodiments, the etching may comprise chemical etching, mechanical etching, or combinations thereof. The desired orientation of the debossed features within the glass articles when viewed from the first surface may correspond to a reverse image of the pattern of the etched surface of the second surface. For example, FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the second surface, where the etched feature is a reverse image of the text “Logo / Image”.

[0062] As described herein, a depth of the debossed feature etched in the second surface may be modified based on the desired properties of the features (e.g. visible decoration purposes).

[0063] The method may comprise, subsequent to etching the glass substate, such as etching a portion of the second surface to produce a debossed feature, applying a fill material to the debossed region on the second surface. The fill material and the substrate have a refractive index that may be selected based on desired properties of the debossed features, such as a visual floating effect within the glass article. For example, by selecting a fill material having a refractive index with an increased difference to that of the refractive index of the glass substrate (e.g. the refractive index of the fill material is greater or lesser than a refractive index of the glass substrate), the visibility of the debossed feature in the glass article may be increased. In embodiments, the fill material may be applied to the debossed feature of the second surface using methods such as, but not limited to, spin coating or a roller method.

[0064] In aspects, the fill material may have a refractive index of less than or equal to 2.0, less than or equal to 1.95, less than or equal to 1.9, less than or equal to 1.85, less than or equal to 1.8, less than or equal to 1.75, less than or equal to 1.7, less than or equal to 1.65, less than or equal to 1.60, less than or equal to 1.55, less than or equal to 1.50, less than or equal to 1.49 , less than or equal to 1.48, less than or equal to 1.47, less than or equal to 1.46, less than or equal to 1.45, less than or equal to 1.44, less than or equal to 1.43, less than or equal to 1.42, less than or equal to 1.41, or less than or equal to 1.4, and greater than or equal to 1.8, greater than or equal to 1.75, greater than or equal to 1.7, greater than or equal to 1.65, greater than or equal to 1.60, greater than or equal to 1.59, greater than or equal to 1.58, greater than or equalAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT to 1.57, greater than or equal to 1.56, greater than or equal to 1.55, greater than or equal to 1.50, greater than or equal to 1.49 , greater than or equal to 1.48, greater than or equal to 1.47, greater than or equal to 1.46, greater than or equal to 1.45, greater than or equal to 1.44, greater than or equal to 1.43, greater than or equal to 1.42, greater than or equal to 1.41, greater than or equal to 1.4, or any combination of one or more ranges disclosed herein.

[0065] In particular aspects, the fill material may have a refractive index of less than or equal to 1.48. In other particular aspects, the fill material may have a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52. In aspects, the fill material may have a refractive index less than or equal to 2.1.

[0066] In aspects, the glass substrate may have a refractive index of less than or equal to 2.0, less than or equal to 1.95, less than or equal to 1.9, less than or equal to 1.85, less than or equal to 1.8, less than or equal to 1.75, less than or equal to 1.7, less than or equal to 1.65, less than or equal to 1.60, less than or equal to 1.55, less than or equal to 1.50, less than or equal to 1.49 , less than or equal to 1.48, less than or equal to 1.47, less than or equal to 1.46, less than or equal to 1.45, less than or equal to 1.44, less than or equal to 1.43, less than or equal to 1.42, less than or equal to 1.41, or less than or equal to 1.4, and greater than or equal to 1.8, greater than or equal to 1.75, greater than or equal to 1.7, greater than or equal to 1.65, greater than or equal to 1.60, greater than or equal to 1.59, greater than or equal to 1.58, greater than or equal to 1.57, greater than or equal to 1.56, greater than or equal to 1.55, greater than or equal to 1.50, greater than or equal to 1.49 , greater than or equal to 1.48, greater than or equal to 1.47, greater than or equal to 1.46, greater than or equal to 1.45, greater than or equal to 1.44, greater than or equal to 1.43, greater than or equal to 1.42, greater than or equal to 1.41, greater than or equal to 1.4, or any combination of one or more ranges disclosed herein.

[0067] As discussed herein, a difference in refractive index between the fill material and the glass substrate may produce glass articles having a visual floating feature. In aspects, an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material may be greater than or equal to 0.05, greater than or equal to 0.06, greater than or equal to 0.07, greater than or equal to 0.08, greater than or equal to 0.09, greater than or equal to 0.1, greater than or equal to 0.11, greater than or equal to 0.12, greater than or equal to 0.13 , greater than or equal to 0.14, greater than or equal to 0.15 , greater than or equal to 0.20, greater than or equal to 0.25, greater than or equal to 0.30, greater than or equal to 0.35, greater than or equal to 0.40, greater than or equal to 0.45, or greater than or equal to 0.50.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT

[0068] In aspects, a depth of the fill material may be greater than or equal to 10% of a depth of the thickness of the glass article, such as greater than or equal to 15%, greater than or equal to 20%, or greater than or equal to 25%. In aspects, the fill material may be applied to the debossed region such that the entirety of the debossed region is filled with the fill material. In other aspects, the fill material may be applied to the debossed region such that only a portion of the debossed region is filled with the fill material.

[0069] In aspects, the applying the fill material to the debossed region may comprise positioning an uncured material within the debossed region and curing the uncured material to form the fill material. In aspects, an activator may be included to cure the uncured material to form the fill material.

[0070] In aspects, the fill material may comprise a polymer, an ink, or combinations thereof. In more specific aspects, the fill material may comprise a polymer. In aspects, the fill material may further comprise a photo-initiator. In aspects, the fill material may comprise an acrylate polymer. In aspects, the fill material may comprise a cured product of a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer, wherein the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer are not the same.

[0071] In aspects, where the fill material comprises the cured product of the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer, the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, may have a refractive index of less than or equal to 2.0, less than or equal to 1.95, less than or equal to 1.9, less than or equal to 1.85, less than or equal to 1.8, less than or equal to 1.75, less than or equal to 1.7, less than or equal to 1.65, less than or equal to 1.60, less than or equal to 1.55, less than or equal to 1.50, less than or equal to 1.49 , less than or equal to 1.48, less than or equal to 1.47, less than or equal to 1.46, less than or equal to 1.45, less than or equal to 1.44, less than or equal to 1.43, less than or equal to 1.42, less than or equal to 1.41 , or less than or equal to 1.4, and greater than or equal to 1.8, greater than or equal to 1.75, greater than or equal to 1.7, greater than or equal to 1.65, greater than or equal to 1.60, greater than or equal to 1.59, greater than or equal to 1.58, greater than or equal to 1.57, greater than or equal to 1.56, greater than or equal to 1.55, greater than or equal to 1.50, greater than or equal to 1.49 , greater than or equal to 1.48, greater than or equal to 1.47, greater than or equal to 1.46, greater than or equal to 1.45, greater than or equal to 1.44, greater than or equalAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT to 1.43, greater than or equal to 1.42, greater than or equal to 1.41, greater than or equal to 1.4, or any combination of one or more ranges disclosed herein.

[0072] In particular aspects, the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48. For example, in more particular aspects, the first acrylate monomer may be ethoxy ethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer may be aliphatic urethane acrylate.

[0073] In particular aspects, the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52. For example, in more particular aspects, the first acrylate monomer may be biphenylmethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer may be bisphenol A epoxy acrylate.

[0074] In aspects, the fill material, prior to the applying, may have a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1 Poise and less than or equal to 20 Poise, as measured according to ASTM D4287. The viscosity of the fill material, prior to the applying, may be selected such that the fill material can be applied to the debossed region and spread to form a more uniform material within the debossed region. For instance, one or more monomers may be applied to the debossed region such that the uncured material is uniform within the debossed feature and then the uncured material may be cured. In embodiments, the fill material, prior to the applying, may have a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1 Poise, greater than or equal to 2 Poise, greater than or equal to 3 Poise, greater than or equal to 4 Poise, less than or equal to 20 Poise, less than or equal to 15 Poise, less than or equal to 14 Poise, less than or equal to 13 Poise, less than or equal to 12 Poise, less than or equal to 11 Poise, less than or equal to 10 Poise, or any combination of one or more ranges described herein, as measured according to ASTM D4287.

[0075] The method may comprise applying the fill material to the debossed region and applying the fill material on the second surface. That is, in aspects, the fill material may be applied to both the debossed region and the second surface (i.e., a non-debossed region).

[0076] In aspects, the method may comprise, subsequent to applying the fill material to the debossed region, applying an additional layer on the second surface. That is, in aspects, the fillmaterial may be applied to the debossed region and an additional layer may be applied to entirety of the second surface that includes the debossed region with the fill material positioned therein. The additional layer may comprise a decorative layer, such as an ink layer or a laminateAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT film. Selection of the additional layer may either highlight the debossed features by using a reflective color or laminate (mirror / metallic or white) or may reduce visibility when using a light absorbing color. In aspects the additional layer may be an ink layer, a laminate film, or both.

[0077] In aspects, the method may comprise ion-exchanging the glass substrate and / or strengthening the glass substrate subsequent to etching a portion of the surface. Methods of ion-exchanging and / or strengthening known in the art may be used to control desired properties of the glass articles.

[0078] A general process flow diagram including one or more embodiments described herein is depicted in FIG. 4.

[0079] In embodiments, the glass article may include one or more features or limitations described herein.

[0080] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.EXAMPLES

[0081] Various aspects will be further clarified by the following examples, which are in no way intended to limit this disclosure thereto.Example 1: Preparation of glass article with debossed features

[0082] A glass article was prepared according to the embodiments described herein. In particular, a glass substrate having a thickness of approximately 1 mm and a first surface and second surface opposite the first surface was provided. The glass substrate had a refractive index of 1.5. A mask was applied to the entirety of the first surface and a mask was applied to a portion of the second surface (See FIG. 1). The portion of the second surface that was not covered by the mask included a reverse image of the wordmark “CORNING”. The glass substrate was positioned on a flat surface with the second surface positioned up facing an etchant spraying nozzle (See FIG. 2). An etchant was sprayed on the second surface to removeAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT a portion of the glass substrate that was not covered by a mask, resulting in a debossed region on the second surface. A thickness of the glass substrate that was not covered by the mask was reduced by approximately 250 microns during the etching. The masks on the first surface and second surface were removed. A decorative print was applied to the second surface. In particular, a first portion of the second surface was covered with a metallic screen print ink; a second portion of the second surface was covered with a white inkjet material; and a third portion of the second surface was covered with a black inkjet material. The refractive indices of the decorative prints applied ranged from 1.55 to 2.0. A photo of this glass article prepared in Example 1 is shown in FIG. 5. Image 1 (left) of FIG. 5 shows the glass article viewed at approximately a 0° angle from the first surface (i.e. perpendicular to the first surface. Image 2 (right) of FIG. 5 shows the glass article viewed at approximately a 160° angle from the first surface (i.e. from the side of the first surface). As shown in FIG. 5, the glass article includes a debossed floating effect of the wordmark “CORNING” within the article. Further, the floating effect is greater where the backing material on the second surface is more reflective.Example 2: Preparation of glass article with debossed features and polymer fill

[0083] In Example 2, a glass article was prepared as described in Example 1, with an additional process step subsequent to removing the masks from the first surface and the second surface, and prior to covering the second surface with the decorative print. In particular, after removing the masks from the first surface and the second surface, a first polymer was selectively applied to the debossed regions of the second surface. The first polymer was selected having a refractive index mismatch from the glass substrate. Subsequent to applying the first polymer, a second polymer was applied to the entire second surface. Subsequent to applying the second polymer, the decorative print was applied to the second surface. The refractive indices of the first and second polymers applied ranged from 1.55 to 2.0. In particular, a first portion of the second surface was covered with a metallic screen print ink; a second portion of the second surface was covered with a white inkjet material; and a third portion of the second surface was covered with a black inkjet material. A photo of this glass article (both prior and subsequent to applying the decorative print) is shown in FIG. 6. Image 3 (left) of FIG. 6 shows the glass article (prior to applying the decorative print) viewed at approximately a 0° angle from the first surface (i.e. perpendicular to the first surface) and edge lit. Image 4 (right) of FIG. 6 shows the glass article (after applying the decorative print) viewed at approximately a 0° angle from theAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT first surface (i.e. perpendicular to the first surface) and edge lit. As shown in FIG. 6, the glass article includes a debossed floating effect of the wordmark “CORNING” within the article. When the glass article is edge lit, as shown in Image 3, the perimeter of each debossed feature (e.g. the perimeter of each letter of the wordmark “CORNING” is further illuminated. Further, after applying the decorative print on the second surface, the perimeter of each debossed feature remains illuminated when edge lit, as shown in Image 4.

[0084] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order, nor that with any apparatus specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0085] All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and / or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth). Any listed range may be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a nonlimiting example, each range discussed herein may be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which may be subsequently broken down into subranges asAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 layers refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 layers. Similarly, a group having 1-5 layers refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 layers, and so forth.

[0086] The drawings shall be interpreted as illustrating one or more aspects that are drawn to scale and / or one or more aspects that are not drawn to scale. This means the drawings may be interpreted, for example, as showing: (a) everything drawn to scale, (b) nothing drawn to scale, or (c) one or more features drawn to scale and one or more features not drawn to scale. Accordingly, the drawings can serve to provide support to recite the sizes, proportions, and / or other dimensions of any of the illustrated features either alone or relative to each other. Furthermore, all such sizes, proportions, and / or other dimensions are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that may be formed by such values.

[0087] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and / or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used in this document shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “this term means,” “this term is defined as,” “for the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “technology,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those definedAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the present application and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. While not explicitly defined below, such terms should be interpreted according to their common meaning.

[0089] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0090] Unless the context indicates otherwise, it is specifically intended that the various features of the technology described herein may be used in any combination. Moreover, the disclosure also contemplates that in some aspects, any feature or combination of features set forth herein may be excluded or omitted. To illustrate, if the specification states that a complex comprises components A, B and C, it is specifically intended that any of A, B or C, or a combination thereof, may be omitted and disclaimed singularly or in any combination.

[0091] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, all specified aspects, features, and terms intend to include both the recited aspect, feature, or term and biological equivalents thereof.

[0092] All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. SP25-157PCTWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of making a glass article, the method comprising: etching a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the etching removes a portion of the second surface, thereby forming a debossed region on the second surface; and applying a fill material to the debossed region, wherein an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.05.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a depth of the debossed region is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a depth of the fill material is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material has a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 2.1.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the applying the fill material to the debossed region comprises positioning an uncured material within the debossed region and curing the uncured material to form the fill material.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material comprises a polymer, an ink, or combinations thereof.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material comprises an acrylate polymer.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material comprises a cured product of a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer, wherein the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer are not the same.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48.

12. The method of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the first acrylate monomer is ethoxy ethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is aliphatic urethane acrylate.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first acrylate monomer, the second acrylate monomer, or both, have a refractive index less than or equal to 2.1.

15. The method of any one of claims 1-10 and 13-14, wherein the first acrylate monomer is biphenylmethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is bisphenol A epoxy acrylate.

16. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer have a refractive index: greater than or equal to 1.52; or less than or equal to 1.48.

17. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material, prior to the applying, has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1 Poise and less than or equal to 20 Poise, as measured according to ASTM D4287.Atorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT18. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fill material, prior to the applying, has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 3 Poise and less than or equal to 10 Poise, as measured according to ASTM D4287.

19. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the etching comprises chemical etching, mechanical etching, or combinations thereof.

20. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises, prior to the etching, applying a mask layer to the second surface.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the method comprises removing a portion of the mask layer on the second surface prior to the etching.

22. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises applying a mask layer to the first surface prior to the etching.

23. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises, subsequent to applying the fill material to the debossed region, applying the fill material on the second surface.

24. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises, subsequent to applying the fill material to the debossed region, applying an additional layer on the second surface.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the additional layer comprises an ink layer, a laminate film, or both.

26. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises ion-exchanging the glass substrate.

27. A glass article comprising: a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; andAtorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT a fill material positioned in a debossed region on the second surface, where an absolute value of a difference in a refractive index of the glass substrate and a refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.05.

28. The glass article of claim 27, wherein the absolute value of the difference in the refractive index of the glass substrate and the refractive index of the fill material is greater than or equal to 0.1.

29. The glass article of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the fill material positioned in the debossed region on the second surface comprises a cured polymer material.

30. The glass article of any one of claims 27-29, wherein a depth of the debossed region is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.

31. The glass article of any one of claims 27-30, wherein a depth of the fill material is greater than or equal to 10% of a thickness of the glass substrate.

32. The glass article of any one of claims 27-31, wherein the fill material comprises a polymer, an ink, or combinations thereof.

33. The glass article of any one of claims 27-32, wherein the fill material comprises an acrylate polymer.

34. The glass article of any one of claims 27-33, wherein the fill material comprises a cured product of a first acrylate monomer and a second acrylate monomer, wherein the first acrylate monomer and the second acrylate monomer are not the same.

35. The glass article of any one of claims 27-34, wherein the first acrylate monomer is ethoxy ethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is aliphatic urethane acrylate.

36. The glass article of any one of claims 27-34, wherein the first acrylate monomer is biphenylmethyl acrylate and the second acrylate monomer is bisphenol A epoxy acrylate.Attorney Docket No. SP25-157PCT37. The glass article of any one of claims 27-36, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48.

38. The glass article of any one of claims 27-36, wherein the fill material has a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.52.

39. The glass article of any one of claims 27-38, wherein the fill material has a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48, or greater than or equal to 1.52.

40. The glass article of any one of claims 27-39, wherein the glass article further comprises an additional layer on the second surface.

41. The glass article of claim 40, wherein the additional layer comprises an ink layer, a laminate film, or both.

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