TWM486783U - Housing for encasing an object having a thin profile - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and/or system for housing a device. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.

Description

Enclosure for closing objects with a thin profile Cross-references to related applications

The present application claims the priority of the following application: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/654,785, filed on June 1, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/699,239, filed on September 10, 2012; October 2012 US Provisional Application No. 61/711,737 filed on the 9th; US Provisional Application No. 61/715,830, filed on October 18, 2012; US Provisional Application No. 61/723,317, filed on November 6, 2012; US Provisional Application No. 61/749,870, filed on Jan. 7, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/790,640, filed on March 15, 2013. The disclosure of each application cited in this paragraph is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to an enclosure for protecting one or more items, such as electronic devices, that need to be protected from the natural environment, mishandling, and/or other handling errors. For example, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a housing for protecting an electronic device such as a tablet, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a personal digital assistant, a video recorder, a camera, a GPS device, and the like. In many embodiments, the electronic device includes a touch screen interface and may also include one or more other features, such as camera features, video features, proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, earphones, charging ports, speakers, Microphone, on/off and/or volume buttons, home button control, etc., or as indicated, one or more of its components. In various circumstances, the electronic device has a camera, flash, and/or microphone combination feature, wherein the camera feature can include a photo One or more of the camera lens, the microphone, and the flash lens, as in the case where the components of the combination are positioned in close proximity to each other.

Rain, dirt, dust, mud, snow, and all forms of water can damage a variety of electronic devices. Such devices are fragile or otherwise fragile and can be damaged by handling errors and/or other improper operations such as dropping. Accordingly, it would be useful to include an outer casing in which such items to be protected are received to protect the article from harsh conditions, handling errors, and/or improper handling.

Such electronic devices are well known and widely used. For example, a mobile phone or tablet is an electronic device that facilitates communication between people as they travel around and away from traditional telephone landline or internet connections. For example, mobile devices allow people to communicate via voice, text messages, SMS, IM, and the like. Other such portable devices include computers, personal digital assistants, electronic digital readers, electronic gaming devices, video recorders, cameras, and the like. A wide variety of such devices have the ability to talk, internet and/or play music. While such devices may be portable and easy to use, they all suffer from some drawbacks. For example, the device is often expensive and contains fragile electronic components that make the device susceptible to severe weather and/or mishandling damage.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a mechanism whereby an object of a portable electronic device can be protected from severe weather and/or erroneous operation and/or may be exposed to fluids such as water, dirt, dust, mud, Other damage caused by snow, etc., is, for example, an electronic device having various features such as camera and/or video lens features that can be coupled to the microphone features. Such protection mechanisms typically include special housings and housings designed to hold and/or enclose equipment to protect it from such damage. However, such housings and housings have the problem that they are often not specifically designed to enhance or otherwise accommodate the various functionalities of the underlying electronic device or its components, such housings and The housing is designed to enclose and/or otherwise protect the underlying electronic device or its components.

The present disclosure is directed to: an apparatus and system for receiving or enclosing an article, such as an electronic device having one or more features, such as camera features, microphone features, sound transmission features, display features, etc.; A method of apparatus and system that provides protection from adverse environmental conditions, harsh weather, mishandling, and/or damage from fluids such as from contact with water while ensuring optimal availability of various features. A system for the foregoing is also provided.

In one aspect, an outer casing for closing an article is provided. In each case, the item is an electronic device. In some cases, the electronic device is a device having one or more functionalities such as computing functionality, telephony functionality, display functionality, one or more camera features, one or more sound transmission features, and the like. . In some embodiments, the article can be an electronic device having one or more of the following: one or more camera features and/or one or more sound transmission features, wherein the electronic device requires protection from one or more disadvantages Environmental conditions, severe weather, misuse and/or damage, such as protection from contact with fluids such as water and/or falling. The article can typically be a device (eg, an electronic device) and the housing is a housing in which the electronic device is housed. For example, the housing may be a housing in which an electronic device is to be assembled, such as a tablet, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a personal digital assistant, a camera, and the like. The outer casing can be of any suitable size and size as long as it is capable of receiving the article and protecting the article, for example, from adverse environmental conditions and/or careless handling.

As indicated, in some embodiments, the item to be accommodated is an electronic device such as a tablet, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a digital assistant, a computer, a camera, a music player, a GPS device, and the like. The housing is constructed to house and protect the electronic device. In one aspect, the outer casing is configured for use in a containment device, such as an electronic device having one or more features, such as camera features, sound transmission features, charging features, display features Solicitation. It should be understood that although the following description describes the shape and size of a particular housing for a particular device (eg, a mobile computer or telephone or camera device), the housing and/or the item to be received (eg, device) The shape and size can vary, for example, as described above. Therefore, in one case, an outer casing for housing a device such as an electronic device is provided.

The outer casing is configured such that the electronic device can be assembled within the outer casing and thereby protected from rain, dirt, dust, mud, snow, water, vibration, and the like. In some cases, the outer casing can include a top member and a bottom member that can be removably coupled together to form the outer casing. In some cases, the top member and the bottom member are (as in various embodiments) separate components that can be recoupled together by snapping together.

In other cases, the top member and the bottom member are formed from a single member that is self-foldable in a manner such that the device fits within the cavity thus formed, as without the hinge member. In other cases, the top member and the bottom member may be constructed from a single member or series for use with a plurality of members that are coupled together via a hinge assembly. The top member and/or the bottom member of the outer casing may be unique in that one or more of the members may be adapted to include one or more features that have been configured to accommodate the electronic device to be enclosed in the outer casing ( Features such as camera features, sound transmission features, charge characteristics, display features, etc., which are aligned with corresponding features of the underlying device, the adaptive features of the outer casing being configured to permit substantial absence from the outer casing In the case of interference, various features of the stored equipment are used.

In each case, each of the top member and the bottom member of the outer casing can include both the front surface and the rear surface surrounded by the peripheral portion. In various embodiments, the top member and/or the bottom member may not include the front and back surfaces, but one or both of the top and bottom members may include only the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion can be defined by the proximal and distal portions and the opposing side portions. The peripheral portion may include a plurality of peripheral portions, such as The peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion are as described herein below.

In various embodiments, the top member and/or the bottom member of the outer casing can include a clamping mechanism. For example, the top member and the bottom member can include respective clamping mechanisms extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the top member and/or the bottom member, the clamping mechanisms configured to interface with each other, the manner of interface The top member and the bottom member of the outer casing are coupled to each other, thereby sealing the outer casing. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism circumscribes the entire peripheral portion of the outer casing. In other embodiments, the clamping mechanism is positioned along a peripheral portion of the outer casing but does not circumscribe the entire peripheral portion. In certain embodiments, the clamping mechanism includes a plurality of clamping mechanisms, one or more of which may or may not limit the entire perimeter of the top member and the bottom member.

In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism is a fully internal clamping mechanism. "Complete internal clamping mechanism" means that when the top member and the bottom member are coupled together to form the outer casing, the clamping mechanism is completely contained within the limits of the interior or cavity forming the outer casing.

In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism is a fully external clamping mechanism. By "complete external clamping mechanism" it is meant that the clamping mechanism is fully positioned on the outer portion of the top member and/or the bottom member such that when the top member and the bottom member are coupled together to form a cavity of the outer casing, the clamping mechanism Positioned outside the boundary of the cavity forming the outer casing.

In certain embodiments, the clamping mechanism is a hybrid clamping mechanism that is partially internal to the boundary of the cavity forming the outer casing and partially outside of the limit. Thus, in some cases, the perimeter portion may include one or more clamping mechanisms, such as internal clamping mechanisms, external clamping mechanisms, and/or hybrid clamping mechanisms configured to ensure that the top and bottom members are sealed together. . The clamping mechanism may be a separate component added to the peripheral portion of the outer casing (eg, the clamping mechanism is an external clamping mechanism), or may be a unitary member formed with the outer casing (eg, the clamping mechanism is an internal clamping mechanism) Or the case of mixing the clamping mechanism).

In certain embodiments, the clamping mechanism can include a plurality of clamping mechanisms, such as one or more internal clamping mechanisms and/or one or more external clamping mechanisms and/or one or more hybrid clamping mechanism. For example, in various embodiments, the outer casing can include a plurality of internal clamping mechanisms and/or can include one or more external clamping mechanisms and/or hybrid clamping mechanisms. For example, the outer casing may include a first fully internal clamping mechanism, such as a first fully internal clamping mechanism that is part or the entire perimeter of the outer casing; and may include a second fully internal clamping mechanism, such as another portion of the outer casing or A second internal clamping mechanism for the entire perimeter. Another external clamping mechanism or hybrid clamping mechanism can also be provided.

Thus, in various embodiments, a single internal clamping mechanism, an external clamping mechanism, or a hybrid clamping mechanism can be provided; and in other various embodiments, a plurality of clamping mechanisms can be provided, such as internal clamping mechanisms, external Clamping mechanism and / or hybrid clamping mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of internal clamping mechanisms are provided. In various embodiments, the clamping mechanism can be configured to provide a liquid and/or dust and/or shock tight seal when the top member and the bottom member are coupled together, the seal thereby protecting the closure device or its components from water, such as water The effects of liquids, dust, dirt, vibration, etc. Suitable clamping mechanisms can have any suitable configuration, such as corresponding clips, L-shaped or T-shaped straight or inclined edges, wedge and interdigitated wedge sockets, corresponding teeth and/or toothed receiving members, hooks and Groove fasteners, rib and channel fasteners, studs and stud sockets, buttons, zippers, hooks and ring frame fasteners, screws, bolts, rivets, external clips, etc.

In an embodiment, one or both of the top member and the bottom member may include one or more channels, such as channels extending along a peripheral portion of the top member and/or the bottom member. The passage along the peripheral portion can include an inner delimiting member and an outer delimiting member that at least partially defines a boundary of the passage. Thus, in this embodiment, the peripheral portion includes an inner peripheral portion (eg, an internal delimiting member) and an outer peripheral portion (eg, an external delimiting member). The bottom delimiting member may also be provided separately or as part of it. Accordingly, the peripheral portion may include an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion, and in some cases, the inner and outer delimiting members of the passage are identical to the inner and outer peripheral portions of the top member and/or the bottom member. A part of the bottom member can also be The channel provides a bottom delimitation. The at least one passage may additionally include a seal, such as a gasket positioned within the passage, such as a compressible O-ring. The O-ring can be a solid or compressible O-ring, such as capable of compressing from about 1% to about 70% of an O-ring, such as from about 5% to about 65%, from about 10% to about 60%, including about 15%. Up to about 50%, for example, from about 20% to about 40%, including about 30%.

In certain embodiments, where a top member or bottom member includes a peripheral portion of the receiving channel (eg, bounded by an inner delimiting member and an outer delimiting member), the opposing member may additionally include interacting with the channel ( For example) to compress the peripheral portion of the gasket housed in the passage. For example, the top member or the bottom member can include an extension portion, such as a portion that extends downwardly perpendicular to the top surface of the peripheral portion to impinge within the passage of the opposing member, thereby acting to contact and/or compress the gasket positioned in the passage. For example, the top member or the bottom member can include an inner peripheral portion that extends perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the top member or bottom member to interact within the passage of the corresponding top member or bottom member, and can further include an outer peripheral portion, The outer peripheral portion may or may not interact with the channel.

The extension portion may interact with a seal within the channel or may interact with one or more of the channel itself or a delimiting member of the channel, such as one or more of the delimiting members of the channel including a clamping mechanism (eg, Clips, grooves, teeth, sockets, etc.) and the extensions additionally include the corresponding clamping mechanism. In some cases, the extension is configured to have a width that exceeds the width of the channel such that when the extension fills the channel, its width is compressed and it thus exerts an outward force on the delimiting member of the channel, thereby Acting to couple the top member to the bottom member. Thus, one or more of the extensions and/or channel delimiting members can be fabricated from a flexible or semi-flexible material that can be compressed when the top and bottom members are pressed together.

In certain embodiments, the bottom member can include a perimeter portion having a channel defined by the inner delimiting member, the outer delimiting member, and/or the bottom delimiting member; and the top member can include a perimeter portion, the perimeter portion also Including the inner peripheral part and the outer circumference The edge portion, although there is no intervening passage therebetween, the peripheral portion of the top member can be configured for interaction with one or more of the peripheral portions of the bottom member. For example, the one or more inner delimiting members and/or outer delimiting members of the passage of the peripheral portion of the bottom member may include one or more clamping mechanisms, and the corresponding inner peripheral portion or outer portion of the top member may also include One or more corresponding clamping mechanisms are provided to provide a liquid, dust and/or shock tight seal when the top and bottom members are coupled together and the clamping mechanism is clamped together (eg, snapped). Thus, in various embodiments, the inner perimeter portion and/or the outer perimeter portion of the top and bottom members and the inner delimiting member and/or the outer delimiting member can include a clamping mechanism (eg, a corresponding clamping mechanism), The clamping mechanisms are configured to interact with each other to couple the top member and the bottom member together, for example, in a liquid-tight seal.

In another embodiment, for example, where the housing is intended to house a device with a screen (eg, an interactive touch screen), the front and/or back surfaces of the top and/or bottom members of the housing may each include a front The surface member and the back surface member, such as at least one or more films. For example, the top member or the bottom member can include a film, such as a film configured to interface with an interactive screen (eg, a touch screen) of the closure device, such that when the user touches the film, the touch One or more characteristics (eg, mechanical, pressure, heat, capacitance, etc.) are transferred to the touch screen of the underlying device, and the user can manipulate the screen of the enclosed device in this manner.

In certain embodiments, the front surface film and/or the bottom surface film are not provided or provided as separate elements separate from the outer casing. For example, in some embodiments, the top member and/or the bottom member of the outer casing may include only a peripheral portion that circumscribes the device to be closed, but does not otherwise include crossing from one peripheral portion to another. Top surface component and/or bottom surface component. In this embodiment, the top member and/or the bottom member can be configured to interface with the perimeter of the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the device to be closed, such that the liquid-repellent and/or the perimeter is provided. Or shockproof seal, not Whether the tube top member or the bottom member includes a front surface member and a rear surface member. For example, in each case, the top member or the bottom member may include a partial front surface and/or a rear surface that partially impinges on the top and/or bottom surface of the container device, but not from one side of the housing Cross over to the other side. In fact, the top or bottom front surface member and rear surface member can be configured to interact directly with the surface of the contained electronic device to form a waterproof, dust and/or shock tight seal with the surface. The seal can be achieved, for example, by including one or more at least partial circumferential seals (such as one or more hollow or solid O-rings) that are incorporated along the inner perimeter of the portion of the front and rear surface members.

In certain embodiments, the top and bottom members of the outer casing may be formed from a single element or may be comprised of a plurality of separate elements. In some cases, the top member and the bottom member can be adapted to interact with a separate top surface member and/or bottom surface member, such as the one or more top members that can be positioned on the outer casing of the electronic device and/or Or the bottom member is previously coupled to a separate top surface film member and/or bottom surface film member on the electronic device. For example, the top member and/or the bottom member can be configured for interaction with the surface film member in such a manner that when the top member and the bottom member are coupled together, the coupling together causes the surface film to traverse the top The surface of the component and/or the bottom member is fixed and waterproof, dustproof and/or shockproof sealing can be achieved in this manner. In this case, it may be useful to extend the film member beyond the top or bottom surface of the electronic device to be housed so as to collide with one or more (e.g., along all four) sides of the electronic device. The film can include a front surface and a back surface, one or more of which include an adhesive over the entire portion or less than the entire portion to facilitate coupling with the device and/or the outer skin member.

In other embodiments, the top member and/or the bottom member can be a single member that circumscribes the periphery of the device to be received, and is further configured for interfacing with a separate surface film to provide liquid repellency with the surface film. seal. For example, the surface film can be self-defeating One of the enclosed devices spans to the other perimeter and may include an adhesive that allows the surface film to be securely attached to the surface of the device while the peripheral portion is mounted on the periphery of the device and may or may not be attached to the surface film Pieces interact, but they work together to make the device both liquid and shock resistant. In some embodiments, only the peripheral portion may be provided or only the front surface film portion or the back surface film portion may be provided.

As described herein below, one or more films or portions thereof may be included herein as part of the front or/or back surface of the top or bottom member or may be provided as the entire top member and/or bottom member. . The film may include a peripheral portion and/or may interact with the peripheral portion of the outer casing, the device itself, the two, or both. Thus, the peripheral portion of the film can be configured to interface with the top member and/or the bottom member and/or the peripheral portion of the device itself, such as the inner peripheral portion and/or the outer peripheral portion. For example, a peripheral portion of the top member and/or the bottom member (eg, a peripheral portion of the top member) can include a plurality of sub-portions, such as a first sub-portion (eg, an inner peripheral portion) that includes an inner film interface member And a second sub-portion (eg, an outer peripheral portion), the second sub-portion comprising an outer film interface member configured to be used in an overmolded manner with the front surface of the peripheral portion of the film and The rear surface interfaces to secure the film to the top member. In this case, the top member may comprise a peripheral frame comprising an inner peripheral boundary of the outer casing, a film extending from one side of the perimeter boundary of the frame to the other side, and may additionally comprise another outer peripheral member, such as At least partially acting to couple the membrane to the outer peripheral surface molding member on the peripheral frame.

Thus, in certain embodiments, the film can be configured such that it spans from one side of the perimeter of the top perimeter frame member or the bottom perimeter frame member to the other side of the perimeter, such that the film back surface is at least with the inner perimeter A portion of the inner film interface member is associated and the front surface of the film is associated with the outer film interface member of the outer peripheral portion. In certain embodiments, the inner perimeter frame portion may be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as polycarbonate, while the outer perimeter portion may be comprised of a flexible or semi-flexible material (eg, TPE, poly Made up of oxygen, polypropylene or other such rubber materials.

Thus, in some embodiments, such as when a front surface film is provided on, for example, a top member, the film may completely cover the front surface of the device when the electronic device is enclosed within the outer casing, however, in some embodiments, As described above, the film can cover less than the entire front surface, such as covering only the peripheral portion of the front surface, thereby causing the interactive touch portion of the front screen of the electronic device to be uncovered. In this case, the peripheral portion of the film may include a seal (such as a gasket) to maintain the overall waterproof, dustproof, and/or shockproofness of the outer casing. Such as a gasket (eg, an O-ring) that limits the entire peripheral portion of the front surface film of the top member.

Thus, in certain embodiments, it is not necessary to provide a front surface film and/or a bottom surface film. In practice, the peripheral portion of the top member and/or the bottom member can be configured for interfacing with the closure device in such a manner that the peripheral portion of the closure device is waterproof and/or shockproof. For example, the peripheral portion can include a gasket that presses against one or more of the surfaces of the closure device, thereby preventing liquid from penetrating between the peripheral portion and the surface. One or more other gaskets may also be provided and constructed as a bonding member that may be placed on or around the closure device to cover the various sound transmission ports of the closure device, thereby rendering the closure device completely waterproof. Such a gasket covering adhesive can be provided completely independently or in combination with a peripheral portion.

Where the surface film and back surface film are included prior to, for example, the top member or the bottom member, the film may have one or more features, such as additional film features, such as acoustic film features and/or button features. For example, the first film can include an acoustic film feature that can include a hole that spans from the front surface of the first film to the back surface. The aperture may be covered by a second film, such as a sound permeable film, which is offset from the first film, such as offset from a certain space, offset by the adhesive layer, and the like. Thus, the acoustic film can be offset from the first film by any suitable element, such as by the addition of a spacer member. Thus, the two or more films can be attached to each other via a suitable adhesive. The film may additionally include button features. The button feature can include a recessed area. The recessed area may simply be a recessed area in the film or it may be a cut-out area that has been overcoated with another film configured as a button feature. In each case, the recessed area is at least partially circumscribed by the ridge area. For example, in an embodiment, the peripheral portion of the button feature can include a convex deformable peripheral portion that surrounds the recessed region. The raised deformable peripheral portion can be configured to allow for the measurement of the travel of the recessed region of the button feature such that when the recessed region is depressed, the raised portion deforms, thereby allowing the recessed region to not cause significant exposure of the first film Travel in the case of stretching.

The film may also include an opaque region and/or a light transmissive region, such as a proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, camera and/or flash feature, or a portion of the video camera that is intended to be received by the housing under the device. Light transmission area. In various embodiments, the front surface film can be constructed to include an optical lens that is configured for alignment with a camera or video lens of a closed device. The film may additionally include an opaque region, such as an opaque region along the perimeter of the film. In some embodiments, such opaque regions act to indicate that the boundaries of the interactive control panel (eg, touch screen) of the underlying device are to be housed within the housing.

In another embodiment, the bottom member can be provided with the peripheral portion and/or the front surface film. The bottom member may simply consist of a peripheral portion or may include a bottom front surface member and a rear surface member that span from one peripheral portion to the other. In some embodiments, the bottom front surface member and the back surface member and the peripheral members are all composed of the same material and are co-manufactured to form a single unit. In various circumstances, the surface member and peripheral member are two separate components that are coupled together by various mechanisms as is well known in the art as described herein.

The bottom member can include one or more features. For example, the bottom member can include a lens feature, such as a camera lens feature, which can include one or more lenses, such as a camera and/or a video lens; and/or a flash lens feature. The bottom member can be another It includes a microphone feature. In various circumstances, camera features can be coupled to the microphone features. In this case, camera features and/or flash lens features and/or microphone features may additionally include an optical skirt and/or an acoustic skirt, such as surrounding the one or more lens and/or microphone features and preventing light and/or Ambient sound is transmitted from one lens area or sound area through the skirt to one or more skirts of another lens area or sound area. In some embodiments, the speaker area can also be provided in proximity to features that include a camera and/or a microphone.

Where the microphone or speaker portion is included in the bottom member, such as included on the front member front surface member and the rear surface member, the microphone and/or speaker region may include an opening through the surface member, the opening then being permeable to sound Covered with a film that is impervious to liquid or particles. A skirt (such as a foam gasket or a rubber gasket) may be additionally included, the skirt being positionable on an interior surface of the surface film to at least partially engage a portion of the stored electronic device and operable to be received within the housing When the internal transmission sound is prevented from colliding into the microphone portion of the stored device. In this case, the skirt can be configured to completely circumscribe the microphone area of the underlying device and can be made of a compressible material such that when the top member is coupled to the bottom member, the compressible material is compressed, thereby creating a pair A powerful barrier to sound penetration.

As indicated, the bottom member can include a front surface member and a rear surface member and can additionally include a peripheral portion member. In still another aspect, a portion of the peripheral portion (eg, the distal portion) can include a latch feature, such as a latch feature for closing an opening, such as a sputum opening. The latch feature can include a lower latching interface, a latch, and an upper latching interface such that the latching mechanism is configured to move from a closed position in which the latch contacts the lower latching interface and the upper latching interface to The open position in which the latch is only in contact with one of the lower latch interface or the upper latch interface.

In some cases, the latch can additionally include a second opening that can be opened or closed independently of the latch. The second opening may be closed by another latch door, a sliding door, a removable plug, a screw-thread or cam-thread bung, or the like. hole. The latch feature and/or the second opening can be fully positioned on the top member or the bottom member, and in some cases, portions of the latch feature can be included on both the top member and the bottom member. In various embodiments, the latch feature is liquid and/or dust and/or shock resistant and may include a gasket to provide a liquid and/or dust tight seal when the latch is in the closed position.

In another case, the peripheral portion (eg, the distal or proximal peripheral end portion) can include one or more sound transmission features, such as acoustic apertures for transmitting and/or directing sound into or out of the housing feature. For example, the acoustic aperture feature can include a sound channel in which an acoustic aperture material is positioned. The acoustic aperture feature can be positioned to align with a corresponding sound transmitting portion of the underlying device (such as the microphone and/or speaker portion of the volt electronics). The acoustic aperture material may span the sound channel at an angle of 0 to 180 degrees in the forward or rearward direction. The sound channel may extend from an outer portion of the perimeter to an inner portion of the perimeter to allow entry and exit of sound through the sound channel, and the acoustic aperture material may be, for example, at an angle relative to a centerline passing through the sound channel The sound channel is traversed to prevent water from entering (or going out) through the sound channel.

In one case, the peripheral portion (such as one of the opposing side portions) can include a switch feature or button feature for engaging a switch mechanism or button mechanism of the closure device. The switch feature or button feature can include a switch housing or button housing and can further include an actuator having a switching interface. The switches and/or buttons may be fabricated from a single material or may be fabricated from a plurality of materials and then coupled together by a bonding or molding (eg, overmolding) process.

In some embodiments, a switch feature is included, wherein the switch feature can include a shaft configured for coupling to a switch housing and/or another switch interface. The switch feature can be configured such that when the actuator moves, such as when the shaft (if included) rotates from the first position to the second position within the switch housing, the switch interface causes the switch to move from the first position to the second position, Move from the "open" position to the "off" position. In some embodiments, One or more protective damper portions are positioned around one or more switches or buttons to protect them from impact.

In another embodiment, the outer peripheral portion can include a slot feature, such as a coin slot feature, for assisting in separating the top member of the outer casing from the bottom member of the outer casing. The slot feature can include a recessed portion or a cutout portion of the perimeter. The slit portion can be positioned in one or both of the top member and the bottom member. Thus, the slit portion can be positioned on the top portion and/or the bottom portion and further delimited by one or more overhanging regions that can be positioned in one or both of the top member and the bottom member, thereby The cut portion of the boundary. For example, in one embodiment, the top member includes a cutout portion and both the top member and the bottom member include corresponding overhanging portions. The coin-operated type can be placed in the slot and twisted, thereby causing the top member to move away from the bottom member.

In yet another embodiment, the outer perimeter portion can include a noise cancellation feature for assisting in eliminating environmental noise. The noise cancellation feature can include one or more of: a hole, for example, positioned in one or both of the top member and the bottom member; an acoustic film; and a sound guiding channel. The sound guiding channel can traverse from the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing and can be configured to direct sound from the aperture to a noise canceling feature, such as a microphone present on the enclosed electronic device. The sound channel can intersect the acoustic film feature, the acoustic film can be positioned to intersect the sound guiding channel at an angle relative to a centerline passing through the sound channel.

In certain embodiments, the acoustic films described herein are gas permeable (eg, acoustic), impermeable to liquids or particles. Further, in some embodiments, the internal portions of the various sound transmitting elements described herein (such as the noise canceling features described above) can include sounds adapted to prevent sound transmitted (eg, refracted) within the housing from entering the enclosed device. The configuration of features (eg, noise cancellation microphones) and thereby prevents echoes. Such features may include bulging a raised portion of the noise canceling microphone when the device is enclosed within the housing, and may further include a gasket circumscribing the noise canceling microphone, such as a compressible gasket.

In another embodiment, the outer peripheral portion may include a haptic feature (eg, a headset feature), for example, for receiving a receptacle (such as a jack of a headset or speaker assembly) or a closure device or the like. The haptic feature can include a hole positioned in one or both of the top member and/or the bottom member. The holes extend from the outside of the assembly to the interior of the assembly. The aperture may be delimited by one or more of a washer or washer seat (such as an O-ring) and a threaded or camed region that may be configured to receive a receptacle or closure device to be inserted into the aperture Corresponding to the thread or cam area. The threaded region can be configured as a typical threaded feature or can be configured as a cam feature.

The peripheral portion of the top member or the bottom member may additionally include one or more openings configured to receive a lanyard or tether through the opening, the tether or lanyard facilitating ease of operation.

The present disclosure also provides a flash isolation mechanism for a housing for an electronic device having a camera and a flash. The flash isolation mechanism includes a housing member to cover at least a portion of the electronic device, a portion of the electronic device including a camera and a flash; a camera lens provided in the housing member for positioning over the camera; and a flash lens provided to the housing member For positioning over the flash; and an optical skirt that surrounds the camera lens and/or flash lens and is positioned between the housing member and the electronic device for allowing light to be transmitted from the flash Pass the flash lens and suppress light from being reflected from the flash to the camera lens.

In some embodiments, the optical skirt surrounds the camera lens. In other embodiments, the optical skirt encloses the flash lens. In other embodiments, the optical skirt surrounds the camera lens and the flash lens. The optical skirt can include concentric spacers to provide enhanced field of view for the camera lens and camera. The optical skirt can also include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the camera lens and/or the flash lens are at least partially attached to the elastomeric material.

The present disclosure also provides an enclosure for an electronic device having a camera and a flash. The outer casing includes a outer casing member including a front surface and a rear surface, and Having a camera lens for positioning over the camera and a flash lens for positioning over the flash, the outer casing member being surrounded by a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a peripheral portion defined by the opposing side portions, the peripheral portion of the outer casing member having a channel formed by the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned in the channel; and an optical skirt surrounding the camera lens and/or the flash lens and for positioning the housing member and the electronic device Between these, the optical skirt is used to allow light to pass from the flash through the flash lens and to suppress light from being reflected from the flash to the camera lens.

In some embodiments, the optical skirt surrounds the camera lens. In other embodiments, the optical skirt encloses the flash lens. In other embodiments, the optical skirt surrounds the camera lens and the flash lens. The optical skirt can include concentric spacers to provide enhanced field of view for the camera lens and camera. The optical skirt can also include an elastomeric material.

The present disclosure also provides an enclosure for enclosing and sealing an electronic device having a camera and a flash. The housing includes a bottom member including a front surface and a rear surface and having a camera lens for positioning over the camera and a flash lens for positioning over the flash, the bottom member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a countertop Surrounded by a peripheral portion defined by a side portion, the peripheral portion of the bottom member has a passage formed by an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion, the passage including a compressible gasket positioned in the passage; and a top member having a rigid frame defined An inner periphery corresponding to an outer periphery of the electronic device and a peripheral portion of the bottom member, the rigid frame extending to the ridge, the ridge being adapted to be clamped within the channel of the bottom member and sealed against the gasket, the top member further The invention includes a plurality of sealed buttons and a plurality of sealable apertures and a film opposite the ridge overlying the rigid frame, the film having a transparent region; and an optical skirt surrounding the camera lens and/or the flash lens and For positioning between the outer casing member and the electronic device, the optical skirt The edge is used to allow light to pass from the flash through the flash lens and to suppress light from being reflected from the flash to the camera lens. In some embodiments, the camera lens and/or the flash lens are at least partially attached to the elastomeric material.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a touch-sensitive interactive display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by a rear wall and a sidewall coupled to a periphery of the rear wall, the sidewall generally corresponding to a circumference of the rear wall and having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defined a top edge, the rear wall and the side wall each having an inner surface for receiving an electronic device; a frame member that frames at least a portion of a front surface of the electronic device to enable a user to directly touch the touch-sensitive interactive display, The frame member has a peripheral edge corresponding to the outer periphery of the top edge and has one or more coupling members extending downwardly from the bottom side of the frame member to access the inner periphery of the side wall for engagement with the inner surface of the side wall; a releasable adhesive member on an outer side of the one or more coupling members at a first interface between a bottom side of the frame member and a top edge of the side wall of the bottom member to seal the first An interface, and when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member, on an inner side of the one or more coupling members, at a bottom side of the frame member A second interface between the second surface to seal the interface before the electronic device.

According to some embodiments, the releasable adhesive seals the second interface between the frame member and the electronic device when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a latch extending from a bottom side of the frame member for latching with an inner surface of a sidewall of the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a plurality of latches spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each latch having an outwardly facing projection to engage a sidewall formed on the bottom member Inwardly recessed in the inner surface. The one or more coupling members can be selected from the group consisting of: snaps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clips, locks, or grapple hooks.

In certain embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is formed from a low compression sealant. The low compression sealant can be a poloxamer. In other embodiments, the framework The piece is formed from a rigid material.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a touch-sensitive interactive display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by a rear wall and a sidewall coupled to a circumference of the rear wall, the sidewall generally corresponding to a circumference of the rear wall and having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defined a top edge, the rear wall and at least a portion of the side wall each having an inner surface for receiving an electronic device; a frame member that frames at least a portion of a front surface of the electronic device to enable a user to directly touch the touch sensitive interaction type a display having a peripheral edge corresponding to an outer periphery of the top edge and having one or more couplings extending downwardly from a bottom side of the frame member to access an inner periphery of the side wall for engagement with an inner surface of the side wall a member; and a releasable adhesive member on the outer side of the one or more coupling members at a first interface between the bottom side of the frame member and the top edge of the side wall of the bottom member such that Sealing the first interface; when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member, on the inner side of the one or more coupling members, in the frame structure The bottom side of the apparatus before the electronic interface between the second surface, and is sealed to the inner surface of the second interface.

According to some embodiments, the releasable adhesive seals the second interface between the frame member and the electronic device when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a latch extending from a bottom side of the frame member for latching with an inner surface of a sidewall of the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a plurality of latches spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each latch having an outwardly facing projection to engage a sidewall formed on the bottom member Inwardly recessed in the inner surface. The one or more coupling members can be selected from the group consisting of: snaps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clips, locks, or grapple hooks.

In certain embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is formed from a low compression sealant. The low compression sealant can include a poloxamer. In other embodiments, the frame member is rigid Material formation.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device. The electronic device can have a front surface that includes a display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by the rear wall and the side wall to receive an electronic device, the side wall having a top surface defined by the outer and inner circumferences; and a frame member prior to the electronic device At least a portion of the surface is framed to enable a user to operate the display, the frame member having a peripheral edge corresponding to an outer periphery of a top surface of the sidewall of the bottom member; one or more coupling members that couple the frame member with a bottom member coupled; and a releasable adhesive interposed between a top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and a bottom side of the frame member to seal a top surface of the side wall of the bottom member when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member The interface between the frame members.

According to some embodiments, the releasable adhesive seals the second interface between the frame member and the electronic device when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a latch extending from a bottom side of the frame member for latching with an inner surface of a sidewall of the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a plurality of latches spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each latch having an outwardly facing projection to engage a sidewall formed on the bottom member Inwardly recessed in the inner surface. The one or more coupling members can be selected from the group consisting of: snaps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clips, locks, or grapple hooks.

In certain embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is formed from a low compression sealant. The low compression sealant can include a poloxamer. In other embodiments, the frame members are formed from a rigid material.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing a water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The system includes a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the portable electronic device, and an elastic member bonded to a portion of the rigid outer casing, the elastic member having a cover for being covered by the portable An inner surface of the peripheral region of the fixed-size structure provided by the sub-device; and a compression member coupled to the rigid outer casing for covering the peripheral region of the fixed-size structure of the portable electronic device with the elastic member Providing an opposite compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the resilient member, the outer surface being proximate to and substantially opposite the inner surface of the resilient member, thereby allowing the inner surface of the resilient member to be portable A water resistant seal is formed at a peripheral region between the fixed size structures of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the compression member is integrally formed with the rigid outer casing. The rigid outer casing can be formed from one or more sections. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the compression member is coupled to the rigid outer casing by one or more coupling members selected from the group of coupling members including: sliders, clamps, activities Hinge, braided snap, latch and/or prestressed tensioning member.

In other embodiments, the resilient member comprises a binder material. The elastic member may be formed of a releasable adhesive material. The resilient member can also be further interposed between the rigid frame and the compression member, wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form a second water resistant seal between the resilient member and the rigid frame.

In other embodiments, the system includes two or more elastic members. The system can also include a second resilient member interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form the second resilient member and the rigid frame The second water resistant seal.

In other embodiments, the peripheral region of the portable electronic device can include one or more features, and wherein the resilient member includes a corresponding operational region for accessing and operating the one or more features. The one or more features can include one or more of: a display, one or more speakers, one or more buttons, one or more switches, one or more deafness, one or more proximity sensors, One or more lenses, one or more flashes. In another embodiment, the compression member is coupled to the rigid housing by a coupling mechanism selected from the group consisting of A group of coupling mechanisms consisting of a mechanical retention mechanism, a molding mechanism, or a binder mechanism.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The system includes a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the portable electronic device; a releasable and reusable adhesive member having a cover for being provided by the portable electronic device An inner surface of the peripheral region of the fixed size structure to form the at least one water resistant seal at a peripheral region between the inner surface of the releasable and reusable adhesive member and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device; A compression member coupled to the rigid outer casing and disposed on an outer surface of the releasable and reusable adhesive member.

In certain embodiments, the compression member provides an opposing compressive force against the fixed size structure that is proximate to and substantially opposite the inner surface of the releasable and reusable adhesive member. In various aspects of this embodiment, the opposing compressive force is used to mechanically retain the releasable and reusable adhesive member to inhibit shearing and pealing of the releasable and reusable adhesive member.

In other embodiments, the releasable and reusable adhesive member is further interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, and wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form a releasable and A second water resistant seal between the reusable adhesive member and the rigid frame. The system may also include two or more releasable and reusable adhesive members. The system can also include a second releasable and reusable adhesive member interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, and wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form A second water resistant seal between the second releasable and reusable adhesive member and the rigid frame. The releasable and reusable adhesive member can be flexible and can be a low compression sealant. The releasable and reusable adhesive member can Formed by poloxamers.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal. The system includes a resilient cover having at least one aperture; a portable electronic device insertable into the resilient cover, the portable electronic device providing a fixed size structure to an inner surface of the resilient cover; and a rigid outer casing Formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the resilient cover and for providing an opposing compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the resilient cover when the resilient cover covers at least a portion of the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device, The outer surface approximates the inner surface of the resilient cover and is generally opposite the inner surface such that at least one water resistant seal is formed between the inner surface of the resilient cover and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device.

In an embodiment, the fixed size structure includes a protective member overlying the portable electronic device. The protective member can be light transmissive. Further, the protective member may include at least one of a microphone cover, a button actuator, an acoustic washer, a filter, a lens, an opaque region, or a film. The resilient cover can also include an aperture, and wherein the inner perimeter of the aperture exposes the underlying region of the fixed size structure.

In another embodiment, the system also includes one or more water resistant seals, each of the water resistant seals being configured to seal an opening of the portable electronic device into the underlying region of the fixed size structure. In an embodiment, the rigid outer casing includes the one or more water resistant seals. The one or more water resistant seals may be selected from the group consisting of: gaskets, adhesives, adhesive gels, adhesive elastomers or adhesive tapes.

The present disclosure also provides a method of forming at least one water resistant seal. The method includes the steps of: providing a portable electronic device having a fixed size structure; covering at least a portion of the portable electronic device with a resilient cover having at least one aperture; positioning the rigid outer casing At least a portion of the resilient cover, the rigid outer casing provides an opposing compressive force on the outer surface of the resilient cover when the resilient cover covers at least a portion of the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device, the outer surface being proximate to the resilient cover The inner surface is substantially opposite the inner surface; and at least one water resistant seal is formed between the inner surface of the resilient cover and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device by an opposing compressive force.

In one embodiment, the method also includes the steps of providing one or more water resistant seals, each water resistant seal configured to seal the portable electronic device leading to an underlying region of the fixed size structure Opening; and sealing the opening of the portable electronic device into the underlying region of the fixed size structure with a corresponding one or more water resistant seals.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The system includes a resilient cover having at least one aperture having an inner surface covering at least a portion of a fixed size structure of the portable electronic device; and a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the resilient cover, And for providing an opposing compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the resilient cover when the resilient cover covers at least a portion of the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device, the outer surface being proximate to the inner surface of the resilient cover and substantially Opposite the inner surface, thereby forming the at least one water resistant seal between the inner surface of the resilient cover and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device.

In an embodiment, the fixed size structure includes a protective member overlying the portable electronic device. The protective member can be light transmissive. The protective member can include at least one of a microphone cover, a button actuator, an acoustic washer, a filter, a lens, an opaque region, or a film.

In other embodiments, the resilient cover includes an aperture, and wherein the inner periphery of the aperture exposes the underlying region of the fixed size structure. In another embodiment, the system also includes one or more water resistant seals, each of the water resistant seals being configured to seal an opening to the portable electronic device in an underlying region of the fixed size structure.

In another embodiment, the rigid outer casing includes the one or more water resistant seals. The one or more water resistant seals may be selected from the group consisting of: gaskets, adhesives, adhesive gels, adhesive elastomers Or adhesive tape.

The present disclosure also provides a method for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The method includes the steps of: covering at least a portion of the portable electronic device with a resilient cover having at least one aperture; and positioning the rigid outer casing over at least a portion of the resilient cover that covers the portable electronic device in the resilient cover An at least a portion of the fixed-size structure of the device providing an opposing compressive force on the outer surface of the resilient cover, the outer surface being proximate to and substantially opposite the inner surface of the resilient cover; and the resilient cover by opposing compressive forces The at least one water resistant seal is formed between the inner surface and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device.

In one embodiment, the method also includes the steps of providing one or more water resistant seals, each water resistant seal configured to seal the portable electronic device leading to an underlying region of the fixed size structure Opening; and sealing the opening of the portable electronic device into the underlying region of the fixed size structure with a corresponding one or more water resistant seal members.

The present disclosure provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by the rear wall and the side wall to receive an electronic device, the side wall having a top surface defined by the outer and inner circumferences; and a frame member prior to the electronic device At least a portion of the surface is framed to enable a user to operate the display, the frame member having a peripheral edge corresponding to an outer periphery of a top surface of the sidewall of the bottom member; one or more tapered posts, the tapered post being The deformation opening interacts to couple the frame member with the bottom member; and the release agent is interposed between the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and the bottom side of the frame member to couple the frame member to the bottom member An interface between the top surface of the sidewall of the bottom member and the frame member is sealed.

In some embodiments, the one or more tapered posts are spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each tapered post having a stud to engage a deformable opening on a circumference of the bottom member. In some embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is a low compression sealant. The low pressure The shrink sealant can include a poloxamer. In some embodiments, the frame member is formed from a rigid material.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having a rear surface defined by a rear wall and a side wall for receiving an inner surface of the electronic device, the side wall having a top surface defined by an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge; a screen protector covering the electron At least a portion of the front surface of the device and enabling the user to operate the display, the screen protector having a peripheral edge corresponding to the outer periphery of the top surface of the sidewall of the bottom member; and a releasable adhesive that is inserted into the sidewall of the bottom member The top surface is between the bottom side of the screen protector to seal the interface between the top surface of the sidewall of the bottom member and the bottom side of the screen protector when the screen protector is coupled to the bottom member.

In certain embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is a low compression sealant. The low compression sealant can include a poloxamer. In some embodiments, the screen protector is formed from a transparent material.

The present disclosure also provides a protective envelope within which a mobile electronic device having a multi-touch display can be mounted. The protective envelope includes a surface for at least partially covering the mobile computing device, the front surface including a frame having an inner edge for framed the multi-touch display. The protective envelope also includes a rear surface including a first wedge adapted to abut a first portion of the mobile electronic device to lift the mobile electronic device against the frame of the front surface; the frame is also on the front surface Forming at least two vertical side walls with the rear surface; an insertion hole for receiving the mobile electronic device; and a cover for covering the insertion hole, the cover including the inwardly extending to the front surface and the rear surface A second wedge adapted to abut a second portion of the mobile electronic device to lift the mobile electronic device against the second portion of the front surface.

In some embodiments, the inner edge of the protective envelope further includes a A washer on the inner surface of the inner edge. In some embodiments, the inner edge of the protective envelope further includes a flexible ridge at the inner edge that is configured to abut the front side of the mobile computing device near the periphery of the multi-touch display.

In some embodiments, the inner edge of the protective envelope further includes a transparent film that allows access to the multi-touch display.

In some embodiments, the protective envelope front surface further includes a sealed button region that is flexible for operating a button coupled to the interior surface of the front surface.

In some embodiments, the protective envelope further includes a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism proximate the insertion aperture, and the cover further includes a third clamping mechanism for latching with the first clamping mechanism And a fourth clamping mechanism for latching with the second clamping mechanism.

In some embodiments, the cover of the protective envelope is coupled by a hinge proximate the insertion aperture, and wherein the protective envelope further includes a first clamping mechanism proximate the insertion aperture, and the cover further includes the first clamping A second clamping mechanism that the mechanism latches.

In certain embodiments, the cover of the protective envelope includes a second gasket. In some embodiments, the cover of the protective envelope further includes a charging cassette, a door, and a latch; and wherein the door has a flexible pad to seal the charging cassette when the door is in the closed position.

The present disclosure also provides a screen protector assembly for applying a screen protector to a screen of a mobile computing device. The screen protector assembly includes a screen protector comprising a binder side and a non-adhesive side; a first peelable protective layer covering the adhesive side, further comprising at least one peeling tab; covering the non-adhesive agent a second peelable protective layer on the side, further comprising at least one peeling tab; and a pulling tab attached to the adhesive side peelable protective layer.

In some embodiments, the pull tab of the assembly is at least as long as the screen protector.

The present disclosure also provides a screen protector assembly for applying a screen protector to a screen of a mobile computing device. The screen protector assembly includes a screen protector having an adhesive side for adhering to a screen of a mobile computing device and a non-adhesive side opposite the adhesive side; removably attached to a first peelable protective layer on the adhesive side of the screen protector, the first peelable protective layer further comprising at least one pulling tab and at least one anastomotic slit dividing the first peelable protective layer into two sections Or perforating such that only one section of the first peelable protective layer can be removed using at least one peeling tab; and a second peelable protective layer removably attached to the non-adhesive side, the The second peelable protective layer further includes at least one peeling protective layer, and the second peelable protective layer can be removed from the non-adhesive side of the screen protector by the peeling tab.

In some embodiments, the screen protector assembly further includes a pull tab attached to the adhesive side peelable protective layer. In some embodiments, the screen protector assembly is as described in claim 4, wherein the pull tab is at least as long as the screen protector.

In certain embodiments, the adhesive side peelable protective layer of the assembly includes two anastomotic cuts or perforations that divide the adhesive side peelable protective layer into three sections. In certain embodiments, the adhesive side peelable protective layer comprises three anastomotic cuts or perforations that divide the adhesive side peelable protective layer into four or five sections.

The present disclosure also provides a screen protector assembly for applying a screen protector to a screen of a mobile computing device. The screen protector assembly includes a screen protector including a binder side and a non-adhesive side; a first peelable protective layer associated with the adhesive side, the first peelable protective layer further comprising at least one a peeling tab; a second peelable protective layer associated with the non-adhesive side, the second peelable protective layer further comprising a first frame configured to rest on one end of the mobile computing device and to display the screen The protector assembly is aligned over the screen of the mobile computing device.

In some embodiments, the screen protector assembly further includes a second frame, the The two frames are configured to rest on the other end of the mobile computing device and align the screen protector assembly over the screen of the mobile computing device.

In certain embodiments, the screen protector assembly further includes a pull tab attached to the first peelable protective layer. In some embodiments, the pull tab attached to the first peelable protective layer is at least as long as the screen protector.

In certain embodiments, the first peelable protective layer comprises two anastomotic cuts or perforations that divide the adhesive side peelable protective layer into three sections. In certain embodiments, the first peelable protective layer comprises three anastomotic cuts or perforations that divide the first peelable protective layer into four or five sections.

In some embodiments, the screen protector assembly further includes an alignment mount configured to hold the mobile computing device, the alignment base further comprising at least four slots; and wherein the first frame and the second frame each include at least Two tabs configured to fit into both of the slots in the alignment base.

In some embodiments, the screen protector assembly further includes an alignment mount configured to hold the mobile computing device, the alignment base further comprising at least four tabs; and wherein the first frame and the second frame each include at least Two slots configured to receive both of the tabs in the alignment base.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a touch interactive display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface and a sidewall that receives the electronic device, the bottom member further having an outer surface at least partially defined by the sidewall, the sidewall having a top edge having the outer surface At least a portion of the inner and outer walls, the outer wall having a groove along at least a portion of the periphery of the outer wall adjacent the top edge; the top member having an outer wall extending beyond the outer surface of the side wall of the bottom member, in the electronic device An inner wall extending between the inner wall of the top edge of the side wall of the bottom member and a wiper extending over at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device within the top member The wall has a protrusion that is biased to sealingly abut the inner wall of the top edge of the side wall of the bottom member as the slider extends over at least a portion of the surface of the front surface of the electronic device.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a touch interactive display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface and a sidewall that receives the electronic device, the bottom member further having an outer surface at least partially defined by the sidewall, the sidewall having a top edge having the outer surface At least a portion of an inner wall and an outer wall, the outer wall having a first clamping mechanism; a top member having an outer wall extending over an outer surface of the side wall of the bottom member, an inner wall at a top edge of the side wall of the electronic device and the bottom member An inner wall extending therebetween, a second clamping mechanism for clamping with the first clamping mechanism, and a slider extending over at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device, the inner wall of the top member having a protrusion when the slider extends The protrusion is biased to sealingly abut the inner wall of the top edge of the sidewall of the bottom member as it passes over at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device.

In certain embodiments, the slider further includes a compressible gasket that forms a liquid-tight seal with the front surface of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the protective housing includes a screen protector that covers at least a portion of a front surface of the electronic device and enables a user to operate the display, the screen protector having a top surface corresponding to a sidewall of the bottom member a peripheral edge of the outer periphery; and a releasable adhesive interposed between the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and the bottom side of the screen protector to seal the sidewall of the bottom member when the screen protector is coupled to the bottom member The interface between the top surface and the bottom side of the screen protector.

The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least a portion of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having a sounding mechanism. The device includes an envelope enabling operation of the touch screen display, the envelope having an outer surface and an inner surface; at least one sound output 埠 in the envelope, the sound output is close to a sounding mechanism of the mobile computing device; and a sound enhancement region formed in the envelope between the outer surface and the inner surface of the envelope, the sound enhancement region having certain frequencies configured to be in sound with the sounding mechanism from the mobile computing device The area and thickness of the resonance to increase the sound from the at least one sound output 中 in the envelope.

In some embodiments, the sound enhancement area is rectangular. In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region is circular. In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region is elliptical.

The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least a portion of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having an electrical connector in a housing that houses the mobile computing device. The apparatus includes an envelope covering at least a portion of a mobile computing device including an electrical connector, the envelope having a bottom member covering at least a first portion of the mobile computing device and a top member covering at least a second portion of the mobile computing device, the top member Constructed to allow touch access to the touchscreen display; a coupling mechanism for coupling the top member to the bottom member to cover the first portion and the second portion of the mobile computing device, and for the top member Sealed with a bottom member; an aperture in the envelope proximate to the electrical connector, the aperture having an inner wall and a peripheral edge; for attaching to a door on the envelope proximate the at least one aperture, the door having an electrical connection enabling access to the mobile computing device An open configuration of the piece and a closed configuration for closing the at least one hole in the envelope; and a double sealing gasket for seating on the gasket seat to seal the hole in the envelope when the door is in the closed configuration, the double sealing gasket An annular plug having an inlet wall and abutting an inner wall of the hole and a circumference surrounding the annular plug for abutting the hole Edge to the sealing surface of the sealing portion.

The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least a portion of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having an electrical connector in a housing that houses the mobile computing device. The device includes an envelope that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least a portion of the mobile computing device including the electrical connector, the envelope having an outer surface and an inner surface; proximate the inner surface of the electrical connector that passes through the envelope and A hole in the outer surface, the hole having an inner wall and a peripheral edge. The device also includes a door for attachment to the electrical connector of the envelope, the door having an open configuration for enabling access to the electrical connector of the mobile computing device and a closed configuration for closing the aperture in the envelope; and when the door is A double sealing gasket for seating in a gasket seat to seal a hole in the envelope, the double sealing gasket having an annular plug that enters the hole and abuts an inner wall of the hole and surrounds the annular plug to abut A face seal portion that is sealed by the peripheral edge of the hole.

In certain embodiments of the device comprising a double sealing gasket, the annular plug includes an annular projection that surrounds the annular plug. In certain embodiments, the double sealing gasket is formed from an elastomeric material. In certain embodiments, the double sealing gasket is an abutment. In some embodiments, the annular plug is adhered to the door and formed of a first elastomeric material, and wherein the face seal portion is adhered to the annular plug and is comprised of a second elastomeric material different from the first elastomeric material form.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for covering at least a portion of a mobile computing device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a touch screen display. The device includes a top member having a rigid frame defining a sidewall around a perimeter of the mobile computing device; and a frame portion that frames the perimeter of the touch screen display, the sidewall of the top member and the frame portion defining therein A cavity is provided with a mobile computing device, the side wall further having a retention rail projecting from a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall. The device also includes a bottom member having a perimeter corresponding to a perimeter of the mobile computing device, the perimeter of the bottom member having a seal that mates with a bottom edge of the sidewall of the top member. The device also includes a proximal slider defining a first frame channel configured to receive and overlie the first portion of the top member and the bottom member at a proximal end of the mobile computing device, the proximal slider having And a first retaining passage that receives the first portion of the retaining rail of the top member, the proximal slider further having a first clamping mechanism. The device includes a distal slider defining a second frame channel configured to receive and overlie a second portion of the top member and the bottom member at a distal end of the mobile computing device, the distal slider a second retention channel for receiving a second portion of the retention rail of the top member, the distal slider further having a second clamping mechanism for the first clamping mechanism with the proximal slider Clamping to hold the proximal and distal sliders together to seal the top member to the bottom member and enclose the mobile computing device.

In certain embodiments, the bottom member includes a transparent region. In some embodiments, the bottom member includes a lens. In certain embodiments, the bottom member includes one or more acoustic apertures. In some embodiments, the top member includes an aperture proximate to at least one button and at least one switch on the electronic device. In certain embodiments, the distal slider includes a charging bore and a charging trick having an open configuration that enables access to the electrical connector of the mobile computing device and a closed configuration that closes the at least one aperture in the envelope.

The present disclosure also provides a protective envelope for a mobile computing device having a housing defined by a rear side, a perimeter, and a front side including a multi-touch display. The protective outer casing includes a bottom member including a frame defining an outer periphery of the bottom member and having an outer wall, the outer wall having a first latching mechanism; an inner surface for receiving a perimeter or a rear side of the mobile computing device At least a portion and forming an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall; and a first passage formed between the outer wall and the inner wall. The protective envelope also includes a top member for mating with the bottom member to at least partially cover the mobile computing device. The top member includes a frame having an inner edge for the multi-touch display frame and defining an outer periphery; a protrusion extending downwardly from the inner surface of the frame near the outer periphery, the protrusion having a portion for the outer wall of the bottom member a latching mechanism that latches a second latching mechanism, the protrusion further having a plurality of apertures proximate the second latching mechanism; and a flexible overmold that is provided to the protrusion At least a portion of the frame of the outer surface is adjacent to the outer periphery. The flexible overmold further includes an inner overmold portion coupled via a plurality of holes in the protrusion to a flexible overmold provided over the outer surface of the protrusion, The inner overmold portion is configured to latch when the second latch mechanism engages the first latch mechanism When locked, it abuts and abuts against the inner wall of the first passage of the bottom member to seal.

The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least a portion of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having a sounding mechanism. The device includes at least a portion of a closed mobile computing device and enables operation of a cover of a touch screen display having an outer surface and an inner surface; a baffle that is provided to the inner surface of the envelope and in the envelope and the mobile computing device Forming a sound channel therebetween for directing sound from the sounding mechanism of the mobile computing device to the sound enhancement region in the envelope; and a passive radiator provided in the sound enhancement region, the passive radiator having a diaphragm and an enclosure The enclosure encloses the diaphragm and allows the diaphragm to move in and out of the plane of the sound enhancement region to emit sound from the sounding mechanism of the mobile computing device when the envelope encloses the mobile computing device.

In some embodiments, the diaphragm of the device is formed from a material having a mass that is tuned to a frequency range of sound produced by the sounding mechanism of the mobile computing device. In certain embodiments, the passive radiator further includes a mass support member coupled to the diaphragm to provide additional mass to the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the enclosure is formed as a roller enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure is formed as a pleated enclosure. In certain embodiments, the passive radiator further includes an inner diaphragm that is provided in the diaphragm; and a second enclosure that surrounds the inner diaphragm and provides vibration isolation between the inner diaphragm and the diaphragm.

As used herein, the term "about" refers to the addition or subtraction of 10% in quantitative terms. For example, "about 3%" will cover 2.7%-3.3%, while "about 10%" will cover 9%-11%. Moreover, where the term "approximately" is used in connection with a quantitative term, it is understood that the precise value of the quantitative term is also encompassed and described in addition to the value plus or minus 10%. For example, the term "about 3%" explicitly considers, describes, and accurately includes 3%.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description.

1‧‧‧Shell

2‧‧‧ top member

2a‧‧‧Flexible elastic sheath/sheath

2a-1‧‧‧ bottom panel

2a-2‧‧‧ peripheral parts

2a-3‧‧‧Top part

2a-1(xi)‧‧‧ camera hole

2a-2(i)‧‧‧ Near-end part

2a-2(ii)‧‧‧ distal part

2a-2(iii) ‧‧‧ opposite side sections

2a-2(iv)‧‧‧ opposite side sections

2a-2(v)‧‧‧"On" and "Off" switch features

2a-2(vi)‧‧‧ headphone 埠 sealing features

2a-2(vii)‧‧‧ button protection features

2a-2(viii)‧‧‧ button protection features

2a-2(ix)‧‧‧Switch characteristics

2a-2(x)‧‧‧Microphone characteristics

2a-2(xi)‧‧‧Speaker Features

2a-2(xii)‧‧‧Power connector features

2a-2(xxi)‧‧‧ hole

2a-2(xxii)‧‧‧ hole

2a-2(xx)‧‧‧Acoustic opening

2c-1‧‧‧Optical transparent area

2c-2‧‧‧Optical transparent area

2c-3‧‧‧Sound hole

2w‧‧‧Window/opening

3‧‧‧ bottom member

10‧‧‧ channel

13a‧‧‧Tooth area/tooth/clamping mechanism/complete internal clamping mechanism

13b‧‧‧Tooth receiving area/tooth receiving member/clamping mechanism/internal clamping mechanism/complete internal clamping mechanism/socket

15‧‧‧Washers

18‧‧‧Coin-operated slot feature/coin slotted slot feature

18a‧‧‧Coin-operated slot features

18b‧‧‧Coin-operated slot features

20‧‧‧ peripheral parts

20a‧‧‧Interior Peripheral/Peripheral Part/Internal Peripheral Components/Circumferential Internal Frame/Rigid Internal Frame/Rigid Internals/Rigid Body/Internal Body

20b‧‧‧External peripheral part / flexible external body / external body

21‧‧‧ proximal part

22‧‧‧ distal part

23‧‧‧ side

23‧‧‧ opposite side sections

24‧‧‧ opposite side sections

25‧‧‧Front/translucent film

25‧‧‧Front Surface/Front Surface Member/Screen Protector/Film/Surface Film/Film Material/Front Film/Front Screen/Interactive Film/Top Surface Film/flexible film/top member film

25a‧‧‧ inner surface

25c‧‧‧Intermediate adhesive layer/adhesive

27‧‧‧Internal clamping mechanism / grapple / latch mechanism

27a‧‧‧Clamping members

27b‧‧‧Alignment column

30‧‧‧ peripheral parts

30a‧‧‧Internal peripheral part / internal delimiting member / delimiting member / inner periphery

30b‧‧‧External peripheral part/external delimiting member/delimited member

31‧‧‧ proximal part

32‧‧‧ distal part

33‧‧‧Bottom side/opposite side part

34‧‧‧Bottom side/opposite side part

35‧‧‧ bottom surface

36‧‧‧ inside surface / inner surface

37‧‧‧Clamping mechanism/groove clamping mechanism/internal clamping mechanism/groove/latch mechanism

37a‧‧‧Clamping components

37b‧‧‧Complementary Alignment Channel/Alignment Channel

40‧‧‧ button features

40a‧‧‧ button cover features

41‧‧‧ pivoting edge

42‧‧‧Bumped pivot

43‧‧‧Upright parts

44‧‧‧Sound transmission area/sound hole characteristics

45‧‧‧Acoustic film or orifice material/acoustic film material

46‧‧‧Sound hole/sound transmission characteristics

46a‧‧‧Gaps or seals

47‧‧‧Video or camera features/optical transparent areas/camera features

47‧‧‧Video or camera features/camera or video features

47a‧‧‧ camera features

47b‧‧‧ Ambient light characteristics

47c‧‧‧Optical transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) layer / optically clear PET layer

47d‧‧‧Optical transparent adhesive/washer or seal

48‧‧‧ proximity sensor features / proximity sensor / optically transparent area

48a‧‧‧Proximity characteristics/proximity sensor characteristics

49‧‧‧ Ambient light sensor features / ambient light sensor

50‧‧‧Acoustic Features/Headphone Jack/埠/Sound //Sound Transmission 埠/Sound Inlet 埠/Headphone 埠 Features/Headphones埠

51‧‧‧ headphone jack 埠 opening/jack 埠 opening/hole/opening/sound boring/plug/inlet hole

53‧‧‧Sound cover/earphone cover/plug/earphone jack plug/jack plug/plug

54‧‧‧Threaded components

54a‧‧‧Threaded area/埠 thread

54b‧‧‧Threaded area/plug thread

55‧‧‧O-ring

56‧‧‧ grasping features

58‧‧‧ top member

60‧‧‧Sound transmission characteristics/sound transmission part

61a‧‧‧Sound transmission incision

61b‧‧‧Sound transmission incision

65‧‧‧Acoustic orifice material/acoustic film/acoustic aperture film/transparent but impervious film/film/microphone acoustic orifice material

66‧‧‧Sound channel/sound exit channel/acoustic channel

67‧‧‧Acoustic washer/overmolded skirt skirt/rigid material/acoustic orifice delimiting member/overmolded part/component

68a‧‧‧Sound Bridge/Rubber Damping Part

69‧‧‧Protection Grid Features/Protection Acoustic Grille

70‧‧‧Latch feature/latch 埠 feature/charger feature

71‧‧‧Latch lock/charger cover/peripheral latch feature cover

71a‧‧‧Charging opening/opening

71b‧‧‧Latch cover/latch door/charger latch cover or door/charger/latch feature cover/latch cover/埠open latch cover

72‧‧‧埠/Latch opening delimiting member/埠 opening delimiting member/latch opening delimiting member/delimiting member/latch feature delimiting member/latch cover delimiting member/latch 埠 opening delimitation Member/埠 opening/delimiting member

74‧‧‧Charging shaft/shaft/latch cover connector/connector/pivot shaft

75‧‧‧Shaft receiving hole / shaft hole / latch connector hole / shaft socket

76‧‧‧Charging door latching ramp receiving member/latch ramp receiving or impacting member/latch ramp/latch ramp receiving member

77‧‧‧Charging door latching ramp/latch ramp interface section

78‧‧‧Gas washer/charger door washer/seal

80‧‧‧ camera lens features/lens features/camera/camera or view Feature/lens

81‧‧‧ raised lip part

82‧‧‧Flash hole

83‧‧‧ Camera or video hole/camera lens/lens

84‧‧‧Non-transportability features/optical skirt/features

86‧‧‧Sound transmission characteristics

87‧‧‧Sound transmission hole/external hole/hole/sound inlet/exit hole/sound channel/sound inlet hole/inlet hole

88‧‧‧Gas/film member/film/film section

89‧‧‧Sound isolation washer

90‧‧‧ proximity sensor

91‧‧‧A portion of the outer casing, casing or envelope that is close to the proximity sensor

92‧‧‧Transmission section

93‧‧‧ Receiving part

94‧‧‧Distributor/Center Splitter

97‧‧‧External optical device

98‧‧‧External optical device

99a‧‧‧Button Features/Button Overmolded Features/Volume Button/Volume Control Dial or Button/Volume Dial

99b‧‧‧Button Features/Button Overmolded Features/Volume Button/Volume Control Dial or Button/Volume Dial

99c‧‧‧ button feature/button feature cutout

99d‧‧‧ button feature incision

100‧‧‧ Equipment

120‧‧‧Top member/upper member

121‧‧‧Transformable opening

123‧‧‧ insert face

124‧‧‧ Insert face

126‧‧‧Complementary holding surface/holding surface

127‧‧‧Complementary retaining surface/holding surface

128‧‧‧ Cover passage

129‧‧‧ inner part

130‧‧‧Bottom components

130a‧‧‧ Face up

130b‧‧‧Inward facing part

130c‧‧‧Internal shoulder

131‧‧‧Conical column

133‧‧‧ head

134‧‧‧Conical upper surface

135‧‧‧Conical upper surface

136‧‧‧Conical lower surface

137‧‧‧Conical lower surface

140‧‧‧ head cover

146‧‧‧Bumps or shoulders/shoulders

150‧‧‧Screen protector

Around 151‧‧

160‧‧‧Compressible layer/compressible TPE layer

161a‧‧‧ angle

161b‧‧‧ angle

170‧‧‧ slot

171‧‧‧ split head

172‧‧‧ split head

173‧‧‧Y-shaped end

174‧‧‧ inner surface

175‧‧‧ outside/outer surface

176‧‧‧Electronic equipment

177‧‧‧ slider

178‧‧‧External gasket

179‧‧ holes

200‧‧‧ Shell

210‧‧‧ top member

220‧‧‧ bottom member

221a‧‧‧Internal clamping members

221b‧‧‧Internal clamping members

222‧‧‧ inner surface

223‧‧‧Gas/seal/internal seals

224‧‧‧Gas/Outer Washer/Sealing/External Seal

225‧‧‧Gas passage

226‧‧‧Gas passage

231‧‧‧Conical channel

250‧‧‧ Shell

260‧‧‧ top member

263‧‧‧Gas/seal/internal seal

264‧‧‧Gas/seal/outer gasket

265‧‧‧Gas passage

266‧‧‧Gas passage

270‧‧‧ bottom member

271‧‧‧Conical channel

272‧‧‧Internal surface

300‧‧‧ top member

301‧‧‧ bottom member

302‧‧‧Top member fork head / top fork head

303‧‧‧Bottom member fork head / bottom fork head

304‧‧‧ tooth socket

305‧‧‧ teeth

306‧‧‧ Air gap

307‧‧‧ shock absorber

308‧‧‧ slider

309‧‧‧Slider seal washer

310‧‧‧Electronic equipment

311‧‧‧ cavity

312‧‧‧fork head cavity seals

313‧‧‧Sliding sub-seal

314‧‧‧fork head cavity

350‧‧‧Sound transmission area

351‧‧‧ mark

352‧‧‧Non-sound transmission area

400‧‧‧ top member

401‧‧‧ bottom member

402‧‧‧Internal clamping members/clamping members

403‧‧‧Internal clamping members/clamping members

404‧‧‧Conical channel

405‧‧‧Conical channel

406‧‧‧Internal surface

407‧‧‧ Sealing layer

408‧‧‧ Sealing layer

409‧‧‧ slider

411‧‧‧Internal shoulder

601‧‧‧ bottom member

602‧‧‧Seal

603‧‧‧Seal

604‧‧‧ Shock absorber

605‧‧‧ shock absorber

650‧‧‧ top member

651‧‧‧ side wall

652‧‧‧ bottom member

653‧‧‧ Groove

654‧‧‧Lip

655‧‧‧ Sealing member

656‧‧‧ lens

657‧‧‧ hole

658‧‧‧Mute switch

659‧‧‧Volume control

660‧‧‧ coin-operated tabs

661‧‧‧Remote/button features

662‧‧‧ headphone jack

663‧‧‧ thread plug

664‧‧‧Hinged door

700‧‧‧ button

701‧‧‧ deformable opening

702‧‧‧ lateral clearance

703‧‧‧arm

704‧‧‧ Arm

705‧‧‧ Arm

706‧‧‧ Arm

707‧‧‧ cup portion

708‧‧‧ cup portion

710‧‧‧ button

711‧‧‧ deformable opening

712‧‧‧ lateral clearance

713‧‧‧Lip

714‧‧‧ head

800‧‧‧ Shell

802‧‧‧ close opening

803a‧‧‧ side wall

803b‧‧‧ side wall

804‧‧‧ front surface

805‧‧‧ peripheral parts

806‧‧‧ distal wedge

807‧‧‧Cover Wedges

810‧‧‧ Equipment

811‧‧‧Back surface

812‧‧‧Internal rear surface

813‧‧‧ distal peripheral part

814‧‧‧ distal washer

820‧‧‧Latch cover

821‧‧‧ front clamping mechanism

822‧‧‧ rear clamping mechanism

823a‧‧‧ front proximal part

823b‧‧‧After the proximal part of the proximal end

824a‧‧‧ proximal cap washer

824b‧‧‧ proximal cap washer

825‧‧‧ front proximal peripheral gasket

830‧‧‧Latch cover

833a‧‧‧Lip

833b‧‧‧Lip

834a‧‧‧Latch cover gasket

834b‧‧‧Latch cover gasket

835a‧‧‧The top edge of the opening

835b‧‧‧The top edge of the proximal opening

836a‧‧‧Clamp clamping member

836b‧‧‧Clamp clamping member

837a‧‧‧Clamping channel

837b‧‧‧Clamping channel

900‧‧‧Shell

903‧‧‧The surrounding part

904‧‧‧Internal rear surface

910‧‧‧Electronic equipment

911‧‧‧ front surface

912‧‧‧Back surface

922‧‧‧ peripheral gasket

931‧‧‧Single insert

931a‧‧‧ inserts

931b‧‧‧ inserts

950‧‧‧ Shell

952a‧‧‧ Peripheral tensile members

952b‧‧‧ Peripheral tension members

960‧‧‧ perimeter sealing sheath

961‧‧‧ Sealing members

962‧‧‧ Sealing member

970‧‧‧Latch cover

980‧‧‧peripheral gasket

981‧‧‧Circumferential gasket

1001‧‧‧film

1002‧‧‧Binder

1003‧‧‧Removable protective layer/non-adhesive side protective layer/protective layer

1004‧‧‧Releasable protective layer/adhesive side protective layer/protective layer

1005‧‧‧non-adhesive side

1006‧‧‧Binder side

1007‧‧‧ peeling tab

1008‧‧‧ peeling tab

1009‧‧‧ Pulling tabs

1010‧‧‧ peeling tab

1011‧‧‧ leading edge

1012‧‧‧left part

1013‧‧‧ right part

1014‧‧‧ central part

1015‧‧‧ Tensioner

1016‧‧‧ Peripheral part / bottom peripheral part

1017‧‧‧Top part of the top

1018‧‧‧ top member

1019‧‧‧ bottom member

1020‧‧ ‧ column

1022a‧‧‧ peeling tab

1022b‧‧‧ peeling tab

1023‧‧‧Electronic equipment

1100‧‧‧ envelope

1102‧‧‧Top latch frame

1104‧‧‧Surface components

1106‧‧‧ Side members

1108a‧‧‧Surface member orifice

1108b‧‧‧Surface member orifice

1110a‧‧‧ Side member orifice

1110b‧‧‧ side member orifice

1110c‧‧‧ side member orifice

1112‧‧‧ bottom member

1113‧‧‧ side wall

1114‧‧‧ teeth, columns or protrusions

1116‧‧‧ Sidewall slope

1118‧‧‧Gaps or seals/seals

1120‧‧‧Electronic devices/Mobile electronic devices

1121‧‧‧ top surface

1122‧‧‧ teeth

1123‧‧‧Bottom surface

1124‧‧‧ Sidewall slope

1130‧‧‧ Cover

1132‧‧‧Top latch frame

1134‧‧‧Bottom latch frame

1136‧‧‧ Surface components

1137‧‧‧ side members

1138‧‧‧ Surface components

1139‧‧‧ Side members

1140‧‧‧ Peripheral Latch Frame

1142‧‧‧Upper teeth, columns or protrusions

1144‧‧‧ Lower teeth, columns or protrusions

1146‧‧‧Upper perimeter slope

1148‧‧‧Lower peripheral slope

1149a‧‧‧Washers or seals

1149b‧‧‧Washers or seals

1150‧‧‧ Shell

1152‧‧‧Top latch frame

1153‧‧‧Surface components

1154‧‧‧ Side members

1156‧‧‧ clip

1160‧‧‧Top latch frame

1162‧‧‧Latching tongue/tongue

1162a-1162c‧‧‧Latching tongue

1164a-1164c‧‧‧ tongue hole

1166‧‧‧ bottom member

1168‧‧‧ side wall

1170‧‧‧ sidewall groove

1172a-1172c‧‧‧ Sidewall protrusions or columns

1174a‧‧‧Sloping side wall

1174b‧‧‧Sloping side wall

1176‧‧‧ Groove

1178a‧‧‧ wall

1178b‧‧‧ wall

1200‧‧‧ Shell

1201‧‧‧Mobile Computing Equipment

1202‧‧‧ front surface

1203‧‧‧Top member

1204‧‧‧ slider

1205‧‧‧Outer peripheral extensions

1206‧‧‧Rigid frame

1207‧‧‧Bottom ridge

1208‧‧‧ teeth

1209‧‧‧ Washer

1213‧‧‧Bottom components

1214‧‧‧ outer wall

1215‧‧‧ Notch or gap

1216‧‧‧ inner wall

1217‧‧‧ channel

1220‧‧‧ top member

1221‧‧‧ outer wall

1222‧‧‧ inner wall

1223‧‧‧ channel

1224‧‧‧clip

1225‧‧‧ teeth

1226‧‧‧ Notch or gap

1227‧‧‧Washers

1228‧‧‧ slider

1230‧‧‧ bottom member

1231‧‧‧Top ridge

1232‧‧‧ side wall

1240‧‧‧ top member

1241‧‧‧ outer wall

1242‧‧‧ inner wall

1243‧‧‧ channel

1244‧‧‧ clip

1245‧‧‧ notch

1246‧‧‧ slider

1250‧‧‧ bottom member

1251‧‧‧ side wall

1252‧‧‧Top ridge

1253‧‧‧Protrusion/tapered top ridge

1254‧‧‧ Washer

1255‧‧‧ teeth

1260‧‧‧ top member

1261‧‧‧ outer wall

1262‧‧‧ inner wall

1263‧‧‧ clip

1264‧‧ ‧ notch or notch

1265‧‧‧ slider

1270‧‧‧ bottom member

1271‧‧‧ side wall

1272‧‧‧Top ridge

1273‧‧‧Washers

1280‧‧‧ top member

1281‧‧‧ outer wall

1282‧‧‧ inner wall

1283‧‧‧ passage

1284‧‧‧ clip

1285‧‧‧ Notch or gap

1286‧‧‧ lateral projections or bumps/protrusions

1287‧‧‧ slider

1290‧‧‧ bottom member

1291‧‧‧ side wall

1292‧‧‧Top ridge

1300‧‧‧ housing

1301‧‧‧Bottom member surface

1302‧‧‧Remote

1303‧‧‧Sound enhancement area

1305‧‧‧Sloped area

1310‧‧‧ Cover

1312‧‧‧Charging tips

1314‧‧‧Double sealing washer

1315‧‧‧Circular plug

1316‧‧‧ face sealing part

1317‧‧‧ annular protrusion

1318‧‧‧Charging equipment

1319‧‧‧Charging noodles or ridges/charged ridges

1320‧‧‧washer column/column

1321‧‧‧channel gasket

1350‧‧‧Mobile equipment

1351‧‧‧ proximal end

1352‧‧‧Remote

1353‧‧‧Headphone jack

1354‧‧‧Bottom microphone

1355‧‧‧Charging equipment

1356‧‧‧ top member

1357‧‧‧Rigid frame

1358‧‧‧ Cavity

1359‧‧‧ perimeter wall

1360‧‧‧Charging pupil

1361‧‧‧ headphone jack

1362‧‧‧Sound transmission hole

1363‧‧‧ Keep track

1364‧‧‧ Keep hook

1365‧‧‧Light transmission characteristics

1366‧‧‧Sound transmission characteristics

1367‧‧‧ button features / inner perimeter

1368‧‧‧ Inner peripheral part

1370‧‧‧Bottom components

1371‧‧‧Bottom member washer or seal

1372‧‧‧ proximal slider / proximal end

1373‧‧‧ distal slider/distal

1374a-1374c‧‧‧Clamping mechanism or latching mechanism

1375a‧‧‧Frame Channel

1375b‧‧‧Frame Channel

1376a-1376b‧‧‧Pre-pressure rim

1377a-1377b‧‧‧After pressure rim

1378‧‧‧ Keep the passage

1379‧‧‧ Keep the passage wall

1380‧‧‧External charging pupil

1381‧‧‧Outer headphone jack

1382‧‧‧Outer sound transmission hole

1400‧‧‧ top member

1401‧‧‧Sliding subsection

1402‧‧‧Wall

1403‧‧‧Bottom ridge

1404‧‧‧Clamping mechanism

1405‧‧‧Internal overmolded part

1406‧‧‧External overmolded gasket/overmolded flexible part

1407‧‧‧Vertical channel

1408‧‧‧Internal overmolded gasket

1409‧‧‧Continuous internal overmolded gasket

1420‧‧‧ bottom member

1421‧‧‧ channel

1422‧‧‧ outer channel wall

1423‧‧‧ inner channel wall

1424‧‧‧Channel clamping mechanism

1430‧‧‧Mobile electronic equipment

1440‧‧‧Shell

1442‧‧‧Bottom components

1443‧‧‧ rear outer surface

1444‧‧‧ Passive radiator

1445‧‧‧Separator

1446‧‧‧ Roller enclosure

1448‧‧ ‧ acoustic panel

1450‧‧‧ top member

1452‧‧‧Top member acoustic panel

1454‧‧‧Sound Enhancement Chamber/Sound Chamber

1460‧‧‧ Passive radiator

1462‧‧‧Outer roller enclosure

1463‧‧‧Inner roller enclosure

1464‧‧‧Tune quality block

1466‧‧‧Separator

1468‧‧‧ Passive radiator

AA‧‧‧Multilayer construction/construction

A1‧‧‧Optical transparent layer

A2‧‧‧Optical transparent adhesive

BB‧‧‧Multilayer construction/construction

B1‧‧‧Binder layer

B2‧‧‧Acoustic film

B3‧‧‧Binder layer/layer

B4‧‧‧ALCF layer/layer/ALCF structure/advanced light control film

B5‧‧‧ openings

CC‧‧‧ construction

C4a‧‧‧Foam

C4b‧‧‧ALCF material

DD‧‧‧ construction

D6‧‧‧ openings

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an outer casing for an electronic device having various features.

1B shows a schematic view of the inner surface of the top member of the envelope, the top member including gaskets and seals associated with camera features, ambient light sensor features, and sound holes.

1C-1E illustrate a preferred embodiment of a multilayer acoustic and optical transmission seal. Figure 1C shows a dual layer optical seal and a multilayer seal that covers the sound hole and is in proximity to the sensor and includes a full layer of Advanced Light Control Film (ALCF). Figure 1 D shows a dual layer optical seal and a multilayer seal that covers the sound hole and the proximity sensor and includes a portion of the ALCF layer. Figure IE shows a dual layer optical seal and a multilayer seal that covers the sound hole and the proximity sensor and does not have an ALCF layer.

FIG. 1F shows a side view of light emitted from a transmitting portion of a proximity sensor and reflected from a portion of the proximity sensor of the housing. Figure 1G shows a side view of a splitter near the proximity sensor. Figure 1H shows a front view of the beam splitter. Figure 1I shows a schematic diagram of a plurality of parallel splitters. Figure 1 J shows an embodiment of a plurality of concentric beamsplitters. 1K illustrates an embodiment in which the beam splitter is positioned at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the housing, housing or envelope of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device. 1L illustrates an embodiment in which the beam splitter is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees to the plane of the housing, housing or envelope of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device. 1M depicts a side view of a proximity sensor and a light washer that transmits and reflects light at different angles.

Figure 1N shows a top plan view and a bottom plan view of the envelope of the present technology. Figure 1O depicts a perspective rear elevational view of the envelope or outer casing.

Figure 2 shows a front elevational view of the envelope of the present technology.

Figure 3A shows a side cross-sectional view of a housing configuration with a tapered post. Figure 3B shows the housing configuration of Figure 3A in the absence of a mobile device.

3C shows another implementation of a housing including a tapered post, a sound bridge, and a screen protector A perspective cutaway view of an example.

3D depicts a perspective view of the underside of the top member of an embodiment of the envelope. Figure 3E shows a perspective view of the underside of the bottom member configured to mate with the top member of Figure 3D. Figure 3F shows another perspective view of the bottom side of the top member shown in Figure 3D; Figure 3G shows another perspective view of the bottom side of the bottom member shown in Figure 3E. Figure 3H illustrates a front view of the mating top and bottom members of Figures 3D-3G.

4A shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a mating top member and bottom member having an interactive film.

4B depicts a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an envelope having a deformable opening and a tapered post.

Figure 4C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the envelope of the top member having the clamping members. 4D shows a perspective view of an elastomeric sheath configured to hold an electronic device and enclosed by the top and bottom members of FIGS. 4C and 4E. 4E shows a perspective view of a bottom member of a housing that is configured to mate with the top member of FIG. 4C. Figure 4F shows a perspective view of the top member, elastic sheath and bottom member of Figures 4C-4E mated together.

Figure 5A shows a side cross-sectional, cross-sectional view of a housing having recessed buttons, charging tips and earphone plugs in a flexible film, and channels and gaskets in the bottom member. Figure 5B shows a side cross-sectional view of the envelope depicted in Figure 5A. Figure 5C shows a top view of a section of the outer casing of Figure 5A.

Figure 6A depicts a perspective view of the posterior surface of the bottom member of the envelope having lens features and sound transmission features. Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the lens feature and sound transmission features of Figure 6A. Figure 6C shows a close up view of the lens features and sound transmission features of Figure 6A. Figure 6D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the lens feature and sound transmission features of Figure 6C, showing the interior of the housing.

Fig. 7A shows an exploded perspective view of a section of the envelope of the envelope and the charging trick. Figure 7B depicts an unexploded side view of the cross section of the envelope of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A depicts the proximal portion of the housing having a speaker transfer opening and a mortise latch cover. Figure 8B shows a perspective view of the interior of the bottom portion of the outer casing of Figure 8A. Figure 8C shows a bottom plan view of the outer casing of Figure 8A.

Figure 9A shows a perspective view of the side of the envelope with the switch and button features. Figure 9B depicts a close up perspective view of the side of the outer casing of Figure 9A. Figure 9C shows a cross-sectional side view of the housing with the volume toggle depicted in Figure 11A below.

Figure 10 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an envelope having a top member with a stepped upwardly configured peripheral portion.

Figure 11A depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outer casing with a top member and a bottom member having an inner clamping mechanism and a gasket. Figure 11B shows a front elevational view of the embodiment depicted in Figure 11A.

Figure 12A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outer casing with a top member and a bottom member having an inner clamping mechanism, a washer, and a shock absorbing member. Figure 12B illustrates a front elevational view of the embodiment of the housing of Figure 12A.

Figure 13A shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a housing having a top member and a bottom member and a gasket. Figure 13B shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a housing having a top member and a bottom member and a shock absorber on the exterior of the housing. Figure 13C depicts an alternate embodiment of the teeth and sockets that can be used to latch the top and bottom members.

Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional view of a side of a housing with a bottom member having a bottom member of a tapered post and a top member having a deformable opening. Figure 14B shows a top view of the deformable opening depicted in Figure 14B. Figure 14C depicts a side view of the head of the tapered post and the angle of the upper and lower surfaces of the tapered post. Figure 14D illustrates an embodiment of an outer casing having a tapered post constructed with a slot and a compressible layer with a Y-shaped end. Figure 14E illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the housing depicted in Figure 14D. Figure 14F shows a perspective cutaway view of the embodiment of the housing depicted in Figure 14E with the hood covering the tapered post. Figure 14G depicts an exploded view of the envelope of the housing of Figure 14E with the screen protector in the top member and the mobile electronic device Between preparations.

Figure 14H illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tapered post that interacts with a deformable opening. Figure 14I depicts a top perspective view of the tapered post and deformable opening from Figure 14H. Figure 14J shows a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a deformable opening without the insertion of a tapered post.

Figures 14K, 14L, and 14M illustrate additional embodiments of tapered posts and deformable openings. 14N, 14O, 14P, 14Q, 14R, and 14S illustrate additional embodiments of the deformable opening.

Figure 15 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a housing having a top member and a bottom member and a sealing member enclosing the mobile device.

Figure 16 depicts a side cross-sectional view of a housing including a screen protector and a bottom member joined together by a seal.

Figure 17A shows a perspective view and a top view of an alternative latch mechanism for a housing that includes a button and a deformable opening. Figure 17B shows a perspective view and a top view of another alternative latching system including a button and a deformable opening. Figure 17C depicts a side cross-sectional view and a perspective view of yet another alternative latch mechanism with a smaller lateral gap. Figure 17D shows a top view of various shapes of the deformable opening.

Figure 18A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing including a proximal opening, opposing side walls and a front surface, and a proximal wedge and a distal wedge within the interior of the housing. Figure 18B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the outer casing of the enclosed mobile electronic device of Figure 18A. Figure 18C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a housing having a wedge in the housing and in a latch cover that mates with the housing.

Figure 19A depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the outer casing with the opposing sides extending around the sides of the closure device and applying tension to the front surface of the device via the tensioned peripheral portion. Figure 19B shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the outer casing of Figure 19A. Figure 19C illustrates an embodiment of the housing of Figure 19B with a single pad positioned below the enclosed mobile device.

Figure 20A shows a perspective cutaway view of an outer casing having a peripheral sealing jacket wrapped around a closure device. Figure 20B illustrates a top view of an outer casing including an attached latch cover that seals a gap in the outer casing. Figure 20C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of an outer casing using a plurality of perimeter sealing gaskets.

21A shows an exploded view of an envelope and a mobile computing device having a top member and a bottom member; the bottom member is a substantially flat piece that is sealed against the top member. Figure 21B shows a rear view of the bottom member of the envelope of Figure 21A, wherein the bottom member is substantially transparent. Figure 21C shows a side elevational view of the envelope with the larger bottom member (on the left) and the thinner bottom member (on the right).

22 depicts an exploded side view of a surface film for adhering to a screen of a mobile computing device having a peelable protective layer, a peel tab, and a pull tab.

Figure 23 shows a view of the adhesive side of the surface film with an anastomotic cut that allows partial removal of the peelable protective layer and a tensioner and peeling tab that promote alignment of the surface film.

Figure 24 illustrates another embodiment of a surface film having a peelable protective layer and a pulling tab and a peeling tab.

Fig. 25 shows an embodiment of a surface film having a peeling tab and a peripheral portion of the outer casing.

Figure 26 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a surface film having two peripheral portions of the outer casing, the mobile computing device, and the bottom member. The top member has a post that fits into the opening of the bottom member.

27A shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an envelope having an alternate embodiment of a tensioned top member and a latching system for securing the top member and the bottom member about the mobile device. Figure 27B shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the bottom member depicted in Figure 27A.

28 depicts a perspective view of a portion of a top latch frame having an aperture configured to mate with a post in a bottom member.

Figure 29 illustrates a side view of a portion of another embodiment of a bottom member having teeth extending through the edges of the sidewalls of the bottom member.

Figure 30 depicts a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of closing the top and bottom members of the mobile device using the latch mechanism illustrated in Figures 27 and 28. In this figure, the top latch frame is located proximate the bottom surface of the mobile device and the bottom member covers the top surface of the mobile device.

31 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a top member and a bottom member of a closed mobile device. In this figure, both the top member and the bottom member utilize the latching system shown in Figures 27 and 28.

Figure 32 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a further embodiment of a top member and a bottom member of a closure mobile device. In this figure, the post from the bottom member enters the notch in the top member.

Figure 33A shows a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a top latch frame and a bottom member that use latching tongues and tongues that fit together and help prevent the top latch frame and bottom member The vibration is relaxed. Figure 33B shows a top cross-sectional view of the individual sidewall recess from Figure 33A.

Figure 34 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sidewall recess and tongue having a shape different from that shown in Figures 33A and 33B.

35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary housing (between a proximal end and a distal end of the device) having a top member and a bottom member, wherein the teeth and clips are positioned within the interior of the assembled housing and the washer is positioned On the outer wall of the bottom member.

36 shows a top cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of an outer casing having a top member and a bottom member, wherein the outer casing has clips and teeth on the exterior of the envelope, and the gasket or seal is proximate to the tapered top ridge.

Figure 37 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of a housing having a top member, a bottom member, and a pad between the inner wall of the top member and the sidewall of the bottom member ring.

Figure 38 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a housing having a top member, a bottom member, and a gasket on top of the top ridge of the bottom member and on the sidewalls of the inner and bottom members of the top member Between the inner side and the surface.

39 shows a top cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of an outer casing having a top member and a bottom member and a gasket on top of the top ridge of the bottom member and between the outer wall of the top member and the side wall of the bottom member .

Figure 40A shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the top and bottom members of the envelope with lateral projections instead of gaskets used to create a water resistant seal between the top member and the bottom member. Figure 40B shows a close up view of the lateral protrusion of Figure 40A.

Figure 41 shows a rear elevational view of an envelope for a mobile device having a sound enhancing area on the rear surface of the housing.

Figure 42 shows a rear elevational view of an envelope for a mobile device having another embodiment of a sound enhancing region on the rear surface of the housing.

43A depicts a side partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an envelope having a double sealing gasket attached to a charging trick. 43B is a side cross-sectional view of the envelope of FIG. 43A with the charging trick in a closed configuration. Figure 43C shows a bottom view of the charging cartridge and a portion of the charging trick of the envelope shown in Figures 43A-43B.

Figure 44A shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a housing having four parts and a mobile device to be enclosed. The envelope includes a top member, a bottom member, a proximal slider, and a distal slider. Figure 44B shows a side cross-sectional view through one side of the proximal slider that mates with the aligned top and bottom members in the frame channel (without closing the device). Figure 44C depicts a perspective view of the partially assembled envelope of Figure 44A without a closure device. Figure 44D is a perspective view showing the partially assembled housing of Figure 44A in the presence of a top member in a simplified manner for clarity. Figure 44E is a perspective view of the partially assembled housing of Figure 44A in a simplified view of the absence of a top member for clarity.

Figure 45A shows a perspective view of a portion of the top member of the envelope, the envelope including a vertical channel that spans the width of the peripheral wall and is filled with the overmolded material from the exterior of the envelope. Figure 45B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the top member depicted in Figure 45A mated with the bottom member of the envelope enclosing the mobile electronic device. Figure 45C depicts a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the top member shown in Figure 45A, wherein the overmolded flexible material is fused to form a continuous inner overmold gasket on the inner surface of the peripheral wall.

Figure 46A depicts a rear elevational view of the interior of the outer casing including a passive radiator in the rear outer surface of the bottom member of the envelope. Figure 46B shows a rear elevational view of the interior of the bottom member of the envelope shown in Figure 46A. Figure 46C shows a perspective view of a portion of the distal interior of the top member configured to mate with the bottom member of Figure 46A. Figure 46D shows a perspective view of the top member baffle, the bottom member baffle, and the passive radiator, which would be configured if the top member is mated with the bottom member. Figure 46E illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a passive radiator including a tuned mass associated with a diaphragm and proximate to an outer roll. Figure 46F shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a passive radiator including a tuned mass, an outer roller enclosure, an inner roller enclosure, and a diaphragm.

These and other aspects will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the respective figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements.

The present disclosure generally relates to an enclosure for protecting one or more items, such as an electronic device having one or more unique features, such as camera features, sound transmission features, display features, and the like. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a camera and microphone combination feature that needs to be protected from the natural environment, misuse, and/or other handling errors. For example, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an enclosure for protecting an electronic device, such as an electronic device having a touch screen interface and camera features and/or sound transmission features, including And but not limited to: a computer, a digital tablet, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a personal digital assistant, a video recorder, a camera, etc., or as indicated, one or more of its components. In various circumstances, the electronic device has a camera and sound transmission combination feature, wherein the camera feature can include one or more of a camera lens, a microphone, a speaker, etc., and a flash lens, as the components in the combination are positioned very close to each other Close situation.

In certain embodiments, various portions of the outer casing described herein are sealed against environmental components, including aqueous fluids. In many of the embodiments described below, the seals are molded sealants, sealing compounds or seals made of materials that allow the seal to be made. In some cases, a gasket or O-ring is used to form a seal on the outer casing described herein. One of the disadvantages of some of these more conventional sealing options is that a force must be maintained at the location of the seal to prevent environmental components, particularly aqueous fluids, from passing through the sealing area.

To form a thinner outer casing that does not require the generation of a force to maintain a more conventional seal, the sealant, seal, and sealing compound include gels and other self-adhesive wetting materials, according to some embodiments of the outer casing described herein. Provides seals with pressures less than conventional sealing mechanisms such as gaskets and O-rings. In certain embodiments, the encapsulant materials are gels having a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic surface. This allows the sealant material to readily adhere to materials such as glass and certain types of plastic or polycarbonate to form seals that are maintained with much less pressure. These gels can include any suitable material. These materials include hydrophobic poloxamer materials coated in a hydrophilic layer. The poloxamer material can include a polyoxyethylene/propylene copolymer. Other hydrophobic materials suitable for use as sealant components include Pluronic L-101, Niax 11-34, polyether urethane, TP 1540, PPO, pyrrole, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, and polypropylene glycol. The coating for the hydrophobic portion of the sealant can include sodium acrylate.

These hydrophobic/hydrophilic seals are compared to conventional sealing methods including gaskets and O-rings The agent needs low compression to function. Typically, the gasket and O-ring may require 5 to 50 psi to form a passage that will prevent the passage of liquids including aqueous fluids. According to certain embodiments, the low compression sealant compositions described herein require from 0 to 80% of the compressive force necessary to form the seal with conventional seals. According to certain embodiments, the low compression sealant composition requires 5% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 15% to 35%, 25% to 45%, 45% to 65%, or the compression force of conventional sealant technology. 50% to 80% to make a seal that substantially blocks the passage of aqueous fluid. According to other embodiments, the low compression sealant composition requires 0 psi, 1 psi, 2 psi, 3 psi, 4 psi, 5 psi, 6 psi, 7 psi, 8 psi, or 9 psi pressure to block the passage of aqueous fluid. Low compression sealant at sea level or when immersed in water up to 1 meter (m), 5 meters (m), 10 meters (m), 15 meters (m) or 20 meters (m) Blocking the passage of aqueous fluids. In certain embodiments, the low compression sealant material requires very low pressure to maintain the seal. This pressure can be close to 0 psi, such as from 0.01 psi to 0.5 psi. This allows the use of a thinner casing because the casing does not have to generate pressure to maintain the seal of the casing. However, the housing still needs some size to preserve the vibration protection of the electronic device.

According to certain embodiments, the low compression sealant composition is also less rigid. In certain embodiments, the low compression sealant composition has a hardness of 30 Shore A to 70 Shore A. In other embodiments, the low compression sealant has a hardness of between 30 Shore A and 60 Shore A, between 30 Shore A and 50 Shore A, or between 30 Shore A and 40 Shore A. In other embodiments, the low compression sealant has a hardness of about 30 Shore A, 35 Shore A, 40 Shaw A, 45 Shaw A, 50 Shaw A, 55 Shaw A, 60 Shaw A, 65 Shaw A or 70 Shaw A.

According to certain embodiments, the low compression sealant compositions described herein are also self-healing. This means that the material will tend to reform to its original shape when it has been deformed.

The housings described herein may also include various shock absorbers, gaskets, inner pads, outer molds, and other seismic structures. These structures can be made of any material that provides shock absorption. Such materials may include flexible or semi-flexible materials such as TPE, polyfluorene oxide, polypropylene or other such rubber materials. In other embodiments, such materials may also include low compression sealants. Any of the above sealant materials.

Thus, in some embodiments, such as when a front surface film is provided on, for example, a top member, the film may completely cover the front surface of the device when the electronic device is enclosed within the outer casing, however, in some embodiments, As described above, the film can cover less than the entire front surface, such as covering only the peripheral portion of the front surface, thereby causing the interactive touch portion of the front screen of the electronic device to be uncovered. In this case, the peripheral portion of the film may include a seal (the gasket low compression sealant material as described above) to maintain the overall waterproof, dust and/or shock resistant properties of the outer casing. The material can be circumscribed to the entire peripheral portion of the front surface film of the top member.

In some embodiments, the housing may be a housing configured for a closed device, such as an electronic device and/or a camera device, such as a mobile phone or computer device having camera features. Thus, in various aspects, an enclosure for enclosing an article (such as an electronic device), a method of using the article (e.g., an electronic device), and/or a system therefor are provided. For example, in a particular embodiment, an enclosure for a closed device, such as an electronic device, is provided. The outer casing can be constructed such that the device can be fitted into and protected by the outer casing, such as from liquids, dust and/or vibration. In various embodiments, the outer casing is specially constructed to accommodate the various functions of the underlying device housed therein in the event of minimal user interference.

The outer casing may include a plurality of separate members, such as a top member and a bottom member that are designed to be coupled together, or may include two members joined by a common member (eg, a hinge member) that is designed to be enclosed around The articles will be brought together to form a liquid and/or dust-tight seal. In certain embodiments, the outer casing may be comprised of a single member that is configured to fold around the device to be closed, in which case a portion of the member may include a top member and another portion of the member may include a bottom portion member.

In each case, the components of the housing include camera features and/or sound transmission Significantly configured to align with camera and/or sound transmission features of the underlying device, the camera features and/or sound transmission features of the housing being designed such that they do not substantially interfere with the use of features of the underlying device, while Protect this feature from liquid, dust and/or vibration damage. In each case, the camera and/or sound transmission features of the housing and underlying device additionally include camera and microphone and/or speaker combination features that are in close proximity to one another. For example, the camera features of the housing may include one or more of a camera lens, a flash lens, and/or a microphone and/or speaker feature, wherein combinations of such elements may be positioned in close proximity to each other in any logical order. Such elements may further include one or more additional features that are configured to prevent the resulting transmission or/and interference of light or sound from colliding or otherwise interfering with the functionality of other elements. Thus, one or more of the camera lens, flash and/or sound transmission features may include a lens or sound skirt that is designed to prevent improper transmission of light and/or sound.

There are several advantages realized by the housing provided herein. For example, in some cases, the enclosure of the present disclosure may provide shock absorbing measures to protect the enclosed device or its components. In some cases, the outer casing can be configured to provide liquid and/or dust resistant measures to protect the enclosed device and/or its components. For example, in various circumstances, the outer casing may be liquid resistant (eg, waterproof) and/or dust and/or shock resistant.

The outer casing as disclosed herein may also provide protection against scratches, damage, chipping, cracking, breakage, etc. of the underlying device or its components. In some cases, vibration and/or liquid (eg, water) performance is provided while maintaining the unique technical or design features of the enclosed device. In various circumstances, the housing is designed to increase the light and/or sound transmission quality of the underlying device, for example, allowing the camera to be used without substantial interference from the housing, allowing for clear transmission of light and/or sound, And in some cases, the quality of the light or sound transmission is enhanced, such as by amplifying light and/or sound and/or light and/or sound quality. In some cases, such advantages are provided by the housing without substantially increasing the size and/or weight of the underlying device.

For example, in some embodiments, the dimensions of the outer casing fall within the following ranges. The various members (eg, the top member or the bottom member) can be separate separate members that can be coupled together, for example by snapping, joined by a common hinge, or as a single member, and the thickness of the member can have about 25.4 mm or A smaller thickness, such as 20 mm or less, for example, about 15 mm or less, including about 13.5 mm or about 10 mm or less, such as about 8 mm or about 5 mm, for example, about 4 mm or less, including about 3 mm or about 2 mm. Or smaller, for example, about 1.5 mm or 1.0 mm or less, or even about 0.1 mm.

For example, in various circumstances, such as where the device to be housed is a mobile phone or PDA device or tablet device, the thickness of the top member and/or the bottom member can be less than about 8.5 mm, such as less than about 7.0 mm, less than About 6.5 mm, for example, less than 6 mm thick, such as about 5 mm or about 4 mm, including about 3 mm or about 2 mm thick or less. Where the device to be housed is a mobile computer (such as a mobile tablet, e-reader or video display), the thickness of the top member and/or the bottom member may be less than about 15 mm, less than about 12.5 mm, or about 10 mm, such as less than about 8.5 mm or less than about 7 mm or less than about 5 mm, such as less than about 4.0 mm, less than about 3.5 mm, for example, less than about 2 mm thick, such as about 1 mm thick.

In some cases, such as when the item to be contained is a mobile electronic device, the top member and/or the bottom member of the outer casing may weigh less than about 10 ounces or about 8 ounces, such as less than about 6 ounces or about 4 ounces. For example, less than about 3 ounces or about 1 ounce, including less than about 28 grams or about 27 grams. Thus, in one embodiment, due to the design features described herein, the outer casing of the present disclosure is capable of providing shock and liquid resistance to the contained device while having only a thickness within the ranges recited above and / or weight.

Additionally, in some cases, the length and/or width of the top or bottom member may be such that it is no longer than or wider than about 10 mm of the underlying device that it is designed to close, no longer than or wider than about 8 mm or about 5 mm. For example, no longer than or wider than about 4 mm, including no longer than or wider than about 3 mm or about 2 mm than the enclosure is designed to enclose the device. For example, in each case, the length and/or width of the top member and/or the bottom member may be greater than the length of the outer casing The length and/or width of the device designed to be received is 2.5 mm, such as less than 2.0 mm, less than 1.5 mm, for example, less than 1 mm. Thus, in some cases, the enclosure of the present disclosure is configured to match the general shape of the device it is intended to accommodate.

In one embodiment, due to the design features described herein, the outer casing of the present disclosure is capable of providing liquid, dust, and shock resistance to the containerd device while having only a relative length within the ranges recited above and / or width. Several formulas can be employed to determine the appropriate width and/or length of a particular housing, and thus can be readily determined by determining the width and/or length x of the underlying device and providing an outer casing having a dimension y, such as One of the dimensions described herein does not take into account the dimensions of the underlying device. Specifically, if the size of the device is x, the size of the outer casing will be (x + y), where y is one of the dimensions stated above, such as thicker, wider, and/or longer than the device being housed. 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.5 mm, and the like. An alternative formula for determining the proper length, width or thickness of the outer casing may be to measure the distance y from the interior of the outer casing (which contacts the enclosed device) to the exterior of the outer casing, where y is within one of the ranges recited above.

To ensure that the proper thickness, length and/or width and/or weight of the outer casing has been provided, the device can be assembled into the outer casing, then the outer casing can be closed, and the outer casing and/or its seal can be tested to provide seismic resistance. The ability to move and/or liquid properties, such as by experimentally dropping the storage device and/or exposing it to wet conditions. The thickness, length and/or width of the outer casing should be provided at a size such that the enclosed device does not break, chip, or otherwise be damaged by falling and/or exposure to liquid (eg, in all forms of water). And / or weight.

In certain embodiments, the top and bottom members of the outer casing are configured for coupling together to form a waterproof and/or shock resistant seal. A water or water resistant seal means that the seal is formed by coupling the top member to the bottom member, the seal substantially not allowing liquid (eg, water) to pass from one side of the outer casing (eg, outside of the outer casing) To the outer casing One side (for example, inside the outer casing).

1A provides a housing for housing an electronic device, such as a mobile computing device such as a tablet computer, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a personal digital assistant, etc., and in this case has a thin profile. In each case, the underlying device to be received may be a device having one or more unique features associated therewith. Such features may include camera features, speaker features, microphone features, and/or display features. In various circumstances, camera features and/or microphone and/or speaker features and/or display features may be positioned in close proximity to one another. In each case, the device to be stored may further have music playback capabilities, for example, the device may be an Apple iPhone®, Apple iPod® or iPod Touch® device. It should be understood that although the features are depicted as being in a location when accommodated within the electronic device of the present disclosure, the order and location of such features and their corresponding components may be Different, and in many cases, can be changed within the electronic device as needed. Thus, the order of the corresponding features of the outer casing will change accordingly. Moreover, an exemplary electronic device can be described as one or more of an Apple iPhone®, Apple iPod®, or iPod Touch® device, for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to be unduly limited thereto.

As indicated, FIG. 1A provides a housing 1 for device 100. The outer casing includes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3 that, when coupled together, form the outer casing 1. The top member 2 of the outer casing 1 includes a front surface 25 that is surrounded by a peripheral portion 20. The peripheral portion 20 is defined by the proximal portion 21 and the distal portion 22 and the opposing side portions 23 and 24. The top member front surface 25 may be composed of the same material or a different material, which may be the same or different than the material of the peripheral portion.

In certain embodiments, the front surface 25 of the outer casing 1 is comprised of at least one film. In addition, the front film can include a number of features such as a camera (eg, video or camera feature 47), proximity sensor features 48, and/or button features 40. In other embodiments, the front surface of the top 2 of the outer casing 1 may include a number of features, such as ambient light sensor features 49 and A sound hole (or sound transmission feature) 46 for transmitting incoming or outgoing sound. Features such as video or camera features 47, proximity sensor features 48, and ambient light sensor features ("ALS"; 49) are preferably optically transparent. The sound hole 46 for transmitting sound is preferably covered by an element (not shown) capable of preventing liquid, dirt, dust, or the like from entering the casing. For example, sound-transmitting but water-impermeable materials (eg, Gore-Tex® and other materials having similar properties; not shown) may be used. In an embodiment of the housing intended to receive an electronic device including a microphone and a speaker positioned adjacent to the acoustic aperture of the housing, the housing may further include one or more internal sound-damping washers or seals in addition to the sound-transmitting but water-impermeable material. a piece that splits the sound hole to prevent internal transmission of sound between the sound receiving portion of the electronic device and the sound generating portion (eg, the microphone and the speaker, respectively), and thus serves to direct sound entry and/or via the sound transmitting feature 46 Or leave the sound guiding channel of the outer casing 1.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention contemplates that one, some or all of the cameras, proximity sensors, ALS and/or other features and sound holes are present on the front surface of the housing in accordance with the present invention and are intended to be received in the housing. An embodiment of the display of the electronic device within or outside of the area where the interactive touch screen is interfaced. In other embodiments, other features may also be included. Moreover, as is known in the art, preferred proximity sensors employ an infrared (IR) source and an IR detector. A proximity sensor is used in the smartphone, for example, to detect when the device is brought near the user's face to enable deactivation of the touch screen to conserve battery power and/or prevent inadvertent input. Unless otherwise indicated, the proximity sensor feature thus allows for the transmission of both IR radiation and IR radiation from the IR source, in particular by the object and then by the IR detector of the proximity sensor of the electronic device. IR radiation from an IR source. ALS is often used to adjust the brightness of the display, which also saves energy. The camera may be capable of capturing single or multiple digital images.

Figure 1B shows the inner surface 25a of the hatched portion of the top 2 of the outer casing depicted in Figure 1A. To prevent or attenuate the transmission of sound and light between different electronic components in an electronic device (not shown) disposed in the housing 1, different combinations of materials and gaskets are preferred. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure IB, a thin optically clear poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) layer (47c) is placed over the inner surface 25a of the top 2 of the outer casing. In some embodiments, the optically clear PET layer 47c is bonded to the inner surface 25a of the top 2 of the outer casing via an optically clear adhesive 47d. In a particular embodiment, the optically clear PET layer 47c delimits the video or camera feature 47 and/or the ambient light sensor feature 49. Another washer or seal 46a delimits the acoustic aperture 46 and another washer or seal 47d delimits the proximity sensor feature 48 and the camera or video feature 47. These gaskets or seals 46a and/or 47d can be made of any suitable material, can be integrated into a single gasket, and provide an acoustically opaque seal when the electronic device having the complementary electronic components is properly sealed within the outer casing 1. In some embodiments, a single gasket surrounds the acoustic aperture 46, the proximity sensor 48, the ambient light sensor 49, and the camera or video feature 47. In other embodiments, at least one of the acoustic aperture 46, the proximity sensor 48, the ambient light sensor 49, and the camera or video feature 47 are located outside of the boundary of the single washer. In another embodiment, the proximity sensor feature 48 has its own gasket 48a that surrounds the feature.

1C-1E depict various preferred embodiments of materials for providing a hard sounding but watertight/dirt/dust seal and light transmissive layer in a housing according to the present invention. Figure 1C shows two multilayer constructions AA and BB for adhering a layer for providing light transmission and sound transmitting characteristics to the outer casing according to the present invention to the inner side of the front surface 25 of the casing according to the present invention. The construction AA comprises a thin optically transparent layer (Al; preferably made of PET) adhered to the inside of the front surface 25 using a suitable optically clear adhesive A2. Such a configuration of the optically transparent material enhances the optics of the camera feature 47a on the front surface 25 of the present invention, thereby providing enhanced performance of the forward facing camera in an electronic device (e.g., iPhone 5) disposed in the housing. As will be appreciated, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, construction AA includes both camera features and ALS features. The present invention contemplates that optically clear layers and optically clear adhesives are found only as part of the camera feature and are not included as other embodiments that are part of the ALS feature. In a preferred embodiment, the AA configuration is used to improve the birefringence attributable to the front surface 25 of the outer casing.

The configuration BB forming a sound-transmissive seal over the sound hole in the front surface of the outer casing comprises an advanced light control film (ALCF; B4) bonded to the acoustic film B2 via the adhesive layer B3, which is in turn bonded The agent layer B1 is adhered to the inner side of the front surface 25 of the outer casing. The acoustic film B2 includes an opening B5 to allow light to be transmitted to the proximity sensor of the housing compatible electronic device and to transmit light from the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the light is infrared light. However, the light can be any wavelength of light consistent with the operation of the proximity sensor. The ALCF is used to filter at least some of the incident light entering the outer casing from the external environment, minimizing light reflected from the inner surface of the front surface of the outer casing to be sensed by the proximity sensor detector, and including the acoustic opening B6 to allow Effective sound transmission. The ALCF can be made of any suitable material, including materials containing tantalum, oriented carbon nanotubes, and the like. Any suitable binder can be employed in the binder layers B1 and B3. The adhesive used to form such layers is preferably not applied to the acoustic film B2 and the ALCF B4 layer to form the acoustic holes of the outer casing and the areas of the proximity sensor features. The combined thickness of the various layers used to form the structures AA and BB should not interfere with or interfere with the electronic device housed within the housing including such components. Of course, other or additional layers may be included, such as a sound channel shaped seal. In some configurations of BB, layers B3 and B4, as well as any additional layers, serve as spacers between the electronic device and B2.

Direct contact of the acoustic film with the electronic device can cause interference and confusion of the audio signal transmitted across the acoustic film. Including a space between the electronic device and the acoustic film reduces such interference. This space between the acoustic film and the electronic device can be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm. In some embodiments, the space between the acoustic film and the electronic device can be about 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm. In other embodiments, the space between the acoustic film and the electronic device may be between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, between 1 mm and 5 mm, between 5 mm and 10 mm, between 2 mm and 7 mm, between 3 mm and 8 mm, and 4 mm. Between 9mm, between 5mm and 10mm or between 0.5mm and 2.0mm.

It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the AA configuration is used in the absence of a BB configuration, and vice versa.

FIG. 1D illustrates a variation of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the configuration AA is the same as the configuration AA shown in FIG. 1C. The construction CC is similar to the construction BB of Figure 1C, except that the ALCF structure (B4, Figure 1C) is replaced by two parts, one of which is made of a compressible material (for example, foam C4a) and the other part is made of Suitable for the ALCF material C4b. FIG. 1E illustrates another variation of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1E, the configuration AA is the same as the configuration AA shown in FIG. 1C. The construction DD is similar to the construction BB of Figure 1C, except that the ALCF structure (B4, Figure 1C) is replaced by a foam sheet D6 having an opening D6.

Figures 1C-1E depict three aspects of the housing described herein. The first aspect is represented by an embodiment presented as AA. This embodiment shows a transparent layer adhered to the location where the inner surface of the outer casing is close to the video or camera features of the outer casing. This transparent layer can be made of plastic, glass or any other transparent or translucent material. This transparent layer collects light as it passes through it. The transparent layer also polarizes light as it passes therethrough. The transparent layer also filters the light as it passes therethrough. Such filtering may involve opaque light at certain wavelengths, thereby allowing only visible light of a certain color to pass or only allow visible light to pass. The filter can generally allow visible light between 380 nm and 450 nm, between 450 nm and 495 nm, between 495 nm and 570 nm, between 570 nm and 590 nm, between 590 nm and 620 nm, or between 620 nm and 750 nm, such that viewing A person who passes through the light of the filter will see the light as purple, blue, green, yellow, orange or red. The filter can also be substantially opaque to infrared or ultraviolet light.

The transparent layer can be attached to the inner surface of the outer casing by any method known in the art. Figures 1C-1E depict the use of a transparent adhesive. The transparent layer can also be molded onto the inner surface of the outer casing. The transparent layer can also be physically attached to the inner surface of the outer casing by using a physical coupler that holds the transparent layer in place. The physical coupler can stick to itself Attach to the outer casing or in some other way to the outer casing.

The second aspect is shown in part as B4, C4a, and D4. These are the spacers separating the electronic device from the acoustic film. It has been found that in some embodiments, direct contact of the acoustic film with the electronic device can distort the sound passing through the acoustic film. To reduce distortion, spacers are introduced as explained above. Additionally, the spacers can be positioned to prevent leakage of acoustic energy within the housing from speakers located at other locations on the electronic device. This spacer can act as a sound barrier that blocks 10% to 100% of the acoustic energy generated by the electronic device at other locations or transmitted from outside the enclosure through the housing. Such shielding prevents acoustic artifacts from interfering with the reception of sound by the microphones in the electronic device. The spacer may be positioned to surround only the sound hole, or any one or more of the sound hole and any other features of the ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, and/or camera or video hole or sound hole located on the electronic device. One. In other embodiments, this spacer is completely absent.

The third aspect is shown in part as C4b and B4. This element is a light washer that limits the path of light taken with the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, a proximity sensor in a portable electronic device operates by emitting light and receiving reflected light emitted by a proximity sensor. In the absence of a housing, housing or envelope portion above the proximity sensor, the emitted light is reflected off of the object located proximate to the proximity sensor of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor will cause the display assembly of the portable electronic device to power down when the proximity sensor detects that the portable electronic device is near the object. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device is a mobile phone and the nearby item is the head of an operator using the mobile phone. The mobile phone's screen does not need to be active when the mobile phone is near the operator's head while the mobile phone is making a phone call. Therefore, in this embodiment, the display of the mobile phone is deactivated when the mobile phone is near the head of the operator.

In some embodiments, the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device includes a transmitting portion and a receiving portion. In some embodiments, the transmitting portion and the receiving portion of the proximity sensor Located near each other on a portable electronic device. As shown in FIG. 1F, in an embodiment in which the housing, housing or envelope covers the proximity sensor 90 of the portable electronic device, it is possible that the light emitted by the emitting portion 92 of the proximity sensor can be made by the housing, A portion 91 of the housing or envelope proximate to the proximity sensor is reflected to the receiving portion 93 of the proximity sensor. This may cause the proximity sensor 90 to deactivate the display on the portable electronic device at an inappropriate time. For example, when the portable electronic device is a mobile phone, such inappropriate reflection may cause the display of the mobile phone to be deactivated when the mobile phone begins to process the phone call, even when the mobile phone does not approach the operator's head. . In some embodiments, the outer casing, housing or envelope is transparent or translucent at least at a portion proximate to the proximity sensor, thereby allowing light emitted from the emitting portion 92 to pass through the outer casing, housing or envelope 91. In some embodiments, the portion of the housing, housing or envelope proximate to the proximity sensor also reflects at least some of the light emitted from the emitting portion 92 of the proximity sensor, and at least a portion of such light is reflected back The receiving portion 93 of the proximity sensor. The light can be reflected off the inner surface of the outer casing, casing or envelope, the outer surface, or some combination of the two surfaces. In some embodiments, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% of the light emitted from the emitting portion 92 of the proximity sensor 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% reflected to the receiving portion of the proximity sensor 93, without passing through the outer casing, casing or envelope 91.

In some embodiments, the transmitting portion and the receiving portion of the portable electronic device are located at 0.01 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, Within 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 9.0 mm or 10 mm. The light washer prevents light emitted from the emitting portion from being reflected by the outer casing, housing or envelope portion of the proximity portion of the portable electronic device to the receiving portion of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments The light washer suppresses the amount of light from the emitting portion by 5% of the receiving portion of the proximity sensor that covers the housing, housing or envelope of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device to the proximity of the portable electronic device 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90 %, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

The light washer can include one or more beamsplitters. In some embodiments, the beam splitter prevents light emitted from the emitting portion of the proximity sensor on the portable electronic device from being blocked at certain angles, thereby preventing it from reflecting off the housing, housing or envelope and returning directly to The receiving portion of the proximity sensor on the portable electronic device. As shown in FIG. 1G, in some embodiments, the light washer includes at least one beam splitter 94 positioned between the emitting portion 92 of the proximity sensor 90 and the receiving portion 93. The beam splitter can penetrate the outer casing, the casing or the envelope as shown in Figures 1G and 1H. Portions of the beam splitter that extend into the outer casing, housing or envelope 95 may extend completely through the outer casing, housing or envelope or portion. The beam splitter can pass through 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% of the outer casing, casing or envelope 90%, 95% or 100%. Additionally, the beam splitter can extend below the housing to any space present between the housing, housing or envelope and the portable electronic device 1. The portion of the optical splitter that exists between the outer casing, the housing or the envelope and the portable electronic device 1 blocks light from passing through 25% of any space present between the outer casing, the housing or the envelope and the portable electronic device 1 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%.

In some embodiments, the light washer can include a plurality of beamsplitters. In one embodiment, one or more beamsplitters 94 can be placed between the transmitting portion 92 of the proximity sensor and the receiving portion 93, as shown in Figure 1G. In other embodiments, the beam splitter can also be placed outside of the transmitting portion 92 and/or the receiving portion 93 of the proximity sensor. These beamsplitters are shown schematically as 97 and 98 in Figure 1G. The nature of each of these beamsplitters can be as described above for a single beam splitter 94. This configuration is shown in top view in Figure 1H. Center splitting The device 94 is shown to bisect the portion of the housing, housing or envelope that is transparent or translucent and that is proximate to the proximity sensor. The outer partial illuminators 97, 98 surround the outer casing, housing or envelope to be transparent or translucent and proximate to the outer surface of the sensor, thereby delimiting a proximity sensor having an optical access to the exterior of the housing, housing or envelope The edge of the transmitting portion 92 and the receiving portion 93.

The light washer can also be a plurality of beamsplitters positioned above the emitting portion 92 of the proximity sensor and/or over a portion of the receiving portion 93. The plurality of beamsplitters can be arranged in a series of slits or in a grid. The series of slits may include a plurality of beamsplitters parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 1I. In other embodiments, the beam splitter provides a slit that is comprised of a concentric shape (eg, a circle as shown in FIG. 1J). The concentric shape can also be square, rectangular, parallelogram or any trapezoidal shape. Concentric shapes can also be oval, elliptical, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, decagon, 11-sided, 12-sided, 13-sided, 14-sided, 15 Edge, 16-sided, 17-sided, 18-sided, 19-sided or 20-sided. Concentric shapes with more sides can also be used. The beamsplitters can also be arranged in a grid. The grid can be any combination of intersecting non-parallel lines. The shape formed by the grid can be regular or irregular and can have any number of sides. In some embodiments, the shape formed by the grid comprises a square, a rectangle, a parallelogram, or any trapezoidal shape. The shape formed by the grid may also be oval, elliptical, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, decagon, 11-sided, 12-sided, 13-sided, 14 Edge, 15-sided, 16-sided, 17-sided, 18-sided, 19-sided or 20-sided. Shapes with more sides can also be used. The grid can also be made by forming holes in the opaque material. These apertures can be any shape including square, rectangular, parallelogram or any trapezoidal shape. The shape may also be oval, elliptical, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, octagonal, decagon, 11-sided, 12-sided, 13-sided, 14-sided, 15 Edge, 16-sided, 17-sided, 18-sided, 19-sided or 20-sided. Shapes with more sides can also be used.

In some embodiments, the space between the beamsplitters formed as slits or spaces in the grid has an average width of between 50 μm and 500 μm or from 70 μm to 200 μm. In other embodiments, the width of the slit or space in the grid is 50 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, 200 μm, 250 μm, 300 μm, 350 μm, 400 μm, 450 μm, 500 μm, 550 μm, 600 μm, 650 μm, or 700 μm. The width is measured as the size of the splitter in a direction parallel to the surface of the portable electronic device when the outer casing, housing or envelope is closed around the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the light transmitting portion between the beamsplitters has a width that is greater than the width of the beamsplitter. This allows light to pass through the housing, housing or envelope to the proximity sensor and maximizes transmission from the proximity sensor. The width of the beam splitter can be between 1 μm and 100 μm or between 10 μm and 50 μm. In other embodiments, the beam splitter has a width of 50 μm, 60 μm, 70 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, 100 μm, 110 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm, 160 μm, 170 μm, 180 μm, 190 μm, or 200 μm. In other embodiments, the angle of the splitter is between 40 and 90 degrees from the plane of the housing, housing or envelope of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device. 1K illustrates an embodiment in which the beam splitter is positioned at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the housing, housing or envelope of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device. 1L illustrates an embodiment in which the beam splitter is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees to the plane of the housing, housing or envelope of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, the angle of the beam splitter is 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees from the plane of the housing, housing or envelope of the proximity sensor of the portable electronic device. 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees or 90 degrees.

The thickness of the one or more beamsplitters can be suitably determined based on other properties of the optical gasket. As the thickness of the beam splitter decreases, efforts to control the direction of light propagation tend to decrease. When the thickness of the louver layer is large, it is difficult to reduce the total thickness of the optical gasket. Therefore, the thickness of the spectroscope is preferably from 10 μm to 1,000 μm, more preferably from 40 μm to 500 μm. In some embodiments, the beam splitter has a thickness of 10 μm, 100 μm, 200 μm, 300 μm, 400 μm, 500 μm, 600 μm, 700 μm, 800 μm 900 μm or 1,000 μm.

In some embodiments, the light transmitting portion of the optical gasket is preferably made of a polymer having high transparency. As such a polymer, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, a resin curable by actinic rays such as UV rays, or the like can be used. Examples of such a resin include cellulose resins such as cellulose acetate butyrate, triacetyl cellulose, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, and polyphenylene. Ethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and the like.

An optical gasket having a plurality of beamsplitters can cover all of the proximity sensors, the transmitting portion of the proximity sensor, or the receiving portion of the proximity sensor. In other embodiments, the light washer can cover a proximity sensor, a transmit portion of the proximity sensor, or a portion of the receiving portion of the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the portion of the proximity sensor or the portion of the proximity sensor between the transmitting portion and the receiving portion in which the transmitting portion and the receiving portion are close to each other is a portion covered by the light gasket. In other embodiments, the light gasket covers 10% to 100%, 50% to 100%, or 75% to 100% of the area of the surface of the proximity sensor. In other embodiments, the light gasket covers 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% of the area of the surface of the proximity sensor. , 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

In other embodiments, the light washer prevents light emitted at a range of angles from being transmitted across or reflected by the outer casing, housing or envelope, as exemplified in FIG. 1M. In some embodiments, the light washer prevents light that is emitted between 0 and 45 degrees parallel to the surface of the proximity sensor. In other embodiments, the light washer is prevented from being parallel to the surface of the proximity sensor by 0 degrees to be parallel to the surface of the proximity sensor at 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees. Light emitted at a degree of 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, or 85 degrees. In other embodiments, the light washer Preventing the surface of the proximity sensor from being parallel to 0 to 45 degrees to be parallel to the surface of the proximity sensor at 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, Light emitted between 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, or 85 degrees.

In other embodiments, the light washer can be made of a material that modulates the nature of the light passing therethrough to prevent light from being reflected from the emitting portion 92 of the proximity sensor to the receiving portion 93 without first passing through the outer casing, housing or envelope. The material can be a polarizing filter, a color filter, or a filter of light of a particular wavelength. Such filtering may involve opaque light at certain wavelengths, thereby allowing only visible light of a certain color to pass or only allow visible light to pass. The filter can generally allow visible light between 380 nm and 450 nm, between 450 nm and 495 nm, between 495 nm and 570 nm, between 570 nm and 590 nm, between 590 nm and 620 nm, or between 620 nm and 750 nm, such that viewing A person who passes through the light of the filter will see the light as purple, blue, green, yellow, orange or red. The filter can also be substantially opaque to infrared or ultraviolet light.

In some embodiments, the light washer covers more than the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the optical gasket covers the entire side of the portable electronic device including the proximity sensor. In this embodiment, the light washer can also act as a privacy filter and prevent light from leaking between the emitting portion and the receiving portion of the proximity sensor. In other embodiments, the light washer covers a portion of the side of the portable electronic device that includes the proximity sensor. In embodiments where the portable electronic device includes a display, the light washer can also cover at least a portion of the display. The light washer covers between 50% and 100% of the display. In other embodiments, the light washer can cover 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65 of the area of the surface of the display. %, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

In addition, the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1 includes a bottom surface 35 surrounded by a peripheral portion 30. The peripheral portion 30 is composed of a proximal end portion 31 and a distal end portion 32 and opposite side portions 33 and 34 (not shown) defined. The bottom surface 35 of the bottom member 3 may be composed of the same material or a different material, which may be the same as or different from the material of the peripheral portion 30. In certain embodiments, the bottom surface 35 of the bottom member 3 is comprised of at least one film. In other cases, the bottom surface 35 and the peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1 are comprised of a single semi-rigid material, such as polypropylene, which can vibrate in a manner such that it is amplified from the enclosed device. Sound characteristics.

In various circumstances, the top or bottom member can have a plurality of features, such as button features, sound transmission features, squat features, latch features, and the like. For example, as depicted in relation to FIG. 1, the top member 2 includes button features 99a, 99b, and 99c that are configured to correspond to various button features of the stored electronic device 100, such as volume up features and volume, respectively. Reduce features and mute switches. Additionally, the top member 2 can include a sound transmitting feature 60, a latching feature (including a latching flap 71), and can further include a sound haptic feature in which the sound hood 53 is positioned. Coin-operated slot features 18 for assisting in separating the top and bottom members may also be included.

With respect to FIG. 1N, in a particular embodiment, the outer casing 1 can include a top member 2 and a bottom member 3 that form the outer casing 1 when removably coupled together. The top member and the bottom member may be made of any suitable material, but are typically made of a material that provides one or more of the shock and liquid properties of the enclosed device when the top member and the bottom member are properly coupled together. . In certain embodiments, the top member and the bottom member can be composed of a variety of different components, and thus can be made from a plurality of different materials. Suitable materials from which the top member and the bottom member can be fabricated include rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, and flexible materials that can be fabricated together to provide shock and/or liquid properties to the outer shell. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, plastics, metals, polycarbonates, nylons, liquid crystal polymers and/or rubbers, thermoplastic urethanes, polyethylenes and/or polypropylenes, mixtures thereof, and the like.

As seen in Figure 1N, the proximal portions 21 and 31 of the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 are depicted. And distal portions 22 and 32. The proximal portion 21 of the top member 2 includes a sound transmitting portion 60 and a headphone cassette feature in which the headphone cover 53 is positioned, which are depicted as being offset from each other with the charging cover 71 positioned therebetween. The distal end portion 22 of the top member 2 includes button features 99c, such as an on/off button feature, and coin slot features 18a and 18b are positioned between the top member 2 and the bottom member 3. Top surface 25 and bottom surface 35 are also depicted.

FIG. 10 provides a housing 1 including a top member 2 and a bottom member 3 that is assembled around an electronic device 100 that is assembled therein. The bottom surface 35 of the outer casing 1 and the peripheral portions 30 and 20 are depicted. The top surface (not shown) or bottom surface 35 may include one or more features, such as lens feature 80 (with camera lens 83 positioned therein) and/or microphone feature 86, wherein lens feature 80 and microphone feature 86 are aligned with each other Coupling to form a single coupling feature in this embodiment. One or more of the outer perimeter portions 20 and/or 30 may also include additional useful features. For example, the outer peripheral portion (eg, 20 or 30) may include one or more button features 99a, 99b, and 99c, a latch 埠 feature (which has a latch cover 71b), a sound transmitting portion 60, and a headphone 埠 feature (where positioning There is a headphone cover 53). As depicted, the latch feature, the sound transfer feature, and the earphone pin feature are positioned on the top member 2, however, in other embodiments, one or more of these features can be positioned on the bottom member or can surround the top member And both bottom members.

Additionally, it should be noted that with respect to FIG. 10, the bottom surface 35 includes a camera or video feature 80 that may include a camera or video aperture 83, a sound transmission feature 86, and a flash aperture 82. In some embodiments, the bottom surface includes a camera or video feature 80 that includes a camera or video aperture 83 and a flash aperture 82. In other embodiments, the camera or video feature 80 includes only the camera or video aperture 83 and the sound transmission feature 86. In other embodiments, the camera or video feature 80 includes only the sound transmission feature 86 and the flash aperture 82. In other embodiments, the camera or video feature 80 includes only a camera or video aperture 83. In other embodiments, the camera or video feature 80 includes only flash apertures 82. In other embodiments, the camera or video feature 80 includes only the sound transmission feature 86. Therefore, the outer casing 1 can be packaged Various feature elements are included as part of the housing to accommodate the functionality of the corresponding features of the underlying device to be received within the housing. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, various features of the outer casing 1 are configured to align with their complementary features of the underlying device 100.

In some embodiments, the flash aperture and sound transmission features can be combined into a single sub-feature of the camera feature. For example, a single sound transmission flash sub-feature can include a single aperture that is covered by a film attached to the aperture that allows for efficient transmission of both light and sound. In such embodiments, the film is adhered in a manner that forms a watertight seal (eg, adhesive, adhesive, solder, etc.). Preferably, the sound transmitting flash film has a light transmission of at least about 92% and a Shore A hardness of between about 45 and 70. In some embodiments, the sound transmission flash film has a Shore A hardness of about 50. In certain embodiments, the sound transmitting flash film has a thickness of between about 1 mil and about 7 mils (about 0.001 inch to about 0.007 inch or about 0.0254 mm to about 0.1778 mm). In certain embodiments, the sound transmitting flash film has a thickness of between about 4 mils to about 6 mils (about 0.004 inches to about 0.006 inches or about 0.1016 mm to about 0.1524 mm). In some embodiments, the sound transmitting flash film is about 5 mils thick (about 0.005 inch or about 0.127 mm). The film can have a single layer of a single material, multiple layers of a single material, or multiple layers of multiple materials. An example of a material that can be used as a sound transmission flash film is a 45 hardness transparent polyoxynene film (PS-1283; Polymer Science, Inc., Monticello, IN, USA) cast on a 5 mil polyester film.

The bottom surface 35 can include a waterproof or liquid-proof gasket that is externally attached to the camera or video aperture 83 or flash aperture 82, either separated or altogether. The bottom surface 35 can also include an anti-sound washer that is externally attached to the camera or video aperture 83 or flash aperture 82, either separated or altogether.

Figure 2 provides a view of the front of the outer casing 1. The top front surface 25 includes a transparent film that includes an opaque perimeter. As shown in such an embodiment, the top front film 25 includes an acoustic film portion 45 (which includes a sound hole 46, for example for transmitting sound through the outside a housing, an optically transparent region 47 (which is configured for use with a camera or camera for bonding the underlying device) and another optically transparent region 48 (which is configured for use with a proximity sensor for bonding the underlying device) . It should be noted that the optically transparent region 47 can be configured to include a lens 80 that can be aligned with the camera lens of the underlying device, if desired.

Figure 2 also provides a view of the front bottom portion of the outer casing 1. The bottom portion of the front surface 25 includes a film containing button features 40. Film 25 is transparent but includes an opaque perimeter that does not transmit light. The earphone cover 53 and the peripheral latching feature cover 71 are also depicted, all of which are positioned at the proximal ends 21, 31 of the outer casing 1 in this embodiment.

Figure 2 provides a view of the assembled outer casing 1 in which there is no equipment to be enclosed. In this embodiment, the top front surface 25 is comprised of a translucent film that spans from one side of the peripheral portion 20 to the other, such as from the proximal end 21 to the distal end 22 and from the side 23 to the side 24. Thus, the inner side surface 36 of the bottom member 3 is seen through the translucent film 25 of the top member 2. A portion of the translucent film 25 can be configured to include one or more opaque regions, such as toward the periphery of the film, the opaque region circumscribing a substantially translucent region. The opaque area may be completely opaque or may include a photon sub-area.

As depicted, the top film 25 includes a plurality of features. For example, the top surface film 25 includes button features 40, optically transparent regions 47 and 48 (e.g., corresponding to the camera portion and the proximity sensor portion of the enclosed device, respectively) and an acoustic film portion that includes apertures 46 for transmitting sound. . Liquid is prevented from passing through the aperture 46 by the presence of a waterproof gasket 45 that permits sound to pass through without permitting liquid to pass through. Such gaskets can be composed of several different hydrophobic materials such as Gore-Tex®.

As depicted, the outer perimeter portion 20 also includes a plurality of features, including a speaker sound transmitting portion 60 and a latch feature 70, the latch feature including a latch cover 71b for covering the charge cartridge. A headphone cartridge for receiving a sound transmission aid, such as a headphone jack, is also depicted, wherein the voice cassette is depicted as being covered by a voice mask or plug 53 to create a liquid tight seal therein. Although not depicted, the inner surface 36 of the bottom member can include an upright member 43 In order to allow separation between the bottom of the outer casing 3 and the enclosed device, for example, for enhanced sound transmission.

The upright member 43 shown in Fig. 2 includes two raised parallel lines. These lines form a bridge that contacts the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is enclosed in the housing 1. This prevents the inside surface 36 of the bottom member 3 from repeatedly impacting the back side of the portable electronic device as the sound is being conveyed through the bottom member 3 of the outer casing. In some embodiments, the bottom member 3 is capable of efficiently transmitting and modulating the frequency of sound transmitted from the portable electronic device enclosed in the housing through the exterior of the housing. In some embodiments, the sound interacts with the inside surface 36 of certain sound transmitting regions 350 of the bottom member 3. The sound transmission area is an area of the bottom member 3 that is particularly effective for transmitting sound. In some embodiments, the sound transmission area is capable of transmitting 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70 of the sound interacting with the sound transmission area 350. %, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%. The sound may be via vibration of a fluid (ie, gas or air) adjacent to the sound transmission region 350 or by vibration of portions of the bottom member adjacent to the non-sound transmission region 352 of the sound transmission region 350 or by both Interacting with the sound transmission area 350.

The sound transmission area 350 can also amplify certain tones present in the sound emitted by the portable electronic device. Due to the size of the bottom member 3 and the size of certain sound transmission regions, the low frequency of the sound can be preferably amplified, thereby allowing the bottom member 3 to function as a subwoofer. However, the size, shape, and configuration of the sound transmitting region 350 of the bottom member can be arranged to amplify any frequency of sound. In some embodiments, the sound transmission region 350 of the bottom member allows for amplification between 16 Hz and 32 Hz, 32 Hz and 512 Hz, 513 Hz and 1023 Hz, 1024 Hz and 2048 Hz, 2049 Hz and 4095 Hz, 4096 Hz and 8192 Hz, 8193 Hz and 16383 Hz, and 16384 Hz and 32 768 Hz. The frequency between.

In some embodiments, the sound transmitting region 350 includes indicia 351 on the inside surface 36 of the bottom member 3. The mark 351 can be any shape. In some embodiments, the standard Recorded as a hemisphere, it extends from the inside surface 36 of the bottom member 3. However, the mark may have a square, a rectangle, a parallelogram, a trapezoid, a triangle or with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 , 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 20 or more sides. In some embodiments, changing the shape of the indicia 351 can alter the acoustic properties of the sound transmitting region 350. The mark can also be of various sizes. The mark can have a diameter between 0.01 mm and 10 mm at the widest point. In other embodiments, the indicia has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 8 mm, 0.2 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm at its widest point. The indicia can be raised from between the inner side surface 36 of the bottom member 3 by between 0.01 mm and 10 mm. In other embodiments, the indicia has a height of 0.1 mm to 8 mm, 0.2 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm from the inside surface 36 of the bottom member 3. The indicia can be arranged in the sound transmission area 350 in various configurations. In some embodiments, the markers are arranged in a regular grid. In other embodiments, the markers are randomly arranged on the sound transmission area 350. The markers can be arranged such that they are at a regular distance from each other. This distance can be between 0.5 mm and 50 mm. This distance between the marks may also be 1 mm to 25 mm, 2 mm to 20 mm, 5 mm to 15 mm, 7 mm to 12 mm, or 9 mm to 11 mm. The indicia can be arranged such that there is no defined distance between the indicia, but rather a range of distances between the indicia. This range can be between 0.5 mm and 50 mm. This range may also be 1 mm to 25 mm, 2 mm to 20 mm, 5 mm to 15 mm, 7 mm to 12 mm, or 9 mm to 11 mm. The mark 351 may be made of the same material as the bottom member 3, or it may be made of a dissimilar material.

The indicia 351 alters the acoustic properties of such regions by adding mass and thus changing the resonance associated with the sound transmission region 350. This allows you to amplify some of the sound frequencies while attenuating other sound frequencies. This can be used to optimize the sound output from a portable electronic device enclosed in a housing.

Outside the sound transmission area, the upright member 43 is enclosed outside the portable electronic device The portable electronic device is contacted in the housing to prevent the markings 351 in the bottom member 3 or the sound transmission region 350 from vibrating against the portable electronic device, thereby causing a buzzing sound or otherwise interfering with sound transmission through the bottom of the housing. Member 3. The uprights 43 can be of any shape. For example, the upright member 43 can have a narrow rectangular shape as shown in FIG. The upright members may also be round, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, parallelogram, trapezoidal, triangular or have five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more. The uprights 43 can be a range of sizes. The upright member 43 may be 0.1 mm to 5 mm wide and 0.1 mm to 15 mm long. In other embodiments, the uprights 43 have a width of 0.5 mm to 3 mm or 1 mm to 2 mm and a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 5 mm.

In some embodiments, the uprights are narrow rectangles wherein the width is much smaller than the length. These narrow rectangles can be arranged in pairs as shown in FIG. These rectangular pairs can be placed in the middle of the inside surface 36 of the bottom member, as shown in FIG. It can also be arranged in any other pattern. In some embodiments, there are two sets of rectangular pairs along the central axis of the inside surface 36 of the bottom member 3. In other embodiments, there are 3 groups, 4 groups, 5 groups, 6 groups, 7 groups, 8 groups, 9 groups, or 10 groups. In other embodiments, the pair of rectangles are long enough to extend the length of the inside surface 36 of the bottom member 3. In certain embodiments, the uprights 43 can form a line (extending rectangle) that extends in any direction across the inside surface 36 of the bottom member 3. For example, the wire can extend across the length or width of the inside surface 36 of the bottom member. In certain embodiments, the uprights are positioned around the perimeter of the inside surface 36 of the bottom member, as shown in Figure 3E. In other embodiments, the upright member is a square or rectangular pad of foam-like material that contacts the rear surface of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is enclosed in the housing.

The upright member 43 is configured such that it contacts the rear surface of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is enclosed in the housing. In some embodiments, the upright member 43 is in contact with the electronic device even when the bottom member 3 is being vibrated due to sound transmission through the bottom member 3. In some embodiments, when the bottom member 3 is vibrating due to sound transmission, straight One or more of the members 43 are at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% , 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the time to maintain contact with portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, the uprights 43 remain in contact with the portable electronic device for 90% to 100% of the time while the sound is being transmitted across the bottom member.

The area occupied by the uprights 43 is not the sound transmission area 350 for the outer casing. However, the area occupied by the uprights 43 still transmits sound. However, in some embodiments, the area occupied by the uprights 43 transmits less sound than the sound transmission area 350. Additionally, in some embodiments, the area occupied by the uprights 43 does not amplify or attenuate the sound of certain tones in the same manner as the sound transmission area 350.

In some embodiments, the top and bottom member front and back surfaces of the outer casing each include a peripheral portion. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the top member and/or the bottom member can include a plurality of sub-portions. For example, the peripheral portion of the top member can include an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion that can be configured to interact with different portions of the top member film. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the bottom member can include an inner perimeter portion and an outer perimeter portion. In some cases, one or both of the inner portion and the outer portion may form an inner delimiting member and an outer delimiting member, which together may form a passage. The channel can be positioned on the bottom member or on the top member.

The peripheral portion of the top member and the bottom member or a sub-portion thereof may be made of any suitable material. The peripheral portion may be made of the same material as the top surface member and/or the bottom surface member, or may be made of one or more materials different from the top surface member and/or the bottom surface member. For example, in various circumstances, such as when there is an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion (such as on the top member), the inner peripheral portion may be made of a rigid material (such as rigid plastic, polycarbonate, etc.) so as to be directed to the outer casing. Structural integrity is provided, while the outer peripheral portion can be made of a relatively flexible (e.g., semi-rigid) or flexible material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene material, etc.) to provide shock absorbing and protective measures to the periphery of the outer casing.

In this embodiment, the top member includes a perimeter portion. The peripheral portion includes an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion. The inner peripheral portion is comprised of a rigid material and is configured for association with the packaged device to secure the device within the outer casing with a sliding fit and to provide support to the device when the device is positioned within the outer casing. The outer peripheral portion is comprised of a flexible or semi-flexible material and is positioned over and along the sides of the inner peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion may be comprised of a flexible or semi-flexible material that is adapted to damp vibration transmission from the outer side of the outer casing to the interior of the outer casing, and thus may act to absorb shocks such as due to impact.

The inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion may be fabricated together, such as during overmolding, or may be separately fabricated and joined together. For example, in some embodiments, the outer perimeter portion can be removable from the inner perimeter portion. In other cases, the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion are fabricated together with the front surface film (when included) in such a manner that the inner peripheral portion is associated with the bottom surface of the film and the outer peripheral portion is associated with the top surface of the film . In this manner, the film can be integrally associated with a peripheral portion of the top member. In various embodiments, the internal delimiting member includes a clamping mechanism.

The bottom member includes a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion also includes an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion. In this case, the inner peripheral portion forms an inner delimiting member, and the outer peripheral portion forms an outer delimiting member. The internal delimiting member together with the external delimiting member can delimit the passage. The passage may further comprise a gasket, such as an O-ring. The external delimiting member includes a clamping mechanism.

The clamping mechanism of the inner delimiting member and the outer delimiting member can have any configuration as long as any clamping mechanism can interact with the corresponding clamping mechanism to couple the top member and the bottom member together to form the outer casing. In this case, the clamping mechanism on the top member interacts with a corresponding clamping mechanism on the bottom member to thereby provide a seal, such as a liquid-tight seal. Thus, the clamping mechanism of the top member is configured for interaction with a corresponding clamping mechanism of the bottom member, the clamping mechanism being configured to The top member is coupled to the bottom member and combined with the peripheral gasket to form a liquid-tight seal.

In another embodiment, one clamping mechanism is associated with an outer delimiting member of the bottom member and one clamping mechanism is associated with an inner peripheral portion of the top member. However, it should be noted that one clamping mechanism can be associated with the inner delimiting member of the bottom member and one clamping mechanism can be associated with the outer peripheral portion of the top member. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism is configured as a corresponding grapple, but may have other configurations, such as ribs having extended projection members and groove configurations.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the outer casing includes an additional clamping mechanism, further comprising the clamping mechanism to securely seal the top member and the bottom member together to ensure a tight coupling of the top member to the bottom member, such as being liquid resistant and Anti-drop seal. Thus, in this embodiment, the top member includes one or more tooth members configured to be received within one or more toothed socket members that function to move the top member and the bottom member Coupled together. Although in the embodiment the two clamping mechanisms are shown together, in other embodiments only one or more clamping mechanisms may be included.

It should be noted that although the bottom member peripheral portion may have a delimiting member, and the top member peripheral portion may have an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion, in some cases, the top member peripheral portion may have a delimiting member and a delimiting passage; And the bottom member peripheral portion may have an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion, which have an indefinite passage.

As noted above, in some cases, the top member includes a relatively rigid inner peripheral portion that is coupled to the relatively flexible outer peripheral portion. The rigid inner peripheral portion provides a structure to the top member of the outer casing, while the flexible outer peripheral portion of the outer casing provides cushioning. As depicted, the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion are integrally formed together, as in a manufacturing process, for example, in an overmolded manner, but in other embodiments, they can be coupled together after the manufacturing process Two separate components. For example, in some embodiments, the more flexible outer portion can be stretched over a more rigid frame of the inner perimeter portion Flexible bushing. Thus, in some embodiments, the top member can include a perimeter portion that includes a rigid skeletal frame, such as a polycarbonate frame, further conforming to a more flexible material (such as rubber) or a urethane material (such as polyethylene) And the like, for example, overmolding with the material to form an outer peripheral portion.

Additionally, in some cases, the peripheral portion of the top or bottom member may include an inner delimiting member and an outer delimiting member. For example, the bottom member can include a perimeter portion that further includes an inner delimiting member and an outer delimiting member. The inner delimiting member and the outer delimiting member may be made of the same or different materials, such as a rigid material (such as a rigid plastic or the like) or a semi-rigid material (such as a polypropylene material) so as to be positioned inside the bottom member of the outer casing. The passage between the delimiting member and the external delimiting member provides structural integrity. The inner delimiting member and the outer delimiting member can be constructed in a manner to form a passage therebetween.

Thus, in an embodiment, one or both of the top member and the bottom member may include a channel, such as a channel extending along at least a portion of a perimeter portion of the top member and/or the bottom member. It should be noted that in this case, the top member and the bottom member may be separate members that are configured for removably coupling together, or they may be a single member or a plurality of members joined by a hinge member. The passageway can include an inner delimiting member and an outer delimiting member that can at least partially define a boundary of the passage. The passage may further include a gasket, such as an O-ring, positioned within the passage.

In some cases, the inner delimiting member and the outer delimiting member may propagate along a portion or the entire perimeter of the top member and/or the bottom member of the outer casing. For example, the inner delimiting member and the outer delimiting member forming the channel may circumscribe the entire peripheral portion of the bottom member. One or both of the inner delimiting member or the outer delimiting member may include one or more clamping mechanisms that also propagate along a portion or the entire perimeter of the top member and/or the bottom member. In this case, the outer delimiting member spreads along the entire periphery of the bottom member of the outer casing. The external delimiting member includes a clamping mechanism that also follows the entire bottom member Spread around. The inner perimeter member also includes a clamping mechanism that propagates along one or more portions (eg, a plurality of portions) of the perimeter of the bottom member. It should be noted that where, for example, the inner delimiting member or the outer delimiting member of the passage of the bottom member includes a clamping mechanism, the opposing member of the outer casing (eg, the top member) may also include a complementary clamping mechanism configured to Interacting with a clamping mechanism on an opposing outer casing member (eg, an inner delimiting member or an outer delimiting member of the bottom member).

The clamping mechanisms of the top and bottom members can have any suitable configuration as long as they can interact with each other in some manner to couple the top member of the outer casing to the bottom member of the outer casing. In some cases, such coupling is in some manner to provide a liquid and/or drop resistant seal between the top and bottom members of the outer casing.

Accordingly, the top and bottom members of the outer casing may include corresponding clamping mechanisms extending along peripheral portions of the top and bottom members, the clamping mechanisms being configurable for interfacing with one another in such a manner as to engage the top member of the outer casing The bottom member is coupled to each other to seal the outer casing.

The clamping mechanism can extend around the entire perimeter of the outer casing member or a portion thereof. For example, the clamping mechanism can be about 99% or more, about 95%, about 90%, about 85%, about 80%, about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about 55 around the perimeter. %, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 10% or less extend, as in the case where the top member and the bottom member are joined by a suitable hinge element. For example, where the top or bottom member includes an inner perimeter portion or outer perimeter portion and/or a channel bounded by an inner delimiting member or an outer delimiting member, the inner perimeter portion and/or the outer perimeter portion can be configured such that A part of it forms a clamping mechanism.

In an embodiment, the outer casing may include a clamping mechanism configured as a grapple clamping mechanism. In this embodiment, the top member includes an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion. The inner peripheral portion is made of a rigid material such as rigid plastic or polycarbonate and includes a top grapple clamping mechanism. Rigid plastic provides the structure for the outer casing. Inside the inner part of the The plastic material is coated with a relatively flexible (e.g., semi-rigid) material, such as rubber, TPE, etc., which forms an outer peripheral portion that may be included to provide protection to the outer casing, such as against vibration.

As stated above, the top clamping mechanism of the inner peripheral portion of the top member and the bottom clamping mechanism of the outer peripheral portion (eg, the delimiting member) of the bottom member can have any suitable configuration. In some embodiments, the top clamping mechanism and the bottom clamping mechanism are configured as corresponding grapple hooks. Thus, the clamping mechanism includes a grapple or lip region.

The grapple region includes an inclined surface that intersects the intersecting surface. The inclined surface forms an edge or lip with the intersecting surface that constitutes the grapple clamping mechanism of the top member. The inclined surface forms an angle with the intersecting surface. Additionally, the grapple region includes an inclined surface that intersects the intersecting surface. The inclined surface, together with the intersecting surface, forms an edge or lip that constitutes the grapple clamping mechanism of the bottom member. The inclined surface forms an angle with the intersecting surface. For example, the inclined surface can be inclined relative to the intersecting surface by a degree ranging from 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, such as about 5 degrees or about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees or 85 degrees, for example, about 15 degrees or 20 degrees to About 70 degrees or 75 degrees, such as about 30 degrees or 40 degrees to about 50 degrees or 60 degrees, including about 45 degrees.

Thus, the grapple clamping mechanism of the top member is configured to engage the corresponding grapple clamping mechanism of the bottom member. The corresponding clamping mechanism can have a corresponding surface, such as a lip or edge region, or can have different but complementary surfaces. In an embodiment, the top member has a peripheral portion having a grapple clamping mechanism including a lip or edge region, the lip or edge region including an inclined surface that intersects the intersecting surface. The bottom member has a peripheral portion having a grapple clamping mechanism that also includes a lip or edge region, the lip or edge region including an inclined surface that intersects the intersecting surface. In this embodiment, the corresponding lip or edge regions are configured for coupling together. It should be noted that although a particular configuration of the clamping mechanism has been described herein, for example, as a corresponding grapple clamping mechanism, other configurations may be suitable, for example, where the inclined surface is straight or substantially straight, and the like. For example, in an embodiment, one of the top member or the bottom member can have There is a clamping member constructed as described above, for example having a lip edge region, and the corresponding member can have a clamping member configured to receive an element, such as a groove, such as a circumferential groove, adapted to receive a corresponding lip of the opposing member Edge.

However, in this embodiment, the inclined surface and the intersecting surface comprise a clamping mechanism of the bottom member that is configured to engage a corresponding surface of the top member clamping mechanism. The top clamping mechanism and the bottom clamping mechanism together form opposing snaps that are configured to interact in a manner such that when they are coupled together (eg, snapped together), for example, The liquid seal seals the outer casing. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the clamping mechanism is a fully internal clamping mechanism that circumscribes the entire periphery of the housing. Although the top clamping mechanism and the bottom clamping mechanism have been described herein with respect to a particular configuration (eg, completely internal and external to the entire peripheral portion), it should be understood that this configuration is a non-limiting example and can be modified in various ways, as long as clamping The mechanism can be joined together in a manner sufficient to couple the top member and the bottom member together and thereby seal the outer casing.

Additionally or alternatively to the grapple clamping mechanism set forth above, the outer casing can include a fully internal clamping feature configured as a tooth and socket clamping mechanism. The fully internal tooth and socket clamping feature can include one or more zone segments having one or more teeth. The fully internal clamping feature can also include one or more zone segments having one or more tooth receiving members or sockets. The teeth can be configured to interface with the tooth receiving member in a manner such that when the tooth is coupled (eg, fitted within) to the tooth receiving member, the top member is The bottom members are coupled together to form an outer casing.

For example, in some embodiments, the teeth can be configured as an extended or protruding element positioned along a portion or the entire perimeter of the top or bottom member; and the corresponding member will have a tooth receiving member that can be configured to fit A recess or opening in which at least a portion of the tooth member is assembled. In this case, the teeth are positioned along the peripheral portion of the top member and the tooth receiving members are positioned along the peripheral portion of the bottom member. However, in other cases, the teeth can be positioned along the peripheral portion of the bottom member, and the teeth The article receiving member can be positioned along a peripheral portion of the top member. The tooth members and socket members function to couple the top member to the bottom member to form an outer casing, which in some embodiments may be a shock-proof, liquid-proof, and/or dust-proof seal. In certain embodiments of the outer casing, the clamping mechanism can be configured such that it reduces and/or removes when the two components of the outer casing are coupled together when employing a classic latching mechanism known in the art. The deflection that will occur. For example, when employing a typical latching mechanism known in the art (e.g., a latching mechanism that clamps at a single point along a peripheral portion of the outer casing), typically due to the application of closure only at discrete locations on the opposing surface The lever mechanism of the resultant force is deflected. This latching mechanism leaves a significant gap between the various tensioning points. This is configured to produce deflection when the two parts of the outer casing are operated against each other, since these tension points between the gaps are integrated and thus maximized.

In some cases, the housing and its features are configured to constrain such opposing forces. For example, the top or bottom member of the outer casing can include opposing clamping mechanisms configured to disperse such opposing forces along the length of the outer casing, thereby minimizing deflections that can be caused by the two members of the sealed outer casing. In some cases, one or both of the top member or the bottom member includes a channel, such as a channel containing a gasket, a portion of which may include a clamping mechanism configured to disperse throughout the channel Opposite force.

For example, a channel may be included within one component of the housing (eg, the bottom member) that is configured to constrain the opposing forces created by clamping the components of the housing together within the channel. In this case, the counteracting force can be restrained to the small space of the passage, and the opposing force is further minimized by the tight coupling of the clamping mechanism of the top member and the bottom member, respectively. This is especially advantageous where a gasket (such as an O-ring) is included in the passage to further compress the gasket and thereby create a liquid-tight seal.

Gaskets of different sizes and shapes may be included to facilitate a liquid tight seal of the outer casing. The gasket can be a solid gasket or a hollow gasket that achieves a large compression ratio, such as up to 10%, up to 15%, up to 20%, up to 25%, up to 30%, up to 40%, up to 50% and above. The gasket can be positioned anywhere where it is advantageous to have a watertight seal, such as in a channel. However, the inclusion of such a gasket creates an additional opposing force because the gasket resists compression caused by coupling the two members of the outer casing together. Thus, the clamping mechanism can be configured to be substantially continuous along a majority of the circumference of the perimeter to better disperse such opposing forces. Such a continuous circumferential clamping system can surround all or most of the circumference of the apparatus, thereby minimizing the transition gap and dispersing the opposing forces accumulated in the gap between the tension points.

Therefore, the top member includes a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion includes an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion. The inner peripheral portion of the top member includes a clamping mechanism. It should be noted that while the inner peripheral portion includes a clamping mechanism, in some embodiments, the outer peripheral portion can include a clamping mechanism.

The top member clamping mechanism includes a surface that is depicted as being sloped. It should be noted that although this surface is depicted as being slanted, in some embodiments it may have a different configuration, for example, it may be substantially straight. The top member clamping mechanism also includes an intersecting surface, which in this case also serves as an interface surface. The interface surface is depicted as a substantially horizontal surface that intersects the surface. However, such a configuration can be modified as long as a suitable clamping mechanism is formed thereby. In this manner, a lip or edge is formed that is configured for interfacing with a corresponding clamping mechanism (eg, a lip edge or groove member) of the bottom member to couple and seal the top member to the bottom member Together.

The bottom member also includes a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion includes an inner delimiting member and an outer delimiting member that delimits the passage. The outer delimiting member of the bottom member includes a clamping mechanism. However, in other cases, the inner delimiting member of the bottom member can include a clamping mechanism.

The bottom member clamping mechanism includes a surface that is depicted as being sloped. It should be noted that although this surface is depicted as being slanted, in some embodiments it may have Different configurations, for example, can be generally straight. The bottom surface clamping mechanism also includes an intersecting surface, which in this case also serves as an interface surface. The interface surface is depicted as a substantially horizontal surface that intersects the surface. It should be understood that the configuration of such surfaces may differ from the configuration depicted as long as it is capable of forming a clamping mechanism for interfacing with a corresponding clamping mechanism on the top surface. In this manner, a lip or edge is formed that is configured to interface with a corresponding edge of the top member to couple and seal the top member to the bottom member. It should be noted that while the outer delimiting member includes a clamping mechanism, in some embodiments, the inner delimiting member can include a clamping mechanism. It should also be noted that one of the top clamping mechanism or the bottom clamping mechanism may have a configuration as a receiving member (e.g., a groove) rather than the lip edge configuration described above.

Additionally, the tooth region is positioned along a peripheral portion of the top member. Each of the tooth regions may include one or more teeth. In this case, the depicted tooth region includes a plurality of teeth. The teeth extend laterally and internally from the longitudinal extent of the inner peripheral member of the top member toward the interior of the outer casing. The teeth are configured for receipt within a corresponding tooth receiving member of the bottom member.

Thus, as depicted, there is a tooth receiving area that is positioned along an inner perimeter of the bottom member (eg, an internal delimiting member). As depicted, the tooth receiving member is configured as a bore into which the teeth can be fitted. Thus, when the top member is coupled to the bottom member, the teeth of the depicted tooth region interface and interface with the tooth receiving members of the tooth receiving member region of the bottom member, and thus by coupling The top member is formed with the bottom member and is sealed by the clamping mechanism and the clamping mechanism to seal the outer casing.

It should be noted that the teeth and the tooth receiving members can have any suitable configuration as long as they can interact with one another to couple the top and bottom members of the outer casing together. Thus, the number, size and position of the teeth and/or corresponding tooth receiving members can vary. For example, one long tooth or several short teeth may be included. The tooth The object can be positioned along the entire perimeter portion or any number of sub-portions thereof. As depicted, there are three tooth regions located along the three sides of the top member. However, the teeth may be positioned on the bottom member rather than the top member and/or may include one, two, three or more sides along the top member or the bottom member, where desired. Two, three or more tooth areas.

Also, a long tooth receiving member or a plurality of short tooth receiving members may be included. The tooth receiving member can be positioned along the entire perimeter portion or any number of sub-portions thereof. The tooth receiving member is coupled to interact with and interact with the tooth member to secure and seal the outer casing when the top member and the bottom member are coupled together. It should be noted that the teeth and/or the tooth receiving members can be positioned on either or both of the top member or the bottom member and on the inner perimeter portion or the outer perimeter portion, as desired.

The bottom surface member additionally includes a plurality of sound bridges that function to provide direct communication between the back surface of the bottom member and the container device and provide a small space between the two to enhance the flow of sound through the interior of the housing.

The passage is formed in part by the inner delimiting member and the outer delimiting member and the bottom back surface of the peripheral portion of the bottom member. In some embodiments, the channel can be included as part of the top member with corresponding changes to the structure of the top member and the bottom member.

An inner peripheral portion of the top member having a clamping mechanism is configured for insertion into the passage and may be further configured for joining the gasket; and may be otherwise configured to externally couple the bottom member in some manner The clamping mechanism of the boundary member is to couple the top member to the bottom member, for example, as a liquid-tight seal. Thus, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral portion includes a gasket interface portion that is configured to interface with the gasket in some manner to compress the gasket and thereby form a liquid-tight seal.

It should be noted that in certain embodiments, there is no need to have a gasket within the channel. Rather, the top member can include a crash member, such as an extended, flexible/compressible member, configured to A seal for impinging in a passage in such a manner that it fills the passage, thereby creating a liquid-tight seal therewith, such as when the crash member is comprised of a material that is compressible and fits within the passage to create a liquid-tight seal therewith. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the inner delimiting members and/or outer delimiting members of the bottom member may be constructed differently or not at all. Different clamping mechanisms may be included, for example, a separate clamping mechanism external to or different from the peripheral portions of the top and bottom members, although the clamping mechanism as described herein has some superior to such external clamping mechanisms Some advantages. However, an external clamping mechanism such as a clamp or other form of external clamping mechanism can be provided. Such external clamping mechanisms may be included in addition to, or as an alternative to, the internal clamping mechanisms described herein.

3A shows a cross-sectional view of another housing configuration of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment of this construction, the outer casing 1 comprises a top member 2 and a bottom member 3, respectively, which are arranged using a plurality of outer circumferences around the bottom member 3 when the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 are brought to the joint. The tapered columns 131 are joined together by a deformable opening 121 disposed in a complementary position in the periphery of the top member 2. Suitable materials from which the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 can be fabricated include rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, and flexible materials including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, polycarbonates, nylons, liquid crystal polymers and/or rubbers, thermoplastic amine groups. Formate, polyethylene and/or polypropylene, mixtures thereof, and the like. In other embodiments, the outer casing also includes an outer gasket 178 as shown in Figure 3A. The outer gasket 178 forms a seal with the top member 120 that is sufficient to prevent environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, etc. from entering. The outer gasket 178 can be made of any kind of sealant or sealing material as described above.

As depicted in FIG. 3A, the tapered post 131 of the bottom member 3 includes split heads 171 and 172 separated by slots 170. The split head has tapered lower faces 136 and 137 that are shaped to join the complementary retaining faces 126 and 127 of the deformable opening 121 for retention. As will be appreciated, any suitable geometry of the column of the bottom member and the complementary opening of the top member can be employed. In some embodiments, the head is solid rather than split. In these embodiments, The deformable opening is made of a variety of materials or has a more pliable shape and thickness that allows it to be more necessary than when the head is a split head. For split heads or solid heads, suitable geometries include spheres, cubes, rhomboids, ovals, and any combination of such geometries such that the tapered post 131 can be used to secure the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 of the outer casing. The deformable opening 121 is joined. Likewise, any suitable geometry of the deformable opening 121 can be employed as long as the tapered post 131 and the deformable opening 121 can be joined by securing the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 of the outer casing. Suitable geometries include spheres, cubes, rhomboids, ovals, and any combination of such geometries such that the tapered posts 131 can be joined to the deformable opening 121 by the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 of the fixed outer casing. In some embodiments, the deformable opening 121 has a similar geometry to the tapered post 131 that it matches. In other embodiments, the deformable opening 121 has a different geometry than the tapered post 131 that it matches. In certain preferred embodiments, the deformable opening 121 has a geometry that allows it to securely hold the geometry of the tapered post 131 that it matches.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the deformable opening 121 is deeper than the height of the tapered post 131, which allows the head cover 140 to be removable but securely attached to the top member 2. In this manner, the head cover 140 allows concealing protrusions through the tapered post 131 of the deformable opening 121 of the top member 120. In other embodiments, the head cover 140 provides a fluid-tight seal over the deformable opening 121 to prevent water from leaking between the tapered posts 131 that protrude through the deformable opening 121. The head cover 140 can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the head cover 140 is made of plastic, metal, precious metal, polycarbonate, TPE, or any of the sealants or sealing materials described above.

To ensure a watertight seal, in some embodiments, a compressible layer 160 (eg, a TPE layer) can be positioned in the bottom member 3. In FIG. 3A, the compressible TPE layer 160 covers a portion of the corner of the device receiving cavity of the bottom member 3. It will be appreciated that any suitable material can be employed as the compressible material. For example, rubber, TPE, polyethylene, etc. can be used. An elastic material such as polypropylene to provide compressibility and/or shock absorption. The compressible material can also be a sealing material as described above.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the compressible layer can have a Y-shaped end 173 that interfaces with the top member 2. The Y-shaped end 173 includes an inner face 174 and an outer face 175. The inner face 174 forms a seal between the electronic device 176 and the slider 177 and/or the screen protector 150 overlying the electronic device 176. In certain embodiments, the inner face 174 prevents water from leaking between the tapered posts 131 and contacting the electronic device by forming a seal between the compressible layer 160 and the screen protector 150. In other embodiments, the housing lacks the screen protector 150. In such embodiments, the inner face 174 forms a seal between the slider 177 and the electronic device 176. This allows the fluid to contact the face of the electronic device 176 without allowing it to span the seal with the compressible layer and contact the back side of the electronic device 160. This is preferred for electronic devices that have a water resistant surface and do not necessarily require the screen protector 150 to resist fluid leakage into the electronic device.

The outer face 175 prevents fluid from leaking between the tapered posts 131 and contacting the electronic device 176 by forming a seal between the top member 120 and the compressible layer 160. In some embodiments, the outer face 175 can also form a seal between the screen protector 150 and the compressible layer 160 to prevent fluid from leaking between the tapered posts 131 and contacting the electronic device (not shown).

Figure 3B depicts the embodiment of the housing of Figure 3A above in which no electronic device is present.

3C shows a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a housing 1 employing a representative clamping mechanism of a top member and a bottom member. The bottom member 3 includes a plurality of tapered columns 131 having split heads 171 and 172 as described above with respect to Figure 3A. The top member 2 is mated with the tapered post 131 via a deformable opening 121. A screen protector 150 is also shown. The bottom surface member 35 additionally includes a plurality of sound bridges 68a that function to provide direct communication between the back surface 35 of the bottom member 3 and the receiving device (not shown) and provide a small space between the two so that Enhanced sound flow through the interior of the enclosure.

3D provides a perspective view of the underside of the top member 2, and FIG. 3E provides a perspective view of the underside of the bottom member 3 such that when the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 are coupled together, The outer casing 1 is formed. As seen in relation to Figure 3D, the top member 2 includes a perimeter portion 20. The peripheral portion 20 includes an inner peripheral portion 20a and an outer peripheral portion 20b.

The top member further includes an internal clamping mechanism 27. The inner clamping mechanism 27 is configured as a lip region that is positioned on a raised ridge portion that extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the peripheral frame member 20 and front surface 25 of the top member 2. As depicted, the internal clamping mechanism 27 is a fully internal clamping mechanism. The fully internal clamping mechanism 27 circumscribes the entire inner circumference of the periphery of the top member 2. This fully internal clamping mechanism 27 acts on the corresponding clamping mechanism 37 on the bottom member 3 to effectively seal the housing 1 in such a way that the seal is inside the housing. As depicted, the fully internal clamping mechanism 27 is configured as a grapple and is adapted to couple with the groove clamping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3.

An additional fully internal clamping mechanism is also depicted with respect to Figure 3D, which is depicted herein as a toothed region 13a. This clamping mechanism is shown to complement the above described clamping mechanism, but can be used in place of the clamping mechanism described above. The toothed region is positioned along the peripheral portion 20a of the top member 2. Each of the tooth regions may include one or more teeth. In this case, the depicted tooth region includes a plurality of teeth 13a. The teeth extend away from the inner length of the inner peripheral member 20a of the top member 2 transversely and internally toward the inner cavity of the outer casing. The teeth 13a are configured for receipt within a corresponding tooth receiving member of the bottom member 3.

The top member 2 further includes a front surface member 25 that is configured as a screen protector. The screen protector 25 includes an opaque area and a transparent area through which the interactive display of the stored electronic device can be viewed and manipulated. The screen protector includes a plurality of additional features, such as an optically transparent area 47 (which acts as a video screen area), an optically transparent area 48 (which acts as a proximity sensor screen area), and a sound transmission area 44 (which is used to transmit sound through) its). In this embodiment, the camera area and the proximity sensor area are optically transparent areas. As will be appreciated, alternatives to the arrangement of features depicted in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3D are derived from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1B-1E. In this embodiment, Additional features include optically transparent camera features, ambient light features and proximity features (47a, 47b, and 48a, respectively) and apertures 46 for transmitting sound. In various other embodiments, the camera feature can include a lens that is configured to align with a camera lens of the stored device.

In various embodiments, the sound transmission region is configured as a sound hole feature 44 having an acoustic exit aperture 46 that is covered with a watertight gasket, such as an acoustic film or aperture material 45, that covers the acoustic aperture 46. In turn, water is prevented from entering therethrough while allowing sound to travel into and/or out of the aperture 46. In some cases, the acoustic film material 45 can be offset from the film 25 and attached thereto by an adhesive ring such that it covers the acoustic exit aperture 46, thereby preventing water from entering therethrough while allowing sound to be transmitted.

The surface film 25 of the top member 3 also includes button features 40. The button feature 40 can simply be a specially designed locating groove integrally formed with the film material 25, or it can be an additional feature added to the film, such as a feature comprising a layer of a rigid or flexible material that has been molded Attached, or otherwise attached to the film 25 as a button area. If the button feature 40 is an additional feature to be added to the front film 25, the button feature can be configured such that the button feature does not increase the thickness of the film 25 to avoid reducing the functionality and aesthetics of the outer casing 1.

The top member 2 further includes a perimeter portion 20 that includes a peripheral inner frame 20a that is coupled to the flexible outer member 20b. Peripheral portion 20 also includes a plurality of features. For example, the peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2 includes a plurality of button features 99a, 99b, and 99c, such as a volume up button, a volume down button, and an on/off button, the button being configured for use with each of the underlying storage devices Do not button interface.

The peripheral portion additionally includes a sound transmitting portion 60, a latch 埠 feature 70, and a sound 埠 feature 50. The sound transmitting portion 60 includes a sound entrance hole (not shown) that penetrates from the outside of the peripheral portion 20 to the inside of the peripheral portion to facilitate the passage of sound into and/or out of the outer casing. The sound inlet aperture can be configured as a microphone sound hole and/or a speaker sound hole that is covered by an acoustic aperture material 65 that can be positioned on the washer seat 67, such as an overmold The pattern is either applied via a simple adhesive and the orifice material allows sound to pass through but does not allow liquid (such as water) to pass through.

Thus, as depicted, the sound transmitting portion 60 is positioned within the peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2 and traverses from the exterior of the outer casing 1 to the interior of the outer casing 1 through the outer peripheral portion 20a and the inner peripheral portion 20b of the top member 2. . The acoustic channel includes an acoustic film 65 that traverses the acoustic channel and can be placed over the acoustic channel washer seat 67, such as in an overmolded version. However, in some embodiments, the sound transmitting portion 60 can be positioned within the peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3. The acoustic film 65 can transmit sound but cannot transport liquid. Therefore, the sound can travel through the sound channel in the outer casing, but liquid (such as water) cannot, because it cannot pass through the acoustic aperture film 65.

The latch (e.g., charging cartridge) feature 70 of the peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2 can be positioned anywhere along the perimeter portion 20, but in this case is positioned on its proximal end 21. The charging port feature 70 includes a charging end opening 71a that is covered by a charging port latch cover or door (not shown).

The charging end opening 71a may be delimited by a delimiting member. The delimiting member can be formed from any suitable material and can be in any suitable shape. For example, the charge delimiting member may be composed of the same material from which the inner peripheral portion 20a and/or the outer peripheral portion 20b are made. Accordingly, the charging cartridge delimiting member may be integrally formed along with the inner peripheral portion 20b and/or further formed together with the outer peripheral portion 20b. In some embodiments, the charging cartridge delimiting member can be integrally formed with the rigid and/or rigid inner peripheral portion 20a of the top member 2 to form the charging end opening 71a. The second flexible peripheral portion 20b can then overlie the rigid inner perimeter portion 20a, wherein the charge jaw cut can be cut into the flexible perimeter portion 20b to at least partially delimit the charge end opening 71a of the inner perimeter portion 20a.

A sound haptic feature 50 is also depicted, which is depicted herein as a headphone jack end opening 51 in which a headphone jack hood or plug 53 is positioned. The headphone jack dam 53 includes a threaded region 54b that corresponds to a similar threaded region 54a that is positioned within the headphone jack end opening 51. The headphone jack dam 53 further includes a gasket (not shown) that circumscribes the plug 53. It should be noted that although the gasket is described as being associated with the plug 53, in other cases it may be associated with the jack end opening 51. In this embodiment, the earphone jack plug 53 is inserted into the earphone jack 埠 50, the plug thread 54b is aligned with the 埠 thread 54a, and a plug is formed by screwing the plug 53 into the plug 50 to form a watertight seal therewith. Compress the gasket (not shown). The jack dam 53 also includes a top member 58 having a grip feature 56.

The bottom member 3 includes a peripheral portion 30. The peripheral portion 30 also includes an inner peripheral portion 30a and an outer peripheral portion 30b, wherein the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion define the passage 10. Accordingly, the inner peripheral portion of the bottom member 3 includes the inner delimiting member 30a, and the outer peripheral portion of the bottom member 3 includes an outer delimiting member 30b that delimits the passage 10.

The bottom member 3 of Figure 3E also includes an internal clamping mechanism 37. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism of the bottom member is configured as a groove 37 that is configured for coupling with a corresponding clamping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 to seal the outer casing 1 together. It should be noted that although a full internal clamping mechanism 37 (eg, a groove) has been described herein in some embodiments, other variations of the fully internal clamping mechanism 37 may be provided without departing from the nature of the present disclosure. form. For example, in some cases, the clamping mechanism does not require the entire peripheral portion of the outer bottom member, need not be entirely internal, and can be configured differently than the groove configuration set forth herein.

In this embodiment, the bottom member 3 further includes an additional internal clamping mechanism, which is depicted herein as a tooth receiving area 13b along the inner perimeter of the bottom member 3 (eg, internal delimiting member) 30a Positioning. As depicted, the tooth receiving member 13b is configured as a hole into which the teeth 13a of the top member 2 can be fitted. Therefore, when the top member 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3, the teeth 13a are interposed and joined with the tooth receiving members 13b of the bottom member 3, and thus are formed by coupling the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 And sealed by the clamping mechanisms 27 and 37 and the clamping mechanisms 13a and 13b Shell 1.

Thus, in the views of Figures 3D and 3E, the outer casing 1 can include one or more internal clamping mechanisms 27 and 37 and 13a and 13b. As depicted, the internal clamping mechanism is a fully internal clamping mechanism. Each of the fully internal clamping mechanisms can circumscribe the entire inner circumference of the periphery of the outer casing 1 or only a portion or portions thereof. These fully internal clamping mechanisms can be configured such that they effectively seal the outer casing in such a way that the seal is completely inside the outer casing. As depicted, the fully internal clamping mechanisms 27 and 37 are configured as grapple 27 and groove 37 clamping mechanisms, and the fully internal clamping mechanisms 13a and 13b are configured as teeth 13a and socket 13b mechanisms.

The bottom member back surface 35 is also depicted in conjunction with the bottom member 3 of Figure 3E. The back surface includes a plurality of features, such as a combination of lens and sound transmission features, such as microphone features, which in this case are combined features. For example, the back surface 35 includes a camera lens feature 80 in which a camera lens 83 is positioned and positioned adjacent to it with a sound transmitting feature 86, in this case a microphone feature having a top surface from the bottom surface 35 passing through the back The sound transmission hole 87 of the surface. Microphone feature 86 further includes a liquid impervious gasket 88 that does not permit passage of liquid, such as water, but permits sound to pass through, thereby allowing sound to pass therethrough without allowing water to pass therethrough. Additionally, the microphone sound transmission feature includes an internal sound suppression washer 89 that circumscribes the sound transmission aperture 87 and prevents sound from being transmitted inside or into the sound transmission aperture, which aperture thus acts as a sound guiding channel that directs sound through the sound transmission feature 86 And/or leave the outer casing 1.

The bottom surface member 35 additionally includes a plurality of sound bridges 68a that function to provide direct communication between the back surface 35 of the bottom member 3 and the receiving device (not shown) and provide a small space between the two so that Enhanced sound flow through the interior of the enclosure. Note that in this embodiment, the bottom surface 35 does not include indicia that fill the back surface, but in other embodiments, such indicia may be provided along the bottom surface member 35 as in the form of rows of high level bumps.

Additionally, the top member 2 includes a speaker aperture 60 at the bottom. This speaker aperture 60 includes an acoustic film 65 that allows sound to pass through the membrane but does not allow fluid such as an aqueous fluid, including water, to pass through the membrane. The speaker aperture 60 also includes an acoustic washer 67 around its outer edge. In certain embodiments, the acoustic washer includes an opening on a side of the bottom member 3 that faces the outer casing. This opening allows sound to be transmitted to the bottom member 3 of the outer casing for transport outside the outer casing using the sound transmission region 350 described above.

The perimeter 30 of the bottom member 3 additionally includes a plurality of features, such as a coin slotted slit feature 18, to assist in separating the top member from the bottom member when the outer casing has been formed. The peripheral portion additionally includes a plurality of sound transmission slits 61a and 61b that function to form a delimiting member for the passage or bore of the bottom member 3 that forms a sound permeable when coupled to the top member 2. The channel or 埠. Between the two sounds passing through the slit is a latching flap 71b on which is positioned a watertight seal, such as washer 78. Button feature cutouts 99c and 99d are also depicted that act to form delimiting members of the respective button features.

Figures 3F and 3G provide bottom views of the respective top member 2 and bottom member 3 of Figures 3D and 3E prior to insertion of the electronic device therebetween to form the outer casing 1 as depicted in Figure 3H. Thus, when an electronic device is inserted into the housing 1, the device can first be positioned within the top member 2, for example, by obliquely inserting the device therein, such as by first transmitting the sound of the device (eg, headphones) The receptacle receiving portion) is aligned with a corresponding haptic feature of the top member 2 (eg, the plug 53) and then presses the back surface of the device down along its length such that it is flush with the top member such that the display of the device Aligned with the front screen 25 of the top member 2. Once the device is inserted into the top member 2 (eg, of FIG. 3F), the bottom member 3 (eg, of FIG. 3G) can be aligned therewith and pressed in some manner onto the top member 2 such that The clamping mechanisms are coupled together, such as by snapping, and thus forming a housing 1 (eg, of FIG. 3H), thereby protecting the receiving device 100 from shock, liquid, and/or dust.

The housing 1 provides such a strong shock, liquid and/or dustproof protection to the storage device The ability is due in part to the unique clamping mechanism described herein. Thus, the unique feature of the peripheral portion clamping mechanism described herein with respect to FIG. 3 is that it is entirely internal to the outer casing 1. "Completely inside the outer casing" means that the corresponding clamping mechanism is completely within the limits of the outer casing 1 such that when the top member 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3 (see Fig. 3C), the corresponding clamping mechanism is completely received in the outer casing. Inside the inner side and not outside thereof, for example, the clamping mechanism can be positioned along the inner side of the periphery of the outer casing 1. Additional latching elements (such as an external latching mechanism) may be included, such as along the outer perimeter of the outer casing to further ensure that a liquid tight seal is provided. An additional internal latching mechanism is also available.

Thus, the clamping system of the present disclosure can provide a small cross-section that addresses the problem of how to close/assemble the outer casing and keep it attached together in a closed, tight or close-fitting configuration, and how to minimize the material necessary to make the outer casing ( So there is no need for thicker materials to resist strip bending) and to ensure that seals (eg, gaskets, such as O-rings) are suitably compressed between the two housing shells to form a liquid-tight and seamless seal. The seal can further function to direct the vibratory force along the channel member, thereby preventing directing large forces into the receiving device.

As stated above, a plurality of clamping mechanisms (internal and/or external) may be included as part of the outer casing. For example, the outer casing can include one or more internal clamping mechanisms and/or one or more external clamping mechanisms. As explained below, the clamping mechanism can have a variety of different configurations. For example, the top member and the bottom member may include an internal clamping mechanism configured as an opposing grapple or hook and/or an extension portion and a groove that externally connects the inner portion of the periphery of the top member and the bottom member . Alternatively or in addition to the opposing grapple mechanism, the top member and the bottom member may include internal clamping mechanisms configured as male and female opposing portions, such as teeth and holes or sockets. Additionally or alternatively, the outer casing can include an external clamping mechanism that can have any suitable configuration, such as a clip or peg and slot configuration. One or more of these configurations are described in detail herein.

4A shows how the top surface of the top member 2 (eg, the interactive film 25) is top Embodiments of the component peripheral portion 20 are associated. The peripheral portion 20 includes an inner peripheral portion 20a that includes a frame, such as a rigid body, such as made of a hard material such as metal, polycarbonate, etc., which frame can be made in a first process. The film 25 can then be indirectly associated with it during the fabrication process (e.g., the molding process) either directly or by the addition of one or more intervening adhesive layers (e.g., 25c). In some embodiments, it is not necessary to include the one or more adhesive layers.

In one embodiment, once the rigid inner frame 20a has been made and the film 25 is attached thereto, a second, more flexible peripheral portion 20b can be made and overlaid or otherwise molded over the inner peripheral portion 20a. And above the film 25. In some cases, the film 25 can be attached to the peripheral portions 20a and/or 20b via one or more adhesives 25c. In this manner, a liquid-tight and/or dust-tight seal is produced between the film 25 and the peripheral portion 20, wherein the inner peripheral portion 20a interfaces with the bottom surface of the film 25 (eg, via the adhesive 25c), and The outer peripheral portion 20b is configured relative to the top member 2 such that it interfaces with the top surface of the film 25 (e.g., via the adhesive 25c). It should be noted that in various embodiments, the film may be attached to the top or bottom surface of 20a and/or 20b, and/or the flexible portion 20b may be removably or non-removably coupled to 20a . Button overmold features 99a and 99b are also depicted with respect to Figure 4A.

FIG. 4B depicts yet another embodiment of the overmolded top member 2 of FIG. 4A. The rigid inner member 20a is made of a hard polycarbonate material, and a screen protector (e.g., interactive film 25) is associated therewith, such as with or without the application of an intermediate adhesive. Any suitable binder or molecular bonding material can be used. Once the film 25 has been attached to the rigid body 20a, a second, more flexible member 20b (eg, a semi-flexible or flexible material such as TPE) can be fabricated and molded around the rigid body 20a and film 25. Partially above to circumscribe at least part of it or the entire perimeter. In this manner, the inner rigid body 20a will impart a strong internal frame to the top member 2, and the flexible outer body 20b will provide a shock absorbing layer to the top member 2. In addition, such an overmolding process will enhance bonding of the film 25 to the periphery. The outer body 20a and the inner body 20b of the portion 20, in turn, enhance the reliability of the seal and ensure that the seal is liquid resistant.

As can be seen with respect to Figure 4B, the rigid inner perimeter portion 20a of the top member 2 includes a plurality of deformable openings, and the bottom member includes a tapered post, as described above with respect to Figure 3A. However, the housing shown in Figure 4B can be latched according to any method known in the art. In another embodiment, the first clamping mechanism of the top member is designed to be associated with a corresponding clamping mechanism of an outer peripheral portion (eg, a delimiting member) of the bottom member with a liquid tight seal. Further ensuring a liquid-tight seal by presenting a gasket in the passage of the bottom member and by impinging the extension member within the passage, the collision acts to join and compress the gasket within the passage. For example, as the impact member of the inner peripheral portion of the top member (on which the clamping member is positioned) slides into the channel of the bottom member and is associated with its corresponding clamping member of the outer delimiting member, the interior of the top member A portion of the peripheral portion contacts and compresses the gasket, thereby compressing the gasket and further ensuring that it forms a liquid-tight and shock-resistant seal. Further securing the anti-vibration seal by the ability of the collision member to increase within the passage and contacting the surface area of the rigid frame of the compressible gasket, thereby limiting the transmission of shock into the boundaries of the passage and increasing the dissipation of vibration therein, thereby reducing shock transmission Go to the storage equipment.

In this embodiment, the clamping members of the outer peripheral portion are formed as circumferential grooves of at least a portion of the outer passage. Accordingly, the clamping mechanism of the inner peripheral portion of the top member is configured to be at least partially received within the recess for coupling therewith and thus at least partially confining the passage when the top member is coupled to the bottom member. Also included is an additional clamping mechanism that includes a plurality of teeth associated with the top member that are fitted within a plurality of corresponding toothed sockets associated with the bottom member such that when the top member is coupled Upon the bottom member, the teeth are forced into the socket, further forcing the top member to seal to the bottom member and form the outer casing.

Also depicted is a top surface film 25 from which the film material of the top surface film 25 is A peripheral portion spans to the other peripheral portion to prevent water from passing through and into the outer casing. Also depicted is a bottom member 3 having a lens feature 80 and a sound transmitting feature 86 positioned on the back surface 35 of the bottom member 3. In this embodiment, the bottom member 3 includes features in which the camera 80 and microphone 86 are combined. The combined feature can include a camera lens 83 and can further include a flash lens (not shown). However, in the case where a camera lens and a flash lens are jointly provided, the camera lens should be separated from the flash lens, and in the case of further including additional sound transmission features such as microphone features, the three features should be separated from each other. For example, the sound transmitting portion can be positioned between the camera lens feature and the flash lens feature to separate it. Camera lens 83 is surrounded by non-transporting features 84, such as a gasket that prevents light from passing around from colliding with camera lens feature 80. In this embodiment, the microphone feature 86 includes a sound transmission aperture 87 that is overlaid with a film member 88 that is at least partially capable of transmitting both light and sound but does not permit liquid (e.g., water) to pass through. Such a film 88 can be made from a thin layer of TPE, such as a TPE layer of 0.3 mm or less. The sound transmission feature additionally includes a sound isolation washer 89 that has an outer aperture 87 and functions to prevent sound from being transmitted internally through the aperture.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal. The system includes a resilient cover having at least one aperture; a portable electronic device insertable into the resilient cover, the portable electronic device providing a fixed size structure to an inner surface of the resilient cover; and a rigid outer casing Formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the resilient cover and for providing an opposing compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the resilient cover when the resilient cover covers at least a portion of the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device, The outer surface approximates the inner surface of the resilient cover and is generally opposite the inner surface such that at least one water resistant seal is formed between the inner surface of the resilient cover and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device.

In an embodiment, the fixed size structure includes a protective member overlying the portable electronic device. The protective member can be light transmissive. Further, the protective member may include At least one of the following: a microphone cover, a button actuator, an acoustic washer, a filter, a lens, an opaque area, or a film. The resilient cover can also include an aperture, and wherein the inner perimeter of the aperture exposes the underlying region of the fixed size structure.

In another embodiment, the system also includes one or more water resistant seals, each of the water resistant seals being configured to seal an opening of the portable electronic device into the underlying region of the fixed size structure. In an embodiment, the rigid outer casing includes the one or more water resistant seals. The one or more water resistant seals may be selected from the group consisting of: gaskets, adhesives, adhesive gels, adhesive elastomers or adhesive tapes.

The present disclosure also provides a method of forming at least one water resistant seal. The method includes the steps of: providing a portable electronic device having a fixed size structure; covering at least a portion of the portable electronic device with a resilient cover having at least one aperture; positioning the rigid outer casing At least a portion of the resilient cover, the rigid outer casing provides an opposing compressive force on the outer surface of the resilient cover when the resilient cover covers at least a portion of the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device, the outer surface proximate the inner surface of the resilient cover And forming substantially at least one water resistant seal between the inner surface of the resilient cover and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device by opposing compression forces;

In one embodiment, the method also includes the steps of providing one or more water resistant seals, each water resistant seal configured to seal the portable electronic device leading to an underlying region of the fixed size structure Opening; and sealing the opening of the portable electronic device into the underlying region of the fixed size structure with a corresponding one or more water resistant seals.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The system includes a resilient cover having at least one aperture having an inner surface covering at least a portion of a fixed size structure of the portable electronic device; and a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the resilient cover, And used to cover the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device in the elastic cover At least a portion of the outer cover provides an opposing compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the resilient cover, the outer surface proximate the inner surface of the resilient cover and generally opposite the inner surface such that the inner surface of the resilient cover is The at least one water resistant seal is formed between the fixed size structures of the portable electronic device.

In an embodiment, the fixed size structure includes a protective member overlying the portable electronic device. The protective member can be light transmissive. The protective member can include at least one of a microphone cover, a button actuator, an acoustic washer, a filter, a lens, an opaque region, or a film.

In other embodiments, the resilient cover includes an aperture, and wherein the inner periphery of the aperture exposes the underlying region of the fixed size structure. In another embodiment, the system also includes one or more water resistant seals, each of the water resistant seals being configured to seal an opening to the portable electronic device in an underlying region of the fixed size structure.

In another embodiment, the rigid outer casing includes the one or more water resistant seals. The one or more water resistant seals may be selected from the group consisting of: gaskets, adhesives, adhesive gels, adhesive elastomers or adhesive tapes.

The present disclosure also provides a method for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The method includes the steps of: covering at least a portion of the portable electronic device with a resilient cover having at least one aperture; and positioning the rigid outer casing over at least a portion of the resilient cover that covers the portable electronic device in the resilient cover An at least a portion of the fixed-size structure of the device providing an opposing compressive force on the outer surface of the resilient cover, the outer surface being proximate to and substantially opposite the inner surface of the resilient cover; and the resilient cover by opposing compressive forces The at least one water resistant seal is formed between the inner surface and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device.

In one embodiment, the method also includes the steps of providing one or more water resistant seals, each water resistant seal configured to seal the portable electronic device leading to an underlying region of the fixed size structure Opening; and corresponding one or more water resistant seals The opening of the portable electronic device leading into the underlying region of the fixed size structure is sealed.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal. The system includes a resilient cover having at least one aperture; a portable electronic device insertable into the resilient cover, the portable electronic device providing a fixed size structure to an inner surface of the resilient cover; and a rigid outer casing Formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the resilient cover, and providing an opposing compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the resilient cover when the resilient cover covers at least a portion of the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device The surface is proximate to and substantially opposite the inner surface of the resilient cover such that at least one water resistant seal is formed between the inner surface of the resilient cover and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device, wherein the rigid outer casing includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the bottom member includes an inner surface defined by the back wall and the side wall to receive the electronic device, the side wall having a top surface defined by the circumference; and a top member that frames the at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device to enable the user Capable of operating a display, the frame member having a peripheral edge corresponding to the bottom member a perimeter of the top surface of the sidewall; wherein the perimeter of one or both of the top member and the bottom member includes one or more vertical couplers and one or more rotary couplers, and wherein one of the top member and the bottom member Or the periphery of both includes one or more vertical coupler receivers and one or more rotary coupler receivers such that when the top member and the bottom member are positioned such that their circumferences are aligned, any of the members The vertical coupler is positioned to interact with a vertical coupler receiver on another member, and any rotary coupler on one member is positioned to interact with a rotary coupler receiver on the other member.

In an embodiment, the fixed size structure includes a protective member overlying the portable electronic device. The protective member can be light transmissive. Further, the protective member may include at least one of a microphone cover, a button actuator, an acoustic washer, a filter, a lens, an opaque region, or a film. The resilient cover can also include an aperture, and wherein the inner perimeter of the aperture exposes the underlying region of the fixed size structure.

In another embodiment, the system also includes one or more water resistant seals, each of the water resistant seals being configured to seal an opening into the underlying electrical area of the fixed size structure to the portable electronic device. In an embodiment, the rigid outer casing includes the one or more water resistant seals. The one or more water resistant seals may be selected from the group consisting of gaskets, adhesives, viscous gels, viscous elastomers or adhesive tapes.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure as generally described above is illustrated in Figures 4C through 4F. As can be seen with respect to Figures 4C and 4E, the top member 2 of the outer casing 1 can include a clamping member 27a positioned about a peripheral portion of the top member 2, the clamping member 27a being configured for placement in a manner around the bottom The clamping mating elements 37a in the corresponding peripheral positions of the periphery of the member 3 are aligned and interfaced to allow the top and bottom members 3, 3 of the outer casing to be coupled to one another, thereby closing the outer casing. To further facilitate alignment and sealing of the top member and the bottom member, in a preferred embodiment, the top member 2 further includes a downwardly projecting alignment post 27b for insertion into a complementary alignment disposed in the bottom member 3. In channel 37b. The bottom member 3 (Fig. 4E) may also include many other elements or features including an optically transparent, tinted and/or translucent viewing window 3a that allows a portion of the electronic device enclosed within the housing to be visible, as well as optically transparent A camera window that is aligned with the camera portion of the enclosed electronic device. A plurality of turns or holes 3c to 3i may also be disposed around the circumference of the bottom member 2. The clamping member 27a and the alignment post 27b can be distributed around the circumference of the top member 2 of the outer casing 1 in any combination. Instead of or in conjunction with the left and right side faces of the top member 2 of the outer casing 1, the clamping members 27a and the alignment posts 27b can be positioned on the top or bottom side of the top member 2 of the outer casing 1. There may be any number of clamping members 27a and alignment posts 27b. In some embodiments, there are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 on the top member 2 of the outer casing 1. 1, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 clamping members 27a. In other embodiments, there are one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve on the top member 2 of the outer casing 1. 13, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 alignment posts 27b. In other embodiments, the clamping member 27a and the alignment post 27b are placed on the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1. The embodiment relating to the clamping member 27a and the alignment post 27b for the top member 2 is also applicable to the clamping member 27a and the alignment post 27b positioned on the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1.

In some embodiments, for each clamping member 27a, there is a corresponding clamping engagement element 37a on the opposing member that is positioned such that the clamping member 27a interacts with the clamping engagement element 37a to couple together . For example, if the clamping member 27a is present on the top member 2 of the outer casing 1, the corresponding clamping engagement element 37a will be present on the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1. In other embodiments, for each alignment post 27b, there is a corresponding alignment channel 37b on the opposing member that is positioned such that the alignment post 27b interacts with the alignment channel 37b to hold the top member and the bottom member such that They are in an aligned configuration with respect to each other. For example, if the alignment post 27b is present on the top member 2 of the outer casing 1, the corresponding alignment channel 37b will be present on the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1.

The top member 2 (Fig. 4C) preferably includes a variety of features including a window 2w, a button feature 40, and optically transparent regions 2c-1, 2c-2 for permitting access to a touch screen of the enclosed electronic device enclosed in the housing. For example, which correspond to the camera portion of the enclosed device and the proximity sensor/ambient light sensor portion, respectively; and an acoustic film (not shown) that is positioned to cover the sound hole 2c-3 for transmission sound. The sound hole 2c-3 is preferably covered (via the inner surface of the top portion 2) by a sound-permeable waterproof gasket that prevents liquid, dirt, dust, etc. from entering the outer casing but permitting sound to pass through. Such gaskets can be composed of several different hydrophobic materials such as GoreTex®.

Suitable materials for the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 include rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, and flexible materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, polycarbonate, nylon, liquid crystal polymer and/or rubber, thermoplastic amine groups. Formate, polyethylene and/or polypropylene, mixtures thereof, and the like.

In order to seal an electronic device (not shown) such as a smart phone in the embodiment of the housing, For a flexible elastic sheath (Fig. 4D) 2a, the portable electronic device can be inserted into the sheath in a body by stretching the sheath over and around the electronic device, so that the features and scratches on the device The complementary features on the elastic sheath 2a are aligned. The sheath 2a includes a bottom panel 2a-1, defined by a proximal portion 2a-2(i) and a distal portion 2a-2(ii) and opposing side portions 2a-2(iii) and 2a-2(iv) The peripheral portion 2a-2, and the top portion 2a-3.

The peripheral portion 2a-2 of the sheath 2a may include a plurality of additional features such as "on" and "off" switch features 2a-2(v), earphones 埠 seal features 2a-2(vi), button protection features 2a- 2(vii) and (viii), switch features 2a-2(ix), microphone features 2a-2(x) and speaker features 2a-2(xi) and power connector features 2a-2(xii). The bottom panel 2a-1 may also contain one or more features corresponding to the functional elements of the electronic device intended to be enclosed in the housing, including apertures 2a-1(xi) for the camera. In such embodiments, the peripheral portion 2a-2 is made of a malleable material such as an elastomeric material such as rubber, TPE, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. to provide flexibility and/or shock absorption.

The top portion 2a-3 of the sheath 2a can also contain a variety of features, including a button cover feature 40a and holes 2a-2 (xxii) and (xxi) corresponding to the optically transparent regions 2c-1, 2c of the top member 2. -2 and intended to correspond to the camera portion of the enclosed device and the proximity sensor/ambient light sensor portion, respectively; and the acoustic opening 2a-2 (xx), which corresponds to the sound hole 2c-3 of the top member 2. The feature in the sheath 2a can be a hole in the sheath 2a, which can be a transparent portion of the sheath, or it can be a sound-permeable waterproof gasket that prevents liquids, dirt, dust, etc. from entering the housing but permitting sound to pass through.

To enclose the electronic device in such an embodiment (see Figure 4F, an electronic device not shown), the device is inserted into the flexible sheath 2a. The sheath/device combination is then placed in the bottom member 3, after which the clamping members 27a and alignment posts 27b of the top member 2 are aligned with the clamping mating members 37a and alignment channels 37b of the bottom member 3. In other embodiments, the sheath/device combination is then placed in the bottom member 3, after which the clamping member 27a of any member and the alignment post 27b and the clamping member 37a of the opposing member and the alignment channel 37b are alignment. In other In an embodiment, the sheath/device combination is placed in the top member 2, after which the clamping members 27a and alignment posts 27b on either member are aligned with the clamping engagement members 37a and alignment channels 37b of the opposing members. . The top member 2 and the bottom member 3 are then pressed together, resulting in closing the clamping member 27a to the clamping fit member 37a and compressing the flexible sheath 2a to form a watertight seal that encloses the device. At the same time, the touch screen of the enclosed device can be easily accessed by the user through the opening 2w in the top member 2.

FIG. 5A provides a side cross-sectional cross-sectional view of the outer casing 1 of the present disclosure showing the recessed button feature 40 and the latching jaw feature 70. The outer casing 1 includes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3. The top member 2 comprises a front surface, which in this embodiment consists of a flexible film 25. The front film includes a button feature 40 that includes a pivoting edge 41 and a raised pivoting ridge 42. The button feature 40 is recessed and configured to interface with a "home screen" or "menu" button of the enclosed device. The pivoting ridge portion 42 is convex and at least partially circumscribes the button feature 40 to accommodate the stroke associated with the button 40 being depressed. For example, as the button 40 is depressed, the pivoting edge 41 flattens and the pivoting ridge 42 extends downward.

The outer casing 1 further includes a charging crucible feature 70 on its proximal end. The charging port feature 70 includes a charging end opening 71a that is covered by a charging port latch cover or door 71b. The charging end opening 71a is delimited by a delimiting member. The delimiting member can be formed from any suitable material, such as the same material from which the remainder of the frame member is made, and can be in any suitable shape. For example, the charge delimiting member may be composed of the same material from which the inner peripheral portion 20a and/or the outer peripheral portion 20b are made. In certain embodiments, the charging end opening is a hole that is positioned along the rigid frame material of the inner peripheral portion 20a of the top member 2. Of course, in various embodiments, the charging end opening can be part of the bottom member.

Accordingly, the charging cartridge delimiting member may be integrally formed along with the inner peripheral portion 20b and/or further formed together with the outer peripheral portion 20b. In some embodiments, the charging cartridge delimiting member can be integrally formed with the rigid and/or rigid inner peripheral portion 20a of the top member 2 to form the charging end opening 71a. The second flexible peripheral portion 20b can then be overlaid on the rigid interior On the peripheral portion 20a, wherein the charging crucible slit is cut into the flexible peripheral portion 20b to at least partially delimit the charging end opening 71a of the inner peripheral portion 20a.

In some other cases, the charge delimiting member may comprise a plurality of materials, and the charging end opening 71a is composed of the material. For example, the charging end opening 71a may be delimited by a plurality of materials having different hardnesses. For example, the first delimiting material can be a rigid material that is provided to impart a structure to the charging end opening 71a. A second, more flexible material can be included that is configured to receive a portion of the charging door washer 78.

The charging cartridge feature 70 can further include a charging trick 71b that can include a charging door washer 78. The charging trick 71b and the washer 78 act together to provide a waterproof seal of the charging bore 71a. For example, in this embodiment, the charging cartridge delimiting member includes a charging door latch ramp receiving member 76, and the charging shutter 71b includes a corresponding charging door latch ramp 77. The charging door latch ramp 77 is configured for receipt in the charging door latch ramp receiving member 76 to latch the charging door 71b to the delimiting member. Therefore, when the charging shutter 71b is closed, the gasket 78 covers the charging end opening 71a, thereby effectively sealing the opening 71a and preventing liquid and/or dirt or dust from entering therethrough. The gasket may be comprised of any suitable compressible material that may be further overcoated with a less flexible rubber or polyoxyxide material as needed to provide greater flexibility to the gasket 78.

The charging shutter 71b is configured for opening and closing to allow and/or prevent access to the charging end opening 71a. Accordingly, the charging cassette feature 70 can further include a charging crucible shaft 74 that is positioned, for example, to extend from the bottom member, with the charging shutter 71b rotated or pivoted about the charging crucible shaft. Accordingly, the charging trick 71b can be configured to include a shaft receiving aperture 75 through which the shaft 74 is fitted. In this manner, the charging trick 71b can be rotated about the shaft 74 from the open position to the closed position, thereby permitting access to the charging end opening 71a when in the open position, or by providing when the charging shutter 71b is in the closed position A waterproof seal is provided to prevent access to the charging end opening.

The bottom member 3 includes a peripheral portion 30 having a channel 10 therein, positioned in the channel 10 There are washers 15. The channel 10 can be bounded by an inner peripheral portion 30a and an outer peripheral portion 30b. In this embodiment, the bottom member 3 is configured for coupling to the top member 2, such as via corresponding latch mechanisms 27 and 37, to form a watertight seal of the outer casing 1. In particular, the top member 2 can include an inner perimeter portion 20a that further includes an internal clamping mechanism 27. The outer peripheral portion 30b of the bottom member 3 can include a corresponding clamping mechanism 37. The clamping mechanisms 27 and 37 can be configured for coupling together to clamp the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 together to form the outer casing 1.

To further ensure a waterproof seal, a channel 10 is included along the peripheral portion of the outer casing 1. Channel 10 includes a gasket 15 positioned therein. Thus, as the inner peripheral portion 20a of the top member 2 is aligned with the outer peripheral portion 30b of the bottom member 3 and the corresponding clamping mechanisms 27 and 37 are coupled together, the collision member collision of the inner peripheral portion 20a of the top member 2 collides Within the channel 10, the gasket 15 is thereby contacted and compressed within the channel 10 of the bottom member 3, and in turn forms a watertight seal of the outer casing 1. The peripheral portion 30 of the bottom member 3 also includes a squeaking feature 50 in which a latching hood or plug 53 is positioned.

In this embodiment, the acoustic haptic feature 50 is positioned adjacent to the latch 埠 feature 70. However, as can be seen in relation to FIG. 5B, in various embodiments, the acoustic haptic feature 50 can be combined or otherwise positioned within the latch 埠 feature 70. For example, as depicted in Figure 5B, the acoustic haptic feature 50 is positioned within the latching haptic 71b. Thus, the latching flap 71b includes a hole 51 into which an external member such as an accessory member such as a headphone jack or a charger plug can be fitted, such as without having to open the charging door 71b. The opening 51 provides access to the opening 71a, however, in this embodiment, the sound boring 51 receives therein a plug 53 that includes an extension member on which a washer (not shown) is positioned, and a latch door The threaded element 54 on the corresponding threaded element is adapted such that by inserting the plug 53 into the hole 51 and associating the corresponding threaded element (and thus compressing the washer), the hole 51 can be suitably closed, such as against liquid and/or Anti-fouling seal.

Figure 5C provides a top view of a cross section of the outer casing 1 showing the sound 埠 features 50 and sound A charge transmission feature 70 (such as speaker sound transmission 埠 60) is separated. The charging cassette feature 70 includes a charging end opening 71a that is covered by a charging shutter 71b on which a washer 78 is positioned, which covers and seals the charging end opening 71a. The speaker sound transmission cassette 60 includes a sound channel 66 in which the sound channel 66 is tapered toward the acoustic aperture material 65, which is configured to direct sound toward the speaker (or microphone) of the underlying electronic device housed within the housing 1. )section. Also included is an acoustic aperture delimiting member (e.g., overmolded skirt base 67) that is externally attached to the acoustic aperture film 65.

For example, a portion of the acoustic aperture material 65 has been overmolded with a rigid material 67 to facilitate isolation and reduce sound transmission, such as from the microphone aperture portion, to prevent interference, and to further strengthen the outer casing and acoustic film. The seal between them ensures the liquid-repellent properties of the acoustic passage 60. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the acoustic aperture delimiting member 67 can be simply configured as a washer seat that is adapted to couple with a suitable acoustic aperture material 65, such as via a suitable adhesive.

The acoustic haptic feature 50 includes an opening 51 within which a suitable acoustic 埠 closure device, such as a plug 53, has been inserted to seal the opening. Specifically, the plug includes a seal (such as an O-ring 55) and a locking mechanism (such as a threaded region 54b) that corresponds to a similar region (eg, the threaded region 54a of the outer casing 1) so as to close The device is secured within the opening 51 to seal the opening against liquid and/or dust.

As indicated above, in certain embodiments, the outer casing 1 can include a bottom member that includes one or more auxiliary features. For example, the top member or the bottom member can include lens features and/or acoustic transmission features. In some cases, the bottom member 3 includes one or both of the lens features 80 and/or the sound transmitting features 86. For example, Figure 6A provides a perspective view of the back surface 35 of the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1 of the present disclosure. The bottom member 3 includes both the distal end portion 31 and the proximal end portion 32 and the bottom side portions 33 and 34. A camera portion 80 and a sound transmitting portion 86 are also included.

Camera portion 80 can include one or both of raised lip portions 81 that surround optical skirt 84 Multiple. The optical skirt 84 is configured to receive at least a camera lens area in which a camera lens 83 is positioned. The camera portion may additionally include a flash lens area in which a flash lens may be provided. Any of these lenses can be replaced by a light transmissive area. Thus, in some embodiments, the top member and/or the bottom member can include a camera portion having lens features, such as camera and/or flash features. In the typical case, no lens and/or flash features are provided. Instead, a light transmissive area is simply provided. However, in other embodiments, an optical grade lens is provided.

In either case where the camera and flash portion are provided in the same area, interference between the two can occur, causing problems with the picture taken by the camera of the underlying device. For example, in the case of a flash, an unprotected optically transparent region may allow light incident on the camera lens of the underlying device to be transmitted, thereby causing the captured picture to be washed away. Thus, as can be seen in relation to Figure 6A, in some embodiments, a lens feature 80 is provided in which one or more lenses, such as a camera lens and/or a flash lens, are positioned within a top member or bottom member of the housing for integral formation therewith . The lens feature 80 can include a lens 83 for a camera and/or another lens or optically transparent region (not shown) for the flash, and can further include an optical skirt 84 surrounding the one or more lenses to prevent Unmistakable light transmission, for example, to reduce internal reflections and thereby reduce astigmatism. When making the lens feature, one or more lenses can be pressed into the top or bottom member to press flush against the outer casing material. This method of fabrication can be better than molding because the typical molding process using rubber and other such materials is more difficult for glass due to differences in thermal expansion and shrinkage. In addition, it is difficult to make such a seal impervious to water.

Thus, in an embodiment, a housing containing a lens element is provided, wherein one or more lenses are provided in the lens element. The lens can be designed to have a diameter that is less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter of the lens provided in the underlying device. When fabricating an outer casing member having a lens element, the outer casing member can be fabricated (eg, molded) and separately provided with a suitable mirror head. A mandrel or other such tool can then be used to press the lens feature into the outer casing member. This will provide the lens feature with a clean and well-matched interface to the surrounding material of the outer casing member. The lens features should be constructed such that the transition region is flush between the lens features and the outer casing material without holes.

The bottom member 3 also includes a sound transmission feature 86. In this embodiment, the bottom member 3 includes a combined camera 80 and sound transmitting feature 86. However, in various embodiments, such features can be separated. It should be appreciated that while the described sound transmission features are described herein as microphone features, in other embodiments, they may be speaker features that may be included and/or used in place of microphone features, with respect to which change. The microphone feature 86 includes a sound aperture 87 extending from the exterior of the bottom member back surface 35 to the interior thereof, the aperture 87 being covered with a film 88 (not shown) that is acoustically permeable but liquid impermeable (e.g., water).

As depicted herein, the combined feature includes a camera lens 83 in which the camera lens 83 is separated from the sound transmission feature 86 by a distance d . Camera lens 83 is surrounded by non-transporting features 84 (such as ridges, metal rings, washers, O-rings, etc.) that are designed to prevent light transmission from the surroundings from colliding with camera lens 83. Thus, light that collides within the diameter of the non-transporting feature 84 can enter the camera lens 83, but light outside of the feature 84 is substantially inaccessible.

Figure 6A also depicts the latch door 71 and the sound inlet and/or outlet portion 60, as well as the sound boring 50, in which the plug 53 is positioned, as described in more detail herein above, which is positioned at the proximal portion of the outer casing 1 on.

FIG. 6B provides a cross-sectional, cross-sectional view of lens feature 80 (eg, camera features) and microphone feature 86 of FIG. 6A. In this embodiment, the lens feature 80 is provided on the bottom member 3 of the outer casing 1, but in various other embodiments, the lens feature 80 can be provided on the top member 2. Camera feature 80 includes a raised lip portion 81 that surrounds optical skirt 84. The optical skirt 84 includes a camera lens aperture containing a camera lens 83 (a flash lens aperture containing a flash lens may also be provided, but is not provided in this case).

As depicted in this embodiment, camera feature 80 and microphone feature 86 are combined features positioned adjacent one another. The microphone feature includes a sound inlet/outlet aperture 87 over which is coated a film member 88 that is at least partially capable of transmitting both light and sound but does not permit liquid (e.g., water) to pass through. Such a film 88 may be made of any suitable material, but in some cases may be a plastic or rubber or the like, such as a thermoplastic elastomer such as a thin layer of TPE, such as a TPE layer of 0.10 mm or less, such as 0.05 mm or less. , such as 0.3mm or less. In this embodiment, the film member 88 is comprised of a single film assembly. However, in other embodiments, film member 88 can include a plurality of different films that can provide the same or different functions. The film portion 88 can be attached to the bottom member 3 by any method well known in the art, such as by adding or by molding an adhesive, such as during overmolding. The sound transmission aperture is further surrounded by a sound-impermeable gasket 89 that at least partially surrounds the inlet/outlet aperture to prevent sound transmission into or out of the sound channel 87.

Figure 6C provides a close-up view of the lens and microphone combination features of Figure 6A. Camera feature 80 includes a raised lip portion 81 that surrounds optical skirt 84. This configuration provides a liquid-proof interface between the bottom outer casing 3 and the camera feature 80. The optical skirt 84 includes a camera lens aperture (and may include a flash lens) that includes a camera lens 83, wherein the optical skirt is configured to prevent light transmission therethrough, such as from a flash lens to a camera lens. The microphone feature 86 includes a sound inlet aperture 87 that allows sound to be transmitted into the housing but does not allow liquid (such as water) to be transferred into the housing.

FIG. 6D provides a side cross-sectional view of the lens feature 80 and sound transmitting feature 86 of FIG. 6C, showing the interior of the housing 1. Lens feature 80 includes an optical skirt 84. The optical skirt 84 includes a camera lens aperture containing a camera lens 83. It should be noted that in this embodiment, a flash lens with or without a flash lens skirt is not provided, however, in other embodiments, a flash lens and/or skirt may be present. In this embodiment, camera lens 83 includes an optical grade lens, however, in other embodiments, the camera lens may simply be an optically transparent transportable region, such as an acrylate screen or film. The optical skirt 84 can be configured to Prevent light from being transmitted from the flash to the camera lens.

Also included is a microphone feature 86 that is configured to align with the microphone portion of the underlying device and includes a sound inlet aperture 87 that allows sound to be transmitted into and toward the housing portion, but because the aperture is made of a liquid impermeable film 88 covers, so liquid such as water cannot pass through the hole 87. The inlet aperture 87 is further surrounded by a sound dampening washer 89 which projects above the bottom surface 35 of the bottom member 3 and circumscribes the entire periphery of the aperture 87, thereby forming a sound path therewith. The sound channel thus formed acts to prevent sound from entering or leaving the sound channel, thereby preventing interference that may otherwise be caused by internal sound transmission, such as caused by the included sound transmission portion of the speaker. Thus, although the microphone transmission portion 86 has been described with respect to being a microphone transmission portion and positioned at a specific position within the casing, the sound transmission portion may be a speaker transmission portion and may be positioned anywhere along the casing.

As briefly described above, in some embodiments, the outer casing can include an end opening, such as a dielectric port, such as a charging port. To ensure increased protection of the underlying device, such as to protect the underlying device from dirt, liquids, snow, vibrations, etc., the housing may additionally include a latching latch that can be opened and closed to cover and seal the end opening. The haptic and/or latching cover can be positioned, for example, along the periphery of the outer casing, such as at its proximal or distal end or side. In some cases, the 埠 and 埠 latches are latching hoods that resist vibration and liquids. The latch and latch cover can be positioned on the top perimeter member or bottom perimeter member of the outer casing and can be configured to span from one side of the opening to the other.

For example, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 7A, in some cases, the latch feature 70 can be positioned on the proximal end of the outer casing 1. The latch feature 70 includes a latch or latch opening delimiting member 72 (with an end opening 71a therein) and may further include a latch cover 71b. The end opening delimiting member 72 circumscribes an opening 71a, wherein the opening can be configured to receive a charging member for charging the underlying electronic device. The latch feature 70 can also include a latch cover 71b that is configured to cover the latch opening delimiting member 72. In this embodiment, the latch opening delimiting member 72 is The inner peripheral portion 20b of the top member 2 is integrally formed, and the peripheral portion forms an end opening.

The latch feature 70 and the end opening delimiting member 72 can have any suitable configuration. As depicted in Figure 7A, the latch feature 70 is configured for traversing from one outer shell member (e.g., bottom member 3) to another outer shell member (e.g., top member 2). Accordingly, the opposing outer casing members 2 and 3 will have corresponding latching feature interfaces configured to engage the latch cover 71b to seal the end opening 71a bounded by the delimiting member 72. For example, the latch feature delimiting member 72 is positioned within the proximal portion 21 of the top member 2 and the latch feature cover 71b is positioned on the proximal portion 31 of the bottom member 3. The latch feature 70 also includes a plurality of latch cover interfaces, such as a latch cover connector 74, which couples the latch cover 71b to the bottom member by interfacing with the shaft aperture 75 of the latch cover 71b. 3.

The latch cover connector 74 can have any suitable configuration as long as it can interface with the latch cover 71b, couple the latch cover 71b to the top member 2 or the bottom member 3, and facilitate movement of the latch cover 71b, such as The open position moves to the closed position. In this case, the latch cover connector 74 is configured as a latch shaft that is positioned on the proximal end portion 31 of the bottom member 3. The latch cover connector 74 is positioned below the latch feature delimiting member 72, which is included in the top member 2. The latch cover connector 74 is configured to engage the latch cover 71b via the latch connector aperture 75 to assist in moving the latch cover 71b from the open position to the closed position, wherein in the closed position, the latch cover 71b spans The latch covers an opening bounded by the delimiting member 72. Accordingly, movement of the latch cover 71b from the open position to the closed position results in covering and/or sealing the opening 71a bounded by the latch cover delimiting member 72. In this case, the latch cover 71b is configured to rotate about the latch cover connector 74.

Above the latching cover delimiting member 72 is another latching cover interface that is configured to engage the latching cover 71b to secure the latching cover 71b in the closed position. In this case, the latch cover interface above the latching cover delimiting member 72 is a latch ramp receiving or colliding member 76 that is configured for use when the latch cover is closed Corresponding latching ramp interface portion 77 of the latching cover 71b when in position, thereby latching The lock cover 71b is fixed in the closed position. As depicted, the latch ramp receiving/colliding member 76 is positioned over the top member 2 above the latch end opening delimiting member 72.

In certain embodiments, the closure of the latch cover 71b closes the end opening 72 into a liquid-tight and/or dust-tight seal. To ensure a liquid tight seal, the latch feature 70 can have one or more additional features. For example, the latch feature 70 can include a seal 78, such as a washer, such as an O-ring or other depressible washer. For example, as depicted in Figure 6A, the latch cover 71b includes a washer 78 that is sized to fit within and/or around the opening of the latch opening delimiting member 72 such that as the latch is closed The 71b is moved from the open position to the closed position, and the gasket 78 is fitted into and/or around the end opening 71a to seal the crucible. Thus, in each case, the washer 78 is configured for incomplete fitting within the latch end opening, but surrounding the opening.

As depicted in Figure 7B, the latch opening delimiting member 72 includes a gasket interface that is positioned in some manner to interact with the gasket 78 and, in turn, when the latch housing 71b is in a closed configuration, such as when the latch ramp interface 77 is coupled When the latching ramp 76 is reached, a watertight seal is provided. The washer 78 can be positioned on the washer seat of the latch cover 71b. In certain embodiments, the gasket 78 can further include an overlying gasket 78 that can be a less compressible, less porous material, such as rubber or crucible, to achieve a more secure seal of the latch feature 70. .

To facilitate such interaction, in certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to have the outer casing member (e.g., 2 having the end opening delimiting member 72) include additional rigid structural features that may be positioned in a manner such that Providing increased structural integrity to the end opening delimiting member 72 and in turn provides additional support for the end opening. For example, in some cases, when there is an end opening delimiting member 72 in the top member 2 of the outer casing 1, the end opening may have a tendency to make the surrounding material less fragile. Thus, a rigid support material can be associated with such a material to support the area surrounding the open end.

In the absence of a rigid support material, the top and bottom portions surrounding the opening may be forced away from each other, thereby jeopardizing the opening to seal in a watertight manner. Ability. In this case, a rigid hardening material may be added to ensure the integrity of the end opening. For example, an injection molded hardener, such as stainless steel, magnesium, a rigid plastic component, polycarbonate, or the like, can be included in the top member 2 and associated with the material surrounding the end opening 72 to provide increased rigidity to the material, This in turn maintains the physical integrity of the end opening and prevents bending. In some cases, such reinforcement is achieved without thickening the material of the outer casing member, as this may result in thickening, widening, and/or lengthening of the entire outer casing, although this can be done in this manner. It should be understood that while the above description has been made with respect to the positioning of the end opening in the top member 2, the end opening can be likewise positioned in the bottom member 3, thus causing a change to other latching features.

Thus, Figure 7B provides a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the housing 1 having the latch feature 70 of the housing of the present disclosure. The latch feature 70 includes an end opening delimiting member 72 having a latch cover 71b. As depicted, the top member 2 includes an end opening delimiting member 72 having an associated latch ramp receiving member 76. The latch opening delimiting member 72 delimits an opening in the top member 2, for example, an end opening 71a. The bottom member 3 includes a latch shaft, such as a pivot shaft 74. The latch cover 71b interfaces with the latch shaft 74 on the bottom member 3 via the shaft socket 75. The latch cover 71b additionally includes a latch ramp interface portion 77 that interfaces with the latch ramp receiving member 76 of the end opening delimiting member 72 of the top member 2. Thus, when the latch cover 71b is in the closed position, the latch ramp interface portion 77 is coupled to the latch ramp 76 to close and/or seal the end opening.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the latch cover 71b also includes additional ankle features, such as the acoustic haptic feature 50. In this embodiment, the voice cassette feature 50 is depicted as a headphone jack end opening 51 in which a headphone jack cover or plug 53 is positioned. The headphone jack dam 53 includes a threaded region 54b that corresponds to a similar threaded region 54a that is positioned within the headphone jack end opening 51. The headphone jack dam 53 further includes a gasket (not shown) that circumscribes the plug 53. The headphone jack dam 53 is inserted into the headphone jack end opening 51, the plug thread 54b is aligned with the 埠 thread 54a, and the washer (not shown) is compressed by screwing the plug 53 into the plug 51, thereby in A latching seal is formed in the latch cover 71b. The jack dam 53 also includes a top member 58 having a grip feature 56.

As can be seen with respect to Figure 8A, the proximal portion of the outer casing 1 can include one or more (e.g., a plurality) of sound transmitting portions 60 in which one or more acoustic apertures, such as microphone acoustic apertures or speaker acoustic apertures, are positioned. In this embodiment, the sound transmitting portion 60 is configured as a speaker transmission aperture. The proximal portion of the outer casing 1 further includes: a latch feature 70 having an end opening latch cover 71b; a plurality of coin slot features 18a and 18b configured to assist in separating the top The member 2 and the bottom member 3; and the sound transmission cassette 50 in which the crucible closure 53 is positioned.

Figure 8A provides an external view of the proximal portion of the outer casing 1. As depicted, the sound transmitting portion 60 is positioned on the top member 2 with the bottom member 3 having a cutout portion to receive and form a portion of the sound exit channel 66. In this embodiment, the proximal portion 21 of the top member 2 includes a single (eg, speaker) sound transmitting portion 60, but in other embodiments, may include a plurality of sound transmitting portions (eg, speaker and/or microphone sound transmission) section). As depicted, the speaker sound transmission portion 60 includes a sound channel 66 that leads to a speaker acoustic aperture material, such as a sound-permeable but water-impermeable film 65 that is protected by a protective grid feature 69.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 8B, the sound transmitting portion 60 is positioned within the top member 2 and traverses from the outside of the outer casing 1 into the interior of the outer casing 1 through the outer peripheral portion 20a and the inner peripheral portion 20b of the top member 2. The acoustic channel 66 includes an acoustic film 65 (which traverses the acoustic channel 66), such as a film, such as a GoreTex® film, that is configured to receive and transmit sound but is non-transportable to liquids such as water.

The outer casing surrounding the acoustic film 65 can be configured to be overmolded therewith. Accordingly, the sound channel 66 can further include an overmold portion 67 configured to interface with a peripheral portion of the film 65 for overmolding therewith and thereby securing a liquid impervious between the outer shell and the acoustic film and/or A dust-tight seal. However, in various embodiments, the components 67 The washer seat can be simply formed and the acoustic aperture film 65 is positioned and/or attached to the washer seat by a suitable method, such as by the addition of an adhesive. The acoustic film 65 is capable of transmitting sound but is not capable of transporting liquid. Thus, the sound can travel through the sound channel 66 to exit (or enter) the outer casing, but liquid (such as water) cannot, because it cannot pass through the acoustic aperture film 65. Also provided on the proximal end of the outer casing 1 is a latch feature 70 having a latch opening 71a adjacent to the sound transmitting portion 60, the latch opening 71a being bounded by the delimiting member 72 and being latched by a latching cover 78 with a washer 78 positioned thereon 71b covers to seal the opening 71a. Also adjacent to the latch feature 70 is a sound inlet port 50 having an inlet aperture 51 and closed by a closure plug 53 having an extension member 52 that extends at least partially into and/or through the aperture 51.

Figure 8C provides an external inward view of the proximal portion of the outer casing 1 of Figure 8B. The proximal portion may include one or more sound transmitting portions, such as speaker sound transmitting portion 60. The speaker sound transmitting portion may include a sound channel 66 that is traversed by the acoustic film 65. For example, a sound transmitting portion (e.g., 60) can be configured as a speaker (or microphone) transmission portion that includes a sound channel 66 that passes through a speaker (or microphone) portion of the down device. The sound channel 66 is transected by a microphone acoustic aperture material 65 that is protected on the outer portion by a protective acoustic grid 69, which may be a molded grid portion that functions to provide a sound path Structural integrity and/or support is provided to the acoustic aperture material 65. A latch feature 70 and a latch cover 71b as well as a voice cassette feature 50 and a voice flap closure are also provided on the proximal end of the housing 1.

In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the housing of the present disclosure may include one or more fabricated switch or button features. For example, a switch or button feature can be provided for engaging a switch or button mechanism of a closed device such as a mute switch, a directional switch or a volume control or an "on"/"off" button. As can be seen with respect to Figure 9A, button features such as 99a and/or 99b can be included on a portion of the outer casing 1, such as on one of the opposing side portions. The periphery of the outer casing 1 may further include other features, such as one or more on/off control buttons (not shown); a coin slot feature 18; one or more sound transmitting portions 60; Latch feature 70; voice 埠 feature 50, and the like.

The switch and/or button 99 features are fabricated with the housing 1 and are specifically configured to engage corresponding switches and buttons of the contained device. Therefore, the switches and buttons are designed to shape and ensure the functionality and aesthetics of the underlying switches and buttons of the underlying device.

Figure 9B provides a close-up view of Figure 9A showing the peripheral portion of the housing 1 housing the volume buttons 99a and 99b. The outer casing 1 includes a top outer casing member 2 having a peripheral portion 20, and a bottom outer casing member 3 having a peripheral portion 30. As depicted, the volume buttons 99a and 99b are positioned along the peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2, but in other embodiments, may be positioned on the bottom member 3.

In this embodiment, the style of the button 99 features is designed to preserve the style and functionality of the switches and buttons of the underlying device. The volume button is configured to engage the respective volume buttons of the contained device to change the volume characteristics of the stored device. Thus, each of the volume control dials or buttons 99a and 99b is configured to engage its corresponding button on the stored device for increasing and decreasing the volume of the underlying device. These configurations may vary from device to device. Also depicted is a top surface film 25 of the top member 2 that includes a video camera lens or optically transparent region 47 and an optically transparent proximity sensor region 48. Although not shown, film 25 may also include other optically transparent regions, such as ambient light sensors, and/or may include an acoustic aperture portion (as described above) that includes for transmitting sound. The sound transmission hole of the top member film 25 and/or the waterproof film overlying the top member film.

Figure 9C provides a cross-sectional internal view of the volume dials 99a, b as depicted in Figure 11A. The volume control dials 99a and b include a flat user engagement surface portion that is engageable by a user, and an extended button engagement portion that is configured to engage a button of the stored device. One or more additional spacers may be added to the extended button engagement portion to enhance engagement of the buttons of the received device.

Complementary clamping mechanisms 13a and 13b and complementary clamping mechanisms 27 and 37 are also depicted. internal The peripheral portion further includes a rubber shock absorbing portion 68a to further provide a form fit interface with the received device.

As can be seen with respect to Figure 10, in certain embodiments, the peripheral portion 20 of the top member 2 can comprise a stepped configuration to allow the individual outer casing members 2 and 3 to more closely interface with one another, regardless of the outer casing and/or underlying equipment. The presence of one or more features (such as the headset feature 50).

For example, in the case where the inner peripheral portion 20a of the top member 2 includes the clamping mechanism 27, the inner peripheral portion 20a and the clamping mechanism 27 may have a transition region that moves from a lower d5 along the side of the outer casing to the edge The higher d3 of the corner of the outer casing. This transition zone can be included along all corners to ensure a tight seal, and/or can be included at any suitable location to accommodate the presence of peripheral features such as the earphone haptic feature 50.

Thus, Figure 10D provides a view of the corner edge detail of the proximal portion of the outer casing having a stepped upward configuration showing the inner peripheral portion 20a and the transition region of the clamping member 27 from low to high, the transition region providing the necessary clearance At the same time, the clamping interface is maintained to accommodate the presence of the earphones 50. It should be noted that this transition zone may be included without reference to its relationship to any other peripheral features, and may be included in the top or bottom member with subsequent changes to the components of the top or bottom member. In this case, the step is upward from d5 along the side of the peripheral portion 20a of the outer casing to d4 at the beginning of the corner, and then to the maximum height of d3 at the height of the corner, depending on the outer casing and/or the equipment to be housed. The configuration, any of d3, d4 and d5 may be the same or different. In addition, the flexible peripheral portion 20b can also have a change in thickness, length or height, as indicated by any difference between d1 and d2, depending on the configuration of the outer casing and/or the equipment to be housed, in d1 and d2 Any one can be the same or different.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a touch-sensitive interactive display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by a rear wall and a side wall coupled to a circumference of the rear wall, the side wall Generally corresponding to a circumference of the rear wall and having a top edge defined by an outer circumference and an inner circumference, the rear wall and the side wall each having an inner surface for receiving an electronic device; and a frame member that gives at least a front surface of the electronic device A portion of the frame is configured to enable a user to directly touch the touch sensitive interactive display having a peripheral edge corresponding to the outer periphery of the top edge and having an inner periphery extending downwardly from the bottom side of the frame member to access the side wall of the side wall And one or more coupling members engaged with the inner surface of the side wall; and a releasable adhesive member on the outer side of the one or more coupling members, on the bottom side of the frame member a first interface between the top edges of the side walls of the bottom member to seal the first interface, and when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member, on the inside of the one or more coupling members, on the underside of the frame member At a second interface with the front surface of the electronic device to seal the second interface. .

According to some embodiments, the releasable adhesive seals the second interface between the frame member and the electronic device when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a latch extending from a bottom side of the frame member for latching with an inner surface of a sidewall of the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a plurality of latches spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each latch having an outwardly facing projection to engage a sidewall formed on the bottom member Inwardly recessed in the inner surface. The one or more coupling members can be selected from the group consisting of: snaps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clips, locks, or grapple hooks.

In certain embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is formed from an elastomer. The elastomer can be a polyurethane gel. In other embodiments, the frame members are formed from a rigid material.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a touch-sensitive interactive display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by a rear wall and a sidewall coupled to a circumference of the rear wall, the sidewall generally corresponding to a circumference of the rear wall and having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defined of a top edge, the rear wall and at least a portion of the side wall each having an inner surface for receiving an electronic device; a frame member that frames at least a portion of a front surface of the electronic device to enable a user to directly touch the touch sensitive interactive display The frame member has a peripheral edge corresponding to the outer periphery of the top edge and has one or more coupling members extending downwardly from the bottom side of the frame member to access the inner periphery of the side wall for engagement with the inner surface of the side wall And a releasable adhesive member on the outer side of the one or more coupling members at a first interface between the bottom side of the frame member and the top edge of the side wall of the bottom member for sealing a first interface; when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member, on an inner side of the one or more coupling members, at a second interface between a bottom side of the frame member and a front surface of the electronic device, and at the inner surface Upper to seal the second interface.

According to some embodiments, the releasable adhesive seals the second interface between the frame member and the electronic device when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a latch extending from a bottom side of the frame member for latching with an inner surface of a sidewall of the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a plurality of latches spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each latch having an outwardly facing projection to engage a sidewall formed on the bottom member Inwardly recessed in the inner surface. The one or more coupling members can be selected from the group consisting of: snaps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clips, locks, or grapple hooks.

In certain embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is formed from an elastomer. The elastomer can be a polyurethane gel. In other embodiments, the frame members are formed from a rigid material.

The present disclosure also provides a protective housing for an electronic device. The electronic device can have a front surface that includes a display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by the rear wall and the side wall to receive an electronic device, the side wall having a top surface defined by the outer and inner circumferences; and a frame member for the electronic device At least a portion of the front surface is framed to enable a user to operate the display, the frame member having a peripheral edge corresponding to the outer periphery of the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member; one or more coupling members that will frame the frame member Coupling with the bottom member; and releasable adhesive interposed between the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and the bottom side of the frame member to seal the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member The interface with the frame members.

According to some embodiments, the releasable adhesive seals the second interface between the frame member and the electronic device when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a latch extending from a bottom side of the frame member for latching with an inner surface of a sidewall of the bottom member. In another embodiment, the one or more coupling members include a plurality of latches spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each latch having an outwardly facing projection to engage a sidewall formed on the bottom member Inwardly recessed in the inner surface. The one or more coupling members can be selected from the group consisting of: snaps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clips, locks, or grapple hooks.

In certain embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is formed from an elastomer. The elastomer can be a polyurethane gel. In other embodiments, the frame members are formed from a rigid material.

Figure 11 shows two views A and B of an embodiment of the housing according to the present invention as generally described above. In such embodiments, the outer casing includes a top member and a bottom member joined together to enclose the electronic device (indicated by hatching in Figure 11A) in the outer casing. In the configuration of this embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the outer casing 200 includes a top member 210 and a bottom member 220, where the top member and the bottom member are engaged by the device after the device to be closed is positioned in the bottom member 220. Connected together. Of course, any suitable mechanical system can be adapted to achieve a watertight connection of the top member to the bottom member. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, the top member 210 is joined to the bottom member 220 using a clamping mechanism. Such a clamping mechanism can include a plurality of clamping mechanisms, such as one or more An internal clamping mechanism and/or one or more external clamping mechanisms and/or one or more hybrid clamping mechanisms. For example, in various embodiments, the outer casing may include an internal clamping mechanism, such as an internal clamping mechanism comprised of a plurality of internal clamping members 221a, 221b that are configured for engagement with the bottom member 220 A complementary structure (eg, tapered channel 231) is present on inner surface 222. In some embodiments, the inner clamping members 221a, 221b can be positioned on the inner surface 222 of the bottom member 220 and the tapered channel 231 can be positioned on the top member. Alternatively, the clamping member can circumscribe one or more portions of the perimeter of the bottom member engagement structure of the top member 210 of the outer casing 220. A combination of clamping mechanisms can also be used.

As shown in the embodiment depicted in Figure 11A, a plurality of internal clamping members 221a, 221b are provided. The clamping members are configured such that when the top and bottom members 210, 220 are coupled together, it is preferably provided with water and/or dust and/or by the presence of one or more seals such as washers 223, 224. Or a shock-proof seal that is compressed when the top and bottom members 210, 220 are securely joined together (such as when the clamping member 221 is joined to a complementary structure such as the tapered passage 231) To form a seal. The seal protects the enclosed electronic device (or the electrical components housed inside the device) from environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like. In certain embodiments, the outer gasket 224 is absent because the seal between the outer side of the top member 210 and the outer side of the bottom member 220 is sufficient to block environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like.

Suitable clamping mechanisms can have any suitable configuration, such as corresponding clips, straight or slanted edges of L or T, wedge and interdigitated wedge sockets, corresponding teeth and/or toothed receiving members, hooks and recesses Slot fasteners, rib and channel fasteners, studs and stud sockets, buttons, zippers, hooks and ring frame fasteners, screws, bolts, rivets, external clips, etc.

Figure 11B shows a top view of the outer casing 200 depicted in Figure 11A, showing gaskets 223, 224 that provide sealing functionality. Any suitable sealing material can be used. Implemented here In the example, the washers 223, 224 are resilient, compressible O-rings, each positioned within the gasket passages 225, 226 in the bottom side of the top member 210. The O-ring can be a solid or compressible O-ring, such as capable of being compressed from about 1% to about 70%, such as from about 5% to about 65%, from about 10% to about 60%, including from about 15% to about 50%. For example, from about 20% to about 40%, including about 30% O-rings. In other embodiments, a viscous or adhesive compressible material such as TPE, polyoxyxide, polyurethane gel, slow flow adhesive, or the like is used as the seal 223 and/or 224. Such materials also include adherent gelatinous materials such as poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymers and melt blended blends of plasticized oils. Such materials are preferably high surface energy materials, self-adhesive, highly surface viscous, and are flowable and releasable (to allow for the closure of the device where the user wishes to remove the device from the housing) The device is detached). Such materials allow a watertight seal even when no external pressure is applied. When the top member is joined to the bottom member (e.g., joined using a clamping assembly), such materials compress and carry (or aspirate) moisture to form a watertight seal between the components that contact the particular seal. If necessary, excess material, if any, can be removed after the seal has been formed. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, the display screen of a closed electronic device, such as a smart phone, directly contacts the innermost seal 223 of the two seals 223, 224.

This embodiment may also include a screen protector on the electronic device that covers all or substantially all of the area bounded by the inner seal 223. The screen protector can be placed such that it is subject to impact by the inner seal 223 and/or the outer seal 224. In some embodiments, the periphery of the screen protector 150 preferably includes a plurality of prefabricated apertures, such as when the screen protector is positioned in the housing, such as on an electronic device to be enclosed in the housing, at the periphery of the electronic device. The plurality of prefabricated apertures allow the clamping members 221a, 221b to pass through the screen protector when interposed between the top member 210 and the bottom member 220.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The system includes a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the portable electronic device; an elastic member, the elastic The structural member is coupled to a portion of the rigid outer casing having an inner surface for covering a peripheral region of the fixed size structure provided by the portable electronic device; and a compression member coupled to the rigid outer casing The compression member is configured to provide an opposite compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the elastic member when the elastic member covers the peripheral region of the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device, the outer surface being close to the elastic member The inner surface is generally opposite the inner surface such that at least one water resistant seal is formed at a peripheral region between the inner surface of the resilient member and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device.

In some embodiments, the compression member is integrally formed with the rigid outer casing. The rigid outer casing can be formed from one or more sections. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the compression member is coupled to the rigid outer casing by one or more coupling members selected from the group of coupling members including: sliders, clamps, activities Hinge, braided snap, latch and/or prestressed tensioning member.

In other embodiments, the resilient member comprises a binder material. The elastic member may be formed of a releasable adhesive material. The resilient member can also be further interposed between the rigid frame and the compression member, wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form a second water resistant seal between the resilient member and the rigid frame.

In other embodiments, the system includes two or more elastic members. The system can also include a second resilient member interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form the second resilient member and the rigid frame The second water resistant seal.

In other embodiments, the peripheral region of the portable electronic device can include one or more features, and wherein the resilient member includes a corresponding operational region for accessing and operating the one or more features. The one or more features can include one or more of: a display, one or more speakers, one or more buttons, one or more switches, one or more deafness, one or more proximity sensors, One or more lenses, one or more flashes. In another embodiment The compression member is coupled to the rigid housing by a coupling mechanism selected from the group consisting of a mechanical retention mechanism, a molding mechanism, or an adhesive mechanism.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing a water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The system includes a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the portable electronic device, and an elastic member bonded to a portion of the rigid outer casing, the elastic member having a cover for being covered by the portable electronic An inner surface of the peripheral region of the fixed-size structure provided by the device; and a compression member coupled to the rigid outer casing for covering the peripheral region of the fixed-size structure of the portable electronic device when the elastic member covers Providing an opposite compressive force against the fixed size structure on the outer surface of the resilient member, the outer surface being proximate to and substantially opposite the inner surface of the resilient member, thereby allowing the inner surface of the resilient member to interact with the portable electronic A water resistant seal is formed at the peripheral region between the fixed size structures of the device.

In some embodiments, the compression member is integrally formed with the rigid outer casing. The rigid outer casing can be formed from one or more sections. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the compression member is coupled to the rigid outer casing by one or more coupling members selected from the group of coupling members including: sliders, clamps, activities Hinge, braided snap, latch and/or prestressed tensioning member.

In other embodiments, the resilient member comprises a binder material. The elastic member may be formed of a releasable adhesive material. The resilient member can also be further interposed between the rigid frame and the compression member, wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form a second water resistant seal between the resilient member and the rigid frame.

In other embodiments, the system includes two or more elastic members. The system can also include a second resilient member interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing, To form a second water resistant seal between the second resilient member and the rigid frame.

In other embodiments, the peripheral region of the portable electronic device can include one or more features, and wherein the resilient member includes a corresponding operational region for accessing and operating the one or more features. The one or more features can include one or more of: a display, one or more speakers, one or more buttons, one or more switches, one or more deafness, one or more proximity sensors, One or more lenses, one or more flashes. In another embodiment, the compression member is coupled to the rigid outer casing by a coupling mechanism selected from the group consisting of a mechanical retention mechanism, a molding mechanism, or an adhesive mechanism.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device that provides a fixed size structure. The system includes a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the portable electronic device; a releasable and reusable adhesive member having a cover for being provided by the portable electronic device An inner surface of the peripheral region of the fixed size structure to form the at least one water resistant seal at a peripheral region between the inner surface of the releasable and reusable adhesive member and the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device; A compression member coupled to the rigid outer casing and disposed on an outer surface of the releasable and reusable adhesive member.

In certain embodiments, the compression member provides an opposing compressive force against the fixed size structure that is proximate to and substantially opposite the inner surface of the releasable and reusable adhesive member. In various aspects of this embodiment, the opposing compressive force is used to mechanically retain the releasable and reusable adhesive member to inhibit shearing and pealing of the releasable and reusable adhesive member.

In other embodiments, the releasable and reusable adhesive member is further interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, and wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form a releasable and Reusable adhesive A second water resistant seal between the member and the rigid frame. The system may also include two or more releasable and reusable adhesive members. The system can also include a second releasable and reusable adhesive member interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, and wherein the compression member further provides an opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing to form A second water resistant seal between the second releasable and reusable adhesive member and the rigid frame. The releasable and reusable adhesive member can be flexible and can be an elastomer. The releasable and reusable adhesive member can be formed from a polyurethane.

In other embodiments, the releasable and reusable adhesive member is bonded to the compression member. The releasable and reusable adhesive member can also be bonded to a rigid frame.

Figure 12 shows two views A and B of a further embodiment of the housing according to the present invention as generally described above. These embodiments are similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. In such embodiments, the outer casing also includes a top member and a bottom member that are joined together to enclose the electronic device (hatched in Figure 12A) within the outer casing. In the configuration of this embodiment depicted in Figure 12, the outer casing 250 includes a top member 260 and a bottom member 270 that are also joined together by snapping together after the device to be closed is positioned within the bottom member 270 . Of course, any suitable mechanical system can be adapted to achieve the watertight attachment of the top and bottom members of such embodiments. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the top member 260 is coupled to the bottom member 270 using a clamping mechanism. Here, a plurality of inner clamping members 261a, 261b are configured to engage the complementary structure, here a tapered passage 271 present on the inner surface 272 of the bottom member 270. The clamping structures are configured such that when the top member 260 and the bottom member 270 are coupled together, it is preferably provided with liquid and/or by the presence of one or more seals (e.g., washers (263, 264)). Or a dust and/or shockproof seal that occurs when the top member 260 and the bottom member 270 are securely joined together (e.g., when the clamping member 261 is in a joined relationship with a complementary structure such as the tapered passage 271) Condition) is compressed to form the seal. The seal protects the enclosed electronic device (or the electrical components housed inside the device) from environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like. In some embodiments, the inner clamping members 261a, 261b can be positioned on the inner surface 272 of the bottom member 270 and the tapered channel 271 can be positioned on the top member.

In such embodiments, the shock absorbing member 280 is also associated with the bottom member 270 and is positioned between the bottom member 270 and the electronic device to be enclosed in the housing. The shock absorbing member can be a single part (as shown) or multiple parts. In certain embodiments, when the shock absorbing member is constructed from a plurality of parts, the part may be a strip that extends along or across the length of the bottom member 270 or that extends in a diagonal direction of the bottom member 270. In some embodiments, multiple pieces may be crisscrossed on the bottom member 270. The shock absorbing device is used to dampen the electronic device when positioned between the electronic device and the bottom member 270. The shock absorbing member 280 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials including polyfluorene, rubber or other elastomeric or polymeric materials. As will be appreciated, to form a watertight seal between the top member 260 and the bottom member 270 and the enclosed electronic device, the seals 263, 264 and the shock absorbing member 280 provide movement between the top member and the bottom member for the device. Preferably not sufficient to disrupt or otherwise disrupt the display (or screen protector or other such optically transparent or translucent layer) of the enclosed electronic device by the washers 263, 264 at the top member 260 and the bottom member 270 (not shown) Any of the seals formed between the seals attached to the outer surface of the display).

Figure 12B shows a top view of the outer casing 200 depicted in Figure 12A, illustrating the gaskets 263, 264 that provide a sealing function. Also, any suitable sealing material can be used. In this embodiment, the washers 263, 264 are resilient, compressible O-rings, each positioned within the gasket passages 265, 266 in the bottom side of the top member 210. The O-ring can be a solid or compressible O-ring, such as capable of being compressed from about 1% to about 70%, such as from about 5% to about 65%; from about 10% to about 60%, for example including from about 15% to about 50%; about 20% to about 40%, including about 30% O-ring. In other embodiments, a viscous or adhesive compressible material such as TPE, polyoxyxide, polyurethane gel, slow flow adhesive, or the like is used as the seal 263 and/or 264. Such materials also include adherent gelatinous materials such as poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymers and melt blended blends of plasticized oils. Such materials are preferably high surface energy materials, self-adhesive, highly surface viscous, and flowable and releasable (to allow for the closure of the device if the user wishes to remove the device from the housing) The device is detached). Such materials allow a watertight seal even when no external pressure is applied. When the top member and the bottom member are joined (e.g., joined using a clamping assembly), such materials compress and carry (or aspirate) moisture to form a watertight seal between the components that contact the particular seal. If necessary, excess material, if any, can be removed after the seal has been formed. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, the display screen of a closed electronic device, such as a smart phone, directly contacts the innermost seal 263 of the two seals 263, 264. In some embodiments, the outer gasket (264) is absent because the seal between the outer side of the upper member 260 and the outer side of the bottom member 270 is sufficient to block environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like.

This embodiment may also include a screen protector on the electronic device that covers all or substantially all of the area bounded by the inner seal 223. The screen protector can be placed such that it is subject to impact by the inner seal 223 and/or the outer seal 224. In some embodiments, the periphery of the screen protector 150 preferably includes a plurality of pre-formed holes, which are located at the periphery of the electronic device when the screen protector is positioned in the housing, for example, on an electronic device to be enclosed in the housing. The pre-formed aperture allows the clamping members 221a, 221b to pass through the screen protector when interposed between the top member 210 and the bottom member 220.

The present disclosure also provides an enclosure for an electronic device, wherein the enclosure has a top member 300 and a bottom member 301, as shown in Figure 13A. The top member 300 is joined to the bottom member 301 by a top member yoke 302 that interacts with the bottom member yoke 303. As shown in Figure 13A, the top member fork head includes a fork with the bottom member The teeth on the sockets interact with the teeth. However, this may be reversed in some embodiments. Additionally, the teeth or sockets may be on the outside or inside of the top member fork. Further, when the top member and the bottom member are joined, the bottom member yoke can be positioned to the inside or the outside of the top member yoke. In other embodiments, the top member yoke may have some of the yokes with teeth or sockets on the outside and some of the yokes with teeth or sockets on the inside. The bottom member fork head will be properly positioned to interact with the top member fork head. In some embodiments, the orientation of the teeth or sockets may be alternated or may be distributed in any manner known in the art. In certain embodiments, 40% to 60% of the top member prongs have teeth or sockets that face the exterior or interior of the outer casing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, the top member fork head 302 includes teeth 305 and the bottom member fork head 303 includes a tooth socket 304. In other embodiments, the bottom member clevis may include teeth 305 and the top member clevis may include a toothed socket. When the top member 300 is aligned with the bottom member 301 and the two members are assembled together, the teeth 305 interact with the toothed sockets 304 to hold the top member 300 and the bottom member 301 together to enclose the electronic device 310. See also Figure 13C.

In some embodiments, the sides on which the teeth 305 are placed on the prongs can vary. For example, the teeth 305 can be present on the outside or inside of the top fork head 302. This is shown in Figure 13A. In such embodiments, a bottom yoke 303 including a toothed socket 304 is present on the outside or inside of the top yoke 302 to interact with the teeth 305. In some embodiments, placing the teeth 305 on the outside or inside of the top fork head 302 can vary. In some embodiments, the locations of the teeth 305 can alternate. FIG. 13A depicts an alternate bottom fork 303 on either side of the top yoke 302.

As shown in FIG. 13B, in some embodiments, an air gap 306 is necessary to allow the top member fork head 303 to have a space to flex when interacting with the bottom member fork head 303. In some embodiments, an air gap 306 is present on the outer side of the top member clevis 302. In other embodiments, the top member 300 and the bottom member 301 are assembled together The air gap 306 is present on the outer side of the top member yoke 302 and below the top member yoke 302. In some embodiments, the bottom member yoke 303 is flexible when interacting with the top member yoke 302 because the bottom member yoke 303 is pushed into the cavity formed by the inner surface of the bottom member 301. 311. In other embodiments, the bottom member fork head 303 remains stationary. The bottom member fork head 303 can remain stationary as it approaches the electronic device 310.

In certain embodiments, the outer casing has one or more seals as shown in Figure 13A. In some embodiments, the outer casing has a seal in the yoke cavity 314 that is placed into the yoke cavity 314 when interacting with the bottom member yoke 303. The yoke head cavity seal 312 is comprised of any of the materials described above for the seal. In some embodiments, the end of the top member clevis 302 strikes the yoke cavity seal 312 creating a seal sufficient to block environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like.

In another embodiment, the slider seal 313 is located below the slider 308 present on the top member 300, as shown in Figure 13A. Slider seal 313 is constructed from any of the materials described above for the seal. When the outer casing is assembled around the electronic device 310, the slider 308 and the slider seal 313 are pressed against the surface of the electronic device 310. The composition of the slider seal 313 is such that the seal formed between the slider 308 and the electronic device 310 is sufficient to block environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like. In certain embodiments, the outer casing includes a forked head cavity seal 312 and a slider seal 313. In other embodiments, the outer casing includes only a forked head cavity seal 312. In other embodiments, the outer casing includes only the slider seal 313. In other embodiments, the slider seal can take the form of a slider seal washer 309. In certain embodiments, the slider seal washer 309 extends from the interior of the housing around the top member fork head 302 and extends to the outer sidewall of the top member 300, as shown in Figure 13B. In certain embodiments, the slider seal washer 309 is a strip that extends along a surface between the top member 300 and the bottom member 301, A hole is present to allow the top member fork head 302 to pass through the slider seal washer 309. In other embodiments, the slider seal washer 309 extends from the interior of the housing a distance that is not far enough to interface with the top member fork head 302 and is only present on the slider 308, similar to that of Figure 13A. The illustrated embodiment. Slider seal washer 309 is comprised of any of the materials described above for the seal. When the outer casing is assembled around the electronic device 310, the slider 308 and the slider seal washer 309 are pressed against the surface of the electronic device 310. The composition of the slider seal washer 309 is such that the seal formed between the slider 308 and the electronic device 310 is sufficient to block environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like.

In other embodiments of this housing, a shock absorber 307 can be present external to the bottom member 301, as shown in Figure 13B. The shock absorber 307 can provide increased shock resistance to the electronic device 310 in the housing. The damper 307 may extend around the entire outer surface of the bottom member 301, extending only around the side of the bottom member 301 (as shown in FIG. 13B), or only on the bottom surface of the bottom member 301. The shock absorber may be constructed of a TPE or other material suitable for damping the electronic device, such as any of the sealants including the low compression sealant described above.

The present disclosure provides a protective housing for an electronic device having a front surface including a display. The protective housing includes a bottom member having an inner surface defined by the rear wall and the side wall to receive an electronic device, the side wall having a top surface defined by the outer and inner circumferences; and a frame member prior to the electronic device At least a portion of the surface is framed to enable a user to operate the display, the frame member having a peripheral edge corresponding to an outer periphery of a top surface of the sidewall of the bottom member; one or more tapered posts, the tapered post being The deformation opening interacts to couple the frame member with the bottom member; and the release agent is interposed between the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and the bottom side of the frame member to couple the frame member to the bottom member An interface between the top surface of the sidewall of the bottom member and the frame member is sealed.

In some embodiments, the one or more tapered posts are spaced along a bottom side of the frame member, each tapered post having a stud to engage a deformable opening on a circumference of the bottom member. In some embodiments, the releasable adhesive member is a low compression sealant. The low compression sealant can include a poloxamer. In some embodiments, the frame member is formed from a rigid material.

Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional view of another housing configuration of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment of this configuration, the outer casing 110 includes a top member 120 and a bottom member 130, respectively, which are snapped together using a plurality of tapered posts 131 that are disposed about the upper perimeter 132 of the bottom member 130. Used to engage the deformable opening 121 in a complementary position in the perimeter 122 of the top member 120 when the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 form a joined relationship. Suitable materials for making the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 include rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, and flexible materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, polycarbonate, nylon, liquid crystal polymer, and/or rubber, Thermoplastic urethane, a mixture of polyethylene and/or polypropylene, and the like.

In cross section (Fig. 14A), the tapered post 131 of the bottom member 130 includes a head 133 having tapered upper surfaces 134, 135 and tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 that are shaped to engage the top during insertion The complementary insertion faces 123, 124 of the deformable opening 125 of the member 120, and the complementary retaining faces 126, 127 of the deformable opening 125 of the top member 120 are retained for retention. As will be appreciated, any suitable geometry of the columns of the bottom member and the complementary openings of the top member can be used. Suitable geometries include spheres, cubes, rhomboids, ellipses, and any combination of such geometries such that the stud post 131 can engage the deformable opening 121 in a manner that secures the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 of the outer casing. Likewise, any suitable geometry of the deformable opening 121 can be used as long as the tapered post 131 and the deformable opening 121 can be joined in a manner that secures the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 of the outer casing. Suitable geometries include spheres, cubes, rhomboids, ellipses, and any combination of such geometries such that the tapered post 131 can be a fixed outer The top member 120 and the bottom member 130 of the shell engage the deformable opening 121 in a manner. In some embodiments, the deformable opening 121 has a geometry similar to the tapered post 131 that matches it. In other embodiments, the deformable opening 121 has a different geometry than the tapered post 131 that matches it. In some embodiments, the geometry of the deformable opening 121 allows the deformable opening to securely retain the geometry of the tapered post 131 that matches it.

In certain embodiments, the angles associated with the tapered upper surfaces 134, 135 and the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137, the insertion faces 123, 124, and the retaining faces 126, 127 are critical to the successful implementation of the housing, using The tapered post 131 and the deformable opening 121 can close and reopen the outer casing. If the angle between the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 and the vertical line is too small, the force holding the tapered post 131 in the deformable opening 121 will not be sufficient to hold the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 together. Angle 161a is shown in Figure 14C. Likewise, if the angle between the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 and the vertical line is too large, the force holding the tapered post 131 in the deformable opening 121 will be too large, such that if the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 are After being joined together, the tapered column 131 may be broken. In certain embodiments, the angle between the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 and the vertical lines can be between 20 and 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle between the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 and the vertical lines can be between 25 and 50 degrees, or between 30 and 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle between the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 and the vertical lines is about 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, or 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle between each tapered lower surface 136, 137 is substantially the same. In other embodiments, the angle between each tapered lower surface 136, 137 is different. In some embodiments, the difference between the angles for each tapered lower surface 136, 137 and the vertical line is between 5 and 20 degrees. In other embodiments, the difference between the angles of each of the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 and the vertical line is about 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees. , 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees or 20 degrees.

In certain embodiments, the angle between the retaining faces 126, 127 should closely match the angle of the tapered lower surface 136, 137. In some embodiments, the difference between the angle of the retaining faces 126, 127 and the angle of the tapered lower surface 136, 137 is between 0 and 15 degrees. In other embodiments, the difference between the angle of the retaining faces 126, 127 and the angle of the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 is about 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees or 15 degrees.

If the angle between the insertion faces 123, 124 and the vertical line is too small, the force holding the tapered post 131 in the deformable opening 121 will not be sufficient to secure the top member 120 and the bottom member 130 together. This is because the opening at the bottom of the deformable opening 121 is too large for accommodating the tapered post 131. Angle 161b is shown in Figure 14C. Likewise, if the angle between the tapered upper surfaces 134, 135 and the vertical line is too large, it will be difficult to insert the tapered post 131 into the deformable opening 121. In certain embodiments, the angle between the tapered lower surfaces 136, 137 and the vertical lines can be between 20 and 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle between the tapered upper surface 134, 135 and the vertical line can be between 25 and 50 degrees, or between 30 and 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle between the tapered upper surface 134, 135 and the vertical line is about 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, or 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle between each tapered upper surface 134, 135 is substantially the same. In other embodiments, the angle between each tapered upper surface 134, 135 is different. In some embodiments, the difference between the angles for each tapered upper surface 136, 137 and the vertical line is between 5 and 20 degrees. In other embodiments, the difference between the angles of each tapered upper surface 134, 135 and the vertical line is about 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees. , 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees or 20 degrees.

In some embodiments, the angle between the insertion faces 123, 124 should closely match the angle of the tapered upper surfaces 134, 135. In some embodiments, the difference between the angle of the insertion faces 123, 124 and the angle of the tapered upper surfaces 134, 135 is between 0 and 15 degrees. In other real In the embodiment, the difference between the angle of the insertion faces 123, 124 and the angle of the tapered upper surfaces 134, 135 is about 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees. , 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees or 15 degrees.

In certain embodiments, the tapered post 131 is disposed on the upper periphery of the bottom member 130. However, the tapered post 131 may also be disposed on the lower circumference of the upper member 120, and the deformable opening may be disposed on the upper circumference of the bottom member 130. In some embodiments, each of the tapered posts 131 on the peripheral surface of the upper member 120 or the bottom member 130 has substantially the same geometry and dimensions. In other embodiments, the tapered post 131 can have a variable geometry on different portions of the peripheral surface of the upper member 120 or the bottom member 130. In other embodiments, the tapered post 131 can have a variable size on different portions of the peripheral surface of the upper member 120 or the bottom member 130. In some embodiments, each tapered post 131 has a different size and/or shape than the other tapered post 131 on the peripheral surface of the upper member 120 or the bottom member 130. In other embodiments, there are multiple sets of tapered columns 131. Each of the tapered posts 131 in each set has a substantially similar size and shape, and there is a difference in the size and/or shape of the tapered posts 131 between the sets. Likewise, the deformable opening 121 can have a geometry and/or size that is substantially similar or different than that described above for the tapered post 131. In some embodiments, the deformable opening 121 has a size similar to or less than the tapered post 131. In other embodiments, the deformable opening 121 can have a geometry that is substantially similar or different than the tapered post 131.

In some embodiments, the tapered post 131 has a tip that interfaces with the deformable opening 121 and is hexagonal or octagonal in shape. However, any shape that allows for a stable interaction between the tapered post 131 and the deformable opening 121 is possible. In some embodiments, each tapered post includes a slot 170 (see Figure 14D). This slot allows the split heads 171, 172 of the tapered post 131 to flex when the tapered post 131 is inserted into the deformable opening 121. In some embodiments, the deformable opening 121 remains substantially unchanged as the tapered post 131 is inserted. In other embodiments, the tapered post 131 is inserted into the deformable opening 121 In the middle, both the deformable opening 121 and the tapered post 131 change configuration. The length of the slot 170 can be between 1% and 100% of the height of the tapered post 131. Moreover, in other embodiments, the slot 170 can be between 1% and 75% of the width of the tapered post 131. The relative height and width of the slots 170 are important to ensure proper interaction between the tapered post 131 and the deformable opening 121. The larger the size of the slit 170, the easier the split heads 171, 172 are flexed, and the easier it is to insert the tapered post 131 into the deformable opening 121, and the easier it is to remove the tapered post. In certain embodiments, the slot 170 is between 1% and 50%, between 25% and 75%, between 30% and 60%, or between 40% and 50% of the height of the tapered column. In other embodiments, the slot 170 is between 1% and 50%, between 25% and 75%, between 30% and 60%, or between 40% and 50% of the width of the tapered column.

The depth of the deformable opening 121 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the height of the head 133 of the tapered post 131, the head 133 having the tapered lower surface 136, 137 of the head 133 and the deformable opening 125 once inserted and retained The complementary retaining faces 126, 127 form a holding relationship. The width or diameter of the deformable opening 121 can also be less than, equal to, or greater than the height of the head 133 of the tapered post 131, the tapered lower surface 136, 137 of the head 133 and the deformable opening once inserted and retained by the head 133. The complementary retaining faces 126, 127 of 125 form a holding relationship.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 14A, the deformable opening 121 is deeper than the height of the head 133, thereby allowing the head cover 140 to be removably but firmly attached to the top member 120 in the shroud channel 128; Referring to Figure 14B, a shroud channel is formed in the top member 120. As such, the head cover 140 allows the head 133 of the opening 125 that extends through the top member 120 to be blocked. In other embodiments, the head cover 140 provides a fluid-tight seal over the opening 125 to prevent water from leaking between the heads 133 that extend through the opening 125. The head cover 140 can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the head cover 140 is made of plastic, metal, precious metal, polycarbonate, TPE, or any of the sealants or sealing materials described above.

The top member 120 also preferably includes an inner portion 129 that includes a bump or an elongated shoulder 146 that contacts and loads over the electronic device A screen protector 150 (e.g., a smart phone, not shown) is provided to provide a watertight seal. In such a configuration, the perimeter of the screen protector 150 (151; hatched in FIG. 14A) preferably includes a plurality of pre-formed apertures (not shown) that are positioned, for example, when the screen protector is positioned in the housing. The prefabricated aperture allows the head 133 of the bottom member 130 to pass through the screen protection when it is to be enclosed in an electronic device (not shown) in the housing at the periphery of the electronic device between the top member 120 and the bottom member 130. body. In other embodiments, the screen protector 150 is absent. In other embodiments, the tabs or shoulders 146 may directly satisfy the device in such a manner that fluid does not pass where the shoulder 146 meets the surface of the device.

To ensure a watertight seal, a compressible layer 160 (e.g., a TPE layer) may preferably be positioned in the bottom member 130 such that the compressible layer 160 covers at least the upwardly facing portion 130a of the inner shoulder 130c of the bottom member 130 and faces The inner portion 130b. In FIG. 14A, the compressible TPE layer 160 covers the entire device housing cavity of the bottom member 130 and extends to cover the upwardly facing portion 130a of the bottom member. It should be understood that any suitable material can be used as the compressible material. For example, elastomeric materials such as rubber, TPE, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. can be used to provide compressibility and/or shock absorption. The compressible material can also be a sealing material as described above.

As shown in FIG. 14D, the compressible layer can have a Y-shaped end 173 that interfaces with the top member 120. The Y-shaped end 173 includes an inner surface 174 and an outer surface 175. The inner surface 174 forms a seal between the electronic device 176 and the slider 177 and/or the screen protector 150 that covers the electronic device 176. In certain embodiments, the inner surface 174 prevents water from leaking between the tapered posts 131 and contacting the electronic device by forming a seal between the compressible layer 160 and the screen protector 150. In other embodiments, the housing has no screen protector 150. In such embodiments, the inner surface 174 forms a seal between the slider 177 and the electronic device 176. This allows fluid to contact the surface of the electronic device 176, but does not allow fluid to traverse the seal with the compressible layer and contact the back of the electrical device 160. This is preferred for electronic devices having a waterproof surface that does not necessarily require the screen protector 150 to resist fluid leakage to the electronic device. in.

The outer surface 175 prevents fluid from flowing between the tapered posts 131 and contacting the electronic device 176 by forming a seal between the top member 120 and the compressible layer 160. In some embodiments, the outer surface 175 can also form a seal between the screen protector 150 and the compressible layer 160 to prevent fluid from flowing between the tapered posts 131 and contacting the electronic device 176.

In other embodiments, the outer casing also includes an outer gasket 178 as shown in Figure 14D. The outer gasket 178 forms a seal with the top member 120 that is sufficient to block environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like. The outer gasket 178 can be made of any kind of sealant or sealing material as described above.

Figure 14E shows a perspective view of the same embodiment shown in Figure 14D, but without a head cover 140 to illustrate the tapered post 131 inserted into the deformable opening 121. In this embodiment, the top member 120 may be made of polycarbonate or alkali-aluminum silicate glass (Gorilla Glass®), the bottom member may be made of polycarbonate, and the seal may be made of TPE or any of the other described above. Made of sealing material. Figure 14F shows the same view with the head cover 140. Figure 14G shows the entire housing with the screen protector 150 between the top member 120 and the electronic device. Note that a hole 179 in the edge of the screen protector 150 is used to allow the tapered post 131 to interact with the deformable opening 121. 14H provides a more detailed cross-section of an embodiment of a tapered post 131 having a slot 170 and two walls of the deformable opening 121. FIG. 14I shows details of the tapered post 131 inserted into the deformable opening 121 from the top of the top member 120. FIG. 14J provides a detailed cross-section of an embodiment of a deformable opening 121 that is not inserted into the tapered post 131.

14K, 14L, and 14M provide additional embodiments of tapered post 131 and deformable opening 121. 14N, 14O, 14P, 14Q, 14R, and 14S provide additional embodiments of the deformable opening 121. In these embodiments, the tapered post 131 has no slots 170. Therefore, the deformable opening 121 needs to be able to flex around the tapered post 131. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by making the deformable opening 121 from a less dense material and deformable opening 121 from a more flexible material, with less or thinner of The material is made into a deformable opening 121, or some combination of one or more of these options.

The housing shown in Fig. 15 is also provided in the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the outer casing includes a top member 400 and a bottom member 401 that are also joined together by snapping together after the device to be closed is positioned within the bottom member 401. Of course, any suitable mechanical system can be adapted to achieve the watertight attachment of the top and bottom members of such embodiments. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the top member 400 is coupled to the bottom member 401 using a clamping mechanism. Here, the plurality of inner clamping members 402, 403 are configured to engage complementary structures, here tapered channels 404, 405 present on the inner surface 406 of the bottom member 401. The clamping structures are configured such that when the top member 400 and the bottom member 401 are coupled together, the liquid-repellent and/or dust-proof and/or shock-proof seal is preferably provided by the presence of the sealing layers 407, 408. The sealing layer forms the seal when the top member 400 and the bottom member 401 are securely joined together (as occurs when the clamping members 402, 403 are in a joined relationship with the complementary structures of the tapered channels 404, 405). The sealing layer protects the enclosed electronic device (or the electronic components housed inside the device) from environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like. In some embodiments, the inner clamping members 402, 403 can be positioned on the inner surface 406 of the bottom member 401 and the tapered channels 404, 405 can be positioned on the top member 400.

In such embodiments, the sealing layers 407, 408 are also associated with the bottom member 401 and are positioned between the bottom member 401 and the electronic device to be enclosed in the housing. The sealing layers 407, 408 can be a single part (as shown) or multiple parts. In certain embodiments, when the sealing layers 407, 408 are comprised of multiple pieces, the parts may be strips that extend along or across the length of the bottom member 401 or in a diagonal direction of the bottom member 401. In some embodiments, multiple pieces may be crisscrossed on the bottom member 401. The sealing layers 407, 408 are used to dampen the electronic device when positioned between the electronic device and the bottom member 401 and are also used to seal the electronic device in the housing from water, dust, dirt, vibration, etc. The impact of environmental components.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing layers 407, 408 cover the sides of the electronic device when the electronic device is inserted into the housing. In some embodiments, the sealing layers 407, 408 are placed between the electronic device and the top member 400 and the bottom member 401, as shown in FIG. In some embodiments, the top member 400 includes a slider 409 that covers the perimeter of the front of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the sealing layers 407, 408 are placed between the slider 409 and the electronic device to form a seal at the perimeter of the electronic device. The seal prevents environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, etc. from penetrating beyond the front of the electronic device. In a preferred embodiment, the front of the electronic device is resistant to penetration by environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like.

In other embodiments, the sealing layers 407, 408 extend from between the slider 409 and the electronic device to where the top member 400 and the bottom member 401 meet, and in some embodiments, also between the electronic device and the bottom member 401. Form a layer between them. The sealing layers 407, 408 also provide shock protection when the sealing layers 407, 408 extend from the point where they form a seal with the electronic device and the housing. In some embodiments, the sealing layers 407, 408 form an integral layer between the electronic device and the bottom member 401. In some embodiments, the sealing layers 407, 408 are formed as a cushion in which the electronic device is placed. The electronics/pad can then be placed in the housing.

In other embodiments, the slider 409 has an internal shoulder 411 that secures the sealing layers 407, 408 in place and also from the top member 400 to the electronic device when the top member 400 and the bottom member 401 are joined together. pressure. In some embodiments, this helps to form a seal between the top member 401 and the slider 411 and the electronic device that prevents environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, etc. from penetrating the outer surface of the housing and the electronic device.

The sealing layers 407, 408 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, including polyoxyxide, rubber or other elastomeric or polymeric materials (including the sealants and sealing materials described above). It should be understood that the top member 400 and the bottom member 401 are closed with electrons. A watertight seal is formed between the devices, and the movement provided by the sealing layers 407, 408 between the top member and the bottom member for the device is preferably insufficient to disrupt or otherwise disrupt the sealing member 407, 408 at the top member 400. Any of the seals formed between the display (or screen protector or other such optically transparent or translucent layer (not shown) of the enclosed electronic device that is attached to the outer surface of the display).

The housing of Figure 16 is also provided in the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the housing includes a screen protector 600 and a bottom member 601. The screen protector 600 and the bottom member are joined together by seals 602, 603 between the screen protector and the bottom member 601. The seal prevents penetration of environmental components such as water, dust, dirt, vibration, and the like. In certain embodiments, the bottom member 601 includes shock absorbers 604, 605 that are external to the bottom member 601. In certain embodiments, the dampers 604, 605 are located on a side of the exterior of the bottom member 601. In other embodiments, the dampers 604, 605 extend around the entire exterior of the bottom member 601. In other embodiments, the dampers 604, 605 are horizontal strips that extend across the exterior of the bottom member 601. In other embodiments, the dampers 604, 605 are diagonal strips that extend across the exterior of the bottom member 601. In other embodiments, the shock absorbers 604, 605 can be applied to any of the housing embodiments described herein.

The present disclosure also provides an alternative latching mechanism for the housing described herein. FIG. 17A shows a latch mechanism including a button 700 and a deformable opening 701. In this embodiment, the deformable opening includes a lateral gap 702 through which the button can be inserted into the deformable opening. In other embodiments, the deformable opening 701 can be pressed down on the button 700 to engage the button with the deformable opening. The deformable open arms 703, 704 allow the deformable opening to flex around the button 700. Figure 17B shows another embodiment in which the arms 705, 706 are attached to the cup portions 707, 708 of the deformable opening 701 at the bottom surface of the cup portions 707, 708. This requires a gap 709 of a different shape at the bottom of the deformable opening 701. This embodiment can be linked to a button in a manner similar to the embodiment of Figure 17A.

Figure 17C provides an alternative latch mechanism. In this embodiment, the button 710 is inserted into the deformable opening 711 by a much smaller lateral gap 712. This means that the button 710 has to be inserted into the top of the deformable opening 711. The deformable opening also has a lip 713 that will secure the head 714 of the button 710 in place. Figure 17D provides other embodiments of various shapes of the deformable opening in accordance with Figure 17C.

As noted above, one element of the housing 1 can be a 埠 opening, such as a headset 埠 50, that is configured to act as an interface between an earphone, a speaker or other jack-containing device and a jack 下 of the underlying electronic device. In order to provide a liquid-proof interface between the earphones, speakers, jacks, etc. and the underlying electronic device. In this case, the interface is a liquid and antifouling seal.

In an alternative embodiment, the outer casing is formed in part from a single piece having an insertion aperture or bore that allows insertion of the electronic device and subsequent attachment of a latch cover that provides a liquid-tight seal. FIG. 18A depicts a perspective view of a housing 800 that includes a proximal opening 802, opposing sidewalls 803a and 803b, and a front surface 804. The front surface 804 includes a perimeter portion 805. The electronic device can be inserted into the proximal opening 802 such that the device is aligned with features included as part of the front surface, such as proximity sensor feature 48, ambient light sensor feature 49, camera feature 47, and sound transmission. Feature 46. Figure 18B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the outer casing of Figure 18A with the electronic device inserted into the housing and the latch cover engaged with the proximal opening of the housing. The distal wedge 806 (see also Fig. 18A) incorporates the cover wedge 807 to raise the rear surface 811 of the device 810 such that a portion of the rear surface of the device does not contact the inner rear surface 812 of the outer casing. This allows for additional shock absorption and improved sound transmission from the electronic device across the housing. The distal peripheral portion 813 includes a distal washer 814 such that the gasket prevents ingress of liquids, dust, and the like. The latch cover 820 also includes a front clamping mechanism 821 and a rear clamping mechanism 822, respectively, that are configured to interact with the front proximal peripheral portion 823a and the rear proximal peripheral portion 823b of the outer casing, respectively. The front proximal peripheral portion 823a and the rear proximal peripheral portion 823b are configured to receive the front and rear clamping mechanisms Tooth. In some embodiments, it should be noted that the front clamping mechanism and/or the rear clamping mechanism can be configured to receive the front proximal peripheral portion and the rear proximal peripheral portion. Any of the clamping mechanism configurations described above can also be used such that the latch cover is securely attached to the outer casing. The proximal cap washers 824a and 824b are interposed between the latch cover and the proximal proximal end portion and the rear proximal peripheral portion to prevent entry of liquid, dust, and the like. The proximal cap washer may be physically attached to the latch cover, attached to the front proximal peripheral portion and/or the rear proximal peripheral portion, or may not be attached. Additionally, the front proximal peripheral washer 825 can be interposed between the device 810 and the proximal peripheral portion.

Figure 18C depicts an alternate embodiment of a latch cover attached to the outer casing. The proximal device washer 832 is inserted between the proximal end of the electronic device 810 and the latch cover 830. The front proximal peripheral gasket 825 is inserted between the front surface of the device and the front proximal peripheral portion 823a. The latch cover 830 has lips 833a and 833b, and below it are latch cover washers 834a and 834b. A latch cover washer is interposed between the lips 833a and 833b and the top edges 835a and 835b of the proximal opening. A latch cover gasket can be attached to the latch cover, attached to the top edge of the proximal opening, or physically not attached and secured to the latch cover when attached to the outer casing The right place. Clamping passages 837a and 837b on the outer casing are configured to interact with cover clamping members 836a and 836b, as shown in Figure 18C. It is noted that in an alternative embodiment, the lid clamping member can be comprised by the outer casing and the clamping channel can be associated with the latch cover (or both).

In an alternative embodiment of the outer casing, the opposing sides extend around the sides of the device and apply a force to the front surface of the device. 19A depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a housing 900 in which an electronic device 910 inserted into the housing is secured by a tensioned peripheral portion 903. The tensioned peripheral portion preferably applies tension downwardly to the edge of the front surface 911 of the device. A peripheral gasket 922 is interposed between the peripheral portion of the tension and the front surface of the device. In some embodiments, the water impermeable layer is located on the front surface of the entire device to ensure a liquid tight seal between the peripheral gasket and the water impermeable layer. Inserts 931a and 931b are behind the device The surface 912 is between the inner rear surface 904 of the outer casing 900. The insert can be made of a shock absorbing material such as rubber or enamel. Figure 19B is a cross-sectional side view of the outer casing depicted in Figure 19A. Figure 19C depicts a housing 900 having a single insert 931 that covers the entire bottom of the interior of the housing.

In another alternative construction of the outer casing, the opposite side has a front tensioned peripheral portion and a rear tensioned peripheral portion that exerts a force on the front and rear surfaces of the device. FIG. 20A depicts a perspective cross-sectional view of the outer casing 950. A perimeter seal jacket 960 encases the entire edge of the electronic device 910. In certain embodiments, the perimeter sealing jacket 960 has sealing members 961 and 962 interposed between the front surface 911 and the rear surface 912 of the apparatus and the peripheral tension members 952a and 952b. The peripheral tension member can apply a force to the circular sealing member of the peripheral sealing sheath sufficient to prevent water, dust, etc. from passing through the front and back surfaces of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the front and back surfaces of the device are protected with a water impermeable layer such that the device is protected from water or other contaminants from entering the device and causing damage. In other embodiments, the device itself is impermeable to water and other contaminants on the exposed portion shown in Figure 20A. In such embodiments, the water impermeable layer is not necessary and in some embodiments does not include a water impermeable layer.

Figure 20B shows a top view of the outer casing 950 including an attached latch cover 970 that seals a gap (not shown) in the outer casing. The outer casing is made of a semi-rigid material that allows a force to be applied to the end of the outer casing at the gap to attach the outer casing to the device having the peripheral sealing sheath. Once the housing is attached to the device, the latch cover is attached using a latching mechanism known to those skilled in the art and also described herein. The latch cover allows easy access to the power connection portion or data connection portion of the electronic device. The latch cover can be configured to match the needs of the particular electronic device to be housed. The latch cover can be attached by a hinge, or the latch cover can be detached from the outer casing when not attached to the gap it seals. In some embodiments, the latch cover can be similar to the latch cover described in Figures 1A or 18B and Figure 18C.

Figure 20C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the housing 950, wherein the housing enables The device 910 is sealed with peripheral sealing gaskets 980 and 981. The peripheral tension members 952a and 952b apply a force to the peripheral sealing gasket which is sufficient to prevent water, dust, etc. from passing through the front and rear surfaces of the apparatus. Also, in certain embodiments, the front and back surfaces of the device are protected with a water impermeable layer such that the device is protected from water or other contaminants from entering the device and causing damage. In other embodiments, the device itself is impermeable to water and other contaminants on the exposed portion shown in Figure 20C. In such embodiments, the water impermeable layer is not necessary and in some embodiments does not include a water impermeable layer.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 21A, the outer casing is comprised of a top member 650 having a side wall 651 and a bottom member 652 that is a generally flat or flat piece that is sealed to the top member 650 to form the outer casing. In some embodiments, the top member includes a groove 653 and a lip 654 for positioning and coupling with the bottom member 652. However, the top member and the bottom member can be joined according to any method known in the art. In some embodiments, the groove 653 provides a notch and the lip 654 provides a tab such that when the bottom member 652 is joined to the top member 650, the bottom member is inserted into proximity to the top member 650. In this embodiment, this forms a substantially continuous corner at which the top member 650 and the bottom member 652 meet.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, the sealing member 655 can be placed between the top member 650 and the bottom member 652. This sealing member 655 can produce a waterproof and/or dustproof seal. With or without the sealing member 655, the top member 650 and the bottom member 652 can be joined together by any method known in the art, including using an adhesive or molding the members together. In some embodiments, an adhesive is applied to both sides of the sealing member 655 to allow the top member 650 and the bottom member 652 to be bonded by application to opposite sides of the sealing member. In other embodiments, the sealing member 655, the top member 650, and the bottom member 652 are molded together.

As shown in Figure 21B, in certain embodiments, the bottom member 652 is substantially transparent. In this embodiment, the back side of the electronic device 100 is visible through the bottom member 652. In a certain In some embodiments, the bottom member can also include a lens 656 for the camera and a hole 657 for the flash. The aperture for the flash lamp prevents the flash from being reflected from the inner surface of the bottom member 652 and entering the camera of the electronic device 100. Lens 656 for a camera can have any of the properties of other corresponding lenses described herein. For example, lens 656 for a camera can magnify, reduce, sharpen, or filter an image.

As shown in Figure 21C, in addition to the different bottom members 652 and the different methods of attaching the top member 650 and the bottom member 652 together, many other features of the outer casing can be identical to the other outer casings described herein. Figure 21C shows the outer casing with a larger bottom member on the left (as shown in other embodiments described herein) and the current substantially flat bottom member 652 implementation depicted in Figures 21A and 21B on the right. example. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21C, in the current embodiment, which is similar to the other embodiments described herein, there are features for manipulating the mute switch 658 and the volume control 659. A coin-operated tab 660 is also present at the distal end 661 of the outer casing. However, coin-operated tabs are optional. Other features are shown in Figure 21A. These features include a sound hole 660 that allows sound to pass but does not allow fluid to pass. These features also include: a button feature 661; a hinged door 664 that provides a watertight seal to the charging portion of the electronic device 100; and a headphone jack 662; and a threaded plug 663 for sealing the earphone jack 662. It should be noted that all such features are optional and not exhaustive. The housing shown in Figures 21A, 21B, and 21C can include any of the features described herein with respect to other embodiments of the housing.

Figure 21C also shows that the thickness of the outer casing is reduced. In certain embodiments, the outer casing illustrated in Figures 21A, 21B, and 21C is 5% to 25% thinner than the outer casing described throughout this specification (but particularly the outer casing illustrated in Figures 1 and 2). In other embodiments, the outer casing shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C is 5%, 6%, 7% thinner than the outer casing described in the entire specification (but especially the outer casing described in FIGS. 1 and 2). , 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24 % or 25%. In other embodiments, the outer casing shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C is larger than the present embodiment. The outer casing described in the full text of the specification (but especially the outer casing described in Figures 1 and 2) is 5% to 10%, 11% to 15%, 16% to 20% or 21% to 25% thin. In certain embodiments, the outer casing is 7.7 mm, 7.8 mm, 7.9 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, or 20 mm thick. In certain embodiments, the outer casing is at most 7.7 mm, 7.8 mm, 7.9 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, or 20 mm thick. In other embodiments, the outer casing is 7.7 mm to 8.0 mm, 8 mm to 10 mm, 11 mm to 15 mm, or 16 mm to 20 mm thick.

In certain embodiments, a front surface film and/or a bottom surface film is provided. The front surface film and/or the bottom surface film can be provided as a separate component from the outer casing. For example, in some embodiments, the top member and/or the bottom member of the outer casing may include only a peripheral portion that circumscribes the device to be closed, but does not otherwise include crossing from one peripheral portion to another. Top surface component and/or bottom surface component. In this embodiment, the top member and/or the bottom member can be configured to interface with the perimeter of the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the device to be closed, the interface being such that providing liquid barrier protection to the perimeter / or shockproof seal. In certain embodiments, the top and bottom members of the outer casing may be formed from a single element or may be comprised of a plurality of separate elements. In some cases, the top and bottom members may be adapted to interact with separate top surface elements and/or bottom surface elements, such as top surface film members and/or bottom surface film members.

For example, the top member and/or the bottom member can be configured for interaction with a surface film member in such a manner that when the top member and the bottom member are coupled together, the coupling together causes the surface film to traverse the top The surface of the member and/or the bottom member is fixed. In other embodiments, the top member and/or the bottom member can be a single member that circumscribes the periphery of the device to be received, and is further configured for interfacing with a separate surface film to provide liquid repellency with the surface film. seal. For example, the surface film can be A perimeter of the device to be enclosed spans to another perimeter and may include an adhesive that allows the surface film to be securely attached to the surface of the device while the peripheral portion is mounted on the periphery of the device and may or may not be associated with a surface film The attachments interact, but they work together to make the device both liquid and shock resistant. In some embodiments, only the peripheral portion may be provided or only the front surface film portion or the back surface film portion may be provided.

As described herein below, one or more films or portions thereof may be included herein as part of the front or/or back surface of the top or bottom member or may be provided as the entire top member and/or bottom member. . The film may include a peripheral portion and/or may interact with a peripheral portion of the outer casing. Thus, the peripheral portion of the film can be configured to interface with peripheral portions of the top member and/or the bottom member, such as the inner peripheral portion and/or the outer peripheral portion. For example, a peripheral portion of the top member and/or the bottom member (eg, a peripheral portion of the top member) can include a plurality of sub-portions, such as a first sub-portion (eg, an inner peripheral portion) that includes an inner film interface member And a second sub-portion (eg, an outer peripheral portion), the second sub-portion comprising an outer film interface member configured to be used in an overmolded manner with the front surface of the peripheral portion of the film And the back surface interface.

Thus, in certain embodiments, the film can be configured such that it spans from one side of the perimeter of the top member or the bottom member to the other side of the perimeter in such a manner that the rear surface of the film is at least with the interior of the inner peripheral portion The film interface member is associated and the front surface of the film is associated with an outer film interface member of the outer peripheral portion.

Thus, in some embodiments, such as when a front surface film is provided on, for example, a top member, when the electronic device is enclosed within the outer casing, the film can completely cover the front surface of the device, and in some embodiments, the film The cover may be covered less than the entire front surface, such as covering only the peripheral portion of the front surface, thereby leaving the interactive touch portion of the front screen of the electronic device uncovered. In this case, the peripheral portion of the film may include a gasket to maintain the overall water repellency of the outer casing, such as the entire peripheral portion of the outer surface film of the front member washer.

In other embodiments, it is not necessary to provide a front surface film and/or a bottom surface film. In fact, the peripheral portion of the top member and/or the bottom member can be configured for interfacing with the closure device in such a manner that the peripheral portion of the closure device is waterproof and shock resistant. For example, the peripheral portion can include a gasket that presses against one or more of the surfaces of the closure device, thereby preventing liquid from penetrating between the peripheral portion and the surface. One or more other gaskets may also be provided and constructed as a bonding member that may be placed on or around the closure device to cover the various sound transmission ports of the closure device, thereby rendering the closure device completely waterproof. Such a gasket covering adhesive can be provided completely independently or in combination with a peripheral portion.

The film (eg, the first film) can have one or more features, such as additional film features, such as acoustic film features and/or button features. For example, the first film can include an acoustic film feature that can include a hole that spans from the front surface of the first film to the back surface. The aperture may be covered by a second film, such as a sound permeable film, which is offset from the first film. The acoustic film can be offset from the first film by any suitable element, such as by the addition of a spacer member. Thus, the two or more films can be attached to each other via a suitable adhesive.

The first film may additionally include button features. The button feature can include a recessed area. The recessed area may simply be a recessed area in the first film or it may be a cut-out area that has been overcoated with another film. In each case, the recessed area is at least partially circumscribed by the ridge area. For example, in an embodiment, the peripheral portion of the button feature can include a convex deformable peripheral portion that surrounds the recessed region. The raised deformable peripheral portion can be configured to allow measurement of the travel of the recessed region of the button feature such that when the recessed region is depressed, the raised portion deforms, thereby allowing the recessed region to not cause significant degradation of the first film Travel with stretching.

The first film may also include an opaque region and/or a light transmissive region, such as a proximity sensor Or a light transmissive area where the video camera portion of the underlying device that is intended to be received by the housing overlaps. In various embodiments, the front surface film can be constructed to include an optical lens that is configured for alignment with a camera or video lens of a closed device.

In another embodiment, the bottom member can be provided with the peripheral portion and/or the front surface film. The bottom member may simply consist of a peripheral portion or may include a bottom surface member that spans from one peripheral portion to another. The bottom member can include lens features such as features including one or more lenses, such as camera lenses and/or video lenses and/or flash lenses. The lens feature can additionally include an optical skirt, such as an optical skirt that surrounds the one or more lenses and prevents light from passing through a skirt region to another lens region.

Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of a surface film as described herein. In this embodiment, the film 1001 includes an adhesive 1002 that allows the film 1001 to adhere to the surface of the electronic device. In certain embodiments, the adhesive 1002 is a temperature activated adhesive or a pressure activated adhesive. In this case. In other embodiments, film 1001 does not include a binder. In some embodiments, the film 1001 is adhered to the front or back surface of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the front or back surface of the electronic device includes an electronic screen. According to some embodiments, the electronic screen allows a user to interact with the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic screen allows the user to interact with the electronic device by touch. In accordance with such embodiments, the film 1001 may allow a user to interact with an electronic device by touch by manipulating the film 1001. The user does not have to directly touch the electronic screen to interact with the electronic device by touch.

In some embodiments, the film 1001 is provided in a separate package for mounting on an electronic device. In such embodiments, the package can include one or more peelable protective layers 1003, 1004. Each peelable protective layer 1003, 1004 protects at least a portion of the surface of the film 1001 prior to mounting on the electronic device.

In embodiments where the film 1001 includes the adhesive 1002, the film 1001 can include a bond Agent side 1006 and non-adhesive side 1005. In such embodiments, the peelable protective layers 1003, 1004 can be used to cover either side. In certain embodiments, the adhesive side peelable protective layer 1004 protects at least a portion of the adhesive side 1006 and the non-adhesive side peelable protective layer 1003 protects at least a portion of the non-adhesive side 1005. In certain embodiments, the adhesive side peelable protective layer 1004 protects the entire adhesive side 1006 and the non-adhesive side peelable protective layer 1003 protects the entire non-adhesive side 1005.

The non-adhesive side peelable protective layer 1003 can be used to protect the non-adhesive side 1005 from dirt, dust, oil, water, fingerprints, scratches, cuts, and punctures. The adhesive side peelable protective layer 1004 can also be used to protect the adhesive side 1006 from dirt, dust, oil, water, fingerprints, scratches, cuts, and punctures. It can also be used to protect the adhesive 1002 on the adhesive side 1006 from dirt, dust, oil, water, fingerprints, scratches, cuts and punctures. In such embodiments, the adhesive side peelable protective layer 1004 allows the adhesive 1002 to remain clean and retain its adhesive properties.

In certain embodiments, the peelable protective layers 1003, 1004 are configured to be easily removed from the film 1001. In certain embodiments, one or both of the peelable protective layers 1003, 1004 include peeling tabs 1007, 1008. Each of the peelable protective layers 1003, 1004 can have one or more peel tabs 1007, 1008. In some embodiments, each peelable protective layer can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 peeling tabs. In some embodiments, each protective layer has the same number of stripping tabs. In other embodiments, each protective layer has a different number of stripping tabs.

The peeling tabs 1007, 1008 may be made of the same material as the peelable protective layers 1003, 1004 or made of different materials. The material must have sufficient strength to peel the peelable protective layers 1003, 1004 from the film 1001. In some embodiments, one or more of the release tabs 1007, 1008 do not touch the adhesive side 1005 or the non-adhesive side 1006 of the film. Therefore, the peeling tab can be manipulated by the user to remove the protective layer 1003, 1004 Peel off. The strips 1007, 1008 may also be textured or thicker than the protective layers 1003, 1004 to facilitate manipulation of the pull tabs. In other embodiments, the release tabs 1007, 1008 are untextured and may be the same thickness or thicker than the protective layers 1003, 1004.

Stripping tabs 1007, 1008 can be located on the edges of one or more of the protective layers 1003, 1004. In other embodiments, the strips 1007, 1008 are located adjacent the edges of the protective layers 1003, 1004. The peeling tabs 1007, 1008 located near the edges of the protective layers 1003, 1004 may be within 0.01 mm and 10 mm of the edges of the protective layers 1003, 1004. In other embodiments, the peeling tabs 1007, 1008 located near the edges of the protective layers 1003, 1004 can be located at the edges of the protective layers 1003, 1004 of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm, 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. , 0.5 mm to 1 mm, 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, 5 mm to 6 mm, 6 mm to 7 mm, 7 mm to 8 mm, 8 mm to 9 mm, 9 mm to 10 mm, 0.1 mm to 1 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm Or within 5mm to 10mm. In other embodiments, the peeling tabs 1007, 1008 located near the edges of the protective layers 1003, 1004 can be located at about 0.01 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.03 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.06 of the edges of the protective layers 1003, 1004. Mm, 0.07 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.09 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm or 10mm. In other embodiments, the strips 1007, 1008 can be located anywhere on the surface of the one or more protective layers.

In some embodiments, one or more of the pulling tabs also includes a pulling tab 1009. Pull tab 1009 is attached to one or more of stripping tabs 1007, 1008 to make it easier to access and pull protective layer 1003, 1004 out of the film. In an embodiment, the pull tab 1009 can be used to facilitate the mounting of the film 1001 to an electronic device. For example, the film can be mounted by partially peeling off the adhesive side protective layer 1006 from the adhesive 1002. The portion of the film 1001 having the exposed adhesive 1002 can then be removed Attached to the electronic device. The remainder of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can then be removed with the pull tab 1009 in a manner that the remainder of the film 1001 will be properly aligned with the electronic device.

For example, in the embodiment in which the film 1001 is rectangular and the electronic device includes a rectangular face and the film 1001 is sized to fit on the rectangular face and covers the rectangular face, the adhesive for one side of the film can be opposed The corresponding side of the device is placed. This can allow the film to be more easily aligned with the rectangular face of the device. Once one side of the film 1001 has been adhered to the electronic device, the remaining portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can be pulled away from the adhesive 1002 on the adhesive side 1006 of the film 1001 using the pulling tab 1009.

In certain embodiments, the pull tab 1009 will be sufficiently long that the extent of its extension from the side attached to the protective layer 1003, 1004 will be the length of the protective layer 1003, 1004. In other embodiments, the pull tab 1009 will be sufficiently long that the user can access the adhesive when the adhesive side protective layer 1004 is removed to an extent sufficient to allow one edge of the adhesive side 1006 of the film to adhere to the electronic device. Pull the tab 1009. In some embodiments, starting from the edge of the pull tab 1009 attached to the opposite edge of the protective layer 1003, 1004 or near the opposite edge of the protective layer 1003, 1004, the pull tab 1009 is the length of the film 1001 or 150%, 140%, 130%, 120%, 110%, 100%, 90%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55% or 50%.

After the adhesive 1002 has been adhered to the electronic device, the non-adhesive side protective layer 1003 can be removed from the non-adhesive side 1005 of the film 1001.

Figure 23 illustrates another embodiment of a surface film as described herein. The film 1001 shown in Fig. 23 is shown with the adhesive side 1006 on top. Above the adhesive side 1006 of the film 1001 is a binder side protective layer 1004. In some embodiments, the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can include release tabs 1007, 1008, 1010. The embodiment shown in Figure 23 includes three stripping tabs 1007, 1008, 1010. However, the adhesive side protective layer 1004 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more peeling convexities. Slices 1007, 1008, 1010. In some embodiments, the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can include four release tabs. In some embodiments, there may be one peel tab on each corner of the adhesive side protective layer 1004. The same arrangement can be used for the non-adhesive side protective layer 1003. Any of these strips may also include a pull tab 1009.

In some embodiments, one or more of the protective layers 1003, 1004 can be provided in multiple pieces. In some embodiments, one or more of the protective layers can undergo a kiss cut. This cut penetrates the protective layers 1003, 1004 but does not penetrate the film 1001, thereby forming perforations in the protective layer. This allows the protective layer 1003, 1004 to be divided into multiple pieces.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 23 shows the adhesive side protective layer 1004 divided into four parts. The four portions are a leading edge portion 1011, a left side portion 1012 and a right side portion 1013, and a center portion 1014. Each of the portions of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can be peeled off separately. This can improve the ease of application of the film 1001.

In some embodiments, the non-adhesive side protective layer 1005 (the bottom surface of the film shown in FIG. 23) includes a tensioner 1015. The tensioner 1015 allows at least one corner of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 to be fixed on the surface on which the adhesive side protective layer 1004 is placed. In some embodiments, two, three or four corners of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 are fixed to the surface on which the adhesive side protective layer 1004 is placed. The tensioner allows the central portion 1014 to be removed from the adhesive side 1006 of the film 1001 to expose the adhesive 1002. The exposed adhesive can then be positioned on the surface of the electronic device in such a manner that the film 1001 is properly grounded toward the portion of the electronic device it covers. The remaining portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can then be removed and the raised corners reduced. The corners of the projections can be lowered by manipulating the tensioner to release the tension or by removing the non-adhesive side protective layer 1003.

In some embodiments, the tensioner 1015 causes the two corners to project on the surface of the device when the film is placed on the device with the adhesive side 106 on the bottom side. When the film is in place, the two corners are flat on the device. Two flat corners can be used to position the film when the two corners are attached to the device. In some embodiments, the removable bond The central portion 1014 of the agent side protective layer 1004 can then align the two flat corners with the device. Adhesive 1002 can then be placed onto the device where the film will be partially adhered in the correct orientation.

In other embodiments, all of the four corners of the film are raised on the surface of the device when the film is placed on the device with the adhesive side 1006 on the bottom side. The central portion 1014 of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can then be removed and the film 1001 properly aligned with the electronic device. When the film 1001 is aligned and adhered at the center of the adhesive 1002, the remaining portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can be removed, and the portions of the adhesive 1002 that are protected by the remaining portion are adhered to the electronic device .

In other embodiments, there is no tensioner 1015. In such embodiments, the central portion 1014 of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 or the leading edge portion 1011 of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 may be first removed and removed before the remaining portion is removed and the remaining portion of the film 1001 is adhered. Used to position the film 1001. In other embodiments, the adhesive side protective layer 1004 can be divided into other numbers of portions. The adhesive side protective layer 1004 can be divided into two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more portions. In another embodiment, the adhesive side protective layer 1004 is divided into a leading edge portion 1011 and a second portion that is comprised of an integrally formed left side portion 1012 and right side portion 1013 and a central portion 1014. In this embodiment, before removing the remaining portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 and adhering the remaining portion of the film 1001, the leading edge portion 1011 can be removed and the exposed adhesive adhered to the electronic device to properly position the film. 1001. These steps can also be performed in reverse order.

In other embodiments, the release tabs 1007, 1008, 1010 can be located on the edges of the various portions of the adhesive side protective layer 1004, thereby allowing for easier removal of the different portions when other portions have been adhered. For example, the peeling tab may be located on the boundary between the left side portion 1012, the right side portion 1013, and the center portion 1014 and the leading edge portion 1011 of the adhesive side protective layer 1004, allowing the bonding by the leading edge portion 1011 to be adhered first. Agent It is easier to remove these parts in the case. In other embodiments, the stripping tabs may be located on the boundary between the left side portion 1011, the right side portion 1012, and the leading edge portion 1013 and the central portion 1014 of the adhesive side protective layer 1004, allowing for first adhesion by the central portion 1014. It is easier to remove these parts in the case of a covered adhesive. The pulling tab 1009 can be associated with any of the stripping tabs described above.

Figure 24 illustrates another embodiment of a surface film as described herein. FIG. 24 shows a film 1001 having a peeling tab 1007 and a pulling tab 1009. The peeling tab 1007 is attached to the edge of the non-adhesive side protective layer 1005, which protects the non-adhesive side 1003 (see also FIG. 22). The pulling tab 1009 is attached to the adhesive side protective layer 1004. The non-adhesive side protective layer 1005 is shown on the lower side of the film 1001, and the adhesive side protective layer 1004 is shown above the film 1001.

In this embodiment, the adhesive side protective layer 1004 may be partially peeled back from the end including the pulling tab 1009. The exposed adhesive 1002 can then be attached to the edge of the electronic device where it is desired to adhere the film 1001 to the electronic device. When this is done, the adhesive side 1006 of the film 1001 will approach the surface of the electronic device. This can make it difficult to remove the remaining portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004. The length of the pulling tab 1009 makes it easy to remove the remaining portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004. The leading edge of the removed portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 should be directed to the opposite end of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 when its self-adhesive 1002 is pulled away. The pulling tab 1009 will also be directed toward the opposite end of the adhesive side protective layer 1004. Due to the length of the pulling tab 1009, the user can easily access the pulling tab 1009 to pull the remaining portion of the adhesive side protective layer 1004 from the adhesive 1002. The adhesive side 1006 of the film 1001 is then positioned to readily adhere to the surface of the electronic device in the correct orientation. The release tab 1007 can then be used to remove the non-adhesive side protective layer 1005 from the non-adhesive side. In some embodiments, the non-adhesive side protective layer may be removed prior to removal of the adhesive side protective layer using the pulling tab or using the pulling tab to remove the adhesive side protective layer.

In some embodiments, the pull tab 1009 is attached to the adhesive side protective layer 1004 by a peeling tab. In other embodiments, the pull tab 1009 is attached directly to the adhesive side protective layer 1004.

Figure 25 illustrates another embodiment of a surface film as described herein. Figure 25 shows a film 1001 associated with a peripheral portion 1016 of an outer casing of an electronic device. When the film 1001 is placed on the surface of the electronic device, the peripheral portion 1016 can be assembled to a corresponding portion of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the film 1001 can include a peel tab 1007 for removing the protective layers 1003, 1004 from the film 1001, as described above. In other embodiments, the film 1001 to be mounted on the electronic device can include more than one peripheral portion. In some embodiments, each perimeter portion can cover one or more sides of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the peripheral portion covers one or more of a top perimeter, a bottom perimeter, a left perimeter, or a right perimeter of the electronic device. According to other embodiments, the peripheral portion covers the top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface and the right side surface, the bottom surface and the left side surface, the top surface, and the right side surface or the top surface and the left side surface of the electronic device. According to other embodiments, the perimeter portion covers three of the four sides of the perimeter of the electronic device. In some embodiments, this leaves the top, bottom, left side, or right side of the electronic device without a peripheral portion. In other embodiments, the peripheral portion covers a portion of one or more sides. For example, the peripheral portion can cover one or more corners of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion constitutes a shock absorber that covers the perimeter of the electronic device. The shock absorber can include one or more films for covering the front surface and/or the back surface of the electronic device.

According to some embodiments, one or more peripheral portions 1016 can be used to position the film 1001 on the surface of the electronic device. The film 1001 can include an adhesive 1002, or can be held in place by interaction with the surface of the electronic device or by a peripheral portion.

In some embodiments, the perimeter portion 1026 is first positioned on an electronic device and then the film 1001 in accordance with any of the embodiments described above is installed. The film 1001 may include an adhesive 1002 and a protective layer 1003, 1004, or may be directly positioned on the device. On the surface.

Figure 26 illustrates another embodiment of a surface film as described herein. FIG. 26 illustrates a film 1001 positioned between the top perimeter portion 1017 and the bottom perimeter portion 1016 to form a top member 1018 for the outer casing or housing of the electronic device 1023. This top member can be used in conjunction with the bottom member 1019 to enclose the electronic device. In certain embodiments, the top member 1018 can comprise an attachment device as is known in the art. In certain embodiments, the top member 1018 includes a post 1020 that allows the top member 1018 to be coupled to the opening 1021 in the bottom member 1019. In certain embodiments, the bottom member includes an open mating post in the top member. However, any attachment device can be used to align the top member 1018 and the bottom member 1019 such that the member forms an outer casing around the device.

In certain embodiments, the film 1001 is permanently attached to a perimeter member. In other embodiments, the film 1001 is removably attached to the peripheral member. In embodiments where the film is removably attached to the peripheral member, the peripheral member can include one or more release tabs 1022a and 1022b that help remove the peripheral member from the film. The removable perimeter member can be attached to a non-adhesive protective layer that can be peeled from the film. The stripping tab can be oriented anywhere on the removable peripheral member to facilitate removal from the film. In such embodiments, the top member and the bottom member are primarily used to temporarily orient the film properly on the screen of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the film 1001 has an adhesive 1002 or is held in place by a peripheral member. The peripheral member may form a watertight seal with the film 1001. This may occur due to a gasket or any other sealing technique between the one or more peripheral members and the film 1001. For example, the film can be molded onto the peripheral members. A watertight seal may also be formed between the top member 1018 and the bottom member 1019.

In some embodiments, the perimeter member provides shock protection to the electronic device. In some embodiments, film 1001 provides shock protection for electronic devices. In other embodiments, the film and peripheral members may provide a watertight seal.

In some embodiments, the film 1001 is first attached to an electronic device, as above Said, then positioning the peripheral components on the electronic device. In some embodiments, this arrangement produces a watertight seal.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the envelope may have a top member that is spring loaded or tensioned and locked to the corresponding bottom member at two points (or vice versa). For example, FIG. 27A discloses a side cross-sectional view of an envelope 1100 housing an electronic device 1120 having a top latch frame 1102 and a bottom member 1112. The top latch frame 1102 has a surface member 1104 and a side member 1106. The surface member and the side members are spring loaded or tensioned such that the internal angle between the surface member and the side members is less than 90 degrees; in one embodiment, the internal angle is 87 degrees. The interior angle can be about 86 degrees, 85 degrees, 84 degrees, 83 degrees, 82 degrees, 81 degrees, or 80 degrees. The top member can flex to accommodate the electronic device when attached to the bottom member and is made of a hard but flexible material such as a metal or metal alloy, a plastic or other polymer or polymer blend, or tempered glass. Surface member 1104 extends partially over top surface 1121 of the electronic device. A gasket or seal 1118 is located between the top surface of the electronic device and the surface member and helps prevent the ingress of liquids, dust or other particles. The seal can be molded to, bonded to, adhered to the surface member or the device. The seal may be made of a water resistant elastomeric material such as rubber or enamel or a releasable adhesive such as a polyurethane gel. The top member has a plurality of surface member apertures (not shown, see FIG. 28) through which the corresponding plurality of teeth, posts or protrusions 1114 are assembled. In some embodiments, the teeth may protrude as shown (projecting beyond the surface of the surface member), the teeth may be flush with the surface of the surface member, or the teeth may be slightly lower than the surface of the surface member. In some embodiments, each of the teeth or protrusions can be fitted into an indent in the surface member. The surface member can have a combination of apertures and recessed portions. In some embodiments, the top surface of the mobile device includes a multi-touch display and has an additional protective layer adhered to or sprayed onto the screen. The additional layer is sufficiently overlapped with the seal 1118 to form a barrier against liquid, dust or other particles. In some embodiments, the compressible gasket or seal is located on the outer surface and surface of the protective layer Between the components to form a waterproof seal. The compressible gasket can be a compressible elastomer or a releasable, reusable binder. The compressible gasket can be a gel. The compressible elastomer or releasable, reusable adhesive can be bonded to, glued to, molded to, adhered to, or mechanically secured to the screen or slider.

The side members 1106 of the top latch frame also have a plurality of side member apertures (not shown, see FIG. 28) into which a plurality of side wall ramps 1116 extend from the side walls 1113 of the bottom member 1112. In some embodiments, the ramp may protrude as it protrudes (projecting through the surface of the side member), the slope may be flush with the surface of the side member, or the slope may be slightly lower than the surface of the side member. In some embodiments, the ramp can be fitted into a recessed portion in the side member.

To close the device using the top latch frame and bottom member of Figure 27A, the apertures or holes in the surface members of the top latch frame 1102 are aligned with the teeth of the bottom member 1112. The side members then slide across the sidewall slope 1116 and into the side member apertures. The side members may be slightly flexed to allow the top latch frame to be secured to the bottom member.

Figure 27B shows a portion of the bottom member 1112 of Figure 27A without an associated electronic device or top latch frame. The moment of the top member is indicated by line A when the top member is attached to the bottom member.

28 shows a perspective view of a portion of top latch frame 1102 having surface member 1104 and side members 1106. Surface member apertures 1108a and 1108b are offset from side member apertures 1110a, 1110b, and 1110c. In some embodiments, the surface member aperture and the side member aperture are aligned in part or all of the top latch frame.

The use of the bottom member post inserted into the surface member bore and the bottom member sidewall ramp inserted into the side member aperture helps to constrain the movement of the top latch frame. A post on the top ridge of the bottom member constrains movement of the top latch frame in a plane between opposite sides of the closure device, the sidewall ramp constrains the top latch frame to move away from the top surface of the closure device, and the post and the slope prevent Top latch frame along the closure The planar movement between the end portion and the distal portion.

FIG. 29 shows an alternative configuration of the outer periphery of the bottom member 1112. The teeth 1122 are offset from the edges of the side walls 1113 of the bottom member. The side wall ramp 1124 is outwardly projecting to a greater extent than in Figure 27B.

Figure 30 depicts an alternative configuration of an envelope utilizing the clamping mechanism described above. In this embodiment, the top surface 1121 of the mobile electronic device 1121 is proximate to the bottom member 1112 and the bottom surface 1123 of the mobile device 1121 is proximate to the top latch frame 1102. In some embodiments, the bottom member can include a transparent film, such as a polymer or thin glass, that allows access to a multi-touch display on the top surface of the electronic device.

31 depicts a side cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of an envelope utilizing the clamping mechanism described above. The envelope 1130 includes a top latch frame 1132 and a bottom latch frame 1134, each of which mates with a peripheral latch frame 1140. The peripheral latch frame has upper teeth, posts or projections 1142 and upper peripheral ramps 1146 that mate with apertures (not shown) in the top member 1136 of the top latch frame and side members 1137, respectively. Similarly, the perimeter latch frame also has lower teeth, posts or protrusions 1144 and lower peripheral ramps 1148 that mate with apertures (not shown) in the surface member 1138 of the bottom latch frame and side members 1139, respectively. The top latch frame and the surface members of the bottom latch frame extend partially over the edge of the mobile device and are located on the washers or seals 1149a and 1149b. The seal may be made of a water resistant elastomeric material such as rubber or enamel or a releasable adhesive such as a polyurethane gel.

Figure 32 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a top latch frame that can be used with the housing of the present invention. The outer casing 1150 includes an alternate embodiment of a bottom member 1112 and a top latch frame 1152. The top latch frame 1152 mates with the bottom member and the surface member 1153 extends onto the surface of the electronic device. A gasket or seal 1118 is located below the surface member. The post 1114 fits into the notch of the surface member. Side member 1154 has a clip 1156 that mates with sidewall slope 1124.

In some embodiments, the side members of the top latch frame include a plurality of tongues Fitted into a groove in the side wall of the bottom member. FIG. 33A depicts a perspective view of a portion of top latch frame 1160 and bottom member 1166. The top latch frame includes a plurality of latching tongues 1162a through 1162c and tongues 1164a through 1164c. In some embodiments, the aperture can be configured as a notch in the tongue that faces the side wall of the bottom member. The bottom member 1166 has a sidewall recess 1170 in the sidewall 1168 of the bottom member. Sidewall projections or posts 1172a through 1172c are located in the recess. The recess is configured such that the latching tongue of the top member can slide into the recess and the tongue of each tongue mates with the sidewall post to prevent the top latch frame from separating from the bottom member. The groove is also configured such that the wall of the groove slopes inwardly to prevent the tongue from exiting the groove in a lateral direction. Figure 33B shows a top cross-sectional view of a single sidewall groove 1170 and a latching tongue 1162 on the inside of the groove. The sloped sidewalls 1174a and 1174b of the groove are configured to form a trapezoidal shape inside the groove to partially enclose the tongue 1162 and prevent it from exiting the groove in the direction of the dashed arrow. Figure 34 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the tongue and groove wherein the groove 1176 has flanged walls 1178a and 1178b that form a T-shaped void in the groove. Tongue 1180 is also T-shaped and prevents removal of the tongue from the groove in the direction of the dashed arrow.

In some embodiments of the envelope, the outer casing has a seal molded into a portion of the top or bottom member. 35 shows a cross-sectional view (between a proximal end and a distal end) of a portion of an exemplary housing 1200 having a top member 1203 and a bottom member 1213 that encloses the mobile computing device 1201. The top member has a slider 1204 that extends partially over the front surface 1202 of the electronic device or mobile device; an outer perimeter extension 1205; a rigid frame 1206 that extends to the bottom ridge 1207; a tooth 1208 that is toward the outer casing The outer perimeter extends; and a gasket 1209 that is molded, bonded, or adhered into the rigid frame facing the outer perimeter of the outer casing. In some embodiments, the gasket is molded, bonded, or adhered to the outer wall of the bottom member. In some embodiments, the gasket can be an elastomeric compound such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber, polyoxyxene rubber or elastomeric gel. A rigid frame that is molded, bonded, or adhered to the outer wall or top member of the bottom member Helps prevent the gasket from twisting, sliding or rolling when the top and bottom members are mated or unfitted, and thereby preventing wear or damage to the gasket and preventing loss of seal over time.

The bottom member 1213 includes an outer wall 1214 and an inner wall 1216 having a notch or notch 1215 configured to receive the teeth of the top member, the inner and outer walls forming a channel 1217, a portion of the rigid frame of the top member and The bottom ridge extends into the channel. Figure 35 is drawn to clearly show each of the described assemblies, but in some embodiments, the outer wall and the rigid frame fit together to press a gasket between the outer wall and the rigid frame to form a seal. Similarly, the outer perimeter extension can fit over the top ridge of the outer wall 1214 and the slider 1204 can be pressed against the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201. In some embodiments, the slider 1204 is made of an elastomeric material that is less rigid than the rigid frame and forms a waterproof or water resistant seal against the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and extends under the slider 1204 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and does not extend below the slider 1204. In some embodiments, the second gasket is located below the slider 1204 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, a compressible gasket or seal is located between the outer surface of the screen protector and the slider 1204 to form a watertight seal. The compressible gasket can be a compressible elastomer or a releasable, reusable binder. The compressible gasket can be a gel (eg, a poloxamer or a poloxamer compound). The compressible elastomer or releasable, reusable adhesive is bonded to, glued to, molded to, adhered to, or mechanically secured to the screen or slider.

FIG. 36 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a housing having a top member 1220 and a bottom member 1230. The top member 1220 has an outer wall 1221 and an inner wall 1222 that form a channel 1223 that is configured to receive the top ridge 1231 of the bottom member 1230. The top ridge 1231 of the bottom member 1230 extends from the side wall 1232. The top member has: a clip 1224, which fits over the teeth 1225 extending outwardly from the side wall 1232; and a notch or notch 1226 that mates with the teeth 1225. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 1232 can be devoid of teeth 1225 and mate with notches or indentations in the sidewalls of the bottom member 1232. A gasket 1227 is located on the top ridge 1231 and is molded, bonded, or adhered to the top ridge 1231. In some embodiments, the gasket 1227 is molded, bonded, or adhered to the channel 1223 of the top member 1220. In other embodiments, the gasket 1227 covers a portion of the inner and outer surfaces of the top ridge 1231, and the top ridge 1231 is tapered relative to the remainder of the sidewall 1232 in a stepped configuration. The tapered top ridge 1231 can allow space for the gasket 1227 without increasing the distance between the inner and outer walls of the top member 1220. In some embodiments, the taper can be continuous. The gasket 1227 can form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the gasket 1227 can be an elastomeric compound such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber, polyoxyxene rubber, or an elastomeric gel (such as a poloxamer or poloxamer compound).

The top member has a slider 1228 that extends partially over the front surface 1202 of the mobile computing device 1201. In some embodiments, the slider 1228 is made of an elastomeric material that is less rigid than the rigid frame and forms a waterproof or water resistant seal against the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and extends under the slider 1228 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and does not extend below the slider 1228. In some embodiments, the second gasket is located below the slider 1228 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. Figure 36 is drawn to clearly show each of the described components, but in some embodiments, the top and bottom members are closely mated with each other and are mated with the mobile device 1201 to press the top ridge of the bottom member 1230 A first gasket and/or a second gasket between the 1231 and the passage 1223 to form a seal.

37 depicts an alternate embodiment of a housing having a top member 1240 and a bottom member 1250 and a gasket 1254 molded into the housing. Top member 1240 has an outer wall 1241 and inner wall 1242, the inner and outer walls form a channel 1243, the outer wall 1241 has a clip 1244 and the inner wall has a recess 1245. The recess 1245 is configured to receive a tooth 1255 that extends inwardly from the sidewall 1251 of the bottom member 1250. The bottom member 1250 has a sidewall 1251 that extends to the top ridge 1252. The top ridge 1252 of the bottom member 1250 has a protrusion 1253 that extends laterally inwardly toward the inner wall 1242 and is pressed against the washer 1254 between the inner wall 1242 and the side wall 1251 and on the side of the top ridge 1252. In some embodiments, the protrusion can be located on the inner wall 1242 facing the channel. In some embodiments, there are no protrusions. In some embodiments, the gasket 1254 is molded, bonded, or adhered to the inner wall 1242 of the passage of the top member 1240. In some embodiments, the gasket 1254 is molded, bonded, or adhered to the inner surface of the sidewall 1251. The gasket 1254 can form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the gasket 1254 can be an elastomeric compound such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber, polyoxyxene rubber, or an elastomeric gel (eg, a poloxamer or poloxamer compound). The top member 1240 can have a slider 1246 that extends partially over the front surface 1202 of the mobile computing device 1201. In some embodiments, the slider 1246 is made of an elastomeric material that is less rigid than the rigid frame and forms a waterproof or water resistant seal against the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and extends under the slider 1246 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and does not extend below the slider 1246. In some embodiments, the second gasket is located below the slider 1246 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. Figure 37 is drawn to clearly show each of the described components, but in some embodiments, the top and bottom members are closely mated with one another and are mated with the mobile device to press against the top ridge of the bottom member. A first gasket and/or a second gasket between the inner side surface and the passageway to form a seal.

38 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the outer casing of FIG. 37 in which the gasket 1254 is located on the inner side of the side wall 1251 and on the top ridge 1253 of the bottom member 1250. Such as above As depicted in FIG. 37, in some embodiments, the gasket 1254 is molded, bonded, or adhered to the inner wall 1242 of the channel 1243 of the top member 1240 and the horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the gasket 1254 is molded, bonded, or adhered to the inner surface of the sidewall 1251 and the top ridge 1253 of the bottom member 1250. In some embodiments, the gasket 1254 can be an elastomeric compound such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber, polyoxyxene rubber, or an elastomeric gel (eg, a poloxamer or poloxamer compound).

Figure 39 depicts yet another alternative embodiment of a housing having a top member 1260 and a bottom member 1270 and a gasket 1273 molded into the housing. The top member 1260 has an outer wall 1261 and an inner wall 1262. The inner wall 1262 has a clip 1263 that is configured to mate with a notch or notch 1264 on the sidewall 1271 of the bottom member 1270. The sidewall 1271 can extend to the top ridge 1272. A washer 1273 is located on the top ridge 1272 and can be molded to, bonded to, or adhered to the top ridge. In some embodiments, the gasket 1273 is molded, bonded, or adhered to the passage of the top member 1260. The top ridge 1272 can be tapered relative to the remainder of the sidewall 1271 in a stepped configuration. In certain embodiments, the tapered top ridge 1253 can allow space for the washer 1273 without increasing the distance between the inner wall 1262 of the top member 1260 and the outer wall 1261. In some embodiments, the taper can be continuous. The gasket 1273 forms a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the gasket 1273 can be an elastomeric compound such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber, polyoxyxene rubber, or an elastomeric gel.

The top member has a slider 1265 that extends partially over the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201. In some embodiments, the slider 1265 is made of an elastomeric material that is less rigid than the rigid frame and forms a waterproof or water resistant seal against the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and extends under the slider 1265 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and does not extend below the slider 1265. In some embodiments, the second gasket is located below the slider 1265 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. Figure 39 is drawn to clearly show the description Each of the components, but in some embodiments, the top member and the bottom member are closely fitted to each other and are mated with the mobile device to press the first gasket between the top ridge and the channel of the bottom member and/or Or a second gasket to form a seal.

40A illustrates another alternate embodiment of a top member and a bottom member of an envelope that are assembled together without an elastomeric gasket to create a water resistant seal to protect the mobile computing device from liquids, The influence of dust, particles, etc. The top member 1280 has an outer wall 1281 and an inner wall 1282 that form a channel 1283 that is configured to receive the top ridge 1292 of the bottom member 1290. The top ridge of the bottom member extends from the side wall 1291. The top member has a clip 1284 that fits into a notch or notch 1285 in the side wall 1291. Inner wall 1282 includes lateral protrusions or bumps 1286 that face side wall 1291. Inner wall 1282 is biased inwardly toward side wall 1291. The flexural modulus of each of the sidewalls 1291 and the inner wall 1282 is configured such that the protrusions 1286 are pressed against the sidewalls 1291 with sufficient force to form a water resistant seal. Both the inner wall 1282 of the top member and the side wall of the bottom member 1291 can be made of a rigid polymer such as a thermoplastic polymer; in some embodiments, the inner wall 1282 of the top member can also have a modulus of elasticity greater than the sidewall 1291. The modulus of elasticity. Thus, when the top member 1280 and the bottom member 1290 are mated, the protrusion 1286 has a modulus of elasticity sufficient to partially deform against the sidewall 1291 and maintain a water resistant seal. Figure 40B shows a close up view of the lateral projections in Figure 40A and how the lateral projections abut the side walls. In some embodiments, the bottom member has an inner wall and an outer wall forming a channel configured to receive a bottom ridge of the top member.

Similar to Figures 36-39, the top member has a slider 1287 that extends partially across the front surface 1202 of the mobile computing device 1201. In some embodiments, the slider 1287 is made of an elastomeric material that is less rigid than the rigid frame and forms a waterproof or water resistant seal against the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located on the front surface 1202 of the mobile device 1201 and extends below the slider 1287 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In some embodiments, the screen protector is located in a row The front surface 1202 of the moving device 1201 does not extend below the slider 1287. In some embodiments, the gasket is located proximate to the slider 1287 to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. In certain embodiments, other clamping mechanisms may be utilized on the top and bottom members, such as their clamping mechanisms as described throughout this specification (see, for example, Figures 3A, 14D through 14S, Figure 27). 29, 33A to 33B, and 34). 40A and 40B are drawn to differently show each of the described components, but in some embodiments, the top member and the bottom member are closely mated with each other and are closely mated with the mobile device.

It is desirable to be able to increase the volume level of the sound emitted from the mobile device in the enclosure of the closed mobile computing device. The following describes an improvement in the envelope for increasing the volume of the sound. In some embodiments of the outer casing described herein, a portion of the bottom member surface of the envelope has a region that is thinner than a region of the remainder of the bottom member surface. This sound enhancement zone promotes amplification of sounds emitted from the enclosure and out of the envelope. For example, as shown in FIG. 41, the sound enhancement region 1303 can be positioned adjacent the distal end 1302 of the bottom member surface 1301 of the housing 1300. In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region 1303 can be positioned adjacent the proximal end of the housing 1300. Preferably, the sound enhancement region 1303 is positioned proximate to the speaker output of the enclosed mobile computing device. The sound enhancement region 1303 includes a region that is thinner than the remainder of the bottom member surface 1301. For example, the sound enhancement region 1303 can be about 0.9 mm thick, while the remainder of the surface after the envelope can be from about 1.2 mm to about 0.4 mm thick. In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region 1303 can be about 0.8 mm thick, about 0.7 mm thick, about 0.5 mm thick, about 0.4 mm thick, about 0.3 mm thick, about 0.2 mm thick, or about 0.1 mm thick. In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region 1303 can be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm thick, or from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm thick.

In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region 1303 is integrally molded from the same material as the rear surface of the bottom member 1301. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 42, the sound enhancement region 1303 is molded such that the boundary between the rear surface of the bottom member and the thinned region of the sound enhancement region has an inclined region 1305. The inclined area 1305 can be included in the comparison A gentle slope between the thick bottom member surface 1301 and the thinned region. The angled region 1305 can help maintain shock absorption and shatter resistance of the bottom surface 1301 of the housing 1300.

In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region has a size of about 80 mm by about 67 mm. In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region has a size of about 67 mm by about 49 mm. In some embodiments, the sound enhancement region has a surface area of about 5360 mm ² . In some embodiments, the sound enhancing region has a surface area between about 100 mm ² and about 500 mm ² , between about 500 mm ² and about 1000 mm ² , between about 1000 mm ² and about 2000 mm ² , at about 2000 mm ² and about between 3000mm ^2, is between about and about 3000mm ² 4000mm ^2, is between about and about 4000mm ² 5000mm ^2, is between about and about 5000mm ² 6000mm ^2, is between about and about 6000mm ² 7000mm ^2, in between about and about 7000mm ² 8000mm ^2, is between about and about 8000mm ² 9000mm ^2, or between about 9000mm ² and about 10,000mm ^2. In some embodiments, the surface area of the sound enhancement region can substantially cover the entire bottom surface of the envelope. Preferably, the surface area of the sound enhancement zone is less than the surface area of the bottom surface of the housing to maintain shock and/or shatter resistance of the bottom surface. For example, the ratio of the surface area of the sound enhancement zone to the surface area of the rear of the housing may be between 1:3 and 1:4, between 1:4 and 1:5, between 1:5 and 1:6. Between 1:6 and 1:7, between 1:7 and 1:8, between 1:8 and 1:9, between 1:9 and 1:10. In some embodiments, the ratio of the surface area of the sound enhancing region to the surface area of the rear portion of the housing can be from 1 to about 3.75.

In some embodiments, the thinner region of the sound enhancement region can be a film (eg, a semi-rigid plastic polymer or glass) that is adhered to cover the incision region of the back surface of the bottom member, the manner of attachment causing the incision The area is waterproof. The film may be made of the same material as the back surface of the bottom member or a different material. The incision area can be any shape, such as a polygon or an oval.

The gasket of the charging cartridge associated with the charging trick and for sealing the envelope can be constructed to be carried out both inside the surface of the charging cassette or at the outer ridge and in the form of a ring in the charging port of the envelope. seal. This provides a seal at a plurality of potential liquid entry points to prevent entry of liquid in the event of a seal damage. 43A depicts a side partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an envelope 1310 having a dual sealing gasket 1314 attached to a charging cassette 1312 in an open configuration and a charging cassette 1318. The charging cassette has a charging face or ridge 1319 surrounding the charging port. The double sealing gasket 1314 has an annular plug 1315 configured to enter the charging cartridge and a face sealing portion 1316 surrounding the annular plug 1315. The annular plug 1315 has an annular protrusion 1317 that surrounds the annular plug 1315. In some embodiments, the double sealing gasket 1314 is made of an elastomeric material. The double sealing gasket 1314 can be an abutment or can be constructed as two separate parts, each of which can be made of a different elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the face seal portion, the annular plug, or both may be made of a rigid polymer having a modulus of elasticity that is lower than the modulus of elasticity of the charging face, and slightly deformed when the charging door is closed, thereby forming a water resistant seal.

43B is a side cross-sectional view of the envelope 1310 of FIG. 43A with the charging trick 1312 in a closed configuration. The charging ridge 1319 is pressed against the face sealing portion 1316 of the double sealing gasket 1314 to form a first seal. This seal prevents water, liquid, dust, etc. from entering the envelope 1310. The annular plug 1315 of the double sealing gasket 1314 is inside the charging cartridge 1318 with the annular projection 1317 pressed against the inner wall of the charging cartridge 1318 to form a second seal. This second seal also prevents water, liquids, dust, etc. from entering the envelope. Channel gasket 1321 is also shown that is pressed against the outer edge of charging cartridge 1318. The charging tip 1312 also includes a washer post 1320. When an elastomeric double sealing gasket is used, the post 1320 provides a stiffness that helps force the annular plug 1315 and the more flexible annular projection 1317 into the charging bore 1318. In some embodiments including a gasket having a lower modulus of elasticity, the post 1320 may not be necessary and may be omitted.

43C depicts a bottom view of the charging cassette 1318 and a portion of the charging cassette 1312 of the envelope 1310 shown in FIGS. 43A-43B in an open configuration. A double sealing gasket 1314 is attached to the charging trick 1312 and includes an annular plug 1315, a ring The protrusion 1317 and the face sealing portion 1316. The face sealing portion is in contact with the charging face 1319 of the charging port 1318, and the ring protrusion is in contact with the inner surface of the charging port when the charging door is closed.

In some embodiments of a thin profile housing for a mobile computing device, the housing includes four parts that cooperate around a mobile computing device to form a housing. Figure 44A shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a housing having four parts and a mobile device 1350 to be closed having a proximal end 1351 and a distal end 1352. The envelope includes a top member 1356, a bottom member 1370, a proximal slider 1372, and a distal slider 1373. The top member 1356 has a rigid frame 1357 that defines a cavity 1358 that is configured to hold a mobile computing device. The proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 include frame channels 1375a and 1375b (respectively) that are configured to receive the aligned top member 1356 and the bottom member 1370. The bottom member 1370 includes a bottom member washer or seal 1371 that surrounds the perimeter of the bottom member 1370. In some embodiments, the bottom member 1370 is constructed of a substantially transparent material and allows the camera and flash of the device to be used when the mobile device 1350 is closed. In some embodiments, only a portion of the bottom member 1370 is transparent and can be coated such that a portion is opaque. In some embodiments, the bottom member 1370 includes a camera lens or flash lens (not shown) that is bonded, welded, or adhered into the hole in the bottom member, each of which allows the camera and flash to be used when closed. The bottom member 1370 can also include one or more acoustic apertures (not shown) for sound transmission.

The housing is assembled by inserting the mobile device 1350 into the cavity 1358 of the top member 1356 and then aligning the bottom member 1370 over the cavity opening to enclose the mobile device 1350. The aligned top member 1356 and bottom member 1370 are then slid into the frame channels 1375a-1375b of the proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 to compress the top member 1356 and the bottom member 1370 together to form a watertight seal. The seal is between the gasket of the bottom member 1370 and the rear of the mobile device, and around the top member 1356 The side portion is between the front of the mobile device.

The proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 have clamping mechanisms or latching mechanisms 1374a-1374c (1374d not shown) that hold the proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 together and prevent them from falling Separation when falling. Suitable latches include hooks, teeth and sockets, snaps and sockets that are mated together, and other clips and latches described herein and known in the art. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism engages inside the proximal slider and/or the distal slider. For example, one of the sliders may have exposed teeth at each of the connecting ends of the slider; the teeth are configured such that when the proximal slider is mated with the distal slider, the teeth are shaped The object enters the socket or opening in the connecting end of the opposite slider. The teeth may be on the connection end of one of the sliders and the sockets may be on the connection end of the other slider, or each of the sliders may have teeth on one connection end and the other connection end on the same slider There is a socket on it. A notch or another tooth rests inside the opening and removably engages the teeth of the proximal slider. The proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 each include a front pressure rim 1376a-1376b and a rear pressure rim 1377a-1377b that is configured to apply sufficient force between the top member 1356 and the bottom member 1370. In order to maintain a waterproof seal. In some embodiments, the front and rear pressure rims are springed or tensioned to apply sufficient force between the top member 1356 and the bottom member 1370. In certain embodiments, the distance between the front pressure rim and the rear pressure rim is slightly less than the distance between the uncompressed and aligned top member 1356 and the bottom member 1370, wherein the washer is inserted into the top member and the bottom member. between. This configuration allows the top and bottom members to compress the gasket as they are inserted into the frame channels of the proximal and distal sliders.

In some embodiments, the rigid frame also includes one or more sound transmission features, one or more light transmissive features, and/or one or more button features proximate to corresponding features on the mobile device. Figure 44A shows an exemplary light transmissive feature 1365 and a sound transfer feature 1366 on the proximal end of the top member and a button feature 1367 on the distal end of the top member. A light transmissive feature 1365, a sound transmitting feature 1366, and a button are included in the inner peripheral portion 1367 of the top member 1356. Button feature 1367. This feature can be generated as described herein (ibid.) and configured to align with corresponding features of the mobile device to be closed.

The rigid frame 1357 of the top member 1356 includes a peripheral wall 1359 and an inner peripheral portion 1367. In some embodiments of the rigid frame 1357, the peripheral wall 1359 includes overmolded buttons and/or switches (not shown) that are configured to interact with the buttons and switches of the enclosed mobile device 1350. effect. In another embodiment, the peripheral wall 1359 includes a hole or aperture configured to allow access to a button and/or switch of the closure device via an overmolded button and/or switch mechanism, the mechanism including In the proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 (as described above). In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 1359 of the top member 1356 also includes a charging bore 1360 that facilitates access to the charging port 1355 of the enclosed mobile device 1350; the earphone aperture 1361 that allows access to the enclosed device 1350 a headphone jack; and one or more sound transmission holes 1360. In some embodiments, a single aperture allows access to multiple features of the mobile device. For example, the earphone jack 1361 allows access to both the earphone jack 1353 and the bottom microphone 1354 of the mobile device depicted in Figure 44A. In some embodiments, the one or more sound transmission apertures are covered with a water impermeable material (not shown) that allows sound to pass into and out of the envelope.

The peripheral wall 1359 of the top member 1356 also includes a retaining rail 1363 that facilitates the proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 surrounding the assembled top member 1356 and bottom member 1370 when the envelope is dropped or subjected to a sudden concentrated force. Keep it. The rail 1363 is configured to prevent the slider from flexing and release the aligned top member 1356 and bottom member 1370. Figure 44B shows a side cross-sectional view through one side of the proximal slider 1372 that mates with the aligned top member 1356 and bottom member 1370 in the frame channel 1375a (without closing the device). The retaining rail 1363 has a retaining hook 1364 that is generally parallel with the peripheral wall 1359 of the top member 1356. In certain embodiments, the retention hooks 1364 can be angled toward the peripheral wall 1359. The retention rail 1363 is configured to slide into the retention channel 1378. The retaining channel 1378 includes a retaining channel wall 1379 that is configured to be inserted into the retaining channel at the retaining rail 1363 In 1378, the hook 1364 is abutted. The presence of retaining hooks 1364 and retaining channel walls prevents the slider and top member 1356 from pulling apart from one another and allowing the aligned top member 1356 and bottom member 1370 to slide out of the frame channel.

The proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 may be overmolded with a flexible or shock absorbing material such as a flexible or semi-flexible material such as TPE, polyoxyxene, polypropylene or other such rubber material. . The proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 can also include one or more apertures or apertures that allow access to overmolded buttons and/or switches on the peripheral wall 1359 of the top member 1356. In some embodiments, the slider can include buttons and/or switches in the apertures that are sealed with the overmolded flexible material. Such overmolded buttons and/or switches in the slider are configured to interact with the buttons and/or switches of the mobile device 1350 by the apertures in the top member 1356.

The proximal slider 1372 and the distal slider 1373 may also include a sound transmission aperture 1362 that is aligned with the sound transmission aperture in the peripheral wall 1359 of the top member 1356 (see Figure 44A). If the sound transmission hole of the top member 1356 is sealed by a water impermeable material against water and liquid, the sound hole 1362 of the slider may not be covered. If the sound hole of the top member 1356 is not sealed against water, the sound hole 1362 of the slider can be covered with a water impermeable material (not shown) that allows sound to pass into and out of the envelope.

The slider may also include an earphone jack for charging the cartridge and/or one or more apertures of the earphone jack aligned with the charging pupil and/or the top member 1356. The holes for charging the cymbal and/or the headphone jack may be separate holes (for example, FIG. 44A and FIG. 44C show the outer charging boring 1380, the outer earphone hole 1381, and the outer sound transmitting hole 1382) or allow for near charging 埠And a single hole for both the headphone jack. The slider also includes a door and a gasket that are configured to cover the charging bore of both the slider and the top member and provide a watertight seal. The door can be attached to the slider, for example by a hinge or by a hook cord. The door may include a gasket that seals the aperture, or a plug made of a flexible or semi-flexible material that enters the aperture to form a seal. The door can only seal the charging bore or seal both the charging cartridge and the headphone jack. In which headphones and charging 埠 The aperture is a separate embodiment and may include a headphone plug (not shown). The plug can be attached to the slider or attached to the slider by a hinge.

In some embodiments, the top member also includes an inner peripheral portion 1368 that overlies the face of the enclosed mobile device. In some embodiments, inner peripheral portion 1368 includes a slider (not shown) that is made of a flexible or semi-rigid material and that is adapted to provide a sealing means for the interior of the outer casing. For example, the slider is adapted to interact with the screen portion of the enclosed device in a manner such that a close interface is created. This tight interface helps prevent water from seeping under the slider. Additionally, the inner peripheral portion 1368 is adapted such that the fluid and/or particulate mass will slide or otherwise flow over the inner peripheral portion of the top member rather than under the inner peripheral portion. Flexible or semi-rigid materials may include, but are not limited to, natural rubber or synthetic rubber or combinations thereof, such as natural rubber and/or nitrile, and/or neoprene, and/or polyoxyxene, and/or fluoropolyoxyl And/or fluorocarbons, and/or perfluoroelastomers and/or polyurethanes, and/or thermoplastic elastomers (such as ethylene propylene), and/or thermoplastic hard rubbers, and/or thermoplastics (eg Polypropylene), and/or polyethylene and/or foam (e.g., foamed polyvinyl chloride), and/or foamed nitrile rubber, and/or foamed polyurethane urethane, and the like. The slider can be fabricated by any suitable process and associated with a rigid frame such as overmolding, in-mold decoration, vulcanization, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, substrate bonding (eg, adhesive tape substrate), Mechanical bonding (such as stretching around), and / or traps in the groove and / or other mechanical bonding methods. In some embodiments, the inner perimeter portion can be made of the same material as the rigid frame or a different material.

Figure 44C depicts the partially assembled envelope of Figure 44A without the enclosed device. The aligned top and bottom member assemblies are inserted into a frame channel (not shown) of the proximal slide 1372 and the aligned assembly is partially inserted into the frame channel 1375b of the distal slide 1373. Figures 44D and 44E depict a partially assembled housing with and without the top member, respectively. For the sake of clarity, the simplified diagram does not depict holes, buttons, switches, or other features. Figure 44D shows the aligned top member inserted into the frame channel (not shown) of the proximal slide 1372. 1356 and bottom member 1370. In some embodiments, the inner peripheral portion 1368 of the top member includes a front perimeter seal or gasket (not shown) that seals against the face of the mobile device when the outer casing is assembled around the mobile device. Figure 44E depicts the bottom member 1370 inserted into the frame channel (not shown) of the proximal slide 1372; the front perimeter seal 1371 can be seen to be in a position it would occupy when the top member was present. The front perimeter seal 1371 can be made of any water impermeable material (eg, polyoxyethylene rubber or elastomeric gel). The front perimeter seal 1371 can be glued, heat welded, bonded or molded into that portion of the inner peripheral portion of the front screen facing the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the top member includes a transparent film that is adhered, molded, welded, or otherwise attached to the inner peripheral portion to form a watertight seal with the inner peripheral portion of the rigid frame.

In another aspect of the present technology, a gasket can be formed that is located in the interior of the housing and that is coupled to a flexible material that is overmolded to the exterior of the envelope. The overmold material can act as a gasket on both the inner and outer surfaces of the peripheral wall of the top member. Figure 45A shows a perspective view of a portion of the top member 1400 of the envelope. The top member 1400 includes a slider sub-portion 1401, a peripheral wall 1402, a bottom ridge 1403 including a clamping mechanism 1404, an outer overmold gasket 1406, and an inner overmold gasket 1408. The top member 1400 also includes a vertical channel 1406 that spans the width of the peripheral wall 1402 and is filled with an overmold material on the exterior of the peripheral wall 1402. The inner overmold portion 1405 is formed on the inside of the peripheral wall 1402. During the overmolding process that forms the overmolded outer gasket, material flows through the vertical channel 1407 and forms an overmolded inner gasket. When the bottom ridge 1403 of the top member 1400 is inserted into the channel of the bottom member, the overmolded inner and outer gaskets form a watertight seal.

45B shows a side cross-sectional view of the top member 1400 depicted in FIG. 45A mated with the bottom member 1420 of the envelope to enclose the mobile electronic device 1430. The plane of the profile extends through the vertical channel 1406 of the top member 1400. Bottom member 1420 A channel 1421 formed between the outer channel wall 1422 and the inner channel wall 1423 is included and the bottom ridge 1403 of the top member 1400 is inserted into the channel. The bottom ridge has a clamping mechanism 1404 that is configured to mate with a channel clamping mechanism 1424 on the outer channel wall of the bottom member. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism of the bottom member is included on the inner channel wall and the clamping mechanism of the bottom ridge is configured to mate with the channel clamping mechanism. The overmolded flexible portion 1406 on the exterior of the peripheral wall 1402 presses against the outer channel wall 1422 to form a watertight seal. At the same time, the flexible material extends through the vertical channel 1407 and emerges through the opening of the vertical channel such that a second seal is formed on the interior surface of the top member ridge. Figure 45C depicts a perspective cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of an overmolded flexible material configured to form two gaskets. In this embodiment, a sufficient volume of flexible material is overmolded to flow through the peripheral passage (not shown) and merged to form a continuous inner overmold gasket 1409 on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 1402.

Additional modifications to the envelope are described below to increase the volume and quality of the sound. In some embodiments of the outer casing, a portion of the envelope includes a passive radiator that is in acoustic communication with one or more speakers of the mobile device. 46A depicts a rear view of the exterior of the outer casing 1440 with a passive radiator 1444 in the rear outer surface 1443 of the bottom member 1442 of the envelope. The passive radiator includes a diaphragm 1445 and a roller enclosure 1446 surrounding the diaphragm 1445 that allows the diaphragm 1445 to move into and out of the plane of the rear surface. The passive radiator can have any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon (eg, a square, a hexagon, etc.). The material of the diaphragm 1445 can be any thin, lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid to passively resonate the sound from the enclosed mobile device. Suitable materials for forming the membrane 1445 include, but are not limited to, paper, paper mixtures and laminates, plastics (eg, polyester film or polypropylene), metal and metal mixtures (eg, tantalum, titanium, magnesium, aluminum), ceramics. (for example, diamond or alumina), fabric and polyoxyxene rubber. The material can be altered to tune the frequency of the sound through the passive resonator. In some embodiments, a mass can be added to the membrane 1445. The weight of the mass can be varied to tune the frequency of the sound emitted from the passive resonator. Roller enclosure 1446 It can be made of an elastic material such as foam or rubber. In some embodiments, the roller enclosure 1446 can be replaced with a folded surround. Preferably, the roller enclosure 1446 and the diaphragm 1445 are made of a water impermeable material. The passive radiator 1444 can be glued, adhered, welded or otherwise attached to a hole cut into the bottom member of the housing to form a waterproof seal. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 1445 and the enclosure 1446 of the passive radiator 1444 can be formed by overmolding a molding material over the aperture to form a watertight seal.

A bottom member baffle 1448 on the interior of the bottom member encloses the passive radiator. Figure 46B shows a back view of the interior of the bottom member 1442 of the envelope 1440 shown in Figure 46A. The passive radiator 1444 is surrounded by a bottom member baffle 1448. When the mobile device is enclosed in the outer casing, the bottom member baffle presses against the rear surface of the mobile device (not shown). The sound emerging from the mobile device is directed towards the passive radiator and is prevented from radiating out of the remainder of the envelope.

The top member of the envelope also includes a top member baffle that is configured to mate with a portion of the bottom member baffle when the top member and the bottom member are engaged. For example, Figure 46C shows a perspective view of the distal interior of the top member 1450. The top member baffle 1452 is attached to the top member. The top member baffle surrounds the sound enhancement cavity 1454 in an area adjacent to where the speaker of the mobile device is located when the mobile device is enclosed in the housing. When the top member and the bottom member cooperate to enclose the mobile device, the sound cavity is in air communication with the passive radiator on the bottom member and one or more speakers of the mobile device. The sound emerging from the speaker of the mobile device is directed into the sound cavity and towards the passive radiator. The passive radiator then moves into and out of the plane of the rear surface, thereby radiating sound from the mobile device speaker to the outside of the envelope.

Figure 46D shows a perspective view of the top member baffle 1452, the bottom member baffle 1448, and the passive radiator 1444. The baffle and the passive radiator are configured in accordance with the condition when the top member and the bottom member are fitted together. The sound chamber 1454 is positioned proximate to the speaker of the mobile device. The sound from the speaker travels through the sound chamber 1454 and excites The radiator 1444 is configured to transmit the sound frequency to the outside of the housing. In some embodiments, the baffle can be made from more than one anti-sound material. Exemplary anti-sound materials include foam, plastic or rubber.

In some embodiments of the passive radiator sound enhancement device, the passive radiator can be located on the top member or the bottom member. The passive radiator can be oriented in any orientation relative to the plane of the mobile device speaker. In a preferred embodiment, the passive radiator is located adjacent to the speaker of the mobile device. The top member baffle and the bottom member baffle can be in any configuration that forms an air path between the area of the speaker adjacent the mobile device and the passive radiator. In some embodiments, the passive radiator is covered by a grid or grill that protects the passive radiator from tearing and puncture. In some embodiments, the passive radiator is located between the grids on both the inside and the outside of the envelope.

As described above, the passive radiator of the present envelope technology can include a mass that can be used to tune the frequency of the sound passing through the passive resonator. For example, Figure 46E shows a side cross-sectional view of a passive radiator 1460 having a tuned mass 1464 associated with the diaphragm 1466 and adjacent the outer roller enclosure 1462. The tuning mass 1464 can be made of the same material as the diaphragm 1466 and molded with the diaphragm 1466, or it can be adhered or bonded to the diaphragm 1466. In some embodiments, the tuning mass 1464 can be made of a different material than the material of the diaphragm 1466. Depending on the weight of mass 1464, tuning mass 1464 helps to increase the lower frequency of the sound. In some embodiments, the passive radiator 1460 can include additional roller enclosures to facilitate tuning the radiator to enhance and/or attenuate specific frequencies. 46F shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a passive radiator 1468. The tuning mass is located between the outer roller enclosure 1462 and the inner roller enclosure 1463. The diaphragm 1466 is separated from the tuning mass by an inner roller enclosure.

The above drawings may depict an exemplary configuration of the apparatus of the present disclosure to assist in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the housing described herein. The apparatus is not limited to the illustrated architecture or configuration, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. another In addition, while the apparatus has been described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be appreciated that various features and functionality described in one or more separate embodiments for describing features and functionality may be modified. One or more other embodiments of the present disclosure are applied, either individually or in some combination, whether or not such embodiments are described, and whether such features are presented as part of the described embodiments. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, particularly in the scope of any accompanying claims.

Terms and phrases used in this document and variations thereof are to be understood as being open rather than limiting. As an example of the foregoing: the term "comprising" shall be taken to mean "including but not limited to" and the like; the term "example" is used to provide an exemplary instance of the item in question, rather than an exhaustive or restrictive list thereof; Adjectives such as "conventional", "traditional", "standard", "known" and terms having similar meanings should not be construed as limiting the described items to a given period of time or items available at a given time, but rather Interpreted as containing conventional, traditional, normal or standard techniques that are available or known at any time now or in the future. Similarly, a group of items connected by the conjunction "and" should not be construed as requiring that each item of the item be present in the group, but rather be interpreted as "and/or" unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items connected by the conjunction "or" should not be construed as requiring a mutual exclusion of the group, but rather as "and/or" unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, although the items, elements or components of the present disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural forms are intended to be in the In some instances, extensions and phrases such as "one or more", "at least", "but not limited to" or other similar phrases should not be construed as meaning that such extended phrases may not exist. Hope or need a narrower case. Further, in the case of a stated range, the upper and lower limits of the range include all of the intermediate units.

The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting, the scope of the disclosure It is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

1‧‧‧Shell

2‧‧‧ top member

3‧‧‧ bottom member

18a‧‧‧Coin-operated slot features

20‧‧‧ peripheral parts

21‧‧‧ proximal part

22‧‧‧ distal part

23‧‧‧Side/opposite side sections

24‧‧‧ opposite side sections

25‧‧‧Front surface/translucent film/front surface/front surface member/screen protector/film/surface film/film material/front film/front screen/interactive film/top surface film/flexible film/top member film

31‧‧‧ proximal part

32‧‧‧ distal part

33‧‧‧Bottom side/opposite side part

35‧‧‧ bottom surface

40‧‧‧ button features

47‧‧‧Video or camera features/optical transparent areas/camera features/camera or video features

48‧‧‧ proximity sensor features / proximity sensor / optically transparent area

49‧‧‧ Ambient light sensor features / ambient light sensor

53‧‧‧Sound cover/earphone cover/plug/earphone jack plug/jack plug/plug

71b‧‧‧Latch cover/latch door/charger latch cover or door/charger/latch Feature cover / latch cover / 埠 open latch cover

99a‧‧‧Button Features/Button Overmolded Features/Volume Button/Volume Control Dial or Button/Volume Dial

99b‧‧‧Button Features/Button Overmolded Features/Volume Button/Volume Control Dial or Button/Volume Dial

99c‧‧‧ button feature/button feature cutout

Claims (30)

An outer casing for enclosing and sealing an electronic device having a camera and a flash, the housing comprising: a bottom member including a front surface and a rear surface and having a camera lens for positioning over the camera a flash lens positioned above the flash, the bottom member being surrounded by a peripheral portion defined by a proximal portion, a distal portion and a pair of upright portions, the front surface of the bottom member having at least a gasket at a peripheral edge of the front surface, the bottom member further comprising a plurality of clamping mechanisms extending upwardly from the periphery of the front surface; and a top member having a rigid frame defining the corresponding An inner wall of an outer periphery of the electronic device and defining an outer wall corresponding to the peripheral portion of the bottom member, the outer wall of the rigid frame having a plurality of recesses, each recess receiving the plurality of the bottom members One of the clamping mechanisms to engage the top member with the bottom member, the rigid frame extending to a ridge, the ridge Adjacent to the gasket to seal the housing when engaged with the base member of the top member. The outer casing of claim 1, wherein the top member further comprises a plurality of sealing buttons and a plurality of sealable apertures, and a film overlying the ridges opposite the ridges, the film having a transparent region. The outer casing of claim 1, further comprising an optical skirt surrounding the camera lens and/or the flash lens for positioning between the outer casing member and the electronic device, the optical skirt for allowing light from The flash is transmitted through the flash lens and the light is inhibited from being reflected from the flash to the camera lens. The outer casing of claim 3, wherein the optical skirt surrounds the camera lens. The outer casing of claim 3, wherein the optical skirt surrounds the flash lens. The outer casing of claim 3, wherein the optical skirt surrounds the camera lens and the flash lens. A protective casing for an electronic device, the electronic device having a front surface including a display device, the protective casing comprising: a bottom member having a rear wall and a side wall defined to receive the electronic device An inner surface having a top surface defined by an outer periphery and an inner periphery; a frame member framed at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device to enable a user to operate the display, The frame member has a peripheral edge corresponding to the outer periphery of the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member; one or more coupling members coupling the frame member to the bottom member; and a release adhesive interposed between the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and a bottom side of the frame member to seal the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member when the frame member is coupled to the bottom member An interface with the frame member. The protective casing of claim 7, wherein the releasable adhesive seals a second interface between the frame member and the electronic device when the frame member is coupled to the base member. The protective casing of claim 8, wherein the one or more coupling members comprise a latch extending from the bottom side of the frame member for latching an inner surface of the side wall of the bottom member lock. The protective housing of claim 8, wherein the one or more coupling members comprise a plurality of latches spaced along the bottom side of the frame member, each latch having an outward facing A protrusion engages an inward depression formed in the inner surface of the side wall of the bottom member. The protective casing of claim 8, wherein the one or more coupling members are selected from the group of coupling members consisting of: snaps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clips, locks or grapple hooks. The protective casing of claim 8 wherein the releasable adhesive member is a low compression sealant. The protective casing of claim 12, wherein the low compression sealant comprises a poloxamer. A protective casing according to claim 8, wherein the frame member is formed of a rigid material. A system for providing at least one water resistant seal to a portable electronic device providing a fixed size structure, the system comprising: a rigid outer casing formed to be disposed on at least a portion of the portable electronic device a releasable and reusable adhesive member having an inner surface to cover a peripheral region of the fixed size structure provided by the portable electronic device such that the releasable portion is interposed on the peripheral region The inner surface of the reusable adhesive member forms the at least one water resistant seal between the fixed size structure of the portable electronic device; and a compression member coupled to the rigid outer casing and disposed thereon One of the release and reusable adhesive members on the outer surface. The system of claim 15 wherein the compression member provides an opposite compressive force against the fixed size structure, the fixed size structure proximate to and substantially within the inner surface of the releasable and reusable adhesive member The surface is opposite. The system of claim 16, wherein the opposing compressive force is used to mechanically retain the releasable and reusable adhesive member, thereby preventing the releasable and Shearing and pealing of the repeatedly used adhesive member. The system of claim 15 wherein the releasable and reusable adhesive member is further interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, and wherein the compression member further provides the opposing compressive force against the rigid outer casing To form a second water resistant seal between the releasable and reusable adhesive member and the rigid frame. The system of claim 15 wherein the system comprises two or more releasable and reusable adhesive members. The system of claim 19, wherein the system further comprises a second releasable and reusable adhesive member interposed between the rigid outer casing and the compression member, and wherein the compression member is further provided against the rigidity The opposite compressive force of the outer casing forms a second water resistant seal between the second releasable and reusable adhesive member and the rigid frame. The system of claim 15 wherein the releasable and reusable adhesive member is flexible. The system of claim 15 wherein the releasable and reusable adhesive member is a low compression sealant. The system of claim 22, wherein the releasable and low compression sealant comprises a poloxamer. The system of claim 15 wherein the releasable and reusable adhesive member is bonded to the compression member. The system of claim 15 wherein the releasable and reusable adhesive member is bonded to the rigid frame. A protective casing for an electronic device, the electronic device having a front surface including a display, the protective casing comprising: a bottom member having a rear wall and a side wall defined to receive the electronic device An inner surface having a top surface defined by an outer periphery and an inner periphery; a frame member that frames at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device to enable a user to operate the display, The frame member has a peripheral edge corresponding to the outer periphery of the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member; one or more tapered posts that interact with the frame by interaction with a deformable opening a member coupled to the bottom member; and a releasable adhesive interposed between the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and a bottom side of the frame member to couple the frame member to the bottom member An interface between the top surface of the side wall of the bottom member and the frame member is sealed. The protective casing of claim 26, wherein the one or more tapered columns are spaced along the bottom side of the frame member, each tapered post having a stud to engage a one on the circumference of the bottom member Deformable opening. The protective casing of claim 26, wherein the releasable adhesive member is a low compression sealant. The protective casing of claim 28, wherein the low compression sealant comprises a poloxamer. The protective casing of claim 26, wherein the frame member is formed from a rigid material.