US20070261978A1 - Waterproof case for electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides protective waterproof cases for portable media players such as iPods. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterproof case comprises a transparent polycarbonate shell having an interior compartment formed therein and comprising upper and lower portions that can be detached for placing a portable player in the interior compartment. A polyurethane overmold is molded over selected portions of the shell to form protective layers on the exterior and interior surfaces of the shell. The waterproof case also comprises a window through which the screen of the player can be viewed, and a flexible pad for operating the player while it is in the waterproof case. The waterproof case further comprises a gasket for forming a watertight seal between the upper and lower portions of the shell when they are attached, and a compressible fitting for forming a watertight seal for a headphone connected to the player in the case.

Description

• The present invention relates to waterproof cases, and more particularly to waterproof cases for electronic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Portable digital media players have become popular for providing portable media, e.g., music, to people on the go, e.g., commuters, and to sports enthusiasts, e.g., joggers, bikers, etc. Presently, the most popular portable digital media player in the United States is the iPod media player from Apple Computer, Inc.
• A problem with portable media players is that they are not waterproof and are therefore susceptible to water damage. However, many people desire to use portable media players while they are engaging in water-related activities such as water sports, e.g., surfing and swimming, and showering.
• Accordingly, there is a need for waterproof cases for electronic devices, and particularly for portable media players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides protective waterproof cases for portable media players.
• A waterproof case according to an exemplary embodiment comprises a transparent polycarbonate shell having an interior compartment formed therein and comprising upper and lower portions that can be detached for placing the portable media player to be protected in the interior compartment. A polyurethane overmold is molded over selected portions of the shell to form protective layers on the exterior interior surfaces of the shell. The polyurethane overmold may also be molded to form protective bumps and gripping ribs on the exterior of the shell.
• The waterproof case further comprises a window formed in the shell through which the screen of the player in the case can be viewed, and a flexible pad for operating the player while it is in the waterproof case. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible pad is formed by molding the polyurethane overmold over a hole in the shell. The waterproof case further includes a gasket around the upper portion of the shell for forming a watertight seal between the upper and lower portions of the shell when they are attached. In a preferred embodiment, the gasket is formed by molding the polyurethane overmold in a groove in the upper portion of the shell.
• In an embodiment, the waterproof case further comprises a headphone adapter for connecting the player in the case to a headphone or other sound reproducing device. The headphone adapter includes a plug at one end for plugging into the jack of the player and a jack at another end for connecting to a headphone. A compressible fitting is fitted around the adapter. The waterproof case further comprises a stem on the shell having an inner space for receiving the compressible fitting and an opening to the interior compartment. To form a watertight seal for the headphone, the compressible fitting is placed in the stem with the adaptor plugged into the player in the case. A cap with an opening for the adapter is then screwed onto the stem over the compressible fitting. As the cap is screwed onto the stem, the compressible fitting is compressed between the stem and the cap, thereby forming a watertight seal for the headphone.
• In another embodiment, a clip can be attached to the waterproof case for clipping the waterproof case to a belt, armband, shorts, neck strap, or the like.
• Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a waterproof case according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the waterproof case.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the waterproof case showing upper and lower portions of the case detached for placing a portable media player in an interior compartment of the case, and showing a headphone adapter with a compressible fitting.
• FIG. 4 is a front view of the waterproof case.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof case taken alongline5 inFIG. 4, and showing a user pressing down on the control of a media player in the case through a flexible pad.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof taken alongline6 inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof case taken alongline7 inFIG. 2.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective back view of the waterproof case showing rails on the back of the case for attaching a belt clip to the case.
• FIG. 9 is a front view of a belt clip that can be attached to the waterproof case by sliding the clip into the rails.
• FIG. 10 is a side view of the belt clip.
• FIG. 11 is a front view of another clip, which can be used to attached the waterproof case to a neck strap.
• FIG. 12 is a side view of the clip inFIG. 11.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a neck strap that can be attached to the waterproof case using the clip shown inFIGS. 11-12.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a waterproof case according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Turning to the drawings,FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective and side view, respectively, of a protectivewaterproof case10 according to an embodiment. Thewaterproof case10 in this particular embodiment is dimensioned to protect a Gen4 iPod media player Thewaterproof case10 may also be dimensioned to protect other models and other portable media players. Preferably, thewaterproof case10 comprises atransparent polycarbonate shell15 forming an interior compartment30 therein, in which the iPod media player to be protected is placed. Theshell15 may also be made of other rigid or semi-rigid plastics.
• Thecase10 further comprises a polyurethane overmold18 molded over selected portions of theshell15, e.g., by injection molding. The polyurethane overmold18 may be translucent with a color shading, e.g., blue. Polyurethane is preferred because it forms a tight bond with thepolycarbonate shell15. Polyurethane is also a soft pliable plastic. Other soft plastics may be used for the overmold including, e.g., thermalplastic elastomers (TPE). The polyurethane overmold18 is preferably molded over the exterior surface of theshell15 along the top, bottom, and sides of theshell15 to form a protective layer around theshell15. The polyurethane overmold18 is also molded to formprotective bumps19 on the front and back of thecase10, and grippingribs20 on the sides of thecase10, as shown in theFIGS. 1 and 2.
• Theshell15 comprises detachable upper andlower portions23 and25 that can be detached from each other for placing the iPodmedia player27 in the interior compartment30 of thecase10, as shown inFIG. 3. Theupper portion23 includes atransparent window33 formed in thetransparent shell15 through which a user can view the iPod screen. Thewindow33 may be slightly recessed in thecase10 to prevent scratches to thewindow33.
• Thelower portion25 includes aflexible pad35 overlying the control wheel of the iPodmedia player27 in thecase10. Theflexible pad35 is preferably created by a hole in theshell15 that is covered by a flexible layer of polyurethane or other flexible material. The polyurethane overmold18 is preferably molded over the shell hole to form theflexible pad35.FIG. 5 shows the polyurethane overmold18 molded over theshell hole37 to form theflexible pad35. A portion of the polyurethane overmold18 forming theflexible pad35 extends over the interior compartment30 and sides of thehole37 to secure theflexible pad35 to theshell15. The flexible pad36 is capable of flexing downward and touching the control wheel of the iPodmedia player27. This allows the user to manipulate the control wheel of the iPodmedia player27 through theflexible pad35, and thereby operate the iPod27 while it is in thewaterproof case10.FIG. 5 shows the user's finger pressing down on the control wheel of the iPodmedia player27 through theflexible pad35. In this embodiment theflexible pad35 preferably has a circular shape matching the shape of the iPod's control wheel. Theflexible pad35 also preferably has a smooth slippery surface that allows the user to easily glide his or her finger across theflexible pad35. Theflexible pad35 may include a convexcentral portion42 matching the shape of the central select button of the control wheel to give theflexible pad35 the feel of the iPod's control wheel. Theflexible pad35 may have other shapes corresponding to the controls of other portable media players.
• To attach the upper andlower portions23 and25 of thecase10, anattachment portion50 of theupper portion23 is inserted into a receivingportion53 of thelower portion25. Thecase10 includes agasket55 or seal around theattachment portion50. Thegasket55 may comprise polyurethane or other compressible material. Thepolyurethane overmold18 may be molded in a groove in theupper portion23 of theshell15 to form thegasket55. When theattachment portion50 is inserted into the receivingportion53, thegasket55 compresses against the inner walls of the receivingportion53 forming a watertight seal between the upper andlower portions23 and25, as shown inFIG. 5.
• Thewaterproof case10 further includes aheadphone adapter60 for connecting a headphone (not shown) to theiPod media player27 in thecase10, which is best shown inFIG. 3. Theadapter60 may be used for connecting a headphone that cannot be plugged directly into the iPod media player, e.g., because the diameter of the headphone plug is different from the diameter of theheadphone jack65 of theiPod media player27. Theadapter60 is not required for headphones that can be plug directly to theiPod media player27.
• Theadapter60 includes aplug63 at one end that is inserted into theheadphone jack65 of theiPod media player27 in thecase10 and ajack67 at the other end into which the plug of the headphone (not shown) is inserted. Acompressible fitting70 is fitted around theadapter60. Thecompressible fitting70 may comprise polyurethane or other compressible material. The polyurethane used for thecompressible fitting70 may be the same as that used for thepolyurethane overmold18. In this particular embodiment, thecompressible fitting70 has a conical shape at each end.
• Thewaterproof case10 also includes a threadedheadphone stem73 and a threadedcap75 that screws onto thestem73, Thestem73 includes an inner space for receiving and holding thecompressible fitting70 therein and a bottom opening76 to the interior compartment30, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. Thecap75 includes atop opening78 through which theadapter60 can be inserted. Thecap75 is preferably made of polycarbonate. Thestem73 and thecap75 have angledsurfaces80 and83, respectively, configured to engage and compress thecompressible fitting70 therebetween. In addition, theangled surface80 of thestem73 helps guide the conically-shaped end of thecompressible filter70 so that theadapter plug63 lines up with theiPod jack65 in thecase10.
• To form a watertight seal for the headphone, thecompressible fitting70 of theadapter60 is placed in thestem73 and theadapter plug63 is plugged into theiPod jack65 through the opening76. Thecap75 is then screwed onto thestem73 over the fitting70. This causes thecap75 to compress the fitting70 between thestem73 and thecap75 and form a watertight seal, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. The cap may snap onto the stem instead of screw onto the stem, in which case the cap and the stem do not have to be threaded Further, thecompressible fitting70 may be fitted around the cord or other part of the headphone instead of an adapter, in which case theadapter60 is not used. For example, thecompressible fitting70 may fit around a portion of an earbud headphone that comes with theiPod media player27. In this particular embodiment, thestem73 is position on the top center of the case to line up with the headphone jack of a Gen4 iPod media player. The stem may also be positioned at other locations on the case to line up with the headphone jacks of other iPod media player models or portable medial players. For example, for aGen5 iPod media player, the stem may be positioned on the top right of the case to line up with the headphone jack of theGen5 iPod media player.FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which thestem173 is positioned on the bottom right of thecase120 to line up with the headphone jack of an iPodnano media player127. In addition, thecase120 is dimensioned to match the dimensions of that player.
• Thepolyurethane overmold18 is preferably also molded over selected portions of the interior compartment30 of thecase10. As shown inFIG. 7, the polyurethane overmold is molded to form strips85 on the front and back inner walls of the interior compartment30. Thepolyurethane overmold18 may also be molded to form other patterns. Thepolyurethane overmold18 is also molded along portions of the top, bottom, and side inner walls of the interior compartment30. Thepolyurethane overmold18 in the interior compartment30 is preferably molded to hold theiPod27 snuggly in the compartment30, and to provide additional protection to theiPod27 from shock.
• Referring toFIGS. 8-10, the back of thecase10 includesrails90 formed on theupper portion23 of theshell15 for receiving anattachable belt clip92. Thebelt clip92 is preferably made of stainless steel and includes abendable tongue97 for clipping onto an article of clothing. To attach thebelt clip92 to thecase10, thesides93 of the clip are slid into therails90 with the upper andlower portions23 and25 of theshell15 detached. Thebelt clip92 includes aspherical portion94 that snaps into aconcave indentation95 on the case to secure theclip92 to thecase10. A narrow slot91 around thespherical portion94 allows thespherical portion94 to be pushed in. Thelower portion25 of the shell includes stops96 formed thereon that line up with therails90 to prevent thebelt clip92 from sliding out of therails90 when the upper andlower portions23 and25 are attached. Thebelt clip92 may be used to clip thecase10 onto a belt, an armband, shorts, or the like. Thetongue97 of theclip92 may include ahole98 that fits around aprojection99 on thecase10 to prevent theclip92 from slipping off an article of clothing, e.g., belt. In this embodiment, both thehole98 and theprojection99 have an oval shape, although other shapes may also be used. Thepolyurethane overmold18 on theshell15 may be molded to form theprojection99.
• FIG. 11 and12 show anotherattachable clip101 that may be used to clip thecase10, e.g, to a neck strap. Theclip101 is similar to the belt clip shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 except that theclip101 does not have a tongue and includes anupper plate110 with ahole112.FIG. 13 shows anexemplary neck strap113 that can be attached to thecase10 using theclip101. Theneck strap113 includes a nylon string115 that can be threaded through thehole112 of theclip101 and athin neck band116 attached to both ends of the string115. Theneck band116 preferably goes around the wearer's neck and comprises water-resistant neoprene. Theneck strap113 includes anadjustable fastener117 for adjusting the length of the string115.
• While an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and equivalents are intended to be covered. For example, the waterproof case may be configured for other portable media players, with the dimensions, window and flexible pad of the case configured to match the size, screen, and controls of other portable media players, respectively.

Claims (20)

1. A protective waterproof case for a portable media player, comprising:

a substantially transparent shell having an interior compartment formed therein, wherein the shell comprises upper and lower portions that can be detached from each other for placing the portable media player in the interior compartment, and the shell has a hole positioned over a control of the portable media player when the player is placed in the interior compartment; and

a flexible pad covering the shell hole, wherein the flexible pad allows a user to operate the control of the portable media player while the player is in the case.

2. The protective case ofclaim 1, further comprising a polyurethane overmold molded over portions of the exterior surface of the shell to form a protective layer.

3. The protective case ofclaim 2, wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded over the shell hole to form the flexible pad.

4. The protective case ofclaim 3, wherein a portion of the polyurethane overmold forming the flexible pad extends over the interior compartment to secure the flexible pad to the shell.

5. The protective case ofclaim 3, wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded to form protective bumps on the exterior surface of the shell.

6. The protective case ofclaim 3, wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded to form gripping ribs on the exterior surface of the shell.

7. The protective case ofclaim 3 wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded over portions of the interior compartment of the shell.

8. The protective case ofclaim 3, wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded in a grove in the upper portion of the shell to form a gasket around the upper portion of the shell, and the gasket forms a watertight seal between the upper and lower portions of the shell when they are attached.

9. The protective case ofclaim 1, wherein the shell comprises polycarbonate.

10. The protective case ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a compressible fitting adapted to fit around a headphone adapter or a portion of a headphone;

a stem extending from the shell having an inner space for receiving and holding the compressible fitting therein and having an opening to the interior compartment of the shell; and

a cap configured to fit onto the stem and having an opening, wherein the cap is configured to compress the compressible fitting between the stem and the cap when the compressible fitting is placed in the stem and the cap is fitted onto the stem.

11. The protective case ofclaim 10, wherein the cap is configured to screw onto the stem.

12. The protective case ofclaim 11, wherein the compressible fitting has two opposing conically-shaped ends, and the stem and the cap each have angles surfaces configured to engage the conically-shaped ends of the compressible fitting.

13. The protective case ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible pad has a substantially circular shape.

14. The protective case ofclaim 10, wherein the flexible pad has a convex-shaped central portion.

15. The protective case ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a clip having two sides; and

rails formed on a back side of the shell, wherein the sides of the clip are configured to slide into the rails of the shell to attach the clip to the shell.

16. A protective waterproof case for a portable media player, comprising:

a shell having an interior compartment formed therein, wherein the shell comprises upper and lower portions that can be detached from each other for placing the portable media player in the interior compartment, and the shell has a hole positioned over a control of the portable media player when the player is placed in the interior compartment; and

a polyurethane overmold molded over selected portions of the shell, wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded over portions of the exterior surface of the shell to form a protective layer, the polyurethane overmold is molded over the shell hole to form a flexible pad for allowing a user to operate the control of the portable media player while the player is in the case, and the polyurethane overmold is molded over portions of the interior compartment.

17. The protective case ofclaim 16, wherein a portion of the polyurethane overmold forming the flexible pad extends over the interior compartment to secure the flexible pad to the shell.

18. The protective case ofclaim 16, wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded in a grove in the upper portion of the shell to form a gasket around the upper portion of the shell, and the gasket forms a watertight seal between the upper and lower portions of the shell when they are attached.

19. The protective case ofclaim 16, wherein the polyurethane overmold is molded to form protective bumps of the exterior surface of the shell.

20. The protective case ofclaim 16, wherein the shell is substantially transparent, and the polyurethane overmold is translucent with a color shading.

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