GB2460492A - Waterproof case for electronic devices - Google Patents
Waterproof case for electronic devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2460492A GB2460492A GB0810173A GB0810173A GB2460492A GB 2460492 A GB2460492 A GB 2460492A GB 0810173 A GB0810173 A GB 0810173A GB 0810173 A GB0810173 A GB 0810173A GB 2460492 A GB2460492 A GB 2460492A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- tpe
- liner
- shell
- spigot
- tapered
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/22—Watertight containers for use while swimming
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/001—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for storing portable audio devices, e.g. headphones or digital music players
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/22—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient in moist conditions or immersed in liquids
Landscapes
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
A protective waterproof case for an electronic or like device comprises two separable shell portions 1,2 forming a storage compartment that in use receives the electronic or like device. The protective case is preferably provided with a waterproof compressible liner 4 that forms a gasket between the shell portions when they are brought together so as to seal them against the ingress of water. The liner may be fabricated from a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) or like material. The liner may project through apertures in the shell portions to form tactile pads 5 on the exterior of the case. The case may be provided with a clip allowing it to be attached to another object.
Description
DESCRIPTION
0001] The invention relates to waterproof cases, and in particular to waterproof cases for electronic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There is a need for water sports person's to carry about their person a variety of electronic devices such as, media players, mobile phones, remote control key fobs etc. [0003] A problem with electronic devices is that they are not usually waterproof and are therefore susceptible to damage by water ingress. However, many people desire to use such electronic devices while they are engaging in water sports, e.g., surfing and swimming, or wish to keep the devices about their person in order to protect their investment in them and keep them safe from acts of theft and vandalism.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for waterproof cases for such electronic devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005]The invention provides a protective waterproof case for electronic devices such as media players, mobile phones, remote control key fobs etc. [0006] In an example embodiment, the waterproof case comprises a rigid polymer shell having an interior compartment formed therein and comprising upper and lower portions that can be separated for placing an item into the interior compartment.
[0007]A removable Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) liner having an opening at one end, forming a receiving portion and providing a covering to the interior of the lower portion, extending beyond the uppermost edge of the lower portion of the shell and formed into a flange covering the edge of the lower portion shell wall thus providing an integral gasket for sealing against water ingress.
[0008]The upper portion has an attachment portion formed into a tapered rebated spigot which allows its lowermost edge to enter into the TPE liner opening.
[0009]The upper and lower portions are moved substantially closer thus compressing the TPE liner receiving portion between the attachment portion and the shell inside face and open edge of the lower portion shell wall forming a compression seal.
[0010]The liner flange also forms an abutment with both the lower portion of the shell wall edge and inside face and the upper portion tapered rebated spigot forming a simple labyrinth seal to further inhibit water ingress.
[0011]The lower portion and upper portion are forced substantially closer together by a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) band which circumnavigates the upper and lower portions thus compressing the sealing faces.
[0012]The TPE band which circumnavigates the upper and lower portions also serves to mount the waterproof case to a belt or cuff for the purpose of transporting.
[0013]The TPE liner is allowed to project through a series of apertures in the lower portion shell to form tactile pads to provide grip and protection.
[0014] In another embodiment, a folding clip is attached to the waterproof case for clipping the waterproof case to a key ring, neck strap, or similar.
[001 5]The upper portion has affixed in its interior surfaces a band of pliable material to which a device may be tied or otherwise affixed for securing the electronic device therein
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. I a front view of a waterproof case according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front view of the waterproof case.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a detail view of the waterproof case showing upper and lower portions of the case the Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) liner and the gasket and seal interface and labyrinth seal [0019]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the waterproof case showing the placement an example electronic device in situ.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020]Turning to the drawings, Fig 1 shows a front view, of a protective waterproof case according to an embodiment. The waterproof case is dimensioned to protect an electronic device.
Preferably, the waterproof case comprises a rigid polymer shell, having and upper portion 1, and a lower portion 2, forming an interior compartment 3; Fig.2, therein, in which the electronic device to be protected is placed. The shell, may also be made of other similarly rigid materials.
[0021] The case further comprises a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) liner 4 The liner may also be made of other compressible waterproof material.
[0022]The TPE liner 4, is also moulded to form protective tactile pads for gripping 5, on the front and back faces, and sides of the case as shown in the FTG 1.
[0023] The shell comprises an upper portion 1, and lower portion 2, that can be detached from each other for placing the electronic device in the interior compartment 3, of the case.
[0024] The case includes a gasket seal 6, and tapered compression seal 7, around the attachment portion 8. The gasket 6 is made from a waterproof, compressible material to form the gasket 6.
When the attachment portion 8, is inserted into the TPE liner receiving portion 9, the gasket 6, and TPE liner receiving portion 9, compresses against the inner wall 10, of the lower portion 2, forming a watertight seal between the upper portions 1, and TPE liner 4, as shown in FIG 2.
[0025]The TPE band 11, which circumnavigates the upper portion 1, and lower portion 2, also serves to mount the case to a belt or cuff for the purpose of transporting.
[0026]The TPE liner is allowed to project through a series of apertures 5, in the lower portion shell 2, to form tactile pads 13, to provide grip and protection.
[0027] In another embodiment, a folding clip 13, is attached to the waterproof case upper portion 1, for clipping the waterproof case to a key ring, neck strap, or similar.
[0028]The upper portion 1, has affixed in its interior surfaces a small thermoplastic elastomer band 14, or other pliable material to which an electronic device such as a remote control key fob 15, as shown in Fig 4, may be tied or otherwise affixed for security.
[0027] 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 electronic devices, with the dimensions, case configured to match the electronic device.
Claims (9)
- CLAIMS: 1. A protective, substantially waterproof case for a electronic device,comprising: shell having an interior compartment formed therein.
- 2. Wherein the shell noted in claim 1, comprises upper and lower portions that can be detached from each other for placing the electronic device in the interior compartment.
- 3. The shell in claim 1, having a removable Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) liner, or similar substantially waterproof and substantially compressible.
- 4. The TPE liner forms a gasket for the purpose of sealing against water ingress the upper and lower portions.
- 5. The upper portion has an attachment portion comprising of a tapered spigot which enters into a receiving portion of the TPE liner to substantially compress the TPE liner against upper and lower portions to form a substantially waterproof seal.
- 6. The gasket in claim 4 and tapered spigot in claim 5, combine to provide a simple labyrinth seal
- 7. The TPE liner in claim 3, projects through apertures in the shell in claim 1, to form protective tactile pads on the exterior
- 8. The upper and lower portions of claim 2, are forced substantially closer by a TPE band that circumnavigates the upper and tower portions
- 9. The TPE band in claim 8 also serves as a belt loop 10, The upper portion in claim 2, is fitted with a clip, to facilitate attachment to other devices, e.g. akey ringABSTRACTThe invention provides a protective waterproof case for electronic devices such as media players, mobile phones, remote control key fobs etc. Prior art, patent No: US D452377, Cooke et.al, serves this purpose but this invention differs in its sealing apparatus and is of substantially rigid construction, much preferred by water sports persons, as flexible designs are noted for lack of durability and difficult to carry whist engaging in highly active water sports such as surfing. Tn an example embodiment, the waterproof case comprises a rigid polymer shell having an interior compartment formed therein and comprising upper and lower portions that can be separated for placing an item into the interior compartment. A removable Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) liner having an opening at one end, and forming a covering to the interior of the lower portion, extending beyond the uppermost edge of the lower portion of the shell and formed into a flange covering the edge of the lower portion shell wall thus providing an integral gasket for sealing against water ingress. The upper portion has an attachment portion formed into a tapered rebated spigot which allows its lowermost edge to enter into an attachment portion of the TPE liner opening. The upper and lower portions are moved substantially closer thus compressing the TPE liner between the upper portion tapered rebated spigot and the inside face of the lower portion shell wall forming a compression seal. The liner flange also forms an abutment with both the lower portion of the shell wall edge and the upper portion tapered rebated spigot forming a simple labyrinth seal to further inhibit water ingress. The lower portion and upper portion are forced substantially closer together by an TPE band which circumnavigates the upper and lower portions thus compressing the sealing faces of the tapered rebated spigot and TPE liner flange gasket. The TPE liner is allowed to project through a series of apertures in the shell to form tactile pads to provide grip and protection.The TPE band serves to act as a belt loop for attachment to a belt, cuff or other similar device e.g. A surfboard leash
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0810173A GB2460492A (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2008-06-04 | Waterproof case for electronic devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0810173A GB2460492A (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2008-06-04 | Waterproof case for electronic devices |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0810173D0 GB0810173D0 (en) | 2008-07-09 |
| GB2460492A true GB2460492A (en) | 2009-12-09 |
Family
ID=39638133
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0810173A Withdrawn GB2460492A (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2008-06-04 | Waterproof case for electronic devices |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2460492A (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2565939A (en) * | 1947-04-10 | 1951-08-28 | Roderic T Wriston | Lined waterproof container |
| US20030080124A1 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-01 | Pelican Products, Inc. | Protective case |
| US20070261978A1 (en) * | 2006-05-10 | 2007-11-15 | David Sanderson | Waterproof case for electronic devices |
-
2008
- 2008-06-04 GB GB0810173A patent/GB2460492A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2565939A (en) * | 1947-04-10 | 1951-08-28 | Roderic T Wriston | Lined waterproof container |
| US20030080124A1 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-01 | Pelican Products, Inc. | Protective case |
| US20070261978A1 (en) * | 2006-05-10 | 2007-11-15 | David Sanderson | Waterproof case for electronic devices |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0810173D0 (en) | 2008-07-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |