WO2005012112A2

WO2005012112A2 - Waterproof floatable electronics container

Info

Publication number: WO2005012112A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/024567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Todd Roch Von Rochsburg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-30
Filing date: 2004-07-29
Publication date: 2005-02-10
Anticipated expiration: 2006-01-30
Also published as: WO2005012112A3

Abstract

A container (10) for protecting an electronic device includes a hollow body (12) including a bottom panel (28) and an opposed opening (30) for receiving the electronic device. A cover (14) is provided for closing off the opening. A container connector (66) is disposed inside the body in a selected alignment so that it can engage a complementary connector of the electronic device when the electronic device is inserted into the body. An external connector (16) is disposed outside the body and electrically connected to the container connector. The sealed electronics container prevents water from contacting the electronic device, and thus may be used in environments normally hostile to the electronic device, such as at a beach or in a body of water.

Description

WATERPROOF FLOATABLE ELECTRONICS CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to protective containers for electronic devices and more particularly to a waterproof, floatable container for a portable electronic device. Many types of portable electronic devices are available, such as radios, cassette players, and compact disk players. There are also now available portable digital audio players which use built-in storage such as flash memory or a hard disk to store large amounts of audio files and a processor to allow greater control of playback. Unfortunately, all of these types of portable devices are expensive and may be damaged by exposure to environmental factors such as water, sand, and debris. The portability and utility of such devices is greatly restricted without some form of protection from damage.

[0002] Accordingly, there is a need for a protective container for personal electronics devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a waterproof container for an electronic device.

[0004] It is another object of the inventor to provide a floating protective container for an electronic device.

[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a protective container which allows an external connection to the device housed inside.

[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a protective container which automatically causes a connection to be made to an electronic device when the device is placed in the container.

[0007] These and other objects are met by the present invention, which in one preferred embodiment provides a container for protecting an electronic device, including a hollow body having a bottom panel and an opposed opening for receiving the electronic device; a cover for closing off the opening; a container connector disposed inside the body in a preselected position for engaging a complementary connector of the electronic device when the device is inserted into the body; and an external connector disposed outside the body. The external connector is electrically connected to the container connector.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the size and material of the body and the cover are selected such that the container is buoyant.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover is attached to the body by a hinge so that the cover may be pivoted between an open position and a closed position. The body includes a latch for selectively retaining the cover in the closed position.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the body and the cover includes a seal, and the other of the body and the cover includes a sealing lip. The sealing lip and the cover being engaged to form a waterproof joint when the cover is closed.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container connector includes a connector body mounted in an opening formed in the bottom panel and a protective connector shell disposed over the connector body.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector body includes a first set of threads, and the connector shell includes a second set of threads which engages the first set of threads.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector body includes an elongated shank which defines an annular shoulder, and the connector shell includes an annular, inwardly-facing lip which engages the shoulder to retain the connector shell to the connector body.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes a lanyard attached to one of the cover and the body for preventing loss of the container. [0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes a layer of padding disposed inside the body so as to support the electronic device within the body in a preselected position relative to the front, back, and side walls. The dimensions of the body, the cover, and the padding are selected to maintain the device connector of the electronic device in engagement with the container connector when the cover is closed.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a layer of padding is disposed inside the cover so as to bear against the electronic device when the cover is closed.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a container for protecting an electronic device which includes a device connector includes a hollow body including spaced-apart front and back walls, first and second spaced- apart side walls, and a bottom panel; a layer of padding disposed inside the body so as to support the electronic device within the body in a preselected position relative to the front, back, and side walls; a cover releaseably attached to the body for closing off the body; a container connector disposed in the bottom panel and positioned so as to be in lateral alignment with the device connector when the device is inserted into the padding; and an external connector disposed outside the body, the external connector being electrically connected to the container connector. The dimensions of the body and the cover are selected to maintain the device connector of the electronic device in engagement with the container connector when the cover is closed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronics container constructed in accordance with the present invention; [0020] Figure 2 is an end view of the interior of the body of the electronics container of Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 3 is an end view of the interior of the cover of the electronics container of Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronics container with the cover open for receiving an electronic device therein;

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronics container with an electronic device secured therein and the cover closed;

[0024] Figure 6 is an end view of an electronic device;

[0025] Figure 7 is an exploded side view showing the installation of a connector lead to the electronics container; and

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronics container with an alternative connector installed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, Figure 1 shows an electronics container 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The basic components of the electronics container are a body 12, a cover 14, and a connector lead 16. The body 12 is a hollow structure including spaced-apart front and back walls 18 and 20 connected to spaced-apart side walls 22 and 24, and a bottom panel 28. The body 12 is of a size appropriate for housing the selected electronic device. The body 12 may be made from any suitable waterproof material such as plastic or sheet metal. The body 12 is preferably molded plastic in a bright, easily recognizable color. Figure 2 is a view looking into the interior of the body 12. The body 12 includes a body opening 30 through which an electronic device (not shown) is inserted. In the illustrated example, a flange 32 is disposed around the periphery of the body opening 30 and carries a seal 34, such as a synthetic rubber gasket or O-ring. The body 12 also includes padding 36 and a container connector 38, which are described in more detail below.

[0028] A cover 14 is also provided for enclosing and sealing the body opening 30. In the illustrated example, the cover 14 is similar in shape to the body 12 but is smaller in size. Depending on the dimensions of the body 12, a flat cover could also be used. Figure 3 is a view looking into the interior of the cover 14. The cover 14 includes a flange 40 around its periphery which has a sealing lip 42 that bears against the seal 34 when the cover 14 is closed, to provide a waterproof joint.

[0029] Referring again to Figure 1 , The cover 14 is attached to the body 12 with a hinge 44, and includes a hook 46 that is engaged by a latch 48 mounted to the body 12 opposite the hinge 44. When the latch 48 is closed it engages the hook 46, preventing the cover 14 from opening and pressing the sealing lip 42 against the seal 34. The cover 14 could also be mounted in other ways. For example, instead of being attached to the body 12 by a hinge, the cover 14 could be a separate removable component having two hooks and attached to the body with two latches. The size and density of the electronics container 10 are selected such that it will float when a selected electronic device in contained therein. The electronics container 10 may optionally include a lanyard or wrist loop 50 of a known type in order to prevent loss of the container during use. The electronics container 10 may be constructed by modifying a commercially available waterproof floating container which includes a hollow body, a lid connected to the body with a hinge and sealed with a gasket, and a latch. Such containers are available from Bluegrass Promotional Marketing, Charlotte, NC 28273.

[0030] The connector lead 16 has a first end 52 including a container connector 38 which is attached to the body 12, preferably at the relatively flat bottom panel 28 thereof. The second end 54 of the connector lead 16 includes an external connector 56, which is electrically connected to the container connector 38. In the illustrated example the external connector 56 is a female stereo headphone jack of a known type. The illustrated connector lead 16 includes a cable 58 which is several inches long, however, the length is not critical and the cable 58 may be eliminated entirely if desired. [0031] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the electronics container 10 with the cover 14 in an open position ready to receive an electronic device 60. In the illustrated example the electronic device 60 is an IPOD digital audio player manufactured by Apple, Inc. As shown in Figure 6, the electronic device 60 includes a first device connector 62, for example a headphone jack, and may optionally include one or more additional connectors 64. The container connector 38 is rigidly attached to the bottom panel 28 of the body 12. A connector element 66, in this example a male stereo plug of a known type, extends upward into the interior of the body 12. The lateral position of the container connector 38 within the body 12 is chosen so that it will engage the device connector 62 when the electronic device 60 is inserted into the body 12 with little or no maneuvering of the electronic device 60. Of course, depending on the particular application, other known types of connector elements could be substituted for the device connector 62 or the container connector 38. For example, the electronic device 60 could be equipped with a male connector while the container connector 38 could be a female connector. Furthermore, if desired, additional container connectors (not shown) may be mounted in the body 12 to connect with additional device connectors, depending upon the specific type of electronic device and the number and type of device connectors it has.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the electronics container 10 with the electronic device 60 installed therein. The electronic device 60 is positioned inside the body 12 and cushioned by a layer of padding 36, such as foam of a known type. The closed cover 14 presses the electronic device 60 into engagement with the container connector 38. The distance between the top panel 68 of the cover 14 and the bottom panel 28 of the body 12 is selected to maintain this engagement and to prevent motion of the electronic device 60 within the electronics container 10 without placing excessive pressure on the housing of the electronic device 60. If necessary, additional padding (not shown) may be placed against the bottom panel 28 of the body 12 or the top panel 68 of the cover 14, or both, to create the desired fit.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the installation of the container connector 38 in the bottom panel 28 of the body 12. A mounting hole 70 is formed in the bottom panel 28. A connector body 72 is inserted into the mounting hole 70. The connector body 72 includes a connector base 74, a threaded shank 76, a connector element 66, and connector tabs 78. If desired, the mounting hole 70 may include internal threads (not shown) complementary to the shank 76 and the connector body 72 may be screwed into the bottom panel 28. The connector lead 16 includes electrical conductors 80 inside an insulating sheath 82, and an internally threaded connector shell 84. After the connector body 72 is installed in the mounting hole 70, the conductors 80 are connected to the connector tabs 78, for example by crimping or soldering. The connector shell 84 may then be screwed onto the exposed threads of the shank 76, clamping the entire container connector 38 to the bottom panel 28. The container connector 38 may then be sealed to the body 12 with an appropriate sealant, such as room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) silicone sealant. As shown in Figure 1 , a bead of sealant 86 is applied as a fillet between the connector shell 84 and the bottom panel 28 of the body 12, and in any other required locations to get a leakproof seal between the container connector 38 and the body 12.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a portion of a container body 112 REFNO, substantially identical to the body 12, having an alternative container connector 138 installed therein. A mounting hole 170 is formed in the bottom panel 128 of the body 112. A connector body 172 is inserted into the mounting hole 170. The connector body 172 includes a flange-like connector base 174, a shank 176, and a connector element 166, which in this example is a male stereo plug of a known type. The connector base 174 may be attached to the bottom panel 128 with a suitable adhesive. The shank 176 includes an elongated lower section 177 and a reduced-diameter upper section 179, which cooperate to define an annular shoulder 181. An external connector 156, which is electrically connected to the container connector 38, is disposed at the lower end of the shank 176. A protective connector shell 184 constructed of a suitable material such as synthetic rubber or plastic is installed over the shank 176. The connector shell 184 is generally cylindrical, with an annular inwardly-facing lip 185 disposed at its upper end. The lip 185 engages the shoulder 181 to secure the connector shell 184 to the shank 176. The container connector 38 and/or the connector shell 184 may be sealed to the body 12 with an appropriate sealant, such as room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) silicone sealant. [0035] In use, the electronic device 60 is placed into the open electronics container 10 so that it engages the container connector 38, and the cover 14 is closed and latched. In the case of an audio-only connection, the electronic device is put into the desired operating or playing mode before placing it in the electronics container 10. A headset, earphones or other similar device (not shown) may then be connected to the external connector 56. The electronics container 10 may be used in environments normally hostile to the electronic device 60, such as at a beach or in a body of water. The sealed electronics container 10 prevents water from contacting the electronic device 60. Furthermore, because the electronics container 10 floats, the user may recover it should he drop or let go of it. Recovery is aided by bright coloration and the incorporation of the lanyard 50.

[0036] The foregoing has described a waterproof, floatable electronics container including an external connection for an electronic device. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A container for protecting an electronic device, comprising: a hollow body including a bottom panel and an opposed opening for receiving said electronic device; a cover for closing off said opening; a container connector disposed inside said body in a preselected position for engaging a complementary connector of said electronic device when said device is inserted into said body; and an external connector disposed outside said body, said external connector being electrically connected to said container connector.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the size and material of said body and said cover are selected such that said container is buoyant.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein said cover is attached to said body by a hinge so that said cover may be pivoted between an open position and a closed position; and wherein said body includes a latch for selectively retaining said cover in said closed position.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein one of said body and said cover includes a seal, and the other of said body and said cover includes a sealing lip, said sealing lip and said cover being engaged to form a waterproof joint when said cover is closed.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein said container connector comprises a male plug connector.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein said container connector includes a connector body mounted in an opening formed in said bottom panel and a protective connector shell disposed over said connector body.

7. The container of claim 6 wherein said connector body includes a first set of threads, and said connector shell includes a second set of threads which engages said first set of threads.

8. The container of claim 6 wherein said connector body includes an elongated shank which defines an annular shoulder, and said connector shell includes an annular, inwardly-facing lip which engages said shoulder to retain said connector shell to said connector body.

9. The container of claim 1 , further including a lanyard attached to one of said cover and said body for preventing loss of said container.

10. The container of claim 1 further comprising a layer of padding disposed inside said body so as to support said electronic device within said body in a preselected position relative to said front, back, and side walls; wherein the dimensions of said body, said cover, and said padding are selected to maintain said device connector of said electronic device in engagement with said container connector when said cover is closed.

11. The container of claim B1 further comprising a layer of padding disposed inside said cover so as to bear against said electronic device when said cover is closed.

12. A container for protecting an electronic device which includes a device connector, said container comprising: a hollow body including spaced-apart front and back walls, first and second spaced-apart side wails, and a bottom panel; a layer of padding disposed inside said body so as to support said electronic device within said body in a preselected position relative to said front, back, and side walls; a cover releaseably attached to said body for closing off said body; a container connector disposed in said bottom panel and positioned so as to be in lateral alignment with said device connector when said device is inserted into said padding; and an external connector disposed outside said body, said external connector being electrically connected to said container connector; wherein the dimensions of said body and said cover are selected to maintain said device connector of said electronic device in engagement with said container connector when said cover is closed.

13. The container of claim 12 wherein said cover is attached to said body by a hinge so that said cover may be pivoted between an open position and a closed position; and wherein said body includes a latch for selectively retaining said cover in said closed position.

14. The container of claim 12 wherein the size and material of said body and said cover are selected such that said container is buoyant.

15. The container of claim 12 wherein one of said body and said cover includes a seal, and the other of said body and said cover includes a sealing lip, said sealing lip and said cover being engaged to form a waterproof joint when said cover is closed.

16. The container of claim 12 wherein said container connector comprises a male plug connector.

17. The container of claim 12 wherein said container connector includes a connector body mounted in an opening formed in said bottom panel and a protective connector shell disposed over said connector body.

18. The container of claim 17 wherein said connector body includes a first set of threads, and said connector shell includes a second set of threads which engages said first set of threads.

19. The container of claim 17 wherein said connector body includes an elongated shank which defines an annular shoulder, and said connector shell includes an annular, inwardly-facing lip which engages said shoulder to retain said connector shell to said connector body.

20. The container of claim 12 further including a lanyard attached to one of said cover and said body for preventing loss of said container.

21. The container of claim 12 further comprising a layer of padding disposed inside said cover so as to bear against said electronic device when said cover is closed.