System for housing an audio system in an aquatic environment

• US 20020122353A1
• Filed: 08/14/2001
• Published: 09/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vinci Brands LLC
• Original Assignee: Diver Entertainment Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Polany, Rany, Rauhala, Kari Kristian, Pettersen, Carl Wilhelm, Perry, Ryan Austin
• Granted Patent: US 6,614,722 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 367/131
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/44 Special adaptations for subaqueous use, e.g. for hydrophone

Abstract

A submersible, hydrostatic pressure tolerant enclosure for a portable audio device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a removable lid allowing for the inserting and removing of the device from the enclosure. The disclosure further provides a connector system and an audio communication link connecting the housing to a device capable of generating sound, and to a device capable of producing sound while being submerged in an aquatic environment. Also disclosed are headsets containing at least one speaker within a waterproof enclosure. The speakers may be positioned in or near the ear canal, and attached to the ear or to the user'"'"'s equipment. The headsets may further comprise devices for controlling power and fidelity. The disclosed invention provides an affordable, easy to use and flexible appliance for utilizing an audio device while being submerged into an aquatic environment.

Claims

1. An audio system for aquatic use comprising:

a housing comprising a container and a lid adapted to fit the container, wherein the container is adapted to receive an audio device, and wherein the seal between the container and the lid is waterproof;

components which secure the lid to the container; and

components which externally control the device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said lid has a first level designed to sit on the outer perimeter of the opening of the container, and wherein said lid has a second level designed to sit within a step in the container.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said seal is capable of withstanding underwater pressures exceeding one atmosphere.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

components which connect the device to an audio jack, wherein the audio jack is attached to the housing; and

components which connect an audio communication link to the audio jack.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the components which connect an audio communication link to the audio jack comprise:

a male hydraulic nipple;

a female hydraulic coupling; and

a locking bearing mechanism to establish a hydrostatic audio connection between the male hydraulic nipple and the female hydraulic coupler.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein said audio communication link is capable of transmitting an analog signal.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein said audio communication link is capable of transmitting a digital signal.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein said audio communication link is wireless.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said audio device is selected from the group consisting of:

audio player, MP3 player, CD player, cassette player, DVD player, communication device, telephone, cellular telephone, radio receiver, radio transmitter, computer, laptop computer, palm pilot, personal digital assistant, pager, measuring device, geiger counter, sonar, pH meter, thermometer, luminometer, and magnetometer.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said audio device recites recorded information on locations and objects encountered during underwater activity in a specific location.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a moisture sensor.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a device for providing internal lighting.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising components for monitoring the operation of the audio device.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a pressure release valve.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a vacuum release valve.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising components which prevent water from reaching said audio device within said container.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said components comprise water-absorbing material inside said container.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein said components comprise waterproof compartments within said container.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the outside of said container is adapted to facilitate attachment to the user.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the components which secure the lid to the container operate so as to lock the lid to the container.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein said locking components comprise safety features preventing accidental opening.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the components which externally control the device comprise a manual control mechanism capable of horizontal and vertical movement and an internal device capable of horizontal and vertical movement.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the components which connect an audio communication link to the audio jack are internally sealed.

24. The system of claim 1, further comprising an external volume control.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said external volume control comprises an amplifier.

26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a device generating audible sound connected to the communication link.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein said sound-generating device comprises earphones, and wherein the operative components of the earphone are contained within a sealed enclosure.

29. The headset of claim 28, wherein said at least one speaker is positioned on a vertically and horizontally adjustable member.

30. The headset of claim 28, wherein said enclosure comprises an audio-permeable and water-resistant membrane.

31. The headset of claim 28, further comprising an on/off switch.

32. The headset of claim 28, further comprising a volume control.

33. The headset of claim 28, wherein at least one speaker has a frequency range between 290 Hz and 10 kHz.

35. The headset of claim 34, wherein said enclosure is inserted into the ear canal.

36. The headset of claim 34, wherein said enclosure is made from a flexible material.

37. The headset of claim 34, wherein at least one speaker has a frequency range between 290 Hz and 10 kHz.

38. The headset of claim 34, further comprising an on/off switch.

39. The headset of claim 34, further comprising a volume control.

28. An underwater audio headset comprising at least one speaker within a waterproof enclosure, said at least one speaker being adapted for vertical and horizontal positioning.

34. An underwater audio headset comprising at least one speaker within a waterproof enclosure, said at least one speaker being positioned on a frame attaching to the ear.