Component protective overmolding using protective external coatings

• US 20120315382A1
• Filed: 07/12/2011
• Published: 12/13/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: JB IP Acquisitions LLC
• Original Assignee: AliphCom, Inc. (AliphCom Corp.)
• Inventors: Drysdale, Richard Lee, Fullam, Scott, Orvis, Skip Thomas, Levinson, Nora Elam
• Application Number:
  US13/135,728
• Publication Number:
  US 20120315382A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 427/58
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/14893 Preventing defects relating to shrinkage of inserts or coating material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/1682 preventing defects
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14639 for obtaining an insulating effect, e.g. for electrical components
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14819 the inserts being completely encapsulated
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/1671 with an insert
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/1676 using a soft material and a rigid material, e.g. making articles with a sealing part
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2021/003 Thermoplastic elastomers
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2023/12 PP, i.e. polypropylene
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0069 non-permeable
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0093 hydrophobic
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3481 Housings or casings incorporating or embedding electric or electronic elements
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 28/00 Coating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings either by methods not provided for in a single one of groups C23C2/00 - C23C26/00 or by combinations of methods provided for in subclasses C23C and C25C or C25D
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt

Abstract

Techniques for component protective overmolding using protective external coatings include applying a material over a structure of a device, the device being configured to perform an operation using data from one or more sensory inputs, and forming a coating over the material, the coating being configured to provide a protective property.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

selectively applying a material substantially over a framework configured to be worn and coupled to one or more elements configured to perform an operation using data from one or more sensory inputs;

molding a protective layer substantially over the framework and the material, after the material has been selectively applied; and

depositing a coating over the protective layer, the coating having a protective property.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the framework is comprised of a synthetic fiber.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the framework is formed using carbon fiber.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the framework is comprised of one or more filaments.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the framework is formed using a thermoplastic elastomer.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer comprises polypropylene.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the coating is anti-bacterial.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the coating is oleophobic

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the coating is configured to protect against ultraviolet radiation.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the coating is hydrophobic.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the coating is configured to provide a waterproof seal over the framework and the one or more elements.

12. A method, comprising:

applying a material over a structure of a device, the device being configured to perform an operation using data from one or more sensory inputs; and

forming a coating over the material, the coating being configured to provide a protective property.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the material is a thermoplastic elastomer.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the structure is substantially flexible.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising one or more elements configured to perform the operation using the data from the one or more sensory inputs are mounted on the structure.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the protective property is waterproofing.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the protective property is ater-resisting.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the protective property is hydrophobic.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the protective property is oleophobic.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the protective property is anti-bacterial.

21. A method, comprising:

selectively applying a material substantially over a framework configured to be worn and to be coupled with one or more elements, the one or more elements being configured to perform an operation using data from one or more sensory inputs; and

molding one or more layers substantially over the framework and the material, after the material has been selectively applied, the one or more layers comprising a coating configured to protect the framework, the one or more elements, and the material and to provide a protective property.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the material is configured to secure the one or more elements to the framework.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the material is configured to protect the one or more elements from damage occurring during the molding the one or more layers substantially over the framework.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the one or more layers is antibacterial.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises a medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer.