Waterproof combined global positioning system receiver and two-way radio and method of waterproof enclosure fabrication

• US 6,844,845 B1
• Filed: 01/06/2003
• Issued: 01/18/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Garmin Limited
• Original Assignee: Garmin Limited
• Inventors: Whiteside, John B., Lammers-Meis, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Issing, Gregory C.
• Application Number:
  US10/337,024
• Time in Patent Office: 743 Days
• Field of Search: 342/357.1, 342/357.08, 455/347, 455/90.3, 379/440
• US Class Current: 342/357.64
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/35 Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/061 sealed by a gasket held between a removable cover and a body, e.g. O-ring, packing

Abstract

A combined global positioning system receiver and two-way radio communications unit (GPS/radio unit) that is configured for wirelessly communicating with one or more other such units and that includes a substantially waterproof enclosure for protection of the electronic components contained therein is provided. The substantially waterproof enclosure includes first and second cooperatively mated housing sections which, when mated, form an internal compartment or chamber for enclosing electronic components of the GPS/radio unit. The waterproof enclosure may further include a cover positioned over a plurality of tubular structures which protrude from a top end wall of the second housing section. Also provided is a method of waterproofing a GPS/radio unit including a number of different techniques for waterproofing different features and elements of the enclosure.

Claims

1. A waterproof combined global positioning system navigation unit and two-way radio communications unit (GPS/radio unit) configured for wirelessly communicating with at least one other such GPS/radio unit, the at least one other GPS/radio unit being configured to transmit radio signals indicative of that GPS/radio unit'"'"'s location, the GPS/radio unit comprising:

a global positioning system receiver for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of satellites;

a processor coupled with the global positioning system receiver for calculating the location of the GPS/radio unit as a function of the received satellite signals;

a radio transceiver coupled with the processor for receiving the radio signals transmitted by the at least one other GPS/radio unit and for transmitting a radio signal to the at least one other GPS/radio unit, wherein the transmitted radio signal is indicative of a location of the GPS/radio unit, and wherein the processor is configured to identity the location of the at least one other

GPS/radio unit based upon the received radio signals;

a display coupled with the processor for indicating the location of the at least one other GPS/radio unit; and

a waterproof housing enclosing the global positioning system receiver, the processor, the radio transceiver and the display, the waterproof housing comprising a first housing section and a second housing section, wherein the second housing section is cooperatively coupled with the first housing section to create a watertight seal therewith, wherein one of the first housing section and the second housing section includes a peripheral edge carrying a continuous elastomeric gasket thereon, the other of the first housing section and the second housing section Includes a peripheral edge against which the continuous elastomeric gasket is compressed, and wherein the continuous elastomeric gasket Includes a continuous seal head protruding from a face thereof, the peripheral edge of the other of the first housing continuous seal head is compressed against the polished flat.

2. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 1, wherein the first housing section includes a top wall and first and second side walls, and wherein a ridge extends upwardly from the top wall and the first and second side walls of the first housing section to create a first cavity portion,

wherein the second housing section includes a top end wall and first and second side walls, the top end wall including at least first and second tubular structures protruding upwardly thereform, and wherein a ridge extends upwardly from the top end wall and the first and second side walls of the second housing section to create a second cavity portion,

and wherein the cooperatively coupled first and second housing sections form a cavity from the first and second cavity portions.

3. the waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 2, wherein the waterproof housing further comprises a cover having a body portion and at least first and second tubular cover portions, wherein the first tubular cover portion covers the first tubular structure, the second tubular cover portion covers the second tubular structure and at least a portion of the body portion of the cover is received in the cavity.

4. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 3, wherein each of the at least first and second cover tubular portions Includes an annular protrusion on an interior thereof sized to compressibly contact an exterior surface of a tubular structure covered thereby.

5. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 2, further comprising a global positioning system antenna and a radio antenna.

6. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 5, wherein the first tubular structure receives the global positioning system antenna and the second tubular structure receives the radio antenna.

7. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second housing sections includes at least one opening therein, and wherein the at least one opening is sealed to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough.

8. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 7, wherein the at least one opening is sealed with a curable, liquid sealant.

9. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 8, wherein the curable, liquid sealant comprises a room temperature vulcanizing sealant.

10. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 7, wherein at least one member extends through the at least one opening, and wherein the curable, liquid sealant is disposed about the member to seal the at least one opening.

11. The waterproof GPS/radio unit of claim 10, wherein the curable, liquid sealant comprises a room temperature vulcanizing sealant.

12. A waterproof housing for a combined global positioning system navigation unit and two-way radio communications unit (GPS/radio unit) capable of wirelessly communicating with at least one other such GPS/radio unit, the at least one other BPS/radio unit being configured to transmit radio signals indicative of that GPS/radio units location, the waterproof housing comprising:

a first housing section;

a second housing section cooperatively coupled with the first housing section to create a watertight seal therewith;

wherein one of the first housing section and the second housing section includes a peripheral edge carrying a continuous elastomeric gasket thereon, the other of the first housing section and the second housing section includes a peripheral edge against which the continuous elastomeric gasket is compressed; and

wherein the continuous elastomeric gasket includes a continuous seal head protruding from a face thereof the peripheral edge of the other of the first housing section and second housing section comprises a polished flat and the continuous seal bead is compressed against the polished flat.

13. The waterproof housing of claim 12, wherein the first housing section includes a top wall and first and second side walls, and wherein a ridge extends upwardly from the top wall and the first and second side walls of the first housing section to create a first cavity portion,

wherein the second housing section includes a top end wall and first and second side walls, the top end wall Including at least first and second tubular structures protruding upwardly therefrom, and wherein a ridge extends upwardly from the top end wall and the first and second side walls of the second housing section to create a second cavity portion,

and wherein the cooperatively coupled first and second housing sections form a cavity from the first and second cavity portions.

14. The waterproof housing of claim 13, further comprising a cover having a body portion and at least first and second tubular cover portions, wherein the first tubular cover portion covers the first tubular structure, the second tubular cover portion covers the second tubular structure and at least a portion of the body portion of the cover is received in the cavity.

15. The waterproof housing of claim 14, wherein each of the at least first and second cover tubular portions includes an annular protrusion on an interior thereof sized to compressibly contact an exterior surface of a tubular structure covered thereby.

16. The waterproof housing of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first and second housing sections includes at least one opening therein, and wherein the at least one opening is sealed to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough.

17. The waterproof housing of claim 16, wherein the at least one opening is sealed with a curable, liquid sealant.

18. The waterproof housing of claim 17, wherein the curable, liquid sealant comprises a room temperature vulcanizing sealant.

19. The waterproof housing of claim 16, wherein at least one member extends through the at least one opening, and wherein the curable, liquid sealant is disposed about the member to seal the at least one opening.

20. The waterproof housing of claim 19, wherein the curable, liquid sealant comprises a room temperature vulcanizing sealant.

21. A method for substantially waterproofing a combined global positioning system navigation unit and two-way radio communications unit (GPS/radio unit), comprising:

disposing a GPS/radio unit that Is configured for wirelessly communicating with at least one other such GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein; and

sealing the at least one opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough;

wherein sealing the at least one opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises placing another housings section having a peripheral edge cooperatively configured for continuous contact with a continuous contact and effecting a continuous sent between the housing section and the another housing section;

forming a continuous elastomeric gasket along the peripheral edge of one of the housing section and the another housing section, and compressing the continuous elastomeric gasket between the housing section and the another housing section;

forming the continuous elastomeric gasket comprises forming a seal bead protruding from a surface of the continuous elastomeric gasket and compressing the seal bead; and

configuring the peripheral edge of another of the housing section and the another housing section as a flat and compressing the seal head against the flat.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having a display opening thin sized and shaped for viewing a display therethrough.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein sealing the at least one opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises:

providing a transparent lens for covering the display opening; and

sealing the transparent lens proximate a periphery thereof to an exterior surface of the housing over the display opening such that the ingress of water through the display opening is substantially prevented.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having an audio jack compartment, the audio jack compartment having an associated opening through the wall of the housing section.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein sealing the opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises applying a curable liquid sealant to the at least one opening associated with the audio jack compartment and curing the curable liquid sealant to create a water tight seal for substantially preventing the ingress of water through the at least one opening associated with the audio jack compartment.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein applying the curable liquid sealant to the at least one opening associated with the audio jack comprises applying a room temperature vulcanizing sealant to the at least one opening associated with the audio jack.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having a flex circuit slot therein sized and shaped for receiving a flex circuit therethrough.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein sealing the opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises applying a curable liquid sealant to the flex circuit slot and curing the curable liquid sealant to create a water tight seal for substantially preventing the ingress of water through the flex circuit slot.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein applying the curable liquid sealant to the flex circuit slot comprises applying a room temperature vulcanizing sealant to the flex circuit slot.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the (GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having an electrical connector, the electrical connector having at least one associated opening through the wall of the housing.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein scaling the opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises applying a curable liquid sealant to the at least one opening associated with the electrical connector and curing the curable liquid sealant to create a water tight seal for substantially preventing the ingress of water through the at least one opening associated with the electrical connector.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein applying the curable liquid sealant to the at least one opening associated with the electrical connector comprises applying a room temperature vulcanizing sealant to the at least one opening associated with the electrical connector.

33. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing having at least one battery terminal, the at least one battery terminal having an associated opening through the wall of the housing section.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein sealing the opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises applying a curable liquid sealant to the at least one opening associated with the at least one battery terminal and curing curable liquid sealant capable to create a water tight seal for substantially preventing the ingress of water through the at least one opening associated with the at least one battery terminal.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein applying the curable liquid sealant to the at least one opening associated with the at least one battery terminal comprises applying a room temperature vulcanizing sealant to the at least one opening associated with the at least one battery terminal.

36. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one battery cover slot, the battery cover slot having an associated opening through the wall of the housing section.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein sealing the opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises applying a curable liquid sealant to the opening associated with the battery cover slot and curing the curable liquid sealant to create a water tight seal for substantially preventing the ingress of water through the opening associated with the battery cover slot.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein applying the curable liquid sealant to the opening associated with the battery cover slot comprises applying a room temperature vulcanizing sealant to the opening associated with the battery cover slot.

39. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one control button opening therein sized and shaped for permitting a control button to extend therethrough.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein scaling the at least one opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises:

providing a flexible, elastomeric cover having a body portion sized and shaped for receiving the control button and a flange portion; and

securing the flange portion of the flexible, elastomeric cover to a groove on an interior surface of the housing in a resilient, compressed interference fit.

41. The method of claim 21, wherein disposing the GPS/radio unit at east partially within a housing section having at least one opening therein comprises disposing a GPS/radio unit at least partially within a housing section having at least one opening for passage of sound therethrough.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein sealing the at least one opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises:

positioning an air and sound-permeable, water-impermeable membrane over the at least one opening for passage of sound therethrough on an interior surface of the housing section; and

scaling a periphery of the air and sound-permeable, water-impermeable membrane to the interior surface of the housing section surrounding the at least one opening for passage of sound therethrough.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one opening for passage of sound therethrough comprises a plurality of openings, and wherein sealing the at least one opening to prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises:

positioning a sealing element against an interior surface of the housing section with the sealing element surrounding the plurality of openings;

providing a sound transmission device including a water-impermeable membrane over the plurality of openings; and

mechanically clamping the water-impregnable membrane of the sound transmission device to the housing section with the sealing element compressed therebetween.

44. The method of claim 21, further including polishing the flat.

45. The method of claim 21, wherein forming the elastomeric gasket comprises injection molding the elastomeric gasket onto the one of the housing section and the another housing section.

46. The method of claim 21, wherein sealing the at least one opening to substantially prevent the ingress of water therethrough comprises molding an elastomeric cover over the at least one opening.

47. A method of forming a substantially waterproof enclosure for an electronic communications device, comprising:

molding a first housing section defining a cavity and having a peripheral edge;

molding a second housing section defining a cavity and having a peripheral edge cooperatively configured for continuous contact with the peripheral edge of the first housing section;

molding a continuous elastomeric gasket along one of the peripheral edge of the first housing section and the peripheral edge of the second housing section;

placing the first housing section and the second housing section with their respective peripheral edges in mutual alignment and compressing the continuous elastomeric gasket therebetween;

wherein molding the continuous elastomeric gasket comprises forming a seal bead protruding from surface of continuous elastomeric gasket and wherein compressing the gasket comprises compressing the seal bead; and

configuring the peripheral edge of one of the first housing section and the second housing section as a flat and compressing the seal bead against the flat.

48. The method of claim 47, further including polishing the flat.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein molding of the first housing section, the second housing section and the elastomeric gasket comprises injection molding.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein injection molding of the elastomeric gasket is effected in a different mold than injection molding of the first housing section.