System for housing an audio system in an aquatic environment

• US 6,954,405 B2
• Filed: 07/28/2003
• Issued: 10/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Vinci Brands LLC
• Original Assignee: Diver Entertainment Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Rauhala, Kari Kristian, Polany, Rany, Pettersen, Carl Wilhelm
• Primary Examiner(s): PIHULIC, DANIEL T
• Application Number:
  US10/629,315
• Publication Number:
  US 20040120219A1
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 367/188, 381/381
• 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 information system for use in scuba diving, the system comprising:

a rigid container;

a rigid lid adapted to fit the container, the container and the lid defining a chamber adapted to receive an electronic device;

a seal between the container and the lid, the seal configured to prevent water from entering into the chamber even at a maximum underwater pressure experienced by a scuba diver; and

components attached to the container and/or the lid for externally controlling the electronic device.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

components that connect the electronic device to an audio jack, the audio jack being attached to the container and/or the lid; and

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

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the components which connect the audio communication link to the audio jack comprise:

a male connector;

a female connector; and

a locking bearing mechanism to establish a waterproof audio connection between the male and the female connectors.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the communication link is wireless.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an MP3 player, DVD player, telephone, cellular telephone, palm pilot, personal digital assistant, measuring device, geiger counter, sonar, pH meter, thermometer, luminometer, or magnetometer.

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

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

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

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said external volume control comprises an amplifier.

10. The system of claim 2, further comprising a device generating audible sound connected to the communication link.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said sound-generating device comprises earphones, and wherein the operative components of the earphones are contained within sealed enclosures.

12. An underwater audio headset comprising at least one speaker within a submersible waterproof enclosure, the enclosure mounted on an ear clip, the ear clip configured to removably attach to an ear.

13. The headset of claim 12, wherein the enclosure comprises an audio-permeable and water-resistant membrane.

14. The headset of claim 12, wherein the ear clip carries a communication link.

15. The headset of claim 12, wherein the ear clip attaches to a soft gel that molds to the shape of the ear.

16. The headset of claim 12, wherein the enclosure is rigid.

17. The headset of claim 12, further comprising a wireless communication link.

18. The headset of claim 17, further comprising a battery for powering the wireless communication link.

19. The headset of claim 12, wherein the headset is incorporated into a mask strap.

20. The headset of claim 12, wherein the enclosure comprises an o-ring.

21. The headset of claim 17, wherein the wireless communication link comprises a receiver.