Housing encasing a device having a switch

• US 8,564,950 B2
• Filed: 11/19/2012
• Issued: 10/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Treefrog Developments Incorporated (Otter Products LLC)
• Original Assignee: Treefrog Developments Incorporated (Otter Products LLC)
• Inventors: Rayner, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): GEHMAN, BRYON P
• Application Number:
  US13/681,342
• Publication Number:
  US 20130077226A1
• Time in Patent Office: 337 Days
• Field of Search: 206/305, 206/320, 36167901-67903, 3616791-6794, 361/679.55, 361/679.56, 396 25- 27, 4555751-5758
• US Class Current: 361/679.55
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/002 Protective covers
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/002 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/003 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/00 Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials B65D71/00, B65D83/00 take precedence; hand implements or travelling equipment A45C; cosmetic or toiletry equipment A45D; packages for surgical knives, scalpels or blades therefor A61B17/3215; containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes A61J1/00; paint cans B44D3/12; oil cans F16N3/04; containers for carrying small arms F41C33/06; packaging of ammunition or explosive charges F42B39/00; containers for record carriers, specially adapted for cooperation with the recording or reproducing apparatus G11B23/00
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/08 Waterproof bodies or housings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1613 for portable computers cooling arrangements therefor G06F1/203; constructional details or arrangements for pocket calculators, electronic agendas or books G06F15/0216; constructional details of portable telephone sets: with several bodies H04M1/0202
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1637 Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/00 Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers subscriber services or facilities provided at exchanges H04M3/00; prepayment telephone coin boxes H04M17/00; current supply arrangements H04M19/08
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0004 comprising several parts forming a closed casing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0013 assembled by resilient members
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0017 with operator interface units
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0217 Mechanical details of casings covers, lids, hoods or members for covering apertures H05K5/03
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0221 Locks; Latches
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/06 Hermetically-sealed casings specially adapted for small components H05K5/0095
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/061 : sealed by a gasket held between a removable cover and a body, e.g. O-ring, packing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/069 : Other details of the casing, e.g. wall structure, passage for a connector, a cable, a shaft

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display and a switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device. The apparatus includes an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface. The apparatus further includes a switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement. The switch mechanism includes a switch interface provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the switch, and is coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the switch.

Claims

1. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface; and

a switch mechanism provided with the encasement, the switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device, the switch mechanism further including an axle coupled with the encasement to convert substantially linear movement of the switch actuator to substantially opposite linear movement of the switch interface.

2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the switch actuator includes a rigid actuator member covered by the flexible seal.

3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the rigid actuator member is connected with the flexible seal by being one of:

bonded, molded, adhered, compression fit, friction fit, and latched.

4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the rigid actuator member is free-floating within the flexible seal.

5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the switch interface includes a base and at least two teeth members extending from opposite sides of the base to engage opposite sides of the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the switch mechanism is configured to slide within an aperture of the encasement to engage the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the encasement is comprised of:

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, and surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion of the bottom member having a channel formed by an interior perimeter portion and an exterior perimeter portion, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned therein; and

a top member having an inner perimeter defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the electronic device and the perimeter portion of the bottom member, the rigid frame extending to a ridge that is adapted to clasp within the channel of the bottom member and seal against the gasket, the top member further including a membrane that overlays the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area, the top member further including the switch mechanism.

8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the encasement is comprised of:

a top member having an extended member forming a wall defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the mobile computing device, the wall extending to a ridge and having a channel proximate the ridge, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned at least partially therein, the rigid frame further including at least one opening in which the switch actuator is positioned, the at least one opening being overlaid with a flexible member to seal the switch mechanism, the top member further including a membrane coupled to the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area to enable operation of the touch screen display; and

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, the front surface and the back surface each being surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion having an extended wall to mate with the wall defined by the rigid frame and to seal against the compressible gasket.

9. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface; and

a switch mechanism provided with the encasement, the switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal molded to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device, the switch mechanism further including an axle coupled with the encasement to convert substantially linear movement of the switch actuator to substantially opposite linear movement of the switch interface.

10. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the switch actuator includes a rigid actuator member covered by the flexible seal.

11. The apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the rigid actuator member is connected with the flexible seal by being one of:

bonded, molded, adhered, compression fit, friction fit, and latched.

12. The apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the rigid actuator member is free-floating within the flexible seal.

13. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the switch interface includes a base and at least two teeth members extending from opposite sides of the base to engage opposite sides of the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

14. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the switch mechanism is configured to slide within an aperture of the encasement to engage the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

15. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the encasement is comprised of:

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, and surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion of the bottom member having a channel formed by an interior perimeter portion and an exterior perimeter portion, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned therein; and

a top member having an inner perimeter defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the electronic device and the perimeter portion of the bottom member, the rigid frame extending to a ridge that is adapted to clasp within the channel of the bottom member and seal against the gasket, the top member further including a membrane that overlays the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area, the top member further including the switch mechanism.

16. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the encasement is comprised of:

a top member having an extended member forming a wall defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the mobile computing device, the wall extending to a ridge and having a channel proximate the ridge, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned at least partially therein, the rigid frame further including at least one opening in which the switch actuator is positioned, the at least one opening being overlaid with a flexible member to seal the switch mechanism, the top member further including a membrane coupled to the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area to enable operation of the touch screen display; and

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, the front surface and the back surface each being surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion having an extended wall to mate with the wall defined by the rigid frame and to seal against the compressible gasket.

17. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface, the encasement is comprised of;

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, and surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion of the bottom member having a channel formed by an interior perimeter portion and an exterior perimeter portion, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned therein; and

a top member having an inner perimeter defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the electronic device and the perimeter portion of the bottom member, the rigid frame extending to a ridge that is adapted to clasp within the channel of the bottom member and seal against the gasket, the top member further including a membrane that overlays the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area, the top member further including a switch mechanism; and

the switch mechanism including a switch actuator at the outer surface of the encasement, and a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

18. The apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein the switch actuator is covered by a flexible seal that is attached to the encasement.

19. The apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein the encasement includes an aperture, and the switch actuator protrudes through the aperture.

20. The apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein the switch actuator is covered by a flexible seal that is attached to the encasement proximate the aperture.

21. The apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein the bottom member includes at least one lens formed between the front surface and the back surface of the bottom member.

22. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface; and

a switch mechanism provided with the encasement, the switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device, the switch interface including a base and at least two teeth members extending from opposite sides of the base to engage opposite sides of the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

23. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface; and

a switch mechanism provided with the encasement, the switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device, the encasement is comprised of;

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, and surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion of the bottom member having a channel formed by an interior perimeter portion and an exterior perimeter portion, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned therein; and

a top member having an inner perimeter defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the electronic device and the perimeter portion of the bottom member, the rigid frame extending to a ridge that is adapted to clasp within the channel of the bottom member and seal against the gasket, the top member further including a membrane that overlays the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area, the top member further including the switch mechanism.

24. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface; and

a switch mechanism provided with the encasement, the switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device, the encasement is comprised of;

a top member having an extended member forming a wall defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the mobile computing device, the wall extending to a ridge and having a channel proximate the ridge, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned at least partially therein, the rigid frame further including at least one opening in which the switch actuator is positioned, the at least one opening being overlaid with a flexible member to seal the switch mechanism, the top member further including a membrane coupled to the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area to enable operation of the touch screen display; and

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, the front surface and the back surface each being surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion having an extended wall to mate with the wall defined by the rigid frame and to seal against the compressible gasket.

25. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface; and

a switch mechanism provided with the encasement, the switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal molded to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device, the switch interface including a base and at least two teeth members extending from opposite sides of the base to engage opposite sides of the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

26. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface, the encasement is comprised of;

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, and surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion of the bottom member having a channel formed by an interior perimeter portion and an exterior perimeter portion, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned therein; and

a top member having an inner perimeter defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the electronic device and the perimeter portion of the bottom member, the rigid frame extending to a ridge that is adapted to clasp within the channel of the bottom member and seal against the gasket, the top member further including a membrane that overlays the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area, the top member further including a switch mechanism; and

the switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal molded to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

27. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface, the encasement is comprised of;

a top member having an extended member forming a wall defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the mobile computing device, the wall extending to a ridge and having a channel proximate the ridge, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned at least partially therein, the rigid frame further including at least one opening in which a switch actuator is positioned, the at least one opening being overlaid with a flexible member to seal a switch mechanism, the top member further including a membrane coupled to the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area to enable operation of the touch screen display; and

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, the front surface and the back surface each being surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion having an extended wall to mate with the wall defined by the rigid frame and to seal against the compressible gasket; and

the switch mechanism including the switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal molded to the encasement, the switch mechanism further including a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

28. An apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display, the mobile computing device further having at least one switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:

an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the at least one switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface, the encasement is comprised of;

a top member having an extended member forming a wall defined by a rigid frame that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the mobile computing device, the wall extending to a ridge and having a channel proximate the ridge, the channel including a compressible gasket positioned at least partially therein, the rigid frame further including at least one opening in which a switch actuator is positioned, the at least one opening being overlaid with a flexible member to seal a switch mechanism, the top member further including a membrane coupled to the rigid frame opposite the ridge, the membrane having a transparent area to enable operation of the touch screen display; and

a bottom member comprising a front surface and a back surface, the front surface and the back surface each being surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions, the perimeter portion having an extended wall to mate with the wall defined by the rigid frame and to seal against the compressible gasket; and

the switch mechanism including the switch actuator at the outer surface of the encasement, and a switch interface being provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the at least one switch of the mobile computing device and being coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the at least one switch of the mobile computing device.

29. The apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein the bottom member includes at least one lens formed between the front surface and the back surface of the bottom member.