Acoustic isolation mechanism
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A protective cover for an electronic device, the protective cover comprising:
- a hard shell case having constituent rigid portions for enclosing an electronic device, wherein an intentional gap exists between a shell opening in the hard shell case and an acoustic opening of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case; and
an acoustic isolation mechanism disposed at least in the intentional gap and having an uncompressed thickness greater than the intentional gap, wherein the acoustic isolation mechanism comprises a compliant material that compresses when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case, the compression of the compliant material minimizing shifting or rattling of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case, and wherein the acoustic isolation mechanism comprises a passageway through which sound passes between the shell opening in the hard shell case and the acoustic opening in the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case,wherein, when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case, the passageway of the acoustic isolation mechanism defines an acoustic channel between the electronic device and the hard shell case, and dimensions of the acoustic channel enhance acoustic properties of the protective cover.
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Abstract
A rigid removable case for a portable electronic device may have an acoustic isolation mechanism between the rigid removable case and an acoustic component on the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be a compressible component that may provide an air seal between an interior surface of the removable case and an exterior surface of the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be constructed of several different materials and several different manufacturing processes.
130 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A protective cover for an electronic device, the protective cover comprising:
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a hard shell case having constituent rigid portions for enclosing an electronic device, wherein an intentional gap exists between a shell opening in the hard shell case and an acoustic opening of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case; and an acoustic isolation mechanism disposed at least in the intentional gap and having an uncompressed thickness greater than the intentional gap, wherein the acoustic isolation mechanism comprises a compliant material that compresses when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case, the compression of the compliant material minimizing shifting or rattling of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case, and wherein the acoustic isolation mechanism comprises a passageway through which sound passes between the shell opening in the hard shell case and the acoustic opening in the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case, wherein, when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case, the passageway of the acoustic isolation mechanism defines an acoustic channel between the electronic device and the hard shell case, and dimensions of the acoustic channel enhance acoustic properties of the protective cover. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A protective cover for an electronic device, the protective cover comprising:
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a hard shell case for enclosing an electronic device, the hard shell case comprising a shell opening, wherein an intentional gap exists between the shell opening in the hard shell case and an acoustic opening of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case; and an overmolded thermoplastic layer molded onto an exterior surface of the hard shell case, wherein a portion of the overmolded thermoplastic layer extends inwards through the shell opening and beyond an inner surface of the hard shell case by a distance to provide a formed-in-place acoustic isolation mechanism that at least partially seals against the electronic device and at least partially around the acoustic opening of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case to provide a passageway through which sound passes between the acoustic opening of the electronic device and an outer aperture of the formed-in-place acoustic isolation mechanism, and wherein the formed-in-place acoustic isolation mechanism compresses when the electronic device is installed in the hard shell case to minimize shifting or rattling of the electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification