Waterproof electronic device

• US 9,313,394 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2013
• Issued: 04/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: H4 Engineering, Inc.
• Original Assignee: H4 Engineering, Inc.
• Inventors: Boyle, Christopher T., Taylor, Scott K., Sammons, Alexander G., Marton, Denes
• Primary Examiner(s): Fuller, Rodney
• Application Number:
  US13/784,536
• Publication Number:
  US 20130230293A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,135 Days
• Field of Search: 396/25
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/18 with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2014 around a vertical axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/242 by spreading of the legs F16M11/32 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/022 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/50 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/61 based on recognised objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/611 where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices

Abstract

A waterproof electronic device with a soft polymer embedding enclosure configured to seal components embedded in the soft polymer embedding enclosure from water by direct contact of the soft polymer embedding enclosure with the components, and including an embedded microswitch operated by pressing on an outer surface of the soft polymer embedding enclosure. The apparatus may be built using various degrees of integration of its components.

Claims

1. A waterproof electronic device comprising:

a soft polymer embedding enclosure having an inner surface and an outer surface, and electronic and electromechanical components, and configured to seal said electronic and electromechanical components from water, wherein said inner surface is in direct contact with said electronic and electromechanical components and said electromechanical components comprise at least one microswitch, and wherein said at least one microswitch is operated by pressing on said outer surface of said soft polymer enclosure.

2. The waterproof electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a frame, wherein said frame is attached to said soft polymer enclosure and wherein said frame is made of a substantially hard material.

3. The waterproof electronic device of claim 2, further comprising at least one opening allowing passage of a strap for attaching said waterproof electronic device to a person.

4. The waterproof electronic device of claim 1, further comprising at least one circuit board having said electronic and electromechanical components connected to said at least one circuit board.

5. The waterproof electronic device of claim 1, wherein said electronic and electromechanical components comprise a microphone having an exposed surface area.

6. The waterproof electronic device of claim 1, wherein said electronic and electromechanical components comprise a speaker having an exposed surface area.

7. The waterproof electronic device of claim 1, said electronic components comprising a charging stub and portions of said charging stub are in direct contact with said inner surface of said soft polymer embedding enclosure and an exposed surface area of said charging stub is configured to provide electrical contact, and said exposed surface area of said charging stub is flush with said outer surface of said soft polymer embedding enclosure.

8. The waterproof electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a light emitting component and an optical component in direct contact with said inner surface of said soft polymer embedding enclosure forming a waterproof seal around said light emitting component and said optical component.

9. The waterproof electronic device of claim 8, wherein said light emitting component and said optical component comprise at least one light pipe having an exposed surface area, wherein said exposed surface area of said at least one light pipe is the light emitting end of said at least one light pipe.

10. The waterproof electronic device of claim 8, wherein said light emitting component and said optical component comprise a touchscreen having an exposed surface area, wherein said exposed surface area of said touchscreen is the touchable surface of said touchscreen.