Patent Application
20150110320
This disclosure relates generally to waterproof electronic assemblies, such as earphones, earphone electronic controls, as well as waterproof connectors. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus (such as an earmold) for retaining an earpiece in the ear of a user. The apparatus may be configured as a separate cover or integrally molded to the earpiece.
Portable headphone speakers for listening to sound, whether used alone, in combination with a microphone for use with a mobile communication device, e.g., a cell phone, or to amplify external sounds, as with a hearing aid, can have a variety of configurations. Small headphones that fit in the concha bowl of the ear and direct sound into the ear canal, such as earbuds and earmolds, are preferred by some users due to their smaller size and weight relative to larger headphones that fit over the concha and/or pinna of the ear. This “in ear” style of headphone is often desirable during exercise, such as running or biking, or other physical activity that may include sudden or forceful movements of the head. It is desirable to have an earpiece or earmold associated with the headphone that retains the headphone in the ear while moving, and is still comfortable to wear.
Furthermore, it is desirable to have earphones that are waterproof when using a mobile communication device during exercise. Athletes and others who train or exercise may expose the headphones to their own sweat, as well as outdoor elements such as rain and snow. Entry of liquids into non-waterproof earphones can partially or completely inhibit their operation. Earphones that can be utilized and controlled when connected to a mobile communication device, e.g., a phone or tablet, despite exposure to or submersion in water, are highly desirable.
Moreover, it is also desirable to have a waterproof connector that can be connected to an encasement or another connector by rotating only a portion of the connector to achieve a watertight connection. By rotating only a portion of the connector, a user does not need to rotate the entire connector and cable in order to create a waterproof seal, allowing one-handed attachment, as well as minimizing the possibility of creating loops and tangles in the cable itself.
The instant technology provides apparatuses for transmitting sound from a headset to an ear of a wearer, as well as apparatuses for sealing a cable entrance to a housing against water and particles, such as for an earphone or a multi-function input for an earphone assembly.
The instant disclosure provides an earpiece for transmitting sound from a headphone to an ear of a wearer. The earpiece includes an earmold for fitting within a concha cavum (concha bowl) of the typical wearer's ear. The earmold includes a main body having a shape substantially corresponding with the concha cavum and having a hollow sound channel therein. The hollow sound channel extends from an inlet provided proximate the headphone to a sound channel output port positioned proximate an inferior region of the concha cavum. The earmold further has a posterior arch extending out from a side of the earmold opposite the sound channel output port, the posterior arch to compress against an antihelix region of the concha cavum to maintain the earmold within the concha cavum of the ear of the wearer.
In some embodiments, the earpiece further includes a thinned region in a mid-region of the main body. The thinned region allows the main body of the earpiece to deform against curvatures of the concha cavum to conform to the ear of the wearer. The earpiece may further include at least one hole proximate the posterior arch, allowing deformity of the posterior arch against compression by the antihelix region of the concha cavum. In some embodiments, the earpiece further includes at least two holes being separated by at least one rib connected between the posterior arch and the main body of the earmold. In some embodiments, the earpiece further includes a fin extending from the posterior arch of the earmold and adapted to reach at least partially into a concha cymba region of the ear of the wearer. In some embodiments, the fin is offset toward an exterior side of the earmold at the posterior arch.
The instant technology also provides electronic component assemblies, such as for earphones, multifunction inputs, and displays having an electrical or optical cable connecting with the electronic components. The electronic component assemblies are configured to prevent entry of water and small particles into the component assembly where the cable enters the assembly housing. Such an electronic component assembly includes: one or more electronic components; a cable having electrical or optical connectivity to the one or more electronic components; and a housing configured to house the one or more electronic components. The housing has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and may include two or members that come together to form a housing. The housing members may be adhered with a waterproof or water resistant adhesive, or be welded together. In some embodiments, one housing member may include a channel and a housing seal or gasket positioned within the channel, and the other housing member may have one or more elements that at least partially compress the housing gasket in the channel to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. The housing also includes a cable aperture through which the cable extends, and a compression backstop extending into the interior of the housing.
The electronic component assembly also includes a gasket holder or sealing interface element having a compression face and a gasket seat face, the gasket holder surrounding the cable. The electronic component assembly also includes a gasket surrounding the cable and positioned at the gasket seat, as well as a compression wedge and a crimp bead securely surrounding the circumference of the cable. The gasket is at least partially compressed between the gasket seat and the interior surface of the housing proximate the cable aperture. The compression wedge at least partially surrounding the circumference of the cable, and is positioned between the compression backstop and the compression face of the gasket holder. The crimp bead securely surrounds the circumference of the cable, and is positioned proximate the compression backstop.
In some embodiments of the electronic component assembly, the housing is waterproof and the gasket seals the cable aperture from entry by water.
In some embodiments, the compression wedge has a gap on one side. In some embodiments, the compression wedge completely surrounds the circumference of the cable.
In certain embodiments of the electronic component assembly, the compression backstop further includes two compression arms extending from the interior surface of the housing, the compression arms partially surrounding the circumference of the cable. In some embodiments, the compression backstop comprises a wall, the wall having an aperture through which the cable extends.
The instant disclosure also provides an electronic component assembly that includes one or more electronic components housed in an internal housing. The internal housing has at least one internal cable aperture and at least one gasket seat on an outside surface of the internal housing and positioned proximate the cable aperture. The internal housing may include two or members that come together to form the internal housing. The internal housing members may be adhered with a waterproof or water resistant adhesive, or be welded together. In some embodiments, one internal housing member may include a channel and a housing seal or gasket positioned within the channel, and the other internal housing member may have one or more elements that at least partially compress the housing gasket in the channel to form a waterproof or water resistant seal. The electronic component assembly also includes a cable having electrical or optical connectivity to the one or more electronic components. The cable is positioned through the internal cable aperture. The assembly further includes an external housing configured to house the internal housing. The external housing has an interior surface and an exterior surface, an external cable aperture through which the cable extends, and at least two anchor protrusions that extend into the interior of the housing.
The electronic component assembly also includes an anchor element surrounding the circumference of the cable, and has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and at least three side portions. The anchor element further includes at least one slot in each of at least two side portions, configured to interact with the at least two anchor protrusions and preventing the anchor element from sliding within the housing.
The electronic component assembly also includes a gasket surrounding the cable. The gasket is at least partially compressed between the interior surface of the internal housing proximate the internal cable aperture and the proximal end portion of the anchor element. The electronic component assembly also includes a crimp bead securely surrounding the circumference of the cable, and is positioned proximate the interior surface of the internal housing.
In some embodiments of an electronic component assembly having an internal housing, the internal housing is waterproof and the gasket prevents entry of water through the at least one internal cable aperture.
The instant disclosure also provides an electronic component assembly that includes one or more electronic components housed in an internal housing. The internal housing has at least one internal cable aperture, an internal surface, and an external surface. The electronic component assembly further includes a cable having electrical or optical connectivity to the one or more electronic components and is inserted through the internal cable aperture.
In addition, the electronic component assembly includes an external housing configured to house the internal housing. The external housing has an interior surface and an exterior surface, an external cable aperture through which the cable extends, and a compression backstop extending into the interior of the housing.
The electronic component assembly also includes: a compression wedge that at least partially surrounds the circumference of the cable; a gasket surrounding the cable; and a crimp bead securely surrounding the circumference of the cable proximate the interior surface of the internal housing. The gasket is at least partially compressed between the exterior surface of the internal housing proximate the internal cable aperture and the compression wedge.
In some embodiments of the electronic component assembly having an internal housing, the internal housing is waterproof and the gasket seals the internal cable aperture from entry by water.
In some embodiments, the compression wedge has a gap on one side. In some embodiments, the compression wedge completely surrounds the circumference of the cable.
In certain embodiments of the electronic component assembly, the compression backstop further includes two compression arms extending from the interior surface of the housing, the compression arms partially surrounding the circumference of the cable. In some embodiments, the compression backstop comprises a wall, the wall having an aperture through which the cable extends.
In some embodiments of the electronic component assemblies described above, the one or more electronic components comprise an earphone assembly for producing sound. In some embodiments, the one or more electronic components include a microphone assembly for detecting sound. In certain embodiments, the one or more electronic components include at least one button to control an electronic device, at least one display for displaying information from an electronic device, or both.
The disclosure also provides a connector assembly for providing a waterproof connection to a threaded aperture in an encasement. The threaded aperture provides access to a female socket or a male connector of an electronic device that is at least partially encased by the encasement. The connector assembly includes a connector body coupled with an electrical cable, the electrical cable for conveying electrical signals from the electrical connection of the electronic device. The connector body has a cylindrical portion that includes at least one ridge protruding from an external surface of the cylindrical portion. The connector assembly also includes an elongated male connector or female connector extending from the cylindrical portion of the connector body. The elongated male connector or female connector is sized and adapted for insertion into and engagement within the female socket or male socket, respectively. Also included in the connector assembly is an inner gasket around the elongated male member and abutting the cylindrical portion of the connector body. For a female connector, the inner gasket may be positioned surrounding a perimeter of an aperture of the female connector. The connector assembly also includes a sleeve bearing having a cylindrical inner surface rotatably interfaced with the external surface of the cylindrical portion of the connector body opposite the elongated male connector from the inner gasket. The cylindrical inner surface has at least one groove formed therein, each of the at least one groove receives one of the at least one ridge protruding from the external surface of the cylindrical portion to allow rotation of the sleeve bearing relative to the connector body in a substantially fixed longitudinal position on the cylindrical portion of the connector body. The connector assembly also includes a rotating outer sleeve or bushing having a gripping region connected with and at least partially covering the sleeve bearing. The bushing further has a threaded region with an inner surface rotatably interfaced around a portion of the elongated male or female connector opposite the sleeve bearing from the inner gasket to allow the elongated male or female connector to extend from the threaded region. The threaded region has external threads sized and adapted for threading with the threaded aperture of the encasement when the gripping region is rotated. In addition, the bushing further has an inner sealing interface coupled with the inner gasket to seal the elongated male member with the cylindrical portion of the connector body. The connector assembly also includes an outer gasket coupled around the bushing between the gripping region and the threaded region of the bushing, the outer gasket to seal the threaded region with the threaded aperture of the encasement when the threaded region is threaded with the threaded aperture of the encasement.
In some embodiments, the connector assembly further includes one or more ridges on an exterior surface of the gripping region of the outer sleeve or bushing. The sleeve bearing may include a first semi-cylindrical part coupled with a second semi-cylindrical part. In certain embodiments, the connector assembly further includes a strain relief cover that contains at least a portion of the electrical cable. The strain relief cover of the connector assembly may be coupled with and extend from the connector body. In certain embodiments, the connector body is offset from an axis defined by the strain relief cover and electrical cable, where the strain relief cover extends from the connector body. The bushing may be press-fit onto the sleeve bearing, or the bushing may be adhered to the sleeve bearing. In certain embodiments, when the external threads of the threaded region are fully threaded with the threaded aperture of the encasement, the elongated male connector engages within the female socket. If the connector assembly includes a female connector, when the external threads of the threaded region are fully threaded with the threaded aperture of the encasement, the elongated female connector engages within the male connector. In certain embodiments, the outer gasket is unitary with the threaded region of the bushing.
The summary of the technology described above is non-limiting and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, and from the claims.
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for comfortably securing an earpiece in the concha of a user's ear, such that the earpiece is not easily shifted in position during use, especially during vigorous physical activity such as jogging or biking, in which the ear may be subjected to movement that may otherwise jostle the earpiece from the ear. It is desirable to have an earpiece or earmold associated with the headphone that is comfortable to wear, and can be used by users in a variety of differently shaped ears while remaining securely retained in the ear even when the ear experiences forceful movement.
The present disclosure is also directed to earphones that are waterproof and dustproof, or resistant to intrusion of liquids such as water and sweat. The earphones may be connected via a cable to a waterproof, dustproof multi-function input (MFI) that may include a microphone and buttons. The earphones may be connected to via a cable to a waterproof, dustproof audio connector that can form a waterproof seal when connected to a case that houses an electronic device or to an adapter that connects to such a case.
As used herein, the term “exterior side” refers to a portion of the earmold that faces outward, away from the ear, when mated with an earpiece and inserted into the concha bowl of a user's ear. Conversely, the term “interior side” refers to the portion of the earmold that faces inward, towards the ear, when mated with an earpiece and inserted into the concha bowl of the ear.
The term “about” as used herein in reference to quantitative measurements, refers to the indicated value plus or minus 10%.
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for more comfortably securing an earpiece in the concha of an ear, such that the earpiece is not easily shifted in position during use, especially during vigorous physical activity, such as jogging or biking, in which the ear may be subjected to movement that may otherwise jostle the earpiece from the ear. It is desirable to have an earpiece or earmold, associated with the headphone, that can be comfortably worn by users having a variety of outer ear shapes while remaining securely retained in the ear even when the ear experiences forceful movement.
The intertragic notch 5 is a gap that lies between the tragus and antitragus. The concha cavum lies directly next to the ear canal (not shown). The concha cymba 6 lies above the crus of helix 4 and below the anterior crus 7 of the antihelix 8. While most ears have these features, their exact dimensions and orientation vary significantly from person to person. Thus, making one or two sizes of earmolds configured to fit in the concha cavum while being comfortable and secure fitting for many different people is difficult to achieve. While some earphones are designed to use hooks that reach around the outside of the ear, into structures of the ear such as the antihelix and helix, or be inserted directly into the ear canal, such configurations can be uncomfortable for the user and may lack the ability to be maintained in the ear effectively during strenuous exercise. For earbuds designed to rest within the concha cavum, differing shapes of concha cavae among users may result in a loose fit, allowing the earbud to move within the concha cavum and affect the sound quality delivered to the user. Moreover, the lack of proper fit within the concha cavum can result in a user feeling as if the earbud will fall out of the ear, even if the earphone is secured in the ear. The earmolds described herein allows for fitting inside many different shapes of concha cavae, while providing enough pressure both at the anterior concha cavum and the posterior concha cavum to maintain the earmold inside the concha cavum during forceful and/or repetitive head movements and to provide the user with a feeling of fullness in the concha cavum and minimizing discomfort.
At the bottom of the cavity 210 is a thinned region 212. The thinned region depicted in
The earmold also includes a sound channel output port 220 that is hollow and allows sound from the earpiece to be directed into the ear canal. When the earmold is inserted into the concha cavum, the sound channel at the anterior portion of the earmold points towards and is proximate the entrance of the ear canal, but does not enter the ear canal itself In some embodiments, the sound channel may enter a portion of the ear canal. In some embodiments, the anerior portion of the earmold will press against the anterior concha cavum, the posterior portion of the earmold will press against the posterior concha cavum, and the inferior portion of the earmold will press against the inferior concha cavum of a user's ear to secure the earmold and provide a feeling of fullness within the concha cavum. In some embodiments, more force is exerted between the anterior concha cavum and the posterior concha cavum than is exerted downward against the inferior concha cavum.
The earmold of
In some embodiments of the present technology, the earmold does not have a fin or flange 236.
The earmold described above may be a molded cover made of an elastomeric material, or it may be overmolded directly on or to the surface of an earpiece.
Earphones that fit inside the concha cavum of an ear may include waterproof earphones that rest inside the concha cavum without additional support (e.g., earbuds), or may be attached to an additional support mechanism that aids in preventing slippage or movement of the earbuds within the concha cavum. Exemplary support mechanisms may include a headband that partially encircles the top, front, or rear of the head, or structures for individually securing each earphone to its respective ear, e.g. ear clips or in-ear tension/friction support mechanisms such as described above. Additional support mechanisms like these may be made of firm plastic or other polymer that flexes, and may incorporate cloth and elastic components. The support mechanisms may also include electronic components such as a multifunction input (described below), a microphone, and/or a BLUETOOTH transceiver.
An exemplary waterproof earphone 500 of the instant technology is depicted in the exploded perspective view of
Cable 530 extends through an aperture in strain relief cover 526 (not visible) and into rear member 520, extends through the tuning backing 535, and is electrically connected to the diaphragm assembly (for clarity,
In certain embodiments, the waterproof sound channel membrane 515 may be affixed to the sound funnel 512 with a cap.
In alternative embodiments of waterproof earphones, the earphone may include additional components such as compression arms, a compression wedge, and a crimp bead that aid in maintaining a waterproof seal where the cable enters the earphone housing.
Rear member 620 includes a strain relief cover 626 that houses cable 630, and includes one or more rear member vents 524a and 524b. The rear member vents 624a-b (624c not visible) are covered by a rear vent membrane 625 and membrane plate 628. Membrane plate 628 is configured to secure vent membrane 625 to the interior surface of the rear member 620 and seal it against intrusion by liquids and/or particles. Membrane plate may be secured using a waterproof adhesive and/or ultrasonic welding. In some embodiments, the membrane 625 and membrane plate 628 may be secured to the exterior of the rear member. Rear member 620 also includes protrusion 629 configured to interact with a notch and protrusion (not shown) on the perimeter edge of front member 610 and aid in preventing accidental separation of the front and rear members. It is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the secure vent membrane 625 may include a single piece to cover all of the rear member vents, or may include two or pieces each corresponding to one or more of the rear member vents. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be added to secure the front and rear members. In certain embodiments, the front and rear members may be configured to be press-fit together, with or without adhesive to aid in preventing the separation of the two members. Rear member 620 also includes a channel 622 where the seal 623 is positioned. In certain embodiments, the earbud 600 may also include a tuning backing (not shown), as described above.
The sound output characteristics of the earphone described herein are affected by several factors, including the surface area of the driver, the geometry of the driver within the earphone housing, the surface area of the front member vents (e.g. sound vent 616) and rear member vents (e.g. 624a-c), the acoustic and mechanical characteristics of the waterproof mesh covering the vents, the volume of the stem portion of the earphone (e.g. strain relief cover 626), and the geometry of the front member opening (e.g. sound funnel 612).
In some embodiments, the driver may be about 14.2 in diameter in order to produce a desired level of bass frequencies, while still maintaining an overall earphone size that is retained safely and comfortably in the ear. The driver in earphone 600 may also placed much closer to the front member 610 of the earphone housing, reducing the volume of air in front of the increasing the air volume of the earphone at the rear of the driver. In some embodiments, the volume of the cavity in front of driver 640 may be about 0.4 cm3, including the volume of the sound channel. In some embodiments, nozzle or sound channel 613 may have a truncated cone or funnel shape to aid in sound wave propagation out of the earbud and into a user's ear. In some embodiments of the sound channel, the opening of the sound channel is may be slanted to enlarge the surface area of the opening. In some embodiments, the surface area of the sound channel opening may be about 13 mm2 and the length of the sound channel may be about 6.6 mm.
Front member vent 616 may be used to attenuate decibel levels of a specific frequency range. For example, the front member vent may have a surface area of about 3.8 mm2 to attenuate mid-high frequencies, for example between about 2500 kHz and about 3500 kHz.
In some embodiments, the volume of the cavity behind driver 640 may be about 1 cm3, and may be shaped with a truncated cone or funnel-like shape to maximize back pressure amplification, with a widest point near the driver and narrowing some distance from the rear of the driver. In some embodiments, rear vents 624a-c may be sized differently to accentuate and attenuate different frequencies. For example, rear vent 624c may have a surface area of about 5 mm2, rear vent 624a may have a surface area of about 6 mm2, and rear vent 624b may have a surface area of about 6.5 mm2. The surface areas of vents 624a-c may be adjusted and varied, and more or fewer vents may be used in the earphones to achieve desired acoustic characteristics.
Additional volume may be added in the stem region of the earphones where the cable exits the earphone housing.
In some embodiments of earphones, a minimum response loss within about 35 dB (90-55) deviation across a frequency range of about 50 Hz to about 20 kHz can be achieved, as well as enhancement of frequencies between about 4 kHz to about 8 kHz, and a suppression of frequencies between about 2500 kHz to about 3500 kHz. For example, an earphone with such response loss parameters may be achieved using: a driver of about 14.2 mm2 diameter; a front member volume of about 0.4 cm3; a sound channel with a slanted opening with a surface area of about 13 mm2and a length of about 6.6 mm; a front member vent with a surface area of about 3.8 mm2; a rear member with a funnel-like shape and a volume of about 1 cm3; three rear member vents with surface areas of about 5 mm2, about 6 mm2, and about 6.5 mm2; and no volume in the stem portion.
Cable 630 is excluded from
The width or thickness of rib 683 (the distance between the exterior side and interior side of the earmold) may also change across a given rib's length. For example, the width of rib 683 near posterior portion 681 may be less than (or greater than) the rib's width near the body of the earmold, changing the compliance of posterior region 681. In some embodiments, the width of the rib may vary in thickness between about 1.5 mm and about 2 mm.
Cavity 686 includes a securing cavity 687 and duct cavity 688. Earmold 680 may be attached to earbud 600 (see, e.g.,
A user may insert earphones having earmolds as described herein into his or her ear by inserting the sound channel portion so that it lies proximate the entrance of the user's ear canal, and adjusting the posterior region of the earmold within the user's concha cavum. In order to ensure that the earmold is secured, the earphone may be rotated in a backwards direction within the concha cavum (using the sound channel as a pivot) such that the posterior region of the earmold moves downward towards the earlobe and away from the tragus and ear canal. This compresses the compliant posterior region of the earmold against the posterior wall of the concha cavum. This is facilitated by the slanted angle of the rib (see, e.g. , rib 683 in
In some embodiments of waterproof earphones disclosed herein, it may desirable to include a waterproof multi-function input (MFI) that includes buttons or other inputs for controlling functions of an electronic device (e.g., volume, power, play or pause, call pick-up), as well as a microphone input that allows sound input through the MFI into an attached electronic device. The MFI is in electrical communication with the electrical device. In some embodiments, the MFI may be attached inline to a cord or cable that conveys electrical audio or other signals from the electronic device to a waterproof earbud of this or other disclosures. In some embodiments, the MFI may be attached to or integrated in a frame that connects the earbuds and wrap around the top of a user's head or back of the user's neck. In certain embodiments, more than one multi-function input may be in electrical communication with the electronic device. For example, an earphone cord may include one MFI that has only a microphone, and a second MFI that is separated from the first MFI and includes volume buttons. Inputs included on an MFI may include one or more buttons (or other tactile or capacitive inputs) for volume increase and decrease, mute, play, pause, record, track skip forward and backward, fast forward, fast reverse, call control (pick up and/or hang up), and may include one or more microphones. In some embodiments the MFI may feature user inputs, such as buttons for controlling a wireless connection, such as BLUETOOTH or the like. The MFI may also include a wireless transceiver (e.g. BLUETOOTH).
Returning to
Returning to
PCBA 720 also includes a microphone component (not shown) that permits a user to transmit sounds to a connected electronic device. Internal housing 730 and bottom housing 740 each include microphone apertures (not shown) to allow the PCBA microphone component to receive sounds. A microphone membrane 750 is positioned between the microphone apertures and adhered to the internal housing, or both the internal housing and bottom housing in order to prevent entry of liquids and particles into the internal housing. Microphone membrane 750 may be made of any waterproof membrane that is thin enough to transmit sound to the microphone component of PCBA 720, e.g., a silicone membrane or waterproof textile or mesh (woven or unwoven), described above.
An alternative embodiment of an MFI is depicted in
Strain relief cover 815a is also shown in
Returning to
In embodiments of the waterproof earphones described herein, it is also desirable to have a connector for plugging into the reciprocal connector of an electronic device encased in a waterproof case, and forming a waterproof seal between the connector and the waterproof encasement. While this can be securely accomplished with connection mechanism in which the connector assembly is rotated to establish a tight seal, rotating the entire connector and cable can be problematic, requiring using two hands and resulting in loops and tangles in the associated cable. The disclosed waterproof connector assembly can be rotated using only the fingers of one hand, allowing one-handed attachment, as well as minimizing the possibility of creating loops and tangles in the cable itself.
In certain embodiments of the waterproof earphones, the connector may be in data communication with a wireless transceiver (e.g. BLUETOOTH).
Bushing 920 also includes a threaded region 921, configured for threading into a threaded aperture in a waterproof case for an electronic device. Outer gasket 925 (e.g., an O-ring) surrounds the circumference of the bushing at the base of threaded region 921, and is positioned proximate an outer gasket seat 926. When bushing 920 is threaded into reciprocal threads of a waterproof case, outer gasket 925 is at least partially compressed against an outer sealing interface or outer gasket seat 926, forming a waterproof seal with the waterproof case. Outer gasket 925 also compresses against a sealing interface on the encasement. The encasement sealing interface may be proximate the exterior surface of the encasement or on the inner surface of a port or aperture of the encasement that receives the securing portion of the connector assembly. Inner gasket 908 is also partially compressed against an inner gasket seat or interior sealing interface (not visible in
In some embodiments, threaded region 921 may be replaced with another rotatable securing mechanism, such as a bayonet-style securing mechanism. For example, two or more bayonet arms may extend outward from the surface of bushing 920. The bayonet arms then fit into bayonet grooves positioned in the inner surface of a connection aperture in an encasement. The bayonet grooves receive the bayonet arms and allow rotation of the bushing to secure the connector assembly to the encasement. For example, each of the bayonet grooves may have a first portion that is substantially parallel to the central axis of the case aperture, and a second portion that turns to allow rotation and securing of the bushing and connector assembly to the case. In some embodiments, the aperture of the encasement may include two or more bayonet arms, and the securing region on the distal end of the connector may include reciprocal bayonet grooves on the outside surface of the securing region. In some embodiments, more than one securing mechanism may be used. For example, both threads and bayonet arms or both threads and bayonet grooves may be used together as part of a securing region.
The exterior surface of bushing 920 also includes one or more ridges 923 for providing frictional or otherwise grippable surfaces for a user's fingers, and facilitating rotation of the bushing when a user screws the waterproof connector assembly 900 into a threaded aperture. Ridges 923 may vary in number, thickness, and shape. For example, there may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more ridges. The ridges may be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or an irregular polygonal shape. The ridges may also be ovoid or circular. An alternative embodiment of ovoid ridges 923 is shown in
In some instances, a waterproof case for an electronic device may have a connection aperture that lacks threading configured for use with a waterproof connector assembly. In such instances, a threaded insert may be inserted into the aperture to allow a waterproof connector assembly to be threaded into the case and form a waterproof seal.
In some embodiments of the waterproof connector assembly, the central axis of the assembly may be offset from the cable, in order to facilitate rotation of the bushing with one hand.
In some embodiments, waterproof connector assembly may include a female connector or socket, instead of a male connector.
A threaded aperture in an encasement may include threads integral to the aperture, or a threaded adapter that is inserted into the aperture from either in the interior or exterior of the encasement.
In some embodiments of waterproof cases that utilize a threaded adapter for use with a waterproof connector assembly, it is desirable that the adapter does not rotate while the waterproof connector assembly is being screwed into the adapter. In such embodiments, the adapter may have a flange circumference shaped to prevent rotation.
It is desirable to combine an earmold, a waterproof earphone, waterproof MFI, and waterproof connector assembly into a combined waterproof earphone assembly or system.
Connector body 1204 holds a portion of male connector 1202. In some embodiments, the connector may be female. Inner sleeve 1210 is adhered to male connector 1202, and includes a flange or slide stop 1212. Outer sleeve 1220 is in contact with inner sleeve 1210 but can freely rotate. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve and outer sleeve may include one or more detent features. The detent features may include one or more protrusions on both the inner surface of the outer sleeve and the surface of the connector body. The protrusions provide some mechanical resistance against rotation of the outer sleeve, which can be overcome by a user exerting additional force on the outer sleeve, resulting in the protrusions moving past each other. In some embodiments, the detent features may include protrusions and reciprocal grooves.
Connector body 1204 includes a shoulder 1207 underneath outer sleeve 1220. The distance between shoulder 1207 and slide stop 1212 is greater than that of the portion of outer sleeve 1220 that lies between them, leaving a gap 1214. Thus, outer sleeve 1220 can both rotate around the circumference of the male connector 1202, as well as slide parallel to the central axis of male connector 1202, as shown by the double-headed arrow in
Connector body 1204 includes a groove or channel 1205 that contains an interior seal or interior gasket 1208. Channel 1205 and interior gasket 1208 circumscribe the outer surface of connector body 1204 and are configured such that interior gasket 1208 forms a seal with the inner surface of outer sleeve 1220, as well as with channel 1205 of connector body 1204. Interior gasket 1208 may be a separate unit or may be overmolded into channel 1205. The size and hardness of interior gasket 1208 may be adjusted to allow outer sleeve 1220 to rotate around inner sleeve 1210, while still providing a radial watertight seal between outer sleeve 1220 and connector body 1204. While channel 1205 has straight, non-perpendicular sides creating a wide opening at the top of the channel, in some embodiments, the sides of channel 1205 are perpendicular and configured to contact the sides of interior gasket 1208. This can prevent interior gasket 1208 from rolling out of channel 1205 when outer sleeve 1220 is slid back and forth along inner sleeve. In some embodiments, channel 1205 may have an opening that is slightly smaller than the width of the channel's interior. The gasket may be formed from an elastomeric material and pressed into channel 1205 so that it is maintained inside the channel but partially emerges from the channel to provide a seal against outer sleeve 1220. In some embodiments, the geometry of channel 1205 is shaped to match the curvature of gasket 1208 to maximize surface area contact with the gasket and minimize the possibility of water leakage between the channel and gasket.
Outer sleeve 1220 also includes a threaded region 1221 on its distal end that is used to partially or completely enter a case aperture having reciprocal threads. In some embodiments, the threaded region may be replaced with two or more bayonet arms that fit into reciprocal bayonet grooves on a case connection port, to allow removable attachment. Exterior gasket 1225 is positioned proximate threaded region 1221 to form a seal between outer sleeve 1220 and a case when the connector assembly is attached.
The disclosure herein provides various aspects of a waterproof earphone, earmold, connector, and multi-function input. These components can be together in an earphone or separately. In one aspect, the disclosure describes a connector assembly for providing a waterproof connection to an encasement for an electronic device, the waterproof connection providing access to a connection interface of the electronic device. The connector assembly includes a connector body coupled with a cable. The cable to convey at least one of data and power between the connector body and the connection interface of the electronic device. The connector assembly includes a transmission element coupled to the connector body, the transmission element to engage with the connection interface of the encased electronic device and enable transmission of at least one of the data and power between the electronic device and the cable. The connector assembly also includes an outer sleeve surrounding a portion of the connector and interfacing with the connector body, the outer sleeve to rotate around the transmission element and secure the connector assembly to the encasement. The outer sleeve has a distal end, a proximal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, and a securing region on the distal end of the outer sleeve. The securing region secures the connector assembly with the encasement when the outer sleeve is rotated around the connector element. The connector assembly also includes an inner sealing interface on the inner surface of the outer sleeve and an inner gasket positioned proximate the inner sealing surface and around a circumference of the connector body to seal between the inner sealing interface and the connector body. The connector assembly further includes an outer sealing interface proximate the securing region on the outer surface of the outer sleeve and an outer gasket positioned proximate the outer sealing interface and positioned around a circumference of the outer sealing interface. The outer gasket seals the securing region with the encasement when the outer sleeve is engaged with the encasement.
In certain embodiments of the foregoing aspect, the connector assemblies may also include a first barrier element on the outer surface of the connector body and a second barrier element on the inner surface of the outer sleeve. The second barrier element interfaces with the first barrier mechanism and prevent removal of the outer sleeve from the connector body while allowing rotation of the outer sleeve around the connector element.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a connector assembly with a sleeve bearing. Such a connector assembly includes a connector body coupled with a cable, the cable for conveying at least one of data and power to and from the connection interface of the electronic device. The connector assembly also includes a transmission element attached to the connector body. The transmission element engages with the connection interface of the encased electronic device and enables transmission of at least one of the data and power between the electronic device and the cable. Further included is a sleeve bearing having an outer surface and an inner surface rotatably interfaced with the external surface of the connector body. An outer sleeve is affixed to an outer surface of the sleeve bearing. The outer sleeve rotates around the transmission element and secures the connector assembly to the encasement. The outer sleeve has a distal end, a proximal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, as well as a securing region on the distal end of the outer sleeve, the securing region to secure the connector assembly with the encasement when the outer sleeve is rotated. The connector assembly also includes a first barrier element on the outer surface of the connector body and a second barrier element on the inner surface of the sleeve bearing. The second barrier element interfaces with the first barrier element and prevents removal of the outer sleeve from the connector body while allowing rotation of the outer sleeve around the connector body. Further included is an inner sealing interface on the inner surface of the outer sleeve and an inner gasket positioned proximate the inner sealing surface and around a circumference of the connector body to seal between the inner sealing interface and the connector body. The connector assembly also includes an outer sealing interface proximate the securing region on the outer surface of the outer sleeve and an outer gasket positioned proximate the outer sealing interface and positioned around a circumference of the outer sealing interface, the outer gasket to seal the securing region with the encasement when the outer sleeve is engaged with the encasement.
In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a connector assembly that has a sliding outer sleeve. The connector assembly includes a connector body coupled with a cable, the cable to convey at least one of data and power to and from the connection interface of the electronic device. Further included is a transmission element attached to the connector body, the transmission element to engage with the connection interface of the encased electronic device and enable transmission of at least one of data and power between the electronic device and the cable. The connector assembly includes an outer sleeve coupled with an outer surface of the connector body, the outer sleeve able to slide an axial distance along the connector body and to rotate around the connector body. The outer sleeve has a distal end, a proximal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, as well as a securing region on the distal end of the outer sleeve. The securing region secures with the encasement when the outer sleeve is rotated around the transmission element. The connector assembly includes a shoulder on a proximal portion of the connector body and a slide stop on a distal portion of the connector body. The shoulder and slide stop to prevent removal of the outer sleeve from the connector body while allowing rotation of the outer sleeve around the connector body. Further included is a channel on the outer surface of the connector body and an inner gasket positioned in the channel. The inner gasket forms a seal between the connector body and the inner surface of the outer sleeve. The connector assembly also includes an outer sealing interface proximate the securing region on the outer surface of the outer sleeve, as well as an outer gasket positioned proximate the outer sealing interface. The outer gasket seals the securing region with the encasement when the outer sleeve is engaged with the encasement.
In still another aspect, the disclosure provides a connector assembly that has a sliding outer sleeve and an inner sleeve with a slide stop. The connector assembly includes a connector body coupled with a cable, the cable to convey at least one of data and power to and from the connection interface of the electronic device. Also included is a transmission element attached to the connector body. The transmission element engages with the connection interface of the encased electronic device and enables transmission of at least one of data and power between the electronic device and the cable. Further included is an outer sleeve coupled with an outer surface of the connector body. The outer sleeve is able to slide an axial distance along the connector body and to rotate around the connector body. The outer sleeve has a distal end, a proximal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, as well as a securing region on the distal end of the outer sleeve. The securing region secures with the encasement when the outer sleeve is rotated around the transmission element. Also included is an inner sleeve non-rotatably coupled with at least one of the outer surface of the transmission element and the outer surface of the connector body. The inner sleeve has a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. A shoulder is included on a proximal portion of the connector body and a slide stop around at least a portion of the distal end of the circumference of the inner sleeve. The shoulder and slide stop prevent removal of the outer sleeve from the connector body while allowing rotation of the outer sleeve around the connector body. Also included with the connector assembly is a channel on the outer surface of the connector body and an inner gasket positioned in the channel. The inner gasket forms a seal between the connector body and the inner surface of the outer sleeve. The connector assembly also includes an outer sealing interface proximate the securing region on the outer surface of the outer sleeve and an outer gasket positioned proximate the outer sealing interface. The outer gasket seals the securing region with the encasement when the outer sleeve is engaged with the encasement.
In some embodiments of the foregoing connector assemblies, the first barrier element is a ridge and the second barrier element is a groove. In some embodiments, the first barrier element is a groove and the second barrier element is a ridge.
In some embodiments of a connector assembly, the securing region includes threads to engage corresponding threads of the encasement when the connector assembly is engaged with the encasement. In some embodiments, the securing region comprises two or more bayonet arms to engage corresponding grooves of the encasement when the connector assembly is engaged with the encasement. In certain embodiments, the securing region includes two or more grooves to engage corresponding bayonet arms of the encasement when the connector assembly is engaged with the encasement.
In some embodiments of a connector assembly, the transmission element may be a male pin or a female socket.
The instant disclosure also provides for earmolds for fitting within a concha cavum of an ear and transmitting sound from a headphone. The earmolds include a main body shaped to interface with an anterior concha cavum, an inferior concha cavum, and a posterior concha cavum of an ear. Further included is a sound channel on the main body that extends toward the anterior concha cavum of an ear. The earmold includes a posterior arch on the main body opposite the sound channel to compress against a posterior concha cavum. Included with the posterior arch is at least one rib extending between posterior arch and the main body, the rib being angled relative to the central axis of the sound channel. The earmold is formed from an elastomeric material.
In some embodiments of the earmold, the at least one rib extends from a superior region of the posterior arch to an inferior region of the main body. In some embodiments, the main body of the earmold also includes a securing cavity opposite the sound channel.
The instant disclosure also provides housings and assemblies for electronic components. In one aspect, an electronic component assembly includes one or more electronic components housed in an internal housing. The internal housing includes at least one internal housing aperture and at least one gasket seat on an outside surface of the internal housing and proximate the internal housing aperture. The electronic assembly includes a cable to the one or more electronic components and inserted through the internal cable aperture. In some embodiments, the cable has at least one of electrical or optical connectivity. Further included with the electronic component assembly is an external housing configured to house the internal housing. The external housing has an interior surface and an exterior surface, as well as an external cable aperture through which the cable extends. The external housing also includes at least one anchor protrusion extending into the interior of the external housing. The electronic component assembly also includes an anchor element surrounding the circumference of the cable, and having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and at least three side portions. A gasket is also included with the electronic component assembly. The gasket surrounds the cable and is at least partially compressed between the interior surface of the internal housing proximate the internal cable aperture and the proximal end portion of the anchor element to seal the internal housing.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides an electronic component assembly. The component assembly includes one or more electronic components housed in an internal housing having at least one internal cable aperture, an internal surface, and an external surface. Also included is a cable having electrical or optical connectivity to the one or more electronic components and inserted through the internal cable aperture. The assembly includes an external housing configured to house the internal housing. The external housing has an interior surface and an exterior surface, as well as an external cable aperture through which the cable extends, and a compression backstop extending into the interior of the housing. The component assembly also includes a gasket surrounding the cable that is at least partially compressed between the exterior surface of the internal housing proximate the internal cable aperture and the compression backstop.
In certain embodiments of the foregoing aspects of component assemblies, a compression wedge is included that at least partially surrounds the circumference of the cable, and is positioned in between the compression backstop and the gasket.
In some embodiments of the electronic component housings above, the anchor element includes at least one slot in a side portion. The anchor element interacts with the anchor protrusions and preventing the anchor element from sliding within the housing. In some embodiments, the anchor element includes at least one hole that can receive an anchor protrusion when the anchor protrusion is configured as a post.
In some embodiments of the electronic component housing, a crimp bead is also included that securely surrounds the circumference of the cable to prevent the cable from moving in and out of the component housing. In certain embodiments, the crimp bead is proximate the interior surface of the internal housing.
In some embodiments of the electronic component housings described herein, the one or more electronic components may include one or more of: an earphone assembly for producing sound, a microphone assembly for detecting sound, at least one button to control an electronic device, and at least one display for displaying information from an electronic device.
The above figures and description may depict exemplary configurations for an apparatus of the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the housings described herein. The apparatus is not restricted to the illustrated architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present disclosure, especially in any following claims, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
The contents of the articles, patents, and patent applications, and all other documents and electronically available information mentioned or cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this application any and all materials and information from any such articles, patents, patent applications, or other physical and electronic documents.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, where a range is set forth, the upper and lower limits of the stated range include of all of the intermediary units therein.
The foregoing description is intended to illustrate but not to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/222,536, filed Mar. 21, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/804,605, filed Mar. 22, 2013. This patent application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/920,395 filed Dec. 23, 2013. The disclosures of each of the patent applications cited in this paragraph are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61920395 | Dec 2013 | US | |
| 61804605 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14222536 | Mar 2014 | US |
| Child | 14582041 | US |
