Waterproof, handheld electronic device enclosure

Abstract

A waterproof enclosure for enclosing a handheld electronic device is described. The enclosure includes a flexible bag having an interior cavity for enclosing the handheld electronic device and an opening for insertion of the device into the bag cavity, a closure for releasibly sealing the bag opening, and a sealable exhaust tube extending from the bag cavity to the exterior of the bag for use in evacuating air from the bag cavity when the opening is sealed. The tube preferably includes a one-way valve allowing air to flow from the bag cavity, but not into the bag cavity. A detachable means, such as a rubber bulb, may be included to withdraw air from the cavity through the tube. The case may also include an electronic jack extending from the bag cavity to the exterior of the bag.

Description

[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 268,040, entitled “Waterproof, Handheld Electronic Device Enclosure”, filed Jun. 8, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002](1) Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to a waterproof enclosure or case for housing a cellular telephone or other handheld electronic device to prevent exposure of the device to water, while still permitting operation and use of the device, and in particular to a waterproof enclosure for housing a handheld device that includes an air evacuation means to create a vacuum within the interior of the enclosure so that the enclosure interior and device remains watertight during use, and viewing and use of the device is enhanced.[0004](2) Description of the Prior Art[0005]Handheld electronic devices, e.g., cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers including the IPad, and eBook readers such as the Kindle, are now used by mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Generally, the waterproof enclosure of the present invention is comprised of a waterproof housing that includes a means to exhaust air from the interior of the housing, thereby creating a vacuum within the housing interior. This vacuum, or negative pressure, created inside the enclosure, prevents a “gas-liquid exchange” with the surrounding water since, by creating a vacuum, there is nothing left to exchange with the water. The vacuumed enclosure, therefore, provides a watertight seal.

[0017]After removal of the air from the housing cavity interior, the advantages of the present invention become evident. Instead of the device being surrounded by an air pillow as in previous waterproof enclosures, the flexible, transparent wall of the current housing is firmly and uniformly held against the surface of the handheld device by the cavity vacuum. As a result, controls of the electronic device can be more easily operated.

[0018]This is particularly true of touch-screen controls like those found on the I-Phone and other devices which are activated due to the capacitance or proximity of the user's finger, which is reduced in prior devices due to the air cushion between the housing and the controls. In addition, where the device is a cellular telephone or other handheld device that includes an internal microphone, the adjacency of the housing wall and microphone enhances communication of the user, whereas in prior art devices, the user's voice was muffled by the presence of the air cushion.

[0019]The pump may be detached from the one-way valve after the air is evacuated from the enclosure cavity. However, if desired, the user may leave the pump attached to the valve. If so, the pump, which may have a bright, easily noticed color, can also act as a flotation device to prevent sinking of the enclosure and device if it is dropped into the water. When the bulb is to be used for this purpose, the bulb is sized to provide positive buoyancy to the combined enclosure and device.

Problems solved by technology

Due to their portability and their ability to communicate via a wireless connection to the telephone system and the Internet, these devices are carried everywhere by their users, including to locations where the devices could be damaged due to the surrounding conditions.

Electronic devices are easily damaged by exposure to even small amounts of water and can be completely ruined if submerged.

However, it has been observed that with prior art enclosures air will try to escape under pressure when the enclosures are brought underwater in exchange with the surrounding water.

In addition, the presence of air inside the bag negatively affects the optimal use of the handheld device.

In particular, the air separates the bag wall from the device controls, reducing the ability of the user to firmly contact the controls.

This problem is particularly apparent with touch screen controls.

In addition, the air cushion makes it difficult to communicate through the bag wall where the device includes an internal microphone.

Images