IP Library Granted Patent US 8,223,997
Granted Patent B2
US 8,223,997 · App. 12/187,223 · Granted Jul 17, 2012

Waterproof enclosure for audio device

Assignee: H2O Audio, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,223,997
App. No.
12/187,223
Granted
Jul 17, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

Disclosed herein is a waterproof case for protecting electronic devices. The waterproof case includes a flexible waterproof bag attached to a rigid lid that can be opened to allow electronic devices to pass into the bag. When closed, the lid forms a watertight seal that protects the inside of the bag from ingress of water. The lid can include a pass-through jack which allows a user to connect an electronic device, such as an audio device, to an output through the lid. The case may also be incorporated into a flexible attachment system, such as an armband or swimbelt. Methods of connecting an electronic device to an electronic output, such as an audio output, through a waterproof case are also provided.

Claims (28)

1. A waterproof enclosure adapted to receive a first electronic device, the enclosure comprising:

a flexible waterproof bag;

a rigid frame attached to the bag, the rigid frame defining an opening larger than a cross-section of the first electronic device; and

a rigid cover operatively coupled to the rigid frame, the cover being movable between an open position, in which the cover is disposed away from the opening, and a closed position, in which the cover forms a waterproof seal with the frame.

2. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , further comprising a water resistant electronic communication link passing through at least one of the frame and the cover, the link being configured to allow an electronic connection between the first electronic device when it is placed inside the bag and a second electronic device disposed outside of the bag.

3. The waterproof enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the electronic communication link is an audio communication link.

4. The waterproof enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the electronic communication link passes through the frame.

5. The waterproof enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the electronic communication link passes through the cover.

6. The waterproof enclosure of claim 5 , wherein an outer portion of the electronic communication link is recessed in an outer portion of the cover.

7. The waterproof enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the second electronic device is a waterproof headset.

8. The waterproof enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the cover comprises an audio jack connected to the electronic communication link.

9. The waterproof enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the bag comprises at least one generally planar wall, the frame being substantially coplanar with the wall.

10. The waterproof enclosure of claim 2 , further comprising a cable extending from an inner portion of the electronic communication link, the cable being configured to allow connection of the electronic device to the electronic connection link while the cover is in the open position, before the electronic device is received in the bag.

11. The waterproof enclosure of claim 10 , wherein the cable comprises an audio plug.

12. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the bag comprises polyurethane.

13. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the bag comprises PVC.

14. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the bag comprises silicone.

15. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a flange.

16. The waterproof enclosure of claim 15 , wherein the cover comprises a channel configured to received a collar extending generally normal to the flange when the cover is in the closed position.

17. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the frame is RF welded to the bag.

18. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the frame is heat sealed to the bag.

19. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the frame is clamped to the bag.

20. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein an adhesive is disposed between the frame and the bag.

21. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , further comprising one or more fasteners securing the frame to the bag.

22. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the cover is coupled to the frame by a hinge.

23. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the cover is coupled to the frame by a tether.

24. The waterproof enclosure of claim 1 , further comprising a latch configured to hold the cover in the closed position.

25. The waterproof enclosure of claim 24 , wherein the latch is configured to lock the cover in the closed position.

Assignments (16)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 3, 2025
From: ONWARD BRANDS LLC; VEVEY LLC
To: CHEN, SOLOMON
Reel/Frame 074052/0368 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 24, 2025
From: ACS GROUP ACQUISITION LLC
To: VEVEY LLC
Reel/Frame 070610/0873 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 24, 2025
From: VINCI BRANDS LLC
To: ACS GROUP ACQUISITION LLC
Reel/Frame 070610/0783 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 26, 2021
From: ARMOR ACQUISITION LLC
To: VINCI BRANDS LLC
Reel/Frame 058252/0226 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 17, 2021
From: INCIPIO, LLC
To: ARMOR ACQUISITION LLC
Reel/Frame 058177/0077 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 6, 2021
From: ARMOR ACQUISITION LLC
To: SIENA LENDING GROUP LLC
Reel/Frame 057112/0057 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS AT REEL/FRAME NO. 47247/0963 Recorded Jun 3, 2019
From: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: INCIPIO, LLC
Reel/Frame 050341/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 22, 2019
From: INCIPIO, LLC; INCASE DESIGNS CORP.; GRIFFIN TECHNOLOGY, LLC; INCIPIO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: MIDCAP FUNDING IV TRUST
Reel/Frame 050129/0814 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 26, 2018
From: INCIPIO, LLC
To: MONROE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ADVISORS, LLC
Reel/Frame 047250/0183 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 10, 2018
From: INCIPIO, LLC
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 047247/0963 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 16, 2016
From: INCIPIO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: INCIPIO, LLC
Reel/Frame 037741/0105 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 15, 2015
From: X-1 AUDIO, INC.
To: INCIPIO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 035909/0491 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 25, 2013
From: COMERICA BANK
To: H2O AUDIO, INC.
Reel/Frame 031275/0544 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 30, 2013
From: H2O AUDIO, INC.
To: X-1 AUDIO, INC.
Reel/Frame 029722/0642 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 19, 2009
From: H2O AUDIO, INC.
To: COMERICA BANK
Reel/Frame 023107/0971 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 20, 2008
From: WILSON II, RON; PETTERSEN, CARL; RAUHALA, KRISTIAN; DIRKSING, PETE; MCCLUSKEY, CORY; PENA, JIM
To: H2O AUDIO, INC.
Reel/Frame 021703/0929 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61080147 · Jul 11, 2008
Related Publication 20100006314A1 · Jan 14, 2010