Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a portable electronic device housing (110) where the housing has at least one orifice (120) to an internal portion (130) of the housing. The electronic device also includes a flex circuit (140) projecting from the orifice, a seal (150) located at the orifice to prevent liquid from entering the internal portion of the housing, where the seal has a first portion (150a) and a second portion (150b). The first portion and the second portion of the seal sandwich the flex circuit and the seal is snug fit in the orifice. A method (300) of installing a seal for a portable electronic device housing having an orifice through which a flex circuit protrudes is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable electronic device and includes a portable electronic device housing (110) where the housing has at least one orifice (120) to an internal portion (130) of the housing. The electronic device also includes a flex circuit (140) projecting from the orifice, a seal (150) located at the orifice to prevent liquid from entering the internal portion of the housing, where the seal has a first portion (150a) and a second portion (150b). The first portion and the second portion of the seal sandwich the flex circuit and the seal is snug fit in the orifice. A method (300) of installing a seal for a portable electronic device housing having an orifice through which a flex circuit protrudes is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a low profile, liquid sealed audio component assembly (100). The assembly can include a seal (112) having an opening (114), a membrane (120) that can cover the opening and that can substantially block liquid from entering the seal and an audio component (122) contained within the seal and positioned outside a coverage area (C) underneath the membrane. The membrane can transfer acoustic signals to or from the audio component. In addition, the coverage area underneath the membrane can correspond to the area of the membrane that can receive acoustic signals. As an example, the audio component can be a microphone.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an accessory connector (12) on a communication device (10). The communication device can include an opening (14) for providing access to the connector. The apparatus can be a cover (16) attached in a tethered relation to the communication device. A portion of the cover can be flexible so as to allow a user to selectively move the cover between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at the cover can substantially close the opening such that the connector is substantially protected from the infiltration of solid particles and the gross intrusion of liquids. In the second position, the cover can be held away from the connector such that substantially unimpeded access to the connector is permitted. The cover and communication device can have various associated features to ensure that the cover is retained in the first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an accessory connector (12) on a communication device (10). The communication device can include an opening (14) for providing access to the connector. The apparatus can be a cover (16) attached in a tethered relation to the communication device. A portion of the cover can be flexible so as to allow a user to selectively move the cover between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at the cover can substantially close the opening such that the connector is substantially protected from the infiltration of solid particles and the gross intrusion of liquids. In the second position, the cover can be held away from the connector such that substantially unimpeded access to the connector is permitted. The cover and communication device can have various associated features to ensure that the cover is retained in the first and second positions.