Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or more metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, the pins extending into one or more slots. The components are attached in place by the pins extended into the slots during attachment. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are in an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 18, 2015
Date of Patent:
September 6, 2016
Assignee:
Otter Products, LLC
Inventors:
Kevin W. Witter, John P. Fitzgerald, Jonathan Shea Robinson, Adam D. Center, Larry Holmes
Abstract: A removable case for an electronic device may have an acoustic isolation mechanism between the removable case and an acoustic component on the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be a compressible component that may provide an acoustic seal between an inner surface of the removable case and an exterior surface of the electronic device, and may include a waterproof acoustic membrane. The waterproof membrane prevents the entry of water while reacting to sound pressure changes to acoustically couple the electronic device with sounds outside the case. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be constructed of several different materials and several different manufacturing processes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 28, 2015
Date of Patent:
September 6, 2016
Assignee:
Otter Products, LLC
Inventors:
Curtis R. Richardson, John H. Loudenslager, Jamie L. Johnson, Jason M. Thompson, Jonathan D. Lucas, Jeffrey M. Borra
Abstract: A waterproof adapter can provide a liquid-tight seal between a waterproof housing for a mobile electronic device and an accessory connector extending from an accessory device, such as a jack plug extending from a pair of headphones. The waterproof adapter can be an integral part of the accessory connector or can be installed on the accessory connector using, for example, a threaded or bayonet-style connection. In one example, the waterproof adapter can include an exterior gasket channel circumscribing an exterior surface of its body, an exterior gasket disposed at least partially within the exterior gasket channel, thereby permitting the waterproof adapter to provide a liquid-tight seal between a connector aperture in the waterproof housing and the accessory connector. When the accessory device is disconnected from the mobile electronic device, a port-sealing bung can be inserted into the connector aperture of the waterproof housing and can provide a liquid-tight seal therewith.
Abstract: A protective enclosure for an electronic device can include a waveguide to direct and enhance sound waves emanating from a speaker of an electronic device when installed in the protective enclosure. The waveguide can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the waveguide can be located proximate the speaker of the electronic device. The waveguide can increase in cross-sectional area between the first end and the second end.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 2, 2014
Date of Patent:
May 12, 2015
Assignee:
Otter Products, LLC
Inventors:
Adam D. Center, Jonathan B. Rayeski, Nicholas J. Boyarski
Abstract: A pressure-activated flotation device for use with an electronic device includes an attachment feature, chemicals, a container, a removable cap, an inflatable tube, and a pressure-activated valve. The inflatable tube is fluidly connected to the container and is configured to inflate with the expanding gas when the chemicals are exposed to a liquid. The pressure-activated valve leads from the outer surface of the container to the inner volume of the container and includes a one-way valve that opens to allow liquid to flow to the inner volume of the container when the pressure-activated flotation device is submerged in the liquid to a depth where the pressure applied against the pressure-activated valve by the liquid is greater than an actuation pressure. The one-way valve also closes when the expanding gas generates a gas pressure inside the inflatable tube that exceeds a threshold.
Abstract: A two-piece hard shell case with a silicone or other flexible component may protect devices that hinge, slide, or otherwise articulate. A front surface hard cover may snap or connect to the front of the device while a back surface hard cover may snap or connect to the back of the device. A flexible component may be held in place under one or both of the hard shell pieces. The flexible component may be held under one or both of the hard shell covers and may have button pushers, covers, or other features to allow a user to operate a protected device while still covering the device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 17, 2011
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2015
Assignee:
Otter Products, LLC
Inventors:
Curtis Richardson, John Loudenslager, Jamie Johnson, Stephen Willes, Travis Smith, Alan Morine, Matthew Glanzer, Jane Michie, Cameron Magness
Abstract: A pressure-activated flotation device for use with an electronic device includes an attachment feature, chemicals, a container, a removable cap, an inflatable tube, and a pressure-activated valve. The inflatable tube is fluidly connected to the container and is configured to inflate with the expanding gas when the chemicals are exposed to a liquid. The pressure-activated valve leads from the outer surface of the container to the inner volume of the container and includes a one-way valve that opens to allow liquid to flow to the inner volume of the container when the pressure-activated flotation device is submerged in the liquid to a depth where the pressure applied against the pressure-activated valve by the liquid is greater than an actuation pressure. The one-way valve also closes when the expanding gas generates a gas pressure inside the inflatable tube that exceeds a threshold.
Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device that has an interactive control panel and one or more electrical contacts includes a protective shell having a first member and a second member. The first member has a first coil arranged to convey electromagnetic energy with respect to a second, external coil. The second member is configured to join with the first case member to at least partially cover the electronic device. An aperture defined by the protective shell is aligned with the interactive control panel when the electronic device is at least partially enclosed by the protective shell. An electrical connection attached to the protective shell is configured to directly or indirectly convey electrical power received at the first coil to at least one of the electrical contacts of the electronic device to provide an electrical connection to the electrical source when the electronic device is received by the first member.
Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device that has an interactive control panel and one or more electrical contacts includes a protective shell having first member and a second member. The second member is configured to join with the first case member to at least partially cover the electronic device. An aperture defined by the protective shell is aligned with the interactive control panel when the electronic device is at least partially enclosed by the protective shell. A securing mechanism secures the first member with the second member. An electrical connection attached to the protective shell is configured to connect an electrical source to at least one of the electrical contacts of the electronic device to provide an electrical connection to the electrical source when the electronic device is received by the first member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 28, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 10, 2015
Assignee:
Otter Products, LLC
Inventors:
Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas A. Kempel
Abstract: A cover for a camera device with a flash may incorporate a light absorbing isolation mechanism in areas near the flash and camera. In some cases, the isolation mechanism may be conformable to press against the camera device, or may come in partial contact or no contact with the device in the area of the flash and camera. The isolation mechanism may be formed as part of a cover, or may be a second component that may be added to a cover in various designs. The isolation mechanism may operate with devices that have a glass or other translucent outer case, as well as those devices without such an outer case.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 20, 2011
Date of Patent:
March 10, 2015
Assignee:
Otter Products, LLC
Inventors:
Jamie Johnson, Stephen Willes, William Travis Smith, Alan Morine