Explosion proof tablet enclosure

Abstract

An explosion proof enclosure includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and second portion are configured to be releasably coupled to each other, wherein the enclosure has an assembled configuration having an internal chamber, wherein the enclosure is configured to house a tablet computer in the internal chamber, wherein, when in the assembled configuration, the enclosure is configured to prevent combustion within the internal chamber from escaping into the surrounding environment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An explosion proof enclosure comprising:
 a first portion; and   a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to be releasably coupled to each other;   wherein the enclosure has an assembled configuration having an internal chamber;   wherein the enclosure is configured to house a tablet computer in the internal chamber;   wherein, when in the assembled configuration, the enclosure is configured to prevent combustion within the internal chamber from escaping into the surrounding environment.   
     
     
         2 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first aperture extending through the first portion; and   a second aperture extending through the second portion;   wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are configured to receive a screw for coupling the first portion to the second portion.   
     
     
         3 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising a window defined by an outer edge that extends through the first portion. 
     
     
         4 . The enclosure of  claim 3 , wherein:
 a sealing surface is disposed about the outer edge of the window;   wherein the sealing surface is configured to sealingly engage against a surface of the tablet computer when the enclosure is in the assembled configuration.   
     
     
         5 . The enclosure of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 an aperture extending through the first portion;   wherein the sealing surface is disposed about the aperture.   
     
     
         6 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first portion configured to releasably couple the first portion to the second portion when the enclosure is in the assembled configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the enclosure further comprises a data interface configured to allow the communication of an external electrical signal to the tablet computer when the enclosure is in the assembled configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The enclosure of  claim 7 , wherein the data interface comprises:
 a cable having a first terminal end and a second terminal end;   wherein a first connector is coupled to the first terminal end of the cable;   wherein a second connector is coupled to the second terminal end of the cable.   
     
     
         9 . The enclosure of  claim 8 , wherein the first connector comprises a 30-pin dock connector. 
     
     
         10 . The enclosure of  claim 8 , wherein the second connector comprises a universal serial bus port. 
     
     
         11 . The enclosure of  claim 8 , wherein the data interface includes a dust cap that is configured to prevent particulates from contacting the second connector. 
     
     
         12 . The enclosure of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the dust cap comprises a flange and a cap portion; and   the flange is coupled to a surface of the second portion.   
     
     
         13 . The enclosure of  claim 11 , wherein the dust cap has a first position preventing particulates from contacting the second connector and a second position exposing the second connector. 
     
     
         14 . The enclosure of  13 , wherein, when the dust cap is in the second position, the data interface is configured to allow for the coupling of an external connector to the second connector. 
     
     
         15 . A method of forming an explosion proof assembly comprising:
 disposing a tablet computer within a first portion and a second portion of an explosion proof enclosure; and   assembling the first portion and second portion of the explosion proof enclosure such that an internal chamber of the assembled enclosure is sealed from the external environment;   wherein, when in the assembled configuration, the enclosure is configured to prevent combustion within the internal chamber from escaping into the surrounding environment.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising coupling an external connector to a connector coupled to the second portion of the enclosure. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising rotating a dust cap coupled to the second portion of the enclosure so as to expose a port disposed on the second portion. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising actuating a touch screen of the table computer when the explosion proof enclosure is in the assembled configuration. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising transmitting an electrical signal between an external device coupled to the external connector to the tablet computer. 
     
     
         20 . An explosion proof enclosure comprising:
 a first portion;   a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to be releasably coupled to retrieve a tablet computer; and   a sealing mechanism disposed between the first portion and the second portion configured to create an explosion proof internal chamber to receive the tablet computer.