Waterproof case

Abstract

A protective case for an electronic device that includes a case member, the case member including slots and ports formed therein for allowing interaction with a device positioned within the case member. The case member includes inner and outer surfaces. Separate button features are assembled to the case member sealing the case member and providing actuation of the device. The case member and lid are removably joined to define an air and water tight volume receiving the device. The button features are assembled from outside the case member and include a membrane attached to an inside of the case member. The plug core transmits force directly to the underlying device and displaces the flexible membrane so that it undergoes elastic deformation but is still secured to the case member to toggle the device.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising:
 a main housing including a case member, the case member including a plurality of holes formed therein, the holes allowing interaction with the electronic device positioned within the case member, the case member including inner and outer surfaces, the outer surface defining a plurality of cavities, wherein a respective cavity of the cavities surrounds a respective hole of the holes;   a separate bumper, the separate bumper including attachment features that are coupled to corresponding attachment features formed on the case member;   a lid, wherein the main housing and the lid are removably joined to define an air and water tight volume receiving the electronic device; and   a membrane attached to the inner surface of the case member, wherein air trapped within the protective case transfers acoustic energy to the at least one membrane wherein the membrane vibrates in response to an air pressure differential transmitting sound to an exterior or interior of the case.   
     
     
         2 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein the case member is formed of a plastic resin, metal, polycarbonate blend, acrylics, Tritan copolyester, or PES, to provide a rigid structure. 
     
     
         3 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment features of the bumper includes notches that receive corresponding tabs on the case member and mechanically interlock. 
     
     
         4 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein the separate bumper is formed of a material with a greater elasticity than the case member, such that the bumper is configured to undergo reversible elastic deformation. 
     
     
         5 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein the separate bumper includes button features defined thereon that abut with portions of the case member about the holes to provide a sealing for the device and allow access to toggles of the electronic device. 
     
     
         6 . The protective case of  claim 5 , wherein at least one button feature of the button features includes at least one button disposed within a respective cavity of the cavities of the case member and the membrane secured to a portion of the inner surface of the case member around the respective hole of the holes, forming a seal between the inner surface of the case member and the device. 
     
     
         7 . The protective case of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one button being movable along an axis orthogonal to a direction in which the portion of the inner surface of the case member extends from a first position through to a second position and the membrane biasing the at least one button in the first position, the at least one button being shaped to transmit a force directly to the underlying electronic device and displace the membrane so that the membrane undergoes elastic deformation, but remains secured against the inner surface of the case member around the respective hole of the holes, to toggle the device. 
     
     
         8 . The protective case of  claim 6 , wherein the button features include an inner plug core surrounded by elastic material forming sealing ribs of a shape such that when a force is applied to actuate the at least one button, a portion of the force applied is directed in a radial direction on a rubber material of the sealing ribs exerting compression with inner walls of the holes. 
     
     
         9 . The protective case of  claim 8 , wherein the inner plug core is formed of more inelastic materials than the surrounding elastic material, such that less force is applied to the at least one button than applied to the elastic material. 
     
     
         10 . The protective case of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one plug including an attachment structure for mating with the case member and for mating with a plug portion, and the plug forming a watertight seal with the case member and the plug portion. 
     
     
         11 . The protective case of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one plug is mechanically attached to the case member, allowing access to the holes and the electronic device within the case. 
     
     
         12 . A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising:
 a main housing including a case member, the case member including a plurality of holes formed therein, the holes allowing interaction with the electronic device positioned within the case member, the case member including inner and outer surfaces, the outer surface defining a plurality of cavities, wherein a respective cavity of the cavities surrounds a respective hole of the holes;   a lid, wherein the main housing and the lid are removably joined to define an air and water tight volume for receiving the electronic device;   separate button features assembled on the inner surface of the case member, to seal the case member as well as provide actuation of the electronic device; and   a membrane attached to the inner surface of the case member, wherein air trapped within the protective case transfers acoustic energy to the at least one membrane wherein the membrane vibrates in response to an air pressure differential transmitting sound to an exterior or interior of the case.   
     
     
         13 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein the case member is formed of a plastic resin, metal, polycarbonate blend, acrylics, Tritan copolyester, or PES, to provide a rigid structure. 
     
     
         14 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is formed of a clear material. 
     
     
         15 . The protective case of  claim 12 , wherein at least one button feature of the separate button features includes at least one button disposed within a respective cavity of the cavities of the case member and the membrane secured to a portion of the inner surface of the case member around the respective hole of the holes, forming a seal between the inner surface of the case member and the device. 
     
     
         16 . The protective case of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one button being movable along an axis orthogonal to a direction in which the portion of the inner surface of the case member extends from a first position through to a second position and the membrane biasing the at least one button in the first position, the at least one button being shaped to transmit a force directly to the underlying electronic device and displace the membrane so that the membrane undergoes elastic deformation, but remains secured against the inner surface of the case member around the respective hole of the holes, to toggle the electronic device. 
     
     
         17 . The protective case of  claim 12  wherein the separate button features include an inner plug core surrounded by elastic material forming sealing ribs of a shape such that when a force is applied to actuate the at least one button, a portion of the force applied is directed in a radial direction on a rubber material of the sealing ribs exerting compression with inner walls of the holes. 
     
     
         18 . The protective case of  claim 17 , wherein the inner plug core is formed of more inelastic materials than the surrounding elastic material, such that less force is applied to the at least one button than applied to the elastic material. 
     
     
         19 . The protective case of  claim 12 , further comprising at least one plug including an attachment structure for mating with the case member and for mating with a plug portion, and the plug forming a watertight seal with the case member and the plug portion. 
     
     
         20 . The protective case of  claim 19 , wherein the at least one plug is mechanically attached to the case member, allowing access to the holes and the electronic device within the case.