Waterproof port for electronic devices
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorDouglas J. Weber
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing defining a port and a cavity, a processing element contained within the cavity of the housing, an input/output device (such as, but not limited to, a sound wave transducer) in selective communication with the port, and a flow-blocking member movably connected to the housing. The flow-blocking member selectively prevents fluid-flow, such as the flow of air, through the port. The electronic device also includes a fluid repelling member connected to the housing and positioned in a flow path between the port and the input/output device.
Claims22
An electronic device comprising:
- a housing defining a port and a cavity;
- a processing element contained within the cavity of the housing;
- an input/output device in selective communication with the port;
- and
- a flow-blocking member movably connected to the housing, the flow-blocking member selectively prevents fluid flow through the port;
- a fluid repelling member connected to the housing and positioned in a flow path between the port and the input/output device;
- and
- a selectable component operably connected to the flow-blocking member, wherein the selectable component is operative to move the flow-blocking member between an open position and a closed position to selectively block flow through the port into the cavity.
(canceled)
12-18. (canceled)
A portable electronic device comprising:
- a housing defining a cavity;
- a port defined in the housing, the port being in fluid communication with the cavity;
- a sound wave transducer in selective communication with the port;
- and
- a waterproof port assembly operably connected to the housing, comprising:
- a selectable component movably connected to the housing;
- a flow-blocking member operably connected to the selectable component and selectively positioned between the port and the sound wave transducer;
- wherein
- movement of the selectable component causes movement of the flow-blocking member.
An electronic device comprising:
- a housing defining a port and a cavity;
- a processing element contained within the cavity of the housing;
- an input/output device in selective communication with the port;
- and
- a flow-blocking member movably connected to the housing, the flow-blocking member selectively prevents fluid flow through the port;
- and
- a fluid repelling member connected to the housing and positioned in a flow path between the port and the input/output device;
- and
- a biasing member operably connected to the flow-blocking member, wherein the biasing member is configured to exert a return force on the flow-blocking member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.