Sealing system for acoustic wave touchscreens

A method of sealing an acoustic touchscreen arrangement comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a touchscreen having a touch-sensitive area;
• (b) mounting a housing having a bezel onto the touchscreen, such that the bezel is located above the touchscreen and around the perimeter of the touch-sensitive area;
• (c) positioning an elongate gel body between the bezel and the touchscreen around the perimeter of the touch-sensitive area such that the elongate gel body is compressed between the bezel and the touchscreen and forms a seal therebetween,
• (d) limiting the amount of compression of the elongate gel body by a stop means;
• and
• (e) positioning and holding the elongate gel body in place with the assistance of a retention means.

An acoustic touchscreen arrangement having a seal, comprising:

• (a) an acoustic touchscreen having a touch-sensitive area;
• (b) a housing mounted on the touchscreen, the housing including a bezel located above the touchscreen and around the perimeter of the touch-sensitive area;
• (c) an elongate gel body comprising a filament core and a gel material filled with microspheres and being compressed between the bezel and the touchscreen and forming the seal therebetween around the perimeter of the touch-sensitive area;
• (d) retention means for assisting in the positioning and the holding in place of the elongate gel body;
• and
• (e) a stop means for limiting the amount of compression of the elongate gel body.