US 8,939,252 B2 · Protective material for acoustic transmission

Abstract

A protective material for acoustic transmission is disclosed which optimizes sound transmission of the material while also providing a barrier from ambient conditions to transducers. The protective material of the disclosure is a self-tensioning membrane with properties such that sound attenuation is minimized as the membrane transfers acoustic energy. In one embodiment, the self-tensioning membrane is used to cover an opening in an electronic device enclosure by securing the entire outer edge of the membrane with an adhesive. Such a construction creates an unbound region where the self-tensioning membrane can effectively transmit sound energy by moving in response to incoming sound waves. The self-tensioning membrane allows sound to travel out of the protective enclosure while also preventing liquid or particulate intrusion.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A protective membrane comprising:

a continuous sheet of self-tensioning polymeric film material having (i) a first major sheet surface, (ii) a second major sheet surface opposite said first major sheet surface, (iii) an outer sheet edge extending along said first and second major sheet surfaces, and (iv) an inner unbound sheet region surrounded by said outer sheet edge;
and
a bonding material extending along (i) said first major sheet surface proximate said outer sheet edge thereof, (ii) said second major sheet surface proximate said outer sheet edge thereof, or (iii) both (i) and (ii) so as to completely surround said inner unbound sheet region,
said continuous sheet of self-tensioning polymeric film material providing a barrier to liquid and particulate material while enabling transmission of sound waves therethrough.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Protective material for acoustic transmission

Life of this patent

Protective material for acoustic transmission

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20