X-1 Audio v. Otter Products Et. Al.

COMPLAINT
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ALLISON H. GODDARD (211098)
PATTERSON LAW GROUP, APC
402 West Broadway, 29
th
Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 398-4760
Fax: (619) 756-6991
E-mail: ali@pattersonlawgroup.com

RAYMOND P. NIRO (Pro Hac Vice to be filed)
LAURA A. KENNEALLY (Pro Hac Vice to be filed)
OLIVIA T. LUK (Pro Hac Vice to be filed)
NIRO, HALLER & NIRO
181 West Madison St., Suite 4600
Chicago, IL 60602-4515
Phone: (312) 236-0733
Fax: (312) 236-3137
E-mail: rniro@nshn.com
E-mail: lkenneally@nshn.com
E-mail: oluk@nshn.com

Attorneys for Plaintiff
X-1Audio, Inc.

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

X-1 AUDIO, INC.

Plaintiff,

v.

OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC and
TREEFROG DEVELOPMENTS,
INC., d/b/a LIFEPROOF

Defendants.
Case No.

COMPLAINT FOR PATENT
INFRINGEMENT

JURY TRIAL DEMANDED

Plaintiff X-1 Audio, Inc. for its Complaint against Defendants Otter
Products, LLC ("OtterBox") and Treefrog Developments, Inc. d/b/a LifeProof
("LifeProof") (collectively, "Defendants") states as follows:
'13CV2021 NLS JAH

COMPLAINT - 2 -

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NATURE OF THE CASE
1. This is a claim for patent infringement arising under the patent laws of
the United States, Title 35 of the United States Code. This Court has exclusive
jurisdiction over the subject matter of this case under 28 U.S.C. 1331 and
1338(a).
THE PARTIES
2. Plaintiff X-1 Audio, Inc. ("X-1") is a California corporation having its
primary place of business at 5771 Copley Drive, Suite 102, San Diego, California
92111. X-1 is in the business of, among other things, developing, manufacturing
and selling audio solutions. X-1 offers a variety products and accessories some of
which are for use in an aquatic environment such as waterproof headphones and
waterproof cases for smartphones and iPods. The company was founded as Diver
Entertainment Systems, Inc. (a.k.a. H2O Audio, Inc.) in 2001 and recently
underwent a name change to X-1 Audio, Inc. in 2012.
3. X-1 owns all rights, title and interest in and has standing to sue for
infringement of Unites States Patent No. 7,263,032 B2 ("the '032 Patent") entitled
"System For Housing An Audio System In An Aquatic Environment," which
issued on August 28, 2007. The 032 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
4. Defendant Otter Products, LLC ("OtterBox") is a Colorado limited
liability company with its principal place of business at 209 S. Meldrum Street,
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521.
5. Upon information and belief, as of May 22, 2013, OtterBox operates
as a parent company of Treefrog Developments, Inc. d/b/a LifeProof.
6. Defendant Treefrog Developments, Inc., d/b/a LifeProof is a
Delaware Corporation with its principal place of business at 15110 Avenue of
Science, San Diego, California 92128.

COMPLAINT - 3 -

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7. Upon information and belief, Treefrog Developments, Inc. does
business as "LifeProof."
8. Upon information and belief, as of May 22, 2013, TreeFrog
Developments, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Otter Products, LLC.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE
9. OtterBox designs, manufactures, distributes, offers for sale and sells
protective cases for smartphones and tablets, including its Armor line of
smartphone cases for Apple iPhone 4/4S, Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy
SIII, as well as other accessories for smartphones and tablets. OtterBox sells its
products through authorized retailers as well as through its website:
http://www.otterbox.com.
10. Through at least the foregoing activities, OtterBox is doing business
in this judicial district, has purposefully availed itself of the privilege of conducting
business with residents of this judicial district, and has established sufficient
minimum contacts with the State of California such that it should reasonably and
fairly anticipate being brought into court in this judicial district.
11. LifeProof designs, manufactures, distributes and sells protective cases
for smartphones and tablet personal computers, including, without limitation, its
Nd and Fr line of products for at least the following: Apple iPhone 4/4S, Apple
iPhone 5, Apple iPad 2/3/4, Apple iPod Touch 4th Gen, Apple iPod Touch 5th Gen
and Samsung Galaxy SIII, as well as other accessories such as headphone adaptors
and armbands. LifeProof sells and markets its products in this judicial district
through authorized retailers as well as through its website www.lifeproof.com.
12. LifeProof is headquartered in this judicial district and, through at least
the foregoing activities, LifeProof is also doing business in this judicial district and
has purposefully availed itself of the privilege of conducting business with

COMPLAINT - 4 -

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residents of this judicial district, such that it should reasonably and fairly anticipate
being brought into court in this judicial district.
13. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)-(d)
and 1400(b).
CLAIMS FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT
FIRST CLAIM FOR INFRINGEMENT
(Infringement of U.S. Patent No.7,263,032 against OtterBox)
14. Plaintiff incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 13 of this
Complaint as if set forth in their entirety.
15. OtterBox has known about the '032 Patent since at least July 2008.
16. OtterBox has manufactured, offered to sell, sold and continues to sell
in the United States, protective cases for smartphones and tablets that infringe the
'032 Patent, including its Armor line of smartphone cases for the Apple iPhone
4/4S, Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SIII, and other protective cases with
different names or model numbers but with substantially the same design, features
and functionalities as OtterBox's Armor line of cases for the Apple iPhone 4/4S,
Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SIII ("the '032 Patent Accused OtterBox
Products").
17. The '032 Patent Accused OtterBox Products are waterproof.
18. The '032 Patent Accused OtterBox Products each have a waterproof
housing.
19. OtterBox has infringed and continues to infringe at least claims 23,
24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of the '032 Patent within the meaning
of 35 U.S.C. 271(a) through the foregoing activities including, without
limitation, manufacturing, offering to sell, selling, and/or importing the '032 Patent
Accused OtterBox Products in the United States.

COMPLAINT - 5 -

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20. OtterBox has indirectly infringed and continues to indirectly infringe
at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of the '032 Patent
under 35 U.S.C. 271(b) by knowingly and actively inducing infringement of
those claims. Upon information and belief, OtterBox has known about the 032
Patent since at least July 2008. OtterBox has knowingly and actively induced
infringement of at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of
the '032 Patent, for example, through the foregoing activities including, without
limitation, manufacturing, offering to sell and selling the 032 Patent Accused
OtterBox Products, and by instructing, aiding, assisting and encouraging the offer
for sale, sale and use of the 032 Patent Accused OtterBox Products in a manner
that infringes at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of the
'032 Patent. The direct infringers that are being induced by OtterBox include,
without limitation, its customers, resellers and users that offer for sale, sell and use
the 032 Patent Accused Products.
21. OtterBox has also indirectly infringed and continues to indirectly
infringe at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of the '032
Patent under 35 U.S.C. 271(c) through the foregoing activities including, among
other things, manufacturing, offering to sell and selling the 032 Patent Accused
OtterBox Products and by instructing, aiding, assisting, authorizing, advertising,
marketing, promoting, providing for and/or encouraging the offer for sale, sale and
use of the 032 Patent Accused OtterBox Products. The direct infringers for
OtterBoxs contributory infringement under 35 U.S.C. 271(c) include, without
limitation, its customers, resellers and users that offer for sale, sell and use the 032
Patent Accused OtterBox Products.
22. To the extent required by law, X-1 has complied with the provisions
of 35 U.S.C. 287 with respect to the 032 Patent.

COMPLAINT - 6 -

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23. OtterBox's infringement of the '032 Patent has been without
permission, consent, authorization, or license of X-1.
24. Upon information and belief, OtterBox has known about the '032
Patent since at least July 2008, yet has continued its unlicensed and unauthorized
infringement with no regard to the 032 Patent or X-1s rights. This infringement
continues today despite an objectively high likelihood that OtterBox's actions
constitute infringement of the 032 Patent. This objectively high likelihood of
infringement was either known or so obvious that it should have been known to
OtterBox. To date, OtterBox has not presented any competent advice of counsel
upon which it has relied; nor has it presented any reasonable defense of
noninfringement, invalidity or unenforceability. OtterBoxs infringement of the
032 Patent has been willful, deliberate and objectively reckless.
25. OtterBox's direct infringement, inducement to infringe and
contributory infringement of the 032 Patent has injured X-1 and X-1 is entitled to
recover damages adequate to compensate it for such infringement.
26. OtterBox's infringing activities have injured and will continue to
injure X-1 unless and until this Court enters an injunction prohibiting further
infringement and, specifically, enjoining further direct infringement, inducement to
infringe and contributory infringement of the '032 Patent.
SECOND CLAIM FOR INFRINGEMENT
(Infringement of U.S. Patent No.7,263,032 against LifeProof)
27. Plaintiff incorporates by reference Paragraphs 1 through 13 of this
Complaint as if set forth in their entirety.
28. LifeProof has known about the '032 patent since at least April 2012.
29. LifeProof has manufactured, offered to sell, sold and continues to sell
in the United States, protective cases for smartphones and tablets that infringe the
'032 Patent, including its Nd and Fr line of products for the Apple iPhone 4/4S,

COMPLAINT - 7 -

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Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPad 2/3/4, Apple iPod Touch 4th Gen, Apple iPod Touch
5th Gen and Samsung Galaxy SIII, and other protective cases with different names
or model numbers, but with substantially the same designs, features and
functionalities as the Nd and Fr line of products for the Apple iPhone 4/4S,
Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPad 2/3/4, Apple iPod Touch 4th Gen, Apple iPod Touch
5th Gen, and Samsung Galaxy SIII ("the '032 Patent Accused LifeProof
Products")
30. In February 2011, LifeProof launched its protective waterproof case
for smartphones and tablet PCs.
31. The '032 Patent Accused LifeProof Products are waterproof.
32. The '032 Patent Accused LifeProof Products each have a waterproof
housing.
33. LifeProof has infringed and continues to infringe at least claims 23,
24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of the '032 Patent within the meaning
of 35 U.S.C. 271(a) through the foregoing activities including, without
limitation, offering to sell, selling and/or importing the '032 Patent Accused
LifeProof Products in the United States.
34. LifeProof has indirectly infringed and continues to indirectly infringe
at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of the '032 Patent
under 35 U.S.C. 271(b) by knowingly and actively inducing infringement of
those claims. LifeProof has known about the 032 Patent since at least April 2012
when X-1 provided such notice to LifeProof. LifeProof has knowingly and
actively induced infringement of at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39,
42, 49 and 50 of the '032 Patent, for example, through the foregoing activities
including, without limitation, manufacturing, offering to sell and selling the 032
Patent Accused LifeProof Products, and by instructing, aiding, assisting and
encouraging the offer for sale, sale and use of the 032 Patent Accused LifeProof

COMPLAINT - 8 -

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Products in a manner that infringes at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38,
39, 42, 49 and 50 of the '032 Patent. The direct infringers that are being induced by
LifeProof include, without limitation, its customers, resellers and users that offer
for sale, sell and use the 032 Patent LifeProof Accused Products.
35. LifeProof has also indirectly infringed and continues to indirectly
infringe at least claims 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 49 and 50 of the '032
Patent under 35 U.S.C. 271(c) through the foregoing activities including, among
other things, manufacturing, importing, offering to sell and selling the 032 Patent
Accused LifeProof Products and by instructing, aiding, assisting, authorizing,
advertising, marketing, promoting, providing for and/or encouraging the offer for
sale, sale and use of the 032 Patent Accused LifeProof Products. The direct
infringers for LifeProofs contributory infringement under 35 U.S.C. 271(c)
include, without limitation, its customers, resellers and users that offer for sale, sell
and use the 032 Patent Accused LifeProof Products.
36. To the extent required by law, X-1 has complied with the provisions
of 35 U.S.C. 287 with respect to the 032 Patent.
37. LifeProof's infringement of the '032 Patent has been without
permission, consent, authorization, or license of X-1.
38. LifeProof was placed on notice of the 032 Patent in April 2012, yet
has continued its unlicensed and unauthorized infringement with no regard to the
032 Patent or X-1s rights. This infringement continues today despite an
objectively high likelihood that LifeProofs actions constitute infringement of the
032 Patent. This objectively high likelihood of infringement was either known or
so obvious that it should have been known to LifeProof. To date, LifeProof has
not presented any competent advice of counsel upon which it has relied; nor has it
presented any reasonable defense of noninfringement, invalidity or

COMPLAINT - 9 -

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unenforceability. LifeProofs infringement of the 032 Patent has been willful,
deliberate and objectively reckless.
39. LifeProof's direct infringement, inducement to infringe and
contributory infringement of the 032 Patent has injured X-1 and X-1 is entitled to
recover damages adequate to compensate it for such infringement.
40. LifeProof's infringing activities have injured and will continue to
injure X-1 unless and until this Court enters an injunction prohibiting further
infringement and, specifically, enjoining further direct infringement, inducement to
infringe and contributory infringement of the '032 Patent.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff X-1 respectfully requests that this Court enter
judgment against the Defendants granting the following relief:
a. Entry of judgment in favor of X-1 and against Defendants;
b. An award of damages adequate to compensate X-1 for the
infringement that has occurred, together with prejudgment interest from the date
infringement began;
c. Increased damages as permitted under 35 U.S.C. 284;
d. A finding that this case is exceptional and an award to X-1 of its
reasonable attorneys' fees and costs as provided by 35 U.S.C. 285;
e. A permanent injunction prohibiting further infringement, inducement
and/or contributory infringement of the '032 Patent; and
///
///
///
///
///
///

COMPLAINT - 10 -

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f. Such other relief that X-1 is entitled to under law, and any other and
further relief that this Court or a jury may deem just and proper.

Dated: August 29, 2013 Respectfully submitted,


NIRO, HALLER & NIRO

/s/ Allison H. Goddard
By: Allison H. Goddard
Attorneys for
Plaintiff X-1 Audio, Inc.

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JURY DEMAND
X-1 demands a trial by jury of all issues presented in this Complaint.

Dated: August 29, 2013 Respectfully submitted,


NIRO, HALLER & NIRO

/s/ Allison H. Goddard
By: Allison H. Goddard
Attorneys for
Plaintiff X-1 Audio, Inc.

Exhibit A
(12) United States Patent
l'olany et al.
(54) SYSTEM FOR !lOUSING AN AUDIO
SYSTM1 I 'I A'< AQUATIC I:NVIROM11o:NT
(75) lnwmors: Rany Pohmy, Del Mar. C/\ (1JS); Carl
Willll'hn Pctt(.>rscn, San Dicgn, Ci\
(US); Kari Kd!>tian Rauhala, Del Mm,
CA {lJS); Stcplmnic Ann (;rimn,
Encinitus, CA (US); Jim Abclardo
Pcmt, l:ncinita!'>, (';\ (lJS)
(71)
( ,, I
(21 I
:\ssignc0: ll20 Audio, luc., Escondidn, (':\(US)
Notice: Subject to any disd<limcr, the term of this
patent is extended or mljusted undl'r 35
U-S.C. l54(b) by 359 days.
'!'his patent is subject to 11 tcrminnl dis-
claimer.
/-1.ppL No.: I 0/959,894
(22) 1:ilcd: Oct. 6, 2004
(65)
(1>1)
(51)
(52)
(SR)
Priot Publkaliou Dahl
us 2005/012:\161 :\1 .lun. 0, 2005
H(l;ttl.:d U.S. Applkatiml l)atn
Contimwtion-in-part of app!ictllion Nn J0/629.?>15.
!lied on Jul. 2R. 2003. mlw PaL Nn. 6,954.405, which
is a cuntimmlion ol"applicalill!l Nu. 09/9:10,017. filed
on Aug. 14,2001, now PaL No. 6,614,722, which is
H continuation-in-p<lrt of application No. 09/411.983,
filed on Oct. 4, 1999, now Pal. No. 6,396,769.
Int. CJ.
Ii65D 8111111
lJ,S, Cl.
(2006.0 l)

Fh.:ld of C\assificallon Sl'arch 307/UL
%711 RR: 3R 1/l }S(J. 334. 1.15, .17(). 1R I. 3R(l
See <lpplic;llion fllc Jix complde se<H"cb history.
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US007263032B2
(JOJ Patent No.: US 7,263,032 B2
(45) Date of l'atcnt: >Aug. 28, 2007
(56) Rt..'ft.'!'(.'ill'CS Citt..'d
U.S. PArENT DOCUMENTS
4,nt,343 A 7!1981 Montcim
(C\mtinued)
HJREJON PAI'ENT JJOC'lJMl'.NTS
GB 2290696 A J/1996
(C'ontinucd)
OTJIL!R PUll! .JCAllONS
(iray Ghost l:ndcrwatcJ l!cadphoncs, www.dctc..:lorpro . ..:om
grayghost-undcrwatcr.htm, :\pr. 2004
(Continued)
Primary Hxwniner Dan Pihulic
(74) Attorney. Agent, or Firm Knobbe, Martens, Ohmn &
l.l.P
(57) ABSTRACT
A submersible, waterproof enclosure ror 11 portable <Jlldio
device is disclosed. Alsn disclosed is a removable lid allov.'-
l(lr the insl."!r!ing and removing. of the device from the
enclusure. The disclosure liu1her pmvidcs :1 cnnncc!or sys-
tem nnd nn <Hldin r.:ommunic<l\ion link connect in?, the hous-
ing tn :1 device cap;1bk of genenning. sound. <JJld 10 a device
cnpabk ol" producing snund while being submer!:wd in an
aquatic environmo..::nt. A.!so disclosed :He headsets cnnwining
HI least one spe;1kr.:r within a W<lterprool' enclosure. 111e
spcnkers m<ly be positioned in or near the cnnnl, <llld
allachcd to the l.!<H" or to the user's equipment. The headsets
m:ty f1u1her comprise devices for controlling power and
fidelity. The disclosed invention provides an alltmlablc, e<tsy
to use :md llcxible appliance fnr utili1.ing an audio <kvice
while beinjl. submcrp,ed in\t) <m nq11ntic environment
73 Chlims, 25 Drawing Sheets
U.S. I'AJ'ENT DOCUMENTS
43.1(),5:\7 A 61!982 Stricklancl
4,181,144 A 41!983 Brcslau
4,456,797 A 611984 Olsen
4,465,189 A 8/[<)84 \1o[:mn
])278,761 s 5!19S5 Fullu1
4,562,590 A 1211985 De! .age
<1.584,718 A
4iJ<)g(i h1!lcr
4.046,872 A :Vl987 Kamon cl a!.
4.6!0,:$d A 7' 19Wl CJoldfarb ct a!
4.6XJ.<;g?
,,
7: 1987 Silverman
,1.727.5<)1)
,,
): 1988 Rappaport ct a!.
4.771.20lJ
"
lJ,. I'JX/o: (i\.'11. JJ
<l.9tl0,8()(i ,\ x 1990 llokJ

,,
:::P>'n Johnson
5.1 ](J,.'i55 A
g. l()l))
Uanlos
S.2YU21 ,\ 8/ 1')03 Johnson
5.)5/o:Yn ,\ 1111993 et al.
S.2XS.W>4 A 21 I'N4 Kamala d a!.
5,294,988 A 111994 Wakabayashi
5,325.1]1) A (-,/!994 Vlatsumolo
5.337,364 A 8119!)4 Fitch
5.386,084 A J/1995 Risko
5,4S6J77 A 101191)5 Williams, .II'.
5.533,637 A 711996 \Villiams, Jr.
5533.737 A
71j()$() Borowski
SSl7,667 ,\ 7-'19% Kenning.
S .. 'i70,MiX ,\ II '19!)6 Co<:hran ct al.
SS79.:lHIJ A II 19% \1ay
'i,_'ik6.17(l ,\ 12' I 'J')(J Peck
lJS 7,263,032 B2
Page 2
5,600,730
5,610,655
5,706,251
5,790,683
5,822,180
5,825,718
5,889,730
6,396,769
6.614,722
6.646,861
(!.681,022
6,931339
:nn 1:1-1
6,<J54,40S
.W02!009Xl-:74
?.00?.
1
0!970(14
200V0045215
7.004/0112143
2005/0030707
20061<11747/.7
A 2/1997
A
]/[ 997
A l/1998
A 8/!998
A 10/1998
A 10/1998
A ]/[999
Ill 5/2002
!32 9/2003
!32 11:'200:1
Ill [.)004
Bl *
8.2005
j{l'' 10::wos
,\I
AI 12.200?.
'"
t)o(n
AI (J/2004
AI
AI 8/?.006
Kenning c! a!.
Wakabayashi L!l al.
May
Salzani
])cschamps
Ucki c1 al.
May
Polany
Polany et al 167/[]l
Ri-.:hanbon
Puthull' ct a!.
Olstad al ....... 70}:90
Polany al )(i7/ 111
/ind al
Bijsmans et a!
Mooney cl al.
Ridmrdsun
Richardson <.'! al.
Thomas et al.
FOREIGN I'ATFNl DOCUMENTS
JJ> 359144297 A 8/1984
JP 07298383 A 1!!1995
OTIIFI\ 1'\1131 ,ICArJONS
lnternntional Search Report nnd Wri11cn Opinion f'or PC'TTJS2005
0!5874 dated Aug. 22, :wos
'-' cited by ex:uniner
V.S. Patent
11
19
15
Aug. 28, 2007
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U.S. Patent
Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet 4 of 25
US 7,263,032 B2
.38
~ 4 1
48
FIG. 4
U.S. Patent Aug. 28, 2007
.39
4.J
44
45
58
48
Sheet 5 of 25
51
-----52
---53
54
55
FIG. 5
us 7,263,032 H2
U.S. Patent
Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet 6 of 25
US 7,263,032 B2
r-80
0 0
64
FIG. 6
U.S. Patent Aug. 28,2007 Sheet 7 of 25 lJS 7,263,032 B2
70
(
72 74
76
(
78 80
FIG. 7A FIG. 78
82 c-
(
I , I
86
FIG. 7C FIG. 70
802
806'
0
800
807
808
FIG. BA
U.S. Patent Aug. 28, 2007
Sheet 9 of 25
US 7,263,032 B2
804
802
800
FIG. BB
807
----802
801
80.J
800
808
FIG. BC
U.S. Patent Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet It of 25 US 7,263,032 B2
905
906
FIG. 9
U.S. Patent Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet 12 of 25 lJS 7,263,032 B2
1004
1010
~ 1 o o e
1008
1004
1012
1008
1008
FIG. 10
U.S. Patent Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet 1J of 25 lJS 7,263,032 B2
1106
~ 1104
~ ~ - - - - r - .
1100
Lt'
1108
FIG. 11A
U.S. Patent
Aug. 28, 2007
Sheet 14 of 25
US 7,263,032 B2
1100
1106
?
1104
FIG.11B
U.S. Patent
Aug, 28, 2007
Sheet 15 of 25
US 7,263,032 B2
1100 '\;
1120
1102
1118
1114 _r{io
(lD
L 11o8
1112 '
1110
FIG. 11C
1202
1202
1210
1204-
1208
FIG. 12A
FIG. 128
1202
1208
~ 1 2 1 0
FIG. 12C
U.S. Patent
1307
!309J
1305
1301
Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet 17 of 25
1308
Electronic
Audio
Device
FIG. 13A
US 7,263,032 B2
1306
- 1304
~ 1 3 0 2
1314
13Sb
1305, 1306
1302
1304
1315
1313
\3
FIG. 138
'
1 3 0 4 ~
1311
FIG. 13C
1420
1419
1416 -
1401
1421
Electronic
Audio
Device
FIG. 14
1423
1417 1422
-1402
U.S. Patent
1527
1526
1525
1501
Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet 20 of 25
1528
Electronic
Audio
Device
FIG. 15
US 7,263,032 B2
1529
- ~ 1530
1531
1502
1635
1634
Wireless receiver
---
AMP

1601

1633 -
-
1636 1638
J---1637
1639
Electronic
Audio
Device
---\____
I

FIG. 16
1640
Wireless receiver
---

r--
1602
FIG. 17
t&'oo
''

0
.
'
.
FIG. 18A

..,. -
. .,,
FIG. 188
U.S. Patent Aug. 28, 2007 Sheet 24 of 25

)"\<lO

FIG. 19A
l"\1'1 1'\0'-\
1'1Qb
FIG. 198
US 7,263,032 B2
U.S. Patent
Aug. 28, 2007
Sheet 25 of 25
US 7,263,032 B2
isb2
FIG. 20A
US 7,263,032 B2
SYSTEM FOil HOUSING AN AUDIO
SYSTEM IN AN AQUATIC
IU!LAIT!U APPI XArJONS
This npplication is a continuation-in-p<lrt of U.S. p.:1tcnt
applic;llion Ser. No. l 0/629,5 15, flied .lul. 2X, 2001 now tJ.S.
Pat. No. 6,945.405, Vi
1
hich is a continuation of' U.S. pntent
<lpplicmion Scr. No. flied Aug.. 14 .. 2001, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,722, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. pel! en! application S!.!r. No. 09/411,983, flied Oct. 4,
]()\)(),now U.S. Pc1L No. Cd%,769, tlw disclosures of which
nrc incorporatl'd herein by rc!Cn.ntc in their entireties.
llACI((iJWUNil OF Til F. INVFNTION
1. l-'icld of th1..' Invention
I "his invl.'ntinn rcl<liCs in t<cncral tu w;l!er resistant hous-
nnd in pnrticul<lL \(\ lltlusings that serve as port<Jbk
!'or containing und delivering, audio media players
\vhile conducting underwater activities nt depths exceeding
atmospheric pressure.
Wn\crsports have increased in popularity as a recreational
hobby over the decades. Currently, tlwrc is no reliable
tcclmology that will allow j()r the usc or a pcrson11l and
portable underwater or near-surHKc music system while
engaged in physical activities in environments where <1quatic
pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure is encountered.
"l"llL' emergence (l r liglllweightnnd diminutive port<Jhle audio
players such as cnmpm:l disc, minidisk, nnd plnycrs
have made the enjoyment of music whik engaging
in physical exercise. sponing events <llld other outdoor
m:tivities. Such Hudio playing devices me nut constructed to
withstand heinz!. ;md pressurized by an nqw1tic
environment.
rJw J(llJowing disclosure rchlles IO il system Jl1r <I sub-
mersible all(liu housing system adapted Jl1r scub11 diving and
near surf(Ke w.:tivity. Tlw disdoure pmvides a sys\l..'m that
limc!ions while being Sllb!11L'I"SL'(J. due tO the 11Willte!lill1CC or
2
watertight sculs. The structure is perfnrnkd to ltll"lll a duct
fnr p<ISS<l)!,C nf wiring to tl1e internal cnmpo11ents. Mol/.all
(U.S. 1><11. No. 4.465, 189) discloses 11 w;Hcqmlof c'\)Jltlliner.
The container is designed for small objects and is made of
:>. dellm11able material made to collapse around the internal
equipment under environment<d pressure, Risko (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,:186,084) discloses n means of enclosing, an electronic
device using. a flexible mcmhmnc and a battery access door.
The above mentioned containers nrc designed to sea! equip-
lO mcnt conl<lincrs agninst water nnd moisture. However, the
structures arc not designed f(lr undenvatcr usc.
Knmata (U.S. PnL No. 5,2X:'i,X94) discloses n waterproof
casing. suitable !"or housing n camcm. The device uses H
11t1n-woven fabric matcri:1l to allow <lir. but
I' not water. inside the Clml<liner. Furthermore. other structuml
dclicicncics prohibit this device liulll being <1 rclinbk
mech<lllism J()r lwusin)?, <111 clectric<ll device while experi"
cncing a presst1rizcd cnvironnwll\ . .\nhnson (U.S. Pat. No.
5,2.19,.12]) discloses a watcrproorbag mechanism !ln hous
2o ing <J camera. The disclosure is designed !ln envimnments
that arc wet, hut no\ involving cnvironnwntal prcssurl).
In order to deal with the pressure or the environment
altering the structure of the housing and cn1shing the internal
components, containers have been made that utilize llcxiblc
25
membmnes that have been internally pressurized. Gell (0 .S.
Pat. No. 4,771 ,290) discloses a !lexible, waterprool' con-
tniner !hilt c<m be internnlly pressmized. This device is
complex, bulky. costly. and requires pcriphenll technology
to pressurize the unit. In addition. it is highly suscq)tible to
."lo lf1ilurc because oft he potentinl ltlr perhlwlion oft he 1lexible
mcmbnme, thereby causin11- the entire to llood
<tml destruction of the device within.
l'o solve the problem oLm expensive and puncture pmnc
3
-' prcssuri/.cd !lexible membnlllc. rigid housing systems hHvc
been disd<.lscd. Montcriu (U.S. Pat. Nu. 4,281,343), Waka-
(U.S. Pnt. No. 5.2()4,91-\R), M<ltstunnto (U.S. Pnt.
No. 5,325,U0), nnd Brcslnu (U.S. Pat. No. 4.381,144)
disdnsc sysll'ms using rigid mmcrinls tQ house a video
a wnterprooJ" sc<d ng.ninst aquatic pressure. The disclosure ,1fl
further provides mc\hods for stimulating the user's audi-
osensOJy systems underwater, via such methods us ultra-
sonic frequency and bllilC conduction and by way of ouwlog
cHmCnl. Although these devices arc suitable hlr mainwining
u seal in a hydmstalic envimnment, they do not serve ilK'
!\.mction or n conwininv, an nudin electronic device nnd
delivering the sound to the users.
or digital cables, or wireless technology. 'J"he unit is pnrtHble,
so as not tn inlting.e upon the privncy of others. The 4:;
disclnsurc ;dso provides a headsl't comprising water :md
pressun: resistant audio speakers that arc compatible to usc
with il diving huud, <llld c;-lpablc or compensating j()r the
dw11pc11ing clkct 011 ccrtain JicquellCics. The inven-
tion disclnsed lwrein is easy to use. incxpcnsivc 11nd easily 5o
repiiired and updnted.
2. ))L'Scripti<.lll or the Rekltl'd Art
!"he following priur Hrl <lrl' provided <IS a
bnckground 1t1 the invent inn disclnscd herein, and should nnt
be construed as limiting the scope of the inwntion claimed.
The lllllowing. disclosures me incorpomted by rcfen.'nce in
their entirety.
\Villimm (lJ.S. Pat. Nos. 5.45(d77 and 5,5:B,737) dis-
close a system ror enclosing electrical outlet fixtures and
serves as a method of weatherprooflng power plugs. This 60
concept of enclosing an electrical system is further adapted
by enclosing complete L'lectric dcvi<.x.'s.
Deschamps (U.S. Pat. No. 5.822.180) discloses a water-
rcsist:mt cabinet for electrical devir.:cs and components. This
device is 1:\lliSti"UCtCd jJ-t)J\1 (l plurality nf lllll\Ulting. plateS a!ld 6)
scaled internally with ).due. 1\ donr is <lSSl'lllhkd hl the
fmmc. which pivots nn hinges. ;md c<1n be dosl'd to make
The concept of rigid housings h<1s been further ndnptcd to
house audio components in wet envirnnmcnts. Ddage (U.S.
Pat. No. 4,5(l2,590) diselosL'S ct device that \vill Cl!l
entire s1ereo and luudspenkcr system. "!"he design is a
container with u removable lid thm exposes the stereo
system. ln thls way a stereo system can be tnmspnrtcd in a
wet environment ;md avoid damage. The system may be
suitable fllr ncar surli.1ce activity. but the design in lllll
nduptcd hH full submersion into <1 pressurized aqumic cnvi-
rnnment.
!lofer (U.S. Put. No. 4,949,806) discloses a headset l<x
underwater usc. The device is susceptible to easy destructilln
of the ability or water and other debris in the
medium tn !low close to the circuitry. The dcvil:e is capable
of cmining a limited l!cquency range based on <l sing.k
bone-conducting. speaker. ln contrast, the system ..... cd
herein cmbndies the uso Df single or multipll) spe<1kcrs of
various types and frequency ranges, Hml capahle or com-
pensating Ji.)r the dmnp0ning clkcts or W<l\CI". The speaker
concept has been !"urtherdcscrihed in Rappnp,lrt et <il. (U.S.
Pat. No. 4.727,599) disclosing a headband to contnin the
speakers and radio syslem. and Keuning. et ;11. U.S. Pat. No.
5,517 ,Ml7) disclosill)l_. <I swimn1i11g training cap with embl'd"
ded SJWnkers.
us 7,263,032 Fl2
3
(joldlilrb (U.S. PilL Nu. :LMQ,l(ll) disclo:>cs (Ill amphibi-
nus system fnr swin1mcrs. A diS<ldv:mt<lgc nf
upplinninn Mthis dcvic<J to tlndcrwatcr ;Jctivitics is that
the arc inserted into the cars, thus pressing
inltl the l..'ar can<ll and preventing pn::sstac CljUilibration. In
nddition, the stnKttmd tksign describes n Oexiblc mcmbrnnc
that cannot withstand hydnls\atic pri..':SSlll'C.
4
In <l further embtldimcnt uf the invcnlitln, the cuntniner
harbms <1 lllOiSt\lrL' SL'llSOl' tO (kteCt \0:1kag,e n\' \h0 C\ll1tail!t.'l'.
Such sensors may include, arc not limiwd to, electrical or
chemical.
Further improvements bnvc been made. \vhcrcin lkxiblc
membranes allow li.lr improved <1qtwtic protection. fhis has
10
1nmle it possible fur audio devices to functinn while the user
The invention !i.1rther lhe usc of an internal
lighting source to i!ltuninatc the d0vice contained within.
Such lighting snurccs may he el0ctrical or chcmic<tl, and
mounted on mnsidc or inside of the container. In H
prciCrred embodiment, the cleetricallighling source is pow-
ered by a h<ltiCry,
The invention li.u1hcr embodies the usc of ;1dditional
components l(w monitorinF, the ret lion of the <ludin device
within th!.7 container. Such sys\cms l11<1Y be visual nr elec-
trical. In one preferred embodiment. the cont<1incr is manu-
15 bctmed partially 11om a tmnsparcnt materi<tl. In another
prckrrcd embodiment, the cnnwiner h;ubnrs circuitry thut j,;
cHpnblc of monitorinv. the electricnl opcnl!inn nr the nudin
d0vicc.
is sv.'imming.. Fuller (U.S. Pat. No. 4,5R4,71B). Silverman
(IJ.S. Pat. No. :md Olsen (U.S. Pat. No. 4.456,
797) disclose !1exibh.: membrane housings for a personal
sterc>tl and speaker system with conical type curphones
which the user inserts into the cnr canals. As rncntioncd
above, the design of conical car plugs is not appropriate !\n
activitil.'!s \K.>cmJ:>C the Mnbicnt pr!."ssure will
t'mcc the t!<ll' plu).!,s deep into the cur canal cnusing Hlld
tissue dunwge. SewmL lkxiblc nwmbrnn1..! will compress
<Jrnund the device causing ;dl tlw buuons to be pressed, and
possibly implode the tkvil:c. Thus, these devices nrc not
suited l(n the environments em:ountcrcd while
In a li.1r!her embndinwnt of the invention, the device
within the container is an uudio transmilling device, The
invention embodies the use of' <IH)' audio dcvic-l' including,
but not limited Ill nudio plnycr, MP:\ player, CD player,
c<1ssctte plnyer, J)VJ) player, communication device, tele-
phone, cellular telephone, radio receiver, radio transmitter, lllldervv:ll0r.
Peck (U.S. Pat. No. 5,5R6.176) and May (U.S. Pat. No
7:10) disclose underwater communic;ttion syswms thai
usc head-mmmlcd speaker sys10ms connected to underwater
J(x audio comnnmication <1111ongst
SCtJI3A divers. Thes0 devices are not dLscribed to b...:
coupled to <I porwbk nudio device bllt ratlwr for Vtlicc
communica\ion between divers.
Regardless of the merits, !Caturcs, or advantages of the
ubnve-cited n::l'er@ces, none ol'thcm <Jchicvcs, m rull!lls, tlw
pnrpnscs of the present invention.
SliMM.'\l(Y 01' Till\ IN\\' NT\ ON
The invention disclosed lwrein gencmlly rcl<1tcs to u
system !'or us in)}. a lk'I"Stlll<Jl and pnrtabl'-" m1din tkvicc in :t\1
<llJlliltn: 0nvin.lllllH.!lll. In one cmbudiment. the <ludiu deviL'c
is contHincd \>; ithin <I ripjd container c<tpnblc of withstanding
1hc prcs:;ure encountered whik submerged into an aquatic
environment. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid conl<lincr
2:; comptller, laptop computer. palm pilot, personal digital
assistant. p<lger. m0ast1ring device, g0igcr counter, sonar. pi I
meter, 1hermometcr, \uminometcr, and ma1?-netometer. In n
mosl prd'crred embodiment. the devicl' recites inJl)r-
mation on underwater sighting.s and points or interest rclul-
:w ing to a specific undcrw;1tcr location.
In one embodiment or the invention, the container
provided with one or severn] simps for <lltachmcnt 10 the user
or the nser's equipment. In a preferred embodiment. the
container is provided -vvith external JCatures facilitating
3.'i attachment to the user's body.
']'he inv0ntint1 J'urtlwr emlx1dics C(llllp(lnents l{lr manually
and externally controlling the device within the closed
container. Such control mil)' comprise both external
and imcrnal components. Jn a preferred embodinwnt, the
111 external contml compnncn\s arc capable of horimntaL ver-
tic;tl, <md!tH rotation<ll movelHCllt, <tnd cap;tb\0 ol'g,0neratinv,
borizont11l, vcnic<ll. <lnd/or movement ofllw inter-
nal cnmponcnts of the cnntrolling device. In one cmbmli"
is provided with a removable lid ll1r easy n::moval or servic0
45
or the device cnnwined within, ln mmthcr prefCrrcd embodi-
ment a W<Jtcrpnlof sen! is positioned between the lid and
container to prevent entry of water into the closed container.
ml..':nl the container an(Vor lid harbors one such external
control device, In a preferred embodiment the contniner
and/or lid harbnrs multiple cxtern:t! cnntrol (]!.)vices. ln H
most prc1Crrcd embodiment the container und/or lid harbors
a number of control 'kviccs spatially arranged so as to
optimally opctntc the controls of a speciflc audio device
within the container.
In n most prel'errcd embodiment, said sc:1l is capable of
withstanding, undcnvatcr pressures exceeding one atmo-
50
sphcrl.),
In a further embodiment oft he invention, components for
connecting the inwmai (ltldio device to 1m nudio jnck me
provided. In <I preferred embodiment the audio jack is
anachcd to the cnnwincr.
'!lw invcnlion embodies the usc or c:omptments to secure
the lid to 1hc eontuincr and to clusL' the between the lid
and cont<liner. Inn preferred 0mbodimcn1, said compnncn\s
colllprisc safety il'<1tur0s preventing aeeidcnt<ll opening, ol'
the lid durin)}. HlJU<Jtic usc.
The invention further comptliK'nl which prc-
vcnl water !inm re<Khing. nnd damaging the audio device. In
<I preferred cmbodimenl, the interior of the container is
pmvi(kxl with Wlllcr-<Jbsmbing mnterial. In another prc-
embodiment the eoutainer is provided with intenwl
wu!ls cre<lling waterproof chambers or C()Jl1partmcnts.ln ye1
another prelCrrcd cmbodinwnt, the o:.:ontnincr is provided
with H pressure release valve to compensate for the effect of
increased depth tl!l the container's internal pre:->surc und its
COilfigumtion. nw invention l'urther CO!HprisCS \he llSL' or il
vacuum release valve to fncilitate op0ning of the lid.
ln a further c111bodiment uf the invention, cumponents
connecting th0 <Judiu _jack to <m a11diu Ctll11111lll'licatinn !ink
arc provided. ln n cmbmliment. the components
connecting the audio .i<1ck to the nudio comn1t1nicntinn link
are comprised of a male hydrat1lic nipple; a female hydraulic
60 coupling; nnd a locking bearing mechanism. In <1 most
prc!Crrcd embodiment, the componenl'i conmx:ting tile audio
jack to the audio communication link arc internally scaled.
ln a further embodiment or the invention, the audio
communication link is connected to a device capable of
65 generating nudible sound. Said audio communication link
m:1y tmns111it <!11 nn:llog or digil:l! ln onu 0mbodi1mml,
the nudio communication link is provided with H volume
us 7,263,032 132
5
ctmtrol. ln a prc!Crrcd embodiment, said volume contml
OpCI"H\cs as a rl'sistor. In another prd0m.xl emhodinwnl the
audio conuol comprises nn amplillcr. The invention embod-
ies the usc of several devices capable of producing. audible
sound. In one preferred embodiment, the sound-generating s
device is a speaker. In another preferred embodiment the
sound-gctwwting device is u b(me-wndm:ling device.
6
ampliller is capable of amplifying. the m1dio and 11
waterproof housing. cap<1hle or withslanding underwatcr
pressurcs cncountcnxl while SCUBA diving. wherein the
<unplifl0r is disposed within the housing,.
llRIEF DESCIUPTION OF TilE DRAWINGS
The 1Cnturcs and advantages of the present invention, and
a manner or attaining them, will become more by
10 refCrence to the following descriptions ol" one embodiment
of the invention. The following drawings represent t)IW
me;ms of <llli!ining the invention disclosed herein, :md
should in nn way be construed as limiting the nf the
invention claimed.
The invention furt!K"J embodies nn undcrwntcr headset
cmnprising. at least nne speaker within a wmcrproor enclo-
sure, wl1l'rcin S<lid <II lcnst one speaker is adapted fi.1r vertical
and burizontal positioning. In a cmbndimcnt, them
lew>\ nne spc11kcr is mounted on <I mcmbl.'!r c<lp<ibk llJ'
hori;.onl<ll nnd vertical l1lOVC!1ll'l1tS. ln nnntho..'r prc!Crro..'d
cmbndimcnt, HI least on._. cap11blc of opewting
with <I frequency 20 flz <md 25 kHz. In one ts
embGdinK'JJ\, the waterpmof enclosure comprises <l watcr-
mcmbrnne. In :1 prckned embodiment, the headset
comprises one or more control devices such as an on/oil"
;;witch, a volume contml or <m ampJUlcr. The invention
further embodies an underwater headset comprising at least
one speaker within a wat0rproof enclosure, wlwrcin said at
lens\ one spe11ker is mounwd on n li"wnc thnt nttaches to the
car. ln a prdcrnxl embodiment, the speaker is inscncd into
the em cnnnl. In <I most prelhred embodiment the wato..'r-
pronf cnc!osurc is made from a Jkxib!c nH1lcri<1l. In a
preiCrrcd o..'mbodi!llenL th0 heudset cnmprisus one nr mnrc
cnntrol deviees such :1s nn on/o!l" switch, a volume control or
FlU. I. An isometric view or the bnusing. syswm ;1nd
<n1dio coupling unit.
FlCJ. 2. A cross-section of the housing and a top view nf
the lid a11ached to 1h0 housing.
1'10. 3. A cross-section or the sub_icct tm1ttcr of l:lCiS. 1
20 and 2.
FIG. 4. Plan and side view of the head mounted speaker
system 11sscmbly, wherein the side view includes a scuba
mask and strap.
J.'J(i. 5 . .1\ cmss-sectinn aml !hlllt vi0w or the speaker
system
FlCi. 6 is a schematic rcpresentation o!"<m exemplary latch
which may bL> used to secure till' lid to tlK housing.
an umplifkr. In yct <mother embodinH!nt, at
nnl' SJK'ilkt:r is Cilp<lbk of" opemting \Vith a ()cquency
between 20 liz <lnd 25 kll; .. !.he invemion further embodies
the usc of difl'ercnt types nr clcctricnl speaker ckments in
said he;1dscts, ineluding but nnt limited to. pie;.oclectric,
bone cond11tting, ultrasound nnd electrostatic.:
l!"llllSd\ICl'l"S.
FlO. 7/\. is a crnss-scction of <Ill embodiment or the
housi11g. co!llprising lillllliple pe<Jks ;md truuv.lls for pnlt0r.:t-
.>o inv. the device therein Jinm wmer.
FlCi. 7B is a cross-section of nn embodiment or the
housing comprising a n . movablc lining lllr protecting the
device th0r0in fmm water.
F!Ci. 7C is a cross-section of embodiment or the
ln somc embodiments, an m1dio system fnr usc in :1n
<H..jll<!lic envinlllll\0!11 is provided cmnprisin);!,: <I ri!J,id sub-
mersible <In ell'Ctr\lnic dcvice disposed
within the housing,, whcrcin the elcctnmic device is c<lpnblc
'' housing. a watcr nhiimbing. nwterial
of producing, <Ill mKlio signal; and an <1111plifler clcctric.nlly
connected to the device, \Vh0rein the amplilicr is capable of -1o
wnplirying the uudiu signal.
ln some embodimcnls. n housing for receivin)l. nn nudio
devkc is pmvided cnmprising: a rigid conllliner and :1 rigid
lid adnpted 10 lit the container, wbvrcin the container i:-;
tn rel:eivc tlw device, and wherein a seal ,1:;;
betwcen the conUtiner <lnd the lid is conllgun:d to be
waterpronr un,kr submcrsiblc conditions; components
which sccme the lid to thc container; and an amplifier
disposed \Vithin the container; wher0in the m11plifier is
capable of tunp!it)'ing. <IUdio sig_nab produced by the audio -;u
device.
ln Stlllll' embodiments, an underwntt'r audio lwadsl'l is
provided comprising.: nt least onc speuker disposed within <I
and an amplifier alsn dispo;;cd within
the enclosurc; wherein the amp! iller is electrically connectcd
to the spcaker Hnd capable or amplifying audio signals.
!n some embodimcntii, an audio 0ommunic<llion link
comprising: a waterproof and pressure resistant cnbk,
wherein the cable is capable or transmitting, an audio sig,n;1!,
and wh0rcinthccable is capuble orwithstnnding underwuter 6o
prl'Ssur0.-; !JIJC(llllltercd while SCtJH.I\ diving,;
t<lpnbk nl"coll!wctin!J, the cnbk tn <In mtdio jnck, wherein tlw
l'lllllponents provide H waterpi"O(lf' nnd pressure resistaJH
Cll!lllection between tlw audin and the cable. and
wherein lhe ClllllleC\iun is C<ip<tblo..' nf Withstanding. UJllh:r-
Willl'r pressures \vhile SCtJHi\ diving_: un
ampli!Jer electrically connected ltl the wherein t!w
FlCi. 7]) is a crnss section or an embndim0nt tlf the
!musing 11 one-way valve.
FKi. 8/\. is H thrue dimensiomd o..'Xpludcd view t>f an
0mbodimcnt cuntmtrcd to lit on the thigh and to hold a
circulm devicu.
J-"l(i. sn is <I ttlp Vi0W or the device or FlCi. SA
1-'!Ci. 8(' is an exploded side view \l!'the d\'!vic:t' of l'l<J.
8!\.
l:l(i. 9 is a scheli!atic represenwtion showing mmtlier
embodiment of the housing of 1-'l(i. I.
1-'lG. 10.1-'!Ci. 10 is 1-dinh.'nsional rcnderingof<Hl excm-
plmy frame fi.lr attaching the speaker hotlsing or l'](J. 5 10
the strap or <1 diwr's ln<ISk.
J."J(i. 11/\ an 0xploded three dimensinnal view or a
speaker iiystem assembly.
l'l(i. liB is a thret: dimensional view of the sp0akcr
syst0111 <tssembly of FlU. II A.
j."j(;. 11 c is <111 explndcd side view or the speaker
ns:-;embly of 1-'J(i. 11/\.
FlU. 12/\ a spe<Jker systcm assembly adapt<..'d tt)
clip on the ear of the user.
J."J(J. 12B is a side view of the speaker HSscmbly system
of FlU. 12A.
1:1G. 12C the spenkcr 11sscmbly system of J:l(i.
12/\ posi!ioncd on the car of a user.
J!JCJ. 13/\ illustrates till 11udio system with an amplifier
disposed in the electronic m1dio device housing.
FlU. 13H illustrates <111 <H11plifier disposed in the clec-
tmnic nudio device
F!Ci. LH i!lustr<ltes an ampliller.
]."](). 14 illus\r<ltes llll mtdio system \Vith an
disposcd in 11
us 7,263,032 !32
7
1:1G. IS an audio with amp!iflcn; dis-
posed in speaker housings alnng with speaker clumcnts.
FIG. 16 illustrates an audio system with amplifiers dis-
posed in !musings along with speaker clements :md
wireless rcceiwrs for receiving <mdio signals li'nm n wire-
less transmitter disposed in u housing along with an elec-
tronic audio device.
FI(i. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a housing with
the lid closed.
8
Said lid may further be wmovable, or ati<Khcd to the
housing using hinges or similar devices.
The invention J\.u1hcr embodies the usc of' components to
secure the lid to the container and to close the seal between
the lid and container. A person skilled in the art is aware of
multiple devices with which to secure a lid to a container,
including buckles straps or clips. Such locking, devices nwy
be positioned on the lid, on the container, or may be
FIGS. 18A and 1813 illustrntcs n cam wheel lhr securing
10
positioned on both the lid and the eonllliner. In a prc!Cned
embodiment, the locking, components comprise sa!Cty ICa-
tures preventing accidental opening of the lid during its usc.
a lid shut.
1-'JCi. 19/\ illustrntcs a button control on a housing.
1-'l(i. J9B illustr<llcs an cxplmkd view of a bulton.
]-'](i. 2().'\ illus\r<IICS ]ever COHIJ"O]S 011 the CXICl'iOr oJ' a l.'i
huusing.
SH!'ety features include any design with the intended
purpose or preventing accidental opening of the lock, !{l!"
exnmpk catches, push pins and rot<uy ditlls. In a
preferred emlKldiment, a buckle is SJK'cially designed to lock
when snapped shut. In sonw embodiments, In unlock the
J.'J(i. 2013 illustmtcs interior mechanisms for controlling tl
joystick on an m1dio
lli:TAII.LiLlllESCRII''J'ION 01' niH
PRIWI'RRiill EMilOIJIMENTS
'!lw invention disclosed herein generally rclntco; to <I
system fOr using, a personal and portable audio device in un
aquatic environment. Current technology docs not allow li.w
the submersion of audio devices into aquntic environments,
especially under such pressure conditions as encountered hy
a diver. Furthermore, exists only limited technology
Ji.1r the tnmsmission of audio waves to a user submerged in
such an aquatic environment. The advent of miniaturized
electronic dcvit;cs such us mKlio players and cummunicmion
equipment hns mmlc tlw individual nr such
devices dming. and educ:lliona! tlctivities.
device <ll least two lin)l,ers arc required: one for holding
down a sa!Cty h1tch <Uld one lbr lifting the buckle.
Without limiting the scope of the invention disclosed
herein, one preferred of the disclosure is
depicted in FIGS. 1 to3.lbe housing of
l'!Ci. 1 is n cnnt:1inerunit with a bottom, liont, bnck, le!\, nnd
right side designed to snugly contain nn electronic device.
The lid 7 is made of a rigid matcrial. prcfCrably clear, that
25 fits over the top 19 left, right, fron1, and back edges of the
In the face down side of the lid is an o-ring 8that
sits inn recessed grove along, the perimeter or the underside
of the lid. The compression conwct bclwcon the o-ring and
the top edge 19 of the housing, provides the hydrostatic lioal.
30 Thl.': lid has 1wo levels as seen in FJGS. I and 3. Level two
! is disclosed :1 system 1\w a pnrtt1ble
audi,l ckvicc whik being submerg.ed into an <ll]ll<llic en vi- ,,
ronment. i\lthough tlioJ sysll'lllS lwrei11 111<1Y be
w11terproor under subnwrsible conditions, such
may also Jlnd applictttion in activities where contact
with w;llcr is incidental. Non-limiting examples include
boating, jet skiing, and winter sports stJCh as downhill and
40
cross-cotmlry skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
is designed to sit above the and within the step
provided in the contHincr box. This will serve the function of
adding horizontal strength to the housing and the
prevention of a ch<mge in structure. which could result in 11
break or the hydrosltllic $C<ll, C<nlsing. a leak. The !lrst kvel
is designed lo co11tnin an n-ring IS in a
loeatcd between level one and the outer perimeter or the lid
on the !i1ce down side. This (H"ing 18 will be compressed on
the perimeter or the top 19 of the container box to make <l
that is not only water resistant and W<llerproof, but also
submersible to one or more pressures absolute while main-
The invention embodies a rigid container C<lpablc of
withstanding, the pressure encountered while into
wining n hydrostatic seal againsl the cnvironmenl.
<m <K]llillic environment. Such <1 container can he made from
nny nwtcrial c<1pnble ofwitbstnnding pressure, including btll ,15
not limited to mel<lL glass, rubbl.':r or plastic
In order to secure the seal, the prc!Crred embodiment will
contain buckles 15 located on the peripheral extl.':rior that
will snap and lock the lid to the container. Such a bueldo is
m<mu!'actured by m1d is speci111ly

The invent inn further embndies providing the rigid con-
l<liner with <1 removable lid. !\1r L'ilS)' !"l'l1lllV<d or service of
the device contained v,:ithin. In a pre!Crred embodiment, at
leas\ one \'v'Hlcrpmof setll is positioned between the lid nnd
cunt<lincr tn cnlry ofwntcr into tlw clnsed conwincr.
In ;1 most preferred embodiment, said seal is capnbk or
withstanding underwillt>r pn .. ssures one <llmn-
splwre. skilled in tlw art is nwnrc of multiple ways nf
providing H seal between a lid and a contaim.or.
Without intent to limit the scope of the invention disclosed
herein, such seals may consist of' one or more of' the
ldlowing,: an o-ring, mbbcr lining, or t1 ;;ilicon-bascd gel. In
a prc1Crrcd embodiment, at least one o-ring seal is positioned
within a grove tllnng, tlw perimeter of the lid's
underside. In a more cmb()dimcnt, the lid is
provided with two levels. l .cvcltwo is positinned within the
pnwided by the eonlainer box and above the device.
hnrii.Ontal 1\l the !lousing.. TilL' lirst level
cunt:lins at least o11e sc<il in <I recessed grove posi-
bt>l\\ecn leV(' I !ViO tmd thl' Ollll'r pcrinwtcr of the lid
desig.ncd to lock when snapped shuL thus prewnting, acei-
dental unsm1pping. of the buckle that could potentially
relcnse the lid Jinm the contnincr brctlking. the hydrostatic
'io To unlnck the device, two lingers arc rcLJuircd: one to
hold dow11 tllc s<JI"c!y latch down while tl1e secnnd linger !ills
till' buckle. I:ICi. 6 shows an cxemplmy latch 6() thillmny be
alternatively used to pcrft1r111 the functinns nr buckles 15.
Latch 60 mny be. for cxilmple, <1 compression spring. e<l!ch
ss such m; that nmmli:tcturcd by NlEI.SEN/SESSlONSigl unUer
product number 1-llCX:n 14-42! ,.t\1 In onlt>r to com-
pletely release l<Hch 60, <111 opcrntor (in this case a diver)
must actuate a primary catch 62 as well as a spring loaded
mt.'Ciwnism 64 (i.e., 11 secondary catch), If both catches 62
60 and 64 arc not released, lh\.': latch 60 will not open. Hence,
the design of latch 60 both ensures that the lid remains
securely nttached to the housing, and that the l<1tch 60 will
not be accidcnl<1lly released.
In St)111L' cmbo,linwnts, the devil-\.' t)f the present invention
6:'i cumprises nne ur InUre con1pnncnts !htlt prcvo,::nt water fmm
<lnd the <IIHliu S11cll con1pn11e1lls
lll<ly <Kl to prevent 11 leakage lh1m tlCcurring. or In J"('duce the
US 7,263,032 B2
9
dnnwge of water should a leak have occurn:d. Such com-
ponents may include external shock-absorbing structures,
pressure release multiple seals, internal \V<llb
ing woncrprnnf companmcnts or clwmbcrs. and water-ab-
sorbing materials within the cont;lincr.
FIGS. 7A-7J) shuw alternative W<lys to adapttlw lid 7 and
10
The invcntinn may fur1hcr include the use of safety
devices to incre<lS<.! the ill\C!'!l!il gasCOIIS rressure o{'
the container in case of a water leak. Without intent to limit
the scope of the invention. such devices may include pres-
surizt:d gas upon Jcakag!;' or chemical compounds,
such as carbides, tlwt prnducc gases upon exposure to water.
ln snnlC embodi111ents, the invention eomprisus tile usc of
one-wHy valves to reduce or increase the gaseous
within the container. The invention embodies the usc of any
!U w;1tcrproof contrivance capable of conveying <l one-din!c-
tion !low of gas including, but not limited tn, pressure
release valves and V<IClllllll release !n <1 pwJerred
embodiment the one-way valve is cnpabll" of withstanding
the <1quatic pressure exc<.."<:ding on0 atmosphere.
the contnincr shown in FICI. 1 In protect the <ludio device
from wntcr damage. FlO. ?A shows ::1 cross-section of the
cont<lincr dcpic.:tcd in FIG. I h,wing <1 surface 70 in the fOrm
nf multiple peaks 72 troughs 74. In this example, the
70 would be part of the housing itsdf, i.e., manu-
fw.:turcd as one integral unit. An audio device would rest
upon the peaks 72, thereby being isola\(xl iiom <IllY lenked
water, which would pool in the troughs 74. FIG. 7!3 shows
a cross-section of the how; in g. having a protective 76
15
which resembles the stnKtHrc shnwn in l.'l(i. 7/\. In this
In some embodiments, the invention comprises a moisture
sensor within the container to detect water leakage into the
container. One skilled in the art is awmc or multiple types of
sensors designed \t) detect an increase in humidity or mois-
ture. The inwntion embodies any electrical moisture dctec-
embodiment, however, the protc'ctive 76 would ben
remnvuble lining. i.e .. nnt necessmily built into tlw housinp,
Such n protective sur!(ICC 76 muy be <lltm.::hed to the housinp..
with an <Kihesive. example. sur lite<: 76 may be
111:1de o!' a wult!r ahsnrbing and resilient !lHIICii:il in urdL'r to
protcct till' device rwm bnth water d:nn:1g.c nnd mechnniC<ll
shocks. Similnrly to tht: surliH.:e 70 described above,
:u lion device including but not limited to led sensors nr
cnnductivity meter:->, and any n1em1s nr
moisnuc includin)},, but not limited to. chromnphnric sub-

76 wnuld a lim>, .. hll' the dcvice to sit <Hop the peaks 78 \vhile
tlw water is collected and absorbed nt the troughs 80.
In snme cmbndim!;'n\s, the invcntinn comprises <tn inter-
nal lighting source to illuminate the device contained within.
The invention is not limited tn any particul11r somce of light
W<lvcs, but embodies :my device thnt would achieve the
intended purpo!>c. J.'or example, lighting sources include any
clectricnl. chemical or biological process or producing light
I.'J(i. 7(' shows yet <illll\hcr emlmdiment nr the housing
dGpictcd in 1:JG. 1 having a protective surface 82. In this
!;'Xamplc. protec!ivc smH1ec 82 is a lining ofwakr absorbing
material. Such wnter-absorbing malerinls incltldl.' all colll-
pounds with desiccant or hydmphilic properti<:s nr <my
material with waternbsorbing, C<tpacily, fnr cxmnplc pro-
vided in the rorm or lftbrics. sponges. !(nuns, powders.
pellets or similar. Said material may be of synthl.'tic or
org<mic origin, nr n combination thereof.
:w within the visiblG rnngc. Such lighting snurces may be
muunted either on the outside or the inside of the container.
or both. ln some Gmbodiments. fluoresccntly or similarly
labeled components me used within or outside of' th!;' con"
tainer to illuminate the device or to make one or more
l\ slnmld be llt\led thai while lite discussed
shov .. oni.Y nne sur!itce or the con!<litWl' lwvin)!. thl'
respective prutccting struclun.' 70, 76, and 82 this need not
I' components or the device, ft1r exmnpk the control knobs,
visible utaler cnnditions nt' limited light.
be the c:1se. Rnther. the pmtcctivc structures e<m be on a
portion nf :1 single surhKe or on more tlum one smli1ce or .
10
purtiun thereof. Tints. such prutcctivc nwy cover
<ldditional. if not all, surliJCes of the container. 1\ccordingly,
the pmtcctive structures may be positioned nt any desired
location. n person of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the wuious protective structures 70, 76. and +S
S2 (i.e. integral peaks and troughs, removable linings, or
water absorbent nmterinls) may be combined inn number or
ways in a single h,luslng tmit. 1-lcnct'. !()r example, the sides
of the housing 11111)' be covered with protective sur!i1ce 82
(w<ller absnrbing materi;d), the top-inner wall Df the unit
50
may incorporate surfw.:e 70 (intcgnd peaks and
troughs), nnd the boltom-inncr wnll of the unit m:1y be lined
with pmtectiw surbce 76 (removnblc lining,).
In sonw embodiments, the device includes enmpomnts
for ll}l)Jlitoring the operation or tht.' <iudin device 1Nithin the
cont<1iner. Such systems include. but me not limited to,
visual, chemical nnd electrical. In one preferred embodi.
ment, the cont<1incr is parti;dly manulhdured rrom a truns-
pment m;1terial. Such m<llerials include, for example. glnss,
PLEXIGLAS@ (i.e., poly methyl mcthac1ylate) or plastic. ln
another preferred embodiment, the container harbors cir-
cuitry th<11 is capable of monitoring. the electrical operation
or the nudio device. Such circuitry includes, but is not
limited to, po\vcr meter, voltng,e meter, resistance meter nml
For example, the circuitry may
whether 11 battery used to power the audio device is running
low or to monitor other <lspects of the operation of the audio
device. In some cmbndimenls, the dt:vic<: comprises conl-
poncnts for COlllll1lllliC<I!illg_ inJ'ormation 011 t]W opCl'<ltion or
the c!ectric:d device to the user. Without limiting the scope
of the invention cltlillled herein, StiCh me<lllS include g<:n- ].']( i. 7D shows yet another embodiment Df the housing
having features tu protect the intcrmll unit from wnter
di!lll<l)l..e ill C<lse or n W<iler leak. In this l!l11bodill1Cllt, <I
tllll'-wHy S4 is ollixed to <Ill inner or the
hnusinv. unit. The nne-way vnlvc 84 a!lnws water to pass
t'rnm the inside oft he housing to <1 W<llcr sttm1ge chnmber 86.
Sinl:e the onewny valve S4 <lllows passag..: nfwatcr in only
one direction. tile audio device is prowctcd lium \Vater
leakage in tlwt the leaked w:ncr is removed to :md stored in
crntion of mtdin signuls <!lld light and
or instrument l'e<Klings on <I !J:I) nr sinrilm disphry.
the cliamber 86. A pt:rson nf ordim1ry skill in the <1rt will
tlmt a variety commercially av:1ilablc tl!lG-wHy
valves may be used, <md that the size, shape. and location nJ'
the chmnber S6 muy vary to the desired design nf
the housing,.
The invemion embodies usc of the contHincr with any
conceivable device capable or producing. an audio signal or
an nudihlc sound. The invention embodies the use of any
6o audio device including., bm not limited to audio play!;'r, MP3
player. Cl) player. cnssctte pbyer. l)Vj) pl:lycr. communi-
cation device, tckphone, cellular telephone. mdio receiver,
radio transminer. computcr. lnptop computer, palm pilnt,
personal digit:d assistant, pager, measuring device, geiger
C'l)Ulltt:r, pJ) lllU\L'C \ht:l'lllOHlV\t:r, lumil1lllllt:t('r. il!l(J
nwgnetmne!er. 111 a most prcJ'erred embodiment, the ;wdin
device produces inl(mnation ()Jl undcrwmt:r sig,hting.s and
US 7,263,032 B2
11
points of interest relating to a specific location.
Such inl(mnation m<-IY he stored on the audio device. ()r be
received by the device ilom n source outside of the housing.
For example, the infonn<ttion provided to the audio device
or stored on the tllldio device may be used to provide <ln
underwater tour of a specific location. In som0 cmbodi-
mcnts, the device (lf the present inventitm Ctl!ll]Wiscs intcn1al
circuitry capable of receiving inJi.)rrnation !)om external
devices such as a divt' computer. In a preferred embodiment
the inli.wmation received is communictltcd through the cir- IU
cuit to the by, hH cxampll'!, light sigmds or audio
si)l.JW]s
!n some cm\)()dimcnts, the d(.'vicc comprises components
for attaching the container to the user's bndy nr equipment.
Such <lltachment JCaturcs inclt1de, for example, stn1ps. clips, IS
hooks :md v<lrious materials with adherent properties such as
g.lue or tnpc. In one preferred cmbndimelll, the contniner is
provided with exwrnal features fncilitating atl:lchmcntto the
user's body, for instance pnwiding, the container with an
ouwr surface shaped to lit an appendage or other area of the 2u
body to which it is desired to aflix the device. The container
nwy be adapted to lit a leg,, an ann or the thorax. FIG. 8A
slmws an example of a contaim)r 800 having a contoured
surJiicc 801 designed to flt over a thigh of a user. The
cnntourcd surliKc 801 may be pre-molded inlo the housing,
or tmty be provided as a detachable piece that can be
u!lachcd or removed depending, on the type of usc. in some
embodiments, the features fix nttacl1ing, the device to the
body 11\il)' comprise :1 rigid .sudi.Kc configured to
comli.wtably llt on !hi.'! desired portion of the body or the w
features fur atlilcbing the device to the user's budy may
cum prise flexibk components which conli.mn Ill the desirl'd
portion nf the user's body. In the cxmnple of FJ(). 8/\, an
el<tstic stwp 803 to attach the container to the thigh
tal and verticnl movement of the internal components of the
controlling device. In a more prell:rred 0mbndiment visual-
ized in FIGS. l-3, a control knob 4 allm\'S the user's to rotate
an internal pressing device 11 so that a push bu1ton control-
ler on the enll'rtainmcnt device can be activated externally
while maintaining a hydmstnlic seal ng<1inst the environ-
ment. In Hll arbitrarily relevant to the
device silling in the housing systcm, n control knob 4 made
of il rigid mnterial is pl.::1ccd through the lid 7 to allow
exterior manipulntion of the activation devices of the device.
The control knob system is a comprised of a camslwfl 13
surrounded by (lll o-rintl, lltlusing 33 with n knob 4 on the
exterior end, and a hex screw 10 caddy 12 and a presser 11,
on the interior end. Thus, the presser structure 11 can be
pnsitioned anywhere along a 360 degree location on <1
horizontal axis by turning. till' knob 4 in the ro!Htion c!wmber
:n. The vertical positinn c<m be mHnipulntc(l !'rom
exterior by the knob 4. In nrder to deal with the
constant imvard pressmc, <Ill exterior 5 pushes the
knob back up to its origimtl position. The result is a vertical
and horizontal movement o,;ontrol of the cmldy 12 w1d
presser 11 used to control the interior device.
A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the
shape of the control knob 4 need not be limited to that
already described. For example, FIG. 9 shows an embodi-
ment of the unit having, controls 901, 902, 903, and
904 shape mny closely resemble the function of the
control buttons on the entertainment device. Hence, control
901 may intemct \vitb the analogous "rewind" control of the
audio device. Similarly, control 902 may actwnc the "fbr-
w:ud" lm!lon uf the internal cnntrul device. While the
cxtcnml confl);!,unttinn nf the controls of !he housing may
adopt any nf a variety of slwpcs, tlw actuating mechanism
that allows li.}r wnterproof opemtion muy be the same as
of <t user. already described above. Fl(i. 9 ubo S]l\\WS n speaker syst!..!m
<Jssembly 905. ).'](/. 9 :dso an Clnhodilllellt of the
housing, h<tving n surface 906 thnt is adaptnblc to be wom on
an appendage, e.g.., a thigh, of a user.
With reference to J.'l(iS. 8.'\-HC, an embodiment or tlw
housing is shown )Htving a rotmd shnp(.\ ns opposed to the
reclangulm shape of the housing shown in FJG. 1. In some
embodiments, the round container 800 may have a threaded
804 to engage a threaded 805 on the lid 802. 40
This embodinlent nllows li.1r the stomgt.' ol'i!n <n1dio device
806 inside the cnntnincr 800 nnd lid 802 without the need li.1r
external la!Ches or buckles. FICi. SA also shows ;m speaker
system assembly 807 to be used in conjunction with the
hnusing and the device 806. FlUS. 8!3 lmd 8C show.
respectively. the tPp ;md side views ut'thc shnv..tl i11
].']( i' 8.'\
In some embodiments. the device nfthc present invention
eompri:>es components ll1r m<lntWily controlling the devit.'e
within the dosed container. Such control devices may com-
prise compone11ts external to the (.'untainer, components
internal to the cont11iner, or both external and inwrnnl
components. In some the components <ll'e
waterproof and/or capable of withstanding water pressure
encountered while scuba diving. Without limiting the scope
of the invention, control components suitable l(lr maniptl-
lnling the device within the contai1wr include knobs, C<lm-
sh;ll\s. push pins, soft rubber moldings and electronic con-
trol devices. ln one embndimcnttbe cnntainer or lid hmbtlrs
t.lllC such extern:1l contml device. In <1 preferred embodiment
the cont<ti11er ur lid hmbnrs IIHiltiple extemal cu1llml
dcvil'L'S. In H lllt\st embodiment the nllltaincr nr
lid hmbors u munbcr or cnntrnl devices spatially arranged so
as to optim;d ly operate the cnntmls ora specilk audio device
vvithiu the contwncr. Ill une prd\.:rred embodilllent, the
external control are cHpahle of hori;.ontal and
venic<ll movement. and e<1pablc of both horizon-
In some embodiments, the invention further
components fbr connecting the internal audio device to an
ltlldio nut put ad:tpler, as an audio jack, USB port,
Ethernet RJ45 port. Firewire, phone jack or multipin scrinl
connection. Such components include a cHble or wirclcs<>
transmission to <1 device t:<1pable of l(mning H connection
with nn <ludio cnmmuniwtitln link. !n some embodiments,
the invent ion the ptlsititllling nf t)ll' HUdio _j<Kk Oil
the inside ol'. on the nutsidc ornr \\ithin the housing. In sonw
embodiments. the invention nlso components thm
are Wil\L'tpron!' nnd compmwnts I hill can \Vithstand water
pressure encountered while scuba diving. Jn some embodi-
lnents, the i11Ve1ttion cumprisl.!s the usc of any couplin);l
medwnism capnblc of <Khieving, the purpose or connecting
tlw <mdio deviw to <Ill ;mdio communic;llion link including,
but 11ot limited to, pneumatic coupling, threaded coupling,
55 snap-in, push-in, Jock-in and permanent. In a prciCrrcd
embodiment, the wires llom the jack mukc a connec-
tion to a s\Cll..--'0 jm;k adnpter loca!t.'<-1 in the body wnll of the
housing. The stereo jnck adapter within the bore of <l
male bydnmlic nipple that lies !lush with exterior end. An
r.o n-ring between the body W<lll and the male hydraulic nipple
esl<thlishcs 11 hydrostatic sv<tl.
In 11 further embodinwnt nf the invent inn.
conncctintJ, the <tudin .iHck to an amlin comnnmie:1tion link
are provided. In S\ll1)e embndiments. the inventinn Hlso
comprises components t!wt <lrC W<\1<-'qm.lof am! Vlllll)lOllents
th<tl cml withsl<llld WH\cr pressure enctllllltered while scuh<J
diving The invention rurther the of any
us 7,263,032 132
13
coupling llll...'dumism capHb!c nf acbil'!ving the purpose of
COiliH.:cting llw audin jnck to illl <llldin collll'llllllication link
including, but nnl limited tn, pncumntic coupling. threaded
coupling, snap-in, push-in. lock-in and permanent. In onl...'
prciCrrl'd cmbndimcnt disclosed in l:IC!S. I to 3, <I stereo
jack 20 plugs inlo the dcvicl" su that the s\lund IS transmittcd
.frolll ()W device through <I short llcxib]c slack of C<lbk \6.
This will allow tlw electronic device to be casilv conncclcd,
:1nd inserted in the housing. This also allows tl1e lkxibility
nnd ndaptnbility h1nction by w.;ing any typ0 of device tlmt is to
equipped with <Ill audio jack. Tlw \vires from the swrco jack
20 nwkc 11 connection 17 to a slercn juck 3()
in the body w<lll 18 of the housing. This stereo jack cldaptcr
sits within the bore of a male hydmulic nipple 31 thnt lies
Hush with exterior end. There is an o-ring 29 between the 15
body wall IS and the male hydraulic nipple 31 that estab-
11 hydroswtic seal. This entire stereo jack adapwr is
designed to screw into tlw bndy \vall and serves ns u menns
llf prnvidinil :111 c<Jsily rcplaccabk. :md fixcd. prcssurc
rcsistnnt ;iudiu .i<Kk <ldapll'r tlwt can withstund nne or lll\ll"\.'
pn..'ssurc <lhsulutc whilc nwint<lining ;1 sc<ll
<l)l.ilinst the W<lll'l" envirnnment, ;md. thllt into n swn:o
dl'Vit:l'. Cm1pling to the mnlc hydmulic nipple 31 is tlw
fcmcdc hydwulic couplcr FJ(i. J thnt has a built-in stcrcn
jm;k 21. The femalc couplcr is snapped nver the male 2.'>
hydmulic nipple with a locking bearing 24 mechanism to
;1 hydrostntic audio connection by m<:Hns or a
locking. mcdmnism to the male coupler. This opemtes by
sliding the outer shell 22 away from the port. This action
allows the internal ball bearing 24 to slide out llom the 30
interior thmugh the holes in the interior shell when inserting
the male nipplc 31 into the female coupler 21. As such, a
sccure conncction is est<1blished. This occurs because the
_j,Kk 21 th<lt is inside the fcmnk coupler 1\ts into the <1daptcr
30 within the m<ile coupler. Releasing the sliding shell 22
cn1ses tl1e intcnwl spring 34 to pusl1 the nutcr shell 22
towmds the port whereby the ball ben rings 24 me oncc a in
pushed through the holes in the intcrior shell 2:\. The ball
bearing 24 thL'I1 !it intO the grOtlVL' 28 of the JnidC Coupler,
the two units from scparHting.. A hydrostatic se<ll -1u
1s est<lhlislwd by this juncture. The Jl:m(de coupler contai11s
nn o-ring 35 insidc to provide n hydrostatic seal cnpable or
withstanding. one or more pressure absolute. The flm, front
edge. oJ' the nH1k. couplvr m<1kcs contact with the CHing.
When the sliding shell 22 is released and the ball bearings 45
lit in the gro()vc 28, it initiutcs a small degree or compression
on the juncture th<lt drives the Jiont edge or the male couple
deeper into the internal o-ring 35oft he femnle couple. Thus,
:1 hydro,;tatic seal is <...'S"ttlblislHxl th.:\1 provides Jbr tt prcssun.
<lnd waterproof _juncture bel ween the male and so
mli1ptcrs. This unit lws the bencl1t that it can rotate
around the nxis \Vithout breaking the se<ll. In addition, this
unit will allO\v the user to cnmplctcly diseng.nge and rees-
wblish the coJlJlL'Ction undenvntcr without llooding <"l!ld
the Interior of the hnusin)l bcc<IUSC thc nudc ami
t"cmidC hydraulic co!!plcrs Hr\.' completely intcrn;llly scaled
cnmponcnts. Thl' mnlc CO\iplcr contains n solid !1cxibk
!]!ling 29 suth as siliwnc or rubber. which prevents W<Jtcr
Jhm1 entering. rhc !Cmale coupler contains a thick o-rinp, 35
internally. This is impnrtant beC<IUSe if fur <Illy reason the Ml
cable pulls apart fro111 the housing !hen the housing unit will
not Jlood and destroy the ckctronlc device.
In some cmbodimcnts. the device of the invention
comprises an audio comrnunicntion link between the hous-
ing and a device capable of generating audible sound. fi.S
Without limiting the scope ol"thc invention dica.:losed hcrcin.
said amlin comnn1nication link may trnnsmit nny signal
14
eap<ible of being. converted into audible sound, including
Hlldiblc sou11d itself. The link muy furtlicr cnnvcy an analog
nr digital signal. It may be comprised oJ' uny malerial
capable ot' conducting an electronic signal, including copper,
silver and gold, nr :1 material cnpnble or conducting n digital
signal sucli a llbcruptic cable. ln one prekrred embodi-
lill'llt. the audin cnnHlllll"lit..:ution link is pmvi<kd with <l
volunw control. The term volume cnntrolns berl'il1 is
intended to include any device cupubk of regulating. the
V<llue or strength of the signal g.cncwtcd by tlll.' audio device,
including but not limited to variable resisturs and pnwer
mnplillers. In <mother embodiment, the audio
control comprises a device c11pable of amplifying the signal
from the audio device. Such devices include, but arc not
limited to amplifiers and power modulators. The invention
further embodies the use of any device capable of modulat-
ing the na!tlrc, amplitude. frequency or clarity of the signnl
produced from the audio device. Such devices include, but
urc not limi!ed to A/]) converters. ))/A converters. cquali:wrs
and 1)0!.13'{!\ or similar sound nwnipulation systems. A
Wireless cummunic<1tinn link such <IS the 131 ,Uid"OOTll,R
systcm is ;ilsn wi!hin the scnpc o!"thc invent inn. One
prckrrl'd cmbodinwnt is dcscrilwd in FICiS. 1 -J. One nr
St.!VCral submersible <md pressure resistant cubll's 25 from
the female stereo jack runs up to an cxtcrior volume control
26 comprised nf:1 variable resistor. The audio cable is mmlc
olmatcrial cnpable of transmitting <itldio data. "]'his mnteri<ll
e<m range !'rom copper to flbcr optics. This cable is covered
with a non-permeable f1exiblc membrane. Between the
housing coupling unit and the speakers. in the cable, can be
positioned a variable resistor 26 in the cnblc for adjusting the
volume oft he earphones. "J'he resistor cireuit1y will allow fi.H
modulation of the nudio level to the speakers. Furthermore,
the circuitry is within a pcrm<mently sen led housing that can
withstand onc, or more. absl)lute
\n S\lllle Cillbodill"ll!ll1S. the device OJ" the present invenliOll
cnmpriscs components !t1r connecting. the audin devicL' to
any nf severn! devices cnpable of producing sound. Such
<kvices include, fur inst<mc<.:, loudspc:1ker ckments. elec-
trostatic transducers. bone cnnducting devices, and ultm-
smmd-gcner<lting devices. The illVClllHlll e1nbodies the usc
of nny type of Joudspcaker clemenl capnblc of producing
mldiblc sound, including btn not limited to magnetic cle-
ments, piezoelectric clements and electrostatic transducers.
In some embodiments, the device of the present invention
comprises an underwater headscl comprising at least (}!K:
speaker within <1 wnterprooJ"enclosure, wherein snid speaker
is adapted fix and horizontal and rotational posi-
tioning. The hC<idset may be nt1nchcd to the user's head, or
to the user's equipment such as li1cc mask. mask stmp or
hood or Ill Hny othcr desired local inn. In u preiCrrcd embodi-
ment. the speaker is mmmted on a member capable of
hnrizonl<ll and vertical movement. The member may be
comprised of <l rigid or Jlcxibk-' mtltcrinl such ;1s plnstic.
rubber or mcl<i!. Any type of devicl' o..:apablc of producin)l
S\llllllL including lnudspcake1 elclllcnts, elcctrost<JllC trans"
dl1cers. bone conducting dl'Vi<:cs, nnd ultniSlltllld-gcncmting.
devices. m<IY be used. Any type nf loudspeaker elcment
C<lpablc of producing audible sound, including but not
li!Hited to magnetic clements, piezoelectric clements <1nd
electrostatic transducers may be used. In one prell:rred
cmbmlimcnt. m least one speaker is cnpnble of operating
with a !!cquency between 20 Hz and 25 kl !z. In another
pref(med embodiment the headset is pmvidcd with multiple
speaker elemcnts covering n wide frcquellcy nmgc. !n a most
preferred. embodiment, the lllltput fmm tile midrange
speuker of a muhiplc-spe11kcr comtruction. or the midrange
US 7,263,032 B2
15 16
register of <1 single-speaker com;truclilln, is amplified. The
wnm; "midrange" ami "midrange register" are us0d lwrcin us
defined by the usage or one skilled in the art. In some
embodiments, a waterproof enclosure smTotmds the speak-
ers. Such enclosure may be made from any rigid or !kxiblc .'i
watcrpmof material. indt1ding plastic. rubber or I. In 11
emb(JdinK'nltlw enclllSllrc is c<Jpable (lfwithsltlnd-
ing pressures cncmmtcrcd by n diver. such as u scuba diver.
comprising uf sm:h nwterials as fiber-reinforced epoxy,
vinyl, MY! (i.e., biaxially-miented polyethylene
terephtlwlntc pnlyL'Stcr film), polyester, Al3S resin or the
like, covers the spenkcrs covers the outsidt:'. This wi!! <lilow
tlw sound to travel through tlw di;1gram with the least
resistance and serve to move the diaphwgm for incrcast:'d
sound !idclity. It is <1 permamml structurl.! and should be
seHlcd and f1xed.
In tmothcr preferred embodiment, the waterproof enclosure
Cllmpriscs a water-resistant membrane or diaphragm capable 10
oftmnsmitting audible sound. Such mcmbmnc may b-.- made
from, Ji.1r instmKc, Jlbcr-rcinforccd epoxy, polycsler or AHS
resin. In some embodiments, the device of the present
invention comprises various con1rol devices including. but
ln another cmbodinwnt shown in FJCi. 4, a wiri.!ll.!ss
receiver systl.!m is equipped into the mask strap system. !\
wireless rl.!ceiver 49 is connected to an analog couvc1ier 50,
which then Si.!lld the m1dio signal to the spe11kers via C<lbles
42a. 42b. A switch 47 allows the user to control the power.
The switch is covered with a !lexiblc nonpcrmablc mem-
brane that can wgglc tn an on or oll" position. A bal\cry 48
prnvides the power to wireless receiver system. lhe btiltery
not limited tn, an on/olT switch, a volume control or <ll1 L'
amplifier.
In some embodiments. the device of the present invc111ion
comprises a wireless n:cciver system attnched to the user's
headset. Any wireless receiver connected to any an<1log
converter capable of sending an audio signal to the speakers 211
may bl.': used. Tlw invention further embodies the usc of
<Hlditional control devices including, but not limited to, <ll1
oJV\llrswitch, <1 volume control. memo1y for bull'cring datn,
<lnd an ampliller. In some embodiments, the wireless
is sl.!curcd from tlw environnwnt within the receiver system
and can be easily rcplac<.:d by unscrewing <1 side pnrt lid and
sliding the bnltcry out I{H replacement. Tlw interior circuitry
56 of the speakers 52, 54, 55 is cn<ltcd with H nonconductivc,
marine grmle nmtcrial to prevent cnrrosio11 <md damage. Hy
using, piezoelectric, b01w conduclion, or ultrasonic mechn
nisms, hig,h fidelity is accessible. The pllrpnsc of having
s<.>vcral speakers is to be abk to compenSatl.! for the fldelity
loss caused by the water. In the embodiment represented in
FlU. 5 the mid-range JJcquency speaker provides greater
J'L'Ceiver system is incorpomted into the speaker hmtsing. ::s
Prcfl.'rred l.':mbodiments arc disclnsed in FlUS. 4to 5. Tlw
hendset utili;r.cs a Jiame :wIn which the speaker <lrm 44 is
The fmme is rigid nnd comprises n swivel 41 and
<l hollow r.:hnmbcr through which a mask strap !Cells. This
will allow for horiton!Hl adjustment by sliding, and li.w
vertir.:a! mljustment by rotating the urm of the swivel. Thus,
a user r.:an position the speaker to personnl tmd custom
r.:oordinutes. The speaker arm 44 is a concave Jlamc with
speakers 46 mounted on the ends. Angular adjustments
allow the user to spccillcally orient the speakers in three-
dimensional space ln suit persnnal cnordin<1tes. It is intended
l'or the user to position the speakers ncm the ems, directing
the sound wavl.'s into the ear canal but not restricting the
cmwl pass<lgL-Wil)'S. This is importnntto <tllow the diver the
ability to equalize pressurt:' of the sinus and car canals with
the <llllbit:'nt prcssnre ol' the envirolllllCil!.
1:1< i. I 0 shtlws \W(\ (\r H l'nll11l' 1002 Vvhich 1n<1y be
utilized with the spl'<lkt:'r system ;1ssembly or FKi. 5. In this
t:'tnbodinll-'lll, tlw Jiollne I 002 tum;ists n !' 11 port inn I 004 llx
a\!w,:hing the lhmll' 1002 tll the mask strnp of <l diver. Thl'
!'r<Jllle 11Hl2 furtl1e1' consists tll':! rHH'tion 1006 to \Vhich the
spe;llwr lmusinp. m<IY lw nllixed usinp., for exmnpk. a
screw-bole 1008. The JJamc 1002 may be furtht.'r pm\idcd
\\'itb through holes l(lJ(), J(ll2, nnd 1014 Jllr thre11ding
through 11 physical communicntion link between the
housing and tht:' audio device housing shown in l'l(i. 1.
Fmme 1002 may be Jlom ;;1 n1bber mnterialto provide
both flrmncss nnd clnsticity, as well as a son feel. Alterna-
tively, lhtmc 10112 may be made of suitable plastic or
aluminum
The wire cable runs through the membrane 46 or the
securely scaled speaker housing to the pkt.ockctric 52. 53.
55 cl'mmic speaker clements with <1 20 liz to 25 k! lz
li\XlllClll'Y r<Jnge. This mngt:' is advunl<lgeous in the design or
the spcukers they Cilll \hlrk with <lll amplilier to
ClliTCCt I(H dwnpcning The three spe:1kers :ue
designed to operme a\ lidclity levl'ls hcnrd out of w:1ter.
whik underwater. Due to the dampening t:'Jkct or WHtcr, tilt:'
llcquency r:mges Ji.1r the dampened W<lvclengths arc com-
pcnsntcd. Thus, out tlf water, the audio mny not sound
normal. 110\vever being, underw<ltl.!r, they pmvidi.! lkklity
without of clarity. A rigid yet nondcnse diaphmgm 51
signal amplification than the low mngc 55 and high mngc 52
spenkers. Thus, in ellCC!, the audio fidelity heard underwatl.!r
is maintained by over amplification or dampened frequency
.'lo ranges. hlr those seeking to usc 11 system that maintains the
highest uudio liddity while undcnv<lter, this dcvir.:l.! provides
enhancements over other
!:JG. Il/\ shows an t:'xcmplary embodiment of a housing
1100 !'or a spcak!.!r 1102 tlmt may bl.'! ttscd with the personul
.>5 m1dio system disclosed herein. The spi.!Hkt:'r housing 1100
1nay consist oi'<Juwsk clip 1104 !'or securing th<.: speilkcr and
its housing, to the mask strap of a diver's nHlSk. The m;tsk
clip 1104 includes screws 1106 li.lr fastening thi.! sp!.!aker
how>ing assembly to the clip II 04. '!'he mask clip II 04
111 mny be made of a material such as rubber or light-weight
:duminwn. Tht:' mask clip 1104 is dt:'signed to secuJely
enga[!C to <1 diver's mnsk s\nlp. For exnmple, with reference
to FJ(i. IIC the mask clip 1104 has a portion 1118 shaped
likenn invt:'rted ''\1" in order tn t:'Hgilf!,C the diver's !he<.: mask.
1-' The speaker housing ll 00 11lrther includes a housing basi.!
!lOS lix set tin)!. the 1102 thcrl.!in. '!'he htHlsing, hHsl.!
1108 includes 11 concave portion f(lr recei\ing the spC<Ikt:'r
1102. The housing base 1108 1n<1y bt.' m;1de or a plastic,
met<dlic, or rubber m<lleri<tl. The housing llOO may also
)IJ include o-rings 1110 and ll20 to ensure that the housing
1100 remains ;vaterproor, ther<.:by pro!ecting, the speaker
1102. A person ofordinm)' skill in the 11rt will recognize that
many commercially available o-ring,s will serve the dt:'sired
li.mction. ln other embodiments, the hou<>ing comprises a
55 gland seal or a face seal. The housing 1100 nmy also include
a housing lld 1112 to engage the housing bast:' 1108. The
hnusing lid 1112 has at least one npcrl1.1rc to permit sound
transmission from the speaker 1102 to the ear or a diver.
J.'!Ci. IIA shows a SJW<lker housing lid 1112 h<lving threv
(JP apertures lllfi. The ]musing lid lll2 may be made or the
S<llllC 111<Jteri;ils as the ]musing base 1108. l:urtherlllore, the
hnusing lid 1112 nwy be secured to the spc<1kcr housing b:tse
11{)8 by, J()f t:'XHJBpJc. il )l.I"Ollp Of llJ4. Jt will be
app<H'I.!nt to a person or ordillill)' :;kill in the art thnt the
1,5 CXt:'mplary embodiment kll the spe<lki.!r h<.lusiog assembly
1100 discussl.!d here lll<l)' be implel'l1(.)11\l..'d in <I variety of
wnys. Whnt is rckvant is to provide <I spe<tkcr assembly
us 7,263,032 B2
17
!'>)'Stem thut includes <1 nwans fur nlt<Klling. the spe:1kcr
housing to the diver's mw;k (e.g., the mask clip 1 104) ns wdl
as .n waterproof housing means (e.g., housing base 1108.
<Hing Ill 0, and housing lid 1112) to protect the speaker
1102. FICS. liB and llC respectively show <1 perspective
view and a side view of the housing assembly 1100.
ln yet another embodiment of the invention, an underwa-
ter headset comprising. at least one speaker within a water-
proof enclosure, wherein said <11 Jcm;t om. speaker
J110lll1tcd on <l IJamc that illlacbcs to the car. is provided. On(' I\!
:;ki)]ed in \]W <1!'\ is <lW<II"i..! nf llltdlipJc !lll'illlS fur :11\W:hing a
device to the car_ int'ludin)l. but not limited to. <I computwnt
wmppinp, <lmund the C<lr. il component clipping tP tlw enr or
a comlw!lent being insl'r\l'd intn thl' l'ar. Tho: invention
emlwdies tho: pnsitinning llf speakers nutsidc or the nr
1

insl'rted intn the e<ll' canal. .'\11y rigid or llcxible 111Hteri<ils
nu1y be used in the numtdliCillrc of the cnclosurc. ln one
pre!Crrcd l'mbodimcnt, said enclosure is capable o!" with-
st<mding prl'ssure encountered while diving, fbr example,
scuba diving. ln <mother preferred embodiment, the water-
pmor enclosute is made lhm1 a flexible m;l!erial, :-;uch 11:->
rubber, plastic. or silicone. Inn most preferred embodiment.
the flexible m<lterial is capable of fonning the shape or the
18
power fur gl..!uerating S\lUJld in air but
i11adequate signal powm !(lr spl.!<lker clements )-!,l..!llCr<lting
smmd under W<l\Cr
In some embodiments, the amplifier can amplify one or
more audio channels. For example, the amplifier may
amplify two audio channels, thus providing amplification llJr
a stereo ck'Clrnnic audio In soml..! cmbodinwn!s, the
nmpliller can drive speaker elements at frequencies between
20 I Iz and 25 kHz.
In some embodiments, the amplifier is powered by <l
portable powl..!r source such as a batlcry. In O!W cmbudiment,
the pnwcr snurce Cor th<.:' ampliller is the S<llllc powl..!r source
that pmvers cliJclronic device. In another embodiment,
tlw pnv ..l..!r source for the amplifier is sepurale !!om the power
sourc1..0 by the ekclnmic
ln some embm!iml..!nts, thl' amplifier is small in sii.L' tu
help provide of nn nnderw;Her mHiio
system. It is alsn udvmlla[!.enus tlwl !he be small in
size so us to reduce dissipalion by the mnplilkr.
In some embodimmts, the amplifier contains an inp111
audio port for receiving. audio signals from an deetronic
device. In some embodiments, the input audio port 1/.icili-
tatcs electrical connection between the electronic device und
the <unpliflcr. In one cmb()dimcnt, the input audio port is a
user's t.'ar canal.
FJ<iS. 12/\-12(' show an embodiment implementing <I
spe<!ker system assembly having 1111 e:1r clip 1202 :1Uaclwd to
:;:; stereo jack fi:lr receiving stcrl..!o m1dio signals fimn the
electronic device. In one cmbodinwnt, s!andard stereo jack
compoJwnts me used such that the amplil"icr can be plugged
inlo n standnrd output oJ be<Jdphone jack provided by <1
consunwr clectmnic audio device. ln some embodinwnts,
<l spc<lkcr housing 1204 and intq!X<Iling a mold<1bk
1206 thnl conl"onm Ill the slwpc of the ou\cr ear 1212 nf H
diver. Th\' em clip 1202 is designed to wrap <lmund the em
lnbl' 1208 llf <l diver ltlr supporting. the speaker ass!.'mbly
1204 securely )'l't cumlilr\11hly The C<l!" clip 1202 111<1)' be
made or a su!"t-nwldcd rtlbbcr, <md it may be manuhlcturL'd
such that it accommodtl!es <l physictll communicatinn link
1210 connecting tlw speaker system assembly 1204 and the _
15
huusing shown in FlCi. I. The moldt1blc piece 1206 may be
made of n son gel which molds to the shape of the outer em
1212 of <1 diver. The moldnblc piece 1206 may be one such
11, tlw input audio pon is wired dirl..!ctly lo the electronic device.
In som1..0 cmbodimi..!Jlts. the input <Hidio pnrt provides J't)l
\Virl'less reception of m1dio sigmds trHnsmincd by tlw clcl>
Ironic device. ln embodiments. trnnsmitter
to electronic arc
for transmitling tlw nuditl signal from electronic device
and receiver electronics are electronically connl..!cted to the
ns that manufactured by JABRA Corporation under the trade
name JABRA EarGels:J.?.\ The JABRA EarGcls{J.I,l allows the
4
u
audio signal to reach the diver's inner car while at the sa!llc
time protecting the speaker system 1204 from the clements.
such ns n wntcr l.!nvironment
amplifier for receiving, the audio signal. The electronic
circuitry j()r wirclcssly transmitting and receiving audio
signals mny be by any of the me1hods knov.:n to
those skilled in llw art and may include technology for
butrering. data into ml..!nwry to help provide 11 consistent data
Stl"Cilll1.
In some embodiments. thc amplifier contains nne or more
output ports tlwt facilitate electrical connection to one or
Additional con\nl] devices including, bul not limited to,
<Hl nniotr a volume control or an ampliller may be
inclmkd. ')"he iJlVI..!lltiUll ft1rther embodi!JS the USC or <lilY
nf ()cvice nf P,CIWr<Jiing. SOllnd. including., but not
limited tll, piet.tlclcctri(:, m<lg.nctic, e!l..!ctrostatit twnsducers,
bO!K' conducting ;md ul!msound.
murc .spc<lkcr clements. The one or more output pm1s may
consist or one nr illure nudio jacks. 1:ur example. a sH:reo
nu1pu1 _inck may be provided. In some embodiments. the
physical outputs mny be wired dirt.'ctly to speaker
ekments inste<ld of providing nn output j<lck.
In snnw embodiments, tl power amplili<-'r is provided to 'iiJ
help compensate for the elkds or pressure on speakl..!r
ckmcnts. At ineretlsinp. umkrwntcr depth, the water press me
limits mnvemcnt or speaker dements, which tk.x:renscs
Tlw speaker denwnts may comprise any nf the clement
designs above. 1
1
or example, the spcakl..!r
may comprise piezo-electric, b01w conduction, or tnmsduccr
ek.mcnts. As previonsly discussed, the .sp(.!aker elements
muy be in one or more waterproof' housings. Jn nne tlK' volume or the sound output from the speakers. The
powl..!r amplifier can be used to increase the vnlume of !he
sound output !ltllll the eleJllen\s by in(.;re<lsing the
auditl signal produced by thl' audio dcvicl'. Forcxnmple. tlw
nmplifier can receive as input the audio sig.nnl produced by
an ek'Ctronic device cap<1blc of producing an audio sigJl<ll
and provide as output to speaker ell..!nwnts un ;mdin sign<Jl
with incrcasl..!d power. thus enhancing the !idelity and Vll]-
ume of tlw sound produced by the spcukcr elements. The
result is an underwater audio system that can deliver high
lldclity v,:hi!c exposed to commonly eXJH."rienccd
whileS( 'UBA diving. In sunw l..!mbodiments, the electronic
devicl..! is a sltlndard consumer audio such
tls an player, that pmduccs an :1udio sig,md of suitable
s:; embodiment, the waterproof housings thai contain the
speaker clements mHy be nil Jllled In help wilhst<md under-

In some embodiments the amplifier hHs a component l(lr
powering the amplifier on and ofT. In one l..!mbodimcnt, tlw
61! componcnl is a button. In embmlimenL th1..0 compo-
Jwnt is <l switch. ln nther en1budilm.mt.s, the ;unplilier <nllo-
m<ltic:llly powers on when nn input m1dio signal is provided.
In ano1hcr embodiment, tlw amplil1er may be pressure
nnd turn on and otfbased on ex!crnnl pressure. The
65 0lectronic cin.:uiiiy fl1rm1tomatic;:dly pov. .. ering the amplifier
011 upun ddccting an input m1dio signal mHy bl..! dcsi)biWd by
any or the methods known to those skilled in the art.
US 7,263,032 B2
19
In some embudimcnts the mnplillcr t:outains a power
IIHlicator I'm indicating whdher the amplifier is powered on
or oll'. In one cmbodimem, the indkntor u light. In
<1 specific embodiment, the light is an LED. An LED is
<ldvantageous becmJse of its relatively low power consump- :;
lion.
ln sume embodiments, the <Ul1pliflcr may bu dispm;ed in
the same waterproof housing that contnins the dcctronic
device. The waterproof housing is discussed above. As
illustrawd in FIG. BA, an electronic device capable of 10
producing an audio signal 1301 is l:!k:ctronical!y connected
via electrical comwction 1303 to tlw mnpliller 1304. The
clcctricnl connection 1303 may consist of any means of
electrically transmitting an audio signal from the electronic
device 1301 to the mnplifkr 1304. For example, it m<1y l.'i
consist nf one or nwre wires and lllay include one nr mure
jncks 1111(i/or plugs tt1r Jhciliwting, connection. The mnplilier
13fl4 and electronic device DOl arc disposed within wnl<..'r-
pronf and pressure resistnnt housing 1302.
l'J(i. lJI3 illustrates nne embodiment cnmprising a water- 2u
proof housing 1J02 conwining an <Hnpliiier 1304 and <1
spnce ndapted to receive an electronic audio device 1301.
The wntcrproofhousing 1302 fcan1rcs n base 1313 and n lid
1314; l'ICJ. 13(' shows the amplifier 1304 hlr usc in the
hou:-;ing LHJ2 !C<lluring n pushbutton or switch Ull !llr :?5
turning the mnpli!ler on :1nd/nr utr The umplifler 1304 nwy
include I :\03 !(lr elect ricH I connection to the electronic
nudio device lJOl. The amplillcr mHy nlso comprise its own
powcr sotux:c, such ;1s battcry IJ 12. In some embodiments,
the housing 1302 is equipped with a push-bullon or s\vitch w
DIS that fucilit<Jtes turning the umplilicr nn and/or olf by
with the amplillcr pushbul\on or switch D II.
bunon or s-witch wn be mllmdilcnmxl su<.:h thlll it can
be turned nn or o!rwithout having to open 1302. In
embodiments, mnplilier 1304 lws an on/oll' indict1tor
such ns <I light that can be viewed through housing 13tl2
withmn h<1ving. to open it
.1:'i
The ampli!lcr 1304 is elcctric<llly C\\JllleCtL'd viH i!Udio
conHmmic<ltinn links DOS and 1306 to speaker dements
1307 and 1308. The iiUdiu ClllllllHillictltiun !inks nos <lnd 411
1306 may be ns dt..>s<..Tihc.'d L'<trliL'r 1111d 111<1)' t:omp1isc il
W<llcrproof nn<l pressure resist:mt cnbk. The cable m<lY h<..'
connected to an t111dio jack, such a:-; the stereo j;1ck described
earlier, 1.vhich can plug into an audio jack adapter in the side
nf" the housing 1302 to hKi]il<ltC. elct:tr]<;;d COJl!lCCtion
hctVvecn the cable and tl1e tlmplilicr. As described emlier,
components may be provided to liKilitate <l waterproof and
pressure rcsisltmt connection between the audio jack and tht.!
audio jack adapter, Alternatively, audio communication
Jinks nos nnd 1306 may be permanently connected to )0
electronic device 1301. ln such cases, comtmmication link:>
130S and 1306 may enter housing 1302 at the same locntion,
sharing the same seal, or they may enter housing 1302 in
sep:1rate lncations. Alternatively. a communication
link muy enter housing 1302. In such a case. the single
Ctlllllllllllication link into ctllllllllll1ica1illll links
1305 nnd 1306 nutsidc 1302.
Speak<.:r elements 1307 and I 308 urc disposed within their
own individtwl w:1tcrpnmf and resist<ml housings
1309 and 1311!. !"lwsc housings may be designed as f>tJ
desl!ribed earlier. IJectril!td connection be\\vcen the :wdio
20
pressure resistant seal fnrmed when; the cubics enter the
housings 1309 and t 310 to prevent into the housin!J,S
1309 and B lll.
In embodiments, the amp! iller mny be dispnscd in
a wntcrprouf and pressure resistant housing separate from
the housing thnt contains the electronic device. One such
embodiment is illustrated in FlU. 14. The electronic device
1401 is con!Hined within housing 1402. Tho amplifier is
contained within housing 1417. An ek"'<.'trical connection
between the electronic device 1401 und the amplifier is via
audio communication link 1416. A power source, such as a
b:lltery, llHI)' be provided in housing 1417to provide power
fnr the amplifier. Alternatively, power may be provided to
the umplilicr !i"om H power source in housing 1402. !n such
a cHsc, an electrical power connection is provided bctwccn
the power source <1nd tlw amplifiers. In embodiments,
the power connection mny share <1 waterproof and
pressure n.:sislfmt cable \.Vilh the audin cnmnmnin1tion link
1416. It will be appreciated that pl)Wcr may be provided to
the amplifier using any power source consistent with the
ampliflcr's intended use.
Audio communication link 1416 may consist of a water-
proof and resist:mt cable or other audio communi-
cation means-. In :-;omc embodiments, the clcctric;d connec-
t inn he!ween electronic device 1401 und m1din
communication link 1416 permmwnt. In these embodi-
ments, a wateJtigbt and pressure resistant seal is formed
where audio communication link 1416 enters the sick or
housing 1402. In other embodiments, one or morc jacks
tmd/m plugs HJ"e in the side of housin).t 14()2 Ill
fhcilitate electrical connection bc\Wl'Cn the dcctnmic device
1401 and the audio communication link 1416. "l'hese j<K"ks
and plug.s may be as described earlier.
.'\udin cumnnmication link 1416 is electmnically con-
nected to the amplifier. In some embodiments, the ek'Ctrnnic
connection is permanent. In embodiments, <1 watcrtig,ht
and pressure resistant seal may be li.mncd where audio
cummunication !ink 1416 enters the side of housing 1417. ln
other embodiments, nne nr more jacks and/or plugs me
provided in the side uf housing. 1402 to facillttl\e electrical
connccti\m bei\VCcnthc ckctronic device 140 I and the nudio
C\H1lmunicationlink 1416. and m<1y be as
described earlier.
Audio communic11tinn links 1418 tmd 1422 are pmvidcd
to clectric;li connection between the amplifier nnd
speaker elements 1420 nnd 1421. Audio conllnunication
links 1418 and 1422 may comprise waterproof and pressure
resistant cablcs. In some embodiments, electronic connec-
tion between audio commtmication links 1418 and 1422 me
permanent. In these embodiments, a watertight and prcssurc
resistant seal may be forml':d where audio communication
links 1418 and 1422 enter the side of housing 1417. Audio
cnmmunication links 1418 :md 1422 may enter housing
1417 <lithe loct1tion, sharing the s;une sen], or the may
enter housin)J. 1417 in sepnmtc lnctl\ions. Alternatively, a
single cnmmtmication link 11111y enter housin!l- 1417. In such
<1 cm;e, the single communication link branches into com-
munication links 1418 and 1422 ide nfhou:-;ing, 1417. In
otlwr emhndiments, Olll' nr more .i:tcks <llld/or plugs arc
provided in the side of housing 1402 \0 facililll!C electrical
connection between the mnplifler and the audio communi-
cation links 1418 and 1422. Th<::se jncks and plugs may be
communication links IJOS nnd 1306 :md the speaker
ments 1307 and 1308 may be racilitatcd by mKiio jack and
audio jack adapter components as described above. Alter-
natively, the audio commtmictttionlinks DOS and 1306 may
consist or cables permanently conneded to the speaker
clements 1307 and 1308. In that case, a wmertig,ht and
65 <lS" describ<..xl earlicr.
In some audio communic<ttion links 1416,
1418, and 1422 nlong with the ampli!ler nnd hotlsing 1417
US 7,263,032 B2
21
may be provided togcthc1 m; an audio communication link
bul\vcen the electronic device 1401 <llld speaker elem<.:nls
1420 <llld 1421.
Speaker elements 1420 tmd 1421 are disposed within
housings 1419 and 142:\. These housings nwy be as
deserilwd <lbnve. In S\lllW the t'k'\:tnmie C\lll
neetiun hel\Ve01l audio CUilllllllllicatinn I inks 1418 a11d 1422
:md speaker elements 1421) :md 1421 nn. permnnent.ln these
embodiments, <l wawrtight and pressure resistant seal may
22
ampli!lers 1637 and 1641. A wireless transmitter 1633 that
is disposed along with the elcctmnic device 1601 within
housing 1602 transmits an audio signal to receivers 1636
and 1640. The wireless transmitter 1633 is elcctric.:dly
connected ln electronic device 1601 within the housing
1()02. Transmitter Hi33 is pOVI'cnxl by <l power source. Stich
ns <1 h<lllery, ]llt:ated within hnusing 1631. In some emb\ldi-
mcnts. the transmitter 1633 shares a power sourcl' with the
be formed where audio commtmicntion Jinks 1418 and 1422 tn
electronic device 16()1. ln other embodiments, the transmit-
ter 1633 has its own power soun:e.
enter the side or housings 1419 and 1423. In other
ments, one or more jm:ks <lnd/or plug,s me provided in the
side or hollsings 1419 and 1423 to ll!Ciliwtc electrical
connection between the ampliflcr and the speaker clements
1420 and 1421. These jacks and plug,s may be as de<>cribed
earlier.
In sonw embodiments, one or more amplifiers are dis-
posed within the same housings as the speaker clements. As
illustnl\ed in l'IU. 15. electrnnic device 1501 is contained
within housing 1502. Spe<tker clements 1526 tllld 1531 and
a!npliliers l52S and 1529 <lfC disposed within speaker lluus-
ings 1527 nnd 1530 rcspecti\'ely. :\11din communication
links 1525 <llld 1532 provick <m dcctronic conntction
between electnmic device 1501 and the <unpliliers 152S and
1529. As described above, communication links 1525 and
1532 may be permanently connected to uudio device 1501
;md nmplificrs I52S nnd 1529. In such cases, watertight and
prcssure rcsistant seals mny be provided where communi-
c.:l\ion links 1525 and 1532 enter housings 1502, 1527 and
1530. Audio comnHmication links 1525 and 1532 may enter
housing. 1502 at the swnc location, sharing the same seal, or
they mny enter housing 1502 in separa1c locntions. Altcrna
tivcly, a single commtmic<ttion link may enter housing 1502.
In $w;:h a ca<>e, the $Ingle cnmmunicntion link bmnchcs into
communication links 1525 and 1532 outside of housing
1502. Also <IS described above, in some embodiments one nr
morc .i<lcks <md/or plugs mc provided in the side of housings
1502, 1527, 11nd 1530 to li1cilil<ltc electrical connection
be\Wl.'<..-'11 the wnplifier and the <1111plilkn; 1529 nnd 1529.
These _jacks 11nd plugs may be as described c<trlier.
/\tnplillcrs 152S il!ld 1529 me clcctricully cnnnccted tn
SJW<lker clements 1526 and 1531 within housin)},s 1527 and
1530. Audio signals provided by clectnmic device I 501 arc
<1ll1plilicd separately li.lr em;h speaker clement 1526 and
1531 by mnplilicrs 152S and 1529 respectively. A power
source, such as a h<lllery, may be provided in cuch speaker
housing 1527 mul1530 to provide power for amplifiers 1528
und 1529. Ahernativcly, power mny be provided to
lien; 1528 and 1529 fi'Om n power soun::c in housing 1502.
In such a case, electrical power connections arc provided
bctwcen the power source and the mnplillers 152S and 1529.
In one embodiment. n waterpronf housing IJ02 as
doplc!cd in l'](j, BB is used to house <Ill e!cctrnnic
device and/or an amplifier 1304. As discussed above, hous-
ing 1302 comprises a base 1313 and a lid 1314. In some
!5 embodiments, the base and lid may be made out of plastic,
including trnnslucent or semi-translm;en1 plastic which
optionally mny be color tinted. The lid may be secured to the
base by hinge 1350, which allows the lid l314to be open as
depicted in FICi. 1313, or closed as depicted in FJCj, 17. The
:>11 lid m<lY comprise a window 1351. which increases visibility
or displ:iys Oil an dectroniC <111diu device disposed within
huusinv, 1302. Window 135lmuy be m<Hlc nut nftnmslucent
pl<lstic nr other mHlerinl th<lt is mort: tnmsl\1cent that the I'CSt
or housing, 1302. In some embodiments, \vindow 1351 is
2:> recessed so th<H it is closer to the displny on thl' electronic
audio dcvict:. In some embodinwnts, wimbw 1351 is made
lens-like so as to provide magnif-Ication of the disph1y. Those
of skill in the art \Viii recognize multiple tcchnlques J(H
creating, a lcns.Jike window, such as by forming concave
30 and/or convex surJJccs on the window or by utilizing ilat
lens technology. The lid 1314 may be locked into the closed
position by cam dial 1352. As depicted in FIG. 1SA, cam
dial 1352 con!<tins groove lS()O_ When lid 1314 is closed,
pro,icction 1354 on lid 1314 (depicted in FICJ. 13B) intcr-
.>5 with groove 1SOO. Cam dia11352 may then be rotated
such that projectinn 1154 slides through g.ronvc !Stltl,
thereby incrensing dnwnwHnl press me nn lid 1314. l.id 1314
contains nring 1356 !i.lr <.:rcating a waterpnlof sen! between
b<1se 1.11.1 <md lid L114 when cam dial 1352 creates down-
111 ward nnlid 1314. With reference to F!CiS. IS.'\ <md
ISH. Cam dial 1352 may ;dso comprisl' tah 1802 !(lr lut:king
cam dial 1352 in place. Tub 1802 contains <1 projection 1804
that intcrlhces with a slot in base 1313 and prevents cam din!
1352 JJom roW ling. lo nllow rotation of cam dial 1.152, tab
1S 1Stl2 may be swung to an up position ns depicted in FlU.
ISH. In this pnsition. pmjeclion 1Sil4 nn longer interfaces
with the slot in base 1313, allowing the cam din! 1352 to
rot<ltc l()r locking or unlocking the lid 1314 to base 1313.
With refCrencl' to FIGS. DB and 17, housing 1J02 may
su contain several control devices, including bultons 1315,
1116, 1317, 1318. and 1319 and levers 13611 and 1362. As
In some L'mbndimcnts, !he electrical power connect inn !WI)'
share <l and pressure rcsist:mt cable \Vith audio
comnnmicalion links 1525 and 1532. Jt will be
tlwt puwcr nwy be provided to thl' wnplillcr using ;my
suurcc consistent with the <1111plificr's intended use.
discussed nbovt:. button 1315 interrace with button
1311 on 1304 for turning thl,) <lll'lplilier on and/m
n!r Hutlons lJ 16, IJ 17, lJ 18, <md 1.119 ilnd kvcrs IJ60 nnd
1362 nwy intcrhKc with cnutrol devices un <lll dectronic
audio device l'nr contwlling. the m1din device when the lid
In sonw embodimcnts, il!ustmtcd in FIG. 16, a wirekss
conHmmic<ltion !ink is provided. As described above. ampli
!icrs 1637 <lnd 1641 m<lY be disposed in the same housings
1635 nnd 1638 as speaker clements 1634 and 1639. In
:1ddition, wireless receivers 1636 <HHl 1640 arc also disposed
within speaker housings 1635 and 1638. The
receivers 1636 and 1640 arc clccuical!y connected to ampli-
fiers 1637 <md 1641, which in turn electrically connected
tn speaker 1634 and 1639. A power source, such as
u bull cry, is also provided \Vithin spe<lker housings 1635 and
1638 to provide power J()r rcccivers 1636 and 1640 and
1314 is closed. ln one embodiment, the contml devices in
h()using 1302 me designed to interface with the control
devices on tm iRivr..'r 300 series MP3 player. Th<: housing
6U 1302 nwy also contnin a slot 1358 J!.1r securing a strap to the
housing. The strap may then be secured to an individual.
Bullons 1315, 1316. 1317,1318, and 1319 nrc depicted in
l.'JCiS. 19.'\ and 19n. The buttons may comprise Jlngcr pad
1900 on !he exterior ,)/'housing U02 f()r m<mual pressing of
6) the butlnn. Rigid piston 1902 extends through a cavity 1904
in the side nr housing 1302 to the inwrior or the ])()using
1302. l3ulton milnipulator 1906 may be connected to piston
US 7,263,032 B2
23
1902 ontlw imerior of the housing 1302 for making contact
with tmd 1rwnipulating bu!!ons on the electronic audio
device nnd/or ampliflcr. Spring 1908 mtl)' be provided Ji.1r
keeping the button raised when not being pressed. Spring
1908 may h11vc a spring conswnt sufl!cicnt f())" resisting
activation nf the bu\lon wlwn exposed tn prcs-
smc. Snap 1914 may be provided l'or pn.:vcl!ling button
1900 JJom exiting 1302 through C<IVity 1904. 0-ring
1912 pn.vcnts water from entering 1302 :llong
piston 1902 or through cavity 1904. Wm;hcr 1910 provides 10
::1 plntfnrm !"or spring 1908 to tmnsfcr load to housing 1302
while protecting o-ring 1912.
Control levers 1360 and 1362 arc depicted in more detail
in FKiS. 20A and 2013. Control levers I360 nnd 1362 may
be used to manipulate n joystick control located on an t:i
electronic <Hi(lio dcvin.>. Rigid porlinns extend !lom control
levers B60 nnd 1362 through lid 1314 ;md into the interior
oft he housing 1302. ']"he 1igid portions <Jre interliH.:ed In fork
structures 2000 und 2002. Manipulation of contml levers
1360 or 1362 results in rott1tinn or ll1rk structures 2000 and :o
2002 respectivdy. h1rk strur.:tures 2000 <llld 2002 may be
constructed such that they overlap but may still freely movl'
without being impeded by each other. Fnr example. as
depicted in J.'J(i. 20B, the portion of lt1rk structure 2000 that
overlaps with !ixk structure 2002 may be below Jl1rk struc
turc 2002 to avoid intt:rfcrcnce. 1:ork structures 2000 and
2002 may cnmprisc t<1bs 2004, 2006. tlnd 2008 h1r manipu-
lating <1 _ioystick. 1-'or manipu!atinn of lever l.J62
would rotate llH"k structurt' 2002, resulting in ttlbS 2004 or
2006 nhlving the jl)ystick in il .sidewllYS direction. Simibrly,
mHnipulution oJ"kver 1360 would fork structure 2000. H)
resulting in tabs movinp, the joystick in <HI up-and-down
direction. in some embodiments. the joystick may <1lso be
pressed wrtically down 11sinp, button 1319, v.'hich may be
positioned directly above !he _joystick. Thus, by using, wn-
trol levers 1360 :md IJ62 :md bu(IOII 1319. aj()ystick may ."l)
be manipulmed sideways (e.g., altmg on an x-axis), up <llld
down (e.g,., ahmg a y axis), and vertically (e.g., along a 1.
axis).
This invention provides a simple and means of
containing <md >a1bmersing an entertainment device, \vhile
40
maintaining a hydrostatic seal against the environment. The
result is a submersible device thnt can produce audio waves
underwater li"om a portable Hudio device. This disclost1re has
described how it ovet-comes delkiencies in prior art.
In some embodimems. n dive computer may be placed in
the llllusing instcml of or in addition 10 the audio device. In
.some L'mb,)diments. till' dive computer may circuitry
!'or providing. nn audio signal. For example. the dive com-
puter nwy comprise a CD plnycr or 1m MP3 player. ln some
embodiments, the dive computer genorntes nudio sign;ll:-;
providing !he u:-;cr vvilh verbal in!'ormation by the so
dive computer.
J:mhodiments of the present invention have been .showll
and with a deg1ee nf particularity \o their
complch: m1d full understanding. lt should be undcr.stOlX!.
howewr. tlwt the present invention embodies tlw inventive
concepts as defined by the claims, and is not limited by any
detailed description herein. h)r example, any number of
conllgurations of an ekctronic device, mnplif1er, and
spt>aker elements nwy be ll\i]i!-ed to provide amplillcd nudio
signals IJom an electronic device 10 a t1ser.
What is claimed is:
I A_n_amlio system for use inS( "Ul3A diving. the system
compn.SHl),!,"
<l rigid submersible w<llerproo!" !musing.:
an electronic device disposed within said housing.,
wherein said electronic device is cap<ible or producing
an audio sig.nn!:
24
<Hl amp !iller to said device, wherein
.said nmpliJier is cap<1b!e of amplif)'ing, said audio
signal
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said is nlso
disposed within said housing.
3. J'he .syskm of claim 1 wherein said amplifler is
di.sp!lSed within a separate submersible W<ltcrpnllli.IHlUSing.
4. The system of claim 1 fun her comprising, one or more
spcnker clements electrically connected tn said ampllller,
wherein said ampli!lcr provides said ;llldio sigmli to said
spenker elcmems in amplihcd form.
5. The .system of cl11im 4 whereiu said <md nl
least one of said spe.1ker clements arc disposed together in
a separate waterproof housing,.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein said spc<tker clements
comprise piezo-electric clements.
7. The system of clnim 4 wherein said speaker clements
comprise bone conductinn clements.
8. The systcm of claim 4 wherein said speaker elcmen1s
comprise lransduccr clements.
9. The system of claim 4 \Vhercin said spt'akt:r t:lements
me disposed in one or more sep<mllc waterproof hnming,s,
wherein soid housings arc oil-!llled.
10. The system of claim I wherein said amplilicr com-
prises <l sterenjack to JiKilitate dectric:ll C()nnection to said
device.
II. The .system or claim I wherein said amplilier c<m
<H1lplify n plurality of tmdio ehannds.
I2. Tht' system of claim I wherein .said amplifier com-
prises an power indicator.
13. The system of daim I wherein said amplifler com-
prises <l power button.
14. The system of claim wherein s:1id nmplifler auto
matically powers on when s:1id :wdin signal is produced.
I5. The system of claim I \\'herein said ampliller is
powered by u ballcry.
16. A housing lix receiving. an audio device, the housing
comprising.:
a rigid conl<1iner and a rigid lid <ldapted to l"it said
conttliner. wherein said container is adapted to receive
said audio device, and wherein a seul between said
contnincr nnd snid lid is conJip,ured to be waterproof
under submersible r.:onditions;
components which secure said lid to said container; and
an tunpliller disposed within said container; wherein said
<1111plilier is capable nr amplifying audio signals pro-
duced by s;lid audio device.
17. An underwater <mdio headset comprising:
one first spenker disposed within a first waterpronf
enclosure;
at least one second .speuker disposed within <1 secund
waterproof enclosure;
a !\rst amplilier disposed within S<lid first enclosure;
wherein snid first amplillcr is clcctrir.:ally connected to
said at least one first speaker nnd capable of amplifying
audio sig.m1ls; and
a second amplifier disposed within said second enclosure;
wherein s:1id second nmpliflcr is eler.:trically comK'ctcd
to :->tli<l <lt one Sl'<.:ond and of
ampli!)'ing <lUdio signals.
HL ..\n <!Udio comnHinication link comprising:
tl w;nerprnof and pressure resistant cable, wherein said
c:1blc is capable of transmilling an audio signal. <md
wherlin S<1id Ctible is l'<lptibk. o!' l.lnder-
W<l!Cf pressures cneotmtered diving;
components U<lpabll..' of connecting S<lid cable tn <Ill illldin
jack, wherein snid componcms provide <l WHtcrpmof
US 7,263,032 B2
25
<Uld n:sistant between said <1\l(lin
i<H.:k and s;1id cable. and \VIwrein said connection is
capable of withswnding, undorwotcr pressures encoun-
tcn:d while SCUBA diving;
nn <nnpli!lcr electrically connected to said Ctiblc, wherein
said amplifil..'!r is CHpablc of amplil)ring audio
signal; tmd
a waterproof housing, C<lpablc or withstanding undcrwntcr
pressures encountered while SCUBA diving, wherein
said amplifier is disposed within said housing,.
19. A wireless underwater (ludio headset, comprising:
<1\ Jew;\ one submersible waterproor enclosure;
nt lemn one speaker disposed within said wntcrproor
enclosure; and
26
inserting the elcc\n)nic through un in said
tigid contHiner: :md
securing n lid over said opening_.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the rigid l:Ontainer
is adapted to withstand underwater pressllres.
39. The mcthod ofl:laim J6. wben::in tbc wntrol dcvil:c is
ad<iplcd to withstHnd activHtion c;tused by underW<Iter pres-

40. The method of chtim 36, wherein the step of control-
HI ling the electronic audio device comprises m<mipulating a
knob.
41. The method or claim 36, in the st0p of control-
ling the clectronil: audio device comprises maniplllating a
camshaft.
a wireless receiver electrically cnnncctcd to said spcakt!r. 15
20. The audio headsd or claim 19 '1-vhcn:in enclosun.'
42. The method of cbim 36, wherein the step of control-
ling del:tnmic <!udin d.;vice comprises manipulating a
push pin. memnry.
21. amlin headset of elaim 19 the enclosure
includes a glmlll Sl'<!l.
22 .. l.he attdi(J headset (Jfcluitn 19 wherein the encltlStlre
43. The method u!' claim 36, wherein the step of cnntrol-
ling the electronic audio device manipulating an
dcctmnic contrnl device.
includes n li!cc sc<Jl. 44. The method of claim 36. further cnmprising conncct-
2.1. A waterproof housing adapted to receiw an electronic audio comnnmit.:Htion link to sHid electronic nudio
audio dcvit.:e, snid housing comprising: device using an audio output adapter disposed on said rigid
a rigid container adnptcd to receive the electronic audio container.
device, said container \Vaterproof under submersible 25 45. 'llle method of claim 36, further comprising activating
conditions; and a wireless audio communication link.
at least one control device on the exterior of said rigid 46. The method of claim 36, li!rther l:Omprising aetivating
cnntainer, said control device ndapted to comrol the au ampliflcr.
electronic <
1
udio device and -'><lid control device ad;
1
pted 47. The method of claim 36, wherein a power source is
\ll withstand activation l:aused by underwater pressure. :w dispos.e_d within said. co1_1tainer.. . . . .
24. The !musing. of claim 2:', wherein the rigid enntainer 4_8. ! he m:tht:d nl chum 36.' compn.sHlg. actJV<IIIng
cnmpri;;<.::> a rcmovnble lid. \r.. an mternul llg.htmg. somcc Wllhll1 smd cont<!tncr.
25. The housing ol cl<litn 23, wherein the Vv<!lerpmni' .7\ 4?. A receive an electronic
hnusin)!. is ml<tpted tn withst;md underwater audto_ d_cvtce, S<_Hd housmg. . .
26. Th<.: htntsing or cl<lim 23. whewin the control devil:!.! <I contn.mer <tdapted to recctvc _the <.:kctroll!c
is mhlpted to withstand activation cttused bv underwater device, s<nd cnnl<lllK'r waterproul ll!l(!cr ;;ubrners!blc
pressures.
condllions; and
27. The housing or ch1im 23. wherein the control device
cnmprises a knob.
28. The housing, of c!nim 23. wherein the control device 'lo
comprises a camshnli.
11t least one contrnl device on the exterior of said rigid
cont.1iner, said <.:ontrol device comprising a rigid sinK-
lure that extends from the exterior of said rigid con-
tainer to the interior or snic.J rigid container, wherein
said control device is adapwcl to contaet n control on the
electronic audio device.
29. The housing of claim 23. wherein the control devke
l:Omprises a push pin.
:w. The housing of claim 23. wherein the control device
comprises an electroni<.: control device.
50. The housing of claim 49 wherein the control on the
'!5 electronic :mdio devil:e is a button.
31 The housing. of cll!im 23. wlwrcin the enntniner
cnmpriscs an mn!io output adapter ;rc!nptl'd to Jbrm <1 cnn-
ncctitHl with <H1 mrdio <.:omnnmicmion link.
.12. Tlw hnusing ofcluim 23. further comprising<! wireless S(l
mtdin wmnumicnlinn link dispo;wd within said cnntniner.
3.1. The housing. of claim 23. further comprising <111
<!n!plilk.'r dispost.'d within said contaitlt.'r.
.14. The housing of claim 23, further comprising a power
source disposed within said container.
35. The housing nf cl<tim 23. i'urtht'r comprising un
intenml lighting source
36. A method of using nn electronic uudill device in an
aquatit' environment, comprising:
placing the electronic audio device in <1 rigid container <
1
o
thnt is waterproof under submersible conditions; and
51. A W<llerpnml'lmusing mlupted \o receive <In electronic
audio (l\.'vict', snid hmdnp, comprisin!).:
<1 rigid base adnpted to receive the electronic audio device;
<!rigid lid. when si!id lid is SI.-'<:UI\Xl to .said \mse .
the lid <md base form a watcrprntlf
<!I kast one buttnn wmprising <I linttcr Jnld on <!II ex\crinr
of said base or lid <md il bun on nwnipulmor on an
interior side of said or !id. wherein s<lid buuon
manipulator presses a buuon on the electronic audio
device when the finger pad is pressed; and
at leas! one rotaWblc l:On\rol mt.'clranism l:On!prising a
rotutable structure on an exterior side of said h<!se or lid
and a rotatable structure on an intcril)!' side of said base
or lid. wherein rotmion of the mtatHble stnlctmt.' on the
exterior side causes rntntion or the rotatable structllre
nn the interior side, wherein the rotatnblc on
th\.' interior side manipulHtcs <! control feature on the
ekctronic audio device
wntrolling the ek><:tmnic mtdio device using <!I lt'<tsl one
control device on the exterior of said rigid cnntniner,
said control devict' ;tdapted to withstand activation
<.:<!u.scd by underwater pressure.
52. The housing of claim 51, wherein tbt' lid is at leas!
65 partially secured tu the bast' via a hinge.
37. T!te mt.'t!iod n!"cl<li!ll .l6. wherein the step ufphKing
the l'kctronic audio dcviec in tlw rigid cuntniner comprises:
53. The housing ufchiim 51, wher(.)ill the rotatHhle strut.:"
lure on tlw <.:XIcrior side of the base or lid is a lever.
us 7,263,032 B2
27
54. "!"il<..' housing <.lf t;l:1im 51, \VIH.:rcin the rotawbll'
t\ire Dll the illll'rl\H' side nf lhl' \mse 01" lid \S i1 l(lf"k S\rtlt:llll'l'
55. The housing or claim 51, \\herein the control femur<.'
on the t'kctronic awlin device that is manipul<lted by the
rotatabk structtm: nn the interior side of the b;1se or lid is a
jnvstick.
. 56. The housing ofd<1imSL wherein the lid comprises a
window for viewing, a displny on the electronic nudio device.
28
<I camslw!i coupling, tlK' cxtcrnnl nnd intunwl mtn!ilblc
slnlc\ttrcs
62. lhe hnusing of 6 L fmthcr i\ presser
coupled to the internal mtal<\blc structure.
63. The housing or claim 58, wherein the Wllt0rpronf
control mechanism comprises metnl .
64. The housing of claim 63, wherein the metal is con-
ductive.
57. The housing of chim 56, wherein the window is lens
like.
58. A waterproof housing adapted to receive an electronic
nudio device, said housing <.'omprising:
65, The housing of claim 58, wherein the waterproof
10 control mechanism comprises rubber.
a waterproof container adapted to receive the electronic
audio device:
a waterproof' lid mlaptcd to li.mn <1 watcrproor seal with 1 'i
the waterproof
a waterproof control mechanism located in said cnnJainer
nr lid. said control mechanism mlHptcd to ullm\'
manipul<llinn or :1 control ICnture on the electronic
aud1o device by transhlting a user's rot;Jtional motion :!u
Ill tlw control nlechanisnJto the contml fcatmc
59, The hnusing or duim 58, whcl'cin the Y..:llerpwor
cont;tine1, lid. sc:ll, nnd control mcclwnism arc wuterproof
under submersible conditions.
60. The housing of claim 58, whe1cin the waterproof ?:>
cunt<liner. lid, sc;tl, and \.-\ll"ltrol mcclmnism me waterpronf
when in non-submcrsibk' incidcnwl nlnt<JCt with wntcr.
61. Tbc housing or claim 58, wherein the COil\ !'OJ mcchn-
nism comprises:
an external rotatable structure; ."lO
an intornal rutatablc structure: and
66. The housing of cl<lim 58, wherein the wnterproof
control mechanism comprises plastic.
67. The housing of claim 66, wherein the plastic is
conductive.
68. The housing ()]' claim 58. wlwrein the contniner
comprises a rigid nwterial.
69. The housing, of claim 58. when:in the lid comprises a
rigid nwteri<ll.
70. The housing. of claim 58. wherein the control nwcba-
comprises <I rigid mntcrinl.
71. '!'he housing. of claim 58, 'IV herein the controlm0cha-
nism comprises a soli rubber molding.
72. The housing or claim 61, Wh0rcin the extcrn<ll rotat-
able structure compris0s a featmc conHgurcd to engage a
!lnger nf the user 11.1 fi.1cilitate rotntion of the rotatable
structure by tlw user.
73. 'l11c system nf claim I wherein said amp! iller auto-
lT\it!ic<llly powers on nnd o!r h<1scd nn extcrnal pressure.
'
JS 44 (Rev. 12/12)
CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS
(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)
II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an X in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an X in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
1 U.S. Government 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF DEF
Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State 1 1 Incorporated or Principal Place 4 4
of Business In This State
2 U.S. Government 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State 2 2 Incorporated and Principal Place 5 5
Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State
Citizen or Subject of a 3 3 Foreign Nation 6 6
Foreign Country
IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an X in One Box Only)
CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES
110 Insurance PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY 625 Drug Related Seizure 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 375 False Claims Act
120 Marine 310 Airplane 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 423 Withdrawal 400 State Reapportionment
130 Miller Act 315 Airplane Product Product Liability 690 Other 28 USC 157 410 Antitrust
140 Negotiable Instrument Liability 367 Health Care/ 430 Banks and Banking
150 Recovery of Overpayment 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical PROPERTY RIGHTS 450 Commerce
& Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury 820 Copyrights 460 Deportation
151 Medicare Act 330 Federal Employers Product Liability 830 Patent 470 Racketeer Influenced and
152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability 368 Asbestos Personal 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations
Student Loans 340 Marine Injury Product 480 Consumer Credit
(Excludes Veterans) 345 Marine Product Liability LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY 490 Cable/Sat TV
153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY 710 Fair Labor Standards 861 HIA (1395ff) 850 Securities/Commodities/
of Veterans Benefits 350 Motor Vehicle 370 Other Fraud Act 862 Black Lung (923) Exchange
160 Stockholders Suits 355 Motor Vehicle 371 Truth in Lending 720 Labor/Management 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) 890 Other Statutory Actions
190 Other Contract Product Liability 380 Other Personal Relations 864 SSID Title XVI 891 Agricultural Acts
195 Contract Product Liability 360 Other Personal Property Damage 740 Railway Labor Act 865 RSI (405(g)) 893 Environmental Matters
196 Franchise Injury 385 Property Damage 751 Family and Medical 895 Freedom of Information
362 Personal Injury - Product Liability Leave Act Act
Medical Malpractice 790 Other Labor Litigation 896 Arbitration
REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS 791 Employee Retirement FEDERAL TAX SUITS 899 Administrative Procedure
210 Land Condemnation 440 Other Civil Rights Habeas Corpus: Income Security Act 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff Act/Review or Appeal of
220 Foreclosure 441 Voting 463 Alien Detainee or Defendant) Agency Decision
230 Rent Lease & Ejectment 442 Employment 510 Motions to Vacate 871 IRSThird Party 950 Constitutionality of
240 Torts to Land 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 State Statutes
245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations 530 General
290 All Other Real Property 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - 535 Death Penalty IMMIGRATION
Employment Other: 462 Naturalization Application
446 Amer. w/Disabilities - 540 Mandamus & Other 465 Other Immigration
Other 550 Civil Rights Actions
448 Education 555 Prison Condition
560 Civil Detainee -
Conditions of
Confinement
V. ORIGIN (Place an X in One Box Only)
1 Original
Proceeding
2 Removed from
State Court
3 Remanded from
Appellate Court
4 Reinstated or
Reopened
5 Transferred from
Another District
(specify)
6 Multidistrict
Litigation
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):

Brief description of cause:
VII. REQUESTED IN
COMPLAINT:
CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION
UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P.
DEMAND $ CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
JURY DEMAND: Yes No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
IF ANY
(See instructions):
JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE
X-1 Audio, Inc.
San Diego
Allison H. Goddard, Patterson Law Group, APC
402 W. Broadway, 29th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
Tel. 619.398.4762
Otter Products, LLC; Treefrog Developments, Inc.
Larimer County, Colorado
35 U.S.C. Sec. 271
Claim for patent infringement
08/29/2013 /s/ Allison H. Goddard
'13CV2021 NLS JAH
JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 12/12)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS 44
Authority For Civil Cover Sheet
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as
required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is
required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of
Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:
I.(a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use
only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and
then the official, giving both name and title.
(b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the
time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land
condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.)
(c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting
in this section "(see attachment)".
II. Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.Cv.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X"
in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.
United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.
United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box.
Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment
to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes
precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.
Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the
citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity
cases.)
III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark this
section for each principal party.
IV. Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If the nature of suit cannot be determined, be sure the cause of action, in Section VI below, is
sufficient to enable the deputy clerk or the statistical clerk(s) in the Administrative Office to determine the nature of suit. If the cause fits more than
one nature of suit, select the most definitive.
V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the six boxes.
Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.
Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C., Section 1441.
When the petition for removal is granted, check this box.
Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing
date.
Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
multidistrict litigation transfers.
Multidistrict Litigation. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1407.
When this box is checked, do not check (5) above.
VI. Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553 Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service
VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.
VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.
Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.

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