Abstract:
A protective housing and sound assembly and system are disclosed that allows a user to sync at least one electronic device that will be used while participating in water spots. The device generally comprises a protective housing, an electronic device connection or communications means, a latching mechanism and one or more speakers. Each of the elements of the device allow for a user to operate an electronic device without a concern for damaging the device while participating in water sports or other rugged sports.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/836,974, filed Jun. 19, 2013, entitled Universal Surfboard Docking Station, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to protective housings for audio and video devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Watersports have increased in popularity as a recreational hobby over the decades. Currently, there is no reliable technology that will allow for the use of a personal and portable audio device, such as a music system, when exposed to water or dust or other rugged conditions. The emergence of lightweight and small portable audio players such as MP3 players and smartphones have made feasible the enjoyment of music while engaging in physical exercise, sporting events and other outdoor activities. Such audio and video playing devices are not constructed to be exposed to aquatic, dusty or other rugged environments. Furthermore, there is a need for housings that provide water resistant and/or shock resistant protection for audio and video devices. 
         [0004]    Currently there are a number of solutions for an electronic device holder or case for water sports. Some of these solutions attempt to hold an electronic device on the body of the person, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because it restricts the movement while participating in water sports. Other solutions attempt to support an electronic device on the board, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because the holder or case does not prevent damage from use during water sports. 
         [0005]    In one example in the prior art, Wood et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,400,917, discloses a case for a portable cellphone device having a housing with an externally exposed speaker integrated with the housing and adapted to receive the cellphone. The cellphone is electrically and mechanically connected to the housing such that external keys and a microphone can be connected to the internally housed cellphone. Apparently users may operate their cellphone in a hands-free mode while it is housed within the case and the housing appears to prevent water and dust from accumulating on the phone. The cellphone case of Wood &#39;917 does not appear to disclose the uninterrupted playback of music and or video through its speaker and appears to be limited to enabling use of cellphones in rugged or wet environments. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a protective housing device that allows a user to play music, make phone calls, and utilize other applications integrated on a portable electronic device while engaging in water sports or other activities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The various embodiments of the invention relate generally to a universal protective housing with a speaker system for use with audio and video devices. The speaker assembly system, in one example embodiment, is located on a surfboard or a paddleboard by the user. It would be desirable to have a device that attaches via a fastening means to water sport equipment, such as surfboards, jet skis, wake boards, kite boards, sail boats, wind surfing boards, paddleboards, kayaks and the like. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a device that incorporates waterproof speakers mounted onto the device. Still further, it would be desirable to have a device which is touch panel-compatible. The invention described herein advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a universal protective housing and sound system which provides a means to safely use a portable electronic device while participating in water sports. In a related embodiment, the holder is modified to work in dirty or dusty environments, such as for four-wheeling or on ATV vehicles or snowmobiles. 
         [0008]    In one example embodiment, a protective housing and sound assembly for use with a portable electronic device is provided that includes a protective housing having a door thereon to facilitate insertion of the portable electronic device in a cavity formed by at least the housing, the housing including a door adapted to substantially protect an internally mounted portable electronic device mounted therein when the door is in a closed position. The housing assembly further includes at least one speaker assembly mounted on a side of the housing that is configured to receive signals from an internally mounted amplifier, wherein the amplifier is adapted to receive communications from the portable electronic device. A control interface mechanism is also provided that is disposed on the housing and adapted to facilitate control of the internally mounted portable electronic device. The housing and sound assembly also includes a mounting assembly adapted to securely mount the protective housing to a surface. 
         [0009]    In a related embodiment, the control interface mechanism includes a capacitive touch screen panel (or with touch screen compatibility with an audio device screen) on the door of the housing adapted to control the electronic device mounted within the cavity. In related embodiment, the control interface mechanism includes a remote audio control pad on the housing adapted to control the electronic device mounted within the cavity. In yet another related embodiment, the housing and sound assembly further includes a nesting system adapted to secure the electronic device when disposed within the housing and configured to accommodate different sized portable electronic devices. In a related embodiment, the protective housing assembly includes an electrical connector in the housing configured to operatively and communicatively couple the portable electronic device to the speaker assembly. 
         [0010]    In another example embodiment, a protective housing and sound assembly for use with a portable electronic device includes a housing having a door thereon to facilitate insertion of the portable electronic device in a cavity formed by the housing and the door, the housing and door adapted to substantially protect the portable electronic device mounted therein against water and dust when the door is in a closed position. The housing and sound assembly further includes at least one speaker assembly mounted on a side of the housing and configured to receive signals from an internally mounted amplifier, wherein the amplifier is adapted to receive communications from the portable electronic device. The housing and sound assembly further includes a control interface mechanism disposed on the housing and adapted to facilitate control of the internally mounted electronic device. Further included is a heat dissipation assembly adapted to cool the portable electronic device disposed within the housing, the heat dissipation system including a heat sink member disposed beneath the cavity. In a related embodiment, the speaker assembly is comprised of a water repelling system, the water repelling system including a speaker grill formed from a plurality of elongate members adapted to form a plurality of large openings around a speaker assembly surface to facilitate free flow water away from the speaker assembly. 
         [0011]    In yet another example embodiment, a housing and sound assembly for use with a portable electronic device includes a housing having a door thereon to facilitate insertion of the portable electronic device in a cavity formed by the housing and the door, the housing and door adapted to substantially protect the electronic device mounted therein against water and dust when the door is in a closed position. The housing and sound assembly including at least one speaker assembly mounted on a side of the housing and configured to receive signals from an internally mounted amplifier, wherein the amplifier is adapted to receive communications from the electronic device. There is further provided a control interface mechanism disposed on the housing and adapted to facilitate control of the internally mounted electronic device. The housing and sound assembly further include a water repelling system which includes a speaker grill formed from a plurality of elongate members adapted to form a plurality of openings around the at least one speaker assembly to facilitate free flow water away from the speaker assembly. 
         [0012]    In a related embodiment, the housing and sound assembly further includes a mounting assembly which includes at least one hole in bottom of the housing adapted to be coupled with a head on a mounting pad, the mounting pad configured to be attached to a surface on which the protective housing assembly is to be placed by a user. In a related embodiment, the housing and sound assembly further includes a mounting assembly which includes at least a mounting docking station adapted to be attached to a surface on which the protective housing assembly is to be placed by a user, wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted on the docking station. 
         [0013]    The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Other important objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of a protective housing and sound system according to the invention in a closed configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of the protective housing and sound system according to the invention in an open configuration ready to receive an audio device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view the protective housing and sound system according to the invention in another open configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a side cutaway internal view the protective housing and sound system according to the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1E  illustrates a side cutaway partial internal view an external remote control button operation and an internal nesting system of the sound system configured to receive smartphones or other audio devices of varying geometries according to the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a side and internal view of the protective housing and sound system dissipating heat away from the sound system according to the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a pictorial of the heat dissipation system of the protective housing and sound system according to the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view a speaker mounted within the protective housing and sound system according to the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a side cutaway view of one speaker assembly repelling water away from the sound system according to the invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate various views of a mounting system of the protective housing of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates a system diagram of an example embodiment of the sound system of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of another example embodiment of the protective housing and sound system of the invention in a closed configuration; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of another example embodiment of the protective housing and sound system of the invention wherein a main portion of the housing is separated from a mounting base; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the protective housing of the invention in an open configuration ready to receive an audio device; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the protective housing of the invention in an open configuration ready to receive an audio device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Following below are more detailed descriptions of various embodiments of the protective housing and sound system invention described herein. In particular, the various embodiments disclosed herein describe a waterproof, heat dissipating and shock resistant sound system configured to house an audio or video device, such as an MP3 player or a smartphone, for users that are active in water or outdoor activities. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes. 
         [0031]    Referring now to the Figures,  FIGS. 1A-1E  illustrate an example embodiment of a protective housing and sound system  100 . In particular,  FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate perspective views of protective housing and sound system  100  according to the invention in closed and open configurations. Protective sound system  100  is comprised of a housing  110  with a door or lid  120  and latching mechanism  122 . Housing  110  further includes a set of speaker ports  112 A and  112 B having speaker guard or grill  113  (with elongate members  113 C), with speakers or drivers  114 A and  114 B located therein. Housing  110  also includes a passive bass port  116  at one end near the speakers or drivers. Generally, a passive bass port such as passive bass port  116  is a methodology of resonating and amplifying bass frequencies without an active base speaker by way of using a flexibly attached panel. Bass frequencies are usually present but do not resonate well in smaller drivers or speakers. Hence a passive bass port improves projection of these lower frequencies. 
         [0032]    Once door  120  is opened via latch  122  there is exposed an internal compartment or cavity  118  adapted for accommodating an audio device such as, but not limited to, a smartphone or MP3 player or mini-tablet PC. Door  120 , in this example embodiment, includes a transparent panel  124  and a control keypad  126  configured to control the audio device once it is located within protective housing and sound system  100 .  FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view of the outside of housing  110  of the protective housing and sound system in an open configuration according to the invention. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1D-1E  there is illustrated a side cutaway internal view of the protective housing and sound system  100  and the internal components according to the invention. In this example embodiment, housing  110  is formed of any material resistant to impact and a wide range of temperatures and has door frame  120  formed primarily of the same material, which is hinged at hinge  121  for ease of opening. In this example embodiment, lid  120  also protrudes above housing  110  to provide additional impact protection. In a related embodiment door  120  is a solid piece of material without center panel  124 . Door  120  is released and locked by a cam latch  122 A of latching mechanism  122  and provides a watertight enclosure with aid from a compression gasket  127  disposed around the opening of door  120 . 
         [0034]    In this example embodiment, door  120  includes a capacitive touch screen cover or center panel  124  which is compatible with most capacitive displays for direct control of the audio or video of electronic device  150  housed by protective sound system  100 . In a related embodiment, center panel  124  can be plain and the user uses external remote controls  126  located at the top of door  120  to control device  150  disposed within housing  110 . In this example embodiment, a heat sink  140 A is further included that is disposed underneath device  150  to help dissipate heat away from device  150 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 1E  illustrates a side cutaway partial internal view of an external remote control button operation and an internal nesting system  130  of sound system  100  configured to receive an electronic device  150 , such as a smartphone or other audio devices of varying geometries, according to the invention. In particular, nesting system  130  is configurable to receive various smartphones of various sizes including various generations of Apple® and Samsung® smartphones. In this example embodiment, a plurality of nests  132  are provided which are a series of silicone (or any other flexible elastomeric material suitable for this type of application) trays that cradle each type of the audio device within protective housing  110  and cavity or compartment  118 . Each nest or tray or adapter  132  will vary in thickness and internal shape to adjust for varying audio device sizes so as to keep the device in a proper operating position and orientation (screen against screen) and reduce potential device movement within protective housing  110  during use. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1E  also illustrates an external remote control button configuration in which the remote control button actuates a switch on a printed circuit board. In particular, when the external button is pushed down by the user the external button pad makes contact with an elongate internal button member which in turn is in contact with the switch on the printed circuit board (PCB). The internal button member can be a transparent member that is in contact with an LED on the PCB so as to also transmit a light (similar to a lightpipe) up to the external button pad to indicate an “ON” position. Other similar arrangements are also possible that are known in the art that would accomplish the same result. 
         [0037]    In a related embodiment, each nest or adapter includes a frame that fits around the outer perimeter of the audio device so as to not block contact between the back of the audio device with the heat sink. Additional frame material may be added to the back, sides or end of the frame to locate the audio device close to the keypad and capacitive touch screen surface. In a related embodiment, cavity  118  is configurable to adjust (with moveable partitions) or accommodate the various sized audio devices. The nests or adapters can also be made from other materials compatible with housing system  100  that secure the audio device and assist in heat dissipation or cooling and to reduce vibration while the sound system is in use. 
         [0038]    Another novel aspect of the various embodiments of the protective housing sound systems taught herein is the heat dissipation system for heat generated by operation of electronic device or other memory storage device  150  as well as external heat (such as sunlight) directed at a top of housing  110  and center panel  124 . In one example embodiment,  FIG. 2A  illustrates a side and internal view the protective housing and sound system  100  dissipating heat away from the sound system.  FIG. 2B  illustrates a pictorial of a heat dissipation system  140  of the protective housing and sound system and the path for directing the heat away from device  150  and housing  110 . 
         [0039]    In this example, excess heat (arrow A) produced in the electronic/audio device and within the protective housing from absorbed solar radiation, along with heat generated by the audio device itself is channeled through a cooling plate  142  (arrow B) to a heat-sink  140 A, where the heat is dissipated with the fins of the heat sink directing the heat (arrows C) to the bottom of housing  110  so as to exchange warm air with cooler air or water from the nearby aquatic activity. In a related embodiment, a cooling shell or cooling perimeter plate or plates can be used to cool the device instead of a cooling plate over the audio device. Other cooling configurations for the heat sink are possible as well as other cooling arrangements can also be incorporated into system  100  including, but not limited to, Peltier thermoelectric cooling devices. 
         [0040]    Another novel aspect of the various embodiments of the protective housing sound systems taught herein is the water repelling or water shedding system of the speaker and speaker ports to promote quick sound recovery and protect the driver during operation. Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3B  there is illustrated an example embodiment of a perspective view a speaker assembly  114  mounted within port  112  of housing  110  and a side cutaway view of one speaker  114  repelling water away from sound system  100  according to the invention, respectively. In this example embodiment, speaker guard or grill  113  is comprised of a plurality of elongate members  113 C that not only provide protection for a face of speaker assembly  114  but also promote air flow and water drainage along with large openings  113 B. 
         [0041]    In this example embodiment, elongate members  113 C include holes  113 A that also promote air flow through port  112 . Openings  113 B are intentionally larger to improve the grill/free-air ratio, since this type of grill does not rely on being perforated like a mesh or grid cover as with most speakers. A major benefit of the “open grill” arrangement disclosed herein is that water is not trapped by surface tension or capillary action by a typical mesh grill, which causes distortion of sound and degradation of audio quality. The speaker grill design taught herein eliminates this problem. Note the water is “actively” repelled (arrow A) from the surface of the driver via a super-hydrophobic coating  115  that is disposed thereon to cause repelling or shedding of water and through large openings  1138  that allow water to freely flow water away from the driver surface. Super-hydrophobic coatings increase the contact angle of liquids on the coated surface. In our example embodiment, the coating used, which is based on nanotube technology and nanotechnology, traps a layer of air on the surface of the object in a micro network of fibers. The coating causes an almost imperceptibly thin layer of air to form on top of a surface that repels water. 
         [0042]    To further assist housing system  100  with water shedding, lid  120  (and angle of display face) and upper surface of housing  110  is angled downwards as a means to promote rapid removal of water from the capacitive touch screen to improve functionality and overall removal of water from the unit. In a related embodiment, a super-hydrophobic coating is added onto the capacitive touch compatible window, as water on the user&#39;s finger increases the capacitive “footprint” (area) of the finger, thus confusing the audio control system. 
         [0043]    Another novel aspect of the various embodiments of the protective housing sound systems taught herein is a mounting system for the protective housing sound system for surfaces such as surfboards and paddleboards.  FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate various views of an example embodiment of a mounting system  160  of protective housing system  110  of the invention. In this example embodiment, mounting system  160  includes at least one hole or aperture  162  located in a base of housing  110  that is coupled to a mounting pad  164  in a front portion of housing  110 . Hole  162  includes a slot  163  that mates with (or receives) a head  165  of mounting pad  164  as it is slid there through. In this example embodiment, the front mounting system includes two holes  162  and two mounting pads but is not limited to such an arrangement. In a related embodiment, a single hole  162  and mounting pad  164  is provided. In another related embodiment, a single elongate slot  162  is provided to mate or engage with an elongate mounting pad  164 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 4C and 4D , on a rear portion of the base of housing  110  is located two other holes  166  each with a locking member  167  that is coupled to an elongate mounting pad  168  with two heads  169  for engaging holes  166 . Once head  169  is inserted into hole  166  and fully engaged, locking member  167  slides into place to lock head  169  with hole  166 , thereby locking housing  110  onto the desired surface. In a related example embodiment, the rear mounting system includes two holes  166  and two mounting pads. In another related embodiment, single hole  166  and mounting pad  168  is also operative to anchor housing  110  onto a surface. In yet another related embodiment, a single elongate slot  166  is provided to mate or engage with an elongate mounting pad  164 . Variations to the mounting pairs and schemes are easily envisioned by one skilled in the art and are not necessarily limited to those described herein. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated a system diagram of an example embodiment of a sound system  500  of the protective housing system described herein. In particular, system  500  includes a remote audio control panel or keypad  526  for controlling an audio device  550  that is mounted within housing system  100 . Remote control keypad  526  includes control buttons or pads  526 A for power,  526 B and  526 D for skip/volume control and  526 E for pairing control. Whereas the control buttons are also accessible when door  120  is both open (inside) and closed (outside the protective enclosure) by way of flexible membrane buttons on the door, the user does not have to close the lid or case in order for the control buttons to be operative. This approach also eliminates the need to have electrical connections through the hinge of the door. In this embodiment, keypad  526  controls the audio device through bi-directional Bluetooth signals. In a related embodiment, keypad  526  has the capability to control audio device through wired control through a 4-pin headphone jack. In a related embodiment, LED indicators are integrated with the remote control for improved visibility. 
         [0046]    Remote control  526  is electrically coupled to a Bluetooth-enabled stereo amplifier  560  that is electrically coupled to a set of speakers or high performance drivers  514 . The system is energized by a battery  570  (in this example, one or more 3.7 volt batteries) which is chargeable by an external AC or DC source. In operation, an audio device  550  is inserted into housing  110  and secured in nesting system  130 . A Bluetooth transmission signal  552  from device  550  is signal processed by receiver and amplifier  560  which thereby transmits a signal to drivers  514 . Device  550  may either be controlled from remote control  526  or via the capacitive touch screen or touch compatible cover  124  of door  120  disclosed above. In a related embodiment, sound system  500  is configurable to include a connector adapted for charging and/or powering audio device  550  from battery  570  either external to housing  110  or while device  550  is in nesting system  130 . In a related embodiment, a waterproof microphone  516  is included in sound system  500  to enable the user to use a smartphone connected to the sound system to make or receive calls or receive and respond to voice commands through voice recognition software. Microphone  516  is electrically coupled to amplifier  560  in this example embodiment. 
         [0047]    In related embodiments, speakers  114  can be used while lid  120  is open. In another embodiment, the audio device is chargeable through a passive charging system in the sound systems described herein. In yet another embodiment, the audio device communicates via Bluetooth with any of the sound systems disclosed herein from outside of the housing and need not be in the cradle, nest or cavity. In yet another embodiment, memory storage is added to the sound system to facilitate storage of music. In yet another embodiment, a small video LCD screen is added to allow for playing of videos with the protective sound systems described herein. In yet another embodiment, Wi-Fi capabilities are integrated into the system such that the sound system can be used in and around a home with Wi-Fi. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , in another example embodiment of a protective housing sound system there is provided a sound system  600 , for a portable electronic device, which includes a docking station  610  configured to be mounted on a surface of surfboard, paddleboard, boat or any other activity device or structure. In this example embodiment, protective sound system  600  is further comprised of an outer shell  615  and a base  620  which are collectively coupled to docking station  610 . Outer shell  615  and base  620  include speakers  630 , a fastening system  650 , and an electronic device securing or fastening means  640  under shell or cover  615 . When housing sound system  600  is in a closed position, it provides a water-resistant and dust-resistant characteristic capability. 
         [0049]    Outer shell  615  generally comprises a lid  625  and a base  620  that are made of a water-resistant durable material, such as a hard plastic or silicon-based material. In at least this particular embodiment, lid  625  and shell  615  provide a mating section proximate an outer rim to give the internal cavity (formed by base  620  and lid  625 ) protection from the outer environmental conditions when in use. In a related embodiment, the mating section would generally include mechanisms well known in the art such as a rubber gasket and the like. Lid  625  and base  620  are also secured by a fastening mean  650  such as a latch  651 . Lid  625  includes a capacitive touch compatible window or panel through which the user can manipulate an audio device&#39;s capacitive touch display to allow the user to use the encased electronic devices when engaging in water sports or other activities. In a related embodiment, lid  625  may also include a capacitive touch panel display  655  for control of the enclosed audio device. 
         [0050]    In this example embodiment, speaker(s)  630  provides for audible expression or transmission of the electronic devices attached within system  600 . In this example embodiment, speaker  630  includes a water-resistant coating along the external surface. In an alternative embodiment, speaker  630  is made from a material that is non-porous and will not allow the influx of water to the internal components. In this example embodiment, speaker  630  also includes a sealing ring  635 , which allows the external edge of speaker  630  from being infiltrated with water when docking station  610  is in a closed position for use. 
         [0051]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , system  600  and shell  615  has an internal cavity  618  that can house several electronic devices. As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , internal cavity  618  may comprise an electronic device communication means  660 , fastened by a strap or fastener  640 , which may comprise technologies such as a USB port (or fire wire or other configurations) that allows a user to connect a wide variety of electronic devices to system  600 . Alternatively, device  660  simply communicates via Bluetooth with the sound components within system  600 . 
         [0052]    In this example embodiment, docketing station  610  of system  600  includes an adhesive for adhering or attaching the docking station onto a surface and remain fastened while on the surface of water sport equipment, such as a surfboard or paddleboard. In an alternative embodiment, docking station  610  latches onto sports equipment with a mounting apparatus that allows the docking station to be removeably attached to sports equipment. In yet another embodiment, station  610  is configured for dirty, muddy or dusty or rugged sports and environments. In this example embodiment, protective housing and sound system  600  is powered through an encased battery and is securely connected through a latching mechanism. 
         [0053]    Optional features of the various example embodiments of the invention can include a surf app (downloadable software) for the portable electronic device that is docked as well as solar panels to power the protective housing and sound system and/or charge the portable electronic device (housed internally or while connected externally). In other embodiments, system  100  and system  600  also include a corresponding surf app available for a smartphone or other portable electronic or memory storage device, which will connect multiple protective sound system users and allow for the sharing of music playlists located on a variety of online music playing websites. In yet another example embodiment, system  100  and system  600  are configurable to receive other electronic devices including, but not limited to, a camera, a GPS, a basic cellphone or smartphone or tablet PC. In the case of the camera, system  100  and system  600  provides means for mounting inside (with a transparent lens on the shell body) or mount outside the shell body or housing body. 
         [0054]    In other related embodiments, although system  100  and system  600  are buoyant by nature of their current respective designs, each system can be further configured to include external flotation accessories coupled on the outside should the sound systems become separated from the surfboard or paddleboard surface. In one example, a brightly colored elastic band coupled to the sound system and wrapped around the board provides further assurance that the sound systems stay with the user. 
         [0055]    The following patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,400,917; 7,535,799; 7,755,975; 8,113,346; 8,457,340; 8,599,547; and U.S. Publication Nos. 2012/0308064 and 2012/0316798. 
         [0056]    While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.