Abstract:
An ingress protection rated waterproof amplifier comprises an outer casing for covering a body of the amplifier. The outer casing comprises a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side, wherein the left side and the right side comprise a sealing apparatus and a separatable endcap. The sealing apparatus and the end cap of the left side and the sealing apparatus and the end cap of the right side are separately removable from the top of the casing and the bottom of the casing. In some embodiments, the left side and the right side further comprise one or more additional sealing apparatus. In further embodiments, the amplifier comprises a series of controls for controlling the amplifier, which is sealed by a cover plate and a gasket. In some embodiments, the amplifier is a 12V DC amplifier.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to marine audio equipment. More specifically, this invention relates to marine amplifiers which are ingress protection rated for water intrusion. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Stereo systems including speakers and an amplifier are often installed on boats and other water craft in order to provide ambiance and enhance the experience of being on the water. Due to the nature of the outside use and other considerations, such electronics must be able to resist many elements, including water, wind, and vibration while remaining functional. There are many ingress protection rated marine amplifiers on the market. Current marine amplifiers often protect the amplifier from water and salt intrusion by conformal coating of the electronics. However, such a process is expensive and time consuming as the level application is controlled and undesired areas are masked. Additionally, conformal coating does not offer the same protection as completely sealing the amplifier. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In one aspect, an ingress protection rated waterproof amplifier comprises an outer casing for covering a body of the amplifier. The outer casing comprises a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side, wherein the left side and the right side comprise a sealing apparatus and a separatable endcap. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus seals the amplifier against water intrusion. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus is a rubber gasket. In further embodiments, the sealing apparatus is a cover plate. In still further embodiments, the sealing apparatus and the end cap of the left side and the sealing apparatus and the end cap of the right side are separately removable from the top of the casing and the bottom of the casing. In some embodiments, the left side and the right side further comprise one or more additional sealing apparatus. In some embodiments, one or more of the left side and the right side further comprises a sealable wire clamp. In further embodiments, the amplifier comprises a series of controls for controlling the amplifier, wherein the series of controls is sealed by a cover plate and a gasket. In some embodiments, the amplifier is a 12V DC amplifier. In some embodiments, the exterior of the amplifier comprises an anti-corrosive material. In further embodiments, the exterior of the amplifier comprises an impact resistant material. 
         [0004]    In another aspect, a removable waterproof amplifier cover comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a right panel, and a left panel wherein the right panel and the left panel comprise a sealing apparatus and a separatable endcap, and further wherein the amplifier is sealed against water intrusion when the amplifier is placed within the waterproof cover. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus is a rubber gasket. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus is a cover plate. In further embodiments, the sealing apparatus and the end cap of the left side and the sealing apparatus and the end cap of the right side are separately removable from the top panel and the bottom panel. In some embodiments, the left side and the right side further comprise one or more additional sealing apparatus. In some embodiments, one or more of the left side and the right side further comprises a sealable wire clamp. In further embodiments, the amplifier comprises a series of controls for controlling the amplifier, wherein the series of controls is sealed by a cover plate and a gasket. In some embodiments the waterproof cover is ingress protection rated. In further some embodiments the cover is configured to hold a 12V DC amplifier. In some embodiments, the exterior of the cover comprises an anti-corrosive material. In further embodiments the exterior of the cover comprises an impact resistant material. 
         [0005]    In yet another aspect an ingress protection rated stereo component comprises an outer casing comprising removable endcaps and a heat sink, wherein the outer casing seals the interior of the stereo component against water instrusion. In some embodiments the interior of the stereo component is sealed by a cover plate and a gasket. In some embodiments the outer casing comprises a non-corrosive material. In some embodiments the stereo component is a 12V DC amplifier. In further embodiments the stereo component comprises a series of controls for controlling the amplifier, wherein the series of controls is sealed by a cover plate and a gasket. In some embodiments the exterior of the cover comprises an anti-corrosive material. In some embodiments the exterior of the cover comprises an impact resistant material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a back perspective view of an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a partially exploded front perspective view of an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  shows a partially exploded bottom perspective view of an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a partially exploded bottom perspective view of an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  shows a bottom perspective view of an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of an amplifier cover with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  shows a partially exploded front perspective view of an amplifier cover with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0015]    In the following description, numerous details and alternatives are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize the invention is able to be practiced without the use of these specific details. For instance, the figures and description below often refer to an amplifier. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some embodiments of the invention are able to be practiced with other electronic systems and components. Additionally, throughout the description similar components are similarly marked in order to aid comprehension. 
         [0016]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an amplifier  100  with sealed entry points is depicted therein. The amplifier  100  comprises a top  101 , a bottom  103 , a left side  105  and a right side  107 . In some embodiments, the amplifier  100  further comprises one or more of a crossover cover  111 , a name badge  109 , and one or more heat sinks  115 . As discussed further below, the top  101 , the bottom  103 , the left side  105  and the right side  107  as well as the crossover cover  111 , and the one or more heat sinks  115  seal the amplifier  100  against water intrusion. The crossover cover  111  covers the controls (not shown) of the amplifier  100 . For example, in some embodiments, a user is able to adjust the crossover points, bridging, and gains of the amplifier  100  using the controls. In some embodiments, a user is able to use the controls to control other features of the amplifier  100 . In some embodiments, a user is able to use a remote control device (not shown) to control features of the amplifier  100 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, a user is able to remove the crossover cover  111  in order to operate the controls. In some embodiments, the amplifier  100  further comprises waterproof connectors (not shown) for power and speaker leads. In some of these embodiments, the connectors are detachable. 
         [0017]    In  FIG. 1 , the heat sink  115  is shown on the front of the amplifier  100 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the heat sink  115  is able to be placed at other positions on the exterior of the amplifier  100 . In some embodiments, the amplifier  100  is able to comprise one or more additional heat sinks  115  as needed. In some embodiments, the exterior of the amplifier  100  comprises an anti-corrosive material. In some embodiments, the exterior of the amplifier  100  comprises an impact resistant material to protect the amplifier from vibrations, shock, and impact. In some embodiments the amplifier  100  comprises a 12V DC amplifier. In some embodiments, the amplifier is an amplifier which is converted from 12V DC to 36V DC. However, the amplifier  100  is able to comprise any size as known in the art. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a back perspective view of an amplifier  200 . The amplifier  200  comprises a top  201 , a bottom  203 , a left side  205  and a right side  207 , a name badge  209 , one or more heat sinks  215 , and a sealable wire clamp  213 . In some embodiments, the sealable wire clamp  213  is further covered by one or more of a gasket and a coverplate. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a partially exploded front perspective view of an amplifier  300  with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. As discussed above, the amplifier  300  comprises a top  301 , a bottom  303 , a left side  305 , a right side  307 , a name badge  309 , a crossover cover  311  and one or more heat sinks  315 . The bottom  303 , the left side  305  and the right side  307  as well as the crossover cover  311 , and the one or more heat sinks  315  seal the amplifier  300  against water intrusion. 
         [0020]    The left side  305  comprises a sealing apparatus  353  and a separatable endcap  351 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  353  seals the left side  305  of the amplifier  300  against water intrusion. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  353  comprises a side panel  355  and a washer  357 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  353  comprises only a side panel  355 . In further embodiments, the sealing apparatus  353  comprises only a washer  357 . In some embodiments, the side panel  355  and the washer  357  are a cover plate and a rubber gasket, respectively. In some embodiments, the side panel  355  comprises one or more of plastic, aluminum, iron, acrylic, and metal. However, the side panel  355  is able to comprise any compatible material as known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the endcap  351  fits over the sealing apparatus  353  to form the left side  305  of the amplifier  300 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  353  and the endcap  351  are separately removable from the top  301  and the bottom  303  of the amplifier  300 . 
         [0021]    Similarly, the right side  307  comprises a sealing apparatus  373  and a separatable endcap  371 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  373  seals the right side  307  of the amplifier  300  against water intrusion. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  373  comprises a side panel  375  and a washer  377 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  373  comprises only a side panel  375 . In further embodiments, the sealing apparatus  373  comprises only a washer  377 . In some embodiments, the side panel  375  and the washer  377  are a cover plate and a rubber gasket, respectively. In some embodiments, the side panel  375  comprises one or more of plastic, aluminum, iron, acrylic, and metal. However, the side panel  375  is able to comprise any compatible material as known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the endcap  371  fits over the sealing apparatus  373  to form the right side  307  of the amplifier  300 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  373  and the endcap  371  are separately removable from the top  301  and the bottom  303  of the amplifier  300 . 
         [0022]    As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the amplifier  300  comprises a crossover cover  311  and a heat sink  315 . In some embodiments, the heat sink  315  comprises a gasket. In some embodiments, the heat sink  315  comprises a coverplate and a gasket. In some embodiments, the crossover cover  311  comprises one or more of a cover plate and a gasket. In further embodiments, the cross over cover  311  comprises a cover plate and a gasket. As described above, the crossover cover  311  seals the controls of the amplifier from water intrusion and the gasket of the heat sink seals the heat sink  315  against water intrusion. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  shows a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the amplifier  400  in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the amplifier  400  comprises a bottom  403 , a top  401 , a left side  405  and a right side  407 . The bottom  403 , the top  401 , the left side  405  and the right side  407  are configured to be coupled by one or more of a threaded screw, snap fit, rivet, and glue. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the bottom  403 , the top  401 , the left side  405  and the right side  407  are able to be coupled together by any mechanism as known in the art. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  453  couples to the top  401  and the bottom  403  of the amplifier  400  by a threaded screw fit and the separatable endcap  451  snap fits over the sealing apparatus  453  to be coupled to the top  401  and the bottom  403  of the amplifier  400 . In further embodiments, the separatable endcap  451  fits over the sealing apparatus  453  and couples to the top  401  and the bottom  403  of the amplifier  400  by one or more of a threaded screw and a rivet. In some embodiments, sealing apparatus  453  further comprises one or more of silicone and epoxy in order to further seal the components of amplifier  400 . In some embodiments, the components are encapsulated using one or more of silicone and epoxy before the sealing apparatus  453  is coupled to the top  401  and the bottom  403  of the amplifier  400 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  shows a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the amplifier  500  in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the amplifier  500  comprises a bottom  503 , a top  501 , a left side  505  and a right side  507 .  FIG. 5 , shows the amplifier  500  with the right side  507  in front. As shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the amplifier further comprises a sealable wire clamp  513 . In some embodiments, the sealable wire clamp  513  couples with the sealing apparatus  573  of the right side  507 . As described in relation to the left side  505 , in some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  573  couples to the top  501  and the bottom  503  of the amplifier  500  by a threaded screw fit and the separatable endcap  571  snap fits over the sealing apparatus  573  to be coupled to the top  501  and the bottom  503  of the amplifier  500 . In further embodiments, the separatable endcap  571  fits over the sealing apparatus  573  and couples to the top  501  and the bottom  503  of the amplifier  500  by one or more of a threaded screw and a rivet. In some embodiments, sealing apparatus  573  further comprises one or more of silicone and epoxy in order to further seal the components of amplifier  500 . In some embodiments, the components are encapsulated using one or more of silicone and epoxy before the sealing apparatus  573  is coupled to the top  501  and the bottom  503  of the amplifier  500 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of an amplifier  600  with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 6  shows the top  601  and the name badge  609  of the amplifier  600 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the top  601  of the amplifier  600  seals it from water intrusion. 
         [0026]      FIG. 7  shows a bottom perspective view of an amplifier  700  with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the amplifier  700  comprises a bottom  703 , a top  701 , a left side  705  and a right side  707 . The bottom  703 , the top  701 , the left side  705  and the right side  707  seal the amplifier  700  from water intrusion. As described above, the bottom  703 , the top  701 , the left side  705  and the right side  707  are able to be coupled by one or more of a threaded screw, snap fit, rivet, and glue. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the bottom  703 , the top  701 , the left side  705  and the right side  707  are able to be coupled together by any mechanism as known in the art. Particularly, by coupling the amplifier with the respective pieces, the entry points of the amplifier are sealed from water intrusion. 
         [0027]    In operation, the amplifier with sealed entry points enables a user to safely utilize the amplifier on a boat or other water craft without worrying that the amplifier will be damaged by water or salt intrusion. By completely sealing the entry points of the amplifier at the point of manufacture an inexpensive ingress protection rated amplifier is provided that is able to be utilized in conjunction with marine stereo systems. In some embodiments, the amplifier is ingress protection  55  rated. In further embodiments, the amplifier is ingress protection  56  rated. However, the amplifier is able to be ingress protection rated to any level as known in the art. 
         [0028]    In another aspect,  FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of an amplifier cover  800  with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. The amplifier cover  800  comprises a top panel  801 , a bottom panel  803 , a left panel  805  and a right panel  807 . In some embodiments, the cover  800  further comprises one or more of a crossover cover  811 , and a name badge  809 . In some embodiments, the cover  800  also comprises one or more heat sink gaskets  815 ′. The top panel  801 , the bottom panel  803 , the left panel  805  and the right panel  807  as well as the crossover cover  811 , and the one or more heat sink gaskets  815 ′ of the cover  800  seal an amplifier (not shown) against water intrusion. Particularly, a user is able to place an amplifier within the interior of the cover  800  to seal the amplifier and protect against water intrusion while boating or on the water. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the crossover cover  811  covers the controls (not shown) of the amplifier. In some embodiments, a user is able to use a remote control device (not shown) to control features of the amplifier. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a user is able to remove the crossover cover  811  in order to operate the controls of the amplifier. In  FIG. 8 , the one or more heat sink gaskets  815 ′ is shown on the front of the cover  800 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the one or more heat sink gaskets  815 ′ is able to be placed at other positions on the exterior of the cover  800  according to the position of the heat sink on the amplifier that a user desires to protect. In some embodiments, the exterior of the cover  800  comprises an anti-corrosive material. In some embodiments, the exterior of the cover  800  comprises an impact resistant material to protect the amplifier from vibrations, shock, and impact. In some embodiments the cover  800  fits over a 12V DC amplifier. In some embodiments, the cover  800  fits over an amplifier which is converted from 12V DC to 36V DC. However, the cover  800  is designed to fit any sized amplifier as known in the art. In some embodiments, the cover  800  is ingress protection  55  rated. In further embodiments, the cover  800  is ingress protection  56  rated. However, the cover  800  is able to be ingress protection rated to any level as known in the art. 
         [0030]      FIG. 9  shows a partially exploded front perspective view of a cover  900  for an amplifier with sealed entry points in accordance with some embodiments. As discussed above, the cover  900  comprises a top panel  901 , a bottom panel  903 , a left panel  905  and a right panel  907 , a name badge  909 , a crossover cover  911  and one or more heat sink gaskets  915 ′. The bottom panel  903 , the left panel  905  and the right panel  907  as well as the crossover cover  911 , and the one or more heat sink gaskets  915 ′ seal the cover  900  against water intrusion. In some embodiments, the cover  900  further comprises waterproof connectors (not shown) for power and speaker leads. In some of these embodiments, the connectors are detachable. 
         [0031]    The left panel  905  comprises a sealing apparatus  953  and a separatable endcap  951 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  953  seals the left panel  905  of the cover  900  against water intrusion. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  953  comprises a side panel  955  and a washer  957 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  953  comprises only a side panel  955 . In further embodiments, the sealing apparatus  953  comprises only a washer  957 . In some embodiments, the side panel  955  and the washer  957  are a cover plate and a rubber gasket, respectively. In some embodiments, the side panel  955  comprises one or more of plastic, aluminum, iron, acrylic, and metal. However, the side panel  955  is able to comprise any compatible material as known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the endcap  951  fits over the sealing apparatus  953  to form the left panel  905  of the cover. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  953  and the endcap  951  are separately removable from the top  901  and the bottom  903  of the cover  900 . 
         [0032]    Similarly, the right panel  907  comprises a sealing apparatus  973  and a separatable endcap  971 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  973  seals the right panel  907  of the cover  900  against water intrusion. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  973  comprises a side panel  975  and a washer  977 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  953  comprises only a side panel  975 . In further embodiments, the sealing apparatus  973  comprises only a washer  977 . In some embodiments, the side panel  975  and the washer  977  are a cover plate and a rubber gasket, respectively. In some embodiments, the side panel  975  comprises one or more of plastic, aluminum, iron, acrylic, and metal. However, the side panel  975  is able to comprise any compatible material as known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the endcap  971  fits over the sealing apparatus  973  to form the right panel  907  of the cover  900 . In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  973  and the endcap  971  are separately removable from the top  901  and the bottom panel  903  of the cover  900 . 
         [0033]    As further shown in  FIG. 9 , the cover  900  comprises a crossover cover  911  and a heat sink gasket  915 ′. In some embodiments, the crossover cover  911  comprises one or more of a cover plate and a gasket. In further embodiments, the crossover cover  911  comprises a cover plate and a gasket. As described above, the crossover cover  911  seals the controls of the amplifier from water intrusion and the heat sink gasket  915 ′ seals the heat sink against water intrusion. 
         [0034]    The bottom panel  903 , the top panel  901 , the left panel  905  and the right panel  907  are configured to be coupled by one or more of a threaded screw, snap fit, rivet, and glue. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the bottom panel  903 , the top panel  901 , the left panel  905  and the right panel  907  are able to be coupled together by any mechanism as known in the art. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus  953  is coupled to the top panel  901  and the bottom panel  903  of the cover  900  by a threaded screw fit and the separatable endcap  951  snap fits over the sealing apparatus  953  to be coupled to the top panel  901  and the bottom panel  903  of the cover  900 . In further embodiments, the separatable endcap  951  fits over the sealing apparatus  953  and is coupled to the top panel  901  and the bottom panel  903  of the cover  900  by one or more of a threaded screw and a rivet. In some embodiments, sealing apparatus  953  further comprises one or more of silicone and epoxy in order to further seal the components of the cover  900 . 
         [0035]    In operation, the cover for an amplifier with sealed entry points enables a user to protect an amplifier from water and salt intrusion. Additionally, the cover enables a user to utilize different amplifiers on a boat or other water craft. For example, a user is able to change or upgrade amplifiers as a corresponding stereo component is changed while using the same protective cover. Consequently, the cover enables a user to protect different amplifiers at minimal cost. Accordingly, the cover for an amplifier with sealed entry points described herein has numerous advantages. 
         [0036]    The invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications area able to be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent that design for the amplifier with sealed entry points and the cover for an amplifier with sealed entry points is able to be incorporated within any ingress protection rated stereo component. Further, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the precise structure of the device is able to be substantially varied to accommodate various electronic components while still being compatible with the invention. Consequently, the claims should be broadly construed, consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention, and should not be limited to their exact, literal meaning.