Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a grille designed to shield a microphone cavity. This grille has a first side with a first set of parallel slats forming channels along a first direction. On the opposite side, the second side features a second set of parallel slats forming channels along a second direction at a specific angle relative to the first direction. The combination of the first and second sets of parallel slats creates a lattice structure with multiple openings that facilitate the diffusion of air across the grille. Furthermore, the channels and slats are designed to induce capillary action, allowing them to effectively drain water from both the openings and the microphone cavity.

<CIT> discloses a communication device that consists of a housing with two or more apertures designed to create a speaker grille. These apertures are arranged to form one or more sets, with each set comprising at least two apertures connected by a fluid channel located on the internal face of the panel. The fluid channel is composed of one or more segments. Both the channel segments and the acoustic apertures have predetermined sizes and shapes designed to draw fluid from the exterior side of the panel to the interior side and then into one of the channel segments. The dimensions and geometry of the channels and apertures are chosen to ensure that the fluid in the channels exits from the housing through the lowermost acoustic aperture.

<CIT> discloses an acoustically resistive protective cover assembly for an opening in a casing is provided, the casing separates an enclosed space from the ambient space and has an exposed face oriented toward the ambient space and an internal face oriented toward the internal space. The cover assembly comprises an acoustically resistive porous material disposed upon the exposed face of the case and an acoustically resistive water repellant material disposed upon the internal face of the case.

Some portable devices, such as remote speaker microphones (RSMs), and the like, are often exposed to water, such as rain, water spray, mist and the like, which can get into microphone and/or speaker cavities, and the like, via microphone and/or speaker ports of the portable devices, and block and/or damage microphones and/or speakers. Such blockage and/or damage can cause the microphone and/or speakers to operate poorly, which may cause unintelligible speech either at the device (e.g. from a speaker) or in audio transmitted by the device (e.g. as received at a microphone). An ancillary issue may be wind noise which occurs due to the Helmholtz effect when wind blows across the microphone and/or speaker ports.

Some solutions to prevent water damage and/or wind noise include a grille, and the like, between the ports and the cavity, and/or using sneak paths between the ports and the cavity. However, such solutions may result in increased cost and/or complexity of the device, and/or in a reduced wideband response of the microphone and/or the speaker (e.g. as compared to devices which lack a grille and/or a sneak path).

Hence, provided herein is a device that includes a microphone and/or a speaker in a cavity, with oblique linear slots in a bezel covering the cavity (e.g. oblique relative to an upright axis of the bezel and/or the device, and/or relative to top and bottom surfaces of a housing and/or the device). The linear slots may be separated by linear slats which form sides of the linear slots. Dimensions of the linear slats, and/or dimensions of sides of the linear slots and/or dimensions of the linear slots, including a thickness thereof, are selected to promote water droplet formation at the sides of the linear slots, for example due to a capillary effect. Put another way, dimensions of the linear slots are selected to promote formation of water droplets at the sides of the linear slots and/or in the linear slots, which are of a size which overcome water surface tension and flow out of the linear slots when the bezel is exposed to one or more of mist, rain, water and humidity, for example in operation and/or during mist and/or dunk testing. The device is also provided with at least one recess at an inner face of the bezel, adjacent the linear slots, which collect water from the water droplets as they flow out of the linear slots. In some examples, the device is further provided with at least one drainage channel connected to the at least one recess to provide a path for water in the at least one recess to drain out of the device. Furthermore, the dimensions of the linear slots may be selected, in combination with a given volume of the cavity, to reduce Helmholtz resonance within a given transmission band.

An aspect of the specification provides a device as according to claim <NUM>.

Another aspect of the specification provides portable communication device as according to claim <NUM>.

Attention is directed to <FIG> which depicts a perspective view of a device <NUM> with linear slots for water drainage, in accordance with some examples. As depicted the device <NUM> comprises a remote speaker microphone (and/or a radio speaker microphone), however the device <NUM> may comprise any suitable device and/or portable communication device with linear slots for water drainage, as described hereafter. In some examples, the device <NUM> may comprise a body wearable device (such as an RSM and/or another body wearable device). In particular examples, the device <NUM> may comprise a shoulder mountable wearable device (such as an RSM and/or another shoulder mountable wearable device).

However, the device <NUM> may include any suitable device that includes a microphone and/or speaker in a cavity that may be adapted to include linear slots for water drainage, as described hereafter, including, but not limited to, a cell phone, a radio device, a laptop computer, and the like.

The device <NUM> will next be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> depicts a perspective view of the device <NUM>, <FIG> depicts a perspective view of the device <NUM> in a partially disassembled state, and <FIG> depicts an inner face of a bezel of the device <NUM>. Comparing <FIG> and <FIG>, it is understood that the perspective thereof differ to show various sides of a housing thereof.

With reference first to <FIG> and <FIG>, the device <NUM> generally comprises a housing <NUM> having a cavity <NUM> formed therein, the housing <NUM> having a front surface <NUM>, a back surface <NUM> (e.g. not strictly visible in <FIG> or <FIG> but understood to oppose the front surface <NUM> as indicated in <FIG>), a first side surface <NUM> (e.g. a left side surface) and a second side surface <NUM> (e.g. a right side surface), and a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>. In general, the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> oppose each other, the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> oppose each other, and the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> oppose each other. Furthermore, the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> form a perimeter of the device <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM>, with the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> joining the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and vice versa. The surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> further join the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further includes one or more of a microphone and a speaker mounted in the cavity <NUM>. While hereafter, the device <NUM> is described with respect to a microphone <NUM> mounted in the cavity <NUM>, it is understood that the microphone <NUM> may be replaced with a speaker and/or a speaker may be mounted in the cavity <NUM> with the microphone <NUM> and/or the microphone <NUM> may comprise a combined speaker/microphone. The cavity <NUM> may have any suitable shape (which, as depicted, may include a secondary cavity <NUM>).

The device <NUM> generally includes a bezel <NUM> covering the cavity <NUM> and the microphone <NUM>, the bezel <NUM> having an outer face <NUM> (as best seen in <FIG>) and an inner face <NUM> (as best seen in <FIG>), the inner face <NUM> facing the cavity <NUM> (e.g. when the device <NUM> is assembled).

The bezel <NUM> may be formed as part of the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (e.g. as depicted in <FIG>), and/or the bezel <NUM> may be removeable from the housing <NUM> (e.g. as depicted in <FIG>). Hence, the bezel <NUM> may further be configured to mate with the housing <NUM> (e.g. at the front surface <NUM>), for example via any suitable mating mechanism (e.g., latches, and the like) to better assemble and/or disassemble the device <NUM>. Indeed, as also depicted in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may include a top portion <NUM> (e.g. that includes the top surface <NUM>) that may also be assembled with the remainder of the housing <NUM> to better assemble and/or disassemble the device <NUM>. However, the combination of the housing <NUM> and the bezel <NUM> may be formed in any suitable manner, and/or the bezel <NUM> may form the housing <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> may form the bezel <NUM>, and the like.

In particular examples, the bezel <NUM> may be formed as part of the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the bezel <NUM> covering the cavity <NUM> and the one or more of the microphone <NUM> and/or a speaker, the bezel <NUM> having the outer face <NUM> coincident with the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the inner face <NUM> facing the cavity <NUM>.

The device <NUM> may further include other components and/or features, for example, as depicted, a push-to-talk (PTT) button <NUM>, a cord <NUM> to a radio, and the like. Similarly, the bezel <NUM> may include other components, such as other buttons, and the like, for actuating and/or providing other functionality of the device <NUM> (e.g. volume buttons, headphone ports, toggle switches, and the like). However, the button <NUM>, and the cord <NUM> are merely provided to adapt the device <NUM> for functionality as a wired RSM. However, the device <NUM> may include any suitable combination of features to adapt the device <NUM> for a particular functionality. For example, the device <NUM> may be adapted to function as a wireless RSM and may not include the cord <NUM>. Similarly, the device <NUM> may be adapted to function as a wired and/or wireless microphone and/or speaker may not include the button <NUM> and/or the cord <NUM>. Similarly, the device <NUM> may be adapted to function as a cell phone, and the like, and may include a display screen and input devices, and the like. However, any combination of other components and/or features for adapting the device <NUM> for a particular functionality are within the scope of the present specification.

Similarly, while the bezel <NUM> is provided as covering a substantial portion of the device <NUM> at the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the bezel <NUM> may be of a size and shape that is generally covering the cavity <NUM>, with a remaining front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> provided as a separate component, and the like. Put another way, the bezel <NUM> may be of any suitable size and shape and/or may be integrated with the housing <NUM>, and further may, or may not, be removable.

As depicted, the device <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> and/or the bezel <NUM> may be of a length (e.g. between the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>) that is longer than a width thereof (e.g. between the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>). Furthermore, the device <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> and/or the bezel <NUM> may be used in an upright position in "normal" operation thereof. For example, the upright position is depicted in <FIG>, with the top surface <NUM> being upright and/or in a top position, relative to the bottom surface <NUM> (and/or relative to the ground and/or a floor (e.g. of a street, a room, the earth, etc.)). Hence, as best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the device <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> and/or the bezel <NUM> may include an upright axis <NUM> that extends between, and/or through, and/or about perpendicular to, the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The axis <NUM> may be interchangeably referred to as a longitudinal axis as the axis <NUM> also extends long the length of the device <NUM> and/or the axis <NUM> is about perpendicular to the shorter width. Put another way, the bezel <NUM> comprises a top edge <NUM> (and/or a first outer edge <NUM>) and an opposing bottom edge <NUM> (and/or a second outer edge <NUM>), as best seen in <FIG>, and the axis <NUM> may extend between the top edge <NUM> and the bottom edge <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> (and/or the axis <NUM> may be perpendicular to the top edge <NUM> and the bottom edge <NUM>).

Water drainage features of the device <NUM> are next described in combination with features for enabling sound waves to pass between the outer face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> and the cavity <NUM>.

In particular, the device <NUM> generally comprises linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> through the bezel <NUM> from the outer face <NUM> to the inner face <NUM>, the linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> being obliquely angled relative to the upright axis <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> (and/or the device <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM>). The linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are interchangeably referred to hereafter, collectively, as the linear slots <NUM> and, generically, as a linear slot <NUM>. This notation will be used elsewhere in the present specification. Furthermore, for simplicity only one linear slot <NUM> is indicated in <FIG>.

In general, the linear slots <NUM> comprise apertures and/or ports (e.g. microphone ports and/or speaker ports) to allow sound to pass between the outer face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> and/or the microphone <NUM>. In particular, as best seen in <FIG>, the device <NUM> includes a direct air path <NUM> between the linear slots <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> and/or the one or more of the microphone <NUM> and a speaker; for example, the direct air path <NUM> excludes a grille and/or a sneak path, providing for better passage of sound between the linear slots <NUM> and the cavity <NUM>, etc. (e.g. as compared to prior art devices that include a grille and/or sneak path).

The linear slots <NUM> are referred to as "linear" as they have a respective length which is longer than a respective width. As will be described hereafter, such a configuration assists with drainage of water which accumulates at the linear slots <NUM> and/or a capillary effect which may assist with formation of water droplets in the linear slots <NUM>.

Furthermore, the linear slots <NUM> are obliquely angled relative to the upright axis <NUM> and/or the linear slots <NUM> are obliquely angled relative to the first side surface <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and/or relative to the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In general, the oblique angle of the linear slots, which may be in range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>° and/or any other suitable angle (e.g. in a range of about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°), assist with drainage water at the linear slots <NUM> when the device <NUM> is upright (e.g. with the top side surface <NUM> being in an upright position), upside down (e.g. with the bottom side surface <NUM> being in an upright position) and/or when the device <NUM> is sideways (e.g. with the left side surface <NUM> or the right side surface <NUM> being in an upright position). In other words, the angle of the linear slots <NUM>, relative to the upright axis <NUM> and/or the first side surface <NUM> and/or the second side surface <NUM> and/or the top surface <NUM> and/or the bottom surface <NUM>, is selected such that gravitational pull occurs on water at the linear slots <NUM> when the device <NUM> is upright, upside down or sideways.

Put yet another way, with reference to <FIG>, the linear slots <NUM> may obliquely extend between respective first ends <NUM> and respective second ends <NUM>, the respective first ends <NUM> located adjacent an outer edge of the bezel <NUM>, in particular, as depicted, the respective first ends <NUM> are located adjacent the top edge <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>. While only one first end <NUM> and one second end <NUM> are numbered in <FIG> for simplicity, it is understood that the linear slots <NUM> each include similar respective ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

While only three linear slots <NUM> are included at the device <NUM>, the device <NUM> may include any suitable number of linear slots <NUM> including as few as one linear slot <NUM> and/or more than three linear slots <NUM>.

Furthermore, while the linear slots <NUM> are depicted as being about parallel to each other, the linear slots <NUM> may be in any suitable arrangement.

As depicted, the device <NUM> further comprises linear slats <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. linear slats <NUM> and/or a linear slat <NUM>) separating the linear slots <NUM> at the bezel <NUM> and forming sides of the linear slots <NUM>, described in more detail below with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. In general, however, the dimensions of the linear slats <NUM> and/or the sides of the linear slots <NUM> (including, but not limited to, a thickness of the linear slats <NUM>) are selected to have dimensions that promote formation of water droplets thereon, of a size which overcome water surface tension and flow out of the linear slots <NUM> when the bezel <NUM> is exposed to one or more of mist, rain, water and humidity.

Put another way, at least the sides of the linear slots <NUM> (e.g. formed by the linear slats <NUM>) provide a platform for formation of water droplets, which may be assisted by a capillary effect, when the bezel <NUM> is exposed to one or more of mist, rain, water and humidity, and the linear slots <NUM> further provide for the removal of the water droplets when a surface tension of the water droplets formed on the platform is reached, which may be assisted by a capillary action in the linear slots <NUM>. In general, sides of the linear slots <NUM>, between the ends <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. along a long dimension of the linear slots <NUM>), separated by the linear slats <NUM>, are formed by a thickness of the linear slats <NUM>.

The number of linear slats <NUM> generally depends on a number of the linear slots <NUM> which the linear slats <NUM> separate. For example, as depicted, as there are three linear slots <NUM>, the device <NUM> comprises two linear slats <NUM> (e.g. a linear slat <NUM>-<NUM> between linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and a linear slat <NUM>-<NUM> between linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>). However, the number of linear slats <NUM> may be more than two or fewer than two depending on the number of linear slots <NUM>.

In examples, when the device <NUM> comprises one linear slot <NUM>, the device <NUM> may be absent the linear slats <NUM>. In these examples, sides of the one linear slot <NUM> are formed by a thickness between the outer face <NUM> and the inner face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>, and hence the platform for the water droplets formed by the sides are formed by a thickness between the outer face <NUM> and the inner face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>.

Put another way, the device <NUM> may comprise one or more linear slots <NUM> through the bezel <NUM> from the outer face <NUM> to the inner face <NUM>, the one or more linear slots <NUM> having sides providing a platform for formation of water droplets, which may be assisted by a capillary effect, when the bezel <NUM> is exposed to one or more of mist, rain, water and humidity, the linear slots <NUM> providing for the removal of the water droplets when a surface tension of the water droplets formed on the platform is reached. The platform may generally be provided by the sides of the one or more linear slots <NUM> and/or the platform may generally be provided at the sides of the one or more linear slots <NUM>.

Similarly, as depicted, the linear slots <NUM> include a first linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> and a last linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. in a row of the linear slots <NUM>), and respective outer sides of the first linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> and the last linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> that are not formed by the linear slats <NUM> (but rather are formed by formed by adjacent regions of the bezel <NUM>) are one or more of a same thickness or a similar thickness as a thickness of the linear slats <NUM> which otherwise separate the linear slots <NUM>. However, in some examples, the outer sides of the first linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> and the last linear slot <NUM>-<NUM>, that are not formed by the linear slats <NUM>, may be of a smaller thickness than the linear slats <NUM>.

Hence, in general, sides of the linear slots <NUM>, between the ends <NUM>, <NUM> along a long dimension of the linear slots <NUM>, have dimensions and/or a thickness selected to promote formation of water droplets thereon of a size which overcome water surface tension and flow out of the linear slots <NUM> when the bezel <NUM> is exposed to one or more of mist, rain, water and humidity. Put another way, sides of the linear slots <NUM>, between the ends <NUM>, <NUM> along a long dimension of the linear slots <NUM>, have dimensions and/or a thickness selected to provide a platform for formation of water droplets, which may be assisted by a capillary effect, when the bezel 121is exposed to one or more of mist, rain, water and humidity, the linear slots <NUM> providing for the removal of the water droplets when a surface tension of the water droplets formed on the platform is reached.

As best seen in <FIG>, the outer face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> may be chamfered around the linear slots <NUM>. However, sides of a linear slot <NUM>, between the ends <NUM>, <NUM>, along a long dimension of the linear slots <NUM>, and which face each other in a linear slot <NUM> may be parallel to each other, other than at the ends <NUM>, <NUM> where, as depicted, the sides are joined. While as depicted, at the ends <NUM>, <NUM>, sides of a linear slot <NUM>, which face each other, are joined at the ends <NUM>, <NUM> via a curve (e.g. the ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be rounded), in other examples sides of a linear slot <NUM>, which face each other, are joined at the ends <NUM>, <NUM> via any suitable shape and/or structure.

The linear slats <NUM> are generally referred to "linear" for similar reasons as the linear slots <NUM>, as the linear slats <NUM> are generally longer than they are wider, similar to the linear slots <NUM>.

Comparing <FIG> with <FIG> and <FIG>, in the depicted example, the outer surface <NUM> of the bezel further includes additional ornamental regions <NUM> which externally "look" like the slots <NUM>, but are provided merely for aesthetic purposes; for example, such ornamental regions <NUM> are not visible at the inner surface <NUM> depicted in <FIG>.

As best seen in <FIG>, the device <NUM> further comprises one or more recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. the recesses <NUM> and/or a recess <NUM>) at the inner face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>, adjacent to the linear slots <NUM>, the one or more recesses <NUM> to collect water from the water droplets as the water flows out of the linear slots <NUM>.

For example, as depicted, the one or more recesses <NUM> include: at least one recess <NUM>-<NUM> adjacent the respective second ends <NUM> to collect the water from the water droplets as it flow outs of the linear slots <NUM> when the device <NUM> is in an upright position. Indeed, the recess <NUM>-<NUM> may be a primary recess <NUM> as the device <NUM> may "normally" be operated in the upright position, and hence the recess <NUM>-<NUM> may collect the most water as compared to the other recesses <NUM>.

However, as depicted, the one or more recesses <NUM> include: at least one recess <NUM>-<NUM> located between the respective first ends <NUM> and the outer edge <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>, at least one recess <NUM>-<NUM> extending along the outer edge <NUM> in an elongated shape, at least as compared to the at least one recess <NUM>-<NUM>. The at least one recess <NUM>-<NUM> is to collect the water from the water droplets as it flow outs of the linear slots <NUM> when the device <NUM> is in an upside down position. Hence, when the device <NUM> is inverted from the upright position, water may flow from the linear slots <NUM> to the at least one recess <NUM>-<NUM>.

As depicted, the one or more recesses <NUM> include one or more recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> located adjacent one or more of: the first linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> and the last linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> to collect the water from the water droplets as it flow outs of the linear slots <NUM> when the device <NUM> is in a sideways position. Hence, when the device <NUM> is rotated about <NUM>° from the upright position, for example also rotating the axis <NUM> (e.g. which is different from rotating around the device <NUM> around the axis <NUM>), water may flow from the linear slots <NUM> to the recess <NUM>-<NUM>, or the recess <NUM>-<NUM> depending on a direction of rotation.

Put another way, a recess <NUM>, which is in a downwards-most position, generally receives water from the linear slots <NUM>.

In general, a volume of the one or more recesses <NUM> is selected to accumulate water from the water droplets as the water flows and/or drains out of the linear slots <NUM>. The respective volumes of the recesses <NUM> may be similar and/or the same, and/or respective volumes of the recesses <NUM> may be different from one another.

Furthermore a shape and/or depth of the recesses <NUM> may depend on a position thereof at the inner face <NUM> and/or dimensions of the inner face <NUM> and/or features of the inner face <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM>-<NUM>, which is depicted in cross-section in <FIG>, may generally be rectangular in cross-section and/or box-shaped and have a depth into the inner face <NUM> that is deeper than the other recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. Furthermore, while one recess <NUM>-<NUM> is depicted, the recess <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided as a plurality of recesses (e.g. for each of the linear slots <NUM> and/or a recess <NUM> for two of the linear slots <NUM> but not all of the linear slots).

The shape of the recess <NUM>-<NUM> is further elongated along the top edge <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> for example, to encompass a volume similar to the volume of the recess <NUM>-<NUM>. In other words, as at the top edge <NUM> the bezel <NUM> includes other features such as a lip and/or rim, there may be less room in which to fit a volume of the recess <NUM>-<NUM>, and hence the recess <NUM>-<NUM> collects water in a main space adjacent the linear slots <NUM>, and the water may flow into the elongated space along the top edge <NUM>.

In contrast to the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are generally flat and/or have a smaller depth, and area of the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> is larger than respective area of the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, for example to provide a respective volume of the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that is similar to a respective volume of the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

As also best seen in <FIG>, the device <NUM> may further comprise at least one drainage channel <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. channels <NUM> and/or a channel <NUM>) out of the one or more recesses <NUM> to enable water in the one or more recesses to drain out of the device <NUM> (e.g. from the one or more recesses <NUM>).

For example, as depicted, the channel <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a slit and/or an aperture through the bezel <NUM>, between the recess <NUM>-<NUM> (and/or adjacent the recess <NUM>-<NUM>) at the inner face <NUM> and the outer face <NUM>. The remaining channels <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> comprise paths and/or grooves, and the like, at the inner face <NUM> from a recess <NUM> to edges of the bezel <NUM>. The various channels <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are to "left" and/or "right" edges (e.g. relative to the top edge <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>) of the bezel <NUM> and/or the top edge <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>, for example to allow water to drain out of the recesses <NUM> when the device <NUM> is upright, upside down or sideways.

Furthermore, as also depicted in <FIG>, the device <NUM> may comprise a ridge <NUM> which may reside against a complimentary inner portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> (e.g. as depicted in <FIG>) which may be around an aperture <NUM> in the inner portion under the bezel <NUM> that provides access to an interior of the device <NUM> when the bezel <NUM> is removed, the ridge <NUM> to prevent water that may leak out of the one or more recesses <NUM> from entering the interior of the device <NUM>. As depicted the ridge <NUM>, and the inner portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> against which the ridge <NUM> resides and/or mates and/or interfaces (e.g. when the device <NUM> is assembled), are circular (e.g. as is the aperture <NUM>), however the ridge <NUM> and the inner portion <NUM> (e.g. and/or the aperture <NUM>) may be any suitable respective shapes.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts a perspective view of detail of a region <NUM> of the inner face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> (e.g. the region <NUM> indicated in <FIG>), the region <NUM> including the linear slots <NUM> and the linear slats <NUM>.

Furthermore, the perspective shown in <FIG> shows a thickness of the linear slats <NUM> and/or sides <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> formed by the linear slats <NUM>, as well as a thickness of outer sides <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that are not formed by the linear slats <NUM>.

For example, as depicted, the sides <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> formed by the linear slats <NUM> have a thickness <NUM>, and outer sides <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that are not formed by the linear slats <NUM> have a thickness <NUM>.

In general, the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. including a thickness of the linear slats <NUM>) are selected to form water droplets of a size which overcome water surface tension and flow out of the linear slots <NUM> (e.g. into at least one recess <NUM>) due at least in part to gravitational pull on the water droplets, as described in more detail below.

Put another way, the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. including a thickness dimension of the linear slats <NUM>) are selected to form water droplets of a size which overcome water surface tension and flow out of the linear slots <NUM>, which may be due, at least in part, to inducing a capillary action on the water droplets.

In some examples, as depicted, the thickness <NUM> of the respective outer sides <NUM> of the first linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> and the last linear slot <NUM>-<NUM> are one or more of a same thickness dimension or a similar thickness dimension as the thickness <NUM> of sides <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM>.

While dimensions of the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> may vary, the dimensions may also be constant and/or about constant (e.g. as depicted).

In some examples, the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. including a thickness dimension of the linear slats <NUM>) may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In a particular example, the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> may be about <NUM>.

However the dimensions of the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> may be further selected in combination with selection of a width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> such that water droplets form at, and/or between, the sides <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, a capillary effect in a space may depend on a cross-sectional area of a space; hence the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> and the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> may be selected such that an area of the linear slots (e.g. about the value of a thickness <NUM>, <NUM> multiplied by a respective value for the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>) induces formation of water droplets, for example from side <NUM> to side <NUM> (and/or from side <NUM> to side <NUM>) across a linear slot <NUM>, the capillary effect holding the water droplets in place until a weight thereof breaks the water surface tension and water from the water droplets flow into a recess <NUM> (e.g. due to gravitational pull and/or capillary action which may also be affected by the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the width <NUM>). Such formation of water droplets and/or flow of water (e.g. due to gravitational pull and/or capillary action) may further be affected by a material that forms the sides <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. and the bezel <NUM>); hence, the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> may be further selected in combination with selection of a width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> a given surface energy of the material of the material that forms the sides <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. and the bezel <NUM>). For example, the bezel <NUM> may be formed from a polycarbonate material (and/or any other suitable material), with the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> and the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> selected accordingly.

In the particular example where the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> may be about <NUM>, the linear slots <NUM> may be about <NUM> wide and/or at least <NUM> wide (e.g. between a first side <NUM> to an opposing second side <NUM>, and/or between an inner side <NUM> to an opposing outer side <NUM>), for example when the bezel <NUM> is formed from polycarbonate material. However, in general, the linear slots <NUM> may be less than about <NUM> wide, and/or width <NUM> of the slots <NUM> maybe in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and which may also depend on the material of the bezel <NUM>.

It is further understood, however, that the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM> and the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> may be determined heuristically and/or through trial and error.

Also depicted in <FIG> is a thickness <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM> adjacent reigns of the inner face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM> that do not form the sides <NUM> (e.g. at ends <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM>). The depicted thickness <NUM>, for example, is at the recess <NUM>-<NUM>. From <FIG>, it is understood that the linear slats <NUM> may be raised relative to adjacent regions of the inner face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>. Water droplets may also form at a ridge formed by the thickness <NUM>. It is understood that the thickness <NUM> may represent an increase in thickness of the sides <NUM> (e.g. and the sides <NUM>) over prior art devices where sides are not as thick as the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the device <NUM>; put another way, prior art devices may have slots where sides have thicknesses are reduced by at least the thickness <NUM>. Hence, the increased thickness <NUM> assists with water droplet formation, described in more detail below. For example, the thickness <NUM> may be about <NUM> thick, however the thickness <NUM> may be any suitable value and/or in any suitable range (e.g. selected in combination with the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM>, the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>, a given surface energy of the material of the material that forms the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like).

Furthermore, as depicted, the ends <NUM> may be rounded and/or partially rounded, to promote flow of water from water droplets at the sides <NUM> into a recess <NUM>. However, the ends <NUM> may be any suitable shape. Similarly, portions <NUM> of the sides <NUM> may be rounded to promote flow of water from water droplets at the sides <NUM> into a recess <NUM>.

While a length <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> (e.g. between the ends <NUM>, <NUM>) may be less critical to formation of water droplets, the length <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>, in combination with the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>, may be selected to reduce to reduce Helmholtz resonance within a given transmission band. For example, Helmholtz resonance may be induced at the linear slots <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> due to wind blowing across the linear slots <NUM>, according to the following Equation (<NUM>):<MAT>.

In Equation (<NUM>), F is a resonance frequency, v is the velocity of sound, V is a volume of the cavity <NUM>, A is an area of a linear slot <NUM> (e.g. about length <NUM> of a linear slot <NUM> multiplied by a width <NUM> of a linear slot <NUM>), and t is a thickness <NUM>, <NUM> of a side <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM>, and the widths <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> may be selected to promote formation of water droplets at the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, while the length <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> may be selected to induce a particular resonance frequency F. However, the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM>, and the areas of the linear slots <NUM> (including both the width <NUM> and length <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>) may be selected both to promote formation of water droplets at the sides <NUM>, <NUM> and to induce a particular resonance frequency F and/or heuristically, etc..

Hence, for example, when the cavity <NUM> has a given volume, V, a thickness <NUM>, <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM> and an area of the linear slots <NUM> may be further selected (e.g. in addition to selection thereof to promote formation of water droplets) to reduce Helmholtz resonance within a given transmission band, in combination with the given volume V. In some examples, the thickness <NUM>, <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM> and an area of the linear slots <NUM> may be selected to reduce Helmholtz resonance below about <NUM> (e.g. at an upper end of frequency range of audio transmissions of the microphone <NUM> and/or a speaker) and/or such that the frequency F in Equation (<NUM>) is above about <NUM>, and/or above about <NUM>.

In particular examples, a width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> may be about <NUM>, and the length <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> (e.g. between the ends <NUM>, <NUM>) may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> (e.g. in a particular example about <NUM>) and/or any other suitable length compatible, for example, with Equation (<NUM>) and/or a volume and/or size of the cavity <NUM>.

A width <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM> is also seen in <FIG> (e.g. a distance between sides <NUM> of adjacent linear slots <NUM>). In some examples, as depicted, the width <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM> may be at least a respective width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>, however the width <NUM> of the linear slats <NUM> may smaller or larger than the respective width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>.

Also depicted in <FIG> are details of the channel <NUM>-<NUM> at the top edge <NUM>. As depicted, the channel <NUM>-<NUM> comprises an aperture through the top edge <NUM> connected to the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, to drain water from the recesses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

Water droplet formation at the sides <NUM>, <NUM> is next described with reference to <FIG> depicts a planar view of the region <NUM>, while <FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view of the region <NUM> through the line A-A depicted in <FIG>.

In particular, in <FIG>, the device <NUM> and/or the bezel <NUM> may have been subjected to mist, rain, water and humidity, in a test environment and/or in a real world environment. For example, when testing devices for water drainage, devices may be subjected to a mist test, a water dunk test, and the like.

Regardless, in <FIG>, water droplets <NUM> have formed across each of the linear slots <NUM> (e.g. from side <NUM> to side <NUM> at the linear slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and from side <NUM> to side <NUM> at the linear slot <NUM>-<NUM>). The water droplets <NUM> form at the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, and promotion formation of the water droplets <NUM> at the sides <NUM>, <NUM> may occur at least in part due to the thickness <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. increased by the thickness <NUM> as compared to prior art devices) of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, and may hold their shape due to surface tension of water (and surface energy of a material of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>), and a size of the water droplets at the sides <NUM>, <NUM>.

As the water droplets <NUM> are subjected to more mist, rain, water and humidity, and the like, a size of the water droplets <NUM> grow and generally reach a size that bridges a width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM> (e.g. as depicted); the capillary effect may hold the water droplets <NUM> in the linear slots <NUM>. As the water droplets <NUM> continue to grow, the water droplets <NUM> reach a size where gravitational pull on the water droplets <NUM> cause the water droplets <NUM> to overcome water surface tension and "break" flowing down a linear slot <NUM> into a recess <NUM>; for example, as depicted in <FIG>, water from the water droplets <NUM> may flow into the recess <NUM>-<NUM>, via a respective linear slot <NUM>, as represented the arrows <NUM>. Such flow may also be due to an induced capillary action and/or capillary flow of water in the linear slots <NUM>. For the example, the slots <NUM> may "wick" water from the water droplets <NUM> out of the linear slots <NUM> due to capillary action. While a meniscus of the water droplets <NUM> is depicted as a convex meniscus in the linear slots <NUM>, in other examples the water droplets <NUM> may have a concave meniscus in the linear slots <NUM>, depending on a surface energy of the material of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>.

The water may collect in the recess <NUM>-<NUM> until further gravitational pull on the water causes the water to flow out of the channel <NUM>-<NUM>. A similar action occurs when the device <NUM> is upside down, though water from the water droplets <NUM> may flow into the recess <NUM>-<NUM> and out the channel <NUM>-<NUM>. A similar action occurs when the device <NUM> is sideways, though water from the water droplets <NUM> may flow into the recess <NUM>-<NUM> or the recess <NUM>-<NUM> and out the channels <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some examples, the water droplets <NUM> may "break" before bridging the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>, depending, for example, on the width <NUM> of the slots <NUM>, a dimension of the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts the cross-section through the line A-A of <FIG>. In particular, a cross-section of the linear slot <NUM>-<NUM>, the recess <NUM>-<NUM> and the recess <NUM>-<NUM> are depicted, as well as a side <NUM> of the linear slot <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> shows that the recess <NUM>-<NUM> is rectangular in cross-section, though the recess <NUM>-<NUM> may be any suitable shape.

In particular, <FIG> shows regions <NUM>, <NUM> at which water that forms the water droplets <NUM> may collect. The region <NUM> indicates surfaces at which water collects without increased thickness <NUM> of the side <NUM> (e.g. as described above), which also includes a chamfered portion of the outer face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>. In contrast, the region <NUM> indicates the additional surfaces of the side <NUM> due to the thickness <NUM> (e.g. added to the region <NUM>) at which water collects, which both increases surface area on which the water droplets <NUM> form (e.g. relative to the region <NUM>) and increases the cross-sectional area of the linear slots <NUM> (e.g. to which can lead to an increased capillary effect (e.g. relative to when only the surfaces of the region <NUM> are present, as in prior art devices)). Indeed, <FIG> further illustrates that while examples of the capillary effect and Helmholtz resonance have been described above only with reference to the thicknesses <NUM>, <NUM>, and the width <NUM> of the linear slots <NUM>, capillary effect and Helmholtz resonance may also be influenced by the chamfered portion of the outer face <NUM> of the bezel <NUM>.

However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

The invention is defined solely by the appended claims.

In this document, language of "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y and Z" may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, XZ, and the like). Similar logic may be applied for two or more items in any occurrence of "at least one. " and "one or more. " language.

Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has", "having," "includes", "including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises. a", "includes. a", "contains. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within <NUM>%, in another embodiment within <NUM>%, in another embodiment within <NUM>% and in another embodiment within <NUM>%. The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

Moreover, an embodiment may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) comprising:
a cavity (<NUM>),
one or more of a microphone (<NUM>) and a speaker mounted in the cavity (<NUM>),
a bezel (<NUM>);
wherein the bezel (<NUM>) covers the cavity (<NUM>) and the one or more of the microphone (<NUM>) and the speaker, the bezel (<NUM>) having an outer face (<NUM>) and an inner face (<NUM>), the inner face (<NUM>) facing the cavity (<NUM>);
linear slots (<NUM>) through the bezel (<NUM>) from the outer face (<NUM>) to the inner face (<NUM>), the linear slots (<NUM>) being obliquely angled relative to an upright axis (<NUM>) of the bezel (<NUM>), the linear slots (<NUM>) having a long dimension between respective first ends (<NUM>) and respective second ends (<NUM>) of the linear slots (<NUM>);
linear slats (<NUM>) separating the linear slots (<NUM>) at the bezel (<NUM>) and forming sides (<NUM>, <NUM>) thereof having dimensions selected to promote formation of water droplets thereon of a size which causes the droplets to overcome water surface tension and flow out of the linear slots (<NUM>) when the bezel (<NUM>) is exposed to one or more of mist, rain, water and humidity, a thickness of the linear slats (<NUM>) selected to form the water droplets of the size which causes the droplets to overcome the water surface tension and flow out of the linear slots (<NUM>) due at least in part to inducing a capillary effect on the water droplets; and
one or more recesses (<NUM>) at the inner face (<NUM>) of the bezel (<NUM>), adjacent to the linear slots (<NUM>), the one or more recesses (<NUM>) to collect water from the water droplets as the water flows out of the linear slots (<NUM>), wherein optionally the device is a portable communication device comprising a housing having the cavity formed therein, the housing having a front surface, a back surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, and the bezel is formed as part of the front surface of the housing.