APPARATUS FOR SECURING FIRST AND SECOND PARTS OF A COMPONENT TOGETHER

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for use in securing first and second parts of a component together.

Background of the Invention

Injection molded components are typically formed in first and second complementary shells that are later secured together using a plurality of screws, for example. The screws are typically quite small and, as such, they have previously been secured in place by hand. It may be time consuming and generally inconvenient to fasten the shells together in this manner. Further, human error may lead to the shells being damaged during this process. For example, the shells could be scratched if a screw slips as it is being driven into the shells.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for use in securing first and second parts of a component together, including an endless loop of material that is shaped to be fitted around a section of the parts when said parts are arranged together, wherein said material is plastically deformable so as to conform to the shape of said section of the parts when subjected to a heat source.

Preferably, said material is shrink wrap.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided, in combination, a component formed in first and second shells and an endless loop of material that is shaped to be fitted around a section of the shells when said shells are arranged together, wherein said material is plastically deformable so as to conform to the shape of said section of the shells when subjected to a heat source.

Preferably, said section of the parts is indented with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the component so as to at least partially receive the endless loop of material.

Preferably, said material is shrink wrap.

hi accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for securing first and second parts of a component together, including the steps of:

(a) arranging the first and second parts together;

(b) fitting an endless loop of material around a section of the parts; and

(c) applying a heat source to said endless loop, wherein said material is plastically deformable so as to conform to the shape of said section of the parts when subjected to heat.

Preferably, said material is shrink wrap.

Preferably, the parts are shells of a housing of the component.

Advantageously, the apparatus reduces the risk of scratching the component being coupled together.

Advantageously, the apparatus reduces manufacturing time in assembling components.

Advantageously, the apparatus makes cosmetic designs possible.

Advantageously, the apparatus has a soft-touch sensation to users of the components.

Advantageously, the apparatus provides an alternative method for securing the shells of a housing together without the use of screws.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention arranged in a condition of use around the a housing of a component;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the housing of a component shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention fitted to the housing of a component; and

Figure 4 is a front view of an apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention fitted to the housing of a component.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

The apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 is used to secure first and second parts 12a,12b of a housing 14 of a hearing aid device 16 together. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus 10 are hereafter described by way of reference to the hearing aid device 16. However, the apparatus is suitable for use in securing first and second parts of any component together.

The apparatus 10 includes first and second endless loops 18,20 of a material that are each shaped to be fitted around respective sections 22,24 of the housing 14 when the parts 12a, 12b are fitted together. The endless loops 18,20 are made of plastically deformable material that shrinks and conforms to the shape of said sections 18,20 of the housing 14 when they are subjected to a heat source. The endless loops 18,20 secure the parts 12a,12b of the housing 14 together when they are fitted in the described manner.

The endless loops 18,20, are made of a thermal shrink material such as polyolefin.

The heat source is preferably a low heat oven. The heat generated by the heat source is high enough to shrink the size of the endless loops 18,20 to conform to the shape of their

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respective sections 22,24 of the housing 14 to thereby secure the parts 12a, 12b of the housing 14 together. The heat generated by the heat source is preferably low enough to prevent damage to the electronic components encased in the housing 14 of the component 16.

The sections 22,24 of the housing 14 are preferably indented with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 14. The indentations are shaped to receive respective endless loops 18,20 so that the housing 14 will generally have a smooth outer surface after the endless loops 18,20 have been shrunk into place.

The endless loops 18,20 are preferably wraps 30, 32 for the hearing aid device 34, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The wraps 30,32 are fashioned in such a way that the various operational features 36 of the component 16 are not covered or blocked. The operational features 36 include the volume control switch, and battery door, for example.

The wraps 30,32 can take any suitable form that does not obstruct or inhibit normal operation of the hearing aid device 34.

The wraps 30,32 may be removed by cutting them away, for example.

The advantages of the apparatus 10 and the wraps 30,32 include:

1. Reduce risks of scratching as mentioned above;

2. Automated assembly of wrap on housing is possible;

3. Reduced manufacturing time;

4. Cosmetic designs possible

5. Ability to provide a soft-touch sensation to users of such hearing aids.

While we have shown and described specific embodiments of the present invention, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. We desire it to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular forms shown and

we intend in the append claims to cover all modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention.

List of Parts

Apparatus 10 First Part of Housing 12a Second Part of Housing 12b Housing 14 component 16 Endless Loop 18,20 Section of the Component 22,24 Wrap 30,32

Heading Aid Device 34