US 12,451,919 B2
Modular customizable ruggedized protective case with detachable sidewall for mobile device
Matthew D. Miller, Cedar Rapids, IA (US)
Assigned to MobileDemand LC, Hiawatha, IA (US)
Filed by MobileDemand LC, Hiawatha, IA (US)
Filed on Jan. 9, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/094,844.
Application 17/325,621 is a division of application No. 16/511,740, filed on Jul. 15, 2019, granted, now 11,031,968, issued on Jun. 8, 2021.
Application 18/094,844 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/325,621, filed on May 20, 2021, granted, now 11,552,668.
Application 16/511,740 is a continuation of application No. 16/029,128, filed on Jul. 6, 2018, granted, now 10,355,731, issued on Jul. 16, 2019.
Application 16/029,128 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/422,239, filed on Feb. 1, 2017, granted, now 10,021,237, issued on Jul. 10, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/289,822, filed on Feb. 1, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2023/0163799 A1, May 25, 2023
Int. Cl. H04B 1/3888 (2015.01); A45C 11/00 (2006.01); A45C 13/26 (2006.01); G06F 1/16 (2006.01); H04M 1/02 (2006.01); H04M 1/72409 (2021.01); H04M 1/72412 (2021.01)
CPC H04B 1/3888 (2013.01) [A45C 11/00 (2013.01); A45C 13/26 (2013.01); G06F 1/1626 (2013.01); G06F 1/1632 (2013.01); G06F 1/1656 (2013.01); H04M 1/0202 (2013.01); H04M 1/724092 (2022.02); A45C 11/002 (2025.01); H04M 1/72412 (2021.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A modular ruggedized protective case for a mobile communications device, comprising:
a primary housing configured to at least partially enclose one or more of an edge of a mobile communications device and a first rear face of the mobile communications device, the primary housing fashioned of a flexible material;
a secondary housing configured to at least partially enclose the primary housing, the secondary housing fashioned of a rigid material;
and
a removable sidewall configured for attachment to and detachment from the secondary housing via at least one snap-on point, the removable sidewall fashioned of a rigid material similar to that of the secondary housing,
the removable sidewall conforming to the exterior surface of the secondary housing and configured to conceal at least one connector port set into the mobile communications device, the at least one connector port configured for physically and communicatively coupling a peripheral keyboard to the mobile communications device;
wherein each snap-on point comprises a sidewall portion of the removable sidewall configured for engagement with a housing portion of the secondary housing,
the housing portion comprising:
a pair of receiving slots on either side of a tab, the tab comprising an outer tab extending from the secondary housing and an inner tab under the outer tab, the inner tab having a forward end and a rear end extending farther from the outer tab than the forward end;
the sidewall portion comprising:
a pair of rails configured to translate along the receiving slots as the removable sidewall is attached or detached;
and
a hole extending through the sidewall portion between the pair of rails and conforming to the inner tab, the inner tab configured to lock into the hole when the hole extends beyond the rear end;
and
wherein the outer tab is configured for engagement by a user to release the inner tab from the hole.