PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
Disclosed is durable and water-resistant or water-proof communication accessory with a built-in battery for a mobile communication device capable of enclosing, powering, and protecting a mobile device and protecting it from dirt, water, weather, bumps, and scratches. The built-in battery can extend the battery operating time of mobile communication device while protecting the sensitive electronics, glass screen, and data.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/802,181, titled “DURABLE PROTECTIVE BATTERY CASE,” and filed on Mar. 15, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/923,590, titled “PROTECTIVE CASE WITH SWITCH COVER,” and filed on Jan. 3, 2014. The above-identified patent applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety and made a part of this specification for all that they disclose. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The following U.S. Patents and Patent Applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety and made a part of this specification for all that they disclose: U.S. Design patent application No. 29/406,346, titled “MULTI-PIECE CASE,” and filed Nov. 11, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/357,262, titled “BATTERY PACK, HOLSTER, AND EXTENDIBLE PROCESSING AND INTERFACE PLATFORM FOR MOBILE DEVICES,” and filed Jan. 21, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,367,235; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/768,538, titled “SWITCH COVER AND EXTERNAL CASE INCORPORATING A SWITCH COVER,” and filed Feb. 25, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,046, titled “PROTECTIVE CASE WITH SWITCH COVER,” and filed Feb. 21, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/696,139, titled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION REPEATER ANTENNA FOR A MOBILE DEVICE PERIPHERAL,” and filed Sep. 1, 2012; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/014,095, titled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ACCESSORY FOR A MOBILE DEVICE,” and filed Aug. 29, 2013. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Various aspects of this disclosure relate to protective cases for mobile electronic devices, and more particularly to protective cases for mobile electronic devices incorporating a supplemental battery. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Many mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones, digital assistants, mobile communication devices, handheld video game devices, handheld computing devices, personal music/video/content players, navigation systems, sensors, and storage devices) may be expensive, may have fragile equipment such as breakable glass touchscreens and lenses, may have easily scuffed decorative finishes, may have delicate internal electronic components, and may have easily broken or lost buttons and/or switches. People have also become more and more dependent on the data, contacts, and calendars stored in their mobile devices, even as the devices shrink and incorporate more expensive and more sensitive components. These expensive devices and the critical stored data can be protected with a relatively inexpensive protective case. Additionally as the mobile device form factor shrinks, the mechanical controls can similarly shrink. 
     The mobile devices are often powered by battery power sources. Such battery power sources are often housed within the mobile device and may be changed and/or recharged as needed. However, as more powerful mobile devices are designed, these tend to consume power more quickly, thereby shortening the time between charges. This can limit the usefulness of the mobile device since the user may need to find a power source to recharge the battery source and wait until it is recharged. 
     Additionally, such mobile devices are typically designed to satisfy the needs of a wide array of consumers. While some consumers are comfortable with no case or decorative cases providing minimal protection, for other consumers, these devices are frequently used in harmful environments such that external covers capable of protecting the internal device from liquid, dust, crushing, and impact are beneficial. Consequently, users who wish to protect their mobile device in harmful environments (e.g., military, law enforcement, construction workers, and outdoors enthusiasts) often protect their cases with bulky, durable cases. Further, in some instances, such mobile devices may have somewhat limited processing capabilities (e.g., to extend battery power) and limited input/output capabilities. Consequently, in some cases, users who wish to extend the capabilities of the mobile device to implement various types of solutions are prevented from doing so. 
     Users frequently attach separate after-market cases to their mobile devices, either as a form of expression or to protect the sensitive electronics, the breakable glass, and the important information inside. Some users have to expose their mobile devices to relatively harsh conditions, such as rain, mud, sand, bumps, and frequent drops. These users frequently opt for protective cases. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a water-resistant protective case for a mobile device with a touch screen. The protective case can include a first case portion and a second case portion configured to form a protective case around the mobile device, and the protective case can be configured to reveal the touch screen. The protective case can include a plurality of impact-absorbing regions fixed to the protective case. The protective case can include a battery and an internal interface capable of electrically coupling with the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. The protective case can include a water-resistant seal formed between the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion when the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion are coupled to form the protective case. 
     The water-resistant seal can include a gasket. 
     In some embodiments, a first portion of the gasket is disposed between the internal interface and the first case portion and wherein a second portion of the gasket is disposed between the internal interface and the second case portion. 
     The protective case can include a plurality of openings and flexible port covers configured to correspond to ports and/or buttons on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. 
     The protective case can include a screen gasket capable of forming a water-tight seal around the touch screen when the mobile device is in the protective case. 
     The protective case can include a membrane attached to the protective case disposed in front of the touch screen when the mobile device is in the protective case. In some embodiments, a tactile input on one side of the membrane registers with the touch screen on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. 
     The plurality of impact-absorbing regions can include over-molded thermoplastic. 
     The protective case can include a flexible sleeve configured to stretch around the protective case. 
     The protective case can include an external interface electrically coupled to the internal interface. The external interface can be a different connection type from the internal interface. 
     The first battery and a second battery in the mobile device can be configured to be charged through the external interface. 
     The protective case can include comprising a battery information display. 
     The battery can be enclosed within the first case portion. 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a protective case for a mobile device with a touch screen. The protective case can include a first rigid case portion and a second rigid case portion configured to form a protective case around the mobile device, and the protective case can be configured to reveal the touch screen. The protective case can include a first battery and an internal interface capable of electrically coupling with the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. The protective case can include a water-resistant seal formed between the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion when the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion are coupled to form the protective case. In some embodiments, the protective case can include a flexible sleeve configured to stretch around the protective case. 
     The water-resistant seal can include a gasket. In some embodiments, a first portion of the gasket can be disposed between the internal interface and the first case portion, and a second portion of the gasket can be disposed between the internal interface and the second case portion. 
     The protective case can include a plurality of openings and flexible port covers configured to correspond to ports and/or buttons on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. 
     The protective case can include a screen gasket capable of forming a water-tight seal around the touch screen. 
     The protective case can include a membrane attached to the protective case disposed in front of the touch screen when the mobile device is in the protective case. An input on one side of the membrane opposite the touch screen can register with the touch screen on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. 
     The protective case can include a waterproof microphone port. 
     The protective case can include an external interface electrically coupled to the internal interface. 
     The battery of the protective case and a battery in the mobile device are configured to be charged through the external interface. 
     The protective case can include a battery information display. 
     The protective case can include comprises a third case portion. 
     The battery can be enclosed within the first case portion. 
     Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a water-resistant protective case for a mobile device with a touch screen. The protective case can include a first rigid case portion and a second rigid case portion configured to form a protective case with a plurality of openings configured to correspond to the ports and/or buttons of the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. The protective case can be configured to reveal the touch screen. The protective case can include a flexible sleeve configured to stretch around the protective case, and the flexible sleeve can include flexible port covers capable of sealing the plurality of openings. The protective case can include a membrane attached to the protective case disposed in front of the touch-screen. A tactile input on one side of the membrane can register with the touch screen on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case. The protective case can include a battery, an internal interface capable of electrically coupling with the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case, and an external interface electrically coupled to the internal interface. The protective case can include a water-resistant seal formed between the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion when the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion are coupled to form the protective case. 
     Various protective cases described above and disclosed herein can include a switch cover that can be rotatable between a first position and a second position. The switch cover can be configured to move a switch on the mobile device linearly to a first switch position when the switch cover is rotated to the first position, and the switch cover can be configured to move the switch linearly to a second switch position when the switch cover is rotated to the second position. 
     The switch cover can include a base having a first portion and a second portion, and the switch cover can be configured to rotate about an axis of the base. The first portion can be configured to face the switch of the mobile device when the mobile device is in the case, and the second portion can be configured to face away from the switch. A guide on the first portion of the base, the guide configured to engage the switch of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is in the case. 
     The protective case can have an opening that engages the switch cover while allowing the switch cover to rotate about the axis of the base. The switch cover can be configured such that when the mobile device is in the case and the cover is rotated about the axis of the base, the guide moves the switch of the mobile device. 
     Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a protective case for use with a mobile electronic device having a switch that is configured to move linearly between a first switch position and a second switch position. The case can include a housing configured to at least partially enclose the mobile device and a switch cover rotatable between a first position and a second position. The switch cover can be configured to move the switch to the first switch position when the switch cover is rotated to the first position, and the switch cover can be configured to move the switch to the second switch position when the switch cover is rotated to the second position. 
     Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a case comprising a cover for use with a switch of a portable electronic device. The case can include a cover that can have a base with a first portion and a second portion. The cover can be configured to rotate about an axis of the base. The first portion can be configured to face a switch of a portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is in the case, and the second portion can be configured to face away from the switch. A guide on the first portion of the base can be configured to engage the switch of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is in the case. An opening in the case can engage the cover while allowing the cover to rotate about the axis of the base. The cover can be configured such that when the portable electronic device is in the case and the cover is rotated about the axis of the base, the guide moves the switch of the portable electronic device. 
     At least a portion of the base and/or at least a portion of the opening can be generally cylindrical. 
     The case can include a gasket on the base of the cover. 
     The gasket can engage the opening in the case to form a seal between the cover and the case. The seal can inhibit contact of external environment elements with the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is in the case. 
     The base can include a channel engaging the gasket to position the gasket relative to the base of the cover. 
     The gasket and channel can be generally circular. 
     The base can include a flange on a side of the base, and the flange can protrude beyond a periphery of the opening of the case to secure, or inhibit movement of, the cover within the opening along the axis of the base. 
     The base can include a gap that can be configured to allow at least a part of the base to flex inward to allow the flange to slide within the opening of the case when the cover is inserted into the opening of the case. 
     The case can include a stop positioned to abut the flange as the cover is rotated, wherein the flange abutting the stop inhibits further rotation of the cover. 
     The guide can include a first guiderail on the first portion of the base and a second guide rail on the first portion of the base. The first guiderail can correspond to a first side of the switch of the portable electronic device, and the second guide rail can correspond to a second side of the switch of the portable device. The first side of the switch can be opposite the second side of switch. When the cover is rotated in a first direction, the first guiderail can rotate about the axis and can push the first side of the switch to move the switch towards a first switch position. When the cover is rotated in a second direction, the second guiderail can rotate about the axis and can push the second side of the switch to move the switch towards a second switch position. 
     The first and second guiderails can form a pathway between the first and second guiderails to allow the switch to slide between the first and second guiderail when the portable electronic device is inserted into the case. 
     The first and second guiderails can have rounded ends contacting the switch when the portable electronic device is inserted into the case, and the rounded ends can facilitate positioning the cover to correspond to a position of the switch as the portable electronic device is inserted into the case. 
     The guide can engage a portion of the switch while allowing another portion of the switch to move over a wall of the base as the cover is rotated. 
     The base can include a back support on the first surface of the base. The guide and the back support can have surfaces facing the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is inserted into the case. The surfaces can be on a same plane to position the cover at a predetermined position relative to the portable electronic device. 
     The guide can slide along a wall of the switch as the cover is rotated and the guide is correspondingly rotated about the axis. 
     The guide can roll along a wall of the switch as the cover is rotated and the guide is correspondingly rotated about the axis. 
     The case can include a groove in the case about a periphery of the opening. The cover can include a knob projecting into the groove. The knob can be configured to move within the groove of the case when the cover is rotated about the central axis of the base. The range of rotation of the cover can be limited to a range of motion of the knob within the groove. 
     The cover can include a handle on the second portion to allow a user to rotate the cover about the axis. 
     The switch cover can include a handle on the second portion to allow a user to rotate the cover about the axis. 
     The case can include a handle cutout, and the handle cutout can engage the handle to inhibit rotation of the handle beyond a periphery of the handle cutout. 
     The handle can include a handle stop protruding into the handle cutout of the case to inhibit rotation of the handle beyond the periphery of the handle cutout when the handle stop abuts the periphery of the handle cutout. 
     Movement for the switch can be a translational direction. 
     The foregoing is a summary and contains simplifications, generalization, and omissions of detail. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein. 
     The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of any subject matter described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates various views of an example embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates various views of an example embodiment of a protective case and a mobile device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates cross-sectional views of an example embodiment of a protective case and a mobile device. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of a protective case and a mobile device. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of a protective case and a mobile device. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of a protective case and a mobile device. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case with a mobile device. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case with a mobile device. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case with a mobile device. 
         FIGS. 13-21  illustrate an example embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective case with a mobile device. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates cross-sectional views of an example embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip and protective case for a mobile device. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates an example embodiment of a main housing portion of a protective case. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates the main housing portion of  FIG. 29  with a battery cover removed. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates an example embodiment of a top cover portion of a protective case. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates an example embodiment of a top cover portion of a protective case having a transparent member coupled thereto. 
         FIG. 33  illustrates an enlarged, side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a main housing portion of a case. 
         FIG. 34  illustrates an enlarged, side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a main housing portion of a case. 
         FIG. 35  illustrates an enlarged, side, top perspective view of an example embodiment of a top cover portion of a case. 
         FIG. 36  illustrates an embodiment of a button cover on a top cover portion of a case. 
         FIG. 37  illustrates an example embodiment of volume button covers on a top cover portion of a case. 
         FIG. 38  illustrates an example embodiment of power button cover on a top cover portion of a case. 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a bottom view of an example embodiment of a case with impact absorbing regions. 
         FIG. 40  illustrates an example embodiment of a shell portion of a protective case. 
         FIG. 41A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an external interface and a port cover. 
         FIG. 41B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a port and a port cover. 
         FIG. 42  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a case and a mobile device. 
         FIG. 43  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective case having a switch cover. 
         FIG. 44  is an enlarged view of an example embodiment of a switch cover on a case. 
         FIG. 45  illustrates an example embodiment of an opening in the shell or case. 
         FIG. 46  illustrates an example embodiment of an opening in the shell or case. 
         FIG. 47  illustrates an example embodiment of a switch cover on the shell or case. 
         FIG. 48  illustrates an example embodiment of a switch cover on the shell or case. 
         FIG. 49  illustrates an example embodiment of an opening in the shell or case. 
         FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view of a switch cover on the shell or case. 
         FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an opening in a shell or case. 
         FIG. 52  is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an opening in a shell or case. 
         FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an opening in a shell or case. 
         FIGS. 54-59  illustrate various views of an example embodiment of a switch cover. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the description and drawings are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made a part of this disclosure. 
     Further, the following description contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalization, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. This description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of any subject matter described herein. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein generally relates to protective cases for mobile electronic devices, and more particularly to protective cases for mobile electronic devices (e.g., smart phones) incorporating a supplemental battery. The protective case incorporating the supplemental battery can allow for charging the mobile device without a connection to an electrical power outlet while providing protection to the mobile device. Embodiments disclosed in this application also relate to covers for mechanical switches, particularly to covers for mechanical switches on mobile devices. The covers can be incorporated into cases or shells protecting the mobile device. The covers can allow for convenient access to a mobile device switch or toggle (e.g., without reducing protection, interrupting aesthetic, and/or reducing performance/accessibility). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates multiple views of an example embodiment of a protective case (e.g., a shell)  2 .  FIG. 2  illustrates multiple perspective views of an example embodiment of a protective case  2  with a mobile device  4 .  FIG. 3  illustrates cross-section side and bottom perspective views of an example embodiment of a case  2  having a battery  6 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a side, top, perspective view with various exploded components of an example embodiment of a case  2 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view with various exploded components of an example embodiment of a case  2 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view with various exploded components of an example embodiment of a case  2 .  FIGS. 7-12  illustrate various views of an example embodiment of a case  2 , with some views illustrating a mobile device  4  and/or a belt clip  60 . The protective case  2  can provide protection against harsh conditions while also extending the life of a battery of a mobile device  4  with a back-up battery  6  built into the case  2 . The protective cases  2  can have additional space to adequately protect the mobile device  4 . This additional space can provide space to contain a rechargeable (e.g., lithium ion) battery  6  as, for example, illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The case  2  can transmit and/or receive information and/or power to and/or from the mobile device  4  through an internal interface  8  (, as, for example, illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The internal interface  8  can be an electrical interface (e.g., a plug), and can be configured to engage a corresponding electrical interface (e.g., a port) on the mobile device  4 . For example, the battery  6  can supply electrical power to the mobile device  4  (e.g., to recharge the battery of the mobile device  4  or to power the mobile device  4 ). Information can be transferred to and/or from the mobile device  4  via the internal interface  8  (e.g., when syncing the mobile device  4  with a computer or other electronic device). The durable protective battery case  2  can transmit and receive information or power through an external interface  10  that is illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 1, 2, 24, and 25 . The external interface  10  can be an electrical interface (e.g., a port), which can be configured to receive a corresponding electrical interface (e.g., a plug) from an external source (e.g., another device or a charging source such as an electrical outlet). The internal interface  8  and the external interface  10  can be different connection types. The internal and external interfaces  8  and  10  can comply to different standards. For example, the external interface  10  can be a micro-USB while the internal interface  8  could be a Lightning connector or a 30-pin connector, both of which are frequently found on devices sold by Apple computers. The external interface  10  can allow for charging of the mobile device  4  and/or battery  6  and allow syncing with other devices or applications. 
       FIGS. 1-12  illustrate example embodiments of a case  2  that include a rigid case portion  12  that provides crush-resistance surrounded by a malleable outer layer  14 . In some embodiments, the malleable outer layer  14  can be stretched over the rigid case portion  12  to provide impact-resistance and to increase water-resistance. The malleable outer layer  14  can include flexible port covers  19  corresponding to ports and/or buttons on the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. 
       FIGS. 13-28  illustrate example embodiments of a case  2  that include a rigid case portion  12  that provides crush-resistance and has over molded impact absorbing regions  22 . In some embodiments, the rigid case portion  12  can include impact absorbing regions  22  as illustrated in  FIGS. 13-28 . These impact absorbing regions  22  can be over molded to directly attach to the rigid case portion  12  as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 13  is an inside view of an example embodiment of a main housing  54  of a case  2 .  FIG. 14  shows the inside of an example embodiment of a top cover  52  and a main housing  54  of a case  2 .  FIG. 15  shows the outside of an example embodiment of a main housing  54  and a top cover  52  of a case  2 .  FIGS. 16 and 17  are enlarged views of the inside of example embodiments of a main housing  54  and top cover  52  of a case  2 .  FIGS. 18-21  illustrate example embodiments of a top cover  52  and a main housing  54  of a case  2 .  FIGS. 22-24  illustrate various views of an example embodiment of a case  2  with over molded impact absorbing regions  22 .  FIG. 25  illustrates cross-section side views of an example embodiment of a case  2  having a battery  6 .  FIG. 26  illustrates an example embodiment a top cover  52  and a main housing  54  that can be connected at a part line  56 .  FIG. 27  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip  60  and a case  2 .  FIG. 28  illustrates an example embodiment of a belt clip  60  for use with a protective case  2 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a connecting flange  68  of the main housing  54  as discussed herein. The connecting flange  68  can be formed from two parallel walls rising toward the top cover  52  when the top cover  52  and the main housing  54  are engaged.  FIG. 16  illustrates the connecting flanges  68  can have slots  72  as discussed herein.  FIG. 17  illustrates the top cover wall  73  can have locking knobs  76  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the top cover wall  73  can engage or nest between the two parallel walls of the connecting flange  68  to secure the relative positions of the main housing  54  and top cover  52 . The locking knobs  76  can engage, mate, and/or interlock with the slots  72  as discussed herein to secure the top cover  52  with the main housing  54 . 
     In some embodiments, the rigid case portion  12  is comprised of multiple pieces as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 4-6   13 - 15 ,  18 - 21 , and  26 . The multiple pieces can connect as discussed herein and include one or more gaskets (e.g., a first or main gasket)  16  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4, 13 and 14  to maintain moisture and dust resistance. As illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the case  2  can have a top cover  52  and a main housing  54 . The main housing  54  can be waterproof or water resistant. An interior for housing the mobile device  4  within the case  2  can be formed and can be sealed from the external environment when the top cover  52  and the main housing  54  are joined or connected as discussed herein. The top cover  52  and the main housing  54  can form the case or shell  2 , having a part line  56  between the top cover  52  and the main housing  54  as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 18-21 and 26 . The part line  56  can be fully sealed with a gasket  16  (sometimes referred to as a main gasket  16 ). The main gasket  16  can be over molded onto the rigid case portion  12  (e.g., onto the main housing  54  or the top cover  52 ). The gasket  16  can be separately formed and adhered, or otherwise coupled, to the main housing  54  or top cover  52 . 
     The main housing  54  can have a camera opening  58  for a camera  59  of the mobile device  4  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The camera opening  58  can have a film/mesh over the opening  58  for water and dust resistance. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the main housing  54  may comprise the battery as, for example, illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 25 . 
     The rigid case portion  12  can include one or more gaskets (e.g., a second or screen gasket)  17  to form a water-tight seal around a touch screen  26  of a mobile device  4 , membrane  28 , or transparent member  66 . The screen gasket  17  can be over molded onto the rigid case portion  12  (e.g., the top cover  52 ). The screen gasket  17  can be separately formed and adhered or otherwise coupled to the top cover  52 . 
     The rigid case portion  12  can include pass-through holes  18 , as for example shown in  FIG. 4 , to allow access to controls and ports on the mobile device  4  (e.g., volume control  41 , power button  51 , mute switch  46 , home button  24 , micro-USB port, and headphone port  42 ). 
     The case  2  can allow or permit access to controls on the front of a device  4 , including a home button  24  and/or a touch screen  26  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 5 . The touch screen  26  can be protected with a waterproof gasket  17  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 3  and/or a membrane  28  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 4 , that allows inputs on the front of the membrane  28  to be passed through to the touch screen  26 . In some embodiments, an inductive, capacitive, or tactile touchscreen  26  will register inputs through the membrane  28  without substantial impedance. 
     The case  2  can have sensor cutouts or openings  30  for sensors of the mobile device  4 . The sensor cutouts or openings  30  can be sealed with mesh/film as discussed herein. The mesh/film (e.g., watertight material) can be connected or attached (e.g., adhered as discussed herein) on inside/interior surfaces of the rigid case portion  12  to seal the cutouts/openings  30  such as, for example, a speaker port  31 , audio/microphone ports  33 , and a noise canceling microphone port  37 . In some embodiments, the mesh/film material can be, for example, expanded (e.g., stretched) polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Gore-Tex®). Materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene can provide water and dust resistance while allowing audio vibrations through for the speakers and microphone of the mobile device  4 . The case  2  can have an over molded home button cover  32  for depressing the home button  24  of the mobile device  4 . The home button cover  32  can be over molded over the rigid case portion  4  as discussed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the case  2  can have two external interfaces  10  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 24 . The case  2  can have a micro USB input  34  and charge pad input  36 . In some embodiments, the case  2  can have light emitting diodes (LEDs) in addition or in place of charge pad inputs  36 . The LEDs can indicate, for example, a charge status or level of the supplemental battery  6  of the case  2 . 
     The case  2  can have over mold pass through buttons  38  to access controls and ports on the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. An auxiliary port  40  can provide access to a headphone port  42  of the mobile device  4  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     As illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 7 and 24 , the case  2  can have a pass through button  50  (e.g., a double injection pass through power button  50 ) for pressing a power button  51  of the mobile device  4  as shown, for example in  FIG. 4 . As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , a wall of the rigid case portion  12  can be around the USB input port  34  to allow for the use of an O-ring type of gasket seal to provide water and dust resistance as discussed herein, and in particular in reference to  FIGS. 41A and 41B . As illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the case  2  can have a thin membrane area  44  for covering, for example, a mute switch  46  of the mobile device  4 . The case  2  can have a rectangular opening  48  for the touch screen  26  of the mobile device  4  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIGS. 7-12, 27, and 28  illustrate a belt clip  60  that can keep the case  2  securely on, for example, a hip of a user. In some embodiments, the case  2  can include a standby switch  62  to allow a user to choose when the battery  6  of the case  2  charges the mobile device  4 . The case  2  can include light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicate a remaining power of the battery  6 . In some embodiments, the battery can be rechargeable for over 500 full cycles, with partial charges not counting as full cycles. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the case can be about 5.26 in×2.78 in×1.02 in. The case  2  can occupy a volume of between about 10 cubic inches and about 20 cubic inches, or of about 15 cubic inches. The exterior shape of the protective case  2  can generally conform to the shape of the mobile device  4 . The battery capacity can be between about 2,000 mAh and about 3,000 mAh, or about 2,500 mAh. 
     As discussed herein, the case  2  can include various features, such as a waterproof speaker cover, waterproof microphone cover, waterproof button, crush resistance, impact resistance, lithium ion batteries, LED indicators, NFC capabilities, NFC boost antenna (see e.g., U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/696,139 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/014,095), three-part case, and/or clam-shell case design. The impact resistance can exceed military specifications (e.g., MIL-STD 810G). The embodiments discussed herein can offer splash and rain protection, sand and dust protection, impact and drop protection, and/or vibration and shock protection. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of main housing  54 . The main housing  54  can have a battery cover  151  (e.g., mobile device positioner as discussed in reference to  FIG. 49 ). The battery cover  151  can separate the mobile device  4  and the battery  6  within the main housing  54 . The battery cover  151  can be connected to the main housing  54  with screws  150 , fasteners, adhesive, and/or any other suitable methods. The battery cover  151  can be sized and shaped to facilitate the insertion and removal of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein (e.g., along a travel direction  64  of the mobile device  4 ). The battery cover  151  can have padding (e.g., soft padding) positioned (e.g., adhered or otherwise attached) to provide a soft contact surface for the mobile device  4  when the mobile device is in the case  2 .  FIG. 30  illustrates the main housing  54  with the battery cover  151  removed for illustration purposes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the main housing  54  can have an internal interface  8  that is electrically connected or coupled to the battery  6 . The internal interface  8  can interface or electrically connect/couple to an interface of the mobile device  4 . The internal interface  8  can be oriented generally along a travel direction  64  of the mobile device  4 . The mobile device  4  can be inserted and removed from the case  4  (e.g., main housing  54 ) along the travel direction  64  of the mobile device  4 . 
     A part line  56  of the main housing  54  can undulate as illustrated in  FIG. 29 . The gasket  16  can follow the path of the part line  56 , and the discussion herein regarding the shape and path of the part line  56  also applies to the shape and path of the gasket  16 . The part line  56  can be defined as an outline of where the main housing  54  and a top cover  52  meet or join when the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  are assembled to form the case  2 . The part line  56  is formed from the corresponding perimeters or peripheries where the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  directly interface, engage, connect, abut, and/or join to form the form the case  2 . 
     The part line  56  and/or gasket  16  can undulate or transition about the periphery or perimeter of the main housing  54  to facilitate or allow the movement of the mobile device  4  along the travel direction  64  relative to the main housing  54 . In particular, the part line  56  recedes toward the exterior of the main housing  54  (e.g., exterior of the case  2  on which impact absorbing regions  22  are positioned on as discussed herein) at a distal portion of the main housing  54  relative to the internal interface  8 . Stated differently, the part line  56  relative to the main housing  54  generally recedes away from the top cover  52  proximate to the internal interface  8 . 
     As the part line  56  approaches the internal interface  8 , the part line  56  undulates away from the exterior of the main housing  54  (e.g. toward the top cover  52 ). The part line  56  undulates away from the exterior of the main housing  54  to, for example, accommodate electronics and features of the case  2  that are, for example, positioned in the main housing  54 . The electronics and features can include the internal interface  8 , audio ports  33 , the auxiliary port  40 , and/or the like. 
     The part line  56  can undulate away or toward (depending on direction along the travel direction  64 ) the exterior of the main housing  54  (or vice versa relative to the exterior of the top cover  52 ) at any position along the side of the main housing  54  (or top cover  52 ) parallel to the travel direction  64 . For example, as shown in an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13-21 , the part line  56  can undulate near the distal portion of the main housing  54  relative to the internal interface  8  (e.g., near the power button  50 ). Such an undulation away or toward the exterior surface of the main housing  54  at the distal portion of the main housing  54  relative to the internal interface  8  allows for linear travel of the mobile device  4  along travel direction  64 , while still allowing for the top cover  52  and the main housing  54  to interface as discussed herein to form a water and/or dust resistant case  2 . Such an arrangement allows for a substantially linear engagement between the internal interface  8  and an interface of the mobile device  4  without having to tilt internal interface  8  to meet the interface of the mobile device  4  (e.g., the mobile device  4  is inserted into the main housing  54  at an angle relative to the battery cover  151 ). A first portion of the gasket  16  (e.g., the portion of the gasket near the bottom of  FIG. 29 ) can be disposed between the internal interface  8  and the top cover  52 , and a second portion of the gasket  16  (e.g., the portion of the gasket near the top of  FIG. 29 ) can be disposed between the internal interface  8  and the main housing  54 . With the case  2  oriented such that the touchscreen  26  of the mobile device  4  would face forward, the first portion of the gasket  16  can be disposed above the internal interface  8  and rearward of the internal interface  8 , and the second portion of the gasket  16  can be disposed below the internal interface  8  and forward of the internal interface  8 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the main housing  54  can have a camera opening  58 . In some embodiments, the camera opening  58  can be covered from inside of the main housing  54  (relative to the mobile device  4  being inside the main housing  54  or the case  2 ). The camera opening  58  can be covered by one or more lenses  57 . The one or more lenses  57  can be of sufficient clarity to allow photography and/or flash by the camera  59  of the mobile device  4 . The lenses can engage, mate, and/or connect with the main housing  54  with a direct connection to form a water and dust resistant seal (e.g., such as discussed in reference to transparent member  66 ). In some embodiments, there can be one or more gaskets disposed between the one or more lenses  57  and the main housing  54  to form a water and dust resistant seal as discussed herein. The one or more gaskets can be disposed or formed between the one or more lenses  57  and the main housing  54  with any suitable method as discussed herein, including over molding or an adhesive. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a top cover  52 . The top cover  52  forms a part line  56  that corresponds to the part line  56  of the main housing  54  as discussed herein. A perimeter or periphery where the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  directly interface, engage, connect, abut, and/or join to assemble the case  2  can form the part line  56  as discussed herein. The part line  56  can undulate or transition about the periphery or perimeter of the top cover  52 . The periphery of the top cover  52  can mirror the periphery of the main housing  54 . For example, a portion of the top cover  52  proximate to the internal interface  8  where the top cover  52  and the main housing  54  interface undulates or transitions to recede toward the exterior of the top cover  52 . Stated differently, the part line  56  relative to the top cover  52  generally recedes away from the main housing  54  proximate to the internal interface  8 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a top cover  52 .  FIG. 32  illustrates a transparent member  66  disposed in the top cover  52 . The transparent member  66  can receive input (e.g., touch input) from a user on one side (opposite the touch screen  26 ) and transfer the touch input to the touch screen  26  of the mobile device  4  such that the touch screen  26  of the mobile device  4  registers the touch input. 
     In some embodiments, the transparent member  66  is different from the membrane  28  as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to  FIG. 4 . For example, the transparent member  66  can be made from different materials than the membrane  28 . The transparent member  66  can be made from a rigid material such as rigid plastic or glass (e.g., silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), sodium oxide (Na 2 O) from soda ash, calcium oxide, lime (CaO), and/or other suitable materials). The transparent member  66  can enable the touch screen  26  to register the touch input through the transparent member  66  while protecting the touch screen  26  of the mobile device  4 . The membrane  28  can be made from flexible plastic material. 
     The transparent member  66  can be positioned on an interior of the top cover  52 . For example, the transparent member  66  can have portions that extend beyond the opening  48  of the top cover  52  and overlap from the inside, certain portions of the top cover  52 . In some embodiments, the transparent member  66  can rest against the overlapped portions of the top cover  52  to form a water and dust resistant seal. In some embodiments, the top cover  52  can include a screen gasket that engages and/or mates with the transparent member  66  to form a water and dust resistant seal. In some embodiments, the screen gasket can be over molded onto the top cover  52  or coupled thereto using an adhesive or other suitable coupling element, as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates an enlarged, side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a main housing  54 . As discussed herein, the main housing  54  can have a battery cover  151 . The battery cover  151  can have a connecting flange  68 . The connecting flange  68  can have main housing guides  70  (sometimes referred to as guides  70 ) for interfacing with the top cover  52  as discussed herein. The guides  70  can be indentations or cutouts in the connecting flange  68  that are open toward an interior of the case  2  as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . 
       FIG. 34  illustrates an enlarged, side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a main housing  54 . The connecting flanges  68  can have main slots  72  (sometime referred to as slots  70 ) for interfacing with the top cover  52  as discussed herein. The slots  72  can be indentations or cutouts in the connecting flange  68  of the battery cover  151  that are closed on all sides, including toward an interior of the case  2  as illustrated in  FIG. 34 . 
       FIG. 35  illustrates an enlarged, side, top perspective view of an example embodiment of a top cover  52 . The top cover  52  can have a top cover wall  73  of the top cover  52  that extends toward the main housing  54  to interface with the main housing  54  as discussed herein. The top cover wall  73  can have guide hooks  74  (sometimes referred to as guides  74 ). The guide  74  can be sized and shaped to engage, mate, and/or connect with the main housing guides  70  of the connecting flange  68  of the main housing  54 . The guide hooks  74  can slide into the guides  70  such that the connecting flange  68  lies between the guides  74  and the top cover wall  73 . The connecting flange  68  being positioned and nesting between the guides  74  and the top cover wall  73  can aid in securing the relative positions of the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  as discussed herein. 
     The top cover wall  73  can have locking protrusions or locking knobs  76 . The locking knobs  76  can engage, mate, and/or connect with the slots  72  of the connecting flange  68 . When the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  interface as discussed herein to form the case  2 , the locking knobs  76  can enter and nest within the slots  72 . Because the slots  72  are closed on all sides, the locking knobs  76  can be biased to stay positioned within the slots  72 . The locking knobs  76  biased in position within the slots  72  can secure the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  to each other to form the case  2 . 
     The locking knobs  76  and/or slots  72  can have cross-sectional shapes that vary depending on the desired engagement force between the locking knobs  76  and the slots  72  (e.g., force required to separate the top cover  52  and the main housing  54 ). For example, a cross-section of the locking knobs  76  and/or slots  72  can be substantially triangular. A triangular the cross-section allows for the surfaces of the locking knobs  76  and/or slots  72  to slide past each other when the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  are disassembled. For example, in some configurations, the more triangular the cross-sections or more tapered the locking knobs  76 , the less force required to remove the top cover  52  from the main housing  54 . In some embodiments, the locking knobs  76  and/or slots  72  can be substantially rectangular in cross-section to more securely retain the connection between the top cover  52  and the main housing  54 . For example, in some configurations, the more rectangular (e.g., less tapered) the cross-sections, the more force required to remove the top cover  52  from the main housing  54 . 
       FIG. 36  illustrates side, top, perspective views of an embodiment of a button cover  32  on a top cover  52 . The button cover  32  can be formed in the top cover  52  to correspond with the home button  24  of the mobile device  4 . The button cover  32  can be double injection molded and can pass through a hole in the top cover  52 . The button cover  32  can be formed on the top cover  52  with an over-molding or double injection molding method. The button cover  32  can be coupled to the top cover  52  using an adhesive or any other suitable method. 
     In some embodiments, the material for the top cover  52  can be injected into a mold and formed from, for example, a rigid plastic, using a first mold for the top cover  52 . For example, the rigid plastic of the top cover  52  can include polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Once the top cover  52  is formed, the button cover  32  can be injected to form around or in a wall of the top cover  52 , using a second mold that can accommodate the top cover  52  and provide the contours/outline for the over mold features, such as the button cover  32 . The button cover  32  can be formed from elastic plastic or rubber. For example, the button cover  32  can include thermoplastic that can be deformed with a force and return to its original shape upon removal of that force. Thus, as the button cover  32  is depressed by a user, the top cover  52  generally retains its shape to allow the home button  24  of the mobile device to be pressed without substantial deformation of the case  2 . 
     The top cover  52  and/or the button cover  32  can be made from any suitable materials such as, but not limited to integrally thermoformed plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), metalized PET, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, nylon, polyolefin, blends of polyolefin, polystyrene, blends of polyolefin and polystyrene, polyester, blends of polyester, and/or the like. The top cover  52  and/or h button cover  32  can be fabricated using any suitable or known process or processes, including injection extrusion, molding, compression molding, and/or thermoforming techniques. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the button cover  32  can be raised above an exterior surface of the top cover  52  to form a base  78  to, for example, provide further resiliency and elasticity to the button cover  32 . In some embodiments, the base  78  can be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the top cover  52 . As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the base  78  can have a greater area relative to the opening (e.g., cavity  82 ) in the top cover  52  housing the base  78  to secure the button cover  32  in a predetermined position in the top cover  52 . The over molding or double injection forming technique can allow the base  78  and/or button cover  32  to securely form in position relative to the top cover  52 . For example, the top cover  52  can have indentation or features that the material of the button cover  32  flows into during injection molding or other technique to provide a connection between the top cover  52  and the button cover  32  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the h button cover  32  and the top cover  52  can be joined using any suitable or known process or processes, including permanent adhesive, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, spot welds, thermal weld points, a stitch or stitches, strip welds, tacks formed by crimping, and so forth, including any combination thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the button cover  32  can pass through the top cover  52  to be proximate and/or flush to an interior surface of the top cover  52  to, for example, contact a button (e.g., the home button  24 ) of the mobile device  4  when the mobile device  4  is in the case  2 . The button cover  32  of the top cover  52  can have a push knob  80 . The push knob  80  can be formed from, for example, three flanges, although other configurations are possible. The push knob  80  can be configured to push the button (e.g., the home button  24 ) of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. The three flanges can depress the home button  24  of the mobile device  4  when the button cover  32  may be unevenly pushed by a user or from the side. At least one of the flanges of the push knob  80  will correspond to and push the home button  24  of the mobile device  4 . Any number of flanges can be used to form the push knob  80 , including 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or greater than 8. 
     The push knob  80  can be contained in a cavity  82  formed by an extension of the base  78  through the top cover  52  to secure the home button  32  as discussed herein. The combination of a button cover  32 , a pass through base  78 , and push knob  80  can form an elastic, drum-like membrane on the top cover  52  that can depress the button (e.g., the home button  24 ) of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the button cover  32  may be formed in a separate process (e.g., a separate injection molding process) from the top cover  52  and inserted into the top cover  52  at a desired location with interlocking features to keep the button cover  32  in a desired position as discussed herein. The button cover  32  can be coupled to the top cover  52  to form a water-tight seal that can impede water from entering the case  2  at the button cover  32 . 
       FIG. 37  illustrates side, top, perspective views of an embodiment of one or more volume button covers  38  in a top cover  52 . The volume button covers  38  can be formed in the top cover  52  to correspond with the volume buttons  41  of a mobile device  4 . The volume button covers  38  can be formed using a double injection molding process, or various other suitable processes. The volume button covers  38  can pass through the top cover  52  (e.g., through a hole in a wall of the top cover  52 ). 
     In some embodiments, the material for the top cover  52  can be injected into a mold and formed from, for example, a rigid plastic as discussed herein. Once the top cover  52  is formed, the material for the volume button covers  38  can be injected to form around or in the top cover  52 . The volume button covers  38  can be formed from elastic plastic or rubber. For example, the volume buttons  38  can include thermoplastic that can be deformed with a force and return to its original shape upon removal of that force. Thus, as the volume button covers  38  are depressed by a user, the top cover  52  generally retains its shape to allow the volume buttons  41  of the mobile device to be pressed without or minimal deformation of the case  2 . 
     The top cover  52  and/or the volume button covers  38  can be made from any suitable materials such as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to the home button cover  32 . The top cover  52  and/or volume button covers  38  can be fabricated using any suitable or known process or processes as discussed herein, and in particular in reference to the home button cover  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 37 , the volume button covers  38  can be raised above an exterior surface of the top cover  52  to form a volume base  82  to, for example, provide further resiliency and elasticity to the volume button covers  38 . In some embodiments, the volume base  82  can be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the top cover  52 . As illustrated in  FIG. 37 , the volume base  82  can have a greater area relative to the opening (e.g., cavity  88 ) in the top cover  52  housing the volume base  82  to secure the volume button covers  38  in a predetermined position in the top cover  52 . An over molding or double injection molding technique can allow the volume base  82  and/or volume button covers  38  to securely form against the top cover  52 . For example, the top cover  52  can have connecting indentations and/or cutouts  84  that the material of the volume buttons  38  flows into during injection molding process. Other technique can be used to provide a connection between the top cover  52  and the one or more volume button covers  38 . In some embodiments, the volume button covers  38  and the top cover  52  can be can be joined using an adhesive or any suitable method as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to the home button cover  32  and the top cover  52 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 37 , the volume button covers  38  can pass through the top cover  52  to be proximate and/or substantially flush to an interior surface of the top cover  52 . The volume button covers can, for example, contact the volume buttons  41  of the mobile device  4  when the mobile device  4  is in the case  2 . The volume button covers  38  of the top cover  52  can have volume push knobs  80 . The volume push knobs  80  can be formed from, for example, a cylinder extending toward the volume buttons  41  of the mobile device  4  to correspond to and push the volume buttons  41  of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. The cylinders  80  can depress the volume buttons  41  of the mobile device  4  when the volume button covers  38  may be unevenly pushed by a user or from the side. At least some surface of the cylinder of the volume push knob  38  will correspond to and push the volume buttons  41  of the mobile device  4 . 
     The volume push knob  86  can be contained in a cavity  82  formed in the top cover  52 . The combination of a volume button covers  38 , a base  78 , connecting cutouts  84 , and volume push knob  86  can form an elastic, drum-like membrane on the top cover  52  that can depress the volume buttons  41  of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the volume button covers  38  may be formed in a separate injection process and inserted into the top cover  52  at a desired location with interlocking features to keep the volume button covers  38  in a desired position as discussed herein. The volume button covers  38  can be coupled to the top cover  52  to form a water-tight seal that can impede water from entering the case  2  at the volume button covers  38 . 
       FIG. 38  illustrates side, top, perspective views of an embodiment of power button cover  50  in a top cover  52 . The power button  50  can be formed in the top cover  52  to correspond with the power button  51  of the mobile device  4 . The power button cover  50  can be double injection molded, or can be formed by various other processes. The power button cover  50  can pass through the top cover  52  (e.g., through a hole in the wall of the top cover  52 ). The power button cover  50  can be formed in the top cover  52  with a double injection molding method or any other suitable method. 
     In some embodiments, the material for the top cover  52  can be injected into a mold and formed from, for example, a rigid plastic as discussed herein. Once the top cover  52  is formed, the material for the power button cover  50  can be injected to form around or in the top cover  52 . The power button cover  50  can be formed from elastic plastic or rubber. For example, the power button cover  50  can include thermoplastic that can be deformed with a force and return to its original shape upon removal of that force. Thus, as the power button cover  50  is depressed by a user, the top cover  52  generally retains its shape to allow the power button  51  of the mobile device to be pressed without substantial deformation of the case  2 . 
     The top cover  52  and/or the power button cover  50  can be made from any suitable materials such as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to the home button cover  32 . The top cover  52  and/or power button cover  50  can be fabricated using any suitable or known process or processes as discussed herein, and in particular in reference to the home button cover  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 38 , the power button cover  50  can be raised above an exterior surface of the top cover  52  to form a power base  90  to, for example, provide further resiliency and elasticity to the power button cover  50 . In some embodiments, the power base  90  can be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the top cover  52 . As illustrated in  FIG. 38 , the power base  90  can have a greater area relative to the opening (e.g., cavity  94 ) in the top cover  52  that houses the power base  90  to secure the power button  50  in a predetermined position in the top cover  52 . The over molding or double injection molding technique can allow the power base  90  and/or power button cover  50  to securely form against the top cover  52 . For example, the top cover  52  can have connecting indentations and/or features that the material of the power button  50  flows into during injection molding or other technique to provide a connection between the top cover  52  and the power button cover  50 . In some embodiments, the power button  50  and the top cover  52  can be can be joined using any suitable method as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to the home button cover  32  and the top cover  52 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 38 , the power button cover  50  can pass through the top cover  52  to be proximate and/or substantially flush to an interior surface of the top cover  52  to, for example, contact the power button  51  of the mobile device  4  when the mobile device  4  is in the case  2 . The power button cover  50  of the top cover  52  can have power push knob  92 . The power push knob  92  can be formed from, for example, four flanges, although other configurations are possible. The power push knob  92  can to correspond to and push the power button  51  of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. The four flanges can depress the power button  51  of the mobile device  4  when the power button  50  may be unevenly pushed by a user or from the side. At least one of the flanges of the power push knob  92  can correspond to and push the power button  51  of the mobile device  4 . Any number of flanges can be used to form the power push knob  92 , including 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, or greater than 8. 
     The power push knob  86  can be contained in a cavity  94  formed in the top cover  52 . The combination of a power button cover  50 , a base  90 , and power push knob  92  can form an elastic, drum-like membrane on the top cover  52  that can depress the power button  51  of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the power button cover  50  may be formed in a separate injection molding process and coupled to the top cover  52 , such as using an adhesive or by interlocking features on the top cover  52  and the power button cover  50 . The power button cover  50  can be coupled to the top cover  52  to form a water-tight seal that can impede water from entering the case  2  at the power button cover  50 . 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a bottom view of an example embodiment of a case  2  with impact absorbing regions  22 .  FIG. 40  illustrates a bottom view of an example embodiment of a case  2  without impact absorbing regions  22  for illustration purposes. The case  2  can have a standby switch  62  to allow a user to select when the battery of the mobile device  4  is charged by the supplemental battery  6  of the case  2 . The case  2  can have light emitting diodes (LEDs)  202  that indicate a charge level of the battery  6  and/or a charge status of the battery of the mobile device  4 . 
     The case  2  can have an external interface  10  that electrically connects to the internal interface  8  and battery  6  as discussed herein. The external interface  10  can be covered by an interface cover  204  (e.g., an interface flexible port cover  204 , which can correspond to the flexible port covers  19  discussed herein). Parts of the external interface  10  and/or interface flexible port cover  204  can be over molded as discussed herein. The interface flexible port cover  204  can provide water and dust resistance to the external interface  10  as discussed herein. The interface flexible port cover  204  can be attached to the case  2  (e.g., top cover  52  and/or main housing  54 ) with over molding techniques as discussed herein. The interface flexible port cover  204  can be attached by a friction fit or by mating certain features (e.g., protrusions or recesses) of the interface flexible port cover  204  with predetermined features (e.g., recesses or protrusions) of the case  2  to secure the interface flexible port cover  204 . The interface flexible port cover  204  can be attached to the case  2  using any suitable mechanism as discussed herein, and in particular, as discussed in reference to the home button cover  32 . The interface flexible port cover  204  can be formed from any suitable materials as discussed herein, and in particular, as discussed in reference to the home button  32 . 
     The case  2  can have an audio port  40  that corresponds to a headphone port  42  of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. The audio port  40  can be covered by an audio flexible port cover  206 . Parts of the audio port  40  and/or audio flexible port cover  206  can be over molded as discussed herein. The audio flexible port cover  206  can provide water and dust resistance to the audio port  40  as discussed herein. The audio flexible port cover  206  can be made of any suitable materials and attached with any suitable mechanism as discussed herein, and in particular as discussed in reference to the interface flexible port cover  204 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 40 , the case  2  can have cutouts  84  in the top cover  52  and/or main housing  54 . The cutouts  84  can be similar or different from the cutouts  84  in the case  2  discussed in reference to  FIG. 37 . The cutouts  84  (shown in  FIG. 40 ) can correspond to the impact absorbing regions  22  (shown in  FIG. 39 ) of the case  2 . The cutouts  84  can help position and maintain position of the impact absorbing regions  22 . The impact absorbing regions  22  can be formed on the case  2  (e.g., on the top cover  52  and/or main housing  54 ) with a double injection molding method or any other suitable method as discussed herein. 
     The over molding or double injection molding technique can allow the impact absorbing regions  22  to be securely formed on the case  2 . For example, the case  2  can have connecting indentations and/or cutouts  84  that the material of the impact absorbing regions flows into during injection molding or other technique to provide a connection between the impact absorbing regions  22  and the shell of the case  2 . In some embodiments, the impact absorbing regions can be joined to the shell of the case  2  using any suitable method as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to the home button cover  32  and the top cover  52  (e.g., molding techniques with case  2 , top cover  52 , and/or main housing  54  with over molded impact absorbing regions  22 ). In some embodiments, the impact absorbing regions  22  can be can be joined using any suitable or known process or processes, including permanent adhesive, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, spot welds, thermal weld points, a stitch or stitches, strip welds, tacks formed by crimping, and so forth, including any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the material for the shell of the case  2  (e.g., the top cover  52  and/or main housing  54 ) can be injected into a mold and formed from, for example, a rigid plastic, using a first mold for the top cover  52  and/or main housing  54 . The rigid plastic can include PVC. Once the shell of the case  2  is formed, the material for the impact absorbing regions  22  can be injected to form around the case  2  (e.g., on the top cover  52  and/or main housing  54 ) and/or in the cutouts  84 , using a second mold that can accommodate the top cover  52  and/or main housing  54  and provide the contours/outline for the over mold features, such as the impact absorbing regions  22 . The impact absorbing regions  22  can be formed from elastic plastic or rubber. For example, impact absorbing regions  22  can include thermoplastic that can be deformed with a force and return to their original shape upon removal of that force. Thus, impact absorbing regions  22  can absorb forces and shocks to protect the integrity of the case  2  and protect the mobile device  4  within the case  2 . The impact absorbing regions  22  can be formed of a material that is softer, more flexible, and/or more resilient than the material of the shell of the case  2 . 
     The case  2  and/or impact absorbing regions  22  can be made from any suitable materials such as, but not limited to integrally thermoformed plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), metalized PET, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, nylon, polyolefin, blends of polyolefin, polystyrene, blends of polyolefin and polystyrene, polyester, blends of polyester, and/or the like. The case  2  and/or impact absorbing regions  22  can be fabricated using any suitable or known process or processes, including injection extrusion, molding, compression molding, and/or thermoforming techniques. 
     As discussed in reference to, for example,  FIG. 36  regarding the home button cover  32 , the impact absorbing regions  22  can pass through the case  2  to be proximate or flush to interior surfaces of the case  2 . Such pass through injection molding of the impact absorbing regions  22  can allow for a more secure connection between the impact absorbing regions  22  and the case  2 . 
       FIG. 41A  illustrates a side, top, perspective view of a cross-section of an external interface  10  and an interface flexible port cover  204 . In some embodiments, the external interface  10  can be a micro USB port  34 . The external interface  10  can be housed in the main housing  54 . The main housing  54  can have an external port opening  207 . The external port opening  207  can be sized and shaped to accept the interface flexible port cover  204  to form a water and dust resistant seal. As illustrated, the external port opening  207  and interface flexible port cover  204  can have corresponding round/circular shapes (e.g., cylinders). In some embodiments, the shapes of the external port opening  207  and interface flexible port cover  204  can be generally any desired corresponding shape, such as, for example, rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, and/or the like, including combinations of various shapes. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 41A , the interface flexible port cover  204  can have an interface gasket channel  210 . The interface gasket channel  210  can be sized and shaped to accept, engage, and/or mate with an interface gasket  208 . The interface gasket  208  can be sized and shaped to be compressed by the walls of the external port opening  207  when the interface flexible port cover  204  is positioned (e.g., inserted) within the external port opening  207 . The compression of the interface gasket  208  against the main walls of the external port opening  207  and/or interface gasket channel  210  can create a water and dust resistant seal as discussed herein. The interface flexible port cover  204 , the audio flexible port cover  206 , and/or other flexible port covers  19  can form a water and dust resistant with or without a gasket as discussed herein in reference to the interface flexible port cover  204 . 
       FIG. 41B  shows a cross-sectional view of a port (e.g., the auxiliary port  40  for a headphone port  42 ) and a port cover  206 . The port cover  206  can be similar to the port cover  204  and the features described in connection with the port cover  204  can apply to the port cover  206  as well. The port  40  can include a port opening  212  (e.g., which can be configured to receive a headphone jack). A sleeve  214  can be disposed inward of the port opening  212 . The port cover  206  can include two gasket channels  216   a  and  216   b  that can support two gaskets (e.g., O-rings)  218   a  and  218   b . The first gasket  218   a  can be configured to seal against a side wall of the main housing  54  when the port cover  206  is inserted into the port opening  212 , and the second gasket  218   b  can be configured to seal against a side wall of the sleeve  214  when the port cover  206  is inserted into the port opening  212 . A tether  222  can couple the port cover  206  to the case  2  such that when the port cover  206  is extracted from the port opening  212 , the port cover  206  remains coupled to the case  2 . An anchor member  220  can couple the tether  222  to the case  2 . The anchor member  220  can be sized and shaped to allow the anchor member  220  to be inserted into a hole in the case (e.g., one of the holes  84 ), and to impede removal of the anchor member  220  from the hole. The tether  222  can be coupled to the case  2  by an adhesive, sonic weld, or various other securing methods discussed herein. The feature of the port cover  206  can be applied also to the port cover  204 . For example, the port cover  204  can include a tether and/or an anchor member to couple the port cover  204  to the case  2  when the port cover  204  is extracted. 
     In some embodiments, the impact absorbing regions  22  can extend around the corners of the case  2 . The impact absorbing regions  22  can be integrally formed with other components of the case, such as the tether  222  and/or the port cover  206 , the port cover  204 , the button covers  32 ,  38 , and/or  50 , and/or the membrane area  44 . Some of all of these components can be formed together with each other and/or with the impact resistant regions  22  (e.g., during an over molding or double injection molding process). 
       FIG. 42  illustrates a side, top, perspective view of a cross-section of a case  2  and a mobile device  4  in the case  2 . The top cover  52  can be secured to the main housing  54  as discussed herein. The battery cover  151  can be secured to the main housing  54  with screws  150  and/or other suitable fasteners as discussed herein. As illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the top cover  52  can have impact absorbing regions  22  as discussed herein. For example, the top cover  52  can have cutouts  84  as discussed herein. The cutouts  84  can be of various shapes and sizes to secure the impact absorbing regions  22  as discussed herein. As illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the cutout  84  on the side of the top cover  52  can be larger (e.g., longer in length in a dimension) than another cutout  84  in the top cover  52  proximate to, for example, the transparent member  66 . Any variety of shapes and sizes of cutouts can be utilized to accommodate various over molded features and desired connections therebetween. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 42 , a gasket  16  can be disposed in a gasket channel  144  of the main housing  54 . The gasket  16  can be over molded, adhered, or disposed in the gasket channel  144  of the main housing  54 . In some embodiments, the gasket  16  can be over molded, adhered, or disposed onto the top cover  52 . The gasket  16  can extend substantially along the part line  56  as discussed herein. The gasket  16  can extend partially or an entirety of the periphery between the top cover  52  and the main housing  54  as discussed herein in reference to the undulating part line  56 . 
     The top cover  52  can have a protrusion or perimeter flange  136 . The perimeter flange  136  can be sized, shaped, and positioned to compress the gasket  16  when the main housing  54  is connected to the top cover  52  as discussed herein. The perimeter flange  136  can be sized smaller than the gasket channel  144  such that the perimeter flange  136  can compress the gasket  16  into the gasket channel  144 , as well as can create crimp type seal (e.g., at a relatively concentrated point, area, and/or length) between the gasket  16  and perimeter flange  136 , when the main housing  54  is connected to the top cover  52  as discussed herein. Such an arrangement of the gasket  16 , perimeter flange  136 , and gasket channel  144  can allow for the water and dust resistant seal as discussed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the gasket  16  can be arranged between the main housing  54  and the top cover  52  without a perimeter flange  136  and/or gasket channel  144 . The gasket  16  can be compressed between the walls of the main housing  54  and top cover  52  to achieve water and dust resistance. 
     The top cover  52  can have a screen flange  209  that protrudes from a wall of the top cover  52  overlapping the mobile device  4  on the side of the mobile device  4  with a touch screen  26 . The screen flange  209  can press against and/or contact the transparent member  66  (or membrane  28 ) to create a water and dust resistant seal. In some embodiments, the screen flange  209  can include a gasket  17  as discussed herein, which can be formed on the top cover  52  as discussed herein. The gasket  17  can contact and create a water and dust resistant seal directly against the touch screen  26 , or directly against the membrane  28  or the transparent member  66  as discussed herein. 
     With protective cases, a solution to access buttons through the protective case is to been include depressible pass-through button covers that do not directly expose the device, thereby providing additional protection without noticeable access ports. However, some mobile devices incorporate switches or toggles, which mechanically move from a first position to a second position. Sometimes the switches or toggles visibly identify the present status, such as through a 1 and 0 or red and green indicator. In some instances, a depressible pass-through button cover on a case does not adequately control a switch or toggle on a mobile device and does not provide any visible identifier of the current switch or toggle status. Pass-through holes and thin membranes can reduce the protection provided by the case. As the size of mobile devices shrinks, the space available to access a switch or toggle is more and more restricted, and in some cases, pass-through holes and thin membranes can negatively impact the accessibility of a switch or toggle. Additionally, very small switches sometimes require fingernail operation, and repetitive fingernail access on a membrane can damage or pierce the membrane, reducing the functionality and eliminating and waterproof or protective benefit. Further, pass-through holes and membranes can interrupt the aesthetics of the external case. 
       FIG. 43  is a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a shell (e.g., case or battery case). The shell or case  100  can be the same or different case  2  as discussed in reference to  FIGS. 1 to 42 . The shell or case  100  can be used to protect a portable electronic device (e.g., a mobile device, mobile phone, or tablet). The portable electronic device can have a switch or toggle  46  built into the mobile device as discussed herein. A switch cover  102  can be integrated into the shell  100 . The switch cover  102  can be positioned to engage/mate with a switch  46  of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein (in reference to, for example,  FIG. 56 ). 
       FIG. 44  is a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102  of a shell  100  (sometimes referred to as a case). The switch  102  cover can rotate. The rotating switch cover  102  can have a handle  104  (e.g., an extension or protrusion). The handle  104  can be an elongated shape (e.g., oval or tear drop shape) to provide a lever or leverage to facilitate rotating of the switch cover  102  by the user, although various other shapes can be used. In some embodiments, the handle  104  can have protruding features to help a user grip and rotate the switch cover  102  as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to  FIGS. 58 and 59 . The protruding features  166  can be linear and extend generally along a longer dimension of the handle. The handle  104  of the switch cover  102  can be larger than a shaft portion (or base  152 ) of the switch cover  102  that is inserted into an opening  106  ( FIG. 45 ) in the shell  100 , such that the handle  104  prevents the switch cover  102  from being over inserted into or through the opening  106  in the shell  100 . 
       FIG. 45  is a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of an opening  106  in the shell or case  100 . The opening (e.g., cavity or lumen)  106  can be shaped to accept the switch cover  102 . The opening  106  can be generally round or cylindrical. The opening  106  can have open ends on both sides (e.g., cutout through a wall of the shell  100 ) to accept the switch cover  102 . The switch cover  102  can be inserted into the opening  106  and secured as discussed herein. The opening  106  can be positioned in the shell  100  such that when the switch cover  102  is inserted into the opening  106  and the mobile device is inserted into the shell  100 , the switch cover  102  can engage the switch or toggle  46  of the mobile device  4  as discussed herein. 
     The case or shell  100  and/or the switch cover  102  can include a motion limiter feature configured to restrict the range of motion of the switch cover  102 . For example, the opening  106  can have a groove  108  positioned (e.g., along the periphery of the opening). The groove  108  can be shaped to engage or mate with a protrusion  110  or knob (shown in  FIG. 55 ) of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein to limit the range of motion of the knob  110  in the groove. By limiting the range of motion of the knob  110 , the rotational range of the switch cover  102  can be limited. The range of rotation can correspond to, for example, a corresponding translational (e.g., linear) movement or range of the switch  46  of the mobile device  4 . 
       FIG. 45  shows the opening  106  without the switch cover  102  inserted or positioned within the shell  100 .  FIG. 45  illustrates a cover gasket  112  positioned within the lumen (e.g., cylinder) formed by the opening  106 . The cover gasket  112  can be sized and shaped to rest against a wall or periphery (e.g., main wall  132  as discussed in reference to  FIG. 50 ) formed by the lumen of the opening  106 . The cover gasket  112  can be sized and shaped to form a seal with the wall of the opening  106 . The cover gasket  112  can remain engaged with the wall of the opening  106  to maintain the seal when the switch cover  102  is rotated as discussed herein. The seal can provide protection against the environment external to the shell  100  to prevent or inhibit contact of the external environmental elements (e.g., moisture or water) with the mobile device in the shell. In some embodiments, the cover gasket  112  moves relative to the wall of the opening  106  when the switch cover  102  is rotated. In some embodiments, the gasket remains in substantially a same position (e.g., does not rotate) relative to the wall of the opening  106  when the switch cover  102  is rotated. 
       FIG. 46  is a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of an opening  106  in a shell  100 .  FIG. 46  shows the opening without a switch cover  102  or a cover gasket  112 . The wall of the opening  106  (e.g., main wall  132  as discussed in reference to  FIG. 50 ) can be generally smooth and continuous. The wall of the opening can be generally smooth and continuous where the gasket is positioned. In some embodiment, the wall of the opening can have a groove or channel sized and shaped to engage the cover gasket  112 . For example, the channel in the opening can be a cutout or groove into the body of the shell, forming a torus like cutout in the wall of the opening  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 46 , the opening  106  can have a round frame or periphery  114  encircling the opening  106 . The wall of the shell  100  can have a handle  104  cutout  116  sized, shaped, and positioned to correspond to the handle stop  118  as discussed herein and in particular, in reference to  FIG. 54 . The handle cutout  104  can limit the range of motion of or degrees of rotation of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein. For example, the handle stop  118  can abut or come against a periphery of the handle cutout  116  at a predetermined position of the switch cover  102  to inhibit or prevent further rotation of the switch cover  102 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 46 , the handle cutout  116  can have a divot or indentation  120 . In some embodiments, the divot  120  can be sized, shaped, and positioned to engage or mate with a knob on the handle. For example, the knob can be on the handle stop  118  and can engage the divot  120  at a predetermined position of the rotating switch cover  102 . While the knob is engaged with the divot, the switch cover  102  can be biased to remain in the predetermined position. When desired, the handle  104  can be moved or pushed for the knob to disengage or dislodge from the divot  120  for the switch cover  102  to rotate as discussed herein. 
     In some embodiments, a visual indicator  120  (e.g., the divot) can be used as a status indicator configured to indicate the position of the switch  46  on the mobile device  4 . In some embodiments, the divot  120  can be colored (e.g., red) or can otherwise be visually distinguishable from the area around the divot  120 . In some cases, a colored dot or other visual indicator can be used instead of a recessed divot  120 . When the switch cover  102  is in a first position (e.g., configured to position the switch  46  in a first state), the visual indicator  120  (e.g., the divot) can be covered by a portion of the switch cover  102 , such that the visual indicator  120  is hidden from view. When the switch cover  102  is in the second position (e.g., configured to position the switch  46  in a second state), the visual indicator  120  (e.g., the divot) can be uncovered such that the visual indicator  120  is exposed and visible. In some embodiments, two different visual indicators can be used. A first visible indicator can be visible when the switch cover  102  is in the first position and covers the second visible indicator, and the second visible indicator can be visible when the switch cover  102  is in the second position and covers the first visible indicator. 
       FIG. 47  is a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102  in the shell or case  100 .  FIG. 47  illustrates the switch cover  102  and shell  100  from the inside of the shell  100  (e.g., where the mobile device is inserted and/or housed). The switch cover  102  can protrude into the shell  100  beyond an interior periphery or wall of the shell  100  (e.g., main wall  132  as discussed in reference to  FIG. 50 ). The switch cover  102  can have at least one flange  122  that protrudes beyond the periphery or wall of the opening  106  as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to  FIGS. 45 and 46 . The flange  122  can contact, rest against, or abut the inner wall of the shell  100  to secure the switch cover  102  within the opening  106 . The flange  122  can limit, inhibit, or prevent axial movement of the switch cover  102  along an axis while allowing for rotation of the switch cover  102  about the axis. The flange  122  can limit, inhibit, or prevent axial movement along an axis to, for example, inhibit or prevent the switch cover  102  from coming out of the opening  106  once inserted into the opening  106 . As can be seen in  FIG. 57 , for example, the switch cover  102  can include multiple flanges  122 . Two flanges  122  are shown in  FIG. 57  positioned generally opposite each other on the switch cover  102 . As discussed in reference to  FIG. 57 , a gap  124  can be positioned in the switch cover  102  such that the one or more flanges  122  can deflect inwardly as the switch cover  102  is inserted into the opening  106 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 47 , the inner wall of the shell  100  can have a protrusion or stop  126  extending from or connected to the inner wall. The stop  126  can be shaped to circumscribe at least a portion of the switch cover  102 . The stop  126  can be spaced to generally limit the movement or rotation of the switch cover  102  within the opening. The stop  126  can be shaped and positioned to prevent passage of the flange  122  past the stop  126 . As the switch cover  102  is rotated about the axis  128 , the flange  122  can abut the stop  126  at a predetermined position of the cover to inhibit or prevent further rotation of the switch cover  102 . The range of motion or degrees of rotation of the switch cover  102  can be limited by the flange abutting or coming up against the stop  126 . 
     In some embodiments, the stop  126  can guide the switch cover  102  during rotation about axis  128  as discussed herein. The stop  126  can surround or circumscribe the switch cover  102  at least partially to maintain a predetermined contact and/or predetermined clearance with the switch cover  102  such that the stop  126  substantially maintains rotation of the the switch cover  102  along axis  128 . 
       FIG. 48  is a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102  in the shell.  FIG. 48  illustrates a perspective view as seen from the opposite side of the shell of  FIG. 47 . In  FIG. 48 , a cross-section of the shell  100  is taken to illustrate certain features of the shell  100  and switch cover  102  as discussed herein. The switch cover  102  can have another or second flange  122 . The second flange  122  can be positioned on the cover about 180 degrees opposite form the first flange  122 . In some embodiments, the first and second flanges  122  can have other degrees of separation relative to each other, such as, for example, about 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, and/or 80 degrees, including ranges bordering and bounded by the foregoing values. The second flange  122  can also limit, inhibit, or prevent axial movement of the switch cover  102  along the central axis  128  while allowing for rotation of the switch cover  102  as discussed in reference to the first flange  122 . The second flange  122  can abut the stop  126  at a predetermined position of the cover to inhibit or prevent further rotation of the switch cover  102  as discussed in reference to the first flange  122 . 
       FIG. 49  is a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of an opening  106  in a shell  100 .  FIG. 49  illustrates a view from the inside of the shell or case  100  (e.g., where the mobile device is housed). The opening  106  is illustrated without a switch cover  102 . The inner wall of the shell  100  (e.g., main wall  132  as discussed in reference to  FIG. 50 ) can have a raised portion  130  to lengthen the opening  106  in the shell  100  to a desired length. The desired length can correspond to a length of the switch cover  102  or a base  152  of the switch cover  152  as discussed herein. The length of the opening  106  and the length of the switch cover  102  can correspond to limit, inhibit, or prevent motion (e.g., axial movement) of the switch cover  102  along the central line (e.g., the axis  128 ). The raised portion  130  can extend along the length of the opening  106  to substantially match the length of the switch cover  102  from the handle  104  and the first and second flanges  122 . The stop  126  can be positioned on the raised portion  130  at a desired position as discussed herein. The stop  126  can extend from or connect to the raised portion  130  at the desired position. 
       FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102  in the shell or case  100 . The shell  100  can have an inner or main wall  132  that forms or houses the opening  106 . The main wall  132  can be formed from the top portion  52  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the opening  106  can be formed in the main housing  54  when part line  56  undulates as illustrated in  FIGS. 18-21 . The shell  100  can have a top outer skin  134  that covers or overlays on at least a portion of the inner wall to provide a desired level of protection and/or a desired aesthetic appearance. The outer skin can be the over molded impact absorbing regions  22  as discussed herein. The inner wall  132  and top outer skin  134  form at least a portion or part of a top portion of the shell  100  (e.g., top portion  52 ). The following features discussed in connection with  FIG. 50  can have the same and/or different functionality as the functionality discussed in reference to  FIG. 42 . The inner wall  132  can have a protrusion or perimeter flange  136  extending from or connected to the inner wall  132 . The perimeter flange  132  can extend near or at the periphery of the shell  100  between the top portion  52  and a bottom portion (e.g. main housing  54 ) of the shell  100  as discussed herein. The perimeter flange  132  can extend an entire length or portions of the periphery (e.g. part line  56  as discussed herein) of the shell  100 . The perimeter flange  132  can rest in a perimeter track  138 . The perimeter track  138  can have a channel  139  that engages, connects to, or mates with the perimeter flange  136 . The perimeter track  138  and/or perimeter channel  139  thereof (perimeter channel) can extend an entire length or portions of the periphery (e.g., part line  56 ) of the shell between the top portion  52  and the bottom portion  54  of the shell  100 . A length of the perimeter track  138  and/or perimeter channel  139  can correspond to a length of the perimeter flange  136 . The engagement, connection, or mating of the perimeter flange  136  with the perimeter track  138  (including channel  139 ), can facilitate positioning the top portion  52  and the bottom portion  54  of the shell  100  as desired. Desired or proper positioning of the various features and parts of the shell  100  (e.g., top portion  52  and bottom portion  54  of the shell) can facilitate in positioning the cover  100  relative to the switch  46  to achieve the desired contact, engagement, or mating and functionality of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein when the mobile device  4  is inserted into the shell or case  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 50 , the shell  100  can have an inner bottom wall  140  (e.g., main housing  54 ). The shell  100  can have a bottom outer skin  142  (e.g., outer skin can be the over molded impact absorbing regions  22  as discussed herein) that covers or overlays on at least a portion of the bottom wall  140  to provide a desired level of protection and/or a desired aesthetic appearance. The bottom wall  140  and bottom outer skin  142  form at least a portion or part of the bottom portion  54  of the shell. The inner bottom wall  140  can have a perimeter cutout or indentation  144 . The perimeter cutout  144  can be sized and shaped to engage, connects to, or mate with the perimeter track  138  to secure and/or house the perimeter track  138 . In some embodiments, the perimeter track  138  can be formed or made at least partially from elastic materials, such as, nylon or rubber, and/or other plastic materials (e.g., main gasket  16  as discussed herein). The elastic material can provide a cushioned or elastic connection between the top and bottom portions  52 ,  54  of the shell  100  to, for example, reduce forces transmitted to the mobile device due to a sudden force or shock applied to the shell  100  (e.g., the shell  100  housing the mobile device  4  is dropped by the user). 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 50 , the switch cover  102  can have a gasket channel or cutout  146  formed in the switch cover  102  (shown, for example, in  FIG. 54 ). The gasket channel  146  can be sized and shaped to house and position the cover gasket  112  as discussed herein as desired to form the seal from the external environmental elements. The size of the gasket channel  146  can closely correspond to the size of the cover gasket  112  when the cover gasket  112  is substantially not deformed (e.g., not stretched or compressed). For example,  FIG. 50  illustrates an example size of the cover gasket  112  in its uncompressed or non-deformed shape or state. The periphery or wall of the cover gasket  112  is shown to overlap with the periphery or walls  132  of the opening  106  and the gasket channel  146  to illustrate example portion of the cover gasket  112  that would be compressed against the opening  106  and/or the gasket channel  146  when the cover gasket  112  is positioned within the opening  106  and/or gasket channel  146 . Thus, when the cover gasket  112  is inserted into the gasket channel  146  and the switch cover  102  is inserted into the opening  106 , the cover gasket  112  can be sized and shaped such that the cover gasket  112  is compressed by the walls  132  of the opening  106  and/or the gasket channel  146 . Compression of the material of the cover gasket  112  against features of the opening  106  and/or switch cover  102  as discussed herein can create the seal from external environmental elements (e.g., such that the switch cover  102  is waterproof and/or water/dust resistant). 
     When the switch cover  102  is rotated as discussed herein, the cover gasket  112  can remain continuously compressed during the rotational movement. Thereby, the cover gasket  112  can maintain the seal during movement of the rotating switch cover  102  to move the switch  46  of the mobile device  4 . While the switch cover  102  is being rotated, the cover gasket  112  can remain stationary relative to the switch cover  102  and/or the opening  106 . Stated differently, while the switch cover  102  is being rotated, the cover gasket  112  can move relative to the switch cover  102 , the opening  106 , or both. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 50 , the handle  104  of the switch cover  102  can have handle flanges  148  that extend beyond or protrude past the wall or periphery  132  of the opening  106  (e.g., external wall of the top cover  52  of the shell  100 ). The handle flanges  148  can abut, come against, or engage the wall  132  of the shell  100 . The handle flanges  148  can limit, inhibit, or prevent further insertion or travel of the switch cover  102  into the opening  106  along the axis  128 . The handle flanges  148  can be positioned to function with the one or more flanges  122  to limit, inhibit, or prevent movement of the switch cover  102  along the axis  128  once the switch cover  102  is inserted into the opening  106  as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of an opening  106  in a shell  100 . The opening  106  is illustrated from the inside of the shell  106  without a switch cover  102 . The cover gasket  112  can be positioned in the opening  106  near or at the midpoint of the opening  106  in the shell  100 . In some embodiments, the cover gasket  112  can be positioned on the switch cover  102  (e.g., in the channel  146 ) before the switch cover  102  is inserted into the opening  106  during assembly. 
       FIG. 52  is a cross-sectional side perspective view of an example embodiment of an opening  106  in a shell  100 . The opening  106  is illustrated from outside of the shell  100  without the switch cover  102 . The groove  108  can be sized and shaped to engage or mate with the knob  110  of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein. The groove  108  can be positioned to provide a same or substantially similar range of motion or degrees of rotation of the cover as provide by the flange  122  and stops  126  discussed herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 52 , the cover gasket  112  can be generally circular in shape. The cover gasket  112  can be a torus shaped and sized to rest in the gasket channel  146  as discussed herein. A cross-section of the cover gasket  112  along the central axis  128  can be generally circular or oval when the cover gasket  112  is uncompressed. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the cover gasket  112  can be generally any desired shape, such as, for example, rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, and/or the like, including combinations of various shapes along a length, periphery, and/or circumference of the cover gasket  112 . 
       FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of an opening  106  in a shell or case  100 . The opening  106  is illustrated from outside the shell  100  without a switch cover  112 .  FIG. 53  illustrates the shell  100  without a part of the bottom portion/main housing  54  (e.g., inner bottom wall  140  and bottom outer skin  142 ) of the shell  100 . As shown, the perimeter track  138  (e.g., main gasket  16 ) can extend substantially throughout or continue along the perimeter or periphery (e.g., part line  56 ) of the shell between the top and bottom portions  52 ,  54  of the shell  100 . The bottom portion  52  can also have screws, springs, and/or dampeners  150  positioned to fasten or secure parts of the shell relative to each other (e.g., mobile device positioner  151  and bottom inner wall  140 ) and/or reduce forces transmitted to the mobile device  4  due to a sudden force or shock applied to the shell  100  (e.g., the shell  100  housing the mobile device  4  is dropped by the user). For example, the springs  150  can be positioned between the inner bottom wall  140  and a mobile device positioner or tray  151  (or at various other locations) to dampen transmission of a force or shock to the inner bottom wall  140  applied to the shel  100  and/or bottom outer skin  142 . The device positioner  151  can be secured to other parts of the shell  100  (e.g., inner bottom wall  140 ) at a desired position via screws  150  or other fasteners. The screws, springs, and/or dampeners  150  can be a combination of a fastener (e.g., a screw) and a dampener. The mobile device positioner  151  can facilitate in positioning the mobile device  4  relative to the shell  100  and switch cover  102  as discussed herein to achieve the desired contact, engagement, or mating with switch cover  102  and switch  46  as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 54  a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102 . The switch cover  102  can have a base  152 . The base  152  can have a first surface, end, or portion  154  and a second surface, end, or portion  156 . The base  152  can be substantially round or cylindrical about a central axis  128  extending between the first surface/end  154  and the second surface/end  156  (as illustrated in  FIG. 50 ). The base  152  can have a gasket channel  146  to engage or mate with a cover gasket  112  as discussed herein. The gasket channel  146  can be positioned on the base  152  between the first and second ends  154 ,  156 . The gasket channel  146  can be generally rectangular or square in cross-section. In some embodiment, the gasket channel  146  can be generally any desired shape such as, for example, round, circular, oval, partially polygonal, and/or the like, including combinations of various shapes along the gasket channel  146 . 
     The first surface or end  154  can have one or more guides (e.g., a first guiderail  158  and a second guiderail  160 ) configured to engage or mate with a switch or toggle  46  of a mobile device  4 . The first surface/end  154  can have one or more flanges  122  to position the switch cover  102  in the opening  106  as discussed herein (e.g., abut an inner wall and/or main wall  132  of the shell  100 ) and limit the rotation of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein (e.g., abut a stop  126 ). 
     The second surface  156  of the switch cover  102  can have a handle  104 . The handle  104  can have handle flanges  148  to position the switch cover  102  in the opening  106  as discussed herein (e.g., abut an outer wall and/or main wall  132  of the shell  100 ). The handle  104  can have a handle stop  118  to limit the rotation of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the handle stop  118  can have a knob to engage or mate with a groove  120  of the shell  100  to bias the switch cover  102  in a predetermined position when the switch cover  102  is in the predetermined position as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 55  a side, top, perspective view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102 . The view of  FIG. 55  is of the other side of the switch cover  102  from the view illustrated in  FIG. 54 . The switch cover  102  can have a back support  162 . The back support  162  can press against or abut a wall and/or periphery of the mobile device  4  for the switch cover  102  to stay at a predetermined position relative to the mobile device  4  as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to  FIGS. 58 and 59 . For example, when the mobile device  4  is inserted into the shell  100 , the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  and the back support  162  can abut or press against the wall and/or periphery of the mobile device, positioning the switch cover  102  at a substantially constant distance relative to the wall and/or periphery of the mobile device  4 . Maintaining the predetermined position or constant distance of the switch cover  102  relative to the mobile device  4  can help ensure proper engagement of the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  with the switch  46  and adequate clearance to move the switch  46  as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to  FIGS. 58 and 59 . 
     The switch cover  102  can have a protrusion or knob  110  to engage a groove  108  of a wall (e.g., main wall  132 ) of the shell  100  as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to  FIG. 45 . The protrusion  110  can be sized and shaped to slide within the groove  108  and limit the range of motion or degrees of rotation of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein. The protrusion  110  can be positioned near second surface  154  of the base  152 . The protrusion  110  can be in contact with or connect to the handle flanges  104 . The protrusion  110  can be centrally aligned with the second flange  122  to similarly limit motion or degrees of rotation (e.g., a same degree of rotation) of the switch cover  102  as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 56  is a side view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102 . A switch outline  164  (corresponding to a shape of a switch  46  of a mobile device  4 ) as would be engaged by the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  is illustrated with dashed lines. The switch  46  can have a first portion (e.g., a left portion of the switch outline  164  as shown in  FIG. 56 ) and a second portion (e.g., a right portion of the switch outline  164  as shown in  FIG. 56 ). The first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  can engage the first portion of the switch  46  to apply a force to toggle the switch  46  as the switch cover  102  rotates. Many variations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  can engage the second portion of the switch  46 . For example, a switch cover  102  may be positioned such that the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  engage the second portion while the first portion remains outside of a periphery of the base  152 . In some embodiments, the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  can generally engage the switch  46 , such as, for example, engaging the switch  46  at a midpoint of the switch  46 . The points of engagement of between the switch cover  102  and switch  46  can move or transition as the switch cover  102  rotates as discussed herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 56 , the first and second guiderails (e.g., guides)  158 ,  160  can engage the first portion of the switch  46  (e.g., the left portion of the switch outline  164  as shown in  FIG. 56 ) to apply a force to toggle the switch  46 . The second portion of the switch  46  (e.g., right portion of the switch outline  164  as shown in  FIG. 56 ) can protrude past the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  toward the back support  162 . As the switch cover  102  is rotated, a part of the second portion of the switch  46  (e.g., right portion of the switch outline  164  as shown in  FIG. 56 ) may move onto or over the wall of the base  152 . For example,  FIG. 56  shows that an upper right corner of the switch outline  164  moves over the wall of the base  152  as the switch cover  102  is rotated clockwise. Stated different, in some embodiments, the base  152  may be hollow and form a lumen via walls, and the second portion of the switch  46  can move past the lumen and overlap with the wall of the base  152 . By keeping the switch cover  102  at a predetermined position relative to the mobile device  4  as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference to  FIGS. 58 and 59 , and consequently the switch  46 , the switch cover  102  can be positioned to maintain a desired clearance between the wall of the base  152  and the switch  46  to allow the switch  46  to move onto or over the wall of the base  152 . 
     The first and second guiderails (e.g., rounded guides)  158 ,  160  can have rounded ends  159 ,  161 , respectively. The rounded ends  159 ,  161  can facilitate or help position the switch cover  102  to correspond to the position of the switch  46  when the mobile device  4  is initially inserted into the shell  100 . For example, if the switch  46  is in a position corresponding to the switch cover  102  being in an up position (or first position) (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 56 ), but the switch cover  102  is in a down position (or second position), the rounded end  159  of the first guiderail  158  can move against the switch  46  as the mobile device  4  is inserted, causing the switch cover  102  to rotate upward to match the position of the switch  46  as illustrated in  FIG. 56 . 
     In some instances, references to up and down can refer to an orientation in which the screen of the mobile device  4  would face upward, even though the case  100  and mobile device  4  could be positioned in various other orientations during use. The up position (or first position) of switch  46  of the mobile device  4  can correspond to a normal (e.g., not silent or auditory) mode of the mobile device  4 . The down position (or second position) of switch  46  of the mobile device  4  can correspond to a quiet (e.g., vibrate or silent) mode of the mobile device  4 . Other configurations are possible. For example, the up position (or first position) of the switch cover  102  can be configured to position the switch  46  into the quiet (e.g. vibrate or silent) mode of the mobile device  4 , and the down position (or second position) of the switch cover  102  can be configured to position the switch  46  into the normal (e.g., not silent or auditory) mode of the mobile device  4 . 
     In some embodiments, the switch cover  102  can be configured to move between the first and second positions in response to a force that is lower than an amount of force that would cause the switch  46  to move between its first and second positions. Thus, when the mobile device  4  is coupled or inserted into to the case  100  with the switch cover  102  misaligned from the switch  46 , the switch cover  102  is moved to correspond to the position of the switch  46  instead of the switch  46  moving to correspond to the position of the switch cover  102 . 
     When the switch cover  102  is rotated by a user, the rounded ends  158 ,  159  are correspondingly also rotated. The different parts or portions of the rounded ends  158 ,  159  contact or abut the switch  46  as the switch cover  102  is rotated. The rounded ends  158 ,  159  facilitate a smooth transition between the different portions of the switch  46  contacting the rounded ends  158 ,  159 . For example, the rounded ends  158 ,  159  can be shaped and configured to roll over a contact surface or wall of the switch  46  as the switch cover  102  is rotated. The rolling of the rounded ends  158 ,  159  on the contact surface of the switch  46  can provide a smooth movement or mechanism by which rotational movement of the switch cover  102  and correspondingly the guiderails  158 ,  160  is transferred to the switch  46  as translational movement (e.g., up and down). Thus, the first and second guiderail  158 ,  160  can contact different portions (e.g., first and second portions) of the switch  46  as the switch cover  102  is rotated, and the switch  46  is moved. The portions of the switch  46  not in contact with the guiderails  158 ,  160  move without obstructions (e.g., over the wall of the base  152 ) to allow the translational movement of the switch  46 . In some embodiments, the rounded guides  158 ,  160  are configured to roll along the switch  46 , as opposed to sliding along the switch  46 , when the switch cover  102  is rotated. In some embodiments, the guides  158 ,  160  can slide along the switch  46  as the cover  102  rotates. 
       FIG. 57  is a bottom perspective view of an example embodiment of a switch cover  102 . The base  152  can have u-channels  124  positioned proximal or nearby the first and second flanges  122 . The u-channel  124  can be on or nearby the first surface  154  of the base  152 . The u-channel  124  can be a cutout or gap in the base  154  or wall of the base  152  that allows the base  152  wall to flex inward when the wall of the base  152  is compressed (e.g., forces applied at the first and second flanges  122 ). The u-channels  124  can allow for insertion of the switch cover  102  into the opening  106  of the shell  106  when the flanges  122  are designed to protrude past the walls (e.g., perimeter or periphery such as the circumference) of the opening  106 . When the switch cover  102  is being inserted into the opening  106 , the wall of the  152  can flex inward as a force is applied to the first and second flanges  122  via the wall of the opening  106 . Flexing inward of the first and second flanges  122  allows for the switch cover  102  to be inserted. When the flanges  122  emerge beyond the wall (extent of the opening along axis  128 ) of the opening  106  on the inside of the shell  100 , the resilience in the wall of the  152  can flex the wall of the base  152  back into its original position. The wall of the base  152  flexing back to its original position arranges the flanges  122  against the inside wall  132  of the shell  100  as discussed herein to secure the position of switch cover  102  along the central axis  128  (e.g., inhibit or prevent the switch cover  102  from being removed or withdrawn from the opening  106 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 57 , the cross-section of the first and second flanges  122  can gradually increase in width to a desired width to allow the flanges  122  to slide against the wall (e.g., perimeter or periphery such as the circumference) of the opening  106  and progressively flex the wall of the base  152  as the switch cover  102  is initially inserted. For example, the flanges  122  can be substantially triangular in cross-section. In some embodiments, the flanges  122  can be square in cross-section to securely retain the switch cover  102  in the opening  106  after being inserted. For example, when a side of the first and second flanges  122  (e.g., a side facing the raised portion  130  of the shell  100 ) is substantially parallel with the wall of the shell  100 , the abutment of the flange sides  122  with the wall of the shell  100  can impede flexing inward of the wall of the base  152  via the u-channels  124  when a force is applied that pulls or pushes the switch cover  102  out of the opening  106 . 
       FIG. 58  is a side view of an example embodiment of a cover  102 .  FIG. 59  is another side view of an example embodiment of a cover  102 . The first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  and the back support  162  can terminate, end, or lie in a same plane perpendicular to a central axis  128  ( FIG. 50 ). For example, surfaces of the first and second guiderails  158 ,  160  and the back support  162  can terminate, end, or lie in the same plane as shown in  FIGS. 58 and 59 . By terminating in the same plane, the switch cover  102  can remain at a predetermined position relative to the mobile device  4  or walls of the mobile device  4  to, for example, provide clearance for the switch  46  to move as the switch cover  102  is rotated as discussed herein, and in particular in, reference to  FIG. 46 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 58 and 59 , the handle  104  can have step like features  166  that increase the width of the handle toward the center (e.g., central axis  128 ) of the handle  104  and/or switch cover  102 . The pyramid-like shape can aid a user in gripping and rotating the handle  104  and/or switch cover  102 . 
     The foregoing description has set forth various embodiments of the systems and/or methods via the use of figures and/or examples. Insofar as such figures and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within figures or examples can be implemented individually and/or collectively. The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. 
     With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the embodiment, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the disclosure may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce embodiment recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of an embodiment recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular embodiment containing such introduced embodiment recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same embodiment includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, embodiments, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     Although the present subject matter has been described herein in terms of certain embodiments, and certain exemplary methods, it is to be understood that the scope of the subject matter is not to be limited thereby. Instead, the Applicant intends that variations on the methods and materials disclosed herein which are apparent to those of skill in the art will fall within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.