Patent Publication Number: US-2023163799-A1

Title: Modular customizable ruggedized protective case with detachable sidewall for mobile device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The instant application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/325,621 filed May 20, 2021, which application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119 and/or 120 to: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/511,740 filed Jul. 15, 2019 which claims priority as a divisional of: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/029,128 filed Jul. 6, 2018, which claims priority as a continuation-in-part of: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/422,239 filed Feb. 1, 2017, which claims priority to: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/289,822 filed Feb. 1, 2016. 
     Said U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 17/325,621; 16/511,740; 16/029,128; 15/422,239; and 62/289,822 are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Mobile communications devices, such as tablets or smartphones, may be vulnerable to significant vibrations and shocks. In addition, if the mobile device is connected to a network via a cable, port, or other physical link, the sustained vibrations and shocks may dislodge the link from its port or even damage both the link and the port. Further, mobile devices may be augmented by the addition of barcode scanning devices and other types of modular or peripheral input devices, but these devices may not be oriented for optimally convenient use; in other words, the operator of the mobile device must use both hands to support or position the mobile device so that such peripheral input devices may be used and may not be able to simultaneously interface with the peripheral device, e.g., via the mobile device. 
     Finally, some variants of mobile device may be configured with a type cover, e.g., a flexible cover that provides protection for a touch-sensitive display surface of the mobile device but deploys into a variably positionable keyboard. The type cover may be secured to the mobile device in such a way that it may be easily be removed when not in use. However, when the base mobile device is enclosed in a protective housing or case, the reinforced mobile device may not be compatible with the type cover. The protective housing may be fitted with an adapter allowing the type cover keyboard (or another modular keyboard) to be connected to the mobile device, both physically and communicatively (e.g., via connector ports otherwise concealed by the protective housing), such that control input may be provided to the mobile device via the keyboard. However, an exposed type cover adapter may detract from the otherwise contoured surface of the protective housing, damaging other surfaces with which it may come into contact. 
     SUMMARY 
     A modular ruggedized protective case incorporating a terminal device housing is also disclosed. In embodiments, the protective case includes a flexible (e.g., rubberized) primary housing partially surrounded or enclosed by a rigid secondary housing, the secondary housing including port protectors for concealing or shielding connector ports (e.g., USB, HDMI, AC outlets) of the mobile device. The rigid secondary housing includes a detachable sidewall portion conforming to the exterior contours of the secondary housing. When attached, the sidewall portion protects and conceals connector ports for a peripheral keyboard. When removed, the keyboard may be attached to the mobile device for normal use. 
     In some embodiments, the removable sidewall is attached to the secondary housing via snap-on points. For example, each snap-on point includes a sidewall portion (of the sidewall) that engages with a housing portion (of the rigid housing). The sidewall portion includes rails guided into the housing portion by receiving slots, with a hole set into the sidewall portion between the rails and an inner tab matching the hole and extending underneath an outer tab. The inner tab is slanted downward such that when the sidewall portion is inserted into the housing portion, the outer tab extends upward until the hole reaches the rear portion of the inner tab, locking the inner tab into the hole and securing the sidewall to the secondary housing. The sidewall portion may be released from the housing portion by engaging the tab upward to release the inner tab from the hole, whereby the sidewall can be detached (via the sidewall portions) from the rigid housing. 
     In some embodiments, the removable sidewall is attached to the secondary housing via magnets attached to the interior surface of the sidewall, or otherwise set into the sidewall. The magnets are mutually attracted to complementary magnets set into the secondary housing, such that the sidewall may be secured to the secondary housing once attached (and, in some embodiments, guided into a desired alignment with the secondary housing) by the paired magnets. 
     In some embodiments, the removable sidewall includes an external type cover adapter, allowing attachment and use of a peripheral keyboard without removing the sidewall. The type cover adapter may connect to the connector ports concealed by the removable sidewall to allow keyboard signals to travel from the keyboard to the mobile device. 
     In some embodiments, the protective case includes one or more peripheral devices attached to the rear of the rigid secondary housing (e.g., via an external circuit housing attached to the rear face of the secondary housing) and controllable via the mobile device. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral devices include a rear-mounted barcode scanner capable of generating auditory alerts, e.g., indicative of a successful or unsuccessful scanning operation. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral device includes an external speaker for providing the auditory alerts. 
     In some embodiments, the protective case includes a modular communications hub attached to the rigid secondary housing. For example, the communications hub may be a USB 3.0/USC-B hub including external USB3/USC-B ports allowing high speed data connections to the mobile device by the external peripheral devices. For example, if the mobile device incorporates only legacy USB ports, USB3 or USB-C devices may connect to the communications port via external cable, allowing both operating power and high-speed data to travel via the external cable. 
     In some embodiments, the protective case includes a peripheral camera mount including a three-dimensional (3D) imager removably attachable to the rear face of the rigid secondary housing. For example, the peripheral camera mount may be configured for quick and simplified attachment to, and removal from, the secondary housing. If the mobile device is not otherwise equipped with a 3D imaging system, the peripheral camera mount may be temporarily attached to the secondary housing and the 3D imager connected to the communications hub (e.g., USB-C cable), allowing for high-speed data transfer to the mobile device (e.g., 3D imaging data or high-resolution video). The peripheral camera mount may be attached so that the field of view of the 3D imager aligns substantially with the field of view of an existing camera (e.g., 2D camera) of the mobile device, and detached from the secondary housing to allow for unobstructed use of the 2D camera. 
     This Summary is provided solely as an introduction to subject matter that is fully described in the Detailed Description and Drawings. The Summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor be used to determine the scope of the Claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description are example and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general, operations of disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in the claims. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded view illustrating a modular ruggedized protective case in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an overhead perspective view illustrating the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a partially exploded view illustrating a type cover keyboard and adapter of the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a detailed isometric view of a secured corner of the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is an underside partially exploded view illustrating the modular ruggedized protective case and type cover adapter of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  4 B and  4 C  are detail views of the type cover adapter of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are partially exploded views illustrating a magnetic connector carriage module of the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a rear view illustrating the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a forward view illustrating a modular ruggedized protective case and peripheral device housing in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a rear isometric view illustrating the modular ruggedized protective case and peripheral device housing of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 C  is a rear view illustrating the modular ruggedized protective case and peripheral device housing of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 D  is a diagrammatic detail view illustrating the peripheral device housing of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 E  is an exploded view of a circuit housing of the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 F  is a right-side isometric view illustrating a modular ruggedized protective case and peripheral device housing in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  8 A  is an external view of a modular ruggedized protective case including a removable sidewall portion; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a view of the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  8 A  with the removable sidewall detached from the protective case, allowing for peripheral keyboard use either directly through the device connector ports or through an external adapter of the removable sidewall portion; 
         FIG.  9 A  is an external view of the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  1    illustrating attachment and detachment of the removable sidewall portion to/from the rigid secondary housing via snap-on points; 
         FIGS.  9 B and  9 C  are detailed views of a sidewall portion of a snap-on point of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIGS.  9 D and  9 E  are external views of the attachment/detachment of the removable sidewall to/from the secondary housing of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIG.  9 F  is a detailed view of a housing portion of the snap-on points of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIG.  9 G  is a multi-stage diagrammatic profile view of the attachment/detachment process of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIGS.  9 H through  9 K  are external views of the attachment/detachment process of  FIG.  9 G ; 
       and  FIG.  10    is an external view of the modular ruggedized protective case of  FIG.  1    illustrating external peripheral devices and a modular communications hub. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before explaining one or more embodiments of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific details may be set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure. 
     As used herein a letter following a reference numeral is intended to reference an embodiment of the feature or element that may be similar, but not necessarily identical, to a previously described element or feature bearing the same reference numeral (e.g., 1, 1a, 1b). Such shorthand notations are used for purposes of convenience only and should not be construed to limit the disclosure in any way unless expressly stated to the contrary. 
     Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     In addition, use of “a” or “an” may be employed to describe elements and components of embodiments disclosed herein. This is done merely for convenience and “a” and “an” are intended to include “one” or “at least one,” and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
     Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The appearances of the phrase “in some embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of sub-combination of two or more such features, along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the instant disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a modular ruggedized protective case  100  for a mobile device  102  (e.g., a mobile communication or computing device incorporating processors; a tablet or phablet) is disclosed. In embodiments, the protective case  100  may include a primary housing  104 , a secondary housing  106 , a kickstand  108 , a screen protector  110 , a type cover keyboard, and a type cover adapter  112 . 
     In embodiments, the primary housing  104  may be fashioned of a flexible material, e.g., a rubber or rubberized material having a Shore durometer rating between A50 and A80, or more particularly Shore A60 silicone rubber. The primary housing  104  and case housing  106  may substantially enclose the exterior edges and rear face of the mobile device  102 , excepting openings or apertures sized and positioned to provide access to connector ports (e.g., USB, HDMI, serial, parallel, Thunderbolt, Surflink, AC connection ports). The primary housing  104  may include port protectors  114 ,  116 , e.g., repositionable flaps or tabs covering the connector ports but repositionable for the connection of a cable, cord, or portable storage device to the connector ports. 
     In embodiments, the secondary housing  106  may partially enclose the primary housing  104 . The secondary housing  106  may be fashioned of a molded rigid high impact material, e.g., molded polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or an ABS/polycarbonate alloy. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the modular ruggedized protective case  100  is disclosed. In embodiments, the primary housing  104  may include reinforced corners  202  providing additional shock absorption for the corners and entirety of the mobile device  102 . The port protectors  114 ,  116  may be repositionable to accommodate and secure an external connector carriage  204  to the protective case. The external connector carriage  204  may incorporate one or more power or data connectors (or both) compatible with connector ports of the mobile device ( 102 ,  FIG.  1   ). For example, the external connector carriage  204  may supply the mobile device  102  with power or connect the mobile device to another device via a connector cable  206 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the modular ruggedized protective case  100  is disclosed. In embodiments, the type cover keyboard  300  may removably attach to the mobile device ( 102 ,  FIG.  1   ) via a magnetic strip  302  (e.g., series of magnets) extending along a long edge of the type cover keyboard  300 , the magnetic strip aligned with, and attractable to, complementary magnets inside the secondary housing  106 . The type cover keyboard  300  may substantially cover a display surface  304  (e.g., touchscreen) of the mobile device  102  when in a closed orientation. Referring in particular to  FIG.  3 B , the modular ruggedized protective case  100  may include corner loops  306  for holding the type cover keyboard  300  in place. For example, the corner loops  306  may include spring-loaded cables  306   a  extendable around the reinforced corners  202  of the type cover keyboard  300  via corner tabs  306   b . From this closed orientation, the type cover keyboard  300  may be deployed, rotating ( 308 ) around a lengthwise crease or joint  310  between the magnetic strip  302  and the type cover to reveal a keypad on its internal surface, e.g., the surface facing the display surface  304  of the mobile device  102  when in the closed orientation. 
     In embodiments, the type cover keyboard  300  may incorporate type cover connectors  312  on the internal surface of the magnetic strip  302 . For example, the type cover connectors  312  connect to a set of contacts (not shown) on the exterior edge of the mobile device  102 , and through this connection enable control input submitted by a user via the keypad of the type cover  110  to reach the mobile device  102  for processing. However, the secondary housing  106  may impede the type cover connectors  312  and contacts of the mobile device  102  from connecting. The type cover adapter  112  may attach ( 314 ) to the secondary housing  106  and incorporate adapter contacts  316  which connect to the mobile device contacts through the type cover adapter and make external contact with the type cover connectors  312 , allowing full functionality of the type cover keyboard  300  when the mobile device  102  is protected by the modular ruggedized protective case  100 . In some embodiments, the modular ruggedized protective case  100  may fully integrate the type cover adapter  112  into the case housing (e.g., into the secondary housing  106 ) rather than via an attachable adapter. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A through  4 C , the modular ruggedized protective case  100  and the type cover adapter  112  are disclosed. In embodiments, the type cover adapter  112  may be screwed, bolted, or otherwise fastened to the exterior of the protective case (e.g., to the secondary housing ( 106 ,  FIG.  3   )) such that the contact pins  402  set into the lower portion  404  of the type cover adapter may be set into the contact slots (not shown) of the mobile device ( 102 ,  FIG.  1   ) wherein the type cover connectors  312  would normally fit to preserve a connection between the type cover keyboard ( 110 ,  FIG.  3 A ) and the mobile device  102 . The contact pins  402  may in turn be connected through the body of the type cover adapter  112  to auxiliary connectors  406  (e.g., auxiliary pins) set into the upper portion  408  of the type cover adapter. For example, when the type cover keyboard  300  is attached to the protective case  100  and the mobile device  102  enclosed therein, type cover magnets  410  and type cover tabs  412  may respectively complement case magnets  414  (e.g., with attracting polarity which may be alternating) and tab recesses  416  to secure the type cover to the protective case while allowing the type cover to be deployed (e.g., unfolded) along the joint  310 . The auxiliary connectors  406  may then be held in contact with the type cover connectors  312 , preserving the communicative connection between the type cover  110  and the mobile device  102  through the protective case  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , a magnetic connector carriage module  500  of the modular ruggedized protective case  100  ( FIGS.  1 - 4 B ) is shown. In embodiments, the port cover protector ( 116 ,  FIG.  2   ) may fold or rotate downward (e.g., via a hinge or crease) to provide access to the connector port  502  compatible with a connector interface  504  of the external connector carriage  204 . The external connector carriage  204  may comprise a lower housing  506  and an upper housing  508  couplable with each other (e.g., snappable, slidable, screwable). The connector interface  504  may include any appropriate type of data or power connector compatible with a connector port of the mobile device ( 102 ,  FIG.  1   ), e.g., Surflink, USB, USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt, and other types of serial or parallel connector. While conventional external cable connectors may incorporate embedded magnets to attract complementary device magnets (e.g., in the mobile device near the connector), the magnetic connector carriage module  500  may strengthen the connection of the external connector carriage  204  (e.g., via standard magnets embedded in the original device connector ( 510 )) by incorporating complementary sets of magnets  512   a - b ,  514   a - b  into, respectively, the external connector carriage  204  and the open slot  516  of the secondary housing  106  (e.g., surrounding the connector port  502  respectively above and below where the connector interface  504  connects to the connector port). 
     For example, the set of magnets  512   a - b  may be aligned, with varying and alternating polarity, and inserted into the top and bottom respectively of the lower housing  506  of the connector module carriage  204 . The magnets  512   a - b  may be attracted to the complementary magnets  514   a - b  embedded in the corresponding top and bottom of the open slot  516  of the modular ruggedized protective case  100  (e.g., of the secondary housing  106 ), allowing access to the connector port  502  of the mobile device  102 . 
     In embodiments, the attraction of the magnets  512   a - b  (e.g., set into the lower housing  506  of the external connector carriage  204 ) to the magnets  514   a - b  (e.g., embedded on either side of the open slot  516 ) may draw the external connector carriage  204  toward the secondary housing  106  and in particular toward the open slot  516  and the connector port  502 , holding the external connector carriage in alignment with the connector port. In some embodiments, the connector interface  504  may be further bracketed and shielded ( 518 ), e.g., to protect a data connection via the connector interface  504  from the magnets  512   a - b  and other wireless interference within the external housing  508  (and the complementary magnets  514   a - b  set into the secondary housing  106  adjacent to the open slot  516 ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the modular ruggedized protective case  100   a  is shown. In embodiments, the modular ruggedized protective case  100   a  may be implemented and may function similarly to the modular ruggedized protective case  100  of  FIGS.  1  through  5 B , except that the modular ruggedized protective case  100   a  may incorporate a carrying handle  602  and/or strap  604  attached to the secondary housing  106  of the protective case. For example, the carrying handle  602  may provide a means of transporting the modular ruggedized protective case  100   a  (and the mobile device ( 102 ,  FIG.  1   ) enclosed therein) when not in use. Similarly, the strap  604  may allow a user or operator of the mobile device  102  to secure the mobile device in one hand (e.g., like a glove wrapping around the hand) while operating the mobile device (and/or its peripheral devices and applications) with the other hand, e.g., via the touch-sensitive display surface ( 304 ,  FIG.  3   ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A through  7 F , a modular ruggedized protective case  100   b  is disclosed. The modular ruggedized protective case  100   b  may be implemented and may function similarly to the modular ruggedized protective cases  100 ,  100   a  of  FIGS.  1  through  6   , except that the modular ruggedized protective case  100   b  may incorporate a peripheral device housing  702  attached to its exterior (e.g., to either side of the secondary housing  106 ) and capable of securely holding (e.g., with a latch and locking mechanism) a mobile payment terminal device  704  (MTD; e.g., mobile data terminal) for use in conjunction with the mobile communications device  102 . The MTD  704  may be securely held by, but removable from, the peripheral device housing  702 . For example, the peripheral device housing  702  may be attached to the right side of the protective case  100   b , such that the protective case and the mobile device  102  may be secured in the left hand (e.g., via the strap  604 ,  FIG.  6   ) while the MTD  704  is operated by the right hand. Referring in particular to  FIG.  7 B , the peripheral device housing bracket  704   a  may be hinged ( 706 ) to allow the MTD  704  in the peripheral device housing  702  to be rotated ( 708 ) in the housing away from the display surface  304  of the mobile device  102 , e.g., when not in use, or to allow the customer to shield a PIN number entry from the mobile device operator. 
     Referring in particular to  FIGS.  7 C through  7 E , the modular ruggedized protective case  100   b  may incorporate a circuit housing  710  mounted to the rear face of the secondary housing  106 . In embodiments, the circuit housing  710  may securely enclose physical connections (e.g., via a flexible cable  712  or circuit assembly) between an MTD interface ( 714 ) within the peripheral device housing  702  and the mobile device  102 , such that a user supporting the protective case  100   b  in either hand (e.g., via the strap  604 ) may operate the MTD  704  with the right hand through its keypad  716  or, alternatively, program particular functions of the MTD to trigger or execute when programmable external buttons  718  in the circuit housing  710  are pressed with the hand supporting the protective case. In some embodiments, the circuit housing  710  may further incorporate a barcode scanning module  720  or other rear-facing peripheral devices. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG.  7 E , the circuit housing  710  may be attached to the rear face of the secondary housing  106  by a series of screws ( 722 ) into inserts in the secondary housing  106 . In some embodiments, the barcode scanning module  720  may be separate and distinct from the circuit housing  106  but may attach flush thereto. The circuit housing  710  may interface with the mobile device  102  ( FIG.  1   ) via a standard communication port (e.g., a USB port, or communication port accessible behind a port protector ( 114 ,  FIG.  1   ). For example, the barcode scanning module  720  may interface with the communication port via the circuit housing  710  and the flexible cable  712  and cable connector  724  secured at a right angle within the external housing  726  of the barcode scanning module, such that the flexible cable is protected ( 724   a ) yet remains compact. In embodiments, the external housing  726  of the circuit housing  710  may include one or more assemblies connected by the flexible cable  712 , e.g., the barcode scanner module  720  and MTD  704 . For example, the external housing  726  may include a lens window  728  for transparent protection of the emitters and sensors ( 730 ) of the barcode scanner module  720 . 
     In embodiments, the circuit housing may include a substantially flat base  732  that affixes flush to the secondary housing  106  and to the flexible cable  712  for the interface rests. The external housing  726  may then attach over the flexible cable  712  and base  732 . In embodiments, initiation of barcode scanning operations may be achieved via a switching mechanism activated by the programmable external buttons  718  capable of communicating control input to the barcode scanner  720 . For example, the external buttons  718  may be hard plastic or rubber coated, with tactile shapes and features (e.g., dimples) allowing the operator to blindly find or identify the center of a particular button  718  while holding the mobile device  102  within the modular ruggedized protective case  100   b  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  6    and accompanying text above). The external buttons  718  may be placed so as to be able to trigger the barcode scanner  720  when activated by fingers of either the left or right hand while holding the mobile device  102  with that hand, or while fingers from that hand inserted into the glove fitting hand strap ( 604 ,  FIG.  6   ). In some embodiments, barcode scanner operations may also be triggered by audible prompt (e.g., voice recognition) or via software button on the display surface ( 304 ,  FIG.  3   ) of the mobile device  102 . In some embodiments, the circuit housing  710  may incorporate several layers of component secured by a single screw or fastener, whereby a plastic base  732 , flexible cable  712  or circuit assembly, scanner optics and decoder ( 730 ), and plastic external housing ( 726 ; including the lens window  728 ) are attachable to the secondary housing  106  (e.g., via screws into a particular set of screw holes in the rear face of the secondary housing). 
     Referring in particular to  FIG.  7 F , a modular ruggedized protective case  100   c  and peripheral device housing  702   a  are disclosed. The modular ruggedized protective case  100   c  and peripheral device housing  702   a  may be implemented and may function similarly to the modular ruggedized protective case  100   b  and peripheral device housing  702  of  FIGS.  7 A-E , except that the screw holes peripheral device housing  702   a  may incorporate other types of mobile data terminal devices in addition to the MTD  704 . For example, in embodiments, the peripheral device housing  702   a  may accommodate a card reader  734  (e.g., magnetic strip reader) for reading and collecting data from cards equipped with magnetic strips or chips. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG.  8 A , the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  may be implemented and may function similarly to the modular ruggedized protective cases  100 ,  100   a - 100   c  of  FIGS.  1  through  7 F , except that the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  may incorporate a removable sidewall  802  (e.g., snap wall, removable sidewall portion). For example, the removable sidewall  802  may attach to, and detach from, the ruggedized protective case  100   d  via one or more snap-on points  804 , as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the removable sidewall  802  may magnetically attach to the secondary housing  106 , e.g., the snap wall incorporating one or more magnets or a magnetic strip (not shown) attached to or set within the snap wall and compatible with complementary magnets within the secondary housing  106 . Further, low-profile snap-on points  804  may be utilized such that the removable sidewall  802  substantially contours or conforms externally to the secondary housing  106  as seamlessly as is practical. Likewise, in embodiments the removable sidewall  802  may be fashioned of the same substantially rigid materials as the secondary housing  106 . 
     In embodiments, the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  may incorporate low-profile hook points  808  for attachment of the hand strap  604 . For example, the hook points  808  may include an indentation for insertion of a D-ring  810  attached to the hand strap  604 , the D-ring secured by a hook substantially flush with the rear face of the secondary housing  106 . In embodiments, the low-profile hook points  808  may reduce the amount of rigid material necessary for the secondary housing  106  and thus reduce the overall weight of the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d . Further, the low-profile hook points  808  may be compatible with any device capable of attaching the hand strap  604  to the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  (i.e., D-rings  810 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8 B , in embodiments detachment of the removable sidewall  802  may allow use of the type cover keyboard  300  with the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  without a type cover adapter ( 112 ,  FIG.  3 A ). For example, the removable sidewall  802  may, when attached to the secondary housing  106 , conceal and protect connector ports  812  for the peripheral keyboard set into the mobile device ( 102 ,  FIG.  1   ) such that when the snap wall is detached ( 814 ) the type cover keyboard  300  may be directly attached to the mobile device and used to provide control input. For example, the type cover keyboard  300  may connect to the mobile device  102  communicatively via type cover adapters ( 312 ,  FIG.  4 A ) pluggable into the connector ports  812  of the mobile device, and physically via type cover tabs ( 412 ,  FIG.  4 A ) and/or type cover magnets ( 410 ,  FIG.  4 A ). In some embodiments, the removable sidewall  802  may itself include an external type cover adapter  112  which connects to the connector ports of the mobile device  102  through the removable sidewall, allowing connection and use of the type cover keyboard  300  without detaching the removable sidewall from the secondary housing  106 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  9 A through  9 K , the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d , secondary housing  106 , removable sidewall  802 , and snap-on points  804  are shown. Each snap-on point  804  may comprise a housing portion  902 , e.g., a portion attached to or component of the secondary housing  106 , and a sidewall portion  904 , e.g., a portion attached to or component of the removable sidewall  802 . 
     In embodiments, the removable sidewall  802  may be attached to, and detached from, the secondary housing  106  via snap-on points  804 . For example, referring in particular to  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C , the sidewall portion  904  may include rails  906  on either side of a hole  908  extending through the sidewall portion. In some embodiments, the hole  908  may be round or elliptical; in other embodiments the hole may be differently shaped. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  9 D and  9 E , the housing portion  902  may include receiving slots  910  on either side of a tab  912 . For example, the tab  912  may have a forward end and a rear end attached to or extending from the secondary housing  106 . In embodiments, the tab  912  may be fashioned of the same rigid material as the secondary housing  106 , but sufficiently flexible that the outer tab (e.g., the portion substantially flush with the rear face of the secondary housing) may be engaged by a user. For example, when the removable sidewall  802  is securely attached to the secondary housing  106 , the user may raise the tab  912  upward at the forward end to disengage the tab  912  from the hole  908 , allowing the removable sidewall to be detached from the secondary housing. Similarly, when the removable sidewall  802  is attached to the secondary housing  106 , the rails  906  may translate along the receiving slots  910 , guiding the sidewall portion  904  into the housing portion  902  and the hole  908  into engagement with an inner portion of the tab  912  as described below, securely attaching the removable sidewall to the secondary housing. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9 F , the housing portion  902  is shown. 
     In embodiments, the housing portion  902  may include an inner tab  916  extending or projecting underneath the tab  912 . For example, the inner tab  916  may be shaped like a disk or otherwise shaped to match the hole  908 . The inner tab  916  may have a forward end  916   a  and a rear end  916   b  such that the rear end extends further from the underside of the tab  912  than the forward end. 
     Referring also to  FIGS.  9 G through  9 K , the housing portion  902  and sidewall portion  904  of the snap-on point  804  are shown. In embodiments, as the sidewall portion  904  is inserted (snap-on point  804   a ) into the housing portion  902  and the rails  906  are guided by the receiving slots  910 , the sidewall portion may drive the tab  912  upward until the hole  908  reaches the rear end  916   b  of the inner tab  916 , and the inner tab locks into the hole, securing the removable sidewall  802  to the secondary housing  106  (snap-on point  804   b ). In embodiments, the tab  912  may be raised at its forward end to disengage the inner tab  916  from the hole  908 , such that the sidewall portion  904  may be detached from the housing portion  902  and the removable sidewall  802  detached from the secondary housing  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  is shown. 
     In embodiments, the barcode scanner module  720   a  connected to the mobile device ( 102 ,  FIG.  1   ) via the circuit housing  710  may be implemented and may function similarly to the barcode scanner module  720  shown by  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D , except that the barcode scanner module  720   a  may additionally incorporate a speaker  1002  for providing auditory alerts in response to task completions or other events related to operations of the barcode scanner module  720   a  or other peripheral devices attached to the protective case  100   d  and/or in communication with the mobile device  102 . For example, the speaker  1002  may emit an auditory alert indicative of a successful scanning operation, and a different auditory alert indicative of an unsuccessful scanning operation. In some embodiments, the barcode scanner module  720   a  may emit auditory alerts without the incorporation of an external speaker  1002 . 
     In some embodiments, the barcode scanner module  720   a  may incorporate an external housing removable ( 720   b ) from the circuit housing  710  to allow installation of a broader variety of barcode scanner types to the circuit housing. For example, the barcode scanner  720 ,  720   a  may be replaced with a more compact or low-cost model if desired, or swapped out for a larger barcode scanner module incorporating an external speaker  1002  or other components and capabilities. 
     In some embodiments, the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  may incorporate an external communications hub  1004  (e.g., USB hub). For example, the external communications hub  1004  may be incorporated anywhere on the secondary housing  106 , e.g., on an edge adjacent to the rear face. Further, in embodiments the external communications hub  1004  may be configured to accept any number of peripheral devices, e.g., of USB 3.0 and/or USB-C type, via USB 3.0/USB-C ports (not shown) capable of operatively and communicatively connecting the peripheral devices to the internal processors of the mobile device  102 . For example, some mobile devices  102  may be configured with built-in legacy USB ports, which precludes direct connection to newer Android/iOS-type mobile devices configured for combined power and data transfer via USB-C, or for high-speed data transfer via USB 3.0. Even if the mobile device  102  itself provided for power and data transfer via a single USB-C port, the use of that port for permanent attachment of a peripheral device would otherwise preclude the use of that USB-C port for recharging the mobile device. Accordingly, the external communications hub  1004  may provide additional USB-C or USB 3.0 ports (not shown) via which peripheral devices may be connected for high-speed data transfer or for combined data link/power supply via physical cable  1006  (e.g., USB-C, USB 3.0) without occupying an existing USB-C/USB 3.0 port, if one exists (or without disturbing the circuit housing  710  and any USB 3.0/USB-C peripheral devices attached thereto). 
     In some embodiments, the modular ruggedized protective case  100   d  may incorporate a peripheral mount  1008  incorporating a three-dimensional (3D) imager  1010 . For example, the peripheral mount  1008  may be surrounded by a protective boot  1008   a  (e.g., fashioned of rubber or other like lightweight, flexible, shock absorbing material) capable of protecting the 3D imager  1010  and other peripherals housed by the peripheral mount from impacts and shocks. Further, the peripheral mount  1008  may be fastened to the rear face of the secondary housing  106 , e.g., via pre-existing screw holes  1008   b  set into the rear face, and the 3D imager  1010  connected via USB 3.0 cable  1006  to the external communications hub  1004  (or, e.g., to a suitable USB 3.0/USB-C port  1004   a  of the mobile device  102 , if one exists). Accordingly, the 3D imager  1010  may be configured for high-speed data transfer of 3D imaging datasets of gigabyte size or larger to the mobile device  102  for further processing. Alternatively, the 3D imager  1010 , or other USB 3.0/USB-C peripheral devices compatible with the peripheral mount  1008 , may be configured for data transfer and operating power supply via the physical cable  1006  and external communications hub  1004 . 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral mount  1008  may allow the 3D imager  1010  to partially obstruct a component imaging device  1012  (e.g., a 2D camera incorporated into the mobile device  102 ), so as to provide for the 3D imager a field of view similar to the field of view of the component imaging device. Accordingly, the peripheral mount  1008  may be configured for quick attachment to, and detachment from, the secondary housing  106  in order to quickly and easily restore unobstructed use of the component imaging device  1012 . 
     It is to be understood that embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may include one or more of the steps described herein. Further, such steps may be carried out in any desired order and two or more of the steps may be carried out simultaneously with one another. Two or more of the steps disclosed herein may be combined in a single step, and in some embodiments, one or more of the steps may be carried out as two or more sub-steps. Further, other steps or sub-steps may be carried in addition to, or as substitutes to one or more of the steps disclosed herein. 
     Although inventive concepts have been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the claims. Components illustrated and described herein are merely examples of a system/device and components that may be used to implement embodiments of the inventive concepts and may be replaced with other devices and components without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and/or numerical ranges provided herein are to be understood as non-limiting examples unless otherwise specified in the claims.