13 patents in this list

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In the world of mobile technology, protecting sensitive ports from dust and liquids is essential for device longevity. Everyday exposure to harsh environments can lead to malfunction or damage, especially in ports where moisture and debris easily intrude. The challenge lies in creating a seamless barrier that maintains usability while ensuring comprehensive protection.

Professionals and consumers alike face the difficulty of balancing robust protection with accessibility and device functionality. Traditional cases often compromise on either ease of use or the level of protection, leaving devices vulnerable in demanding environments.

This webpage explores various solutions addressing these challenges, focusing on designs that integrate protective membranes, detachable sidewalls, and interlocking seals. These strategies enhance port protection while maintaining full device functionality, ensuring that users can rely on their devices without compromise.

1. Protective Case with Flexible Rubberized and Rigid Housing Featuring Detachable Sidewall for Peripheral Attachment

MobileDemand LC, 2023

Protective case for mobile devices like tablets or smartphones that enables efficient ruggedization, peripheral attachment, and protection against drops while maintaining compatibility with modular peripherals like keyboards, barcode scanners, etc. The case has a flexible rubberized housing partially enclosed by a rigid housing. The rigid housing has a detachable sidewall that can cover and protect peripheral ports when not in use. The sidewall can be removed to attach peripherals like keyboards directly.

US20230163799A1-patent-drawing

2. Ruggedized Mobile Device Case with Peripheral Attachment Interface and Programmable Control Circuitry

MobileDemand LC, 2023

A ruggedized protective case for mobile devices that allows easy attachment of peripheral devices like barcode scanners and payment devices. The case has a secondary housing with port protectors to shield the mobile device's connectors. A circuit housing mounts to the case and provides a rear-facing mount for peripherals. The circuit housing also has programmable buttons to control device functions. The case may include features like a rotatable terminal for wireless payment devices.

3. Modular Protective Case with Dual-Layer Housing and Rotatable Peripheral Dock for Mobile Devices

MobileDemand LC, 2022

A modular protective case for mobile devices like tablets and smartphones that provides ruggedization against shocks and drops while also enabling convenient one-handed use with peripherals. The case has a flexible inner housing surrounded by a rigid outer housing, with port protectors to shield connectors. A terminal device dock attaches to the case and can be rotated out of the way when not in use. This docked device wirelessly connects to the mobile device. A barcode scanner and triggers are also attached to the case.

4. Mobile Phone Case with Interlocking Groove and Protrusion Sealing Mechanism

Yanghua Yu, Zhenxiang Liu, 2022

Mobile phone protective case with improved waterproofing compared to existing cases. The case has a groove on the lower cover, a protrusion on the upper cover, and sealing surfaces on both that interlock when assembled to provide waterproofing. A barb on the protrusion allows a small gap for assembly but then secures tightly to prevent leaks. The barb also shows visually if the assembly is complete.

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5. Protective Case with Rigid Back Frame and Elastomeric Edge Bumpers Featuring Engagement Members

Griffin Technology, LLC, 2020

Protective case for portable electronic devices that provides enhanced impact, dust, and moisture protection compared to existing cases. The case has a rigid plastic back frame with elastomeric bumpers around the edges. The elastomeric material absorbs and disperses impacts. The case also has engagement members on the back frame and front cover that secure the case around the device.

6. Sterilizable Enclosure for Portable Electronic Devices with Contaminant-Resistant Seal and Locking Mechanism

Stryker Corporation, 2019

This is a sterilizable enclosure for portable electronic devices in sterile environments like hospitals. It has a frame, base, transparent panel, and seal to prevent contaminants from reaching the enclosed device. The enclosure also has a lock to secure it closed. When locked, the transparent panel abuts the touchscreen. The seal prevents contaminants from ingressing/egressing. The enclosure can be sterilized after use.

7. Audio Port Protective Cover with Movable Check Valve and Bellows Assembly

OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC, 2019

Protective covers for audio ports of electronic devices, like smartphones, that allow sound transmission but can fluidly seal against water. The covers have a movable check valve or seal that water pressure can push closed to block ingress. The valve is surrounded by a bellows that can compress when contacted by water pressure to close the valve. An air vent made of semi-permeable material allows sound waves and air pressure to pass through but restricts water ingress.

8. Protective Enclosure with Sealing Membrane and Curved Seal for Electronic Devices

Otter Products, LLC, 2019

Protective enclosures for electronic devices like smartphones that protect against water damage without sacrificing functionality. The enclosures have features like a sealing membrane over the audio ports, blocking water penetration while allowing sound transmission. Other features include a curved seal around the camera flash to distribute light uniformly, a camera lens insert, and a sealed window over the touchscreen.

9. Waterproof Electronic Device Case with Compression Gasket and Sound-Transmitting Membranes

CATALYST LIFESTYLE LIMITED, 2019

This is a waterproof case for electronic devices that maintains water and air tightness while allowing device interaction and sound transmission. The case has a main housing and lid joined with a compression gasket. Features like stabilization structures, slots, ports, and buttons allow device actuation while sealed. The case interior traps air that vibrates membranes in response to sound pressure, transmitting audio.

10. Sealed Electronic Device Cases with Interactive Slots, Ports, and Membranes

CATALYST LIFESTYLE LIMITED, 2018

Waterproof, sealed cases for electronic devices. The cases have slots, ports, and membranes that allow interaction with the device while protecting it from water.

11. Waterproof Electronic Enclosure with Angled Vent Holes and Filter-Covered Penetrating Hole

ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD., 2018

Waterproof enclosure for electronics with an improved vent design that allows attached water to be easily removed. The enclosure has an outer shell with a penetrating hole covered by a waterproof filter and a projecting part covering the hole. The projecting part has multiple vent holes that connect to the penetrating hole. Each vent hole has a sloping surface that extends at an angle from the outer surface towards the penetrating hole. This allows water on the filter to drain out through the vent holes when the enclosure is tilted.

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12. Protective Housing with Removable Sealing Top and Bottom Pieces for Electronic Devices

TreeFrog Developments, Inc., 2018

Protective housing for electronic devices like phones and tablets that offers protection from the elements and mishandling while ensuring full functionality. The housing has a removable top and bottom piece that surrounds the device, seals with gaskets, and clasps together. The bottom piece has a tapered channel and the top piece has clasping members that engage the channel. This forms a liquid/dust proof seal when closed. The top piece has a display opening while the bottom piece has a cavity to hold the device. The opening and display are sealed with additional gaskets.

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13. Sealed Electronic Device Case with Transparent Wrap and Control Actuation Slots

CATALYST LIFESTYLE LIMITED, 2018

Waterproof case for electronic devices that allows full device functionality while remaining sealed. The case has upper and lower housing members that enclose the device and seal with a wrap. The wrap has transparent portions for light transmission and slots for toggles to actuate device controls.

US9993056B2-patent-drawing

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There are many different options available to protect smartphones from common risks. These innovations show how mobile phone protection is always developing. They range from waterproof covers for busy lifestyles to ruggedized designs for harsh conditions.