System for protecting a portable computing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for protecting a portable computing device wherein the system comprises a device housing adapted to protectively encase a portable computing device, a protectively hardened user input device in communication with the device housing, and a protectively hardened display in communication with the device housing. When the portable computing device is encased within the device housing, a user of the portable computing device can operate the portable computing device via the protectively hardened user input device and the protectively hardened display. The device housing may further comprise sealing elements, insulating elements, and shock-absorbing elements.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A system comprising:
 a device housing adapted to protectively encase a portable computing device, the device housing providing an outer casing for sides of the portable computing device and protecting the portable computing device from potentially harmful operational conditions external to the device housing;   wherein the device housing in combination with the portable computing device provides user input keys that allow a user of the portable computing device to operate the portable computing device directly through the device housing during the potentially harmful operational conditions via the device housing, and   the portable computing device is electrically coupled to the device housing.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the portable computing device is electrically coupled to a power source via the device housing. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the portable computing device is a personal digital assistant. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the portable computing device is a handheld computer. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the portable computing device is a telephone. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the portable computing device is a mobile device. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the device housing includes at least one docking element. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the device housing includes a USB connection. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the device housing is configured to allow a connection with at least one peripheral device. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one peripheral device includes at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, a display, one or more speakers, or a storage system. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the user input keys are disposed on the device housing. 
     
     
         13 . A system comprising:
 a device housing adapted to protectively encase a portable computing device, the device housing providing an outer casing for sides of the portable computing device and protecting the portable computing device from potentially harmful operational conditions external to the device housing;   wherein the device housing in combination with the portable computing device provides user input keys that allow a user of the portable computing device to operate the portable computing device directly through the device housing during the potentially harmful operational conditions via the device housing, and   wherein the device housing comprises at least one docking element and the portable computing device is electrically coupled to the at least one docking element.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the portable computing device is a personal digital assistant. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the portable computing device is a handheld computer. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the portable computing device is a telephone. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the portable computing device is a mobile device. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one docking element provides communication with at least one peripheral device. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one peripheral device includes at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, a display, one or more speakers, or a storage system. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the portable computing device is electrically coupled to a power source via the docking element. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the device housing includes a USB connection.