Apparatus and system for short range communication using a protective encasement

Abstract

A protective case for housing a wireless communication device is disclosed. The protective case is equipped with a communications module that may include a transceiver or transmitter configured for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals without the assistance of any wireless communication circuitry within the wireless communication device. The communications module may be configured to enable communication between the protective case and one or more remote communication devices via a short range network. The communications module may be activated by a push-to-talk switch or the like, and may be powered by an integral auxiliary power source that may also be used to power or recharge the wireless communication device. The case may also include a processor or printed circuit board capable of interfacing with a processor of the wireless communication device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.