Ruggedized portable communication systems

Abstract

This document describes techniques and methods for providing a ruggedized portable communication system. Many users use portable communication systems, including two-way radios, for outdoor activities (e.g., rock climbing, rafting, skiing). Many portable communication systems, however, lack the durability and ruggedness to withstand harsh environments while maintaining good acoustic properties. The described ruggedized portable communication system provides techniques to maintain acoustic properties and improve user accessibility in even the harshest of conditions. For example, this document describes passive water shedding techniques that withstand continuous water exposure without decreasing acoustic properties of the speaker and / or microphone.

Description

RUGGEDIZED PORTABLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 595,444, filed November 2, 2023, and entitled “Ruggedized Portable Communication Systems,” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] When people engage in outdoor activities (e.g., mountain climbing, backpacking, rafting, hunting, hiking, skiing, motorcycling, and off-roading), having the right equipment is paramount to their enjoyment and safety. Even the most experienced participants are not immune to adverse weather conditions, illnesses, and injuries that can quickly cause a situation to become dire. Traditional handheld radios are essential tools that trekkers use to maintain communication among groups and provide a lifeline for search and rescue teams from the outside world. While many handheld radios are on the market, they often lack the durability and ruggedness required to withstand harsh environments and extreme conditions encountered during outdoor adventures. Prolonged water exposure, excessive impacts, and extreme fluctuations in operating temperatures can interfere with device operability. This lack of ruggedness and resilience in conventional handheld radio devices may limit their usefulness in remote and demanding outdoor settings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This document is directed to techniques for enabling ruggedized portable communication systems. In some examples, a system is described that includes open slots and adrainage port to provide water shedding. The open slots draw water droplets away from an internal speaker chamber. The internal speaker chamber is designed with a drainage port to remove water and maintain the acoustic properties of the speaker. In addition, a microphone chamber is linked to the speaker chamber via a tunnel to keep water out of the microphone chamber and sometimes even improve the acoustic properties of the microphone. In addition, techniques and methods are described for improving connections between the ruggedized portable communication system and user backpacks, clothing, and other equipment.

[0004] This Summary introduces simplified concepts for ruggedized portable communication systems that are further described in the Detailed Description and Drawings. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR WINGS

[0005] Techniques for ruggedized portable communication systems are described with reference to the following drawings, which use some of the same numbers throughout to reference like features and components, or examples thereof.FIG. 1 illustrates, in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, an example portable communication system that has been ruggedized.FIGs. 2-1 through 2-7 illustrate, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure, an example front panel of the ruggedized portable communication system that provides waterproofing.FIGs. 3-1 and 3-2 illustrate, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure, example modular connectors for the ruggedized portable communication system.FIGs. 4-1 through 4-8 illustrate, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure, an example modular loop for the ruggedized portable communication system.FIGs. 5-1 through 5-6 illustrates, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure, an example ancillary connector and exterior casing for the ruggedized portable communication system.FIG. 6 illustrates, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure, example flex circuits using in the ruggedized portable communication system.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOverview

[0006] The described techniques relate to techniques for implementing ruggedized portable communication systems designed for outdoor recreational activities, specifically designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures while maintaining optimal communication capabilities. Catering to mountain climbers, backpackers, rafters, hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, these techniques enable features that increase the robustness of portable communication devices to maintain reliable and high-quality communication experiences among users, especially in harsh environments.Example System

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an example portable communication system (PCS) 100 that has been ruggedized in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the PCS 100. Although the PCS 100 is illustrated as a two-way radio communication device, the PCS 100 may be a handheld cellular phone, satellite phone, handheldpositioning device, or other communication device. The PCS 100 includes, for example, a speaker 102, a microphone 104, a transceiver 106, an antenna 108, one or more buttons 110, a processor 112, and a display 114. The PCS 100 may include fewer or additional components to provide communication and other functionalities in this or other implementations.

[0008] The speaker 102 generally converts an electrical signal into a corresponding sound (e.g., a message received via the transceiver 106 from another PCS 100). The speaker 102 generally includes a cone- or dome- shaped diaphragm to output the desired sound generated from the electrical signal. The PCS 100 may include various types and / or sizes of speakers 102 to provide the desired communication functionalities.

[0009] The microphone 104 generally converts sound inputs (e.g., a spoken message provided by a user of the PCS 100) into a corresponding electrical signal. The PCS 100 may include various types of microphones 104 to capture input sounds and provide the desired communication functionalities based on their electrical signal equivalents.

[0010] The transceiver 106 is generally an electronic device that can transmit and receive radio waves or signals using the antenna 108 for communication purposes. The transmit and receive functionalities of the transceiver 106 may be combined into a single component or included in two or more separate components.

[0011] The buttons 110 are configured to allow a user of the PCS 100 to input commands and / or initiate different functions or modes. For example, the user may use a talk or communication button to initiate a communication session with another device, which causes the microphone 104 to convert sounds into electrical signals to be transmitted to the other device using the transceiver 106 and the antenna 108. As another example, the user may control the volume of the speaker 102 using one or more other buttons. In this or other implementations, one or more ofthe buttons 110 may be replaced with a toggle, switch, knob, keyboard, touchscreen, or other physical means to receive input from the user.

[0012] The processor 112 is an electrical component that can execute instructions stored in computer-readable storage media to perform, or cause to be performed, the communication functionalities of the PCS 100, as well as other functions. The processor 112 may be implemented as a central processing unit, microprocessor, or system-on-chip.

[0013] The display 114 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) segmented display that includes an arrangement of fixed elements or icons and alphanumeric characters. The display 114 may shine or emit through a semi-transparent part of the outer casing (e.g., polycarbonate) of the PCS 100. In this way, the PCS 100 provides bright and scratch-proof feedback to the user when needed and a distraction-free surface when not needed.Waterproofing

[0014] Some portable communication devices are waterproof. For example, such portable devices may have, for example, an IP67 rating, which means the device is protected against a short period of immersion in water while under pressure (e.g., from a 15-centimeter to 1-meter depth). Some of these devices use a waterproof mesh to protect the speaker and / or microphone. However, if such devices get wet for an extended period, the mesh will saturate and experience poor acoustic properties (e.g., sound dampening from the speaker or noise pickup from the microphone).

[0015] Other devices use a non-permeable membrane to protect the acoustic elements. The non-permeable membranes generally do not saturate from extended exposure to water. However, these membranes are liable to damage or fatigue over time, resulting in a shortened product life.

[0016] Tn contrast, the PCS 100 uses water-shedding features to maintain waterproofing. FIGs. 2-1 through 2-7 illustrate different profile views 200, including a top view 200-1, side view 200-2, left view 200-3, bottom view 200-4, bottom view 200-5, perspective top view 200-6, and perspective bottom view 200-7, of a front panel 202 for a ruggedized portable communication system. The ruggedized portable communication system of FIGs. 2-1 through 2-7 can, for example, be the PCS 100 of FIG. 1.

[0017] The front panel 202 is an outer portion of the PCS 100 that covers the speaker 102 and microphone 104. The front panel 202 includes multiple open slots 204. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2-1, a top view 200-1 of the front panel 202 is provided, which includes four open slots 204. In other implementations, the front panel 202 may include fewer or additional open slots 204. Preferably the front panel 202 includes at least two open slots 204 to minimize the occurrences of blocking the speaker 102 from openings through the front panel 202 to the surrounding environment. The open slots 204 provide an opening between the environment (e.g., external to the PCS 100) and the speaker 102 allowing sound waves to travel in the air between the speaker 102 and the user.

[0018] The front panel 202 may in combination with the open slots 204, also include one or more closed slots 206 (e.g., for aesthetic purposes as part of an ornamental design). In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 202 includes two closed slots 206, one on each end of the array of open slots 204. In other examples, the close slots 206 arc omitted and / or replaced with additional open slots 204.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the open slots 204 and closed slots 206 are positioned at an angle to a vertical axis 222. For example, the open slots 204 and closed slots 206 are positioned at a 45-degree angle relative to the vertical axis 222. In other implementations, theopen slots 204 and closed slots 206 may be positioned between 20 and 70 degrees relative to the vertical axis 222. The vertical positioning of the open slots 204 forces water droplets that are in or on the channels to roll down the open slots 204, and due to the force of gravity, to remain on the exterior of the front panel 202 and the PCS 100. In this way, the vertical positioning of the open slots 204 helps clear their respective openings. In yet other implementations, the open slots 204 may be positioned in a vertical manner (e.g., aligned with the vertical axis 222) or in a horizontal manner (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical axis 222).

[0020] The front panel 202 also includes a drainage port 208 positioned toward the bottom of the front panel 202. As illustrated in the side view 200-2 of FIG. 2-2, the drainage port 208 has a rectangular cross-section. In other implementations, the drainage port 208 may have a different cross-sectional shape (e.g., square, oval, circular).

[0021] In FIG. 2-4, a bottom view 200-4 of the front panel 202 is illustrated. A wall 218 on the interior portion of the front panel 202 defines a speaker chamber 212. In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 2-4, the wall 218 has a circular shape that matches, or is similar to, the shape of the speaker cone. In other implementations, the wall 218 may have a different shape to match that of the speaker cone. The speaker chamber 212 is defined by the interior surface of the front panel 202, the inside surface of the wall 218, and the exterior surface of the speaker cone of the speaker 102 (not illustrated in FIG. 2-4). The open slots 204 provide openings between the speaker chamber 212 and the outside environment. The speaker cone may be mated against the wall 218 and / or the interior portion of the front panel 202 by mechanical forces and / or a gasket. The exterior surface of the speaker cone is made of water-impermeable material (e.g., rubber, synthetic material) or coating to prevent water from escaping the speaker chamber 212 into the electronics of the speaker 102 or other internal portions of the PCS 100.

[0022] As water enters the speaker chamber 212 via the open slots 204, gravity forces the water out of the speaker chamber via the drainage port 208. The drainage port 208 is located at the bottom of the speaker chamber 212 and allows water to exit. The combination of the open slots 204 with their vertical arrangement and the drainage port 208 provide a passive means to remove water from the speaker chamber 212 and maintain the waterproofness of the PCS 100 without the need for a mesh or membrane. The cross-sectional area of the drainage port 208 may be at least a quarter of the total cross-sectional area of the openings in the open slots 204. By draining the water in the speaker chamber 212 via the drainage port 208, the speaker's acoustic properties (e.g., volume) can be maintained relatively high (e.g., ninety percent). This is especially helpful for maintaining communications during water activities, like river rafting.

[0023] The interior portion of the front panel 202 also at least partially defines a microphone chamber 214. As illustrated in a bottom view 200-5 of FIG. 2-5, the microphone chamber 214 is defined by the interior portion of the front panel 202, another wall 220 with a partial circular shape protruding from the interior portion of the front panel 202, another partial circular wall protruding from a chamber enclosure 216, and an exterior portion of a microphone 104 (not illustrated). The chamber enclosure 216 also provides a circular wall portion to partially define the speaker chamber 212. Although the chamber enclosure 216 is illustrated as a separate component in FIG. 2-5, in other implementations the chamber enclosure 216 may be fabricated as part of the front panel 202.

[0024] A tunnel 210 connects the microphone chamber 214 to the speaker chamber 212. The tunnel 210 provides a channel in the interior wall of the front panel 202. A portion of a floor of the tunnel 210 within the speaker chamber 212 includes one of the open slots 204. In the depicted implementation, the floor of tunnel 210 is wider than the width of the open slot 204. Forexample, the width of the tunnel 210 may he approximately 2.5 mm and the width of the open slot 204 may be approximately 1.1 mm. In other implementations, the tunnel floor may have the same width as the open slot 204.

[0025] In the depicted implementation, the tunnel 210 has an approximately rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other implementations, the tunnel 210 may have a round, oval, tapered (e.g., trapezoidal), or other cross-sectional shape to allow sound to pass and maintain air pressure to keep water out of the microphone chamber 214. The cross-sectional shape of the tunnel 210 may also be configured to reduce surface tension of water in the tunnel 210 to reduce blockage therein.

[0026] The tunnel 210 runs under the chamber enclosure 216 (in other words the chamber enclosure provides a top surface for a portion of the tunnel 210). In this way, the microphone chamber 214 is connected to the speaker chamber 212, which allows sound waves to travel from the outside environment into the speaker chamber 212 via the open slots 204, and then into the microphone chamber 214 via the tunnel 210. Because the microphone chamber 214 is otherwise closed to the outside environment, air in the microphone chamber 214 keeps water from entering via the tunnel 210. In this way, the waterproofness and acoustic integrity of the microphone 104 is maintained without a need for a mesh or membrane. As a result, the microphone 104 is kept clear of noise generated by water in the microphone chamber 214 and provides better sound channeling than other communication devices, which use a hole open to the outside environment directly through the front panel 202 within the microphone chamber 214. In this way, the microphone chamber 214 also provides wind resistance to the microphone 104, avoiding annoying wind noise common with many outdoor activities. In addition, the tunnel 210 is larger than mostholes traditionally used in microphone chambers, thereby allowing for better acoustic performance and providing wind protection by placing it in an ancillary chamber.Modular Connection Point

[0027] Portable communication systems generally include a connection point allowing users to tether the portable communication system to their clothing, a backpack, or other equipment. This connection point may be a loop to which a carabiner or other tether may be attached. It may also be a clip that may attach to a strap or portion of clothing. Generally, these connection points are molded into or otherwise formed as part of the external case.

[0028] Similarly, the PCS 100 includes a connection point on the back face. In FIG. 3-1, a modular loop 302 is illustrated. The modular loop 302 may serve as a carabiner loop attachment. In FIG. 3-2, a modular clip 304 is illustrated. Instead of being fabricated as pail of the back face, the modular loop 302 and the modular clip 304 are modular and can be interchangeably attached to the portable communication system 100 using two screw holes 306. In other implementations, a different number of screw holes 306 may be used to attached modular connection points. The modular loop 302 and modular clip 304 may be replaced by various modular connectors, including a carabiner attachment, a magnetic attachment, or a button attachment. These modular connection points may be implemented on the PCS 100 or other portable electronic devices that users attach to their clothing, backpacks, or other equipment.

[0029] In FIGs. 4-1 through 4-6, a top, side, bottom, and perspective views of the modular loop 302 are illustrated. As discussed above, the modular loop 302 includes two screw holes 402, a loop 404, and a plate 406. The modular loop 302 is preferably made of thermoplastic material.This relatively soft material provides a flexible loop 404 that accommodates a variety of carabinersand allows a carabiner to slide in and out of the loop 404 relatively easily. The loop 404 is configured to hold a variety of carabiners in a fixed position during use. The soft material also provides a good feel to the user while attaching the PCS 100 to a carabiner.

[0030] The screw holes 402 are offset from the loop 404 to allow tool access to remove and attach the modular- loop 302. The loop 404 is also placed at or near a horizontal center of the modular- loop 302 so that the center of mass of the PCS 100 is located on or near the horizontal location of the loop 404 to allow the PCS 100 to hang vertically or near vertically from a carabiner or other attachment means.

[0031] In one implementation, the loop 404 may include one or more ribs or texturing along the inside of the loop 404. The ribs or texturing provide greater stability to the positioning of the PCS 100 while attached to a carabiner to maintain its relative alignment to the backpack, clothing, or other equipment. The modular loop 302 is attached to the PCS 100 so that the loop 404 extends perpendicular- to the rear- face but is aligned along or parallel to a vertical axis of the PCS 100.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 4-6, the modular loop 302 is fabricated or molded around the plate 406, which may be formed of aluminum, another metal alloy, hard plastic, or another rigid material. The plate 406 is encapsulated or covered by the material of the modular loop 302. In other words, the thermoplastic material of the modular- loop 302 completely surrounds the plate 406 and fills the holes in the plate 406. The plate 406 provides rigidity to the otherwise soft material of the modular loop 302.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGs. 4-7 and 4-8, the plate 406 is a separate piece of the modular loop 302 and may be stamped out, injection molded, 3D-printed, or otherwise formed. The plate406 may then be placed inside an injection mold for the modular loop 302, which is formed aroundthe plate 406. The holes in the plate 406 allow the material to fill these holes; as a force is applied to the loop 404, the force is distributed in the material to the sides and bottom portion to pull through the holes in the plate 406. Without through holes in the plate 406, the material of the modular loop 302 is pulled around the edges of the plate 406 and lessens the weight-bearing capacity of the loop 404. The holes allow the force to be distributed to the material within and behind the plate 406. In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 4-8, the hole toward the bottom of the plate (and under the lower portion of the loop 404) has a larger cross-sectional area than the other holes in the plate 406 to distribute the larger portion of a vertical force to the material behind the plate 406. The modular loop 302 may hold up to 200 pounds using the described techniques.Additional Connection Point

[0034] Some portable communication systems include an additional connection point. For example, a user uses the additional connection point to tether the device to their clothing, a backpack, or some other equipment using a carabiner or some other tether. In this way, if the main connection point or main tether fails, the additional connection point provides redundant protection from losing or dropping the device. Generally, these additional connection points, if present at all, are molded into the external case. For example, a loop can be molded as part of the plastic casing. In other designs, a loop may be formed using a semi-circular metal object that is embedded in a portion of the plastic casing.

[0035] In contrast, the PCS 100 uses an ancillary connection point 502 that is connected to an internal frame 504 or body. As illustrated in FIG. 5-1, the ancillary connection point 502 may protrude from a bottom portion of the PCS 100. In some implementations, this ancillary connection point 502 is made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, or another metal. In otherimplementations, the ancillary connection point 502 may be fabricated from plastic or a composite material that provides sufficient strength and durability.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGs. 5-2 and 5-3, the ancillary connection point 502 is screwed to the internal frame 504 of the PCS 100. Like the ancillary connection point 502, the internal frame 504 is made of aluminum or another metal. In other implementations, the internal frame 504 may be fabricated from plastic or a composite material that provides sufficient strength and durability. In other implementations, the ancillary connection point 502 may be attached to the internal frame 504 using other connection means (e.g., welding or rivets). In yet other implementations, the ancillary connection point 502 may be fabricated as a portion of the internal frame 504 and protrude from a portion of the internal frame 504 outside the device’s exterior casing 506.

[0037] FIG. 5-4 provides a perspective view of the ancillary connection point 502 extending from the exterior casing 506. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the ancillary connection point 502 extending away from the exterior casing 506 is streamlined to minimize the device’s profile. The exterior casing 506 may also include one or more protrusions 508 around or near the ancillary connection point 502 so that the portable communication system 100 may stand on a level horizontal surface.External Design

[0038] Some portable communication systems, especially handheld two-way radios, have an exterior casing that is constructed from one or two different hard plastics. In contrast, the PCS 100 uses a thermoplastic over-mold as the exterior casing 506 to provide shock absorption and improved grip handling in extreme environmental conditions with a higher friction surface.In addition, the thermoplastic material is slightly compressible making it easier and more comfortable to grip. As illustrated in FIGs. 5-4 and 5-5, the exterior casing 506 mostly covers the bottom and sides of the portable communication system 100. It may also partially cover the front face and / or rear face of the portable communication system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5-6. The exterior casing 506 includes cutouts or holes for various buttons, a charging port, and an antenna. The exterior casing 506 is integrated with other parts of the exterior to create an external enclosure for the PCS 100 and is not simply a case or partial case inserted on top of a plastic encasing.Internal Electrical Connections

[0039] Some portable communication systems mount all or most of their electrical components to a single board, which can make assembly more difficult. In addition, this arrangement of electrical components can also mean electronics associated with buttons and other input controls are susceptible to being displaced from the board.

[0040] In contrast, the PCS 100 uses multiple flexible electronics (or flex circuits 602) that place one or more electronic devices on flexible plastic. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the PCS 100 places electronic components associated with the buttons 110 onto a flex circuit 602 and connects those to a main electrical board (not illustrated in FIG. 6) via another flex circuit 602. Multiple flex circuits 602 are tack-welded together in some areas. In other areas, the flex circuits 602 may have connectors that mate with corresponding connectors of other flex circuits 602 or the electrical board.Conclusion

[0041] While various embodiments of the disclosure are described in the foregoing description and shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

[0042] The use of “or” and grammatically related terms indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A portable communication system 100 comprising: one or more transceivers 106 configured to transmit and receive radio signals using an antenna 108; a speaker 102 configured to convert an electrical signal corresponding to a radio signal received by the one or more transceivers 106 into sound; a microphone 104 configured to convert sound inputs into a corresponding electrical signal for transmission by the one or more transceivers 106; an external case configured to encase the one or more transceivers 106, the speaker 102, and the microphone 104; and a modular loop 302 configured to attach to the external case via two or more screws.

2. The portable communication system 100 of claim 1, wherein the modular loop 302 includes a plate 406 and a loop 404 configured to hold a carabiner in a fixed position during use, wherein the plate 406 is encapsulated within the modular loop.

3. The portable communication system 100 of claim 2, wherein the loop 404 is made of thermoplastic material.

4. The portable communication system 100 of claim 3, wherein the thermoplastic material of the loop 404 is fabricated or molded around the plate 406 and through holes in the plate 406.

5. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 2 through 4, wherein the plate 406 is formed of aluminum, another metal alloy, hard plastic, or another rigid material.

6. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 2 through 5, wherein the plate 406 is stamped out, injection molded, or 3D-printed.

7. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claim 6, wherein the plate 406 is placed inside an injection mold for the modular loop 302, which is formed around the plate 406.

8. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 3 through 7, wherein holes in the plate 406 allow the thermoplastic material of the loop 404 to fill the holes, the modular loop 302 configured to distribute, as a force is applied to the loop 404, the force in the thermoplastic material to the sides and bottom portion of the modular- loop 302 to pull through the holes in the plate 406.

9. The portable communication system 100 of claim 8, wherein a hole toward a bottom of the plate 406 and under a lower portion of the loop 404 has a larger cross-sectional area than other holes in the plate 406.

10. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 2 through 9, wherein the loop 404 is positioned at or near a horizontal center of a center of mass of the portable communication system 100.

11. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 2 through 10, wherein the modular- loop 302 is attached to the portable communication system 100 so that the loop 404 extends perpendicular to a rear face of the portable communication system 100 and is aligned along or parallel to a vertical axis of the portable communication system 100.

12. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 2 through 11, wherein the loop 404 includes one or more ribs or texturing along an inside of the loop 404.

13. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 2 through 12, wherein the modular loop 302 further includes two or more screw holes 402 offset from the loop 404.

14. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 1 through 13, wherein the modular loop 302 is interchangeably replaceable by another modular attachment device, the other modular attachment device including a modular clip 304, a carabiner attachment, a magnetic attachment, or a button attachment.

15. The portable communication system 100 of any one of claims 1 through 14, wherein the portable communication system 100 further includes an ancillary connection point 502 connected to an internal frame 504 or body of the portable communication system 100, the ancillary connection point 502 extending from a bottom portion of the portable communication system 100 and including an ancillary loop.

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