Accessories for communication devices

Abstract

A modular accessory adapter configured to be selectively attachable to at least one of a communication device and a case for a communication device. The modular accessory adapter includes a first member configured to be rotatably coupled to a second member such that the first member is rotatable relative to the second member to move the modular accessory adapter between a first position and a second position. The modular accessory adapter further includes a mount for attaching at least one of a flash, tripod, battery, diffuser, microphone, and speaker. The modular accessory adapter includes an engagement member configured to engage with a portion of at least one of a communication device and a case for a communication device. In the first position, the modular accessory adapter is configured to be removably attachable to the at least one of a communication device and a case for a communication device.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A modular case configured to receive a mobile phone, the modular case comprising:
 a case portion that is configured to be removably attachable to a mobile phone such that the case portion is configured to cover at least a portion of an exterior of the mobile phone, the case portion comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges; and   a modular accessory adapter with a bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges, the modular accessory adapter being configured to be removably attachable to the case portion along a portion of the first and second lateral edges and the bottom edge of the case portion, such that a portion of the bottom edge of the modular accessory adapter contacts a portion of the bottom edge of the case portion, and a portion of the first lateral edge of the modular accessory adapter contacts a portion of the first lateral edge of the case portion, and a portion of the second lateral edge of the modular accessory adapter contacts a portion of the second lateral edge of the case portion;   wherein the modular accessory adapter comprises at least one tripod mount and one or more accessory amounts configured to receive one or more accessories.   
     
     
         2 . The combination of the modular case of  claim 1  and the mobile phone. 
     
     
         3 . The combination of the modular case of  claim 1  and the one or more accessories. 
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more accessories are selected from the group consisting of an external flash or a microphone or a battery. 
     
     
         5 . The modular case of  claim 1 , wherein the modular accessory adapter is a cold shoe. 
     
     
         6 . The modular case of  claim 1 , wherein the modular accessory adapter is a hot shoe. 
     
     
         7 . The modular case of  claim 1 , wherein the modular accessory adapter is in continuous contact with the case portion along a portion of the first lateral edge, the bottom edge, and the second lateral edge of the case portion when the modular accessory adapter and the case portion are attached. 
     
     
         8 . The modular case of  claim 1 , wherein the modular accessory adapter does not contact the case portion on the top edge of the case portion when the modular accessory adapter and the case portion are attached. 
     
     
         9 . The modular case of  claim 1 , wherein the modular accessory adapter does not contact the case portion along the full length of the first lateral edge of the case portion when the modular accessory adapter and the case portion are attached. 
     
     
         10 . The modular case of  claim 9 , wherein the modular accessory adapter does not contact the case portion along the full length of the second lateral edge of the case portion when the modular accessory adapter and the case portion are attached. 
     
     
         11 . The modular case of  claim 1 , wherein comprises a plurality of tripod mounts on the modular accessory adapter. 
     
     
         12 . The modular case of  claim 11 , wherein each of at least two of the plurality of tripod mounts are located on generally orthogonal sides of the modular accessory adapter. 
     
     
         13 . A method of manufacturing a modular case that is configured to receive a mobile phone, the method comprising:
 providing a case portion that is configured to be removably attachable to a mobile phone such that the case portion is configured to cover at least a portion of an exterior of the mobile phone, the case portion comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges; and   providing a modular accessory adapter with a tripod mount, a bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges, the modular accessory adapter being configured to be removably attachable to the case portion along a portion of the first and second lateral edges and the bottom edge of the case portion, such that a portion of the bottom edge of the modular accessory adapter contacts a portion of the bottom edge of the case portion, and a portion of the first lateral edge of the modular accessory adapter contacts a portion of the first lateral edge of the case portion, and a portion of the second lateral edge of the modular accessory adapter contacts a portion of the second lateral edge of the case portion.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the modular accessory adapter is a cold shoe. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the modular accessory adapter is a hot shoe. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the modular accessory adapter comprises a lip or channel. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the modular accessory adapter only contacts the case portion on three sides of the case portion when the modular accessory adapter is attached to the case portion. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the case portion is configured to protect the mobile phone from damage. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the modular accessory adapter attaches on the exterior surface of the case portion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the modular accessory adapter comprises a plurality of tripod mounts positioned orthogonal to each other.