U.S. patent application number 15/236293 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for accessories for communication devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is olloclip, LLC. Invention is credited to Ryan Nguyen, Patrick D. O'Neill, Chong Pak.
Application Number | 20160352385 15/236293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51297286 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160352385 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Neill; Patrick D. ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
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.
Inventors: |
O'Neill; Patrick D.;
(Huntington Beach, CA) ; Pak; Chong; (Lakewood,
CA) ; Nguyen; Ryan; (Fountain Valley, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
olloclip, LLC |
Huntington Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51297286 |
Appl. No.: |
15/236293 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14180320 |
Feb 13, 2014 |
9423671 |
|
|
15236293 |
|
|
|
|
61764981 |
Feb 14, 2013 |
|
|
|
61936824 |
Feb 6, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 17/08 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; G06F 1/1626 20130101; Y10T 403/595
20150115; H04M 1/185 20130101; G06F 2200/1633 20130101; G03B 15/06
20130101; G06F 1/1686 20130101; H04B 1/3883 20130101; G03B 17/565
20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101; Y10T 403/70 20150115; H04M 1/0264
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20060101
H04B001/3888; H04B 1/3883 20060101 H04B001/3883 |
Claims
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.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/180,320, filed Feb. 13, 2014, which claims
the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/764,981, filed Feb. 14, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/936,824, filed Feb. 6, 2014, the entireties of all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Field of the Inventions
[0003] This invention relates generally to cases and other
accessories, and specifically to cases and other accessories for
communication devices (e.g., mobile telephones, mobile texting
devices, electronic pad devices, laptop computers, desktop
computers, gaming devices, and/or devices capable of linking
electronically to another device or to a network such as the
Internet, etc.)
[0004] Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, many advances in computer networking and
processing technology have made it possible for communication
devices to include cameras that permit users to capture images. In
many cases, these images can be stored, processed, and transmitted.
However, there are many design constraints on onboard cameras in
communication devices that can limit the weight, size, expense,
shape, adjustability, and overall quality of the lensing systems of
such cameras. Consequently, many cameras in communications devices
are inadequate for a wide variety of photographic needs and may
produce poor quality photographic images.
[0006] The deficiencies of onboard camera lenses can be addressed
by modular or detachable lensing systems. Such lensing systems may
be mounted or attached to communication devices such that one or
more auxiliary lenses are positioned substantially over the onboard
camera lenses of the communication devices. The auxiliary lenses
can enhance or alter the light that may be captured by the onboard
cameras to generate an image.
[0007] Other accessories may be used with communication devices,
such as protective cases. A case is intended to provide protection
for the communication device, and inhibit wear and/or damage to the
communication device. Conventionally, protective cases cover the
exterior of the communication device, or some portion thereof, to
cushion impacts, protect against scratches, and the like.
SUMMARY
[0008] In certain embodiments, a modular accessory adapter is
provide that is configured to be removably attachable to at least
one of a communication device and a case for a communication
device. The adapter comprises 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 adapter comprises a mount for attaching at least one of a
flash, tripod, battery, diffuser, microphone, and speaker. The
adapter comprises 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.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first member is configured to be
rotatably coupled to the second member at a first pivot at a first
end of the second member and a third member is configured to be
rotatably coupled to the second member at a second pivot at a
second end of the second member such that both the first and third
members are rotatable relative to the second member about first and
second vertical axes extending generally transverse to a lateral
axis of the second member to move the modular accessory adapter
between the first position and the second position.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first position comprises an
unfolded position of the first and third members configured for
attaching and removing the modular accessory adapter to and from
the at least one of a communication device and a case for a
communication device such that the first and third members extend
parallel to each other in a direction generally transverse to the
lateral axis of the second member, the first axis, and the second
axis, and wherein the second position comprises a folded,
low-profile position of the first and third members such that the
first and third members extend parallel to each other in a
direction generally parallel to the lateral axis of the second
member and generally transverse to the first and second axes.
[0011] In some embodiments, the second axis of the second pivot is
configured to be positioned at a greater distance from the lateral
axis of the second member than the first axis of the first pivot in
the direction generally transverse to the lateral axis of the
second member, the vertical first axis, and the vertical second
axis such that the third member is configured to fold over the
first member and to overlap the first member in a generally
horizontal plane when the modular accessory adapter is in the
second position.
[0012] In some embodiments, the engagement member comprises a
channel formed between top and bottom flanges of the first member,
wherein the channel is configured to slidably receive a side
portion of the at least one of a communication device and a case
for a communication device when the modular accessory adapter is
attached to the at least one of a communication device and a case
for a communication device in the first position.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first member comprises an elongate
member configured to extend within an interior of the second member
and a third member and comprises a knob configured to be rotated by
a user to disengage the elongate member from a retainer portion of
the second member to extend the second member away from the third
member and move the modular accessory adapter from the second
position to the first position, wherein the modular accessory
adapter is configured to be secured to the at least one of a
communication device and a case for a communication device in the
second position.
[0014] In some embodiments, the knob is configured to be accessible
to the user for rotating the elongate member through an opening in
the third member and wherein the second and third members comprise
first and second engagement members configured to secure the
modular accessory adapter to the at least one of a communication
device and a case for a communication device in the second
position.
[0015] In some embodiments, the knob is configured to extend
outwardly away from an exterior side of the third member to be
accessible to the user for rotating the elongate member and wherein
the second and third members comprise first and second engagement
members configured to secure the modular accessory adapter to the
at least one of a communication device and a case for a
communication device in the second position.
[0016] In certain embodiments, the knob is configured to extend
outwardly away from an exterior side of the third member at an
oblique angle relative to a lateral axis of the third member to be
accessible to the user for rotating the elongate member.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first and second engagement members
are configured to secure the modular accessory adapter to two or
more sides of the at least one of a communication device and a case
for a communication device in the second position.
[0018] According to certain embodiments, herein, the first member
comprises a lever rotatably coupled to the second member at a pivot
such that the lever is movable between an open position and a
closed position corresponding to the first and second positions of
the modular accessory adapter. The lever and second member comprise
first and second engagement members, respectively, and are
configured to allow the modular accessory adapter to be installed
to and removed from the at least one of a communication device and
a case for a communication device when the lever is in the open
position and configured to secure the modular accessory adapter to
the at least one of a communication device and a case for a
communication device when the lever is in the closed position.
[0019] In some embodiments, the lever comprises a channel formed
between top and bottom flanges, wherein the channel is configured
to receive a portion of the second member when the lever is in the
closed position such that posterior surfaces of the lever and
second member are in generally planar alignment.
[0020] In some embodiments, the lever comprises a first aperture
configured to be aligned with a second aperture of the second
member when the lever is in the closed position. The aligned first
and second apertures are configured to receive an elongate
connecting member configured to simultaneously secure the modular
accessory adapter to the at least one of a communication device and
a case for a communication device and the lever to the second
member in the second position.
[0021] In some embodiments, the elongate connecting member
comprises a tripod screw.
[0022] In some embodiments, the first member comprises a lever
rotatably coupled to the second member configured to rotate between
an open position and a closed position corresponding to the first
and second positions of the modular accessory adapter, wherein the
modular accessory adapter is configured to be secured to the at
least one of a communication device and a case for a communication
device in the second position and wherein a width of the modular
accessory adapter in a lateral direction is increased relative to
the width in the closed position when the lever is rotated to the
open position and wherein the width of the modular accessory
adapter is decreased relative to the open position when the lever
is rotated to the closed position.
[0023] In some embodiments, the lever is rotatably coupled to the
second member by an adjustment component, the adjustment component
configured to adjust a tension of the lever and amount of force
require to rotate the lever between the open position and the
closed position.
[0024] In some embodiments, the second member is configured to move
at least partially out of a third member when the lever is rotated
to the open position and wherein the second member is configured to
move at least partially into the third member when the lever is
rotated to the closed position.
[0025] In some embodiments, the lever is rotatably coupled to the
second member at a pivot and wherein the second member is
configured to move away from a third member in the lateral
direction when the lever is rotated to the open position and
wherein the second member is configured to move towards the third
member in the lateral direction when the lever is rotated to the
closed position.
[0026] In some embodiments, the lever comprises a handle on a first
end of the lever and a head portion on a second end of the lever
opposite the first end, wherein the head portion is configured to
engage first and second opposing medial surfaces of the second and
third members, respectively, and push the first and second opposing
medial surfaces in opposite lateral directions as the lever is
rotated to the open position to increase the width of the modular
accessory adapter in the lateral direction and wherein the head
portion is configured to disengage from the first and second
opposing medial surfaces as the lever is rotated to the closed
position allowing the second member and third member to move
towards each other in a medial direction such that the width of the
modular accessory adapter in the lateral direction is
decreased.
[0027] In some embodiments, the adapter includes a biasing
mechanism configured to bias the lever to the closed position when
a user releases the lever from the open position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Embodiments of various inventive features will now be
described with reference to the following drawings. Certain
comments and descriptions are provided in the drawings by way of
examples, but should not be understood to limit the scope of the
inventions or to provide the only possible application, structure,
or usage for the illustrated example. Throughout the drawings,
reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between
referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate
example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit
the scope of the disclosure.
[0029] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an embodiment of a modular accessory
adapter for use with a communication device or case for a
communication device, the adapter providing components for using
tripods and/or other accessories.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the modular accessory
adapter of FIGS. 1A-1B in a folded position.
[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a modular accessory adapter for use with a communication device
or case for a communication device, the adapter providing
components for using tripods and/or other accessories.
[0032] FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the modular accessory
adapter of FIG. 3A.
[0033] FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a modular
accessory adapter for use with a communication device or case for a
communication device, the adapter providing components for using
tripods and/or other accessories.
[0034] FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a modular accessory
adapter for use with a communication device or case for a
communication device, the adapter providing components for using
tripods and/or other accessories.
[0035] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modular
accessory adapter of FIG. 4A.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a modular accessory
adapter for use with a communication device or case for a
communication device, the adapter providing components for using
tripods and/or other accessories.
[0037] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a modular accessory
adapter for use with a communication device or case for a
communication device, the adapter providing components for using
tripods and/or other accessories.
[0038] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modular
accessory adapter of FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The present disclosure relates generally to protective cases
and other accessories for communication devices. Many different
structures, features, steps, and processes are shown and/or
described in discrete embodiments for convenience, but any
structure, feature, step, or process disclosed herein in one
embodiment can be used separately or combined with or used instead
of any other structure, feature, step, or disclosed in any other
embodiment. Also, no structure, feature, step, or processes
disclosed herein is essential or indispensible; any may be omitted
in some embodiments.
[0040] The terms "protective cases" or "cases" as referred to
herein, describe cases that are different from, separate from,
removably attachable, and/or in addition to the shells, cases, or
exterior housings that communication devices are packaged in (e.g.,
that form a part of the actual device) when originally constructed,
sold, and/or produced by the manufacturer. Protective cases can
cover the exterior of communication devices (e.g., mobile phones)
or some portion thereof to cushion impacts, protect against
scratches, add grip, change the aesthetics (e.g., allow a user to
decorate portions of the device with different colors, jewelry,
materials, shapes, text, backgrounds, graphics, etc.) and the like.
Protective cases can include access regions, including exposed
regions, moveable access regions, external actuators, cutaways, or
openings for accessing features and components of the communication
device on which the cases are installed, such as one or more
onboard cameras, screens, buttons, electrical connectors, lenses,
jacks, inputs, usb connections, vents, speakers, memory cards,
finger-print readers, microphones, optical elements, etc. However,
it can be difficult to attach an accessory or some other auxiliary
structure to a communication device when the communication device
is generally surrounded by the protective case. For example, the
protective case may not permit direct access to the communication
device, or the auxiliary structure may be specially sized for
attachment to a communication device with a housing of a particular
shape and size. As a result, the auxiliary structure may not fit
appropriately on the communication device when the communication
device is covered by the protective case. In addition, some
protective cases may not provide all of the features desired by a
user. Some examples of removable or modular accessories for mobile
electronic devices (including the Olloclip.RTM. lens accessory)
that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein are
illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,544, which is
titled "Selectively Attachable and Removable Lenses for
Communication Devices" and which issued on Oct. 2, 2012, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0041] Some aspects of this disclosure relate to protective cases
and modular accessories for use with a communication device. The
protective cases can expose areas or components of a communication
device such that an accessory may be used with the communication
device. For example, an auxiliary lensing component may be used
with a communication device when an onboard camera lens, or some
portion of the device that includes the camera, is exposed by the
protective case. The terms "lensing component" or "lens" or any
derivatives thereof and related terms are used in accordance with
their customary meanings and includes any optical structure that
alters or modifies one or more characteristics of light (including
but not limited to magnification, attenuation, darkening,
polarization, filtering, reflection, glare, color, image field,
image shape, etc.) In some embodiments, an accessory may be added
or attached to or used with a communication device, and the
protective case can protect both the communication device and the
accessory while the accessory is in use. For example, a lensing
component may be attached to a communication device, and the device
with the lensing component added may be inserted into a protective
case. In some embodiments, separate components may be used to
protect the accessory and the communication device (e.g., a
protective enclosure for the communication device and a separate
protective component for the accessory).
[0042] Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to modular
accessories that may be used with a protective case and a
communication device. In some embodiments, a case can comprise at
least first and second separable parts. For example, a basic,
low-weight, low-profile, foundational, or "sleek" first case part
may provide basic protection for a communication device, generally
closely conforming to the exterior shape of the communication
device, while providing a low profile and a low amount of extra
bulk and weight to the device. Such a case may be desirable for
regular use due to the small amount of bulk and weight that it adds
to the device. However, a user may also desire some additional
features, such as those provided by larger or heavier cases and
accessories, on an as-needed basis. To provide additional features
and components to basic, low-profile, foundational, minimal, or
"sleek" cases, modular accessories may be added to the cases by way
of one or more additional parts, as desired. For example, battery
packs, tripod mounts, flash or lighting units for cameras, and the
like may be added. In some embodiments, the modular accessories may
be added to the communication device instead of or in addition to a
protective case.
[0043] Some examples of cases for communication devices or mobile
electronic devices that can be used with the embodiments disclosed
herein are illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Publication No.
2013/0206614, which is titled "Case for a Communication Device" and
which published on Aug. 15, 2013, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety. For example, in some
embodiments, as illustrated, a case 110 can generally comprise at
least a first case portion and a second case portion, with the
first case portion movable relative to the second case portion. The
movable first case portion can be configured to move from at least
a first position in which the first case portion covers a specified
area of a communication device, to a second position wherein a
specified area of the communication device is exposed (e.g., made
accessible for contact, securement, and/or other communications).
In some embodiments, the specified area can comprise at least two
generally parallel or at least two generally orthogonal sides of a
communication device, such as a corner. In some embodiments, the
exposed area on the communication device can include an onboard
camera lens. The first case portion can be configured to
reciprocate or otherwise move from a first position in which the
first case portion covers the corner of the communication device
(and onboard camera lens) to a second position in which the corner
of the communication device is exposed. An auxiliary removable lens
component may then be installed/attached to/used with the
communication device.
[0044] In some embodiments, a case is attached to a communication
device. A modular accessory adapter can be attached to the case 110
to facilitate use and/or attachment of a tripod, flash, microphone,
or other photography accessories or other accessories. Such an
adapter can include tripod mounts, non-powered accessory mounts
("cold shoes"), and the like, as described below and illustrated in
subsequent figures. In some embodiments, powered accessory mounts
("hot shoes") or integrated microphones, flashes, batteries,
diffusers and the like may be included in the modular tripod
adapters instead of, or in addition to, the components illustrated
in the figures.
[0045] In some embodiments, a modular accessory adapter is
configured to be installed to a protective case attached to a
communication device. In other embodiments, a modular accessory
adapter is configured to be installed directly to the communication
device when a protective case is attached to the communication
device. While in certain embodiments, a modular accessory adapter
is configured to be installed directly to the communication device
without a protective case attached to the communication device. In
some embodiments, the modular accessory adapter is configured to be
installed or mounted directly to both the communication device and
a protective case attached to the communication device. In some
embodiments, the modular accessory adapter is configured to be
installed or mounted directly to the communication device when a
protective case is not attached to the communication device and is
configured to be installed or mounted directly to a protective case
when a protective case is attached to the communication device.
[0046] Embodiments of modular tripod adapters are shown and
described herein. Some examples of tripod adapters, cases
structures, components, and devices for communication devices or
mobile electronic devices that can be used with and incorporated
into the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated and described
in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0206614 referred to above. Each
embodiment can include one or more tripod mounts, cold shoes, hot
shoes, and the like positioned on different portions of the tripod
adapter. In some embodiments, the modular tripod adapters may be
made from molded polycarbonate or some other material. In some
embodiments, the modular tripod adapters may include one or more
gripping areas, such as one or more flexible or resilient regions
(e.g., overmolded rubber or rubbery grips). In some embodiments,
the modular tripod adapters can be made in different colors and
have different graphics (e.g., logos, pictures, text, etc.)
[0047] Although the modular accessory adapters of the figures
herein are referred to as tripod adapters, in some embodiments the
modular accessory adapters may not include tripod mounts. The
accessory adapters may include cold shoes, hot shoes, and/or other
accessories or mounts as described herein. In some embodiments, the
modular accessory adapters may omit or not include one or more of
any of the mounts and/or accessories described herein.
[0048] In some embodiments, a tripod adapter may include one or
more exposed high-strength materials, such as metallic (e.g.,
brass) insert tripod mounts, while in some embodiments a tripod
adapter may include recessed or flush tripod mounts. In some
embodiments, a tripod adapter may include a metallic cold shoe.
[0049] As described herein, in some embodiments, the tripod
adapters may be molded or cast in a general I-beam form, that
generally surrounds a bottom and at least a portion of two side
edges of a communication device. The I-beam design can provide
stability and strength while reducing the amount of material used
in the tripod adapter and the weight thereof. In some embodiments,
tripod adapters may include high-strength mounts, such as anodized
aluminum tripod mounts; nickel plated tripod mounts; brass tripod
mounts; tripod mounts molded, cast, or constructed from some other
material; or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a tripod
adapter may include an engagement mechanism or retaining structure
(e.g., pin, protrusion, aperture) for attaching or otherwise
securing a keychain or lanyard to the tripod adapter. In some
embodiments, a tripod adapter may partially or completely conceal a
speaker or microphone of the communication device, or otherwise
interfere with the passage of sound to and/or from the
communication device. In some cases, a tripod mount may include a
lip, channel, or other pathway, to help direct sound to and/or from
sound components of the communication device.
[0050] In some embodiments, a tripod adapter may include one or
more speaker chambers or channels that permit sound to pass to
and/or from sound components of the communication device on which
the tripod adapter is mounted.
[0051] In some embodiments, a tripod adapter may include one or
more cable management clips. The cable management clips may be used
to maintain cables that, e.g., run from a component installed in a
cold shoe to the communication device. For example, a user may
attach a modular tripod adapter, configured with a cold shoe, to a
case or directly to a communication device. An auxiliary flash
component can be used with the cold shoe. The auxiliary flash
component may have an electrical wire with a plug or some other
connector that can be coupled to the communication device to
provide electrical power for the flash. Rather than letting the
wire dangle away from the communication device, a user may use the
cable management clip to hold the wire close to the communication
device, thereby minimizing accidental snagging or unplugging of the
wire. Each clip may include two or more retaining structures (e.g.,
tabs or tines). In some embodiments, one or more retaining
structures may be biased toward another retaining structure or the
tripod adapter to retain a cable or cord. In some embodiments, each
clip may include multiple retaining structures that are configured
to remain generally stationary. Cables or cords may be wrapped
around the retaining structures or wedged in between a pair
thereof.
[0052] FIGS. 1A-2 illustrate an embodiment of a tripod adapter 700
that is removably attachable to a communication device 734 and/or
case 732. In some embodiments, a tripod adapter 700 may include a
plurality (e.g., two) side arms or members 704, 706 coupled to a
base arm or member 702 at pivots 714 and 716 (e.g., hinges, pins,
joints, ball joints). The pivots 714 and 716 can allow a user to
fold (e.g., move, rotate, deflect, deform, pivot, stretch, extend,
retract) the tripod adapter 700 into a smaller size (e.g., compact,
sleek, low profile) such that the tripod adapter 700 may be more
portable or otherwise take up less space when not in use. When a
tripod adapter 700 takes up less space when not in use, users may
be more likely to carry the adapter 700.
[0053] As described above, in some embodiments, the tripod adapter
700 may include one or more tripod mounts 720 or other accessory
mounts. When multiple tripod mounts (or other mounts) are included,
the tripod mounts 720 (or other mounts) may be positioned on
different members or edges of the adapter (e.g., on two edges
orthogonal to each other) such that the communication device may
capture photographs in either portrait or landscape format,
depending upon which tripod mount is used. Each tripod mount 720
may be a threaded metal insert capable of receiving a standard
tripod screw, such as those typically found on photography tripods.
In some embodiments, the tripod mount(s) 720 may be made of brass
or aluminum and insert molded with the tripod adapter. In some
embodiments, the tripod mounts 720 may be substantially the same or
entirely the same material as the remainder of the tripod adapter
700.
[0054] An external flash accessory (not shown) may be mounted onto
the tripod adapter 700 for use with the communication device 734.
The tripod adapter 700 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2 may include one or
more accessory mounts (e.g., shoes, tripod mounts 720) for
receiving such a flash accessory or other accessory. The external
flash accessory may be controlled by the communication device 734
through a number of different connections or other types of
communication. For example, the mount may be a "hot" shoe that
provides a physical connection from the communication device 734 to
the flash accessory. As another example, the mount may be a "cold"
shoe 730. In such cases, the flash accessory may plug into the
communication device 734 via a wired connection, or the
communication device 734 may control the flash accessory via a
wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth). The mount may be a metal
component (e.g., brass or aluminum) insert molded with the tripod
adapter 700, as described with respect to the tripod mounts 720
above. In some embodiments, the mount may be made of substantially
the same material as the remainder of the tripod adapter 700.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the pivots 714 and
716 may be formed from the same material (e.g., molded
polycarbonate) as the rest of the tripod adapter 700. In some
embodiments, one or both pivots 714 and 716 may be formed from
different material (e.g., the pivots 714 and 716 may be metal
hinges).
[0056] In some embodiments, one pivot 716 may be positioned further
away from the base member 702 of the tripod adapter 700 than the
other pivot 714 is, allowing one side member 706 to be
pivoted/folded over on top of the other side member 704, as shown.
For example, the side members 704, 706 can be moved (e.g., rotated,
pivoted, folded, deflected, deformed, stretched, extended,
retracted) between a first position (e.g., unfolded, in-use, open,
wide) wherein both the side members 704, 706 are generally
orthogonal relative to the base member 702 as illustrated in FIGS.
1A-1B and a second position (e.g., folded, closed, compact, stored,
narrow) as illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein the side members 704, 706
and the base member 702 extend generally parallel relative to one
another. In the first position, the side members 704, 706 are
unfolded and the tripod adapter 700 is configured to be attached
(e.g., secured, mounted, engaged, installed) to the protective case
732 and/or the communication device 734 such that at least a
portion or surface of the base member 702 and/or side members 704,
706 are in direct physical contact with at least a portion or
surface of the protective case 732 and/or the communication device
734. In some embodiments, the tripod adapter 700 can also be
detached or disengaged from the protective case 732 and/or the
communication device 734 in the first position. After detaching the
tripod adapter 700 from the protective case 732 and/or the
communication device 734 such that the base member 702 and/or side
members 704, 706 are not in physical contact with the protective
case and/or the communication device, a user can move (e.g.,
rotate, fold, pivot, deflect, deform, stretch, extend, retract) the
side members 704, 706 to the second position for storage. In the
second position, the side member 706 and the side member 704 can be
folded or pivoted such that they overlap each other in a generally
horizontal plane. The side members 704, 706 can also be folded or
pivoted to overlap the base member 702 in a generally horizontal
plane.
[0057] In some embodiments, the base member 702 and/or side members
704, 706 comprise one or more engagement members, retention
mechanisms or portions configured to facilitate installment, secure
attachment or engagement of the tripod adapter 700 to the
protective case 732 and/or communication device 734 in the first
position (and/or second position). For example, the engagement
member(s) of the base member 702 and/or side members 704, 706 can
comprise a recess, protrusion, aperture, detent, peripheral cutout,
channel, and/or other engageable structure configured to engage one
or more portions, edges, lips, surfaces and/or other corresponding
or complementary engagement members (e.g., recess, hole,
protrusion, aperture, detent, peripheral cutout, channel) of the
communication device 732 and/or protective case 734.
[0058] In some embodiments, the engagement members(s) of the base
member 702 and/or side members 704, 706 can engage (e.g., secure,
receive, fit) or are configured to engage the corresponding or
complementary retention mechanism(s), engagement structure(s), or
engagement member(s) of the communication device 734 and/or case
732 for securing, installing, or engaging the tripod adapter 700
relative to the communication device 734 and/or protective case
732. For example, the complementary or corresponding engagement
members can comprise a protrusion (e.g., prong, hook) configured to
be received within a hole, slot, pocket or aperture. In some
embodiments, the protrusion includes a bulbous head portion having
a generally circular, oval, rectangular, or cone cross sectional
shape. The bulbous portion can be configured to be inserted into
the complementary engagement member (e.g., hole) having an entrance
portion with a smaller cross section area or diameter than the
bulbous portion and an enlarged portion, such that the bulbous
portion can deform as it is inserted into the engagement member
(e.g., hole) and then at least partially rebound to its original
size and shape in the enlarged portion of the engagement member.
The bulbous portion can provide an interference fit with the
enlarged portion to help secure the tripod adapter 700 to the
communication device 734 and/or case 732.
[0059] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2, the tripod
adapter 700 is configured to slidably receive, support, and/or be
coupled with at least a portion of an outer peripheral edge of the
communication device 734 and/or protective case 732. In some
embodiments, this type of configuration results in an interference
fit or rigid coupling between the tripod adapter 700 and the
communication device 734 and/or case 732. In this regard, one or
both of the side members 704, 706 (and/or base member 702) can
comprise a first flange 726 (e.g., top, back, posterior) and a
second flange 724 (e.g., bottom, front, anterior). The first and
second flanges 726, 724 can extend generally parallel to each other
and define a space or channel 728 therebetween. In use, the tripod
adapter 700 can be fitted onto the communication device 734 and/or
protective case 732 such that an outer peripheral edge portion of
the communication device 734 and/or protective case 732 (e.g.,
sides 738, bottom edge 736, top edge 740) is received into the
space or channel 728 of the side members 704, 706 (and/or base
member 702) as discussed below.
[0060] For some embodiments, the side members 704, 706 and/or base
member 702 of the tripod adapter 700 can be configured to comprise
a magnetic area or magnetic portion (not shown). The magnetic area
can extend at least partially along the width or length of the
flanges 724, 726, channel 728 or other surfaces of the side members
704, 706 and/or base member 702. However, it is contemplated that
the magnetic area or portion can extend along the entire width or
length of the flanges 724, 726, channel 728 or other surfaces of
the side members 704, 706 and/or base member 702.
[0061] In accordance with an embodiment, it is contemplated that
outer peripheral edges or other exterior surfaces of the
communication device 734 and/or case 732 can further comprise a
complementary magnetic area or portion (not shown) that can be
magnetically coupled or configured to be coupled with the magnetic
area of the tripod adapter 700. The complementary magnetic area or
portions can cause the tripod adapter 700 to be drawn onto the
communication device 734 and/or case 732 and into secure
engagement. As such, the installation, attachment, and/or removal
of the tripod adapter 700 can be advantageously facilitated through
the magnetic engagement and attraction created by such a design.
Thus, the tripod adapter 700 can be retained on the communication
device 734 and/or case 732 upon attraction between the magnetic
area of the tripod adapter 700 and the complementary magnetic area
of the communication device 734 and/or case 732. In some
embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., glue, velcro) can be used in place
of the complementary magnetic areas.
[0062] In some implementations, the magnetic area of the tripod
adapter 700 can be configured to comprise a magnet. Alternatively,
the magnetic area can comprise a ferrous material that is
magnetically attracted to a magnet. Similarly, in some
implementations, the complementary magnetic areas of the
communication device 734 and/or case 732 can comprise a magnet.
Alternatively, the complementary magnetic areas of the
communication device 734 and/or case 732 can comprise a ferrous
material that is magnetically attracted to a magnet. The
combination of the magnetic area of the tripod adapter 700 and the
complementary magnetic area of the communication device 734 and/or
case 732 can be configured such that one or both of the magnetic
areas comprises a magnet. For example, in an embodiment, the tripod
adapter 700 can comprise a magnet and the communication device 734
and/or case 732 can comprise a ferrous material that is
magnetically attracted to the magnet of the tripod adapter 700.
[0063] In accordance with yet other embodiments, the first and
second flanges 726, 724, of the side members (and/or flanges of the
base member 702) can extend generally parallel to each other and
can be attachable to and receive one or more outer peripheral edges
and/or surfaces of the communication device 734 and/or protective
case 732 with interior surfaces of the flanges 726, 724 being
seated against one or more peripheral edges and/or surfaces of the
communication device 734 and/or protective case 732 for releasably
retaining the tripod adapter 700 on the communication device 734
and/or protective case 732. In this regard, the flanges can create
a snap or interference fit between the tripod adapter 700 and the
communication device 734 and/or protective case 732. The peripheral
edges and/or surfaces of the communication device 734 and/or
protective case 732 can comprise one or more indentations,
apertures, protrusions, or other engagement member that can engage
a corresponding or complementary engagement member of the flanges
726, 724. The engagement between the complementary engagement
members of the flanges 726, 724 and the communication device 734
and/or protective case 732 can secure the tripod adapter 700 to the
communication device 734 and/or protective case 732.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the tripod adapter 700 (or other
modular accessory adapter that may be used with the case 732) may
be installed on the case 732 by sliding the tripod adapter 700 over
a portion of the case 732 (e.g., outer peripheral edges and/or
exterior surfaces). The case 732 may include a channel, slot or
recess (not shown) on one or more edges of the case 732 (e.g., on a
surface orthogonal to an external surface of the case and/or
directly on an external surface portion of the case 732). A
corresponding raised ridge and protrusion (not shown) on one or
more interior edge surfaces (e.g., of flanges 724, 726, channel 728
of one or more side members and/or base members) of the tripod
adapter 700 may fit or be configured to fit within the channel to
slidably receive or guide installation of the tripod adapter 700
onto the case 732. A channel or recess (not shown) on case 732 may
be configured to accept the protrusion of the tripod adapter 700
and secure the tripod adapter 700 to the case 732 by resisting any
movement of the protrusion away from the recess once the protrusion
enters the recess or channel.
[0065] In some embodiments, a case 732 may have two or more
channels, such as channels on generally opposite parallel edges of
the case 732. The tripod adapter 700 may also have two or more
corresponding ridges on two or more parallel interior surfaces of
the tripod adapter 700 configured to fit within the one or more
channels of the case 732. In some embodiments, the tripod adapter
700 may include one or more channels 728, slots and/or recesses,
and the case 732 may include one or more corresponding ridges
and/or protrusions configured to fit within the channels 728 to
slidably receive, secure, or guide installation of the tripod
adapter 700 onto the case 732.
[0066] In some embodiments, the tripod adapter 700 may include one
or more channels 728, slots, and/or recesses, and the communication
device 734 may include one or more corresponding ridges and/or
protrusions configured to fit within the channels 728 to slidably
receive or guide installation of the tripod adapter 700 directly
onto the communication device 734. In some embodiments, the tripod
adapter 700 may include one or more ridges and/or protrusions, and
the communication device 734 may include one or more corresponding
channels and/or recesses to receive or are configured to slidably
receive the ridges and/or protrusions to guide installation of the
tripod adapter 700 directly onto the communication device 734.
[0067] As illustrated in some embodiments, with reference to FIGS.
1A-2, the base member 702 and side members 704, 706 are configured
to surround or receive generally the entire bottom surface or edge
736 of the communication device 734 and/or case 732 and portions of
the side surfaces or edges 738 of the communication device 734
and/or case 732 when attached or installed. However, in other
embodiments, the base member 702 and side members 704, 706 are
configured to surround or receive generally the entire top surface
or edge 740 of the communication device 734 and/or case 732 and
portions of the side surfaces or edges 738 of the communication
device 734 and/or case 732 when attached or installed. Further, in
some embodiments, the base member 702 and side members 704, 706 are
configured to surround or receive generally an entire side (e.g.,
lateral, right and/or left) surface or edge 738 of the
communication device 734 and/or case 732 and portions of the top
and/or bottom surfaces or edges 740, 736 of the communication
device 734 and/or case 732 when attached or installed.
[0068] Some communication devices 734 may include a port on an edge
or other surface. The port may be used to connect an accessory or a
cable to the communication device, such as a battery charger, a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, a micro USB cable, etc. In some
cases, the communication device 734 may include such a port on an
edge that may be covered by the tripod adapter 700. The tripod
adapter 700 can include an opening 722 (e.g., window, cut-out,
recess, aperture), as illustrated in FIG. 1B, to permit access to
the port of the communication device 734 even when the tripod
adapter 732 is installed on the communication device 734.
[0069] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the base
member 702, pivots 714, 716 and/or side members 704, 706 comprise
one or more distinct, separate components or pieces. For example,
in some embodiments, side member 704 is configured to be attached
to base member 702 at pivot 714 in a snap-fit type configuration,
such that side member 704, base member 702, and pivot 714 include
only two distinct pieces, parts, members, and/or elements. In some
embodiments, side member 704, base member 702, and pivot 714
include two or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven,
eight, nine, and/or ten) distinct pieces, parts, members, and/or
elements. Side member 706, base member 702, and pivot 716 can be
configured in a similar manner or fashion as side member 704, base
member 702, and pivot 714.
[0070] In some embodiments, the base member 702, pivots 714, 716
and/or side members 704, 706 are formed or combined into one or
more (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
ten) monolithic pieces or components. For example, the base member
702, pivots 714, 716 and side members 704, 706 can form one
monolithic component which is deflectable into at least a first and
second position as discussed above. In some embodiments, the
components and/or members of the tripod adapter 700 comprise an
elastic or deformable material such that a user can apply a force
to deflect the side members into the second position from the first
position. In some embodiments, the tripod adapter 700 comprises a
sufficiently resilient material such that a user can apply a force
to deflect (e.g., stretch, bend or deform) one or more of the base
member 702 and/or side members 714, 716 from the first position
(and/or second position) to the second position (and/or first
position) and the one or more base member 702 and/or side members
714, 716 will return or are configured to return or rebound to the
first position (and/or second position) when the force is removed
by the user or the user releases the one or more base member 702
and/or side members 714, 716.
[0071] In some embodiments, a tripod adapter 700 comprises one or
more base members 702 and/or side members 704, 706. The one or more
base members 702 and/or side members 704, 706 can extend generally
parallel to one another (e.g., base member to base member and/or
side member to side member). The one or more base members 702
and/or side members 714, 716 are configured to be deflectable or
are deflectable from one another such that a user can deflect one
or more of the base members (and/or one or more side members) from
one or more other base members (and/or one or more side members)
from one position (e.g., open and/or closed) to a second position
(e.g., closed and/or open position) by applying a force (e.g.,
extending, stretching, compressing, pushing) to deflect one member
toward or away from another member. In some embodiments, the
members will return or rebound (e.g., deflect back, bias) to the
original (e.g., first and/or second) position from the second
(e.g., deflected position) after the force is removed from the
member or the user releases the member. In some embodiments, a
force is applied by the user to the members to deflect the members
away from one another to an open or wider position such that the
tripod adapter 700 can be received or installed onto the
communication device 734 and/or case 732. When the force is removed
by the user or the member released, the tripod adapter 700 (or
members) can return to their original state or position (e.g.,
closed, narrow, compact) such that the tripod adaptor 700 is
secured, engaged or retained onto the communication device 734
and/or case 732.
[0072] FIGS. 3A-6B show other embodiments of compact, small tripod
adapters. Any structure, feature, step, or process disclosed in the
above embodiments can be used separately or combined with or used
instead of any other structure, feature, step, or disclosed in any
of the embodiments of tripod adapters disclosed herein. For
example, any of the type of engagement members of the tripod
adapter 700 can be used with any of the tripod adapters of FIGS.
3-6. Additionally, any structure, feature, step, or process
disclosed in the embodiments of FIGS. 3-6 can be used separately or
combined with or used instead of any other structure, feature,
step, or disclosed in any of the embodiments of tripod adapters
disclosed herein.
[0073] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, a tripod
adapter 800a, 800b may include a first portion (e.g., member,
component, etc.) 802 and a second portion 804 movable (e.g.,
slidable, rotatable, pivotable, deflectable, deformable) relative
to each other in a generally medial-lateral, anterior-posterior,
vertical, horizontal, and/or angular direction.
[0074] The first and second portions 802, 804 can include contact
portions 805A, 805B respectively, such as in the form of
protrusions (e.g., one or more hooks, prongs, clips, angled edges,
lips, ridges). The contact portions 805A, 805B are received or
configured to be received within corresponding or complementary
engagement members (e.g., holes, slots detents, apertures,
recesses, cut-outs) formed in the case 110 and/or communication
device 834. For example, the contact portions 805A, 805B can be
inserted into corresponding or complementary slots or holes of the
communication device 834 and/or case 110. The communication device
834 and/or case 110 can comprise slots and/or holes as illustrated
in FIG. 4A with respect to the slots 912 and holes 914 of case
910.
[0075] The distance, gap, and/or space 842 between the contact
portions 805A and 805B can be increased or decreased or eliminated
by a user by moving the first portion 802 away from or closer to
the second portion 804 in order to "clip" onto or otherwise couple,
secure, install, or engage to a case 110 of a communication device
834 and/or the communication device 834. For example, a user may
turn a dial or knob 806 of the second portion 804 (or first portion
802), thereby partially or completely withdrawing, detaching, or
disengaging an interior elongate member 808 (e.g., a metallic rod
or screw) from a retainer 810 (e.g., a threaded brass insert) of
the first portion 802 (or second portion 804), or otherwise causing
the first portion 802 (or second portion 804) and second portion
804 (or first portion 802) to be generally extended away from each
other (e.g., first position) and/or brought toward from each other
(e.g., second position).
[0076] In some embodiments, tripod adapters 800A, 800B include one
or more contact surfaces that spaced apart or are configured to be
spaced apart from one another when the tripod adapters 800A, 800B
are in a first position (e.g., open, unlocked, removable,
disengaged, unsecured, detached) either removed from the
communication device 834 and/or case 110 and/or in contact but
unsecured with the communication device 834 and/or case 110. For
example, in the first position, the contact portions 805A, 805B can
be inserted into and/or removed from the corresponding or
complementary engagement members (e.g., holes, slots) of the
communication device 834 and/or case 110. The tripod adapters 800A,
800B remain unsecured to the communication device 834 and/or case
110 such that the tripod adapters 800A, 800B can be removed from or
inserted into the communication device 834 and/or case 110. As
illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the first and second portions 802, 804
of the tripod adapters 800A, 800B include one or more corresponding
surfaces 850A, 850B that contact or are configured to contact one
another when the tripod adapters 800A, 800B are moved to a second
position (e.g., closed, locked, installed, engaged, secured,
attached) installed, locked, or coupled to the communication device
834 and/or case 110 as a result of the user turning the knob 806,
806A, 806B or dial. In the second position, the contact portions
805A, 805B are secured to or configured to be secured to the
complementary or corresponding engagement members (e.g., holes,
slots, etc.) of the communication device 834 and/or case 110 such
that the tripod adapters 800A, 800B are securely fixed or coupled
to the communication device 834 and/or case 110.
[0077] In some embodiments, the contact surfaces 850A, 850B are
parallel to each other and make contact with each other along a
generally vertical axis (e.g., at a 90 degree angle) as illustrated
in FIGS. 3A-3C. However, in some embodiments, the contact surfaces
850A, 850B are parallel to each other and make contact with each
other along an angled axis (e.g., less than 90 degrees or greater
than 90 degrees). In some embodiments, the contact surfaces 850A,
850B make contact with each other along a generally horizontal
axis.
[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the contact portions 805A,
805B of the tripod adapters 800A, 800B are angled or oriented
toward each other (e.g., in a medial direction). In such a
configuration, when the tripod adapters 800A, 800B are moved to the
second position, the space 842 between contact portions 805A, 805B
and/or the contact surfaces 850A, 850B is reduced, decreased and/or
eliminated relative to the space 842 when the tripod adapters 800A,
800B are in the first position such that the contact portions 805A,
805B apply or are configured to apply a compressive force against a
portion of the holes or slots they are received within to secure
the adapter 800A, 800B to the communication device and/or case. The
first and second portions 802, 804 are moved towards each other to
move the tripod adapters 800A, 800B into the second position (e.g.,
engagement or securing position) from the first position (e.g.,
unlocked or unsecured position). The first and second portions 802,
804 are moved away from each other (e.g., in opposite lateral
directions or edges) to move the tripod adapters 800A, 800B into
the first position from the second position. The space 842 between
contact portions 805A, 805B and/or the contact surfaces 850A, 850B
is increased relative to the space 842 when the tripod adapters
800A, 800B are in the first position relative to the second
position such that the contact portions 805A, 805B can be removed
or installed into the complementary holes or slots of the
communication device and/or case as the compressive force is
reduced or eliminated in the first position.
[0079] However, in some embodiments, the contact portions 805A,
805B can be angled or oriented away from each other in opposite
directions (e.g., towards opposite lateral directions or edges) as
illustrated in one example in FIG. 4A with respect to clips 902A,
902B. In such a configuration, the contact portions 805A, 805B
secure or are configured to secure the tripod adapters 800A, 800B
to the communication device 834 and/or case 110 in the first
position (e.g., when the first and second portions 802, 804 are
extended away from each other) such that the contact portions 805A,
805B apply or are configured to apply a tensile force against a
portion of the holes or slots they are received within to secure
the adapter 800A, 800B to the communication device and/or case.
When the tripod adapters 800A, 800B are moved to the second
position, the space 842 between contact portions 805A, 805B and/or
the contact surfaces 850A, 850B is reduced, decreased and/or
eliminated relative to the space 842 when the tripod adapters 800A,
800B are in the first position. In this embodiment, when the tripod
adapters 800A, 800B are in the second position, the contact
portions 805A, 805B can be inserted into and/or removed or are
configured to be inserted and/or removed from the corresponding or
complementary engagement members (e.g., holes, slots, etc.) of the
communication device 834 and/or case 110 as the tensile for is
reduced or eliminated. The tripod adapters 800A, 800B remain
unsecured to the communication device 834 and/or case 110 such that
the tripod adapters 800A, 800B can be removed from or inserted into
the communication device 834 and/or case 110 in the second
position. In such a configuration, the first and second portions
802, 804 are moved towards each other (e.g., in a medial direction)
to move the tripod adapters 800A, 800B into the second position
(e.g., unlocked or unsecured position) from the first position
(e.g., engagement or securing position). The first and second
portions 802, 804 are moved away from each other to move the tripod
adapters 800A, 800B into the first position from the second
position. Further, in some embodiments, the contact portions 805A,
805B can be oriented generally in the same direction or parallel to
each other (e.g., downwardly, upwardly, at an angle, and/or
straight ahead).
[0080] In some embodiments, one or more of the tripod adapters 800A
and/or 800B can be attached or installed onto one or more edges
(e.g., top 840, bottom 836 and/or sides 838) of the communication
device 834 and/or case 110. For example, FIG. 8C, illustrates two
tripod adapters 800B attached or installed onto parallel sides 838
of the case 110.
[0081] In some embodiments, the knob 806 may be accessible via an
opening 846 (e.g., window, recess, cut-out, aperture) of the second
portion 804 (or first portion 802) as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B.
Such a configuration can reduce, diminish or eliminate the knob 806
from protruding from the communication device 834 to create a more,
sleek look and/or the difficulty in accessing the knob in certain
case configurations as discussed below.
[0082] However, in some embodiments, the knobs 806A, 806B can
extend outwardly away from the second portion 804 (or first portion
802) of the tripod adapters 800B, protruding from the communication
device 834 as illustrated in FIG. 3C when the adapter 800B is
installed or attached to the communication device 834 and/or case
100. In some embodiments, the knobs 806A, 806B protrude towards the
top and/or bottom edges 840, 836 respectively when the tripod
adapter 800B is attached or installed to side edges 838. In some
embodiments, the knobs 806A, 806B protrude towards the side edges
838 when the tripod adapter 800B is attached to bottom and/or top
edges 836, 840.
[0083] In some embodiments, the knobs 806A and/or 806B may extend
at an oblique angle (e.g., diagonally) with respect to the lateral
axis of the tripod mount 800b. Such a configuration can diminish
the amount of protrusion from the communication device 834 and the
difficulty in accessing the knobs 806A, 806B in certain case
configurations. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the knob
806A extends towards an area 848 that can be difficult for a user
to access because of the limited space between the protruding knob
806A and a portion of the case 110.
[0084] In some embodiments, the knobs 806, 806A, 806B can include a
classic symmetrical oval or circular head. However, in other
embodiments, the knob heads can include various other shapes
including chamfered, hexagonal, angled, rounded, and/or bulbous
middle portion. In some embodiments, the heads of the knobs can
comprise various diameters including a wider middle portion and
more narrow top and bottom portions relative to the middle
portions.
[0085] In some embodiments, the elongate member 808 can be moved a
sufficient distance after a small number of turns (e.g., one turn,
two turns, three turns, etc.) to permit removal or attachment of
the adapters 800A, 800B, to diminish user fatigue (e.g., to move
the adapters 800A, 800B between the first and second
positions).
[0086] In some embodiments, one or more mounts of the tripod
adapters 800A, 800B (e.g., tripod mount 820, cold shoe mount 830,
hot shoe mount) can be configured to receive a cover 844. The cover
844 can be received into the one or more mounts when an accessory
is not attached to the mount to cover such mounts in order to cover
or close the mounts and/or to give the adapters 800A, 800B a more
sleek, uniform, and/or level appearance.
[0087] In some embodiments, the tripod adapters 800A, 800B can
include a keychain hole, lanyard, pin, protrusion, rod, and/or
aperture 832 configured to receive or engage with a keychain and/or
keyring as discussed with respect to other embodiments.
[0088] FIGS. 4A-4B shows embodiments of a clip-on tripod adapter
900 that includes one or more clips 902A, 902B (e.g., protrusions,
hooks, prongs, edges, lips, ridges, or other engagement members), a
base portion or member 916, and a lever 904 for coupling the tripod
adapter 900 to a case 910 (and/or communication device (not shown)
as discussed with respect to other embodiments). The case 910
(and/or communication device) can include complementary or
corresponding slots 912A, 912B and/or holes 914A, 914B (or other
engagement structures) into which the clips 902A, 902B may be
inserted or are configured to be inserted to secure, install, or
attach the tripod adapter 900 to the case and/or communication
device.
[0089] In some embodiments, the lever 904 is rotatably coupled to
the base member 916 at a hinge pin 908 (e.g., rod, joint, pivot,
etc) such that the lever 904 can rotate or pivot relative to the
base member 916 between at least a first position (e.g., open) and
a second position (e.g., closed). The clip 902A is positioned on a
portion of the lever 904 and the clip 902B is positioned on a
portion of the base member 916 in some embodiments, such that the
clips 902A, 902B are oriented and/or in alignment at equal but
opposite angles towards opposite directions (e.g., opposite lateral
directions) when the lever 904 is in the second position. The clips
902A, 902B are oriented at different angles and towards opposite
directions when the lever 904 is in the first position.
[0090] In some embodiments, the hinge pin 908 extends through at
least a portion of both the lever 904 and base member 916. As
illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the axis of rotation of the hinge pin
908 extends in a direction parallel to a vertical axis extending in
an anterior-posterior direction relative to the adapter when the
tripod adapter 900 is attached to the communication device and/or
case. However, in some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the
hinge pin 908 extends in a direction transverse to the vertical
axis extending in an anterior-posterior direction relative to the
adapter when the tripod adapter 900 is attached to the
communication device and/or case 910.
[0091] In some embodiments, when the tripod adapter 900 is in the
second position or closed position, the lever 904 receives or
overlaps a notch or cut-out portion of the base member 916 such
that a rear exterior surface of the tripod adapter 900 is
relatively planar, flat, or level and/or the rear exterior surfaces
or walls of the tripod adapter extend out by the same distance or
are in alignment. For example, the lever 904 includes first and
second flanges and a channel formed therebetween. The channel of
the lever 904 receives or is configured to receive a notch or
cut-out portion of the base member 916 when the lever is moved to
the second or closed position.
[0092] In some embodiments, a user can open (e.g., move, rotate) a
lever 904 of the tripod adapter 900 to the first position (e.g.,
open position) to partially retract a clip 902A (e.g., from slots
or holes 914), thereby allowing the clips 902A, 902B to be inserted
into and/or removed from the slots 912 or holes 914 of the case
910. The user may then close (e.g., move, rotate in the opposite
direction relative to when opening the lever 904) the lever 904
into the second position (e.g., closed position), thereby partially
extending clips 902A, 902B into the complementary or corresponding
slots 912A, 912B and/or hole 914A, 914B of the case 910 and
securing the tripod adapter 900 to the case 910. The tripod adapter
900 is then secured to the case 910 until the lever 904 is opened
again.
[0093] In some embodiments, the lever 904 is rotatably coupled to
the base member 916 such that rotating the lever 904 in a clockwise
direction moves the lever 904 from the second position to the first
position and a counter-clockwise direction moves the lever 904 from
the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the
lever 904 is rotatably coupled to the base member 916 such that
rotating the lever 904 in a counter-clockwise direction moves the
lever 904 from the second position to the first position and a
clockwise direction moves the lever 904 from the first position to
the second position.
[0094] In some embodiments, one or more of the tripod adapters 900
can be attached or installed onto one or more edges (e.g., top 940,
bottom 936 and/or sides 938) of the communication device and/or
case 910. For example, two tripod adapters 900 can be attached or
installed onto parallel sides 938 of the case 910. In some
embodiments, the tripod adapter 900 is configured to be secured or
is secured to an opening or cut-out portion 958 positioned within a
bottom edge 936 of the case 910.
[0095] The lever 904 can be securely engaged in the securing
position (e.g., second or closed position) in a removable manner by
way of any appropriate removable securing structure, such as a
clip, snap-fit, or otherwise. In some embodiments, as illustrated,
the lever 904 is securely engaged in the securing position by
producing an alignment between one or more apertures 906, 920 on
the lever 904 and on the base member 916 portions of the tripod
adapter 900. The apertures 906, 920 can comprise internal threads
configured to threadably receive a screw, bolt or other elongate
connecting member into each of the apertures 906, 920 to secure the
tripod adapter 900 to the case 910 and/or to the communication
device itself and to simultaneously secure the lever 904 and base
member 916 of the tripod adapter 900 to each other. In some
embodiments, the apertures 906, 920 are configured to be a tripod
mount to receive an engagement structure of a tripod. In such a
configuration, when a tripod engagement structure is threaded or
inserted into the apertures 906, 920, the tripod engagement
structure secures or is configured to secure the tripod adapter 900
to the case 910 and/or to the communication device itself and
simultaneously secures or is configured to secure the lever 904 and
base member 916 of the tripod adapter 900 to each other.
[0096] In some embodiments, the base member 916 of the tripod
adapter 900 includes one or more mounts (e.g., tripod mount, cold
shoe 930, hot shoe, etc.).
[0097] FIG. 5 shows additional embodiments of a clip-on tripod
adapter 1000. In some embodiments, a clip-on multi-portion tripod
adapter 1000 may include an adjustable-tension lever 1004. A first
portion 1022 of the tripod adapter 1000 can slide into, along, or
be received by a second portion 1024 of the tripod adapter 1000. In
some embodiments, the second portion 1024 can slide into or be
received by a first portion 1022 of the tripod adapter 1000 The
effective width 1042 of the tripod adapter 1000 can be adjusted
(e.g., increased or decreased) by moving the first portion 1022 at
least partially into, along, or out of the second portion 1024 (or
vice versa). In some embodiments, the first and/or second portions
1022, 1024 of the tripod adapter 1000 include one or more mounts
(e.g., tripod mount 1020, cold shoe 1030, hot shoe, etc.).
[0098] In some embodiments, the lever 1004 may be coupled (e.g.,
rotatably, movably, pivotably) to either of the first or the second
portions 1022, 1024 of the tripod adapter 1000 at least partly via
an adjustment component 1006, such as a screw that may be tightened
or loosened, to adjust the tension of the lever 1004 and the amount
of pressure needed to manipulate the lever 1004 (e.g., move,
rotate, slide, pivot, turn) relative to the first and second
portions 1022, 1024. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lever 1004 is
rotatably coupled to the first portion 1022 such that the lever
1004 is movable between a first position (e.g., open, unsecured)
and a second position (e.g., closed, secured).
[0099] In some embodiments, the lever 1004 is configured such that
when it is moved or rotated to the first position, the effective
width 1042 of the tripod adapter is increased as the first portion
1022 is at least partially moved out of or along the second portion
1024. When the lever 1004 is moved or rotated to the second
position, the effective width 1042 of the tripod adapter 1000 is
decreased relative to the first position as the first portion 1022
is at least partially moved into or along the second portion
1024.
[0100] In some embodiments, one or more of the tripod adapters 1000
can be attached or installed onto one or more edges (e.g., top
1040, bottom 1036 and/or sides 1038) of the communication device
and/or case 1010. For example, two tripod adapters 1000 can be
attached or installed onto a side 1038 of the case 1010 and a
bottom edge 1036. In some embodiments, the tripod adapter 1000 is
configured to be secured or is secured to an opening or cut-out
portion 1058 positioned within or along a bottom edge 1036 of the
case 1010. One or more edges or sides 1036, 1038, 1040 can include
one or more complementary holes or slots 1014A, 1014B configured to
receive engagement members of the first and second portions 1022,
1024.
[0101] In some embodiments, the first and second portions 1022,
1024 include engagement members configured to be received in and
secured with complementary engagement members of the case 1010
and/or communication device. For example, the first and second
portions 1022, 1024 can include a pair of double prongs, clips, or
hooks 1002A, 1002B respectively. When the lever 1004 is in the open
or first position, the double prongs 1002A, 1002B can be removed,
received or inserted into holes or slots 1014A, 1014B in the case
1010. When the lever 1004 is moved to the closed, secured, or
second position, the prongs 1002A, 1002B are oriented such that
when they are received within the holes or slots 1014A, 1014B they
impart or apply a compressive force to a wall portion of the holes
or slots 1014A, 1014B to secure the adapter 1000 to the
communication device and/or case 1010. In some embodiments, the
double prongs 1002A, 1002B include a space therebetween configured
to receive a lip, ridge or protrusion 1052, 1056 positioned on a
side 1038 and/or edge 1036, 1040 of the case 1010 and/or
communication device to facilitate attachment, securement, and/or
engagement of the tripod adapter 1000 to the case and/or
communication device.
[0102] In some embodiments, a securing portion of the lever 1004,
such as an oblique end 1048 or handle, can be pivoted or otherwise
moved and then nested into or otherwise connected with a notch,
recess, or cut-out 1050 of the first or second portion 1022, 1024
into a securing position. The lever 1004 can be securely engaged in
the securing position in a removable manner by way of any
appropriate removable securing structure, such as a clip, snap, or
otherwise.
[0103] In some embodiments, as illustrated, the lever 1004 is
securely engaged in the securing position (e.g., second position)
by producing an alignment between a plurality of apertures 1054,
1020 on the lever 1004 and on one of the first or second portions
of the tripod adapter 1000. The apertures 1054, 1020 can comprise
internal threads configured to threadably receive a screw or bolt
or other elongate connecting member into each of the apertures
1054, 1020 to secure the tripod adapter 1000 to the mobile device
case 1010 or to the communication device itself and to
simultaneously secure the first and second portions 1022, 1024 of
the tripod adapter 1000 to each other. In some embodiments, the
apertures 1054, 1020 are configured to be a tripod mount to receive
an engagement structure of a tripod. In such a configuration, when
a tripod engagement structure is threaded or inserted into the
apertures 1054, 1020, the tripod engagement structure secures or is
configured to secure the tripod adapter 1000 to the case 1010
and/or to the communication device itself and simultaneously
secures or is configured to secure the lever 1004 and the first and
second portions 1022, 1024 of the tripod adapter 1000 to each
other.
[0104] FIGS. 6A-6B show additional embodiments of a clip-on tripod
adapter 1100 in a first (e.g., open, unlocked, installing) and a
second (e.g., closed, secured, engagement) position. In some
embodiments, the tripod adapter 1100 may include a first portion
1102 and a second portion 1104 movable relative to each other. The
portions 1102, 1104 can move towards or away from each other along
a generally horizontal, vertical, or angled axis. A lever 1106 can
be used to extend the first portion 1102 away from the second
portion 1104, thereby allowing the tripod adapter 1100 to be
clipped onto a case and/or communication device. The lever 1106 can
then be closed, retracting the first portion 1102 towards the
second portion 1104 and securing the tripod adapter 1100 to the
case and/or communication device. In some embodiments, the first
and/or second portions 1102, 1104 of the tripod adapter 1100
include one or more mounts 1130 (e.g., tripod mount, cold shoe, hot
shoe, etc.).
[0105] The lever 1106 can be rotatably coupled to the first portion
1102, second portion 1104, and/or base member the first and second
portions are configured to move along. In some embodiments, as
illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, the lever 1106 is rotatably coupled to
the first portion 1102 at a joint 1134 (e.g., hinge, pin, etc). The
lever 1106 includes an oblique end or handle portion, a shaft or
body portion, and U or C-shaped head portion configured to receive
the joint 1134 at the opposite end of the lever 1106 as illustrated
in FIGS. 6A-6B.
[0106] In some embodiments, a user can rotate the lever 1106 to
move or extend the first portion 1102 away from the second portion
1106 to move the tripod adapter 1100 from the second position to
the first position. As discussed above, when the adapter 1100 is in
the first position, the adapter 1100 can be installed, attached,
and/or removed from the case and/or communication device. Rotating
the lever 1106 in the opposite direction or releasing the lever can
move the first portion 1102 towards the second portion 1104 for
securing and/or to secure the tripod adapter 1100 to the case
and/or communication device.
[0107] In some embodiments, the lever 1106 is configured such that
when it is moved or rotated to the first position, the effective
width of the tripod adapter 1100, distance 1142 between clips
1105A, 1105B, and/or the gap 1144 between the first and second
portions 1102, 1104 is increased as the first portion 1102 is
extended away (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrows 1108)
from the second portion 1104. When the lever 1106 is moved,
rotated, and/or released by the user to the second position, the
effective width of the tripod adapter 1100, distance 1142 between
clips 1105A, 1105B, and/or the gap 1144 between the first and
second portions 1102, 1104 is decreased relative to the first
position as the first portion 1102 is moved towards or along the
second portion 1024.
[0108] In some embodiments, the gap 1144 between the first and
second portions 1102, 1104 in the second position, is reduced
and/or eliminated such that wall portions or surfaces 1150A, 1150B
of the first and second portions 1102, 1104 respectively, contact
or are configured to contact each other. As illustrated in FIGS.
6A, 6B, these wall portions 1150A, 1150B can extend parallel to
each other and/or contact each other along a 90 degree angle (e.g.,
vertical axis). However, in other embodiments, the wall portions
1150A, 1150B can extend parallel to each other and/or contact each
other along a horizontal axis, or other non-zero angle (e.g., 45
degrees, etc).
[0109] In some embodiments, a portion or protrusion 1148 of the
head portion of the lever 1106 is configured to fit or enter into
the gap 1144, space, and/or area between wall portions 1150A and
1150B of the first and second portions 1102, 1104, as the lever
1106 is rotated and the tripod adapter 1100 moved from the second
position to the first position. The portion 1148 pushes or presses
against the wall portions 1150A, 1150B as the lever 1106 is rotated
to the first position to extend the wall portions 1150A, 1150B away
from each other, effectively increasing the gap 1144. As the lever
1106, is moved back or released to the second position, the portion
1148 is rotated, moved, or exited out of the gap 1144 and out of
contact with the wall portions 1150A, 1150B, effectively decreasing
or eliminating the gap 1144 resulting in the wall portions 1150A,
1150B moving towards each other and returning to the second
position. The first and/or second portions 1102, 1104 can be
configured with a recess or cut-out 1132 generally following or
corresponding to the shape of the head portion of the lever 1106 to
accommodate movement of the head portion as the portion 1148
rotates in and out of the gap 1144 as the tripod adapter 1100 is
moved between the first and second positions.
[0110] As in other embodiments discussed above, one or more of the
tripod adapters 1100 can be attached or installed onto one or more
edges (e.g., top, bottom and/or sides) of the communication device
and/or case. For example, two tripod adapters 1100 can be attached
or installed onto a side of the case and a bottom edge,
respectively. In some embodiments, the tripod adapter 1100 is
configured to be secured or is secured to an opening or cut-out
portion positioned within or along a bottom edge of the case. One
or more edges or sides can include one or more complementary holes
or slots configured to receive engagement members of the first and
second portions 1102, 1104.
[0111] In some embodiments, the first and second portions 1102,
1104 include engagement members configured to be received in and
secured with complementary engagement members of the case and/or
communication device. For example, the first and second portions
1102, 1104 can include a pair of prongs, clips, or hooks 1105A,
1105B respectively. When the lever 1106 is in the open or first
position, the prongs 1105A, 1105B can be removed, received or
inserted into corresponding holes or slots in the case and/or
communication device. When the lever 1106 is moved to or released
to the closed, secured, or second position, the prongs 1105A, 1105B
are oriented such that when they are received within the holes or
slots they impart or apply a compressive force to a wall portion of
the holes or slots to secure the adapter 1100 to the communication
device and/or case.
[0112] In some embodiments, a portion of the lever 1106, such as an
oblique end and/or shaft or body, can be pivoted or otherwise moved
and then nested into, received or otherwise connected with a notch,
recess, cut-out 1146 (e.g., channel formed between top and bottom
flanges) of the first or second portions 1102, 1104 into a securing
or nested position. The lever 1106 can be received in the notch
1146 such that the lever overlaps with the first and/or second
portions 1102, 1104 in a generally vertical plane. This can provide
an improved compact appearance or look of the adapter 1100. The
lever 1104 can be securely engaged in the securing position in a
removable manner by way of any appropriate removable securing
structure, such as a clip, snap, or otherwise. In some embodiments,
a biasing mechanism connected to the first and/or second portions
1102, 1104 can maintain the lever in the secured or second position
when the lever 1106 is released by the user.
[0113] In some embodiments, as illustrated, the lever 1106 is
securely engaged in the securing position (e.g., second position)
by producing an alignment between a plurality of apertures (not
shown) on the lever 1106 and on one of the first or second portions
of the tripod adapter 1100. The apertures can comprise internal
threads configured to threadably receive a screw or bolt or other
elongate connecting member into each of the apertures to secure the
tripod adapter 1100 to the mobile device case or to the
communication device itself and to simultaneously secure the first
and second portions 1102, 1104 of the tripod adapter 1100 to each
other. In some embodiments, the apertures are configured to be a
tripod mount to receive an engagement structure of a tripod. In
such a configuration, when a tripod engagement structure is
threaded or inserted into the apertures, the tripod engagement
structure secures or is configured to secure the tripod adapter
1100 to the case and/or to the communication device itself and
simultaneously secures or is configured to secure the lever 1106
and the first and second portions 1102, 1104 of the tripod adapter
1100 to each other.
[0114] In some embodiments, the tripod adapter 1100 includes a
biasing mechanism (e.g., spring) configured to bias the first and
second portions 1102, 1104 together back to the second position
from the first position when the lever 1106 is released by a
user.
[0115] Additional embodiments of a clip-on tripod adapter may
include an actuator such as a dial or a lever that pivots or
rotates laterally or otherwise moves about one end of the tripod
adapter, partially extending a first portion of the tripod adapter
away from a second portion of the tripod adapter in the process and
allowing the tripod adapter to be coupled to a case and/or
communication device. In some embodiments, a rack-and-pinion
moveable connection between the actuator and the second portion can
provide the movement between the first and second portions. As
illustrated, in some embodiments, the first portion of the tripod
adapter can include a clip, clasp, or other protruding or securing
portion. The lever can then be pivoted or rotated in the opposite
direction, partially retracting the clip and securing the tripod
adapter to the case.
[0116] Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context
of a certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions
extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. It is also contemplated that
various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features
and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within
the scope of these inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood
that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can
be combine with or substituted for one another in order to form
varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended
that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein
disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed
embodiments described above.
* * * * *