15 patents in this list

Updated:

In the world of mobile devices, phone cases have evolved beyond mere protection to become versatile platforms for accessory attachment. Professionals and everyday users alike demand cases that offer seamless integration with various peripherals, from grips to card holders. The challenge lies in designing cases that accommodate these needs without compromising on the device's aesthetics or functionality.

Engineers and designers face the task of creating attachment systems that are both secure and easy to use. Magnetic systems, modular designs, and retractable features are just a few of the solutions being explored. These innovations must balance durability with user convenience, all while ensuring that accessories can be attached and removed effortlessly.

This page delves into a range of patented solutions, showcasing cases that feature magnetic attachments, customizable tracks, and integrated card holders. These designs aim to enhance user experience by providing reliable and accessible options for accessory attachment, ensuring that mobile devices remain functional and stylish in any setting.

1. Mobile Device Protective Case with Detachable Sidewall for Peripheral Attachment and Ruggedized Dual-Housing Design

MobileDemand LC, 2023

Protective case for mobile devices like tablets or smartphones that enables efficient ruggedization, peripheral attachment, and protection against drops while maintaining compatibility with modular peripherals like keyboards, barcode scanners, etc. The case has a flexible rubberized housing partially enclosed by a rigid housing. The rigid housing has a detachable sidewall that can cover and protect peripheral ports when not in use. The sidewall can be removed to attach peripherals like keyboards directly.

US20230163799A1-patent-drawing

2. Magnetic Gripping Accessory with Recessed Housing for Secondary Magnetic Attachment

Marco Donna, 2023

A magnetic gripping accessory that attaches to portable electronic devices like phones and tablets to provide a handle and stand. The accessory has a magnetic element that allows it to be easily attached and detached from a device or case. It also has a recessed housing to hold a second magnetic element. This allows other accessories like keyrings to magnetically attach to the grip without interfering with device use.

US11632453B2-patent-drawing

3. Magnetic Removable Grip Accessory with Recessed Magnet for Additional Attachments

Marco DONNA, 2022

A removable grip accessory that attaches to electronic devices like phones and tablets. The grip has magnets to attach to metal cases or devices and also has a recessed magnet to attach additional accessories like a keyring. This allows the grip to be easily attached/detached and also lets other accessories be added without removing the grip.

US20220353359A1-patent-drawing

4. Strap Unit with Movable Clip and Retractable Mechanism for Device Attachment

Vitec Imaging Solutions S.p.A., 2022

A strap unit for electronic devices that allows users to hold and stabilize their device securely and also attach it to tripods and other accessories. The strap attaches to the device case and has a moveable clip. This clip can slide along a fixed path to expose a connector that can attach to a tripod or other accessory. The strap can be retracted when not in use.

US20220312916A1-patent-drawing

5. Device Strap with Sliding Attachment Mechanism for Tripod Connectivity

Vitec Holdings Italia SRL, 2022

A device strap with an attachment mechanism that allows users to securely hold electronic devices and attach them to tripods or other accessories. The strap clips onto the device case and can slide along a fixed path to expose a clip that connects to a tripod. This provides a more secure grip on the device and allows it to be conveniently attached to tripods and other accessories.

6. Smartphone Card Holder Attachment with Secure Slot and Flexible Insertion Clip

NITE IZE, INC., 2022

A smartphone card holder attachment allows users to carry IDs, credit cards, and transit passes directly on the back of the phone. The attachment has a secure slot to hold the cards and a flexible clip on one end that allows cards to be easily inserted and removed. It attaches to the phone using adhesive or a case.

7. Electronics Device Case with Track-Based Accessory Attachment System Featuring Ridges and Grooves

Kristopher Jon Soderstrom, Siegfried Lauren, 2022

Electronics device case with tracks for customizable accessory attachment. The case has tracks with ridges and grooves on the outside that allow accessories with complementary protrusions to be attached at any position along the tracks. The ridges have recesses that lock the protrusions into place. This provides a convenient way to attach and remove accessories like wallets, keys, and more to a device case.

US20220151354A1-patent-drawing

8. Protective Case with Modular Attachment Points and Rear Compartment for Accessory Integration

Andre Lamont Chenier, 2022

This is a protective case for mobile devices that provides modular, customizable attachment points for accessories. The case has an inner and outer wall that forms a rear compartment on the back of the device. The rear compartment has multiple slots to receive adaptor modules that allow connecting the case to various peripherals. The modular design allows attaching diverse accessories to the case simultaneously without needing to remove the case.

9. Modular Phone Case with Rail System for Interchangeable Cosmetic and Storage Attachments

Innovative Music, LLC, 2021

Reversible modular phone case with interchangeable makeup accessories that allow users to customize their phone case with different cosmetic features and storage options. The phone case has a rail system to attach removable makeup and storage attachments. Users can swap out attachments like blush, mirrors, storage compartments, etc., to change their phone case's cosmetic appearance and functionality.

10. Modular Protective Case with Rear Compartment for Accessory Integration

Andre Lamont CHENIER, 2020

A modular protective case for electronic devices like smartphones and tablets that enables seamless integration with various accessories without needing to be removed. The case has a rear compartment formed by an inner wall that contacts the device's back surface and an outer wall. The rear compartment provides mating structures that allow diverse accessories and peripherals to be attached to the protective case with a high degree of modularity, easy accessibility, and functionality.

11. Credit Card Holder with Flexible Clip and Smartphone Attachment

NITE IZE, INC., 2020

A slim credit card holder that can be attached to the back of a smartphone. The holder has a slot for cards and a flexible clip that can be pressed away from a lip to insert and remove cards. The clip snaps back to secure the cards in place.

US20200138157A1-patent-drawing

12. Protective Phone Case with Detachable Quick Release Grip Handle

Jeffrey Overall, 2020

A quick release grip for a protective phone case that helps with smartphone photography. It allows users to quickly attach and detach a grip handle to their smartphone case. This gives users a comfortable grip and better control of their phone while taking photos or videos. The grip can be released and removed when not needed, allowing the phone to fit easily in a pocket or bag.

US20200076936A1-patent-drawing

13. Mobile Device Case with Adjustable Track-Based Retractable Strap Grip

Jarrod Mallory, Marianne Mallory, 2019

Case for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets that provides a customizable finger grip to prevent dropping. The case has openings to attach a flexible strap that can slide and adjust to form a loop grip. The strap can be positioned along a track to find the optimum grip size. This provides a secure grip for large devices and one-handed use. The strap can also retract flat against the case when not in use.

14. Protective Cover with Stepped Through Hole and Annular Protrusion Attachment Mechanism

EVOLUTIVE LABS CO., LTD., 2019

Protective cover assembly for handheld devices like smartphones that has an embedded attachment feature for removable accessory units. The protective cover has a through hole with a stepped interior wall. An attachment member can be inserted into the hole to provide an attachment point for accessories. The attachment member has a base plate with an annular protrusion that fits into the stepped portion of the hole. The protrusion can secure an accessory unit to the cover.

US10349716B2-patent-drawing

15. Phone Case with Railing System for Interchangeable Cosmetic Accessory Attachments

Innovative Music, LLC, 2018

Phone case with interchangeable makeup accessories that attach to the case providing adjustable storage and customizable cosmetic features for users. The case has a railing system that allows various attachments like makeup containers, brushes, mirrors etc. to be reversibly coupled to the case. This allows users to change the cosmetic appearance of the case and also provide storage for makeup and accessories.

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Many innovative approaches for fastening accessories to phone cases are demonstrated in these patents. More intriguing and practical ways to customize and improve the operation of mobile phones should become available as these technologies advance through better case attachment options.