Adaptor for portable electronic devices

Abstract

An adaptor that attaches to a portable electronic device and is configured to removably receive a user-chosen accessory and that supports the portable electronic device on or to a structure is disclosed. The adaptor allows for the use of different accessories with the portable electronic device, thus providing a level of customization for the user. The adaptor includes a mounting member for supporting the adaptor to the portable electronic device, a body, and at least one receiving bracket supported on the body, the receiving bracket removably attaching the accessory to the adaptor. The mounting member defines a slot sized to receive a grip that is attached to the portable electronic device. The side edges of the mounting member are spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow the grip device to be slid or otherwise received into slot in snug engagement with the side edges so that the adaptor does not disengage from the portable electronic device unintentionally.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adaptor that removably attaches to a portable electronic device, the adaptor comprising:
 a body having a front surface and an opposing back surface;   a mounting member including a slot bounded by two opposing side edges, the slot being configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of a grip device supported on the portable electronic device;   a flexible accessory supported by the body and configured to be formed into a variety of shapes and constructed to support the portable electronic device;   wherein during use the grip device is received within the slot of the mounting member to support the portable electronic device on the body and the flexible accessory is formed into one of a stand to support the portable electronic device on a surface or a support that at least partially wraps around an object during use.   
     
     
         2 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the adaptor is rotatable around the grip device so as to position the portable electronic device at any angle. 
     
     
         3 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the two opposing side edges of the mounting member are connected by a lower edge having one of a straight or curved shape. 
     
     
         4 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible accessory is removably supported on the body. 
     
     
         5 . The adaptor of  claim 4 , wherein the flexible accessory includes a tubular shape, a first end and a second end, each end being received within one of the at least one receiving brackets. 
     
     
         6 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes at least one receiving arm constructed and arranged to support the flexible accessory. 
     
     
         7 . The adaptor of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one receiving arm supports at least one receiving bracket constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the flexible accessory. 
     
     
         8 . The adaptor of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one receiving arm and the at least one receiving bracket are a unitary structure. 
     
     
         9 . The adaptor of  claim 7 , wherein the flexible accessory includes a tubular shape, a first end and a second end, each end being received within one of the at least one receiving brackets. 
     
     
         10 . An adaptor kit for removably attaching to a portable electronic device, the adaptor kit comprising:
 a grip device including a base constructed and arranged to be supported by a back surface of the portable electronic device;   an adaptor including:   a body including a front surface and a back surface;   a mounting member including a slot bounded by two opposing side edges supported by the body, the slot being configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of the grip device;   a flexible accessory supported by the body and configured to be formed into a variety of shapes and constructed to support the portable electronic device;   wherein during use the flexible accessory is formed into one of a stand to support the portable electronic device on a surface or a support that at least partially wraps around an object and supports the portable electronic device.   
     
     
         11 . The adaptor kit of  claim 10 , wherein the adaptor is rotatable around the grip device so as to position the portable electronic device at any angle. 
     
     
         12 . The adaptor kit of  claim 10 , wherein the grip device further includes a button and a receiving portion connecting the button and the base. 
     
     
         13 . The adaptor kit of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible accessory is removably supported on the body. 
     
     
         14 . The adaptor kit of  claim 13 , wherein the body includes at least one receiving arm constructed and arranged to support the flexible accessory. 
     
     
         15 . The adaptor kit of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one receiving arm supports at least one receiving bracket constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the flexible accessory. 
     
     
         16 . The adaptor kit of  claim 15 , wherein the flexible accessory includes a tubular shape, a first end and a second end, each end being received within one of the at least one receiving brackets.