Abstract:
A case for holding an electronic device includes a body having a void for holding the electronic device. The void approximately replicates the shape of the electronic device such that a face of the electronic device is not substantially surrounded by the body. The body has tabs configured to contact a portion of the face of the electronic device and hold the electronic device in the void such that it is held in place. The body has a flexible body portion, the flexible body portion defined by a cut in the body, dividing the body into a hinge portion and a main body. The hinge portion is configured to be flexed away from the main body to provide a direction that the electronic device is slidably removed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/196,762 filed Aug. 2, 2011. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/196,725 filed Aug. 2, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/247,523 filed Oct. 8, 2008. All of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as though fully disclosed herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Cases for mobile phones, tablet PCs, and other portable electronic devices are commonly used to provide protection for the device, attachment to various objects, and decoration. Such devices typically are expensive and somewhat prone to damage from being dropped or from other impact. Therefore, users commonly employ screen protectors and cases in order to protect their investment in their phone, tablet PC, or other portable electronic device. 
         [0003]    Cases typically come in two varieties. In one variety, the case is a non-rigid material that must be stretched to fit over the electronic device. In another variety, the case is extremely rigid. In both cases, taking off the case may require significant effort in terms of stretching the case or snapping a rigid case on and off. A loose fitting non-rigid case may provide for some degree of ease of removal, but since it is the case that is non-rigid, the impact protection would be minimal. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, a case for holding an electronic device includes a semi-rigid body having a rear face, a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall, with the top, bottom, left, and right sidewalls forming an approximately rectangular shape. The rear face is approximately perpendicular to the top, bottom, left, and right sidewalls and spans between the top, bottom, left, and right sidewalls. The left and right sidewalls have a first and second flexible body portion break. The first flexible body portion break begins at a first edge of the right sidewall. The first edge is distal from the rear face. The first flexible body portion break extends into the rear face through the right sidewall. The second flexible body portion break begins at a second edge of the left sidewall. The second edge is distal from the rear face. The second flexible body portion break extends into the rear face through the left sidewall. The first and second flexible body portion break form a flexible body portion of the semi-rigid body, including the top sidewall. The flexible body portion may also be referred to as a cantilevered body portion. The flexible body portion has an attachment point that connects the flexible body portion, configured to allow the flexible body portion piece to flex away from the rear face causing the top sidewall to un-align from the approximately rectangular shape. The flexible body portion bends along its length from the attachment point to its end. In an alternative, a living hinge may be used at the attachment point and the living hinge will bend instead of the entirety of the flexible body portion. A living hinge is a highly flexible portion of the body. In one alternative, the semi-rigid body includes top, bottom, left, and right tabs extending perpendicular from the top, bottom, left, and right sidewalls, respectively, distal from the rear face, the left and right tabs forming a guide configured to guide a first and second edge of the electronic device inserted into the case when the flexible body portion is flexed away from the rear face, the bottom tab configured to receive a third edge of the electronic device, the top tab configured to snap-fit over a fourth edge of the electronic device when the electronic device is placed in the case and the flexible body portion is flexed back to align with the approximately rectangular shape. In another alternative, the semi-rigid body includes top, bottom, left, and right rear tabs extending perpendicular from the top, bottom, left, and right sidewalls, respectively, proximate to the rear face, the left and right tabs and the left and right rear tabs cooperating to form the guide. Optionally, the left and right tabs and the rear face cooperate to form the guide. Alternatively, the semi-rigid body includes a plurality of apertures configured to provide access to parts of the electronic device. Optionally, the semi-rigid body is a single piece of material. In one alternative, the semi-rigid body includes a first, second, and third aperture for receiving an attachment, the first, second, and third apertures located within the rear face; and the semi-rigid body includes a first and second attachment support member, the first attachment support member oriented between the first and second apertures and the second attachment support member oriented proximate to the third aperture. Optionally, the attachment includes a first and second attachment tab, the first attachment tab configured on the attachment to align with the first and second apertures such that a portion of the first attachment tab fits in the second aperture and is engaged by the first attachment support member, and the second attachment tab is configured on the attachment to align with the third aperture and engage the second attachment support member. In one option, the portion of the first attachment tab is wedge-shaped such that, when advanced in the first aperture towards the first attachment tab, the portion wedges under the first attachment tab until it reaches the second aperture. In one alternative, the first attachment support and first and second apertures are configured such that, when the portion of the first attachment tab is depressed, the first attachment tab is slidable and when the portion of the first attachment tab is protruding in the second aperture, the first attachment tab is not slidable. Optionally, the attachment includes a clip. Optionally, the attachment includes a carabineer. Optionally, the attachment includes an arm band. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, a case for holding an electronic device includes a body having a void for holding the electronic device. The void approximately replicates the shape of the electronic device such that a face of the electronic device is not substantially surrounded by the body. The body has tabs configured to contact a portion of the face of the electronic device and hold the electronic device in the void such that it is held in place. The body has a flexible body portion, the flexible body portion defined by a cut in the body, dividing the body into a hinge portion and a main body. The hinge portion is configured to be flexed away from the main body to provide a direction that the electronic device is slidably removed. Optionally, a first portion of the tabs are a part of the hinge portion of the body and are configured to snap fit over the electronic device in order to secure the electronic device when the hinge portion is not flexed away from the main body. Alternatively, a second portion of the tabs are part of the main body and form a guide for slidably removing the device. Optionally, the second portion of the tabs cooperates with the main body to form the guide. Optionally, the body includes rear tabs wherein the second portion of the tabs cooperates with the rear tabs to form the guide. Optionally, the body is formed from a single piece of material. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a case for holding an electronic device includes a body for holding the electronic device including a first, second, and third aperture for receiving an attachment. The first, second, and third apertures are located within the rear face. The body includes a first and second attachment support member. The first attachment support member is oriented between the first and second apertures, and the second attachment support member is oriented proximate to the third aperture. The attachment includes a first and second attachment tab. The first attachment tab is configured on the attachment to align with the first and second apertures such that a portion of the first attachment tab fits in the second aperture and is engaged by the first attachment support member. The second attachment tab is configured on the attachment to align with the third aperture and engage the second attachment support member. The portion of the first attachment tab is wedge-shaped such that, when advanced in the first aperture towards the first attachment tab, the portion wedges under the first attachment tab until it reaches the second aperture. Optionally, the first attachment support and first and second apertures are configured such that, when the portion of the first attachment tab is depressed, the first attachment tab is slidable, and when the portion of the first attachment tab is protruding in the second aperture, the first attachment tab is not slidable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a case with a flexible body portion; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the case of  FIG. 1  with the flexible body portion flexed; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a case with a flexible body portion; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of the case of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of an attachment for a case; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  shows a rear perspective view of the attachment of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the attachment of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the attachment of  FIG. 7  interconnected with the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   c  show one embodiment of an attachment member with an integrated aperture for a strap; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 11   a  with the strap inserted; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  show exploded views of one embodiment of an attachment member for holding credit cards; 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 13   a  assembled; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  show an embodiment of an attachment with integrated gear tie and release tab; 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  shows another embodiment of an attachment with an elastic strap and integrated gear tie; 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  shows the attachment of  FIG. 16  arranged as a stand; 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  shows the attachment of  FIG. 16  arranged as a stand including the mobile phone case; 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  shows the attachment of  FIG. 16  arranged for insertion into the vent of a vehicle; 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  shows an embodiment of a receiving attachment including gear ties; 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  shows the receiving attachment of  FIG. 20  arranged for insertion into the vent of a vehicle; 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  shows the receiving attachment of  FIG. 19  arranged as a stand; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b  show an embodiment of an attachment including a carabineer and elastic strap; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 24   a - 24   c  show an exploded and stripped down view of the attachment of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 25  shows an embodiment of an attachment including a modified clip; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 26  shows an embodiment of an attachment for fitting with a tripod; 
           [0033]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a case with a flexible body portion; 
           [0034]      FIG. 28  shows another embodiment of an attachment for receiving gear ties or other flexible rods; 
           [0035]      FIG. 29  shows a perspective view an embodiment of a receiving attachment, for receiving a clip, including attachment areas gear ties or other flexible rod; 
           [0036]      FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of the underside of the receiving attachment of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 31  shows an exploded view of one embodiment of an attachment member for holding credit cards; 
           [0038]      FIG. 32  show one embodiment of an attachment member with an integrated aperture for a strap; 
           [0039]      FIG. 33  shows the case of  FIG. 27  integrated with the attachment of  FIG. 28  including gear ties; 
           [0040]      FIG. 34  shows the case of  FIG. 27  integrated with the attachment of  FIG. 28  without gear ties; 
           [0041]      FIG. 35  shows the attachment of  FIG. 28  including gear ties; 
           [0042]      FIG. 36  shows an alternative embodiment of a case with a flexible body portion. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0043]    Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments of a case with a flexible body portion. In the drawings, the same reference letters are employed for designating the same elements throughout the several figures. 
         [0044]    The words “right”, “left”, “front”, and “back” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the case with flexible body portion and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. The proportions of the drawings are reflective of the electronic devices that they are designed to fit and the drawings generally reflect scaled up or scaled down proportional representations of these cases. 
         [0045]    Like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the various views and with particular reference to each of  FIGS. 1-10  as delineated below. 
         [0046]    Embodiments of a case with flexible body portion include a case that provides for easy insertion of an electronic device while providing for durability and the attachment of multiple connectors. The case with flexible body portion can be used for a variety of electronic devices including, but not limited to, touch screen phones, tablet PCs, MP3 players, music players and PDAs. The design of the case provides for easy access to the touch screen while protecting and providing shock absorption to the rest of the phone. A semi-rigid plastic is used that is rigid enough to dissipate impacts but provides for some flexibility of the flexible body portion. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 1-3  show one embodiment of a case with a flexible body portion  100  from different views. Case  100  includes side holding tabs  110 , bottom holding tabs  115 , and top holding tabs  120 . These holding tabs extend from side wall  125  making up the bottom, left, and right sidewalls, and hinge sidewall  130  making up the top sidewall. Case  100  includes back wall  135  which includes clip attachment cutouts  140 ,  150 ,  146 . Although these areas are shown as cutouts, in alternatives, the body of the case could be solid while still including clip attachment supports  147  and  152 . The case  100  further includes clip attachment supports  147  and  152 . Case  100  includes numerous ports in the edge of the case providing access to buttons, inlets for power cords, and other access. Ports  161  and  162  provide for access to the camera lens and flash. The area surrounding Ports  161 ,  162  may be colored in order to minimize light emanating from the flash of the electronic device from being colored during operation. The coloring may be black and opaque or may be a variety of different colors depending on desired operation and the black and opaque configuration will provide for minimum interference from the coloring of the case. Port  163  provides access to a head phone jack. Port  164  provides for access to the on/off switch. Port  165  provides access to the lock button. Ports  166 ,  167  provide access to the volume controls of the device. Ports  168 ,  170  provide access to the speakers of the device for speaker phone operation. Port  169  provides access to the charging and dataport. The particular case  100  shown is for the iPhone  4 ®. Alternative embodiments of a case with a flexible body portion have different configurations of ports and different shape and sizing from case  100 . 
         [0048]    Cut  155  creates a flexible body portion in the back wall  135  of the case at attachment point  156 . The flexible body portion may also be referred to a cantilevered body portion. Cut  155  allows the case to flex. In operation, flexible body portion defined by attachment point  156 , cut  155  and the upper edge of the case is flexed out of line with back wall  135 . This allows for an electronic device (iPhone 4®) to be slid into the case between holding tabs  110 , down to holding tabs  115 . Flexible body portion then may be flexed back towards back wall  135 .  FIG. 4  shows the position of the flexible body portion in a back-flexed position. Holding tabs  120  snap over the edge of the electronic device, securing the electronic device into case  100 . In this arrangement, when flexible body portion is flexed, holding tabs  110  function as rails to easily slide the electronic device into case  100 . Two additional advantages result from this arrangement. In a case that stretches and flexes to fit over the electronic device, a high degree of flexibility in the case is required. This lessens the effectiveness of the case to protect the electronic device from impact. Case  100  has a significant degree of rigidity; therefore, an impact to the side of the case will transfer the force along the frame of case  100 . If the case was less rigid, the force would not be easily transferred along the case. A rigid case without a flexible body portion would not provide for rapid insertion and removal of the electronic device without the usage of multiple pieces. Case  100  is a single piece of material. A rigid case that snaps on requires significant pressure and force in order to snap it on and off. Case  100 , therefore, may be significantly rigid, only requiring enough flexibility to bend at flexible body portion along the length of the flexible body portion, from the attachment point  156  to the upper end of the case  100 . In an alternative, a living hinge may be substituted in at attachment point  156  in which case the flexible body portion will bend much less during flexing and primarily the living hinge will bend. 
         [0049]    Holding tabs  110 ,  115 ,  120 , in addition to providing a rail for the insertion of the electronic device and holding the device in place, may provide additional thickness and, therefore, rigidity to case  100 . Additionally, the portion of holding tabs  110 ,  115 ,  120  that sit on the front of the electronic device (the screen or touch screen portion) prevent the face of the electronic device from touching or impacting a flat surface upon which the electronic device is placed or dropped. Holding tabs  110 ,  115 ,  120  in  FIGS. 1-4  have a front and back tab portion allowing for merely the tabs to guide the insertion of the electronic device as opposed to the front tab portion and the back wall  135 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show an alternative embodiment of a case, case  500 . In this embodiment, the case has many similar features to case  100 . Note the differing shape of case  500  that corresponds to a differently shaped electronic device (in this case, an iPod Touch). The examples given are just two possibilities in a wide variety of possibilities. Most cases will have an essentially rectangular front face. In case  100 , the front and rear faces are essentially rectangular, and the sides are essentially perpendicular. In case  500 , the front face is essentially rectangular, but the sides are not perpendicular and, instead, are tapered or angled. Essentially, a case according to this disclosure may be made for any shape electronic device that can be slid in and out when the flexible body portion is flexed. In alternative embodiments, the case may be sized and shaped for a variety of electronic devices including touch screen phones, games, music players, PDAs and tablet computers (such as the iPad®). In the case of the iPad®, the holding tabs are easily sized and placed such that they do not interfere with the magnetic cover for the face of the iPad®. Due to the differences between the electronic devices for case  100  and case  500 , holding tabs  110 ,  115 ,  120  are modified in case  500 . Holding tabs  110 ,  115 ,  120  only provide a front tab portion and rely on back wall (rear face)  535  to provide the other side of the guide for the electronic device. Note that in case  500  and case  100 , the holding tabs are oriented at ports or openings for the various buttons and connection points of the device. In  FIG. 5 , charging and dataport  520  coincides with holding tab  115 . Openings  510 ,  515  which coincide with the speaker and transmitter of the electronic device, coincide with additional holding tabs  510 . Opening  530  is for the camera lens of the electronic device and, in this case, no flash is utilized. 
         [0051]    Both embodiments of the case shown include an attachment point for a holder (also known as “attachment”). In some embodiments, this holder is a clip as shown in  FIGS. 7-10 . In one alternative, the clip portion may be replaced with a connection for one or more Gear Ties, described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/247,523, filed Oct. 8, 2008, and entitled “Tie Wrap For Bundling Objects,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. In another alternative, an S-biner may be integrated into the holder described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/770,470, filed Jun. 28, 2007, and entitled “Hook,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. In another alternative, an arm band may be integrated into the attachment. In another alternative, a lariat may be integrated into the attachment. In other alternatives, combinations of the above and other connection systems may be integrated into the attachment. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 7-10  show one embodiment of attachment  700  for case  100  or case  500 . Attachment  700  includes a body  705  and a clip portion  710 . Body  705  includes a first attachment tab  715  including a wedge  720  and a second attachment tab  725  oriented in depression  730 . Attachment  700  further includes gripping protrusions  735 . The clip portion  710  includes two apertures at the top for attaching a hook, clip, S-Biner®, or other hook like item. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 9 , in order to connect the clip, wedge portion  720  and second attachment tab  725  are positioned on side  148  of attachment supports  147  and  152  and advanced such that they pass under attachment supports  147  and  152 . In the case of second attachment tab  725 , it merely sits under attachment support  152 . The wedge portion of attachment support  715  passes under attachment support  147 , and the wedge portion  720  protrudes on opening  146  on the other side. This locks attachment  700  in place. In order to release attachment  700 , a user simply depresses wedge portion  720  and reverses attachment  700 .  FIG. 10  shows attachment  700  attached to case  100 . In one alternative additional attachment supports may be used on the back of the case  100  (or other cases described herein). These supports ( 1  or more) may be located on either side of cut  155  and may accommodate additional tabs from an attachment. Located outside of cut  155  on the main body, these supports may reduce opening pressure on the flexible body portion. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   c  show another embodiment of an attachment  1100 . This attachment includes a body  1105 . Body  1105  includes a first attachment tab  1115  including a wedge  1120  and a second attachment tab  1125  oriented in depression  1130 . This embodiment further includes a loop slot  1190 . Loop slot  1190  can receive a loop, belt, arm strap, or other strap.  FIG. 12  shows the attachment  1100  oriented on case  1200  with an arm strap  1210  in loop slot  1190 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  show another embodiment of an attachment  1300 . This attachment includes a body  1305 . Body  1305  includes a first attachment tab  1315  including a wedge  1320  and a second attachment tab  1325  oriented in depression  1330 . Body  1305  includes a rectangular slot  1350  oriented in the body. Rectangular slot  1350  is shaped and sized to hold credit cards or other cards. The attachment includes insert  1355 . Insert  1355  has attachment tabs  1360  which have a cut out behind them to provide for flexibility. Tabs  1360  insert into holes  1370  to hold insert  1355  in rectangular slot  1350 . When tabs  1360  are depressed, they will release insert  1355 . Spring  1365  is designed to hold cards inserted into rectangular slot  1350 . This configuration provides for a single mobile phone card carrying case combination.  FIG. 14  shows the completed configuration. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  show another embodiment of an attachment, gear tie stand  1500 . This attachment includes a body  1505 . Body  1505  includes a first attachment tab  1515  including a wedge  1520  and a second attachment tab  1525  oriented in depression  1530 . Body  1505  includes a release tab  1550 . Release tab  1550  may be sized as shown or may be sized to be bigger or smaller depending on desired characteristics. Release tab  1550  is configured to press on first attachment tab  1515  to enable easy release of body  1505  from case  100  or case  500 . Release tab  1550  is bendably interconnected (optionally as part of a one-piece construction) to body  1505 . Body  1505  includes cylindrical holders  1555  and  1565 . Cylindrical holders  1555  are adapted to receive a gear tie  1560  as shown. Optionally, other flexible ties that hold their shape may be used. Cylindrical holders  1555  include an aperture that is less than the width of gear tie  1560  such that the cylindrical holders  1555  flex and bend to receive gear tie  1560  and hold it firmly in place. Cylindrical holder  1565  is for folding and storing gear tie  1560 . Gear tie  1560  is flexible and holds its position due to its wire core. The friction provided by gear tie  1560  allows it to be held in a variety of places, including the vents of a vehicle. By placing the ends of gear tie  1560  into the vent and bending them, the gear tie stand  1500 , the body  1505 , and attached case  100  or  500  may be easily mounted in a vehicle. The gear tie  1560  shown in  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  is shown to have an extended length; however, in preferred embodiments, it may be shorter. 
         [0056]      FIG. 16  shows another embodiment of a gear tie stand with strap  1600 . This attachment includes a body  1605 . Body  1605  includes a first attachment tab  1615  including a wedge  1650  and a second attachment tab (not shown). An elastic strap  1635  provides for the attachment of the gear tie stand  1600  to the hand of the user, when inserted between body  1605  and strap  1635 . Cylindrical holders  1655 ,  1656  include an aperture that is less than the width of gear tie  1660  such that the cylindrical holders  1655  flex and bend to receive gear tie  1660  and hold it firmly in place. Cylindrical holders  1655 ,  1656  open in different directions in order to provide for easy of use and flexibility. As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , by bending gear tie  1660  away from bottom cylindrical holders  1656 , an upright stand is formed. As shown in  FIG. 19 , by bending the loose ends of gear tie  1660  away from bottom cylindrical holders  1656 , another stand may be formed, as well as an extension for bending the gear tie  1660  into the vent of a vehicle as described above.  FIG. 19  shows the flat version of a gear tie stand with strap  1600 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 20  shows receiving attachment  2000  for integrating with attachment  700  or similar attachment. Clip portion  710  is sized to integrate into clip aperture  2010  oriented in body  2005 . In some embodiments, clip portion  710  may include a tab at the bottom for locking clip portion  710  into clip aperture  2010 . Cylindrical holders  2055 ,  2056  include an aperture that is less than the width of gear tie  2060  such that the cylindrical holders  2055  flex and bend to receive gear tie  2060  and hold it firmly in place. Cylindrical holders  2055 ,  2056  open in different directions in order to provide for ease of use and flexibility. This configuration may be advantageous in that the receiving attachment  2000  may be mounted in a car vent or other area using the configuration shown in  FIG. 21 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , by bending gear tie  2060  away from bottom cylindrical holders  2056 , an upright stand is formed. In the above embodiments including a gear tie, both ends of the gear tie may be bent around a bar (such as the handle bars of a bike or other object). The cylindrical holders may be oriented in a variety of positions and a variety of number of holders may be utilized. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 23   a  and  23   b  show another embodiment of an attachment  2300  providing an integrated carabineer  2350 . An elastic strap  2335  provides for the attachment of attachment  2300  to the hand of the user, when inserted between body  2305  and strap  2335 . Body  2305  also includes strap slots  2360  and strap bar  2365 . This strap bar and strap slot configuration provides for the removal of the elastic strap  2335 . Generally, the tension provided by elastic strap  2335  will hold the strap bars  2365  in place. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 24   a - 24   c  show the gear tie stand with strap  1600  of  FIG. 16 . As is clearly shown, body  1605  includes a first and second aperture  2405  for receiving strap bar  2410 . Strap bar  2410  flexes for insertion into first and second aperture  2405 . In these figures, the gear tie  1660  has been removed. Due to the configuration, gear ties may be removed and replaced as desired. 
         [0060]      FIG. 25  shows another embodiment with a clip  2510  that may be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/327,563, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In one alternative, the rotating pieces of the clip are removed and a fixed clip is provided.  FIG. 26  shows another embodiment of an attachment  2600  mounted on a case  700 . Attachment  2600  includes various pieces similar to previous embodiments and includes a body  2605  having a raised edge  2610  for supporting tripod attachment apertures  2615  and  2620 , apertures  2615  providing for landscape view and apertures  2620  providing for upright view. 
         [0061]      FIG. 27  shows another embodiment of a case with a flexible body portion  2700 , which is similar in many respects to the case with a flexible body portion  100  of  FIGS. 1-3 . Some of the similar parts are labeled in  FIG. 27  and overall most parts are similar. Case  2700  also includes a diamond grip pattern  2710  on the sides of the case for an improved grip. Various other grip patterns or texturing may be used in alternatives. 
         [0062]      FIG. 28  shows an embodiment of an attachment, in this case a gear tie attachment  2800 . Gear tie attachment  2800  includes a body  2810  and a plurality of gear tie holders  2820 . Although  4  gear tie holders  2820  are shown, a different number either greater or smaller may be used in alternatives. This allows for the mounting of gear ties in two perpendicular positions. The gear tie attachment  2800  includes a first attachment tab  715  including a wedge  720  and a second attachment tab that is not shown since it is on the underside of the body  2810  in a similar arrangement as shown in  FIG. 7 . The aperture  2830  of gear tie holders  2820  is of a radius to accept a gear tie. In some alternatives the radius may be slightly less that that of a gear tie in order to hold the gear tie from sliding within the gear tie holder.  FIG. 33  shows the gear tie attachment  2800  attached to case  2700  and including gear ties  1560 , oriented in gear tie holders  2820 . In this configuration, the gear ties may be used to attaché the phone to various objects, such as the handle bars of a bike, or anything that the gear ties may wrap around.  FIG. 34  shows the gear tie attachment  2800  attached to case  2700  without gear ties.  FIG. 35  shows the gear tie attachment  2800  with gear ties  1560 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 31  shows another show another embodiment of an attachment  3100  similar to that shown in  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b . Case  3145  includes a first attachment tab  1315  including a wedge and a second attachment tab  1325 . Case  3145  includes a rectangular slot oriented in the body. The rectangular slot is shaped and sized to hold credit cards or other cards. The attachment includes insert  1320 . Insert  3120  has attachment tabs  3135  which have a cut out  3140  behind them to provide for flexibility. Tabs  3135  insert into holes at the bottom of case  3145 . Insert  3120  also includes spring tabs  3130  and wide hooks  3125 . Spring tabs  3130  fit into apertures  3150  when the insert  3120  is placed into case  3145 . wide hooks  3125  fit over receiving area  3155 . This configuration provides for a solid fit of insert  3120  into case  3145 . Spring  3115  and side walls  3110  are designed to hold cards inserted into the rectangular slot. This configuration provides for a single mobile phone card carrying case combination. 
         [0064]      FIG. 32  shows an embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 12  but with the case of  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 36  shows another embodiment very similar to the case of  FIG. 6 . Most parts are similar. Case  3600  also includes a diamond grip pattern  3610  on the sides of the case for an improved grip. Various other grip patterns or texturing may be used in alternatives. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 29 and 30  show a receiving attachment for integrating with attachment  700  or similar attachment. Clip portion  710  is sized to integrate into clip aperture  2010  having opening  2910 . In this embodiment, the receiving attachment includes gear tie supports  2915  which include an aperture  2920  for receiving and holding a gear tie, the radius of aperture  2920  being less that that of the main body of a gear tie in order to hold it firmly. The supports  2915  also include a lower support area  2925 , which is similarly configured to hold a gear tie oriented in it. The receiving attachment further includes a lower aperture  2930  for receiving the gear tie having similar characteristics to aperture  2920 . The back of the receiving attachment may also include an adhesive strip or other attachment mechanism for attaching to an object such as a dashboard. In alternatives, screws, Velcro or adhesive tape may also be used for example. 
         [0066]    In one embodiment, the attachment area has been removed to provide for a flat back which may allow for better display of graphics on the flat back portion. As is the case for all embodiments described herein, the flat back aspect may be integrated into any of the cases described herein. 
         [0067]    In one embodiment, case  2700  has been fitted with attachment  2800  that includes gear ties  1560  oriented in slots  2820 . The flexibility, hold, and friction provided by the gear ties  1560  allows for the case  2700  to be mounted on almost any type of surface that the gear ties  1560  can wrap around. In this configuration, the soft outer covering of the ties give and provide friction so that the case will not easily rotate. Twist point  3820  holds firmly. In this case, cylinder  3810  is representative of a bike handle bars. 
         [0068]    While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Note that, although particular embodiments are shown, features of each attachment may be interchanged between embodiments. In some embodiments, the cases shown may not include an attachment point for the various attachments included herein. Although the flexible body portion is shown in a specific configuration associated with the top of the case, a side flexible body potion may be used or a flexible body portion on any side the various cases shown. In some embodiments a rubber overmold may be added to the outer surface of the cases in order to provide for more drop/bump protection.