Protective case for coupling communication devices to a mobile device

#The present disclosure relates to smartphone protective cases that allow bundling of multiple communication devices in a handheld form that can operate without detuning or degradation of signal.

#One object of this disclosure is to create a case that allows for porting two or more communication devices in the same small unit for increased convenience while securing the communication devices in such a manner that the presence of one communication device does not detune any other. In that manner, the present protective case is typically made of durable hard material that can be secured by a lip or other means around a smartphone to house a satellite communication device or other communication device such that the devices are substantially immobile relative to one other and physically separates the housing of the smartphone from the satellite or other communication device. The satellite communication device, for example, is thereby placed at a location where the signal will not be blocked by normal usage. This application incorporates by reference as if fully disclosed herein Provisional Patent Application No. 61/713,155.

#FIG. 1 is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the protective case in its environment showing through the front face an exemplary cell phone (smartphone).

#FIG. 2 is a back view of an embodiment of the protective case.

#FIG. 3 is one side view of an embodiment of the protective case.

#Smartphones and satellite communication devices exist, but no product integrates two or more devices into a convenient case that ensures all devices work properly without any communication device having reduced communication ability while giving the user the cost-saving benefit of integrating an already-owned smartphone into a single case capable of communicating over multiple paths for example cellular and satellite paths.

#One example is shown in the application Ser. No. 12/957,767 to Ritter. There, an SMS satellite is shown attached device to the back of an iPhone. Ritter does not solve the problem of reduced degradation of signal, Ritter also does not control the location of the user's hand so as to not block the transmissions satellite communication device's nor does it disclose the proper arrangement of the satellite communication device within the case to prevent detuning of the satellite communication device signal.

#Hybrid devices that use both cellular communication and satellite communication paths exist, such as the TERRESTAR GENUS. The TERRESTAR GENUS product does not offer the benefit of allowing the user to combine the functionality of the two communication systems when the user already owns a device capable of communicating over one communication path.