Patent Application
20210076810
The present invention generally relates to a finger grip, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a finger grip for a handheld device.
A handheld device includes a number of small computing devices that are small enough to be portable and/or held by a user while in operation (e.g., can conveniently be stored in a sufficiently sized pocket and used while fitting in the palm of the user). A handheld device may include tablet and other mobile computers, mobile and smart phones, calculators, handheld game consoles, portable media players, still or video cameras, personal navigation devices, and other mobile devices.
Present handheld or mobile devices are becoming powerful in terms of their computing power, and handheld devices are becoming acceptable replacements for larger desktop or even laptop computers as handheld devices are able to perform many of the same functions as with the larger computers. A generic handheld device may include a touch screen that acts both for the display output and the input (e.g., a user may input by directly touching contents on the touch screen or through a range of motions and/or gestures on the touch screen, a user may also input through a virtual keyboard displayed on the touch screen) similar to larger computers.
There are deficiencies with the related art. While handheld devices may include the functionalities of larger devices with more convenience (e.g., due to portability), there may be difficulties in realizing the convenience when operating the handheld devices due to a possible need to hold the handheld device (e.g., with one or both hands), thereby preventing or at least limiting a higher ability to input on the handheld device (e.g., tapping, typing, gesture, motions) while the hand is occupied to hold the handheld device. There may also be further limit on realizing further convenience when operating the handheld device such as a need to operate the handheld device with only one hand (e.g., the hand holding the handheld device) while the other hand may be occupied by another task.
Another deficiency is that handheld devices may be of various different shapes and sizes, and the non-uniformity in the shapes and sizes may make certain handheld devices unwieldy for certain users' hands. Further, larger handheld devices may be further unwieldy for users with smaller hands.
Accordingly, the invention is directed to a finger grip for handheld devices that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
An advantage of an embodiment is to provide convenient operation of a handheld device for a user while the user is holding the handheld device. A further advantage is to provide one-handed operation on the handheld device using the same hand that is holding the handheld device.
Another advantage of an embodiment is to facilitate a user's operation of a handheld device that is sized or shaped non-optimally for the user, allowing the user a larger selection of choices in handheld devices for his or her usage. For example, an embodiment may allow a user with smaller hands to be able to operate a larger handheld device that it would otherwise be able to use.
Yet another advantage of an embodiment is to provide for comfort and aesthetics on the handheld device while the finger grip is attached to the handheld device. A further advantage is to provide for simplicity and naturalness in the installation of the finger grip to the handheld device or in the usage of the finger grip on the handheld device. Another further advantage is to allow for convenient storage of the handheld device with the finger grip attached.
Yet another advantage of an embodiment is to provide for a natural stand for the handheld device in addition to the finger grip function while without increasing the size of the finger grip.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in the art will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended figures.
According to an embodiment, a finger grip attachable to a handheld device includes one or more finger slots, where each finger slot includes an edge and is configured to accommodate one or more lower fingers of a hand of a user, and where the edge is configured to provide a rest to the lower finger accommodated by the respective finger slot. The finger grip further includes a back of the finger grip for attaching the finger grip to a back of the handheld device, where a thumb of the hand has a reach on a range of the front of the handheld device when the lower fingers are accommodated by the finger slots in a position. The finger grip further includes a raised area configured for providing support to the hand. The finger slots are arranged at an angle. The back of the finger grip comprises an attachment for attaching the finger grip to the back of the handheld device, the attachment being one or more of: an adhesive attachment, a glue attachment, a magnetic attachment, and a hook-and-loop attachment. The finger grip further includes material being one or more of: foam, memory foam, and plastic. The finger grip comprises a composite material. The finger grip is configured to be attached to the back of the handheld device at an angle to a side of the handheld device. The finger grip is configured to be attached to the handheld device for a right hand or a left hand of the user. The finger grip further includes a design for a type of user.
In another embodiment, a method for assisting a user in operating a handheld device includes providing a finger grip for attachment to the handheld device, the finger grip comprising one or more finger slots, where each finger slot comprising an edge and a back of the finger grip for attaching the finger grip to a back of the handheld device, and attaching the finger grip to the back of the handheld device at a position where each finger slot is able to accommodate one or more lower fingers of a hand of the user, the edge of the respective finger slot accommodating the respective lower finger is able to provide a rest to the respective lower finger, and a thumb of the hand has a reach on a range of the front of the handheld device when the lower fingers are accommodated by the finger slots. The range includes a soft keypad area of a touch screen of the handheld device. The method further includes supporting the hand with a raised portion of the finger grip. The attaching includes attaching a back of the finger grip to the handheld device using one or more of: an adhesive attachment, a glue attachment, a magnetic attachment, and a hook-and-loop attachment. The attaching includes attaching the finger grip to the handheld device at an angle relative to a side of the handheld device. The attaching includes orienting the finger grip to the handheld device for operation for a right hand or a left hand.
In yet another embodiment, a kit for attaching a finger grip to a small or handheld object includes the finger grip. The finger grip includes one or more finger slots, where each finger slot includes an edge and is configured to accommodate one or more lower fingers of a hand of a user, and where the edge is configured to provide a rest to the lower finger accommodated by the respective finger slot. The finger grip further includes a back of the finger grip for attaching the finger grip to a back of the object, where a thumb of the hand has a reach on a range of the front of the object when the lower fingers are accommodated by the finger slots in a position. The kit further includes instructions for attaching the finger grip to the object. The instructions include one or more pre-determined orientation or position on the back of the object for the finger grip. The finger grip further includes a raised area configured for providing support to the hand. The back of the finger grip includes an attachment for attaching the finger grip to the back of the handheld device, the attachment being one or more of: an adhesive attachment, a glue attachment, a magnetic attachment, and a book-and-loop attachment. The instructions include a video.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.
It shall be understood that the term “means,” as used herein, shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.
The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible, utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
The accompanying figures, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Reference will now be made in additional detail to an embodiment of the present invention, example of which is illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Referring to
In an embodiment, each finger slot 110 may be separated by separations 130, which work to define the separation space and angle between each finger slot 110. For example, the separations 130 may be defined such that when the user's fingers are placed in the finger slots 110, the fingers (in conjunction with the user's hand) are spread out enough to provide ample support for holding the handheld device while the separations 130 is small enough to accommodate the comfort of the user's fingers and hand while placed in the finger slots 110 and holding the handheld device. In a preferred embodiment, each finger slot 110 is arranged and aligned in 35 degree angles from each other, the width of each finger slot 110 is 0.625″ to 0.725″ (e.g., the width may be variable along the length of the finger slot 110), and the separations 130 is sized and shaped to separate the finger slots 110 (e.g., the separations 130 fills the space between each finger slot 110 when the finger slots 110 are arranged and aligned in 35 degree angles from each other in an arc of a hypothetical circle with a radius of 2.639″). In alternative embodiments, the finger slots 110 and the separations 130 may be sized, shaped, arranged, and aligned in other measurements and dimensions as suitable for the user. In another embodiment, the finger slots 110 and the separations 130 may be customized for a particular user (e.g., measuring the user prior to the fabrication of the finger grip 100 or shaped prior to or during the use of the finger grip 100 for a user (e.g., the finger grip 100 being made of a shapeable material)) or may be pre-fabricated to fit a variety of users depending on hand and finger size, strength, dexterity, or other factors.
In an embodiment, the interior of the finger slots 110 (where the user places his or her fingers) may be further filled with a material (e.g., foam, rubber, plastic, or other materials) for providing further comfort and/or friction to the placed fingers.
In an embodiment, each finger slot 110 may include a relatively vertical edge 140 for accommodating the placement and resting of the user's finger. For example, when the user's finger is placed into a finger slot 110, the tip and/or the top portion of the user's finger (including the portion containing the fingerprint) may rest on the edge 140. As such, the edge 140 acts as a stop for the user's fingers to facilitate the user is holding onto the finger grip 100 (and the handheld device attached to the finger grip 100) when the user's fingers are in the finger slots 110 and is undergoing a natural gripping motion in the finger slots 110 (the user's fingers gripping towards the palm of the hand), thereby facilitating the security of the user's fingers' hold onto the finger grip 100 naturally with minimal determined effort on the part of the user. In turn, the user's deliberate release of the gripping motion releases the user's hold on to the finger grip 100. As such, the finger grip 100 provides a simple and intuitive operation for the user. In a preferred embodiment, the edge 140 is 0.375″ in height. In alternative embodiments, the edge may be of a height suitable for the tip and/or the top portion of the user's fingers. In another embodiment, the height of the edge 140 may be different for their respective finger slots 110. For example, a finger slot 110 in the middle of the finger grip 100 may have a larger height for the edge 140 than a finger slot 110 towards the side of the finger grip 100 (e.g., to be consistent with a finger grip 100 that is rounded towards the side for better aesthetics, comfort, and/or other factors).
In an embodiment, the finger grip may include a raised portion 120 in the spaces of the front of the finger grip 100 behind the finger slots 110 and the edge 140. The top portion 120 may be rounded and have a height suitable for supporting the user's palm and the lower ends of the user's finger when the user's fingers are placed into the finger slots 110 (and the fingers may be supported by the edge 140 as discussed above) for further improving user comfort when using the finger grip 100. In a preferred embodiment, the raised portion 120 has a height of 0.375′ at the maximum point.
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be made from soft materials (e.g., foam, rubber, plastic, or other materials) for the comfort of the user. Soft and compressible materials also allows for better grip and easier storage. In a further embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be made from memory materials (e.g., memory foam) that allows a somewhat customization to the fingers of the particular user. In another embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be made of an amalgamation of materials.
Referring to
It is noted that using hand-held mobile devices with one hand is difficult; this is especially true of larger devices (e.g., handheld devices 220 and 230) or for individuals with small hands.
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 is configured to allow the fingers of the user to naturally grip devices in a way that allows for easier one-handed use based on the design and placement of the finger grip 100 with respect to the back of the handheld device (e.g., handheld devices 210-240). The soft and compressible yet gripping design allows for easier storage than other products. A natural placement of the finger grip 100 with respect to the handheld device fitted for a user's hand and fingers allows for an almost seamless operation.
According to an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be attached to a handheld device as follows. The finger grip 100 may be attached to the back of the handheld device (the opposite side from the touch screen) such that the user's lower fingers (e.g., the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and/or the pinky) would naturally be placed into the finger slots 110 while the thumb would naturally have a range of movement in the front of the handheld device over the touch screen. One exemplary position of the user's hand is a natural hand position when the user is grabbing and holding onto the handheld device from the side of the device. With the finger grip 100, the user will curl one or more of his or her lower fingers into a respective finger slot 110 (to secure the user's grip onto the handheld device attached to the finger grip 100). The user's thumb is thereby moveable across the touch screen of the handheld device for touching the touch screen and providing input to the handheld device through the touch screen.
It is noted that an available range of movement of the thumb across the touch screen depends on the size of the handheld device (and/or the respective touch screen), the size of the user's hand and/or the range of motion of the thumb, the position of the finger grip 100 as it is being grabbed or anchored by the user's lower fingers.
In an embodiment, for a smaller handheld device (and/or a respective smaller touch screen), the finger grip 100 may be attached to the handheld device at a position towards the lower end of the handheld device. As such, the thumb, being higher than the lower fingers on the hand, would naturally be positioned near the middle of the length of the touch screen, thereby the thumb has an increased reach (or possibly a reach) of the touch screen (e.g., as shown on handheld devices 210 or 240).
In another embodiment, for a larger handheld device (and/or a respective larger touch screen), it may not be possible for the user's thumb to reach the full range of the touch screen. Here, the finger grip 100 may be positioned for optimal usage. For example, the finger grip 100 may be positioned such that the user's thumb would be able to reach at least a range where the user expects the most input activity (e.g., toward the bottom of the touch screen where the soft keyboard would most likely appear, e.g., as shown on handheld devices 220 or 230).
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be orientated based on the dominant hand of the user (e.g., the hand where the user uses to input the touch screen). For example, for a right-handed user, the finger grip 100 may be orientated with the raised portion 120 towards the right edge of the handheld device (when the device is viewed from the front) and the edge 140 faces towards the left edge of the handheld device. As such, the user may grab the handheld device using the right hand from the right edge of the handheld device, and the finger grip 100 fits neatly into the user's right hand (e.g., the raised portion 120 supporting the lower portion of the fingers and/or the palm and the edge 140 supporting the tip and/or the top portion of the fingers). For a left-handed user, the finger grip 100 may be orientated with the raised portion 120 toward the left edge of the handheld device (when the device is viewed from the front) and the edge 140 faces towards the right edge of the handheld device.
In an embodiment, two opposite facing finger grips 100 may be attached to the handheld devices (e.g., one finger grip 100 oriented for a right-handed user and another finger grip 100 oriented for a left-handed user attached to the same handheld device) for flexibility in the dominant hand usage. In another embodiment, the finger grip may be manufactured to include both the right-handed and the left-handed orientation on the same finger grip. In a further embodiment, a finger grip 100 in a right handed attachment orientation may be used by the left hand (e.g., temporarily) even though the fingers (of the left hand) may not be as supported by the edge 140 (but may still have some support through a friction effect from the interior of the finger slots 110).
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be attached to the handheld device at a slight angle deviation on the handheld device (e.g., the edge of the raised portion 120 and/or the edge 140 do not align perfectly parallel to the edge of the handheld device). This position may allow the user's thumb to have a better range of movement on the touch screen or a more comfortable position for the user's hand.
The finger grip 100 may be positioned as discussed above as fitted for a particular user prior to a more permanent attachment to the handheld device. In an embodiment, measurements and/or positional aids may be provided for easier and/or more convenient measurement and/or attachment of the finger grip 100 to the handheld device. For example, instructions, attachment aids such as pre-determined measurement dimensions and physical aids, or other aids may be provided to the user to use with the finger grip 100. The pre-determined measurements may be provided for known handheld devices (e.g., various known mobile phones, tablet computers, or other handheld devices) such that the user may have a recommended position and fit for the finger grip 100. The user may further customize the position and fit for the user's hand as discussed above using an initial position from the pre-determined measurements. The aids may include instructions of various forms, including documents and videos. A kit of the aids and the finger grip may be provided to help the user in attaching the finger grip to the handheld device.
Referring to
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be used as a stand for the handheld device when attached to the handheld device. For example, the finger grip 100 may include a raised portion 120 (or other raised areas). As such, when the finger grip 100 is attached to a flat handheld device, a naturally raised angle is created, which raises the touch screen side of the handheld device at the angle, creating the stand for the handheld device (e.g., for viewing contents on the handheld device at a more comfortable angle for the user).
Referring to
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may include various jewelries, designs, and/or other accessories or art for aesthetics. In another embodiment, the finger grip 100 may include accessories and/or attachments for accessories such as belt and/or rope, stylus and/or stylus holder, mount for a removable swivel, and/or other accessories for utility functions.
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may have a specific design for aesthetics and/or utility. For example, the finger grip 100 may have various designs that appeal to different lifestyles. In one example, the finger grip 100 may have a football-shaped design for a football fan, where the finger grip 100 may have placements of the finger slots 110 and other elements that allows the user to grip the finger grip 100 like a football. In another example, the finger grip 100 may have a shoe-shaped design for a runner. In another example, the finger grip 100 may appeal to a climber by including various utility aspects such as attachments for a belt or designs for climbing specific operation (e.g., accommodating a specific hand and/or finger position of the user when the user accesses the handheld device while climbing, e.g., needing to grab the handheld device from a belt, while using common handheld device functions while climbing, e.g., the camera functions).
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be specifically designed for users with hand or other physical ailments. For example, a user with carpel tunnel syndrome may need a finger grip that is made of a softer material, with the finger slots 110 positioned closer and at certain angles, and/or other accommodations.
In an embodiment, the finger grip 100 may be also used for achieving a grip on other handheld or small objects that can have the finger grip 100 attached.
Referring to
The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.
The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
Moreover, though the description has included a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,420, filed May 22, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62165420 | May 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15576418 | Nov 2017 | US |
| Child | 17107210 | US |
