ON-HAND ATTACHMENT BAND

Abstract

An on-hand attachment band positions a computing device, smart watch, or conventional watch on a position in the hand to provide a preferable viewing angle. The on-hand attachment band positions a device on the top of the hand proximate the thumb. The attachment band has a loop to which a device can attach, and one or more straps to attach the attachment band to a wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field

This application relates to a wearable accessory for a positioning a device on the hand.

Description of the Related Art

Devices, such as computing devices, are increasingly worn as an accessory, such as a watch. These devices are frequently worn on the wrist. However, when performing an activity, such as exercise, running, climbing, skiing, etc., or when relaxing, a watch is not usually within an easy sight line. Because of this, a computing device worn on the wrist may be unsuitable during a variety of activities.

The present disclosure describes embodiments of attachment bands which enable a device, such as a computing device, to be worn in a location with a preferable viewing angle compared to a wrist-mounted watch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an attachment band comprises a loop having a first portion and a second portion; a connection feature removably attached to a portion of the loop, the connection feature configured to attach to a computing device; a first strap removably attached to the loop at a point between the first portion and the second portion of the loop; and a second strap removably attached to the loop at a point proximate the second portion of the loop.

In some embodiments, the first and second straps comprise engagement features for releasably securing the first strap to the second strap.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the loop is configured to receive a finger or thumb of a wearer.

In some embodiments, the attachment band is configured to position the computing device on a top portion of the hand near the wearer's thumb.

In some embodiments, the connection feature comprises a hook sized to receive and releasably retain the loop.

In some embodiments, the connection feature comprises an extending portion having a hole formed therein, the hole configured to receive and retain the loop.

In some embodiments, the loop is made of an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the connection feature comprises a sleeve configured to receive and retain the computing device.

In some aspects described herein, a system for attaching a computing device to a wearers hand comprises a loop having a first portion and a second portion; a computing device disposed within a perimeter of the loop; a connection feature attached to the computing device and to the loop; a first strap attached to the loop proximate the connection feature; a second strap attached to the loop proximate the second portion of the loop; and wherein the first strap and the second strap comprise securement features configured to releasably secure the first strap to the second strap.

In some embodiments, the computing device comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, and wherein the connection feature attaches to at least one of the top edge and the bottom edge.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a first connection feature and a second connection feature, the first connection feature attached to the computing device at the top edge and the second connection feature attached to the computing device at the bottom edge.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a first hole bounded by a portion of the computing device and the first portion of the loop and a and the computing device; and a second hole bounded by another portion of the computing device and the second portion of the loop.

In some embodiments, the first hole is configured to receive a wearer's thumb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an on-hand attachment band for positioning a computing device on the top of the hand near the thumb.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an the on-hand attachment band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the on-hand attachment band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the on-hand attachment band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the on-hand attachment band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the on-hand attachment band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the on-hand attachment band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the on-hand attachment band of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an on-hand attachment band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Some embodiments described herein relate to an on-hand attachment band as a device to position a computing device, or other device, on the top or back of the hand, near the thumb. Positioning a computing device in the general location of the hand depicted in FIG. 1 allows a wearer the ability to see the display of the computing device without rotating the forearm or wrist. The attachment band described herein provides for an improved viewing angle for a computing device. For example, a computing device positioned on the hand with the on-hand attachment band can easily be seen by a runner while running, without the need to move the arm or the hand to see the display. Similarly, the on-hand attachment band can position a computing device on a hand over a glove or a protective device, so a user can see the computing device while performing an activity which requires gloves or similar equipment. A skier, for example, may have a coat and gloves on, which makes seeing a computing device positioned in the traditional location on the wrist difficult without distracting the user's attention or requiring the skier to move a coat sleeve and/or a glove. Using the on hand attachment band, the computing device can be worn in a preferred location on the hand, as shown in FIG. 1, while engaged in many different activities, without distraction or the need to move clothing.

FIG. 1 depicts a computing device attached to an on-hand attachment band at a preferable location on the top of the hand near the thumb. The attachment band 100 connects to a computing device 200 via one or more connection features 110. The computing device 200 can be a computing device, such as a smart watch, wearable computer, and the like. The computing device can have a touch screen interface, control buttons, knobs, or switches to receive user input, and a display screen to display information to a user. In some embodiments, attachment band need not necessarily attach to a computing device, but can also attach to a watch, stopwatch, or other timepiece.

The connection features 110 can be configured to connect to various available computing devices, and can be customized for a particular computing device. In some embodiments, the connection features 110 can be generic and capable of attaching to one or more types of computing devices.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the attachment band 100. The attachment band 100 comprises a loop 120, a first strap 130, and a second strap 140. The loop 120 comprises a first portion 126 and a second portion 128. The loop 120 is a generally oval shape, although other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The loop 120 may not have a uniform cross section along the entire length. For example, the second portion 128 of the loop 120 may have a generally circular cross section, and the first portion 126 of the loop 120 may have an elongate cross section, oval cross-section, rectangular cross-section, or other cross-section that is different from the cross section of the loop 120 at the second portion 128. The cross-section of the loop 120 may vary gradually along a length of the loop 120 from the second portion 128 to the first portion 126. In some embodiments, the elongate cross-section can be a cross-section having a width and a height of different lengths. In some embodiments, the loop 120 cross-section can vary along the length among a variety of cross-sections, as desired.

In some embodiments, the loop 120 is a single, integrally formed piece. In some embodiments, the loop 120 may be formed of one or more individual pieces which are glued, soldered, fastened, or otherwise connected to form a continuous loop. In some embodiments, the loop 120 may comprise additional sub-loops (not shown) which extportion from a portion of the loop 120, and which may be configured to receive an index finger, a ring finger, a middle finger, or a little finger.

In some embodiments, the loop 120 can have a constant cross section. In some embodiments, the loop 120 may have other cross sections as desired. For example, the cross section of the loop 120 may be square, triangular, rectangular, star shaped, oval, or an irregular cross-sectional shape. The loop 120 can be formed from a resilient material, such as rubber, elastic polymer, or other suitable material which allows for the loop 120 to stretch and contract as needed to facilitate a wearer putting the attachment band 100 on the hand. The connection features 110, the first strap 130 and the second strap 140 are attached to the loop 120. In some embodiments, the loop 120 is made from a non-elastic or non-resilient material, and does not allow significant stretching and contracting. For example, in some embodiments, the loop 120 may be plastic, leather, a composite, or any other desired material.

In some embodiments, the connection features 110, the first strap 130 and the second strap 140 are removably attached to the loop 120 by a strap connector 150. As shown, the connection features 110 are attached to a top edge 210 and a bottom edge 220 of the computing device 200. The connection features 110 depicted include one or more extending portions 115 having a throughhole formed therein configured to receive the loop 120. In some embodiments, the one or more extending portions 115 can be a hook or other similar feature to receive and retain a portion of the loop 120. In some embodiments, the connection feature 110 is integrally formed with the computing device 200. In some embodiments, the connection feature 110 is separate from the computing device 200, and can attach to the computing device 200. In some embodiments, the connection feature 110 can be part of a sleeve that receives and retains the computing device 200. In embodiments where the connection features 110 are part of a sleeve, the connection features 110 and sleeve may be integrally formed or fixedly attached to the loop 120.

The connection features 110 connect to the loop 120 at a position within a perimeter of the loop 120. As depicted, the computing device 200 is positioned within the perimeter of the loop 120 such that two openings 122 and 124 are formed between the loop 120 and the computing device 200. The first opening 122 can be located between the computing device 200 and the loop 120 opposite the second strap 140. The second opening 124 can be located between the computing device 200 and the loop 120 proximate to the second strap 140. In some embodiments, the connection features 110 secure the computing device 200 to the loop 120 such that the first opening 122 is larger than the second opening 124. In some embodiments, the connection features 110 are slidable along the loop 120 between the first portion 126 and the second portion 128, so that the computing device 200 can be positioned within the perimeter of the loop 120 as desired.

The first opening 122 is sized and configured to receive the thumb of a wearer as shown in FIG. 1. The thumb of the wearer extends through the first opening 122, and the loop 120 extends around a portion of the base of the thumb. In some embodiments, the first opening 122 can receive the index finger, the thumb and the index finger, or another combination of fingers and/or thumb.

The first strap 130 and the second strap 140 attach to the loop 120 using strap connectors 150. The first strap 130 attaches to the loop 120 proximate the connecting features 110. The first strap 130 and the second strap 140 may comprise extension portions having holes formed therein, through which the loop 120 can pass. In some embodiments, the strap connectors 150 comprise a molded portion having a hole formed therethrough configured to receive the loop 120. In some embodiments the strap connectors 150 can comprise or other similar feature configured to receive and releasably retain the loop 120. The described mechanisms for attaching the first strap 130 and the second strap 140 to the loop 120 are exemplary only. Other attachment mechanisms or methods may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

As shown, the first strap 130 connects to the loop 120 at a point between two extending portions 115, near the bottom edge 220 of the computing device 200. The first strap 130 can connect near a midpoint of the bottom edge 220 of the computing device in order to position the computing device 200 on the hand. The first strap 130 extends away from the loop 120 in a direction generally perpendicular to length of the portion of the loop 120 to which the first strap 130 is attached.

The second strap 140 connects to a portion of the loop 120 proximate the second portion 128. In some embodiments, the second strap 140 is longer than the first strap 130. In some embodiments, the second strap 140 can comprise an extension portion 145 connected to the second strap 140, which allows for extension of the second strap 140 to accommodate a wearer's hand. When the attachment band 100 is worn, the second strap 130 extends along the top of the hand toward an outside portion of the hand or wrist, and wraps around an underside of the wrist, where it meets the first strap 130. Because the loop 120 is made of an elastic, flexible, or resilient material, the first strap 130 and the second strap 140 may be attached to a wearers hand and wrist in a comfortable position by conforming to the varying size and geometry of different wearers' hands. The resilience or elasticity of the loop 120 allows for variations in the angle of the first strap 130 and the second strap 140 with regard to the computing device 200. The variability of this angle can enhance comfort and convenience of the wearer.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first strap 130 comprises an engagement feature 135. The engagement feature 135 is configured to secure the first strap 130 to the second strap 140. The engagement feature can comprise one or more engagement tabs 136, which correspond to a plurality of engagement slots 148 on the second strap 140. As the attachment band 100 is secured or put on by a wearer, the engagement tabs 136 are inserted into or positioned within the engagement slots 148 on the second strap 140. The engagement slots 148 are disposed perpendicular to the length of the second strap 140 and are sized and shaped to receive the engagement slots 148 and to releasably retain the engagement tabs 136. In some embodiments, the engagement feature 135 may be disposed on the second strap 140, and the engagement tabs 136 may be inserted into corresponding engagement tabs 136 located on the first strap 130. These features for securing the first strap 130 to the second strap 140 re exemplary only, and other methods to secure the first strap 130 to the second strap 140 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first strap 130 and the second strap 140 may connect via a known attachment mechanism as are common with conventional watch bands, for example, buckles or a hook and loop fastener.

FIGS. 3 and 5-8 depict different views of the exemplary embodiment of the on-hand attachment band described herein. FIG. 1 depicts an attachment band 100 configured to be worn on a left hand. A person of skill in the art would understand how to modify the positions of the first strap 130, the second strap 140, and the orientation of the computing device 200 in order to configure the attachment band for wearing on a right hand.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of an on-hand attachment band having a hook connection attaching the first and second straps to the loop. The first and second straps 130, 140 are releasably connected to the loop 120 via strap connectors 250. Strap connectors 250 comprise a hook configured to receive and releasably retain the loop 120.

To put on the attachment band 100, a user or wearer can insert a thumb through the first hole 122, and position the computing device 200 on the top of the hand. The wearer can then secure the first strap 130 to the second strap 140, according to a size of the wearers wrist, using the engagement feature 135. Worn in this way, there are three points of attachment of the loop 120, the first portion 126 of the loop 120 attached or partially wrapped around a thumb, the first strap 130, and the second strap 140. These three connection points secure the loop 120 in position, thereby securing the computing device 200 in position on the top of the hand near the thumb in a position which preferably allows for easy viewing of the computing device 200 while the user is walking, running, skiing, climbing, or during many other activities.

Claims

1. An attachment band comprising: a loop having a first portion and a second portion;a connection feature removably attached to a portion of the loop, the connection feature configured to attach to a computing device;a first strap removably attached to the loop at a point between the first portion and the second portion of the loop; anda second strap removably attached to the loop at a point proximate the second portion of the loop.

2. The attachment band of claim 1, wherein the first and second straps comprise engagement features for releasably securing the first strap to the second strap.

3. The attachment band of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the loop is configured to receive a finger or thumb of a wearer.

4. The attachment band of claim 3, wherein the attachment band is configured to position the computing device on a top portion of the hand near the wearer's thumb.

5. The attachment band of claim 1 wherein the connection feature comprises a hook sized to receive and releasably retain the loop.

6. The attachment band of claim 1, wherein the connection feature comprises an extending portion having a hole formed therein, the hole configured to receive and retain the loop.

7. The attachment band of claim 1, wherein the loop is made of an elastic material.

8. The attachment band of claim 1, wherein the connection feature comprises a sleeve configured to receive and retain the computing device.

9. A system for attaching a computing device to a wearers hand comprising: a loop having a first portion and a second portion;a computing device disposed within a perimeter of the loop;a connection feature attached to the computing device and to the loop;a first strap attached to the loop proximate the connection feature;a second strap attached to the loop proximate the second portion of the loop; andwherein the first strap and the second strap comprise securement features configured to releasably secure the first strap to the second strap.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the computing device comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, and wherein the connection feature attaches to at least one of the top edge and the bottom edge.

11. The system of claim 10, comprising a first connection feature and a second connection feature, the first connection feature attached to the computing device at the top edge and the second connection feature attached to the computing device at the bottom edge.

12. The system of claim 11 further comprising: a first hole bounded by a portion of the computing device and the first portion of the loop and a and the computing device; anda second hole bounded by another portion of the computing device and the second portion of the loop.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first hole is configured to receive a wearer's thumb.