FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to phone attachments, and more particularly to apparatuses and methods related to phone grip attachments having a finger-hold.
BACKGROUND
Mobile phones and handheld devices are in widespread use. The devices are often expensive, leading users to purchase protective phone cases or grips to prevent damage to the phones due to dropping. It can be difficult for users to maintain their grip on the phone during activities such as texting, browsing, and taking pictures or selfies. Furthermore, phones and the phone screens can be utilized in different orientations, depending on the desired use and the preferences of the user.
SUMMARY
Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of a phone grip attachment having a finger-hold as substantially shown and described.
Briefly, therefore, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a phone grip attachment comprising a base configured for attachment to a phone. A finger-hold is attached to the base. The finger-hold has a top member and a bottom member, and is movable between an extended position in which an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom member in which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom member.
Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a phone grip attachment comprising a base configured for attachment to a phone. The base includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one locking portion. The bottom surface includes a recessed portion. The at least one locking portion comprises an overhang defining a gap between the locking portion and the top surface of the base. Adhesive is positioned in the recessed portion of the bottom surface for securing the base to a phone. A finger-hold is attached to the base, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member. The finger-hold is movable between an extended position in which an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom member. The finger-hold is biased to the extended position. The locking portion is configured to engage the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position.
Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method comprising providing a phone grip attachment including a base configured for attachment to a phone. The base includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one locking portion. The bottom surface includes a recessed portion, and the at least one locking portion comprises an overhang defining a gap between the locking portion and the top surface of the base. Adhesive is positioned in the recessed portion of the bottom surface for securing the base to a phone. A finger-hold is attached to the base, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member. The finger-hold is movable between an extended position in which an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom member. The finger-hold is biased to the extended position. The locking portion is configured to engage the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position. The method includes securing the phone grip attachment to a phone using the adhesive. The method further includes and collapsing the finger-hold from the extended position to the collapsed position by pressing the top member substantially flat against the bottom member and rotating the finger-hold until at least one tab of the finger-hold is positioned in the gap defined by the overhang.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein the drawings illustrate features in accordance with exemplary aspects of the disclosure, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a phone grip attachment secured to a phone, illustrating a user's hand using the finger-hold;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 1, illustrating a finger-hold in a first extended position;
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 1 illustrating the finger-hold in the first extended position;
FIG. 4 is a separated view of the finger-hold of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2, illustrating the finger-hold in the first extended position;
FIG. 6 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2, illustrating the finger-hold in a second extended position rotated from the first extended position illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment secured to a phone in a second orientation, illustrating the finger-hold in a third extended position rotated from both the first and second extended positions;
FIG. 8 is a perspective of the phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position and showing movement of the collapsed finger-hold to the locked position;
FIG. 9 is a section of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2;
FIG. 10 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 10, illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 12 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 12, illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 14 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 14, illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 16 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 16, illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a phone grip attachment;
FIG. 19 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 20 is a bottom plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a side view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 22 is a front view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 23 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position and rotated with respect to the base;
FIG. 24 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in collapsed position;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in collapsed position;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position and rotated with respect to the base;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18 secured to a phone, illustrating a user's hand using the finger-hold;
FIG. 28 is a top plan of an embodiment of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating a top member configuration according to one embodiment;
FIG. 29 is a top plan of an embodiment of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating a top member configuration according to another embodiment;
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 31 is a separated view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a separated view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 18;
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 33, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 33;
FIG. 36 is a side view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 33, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIG. 37 is a front view of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 33, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
FIGS. 38A-38C are separated views of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 33.
Like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The accompanying Figures and this description depict and describe aspects of apparatuses and methods in accordance with the present disclosure, and features and components thereof. It should also be noted that any references herein to front and back, right and left, top and bottom and upper and lower and the like are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial orientation.
Before any aspects of the disclosure are explained in detail, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other aspects and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. All numbers expressing measurements and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”
Referring to FIGS. 1-9, a phone grip (broadly, an attachment) is shown generally at 10. The attachment 10 includes a base 12 having an upper or top surface 14 and a lower or bottom surface 16 opposite the top surface. The base 12 includes at least one locking portion 18, as described in further detail below. The attachment 10 is generally rectangular, although other configurations are within the scope of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the attachment 10 is configured, sized, and dimensioned for attachment to the back of a phone or handheld device P (e.g., phones and handheld devices sold by Apple, Inc., Samsung Group and Samsung Electronics, Google LLC, etc.) in order to assist a user in maintaining the user's grip on the phone or handheld device P. As such, the attachment 10 can be positioned on the back of the phone or handheld device P in any orientation so as to avoid interfering with any components of the phone (e.g., camera opening, speaker opening, volume button openings or demarcations, etc.). The attachment can also be sized to permit attachment to different handheld devices. In one embodiment, the attachment 10 is so sized, configured, and dimensioned to enable attachment to any handheld device without interfering with functional components of the handheld device. The attachment 10 can be made of any suitable plastic, rubber, metal, or any other material suitable for use in gripping a phone. The attachment 10 may be molded or formed as one piece, or may be constructed of separate components that are attached together.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, in one embodiment the bottom surface 16 of the attachment 10 includes a recessed portion 20. The recessed portion 20 is recessed from the outer perimeter of the bottom surface 16. In one embodiment, the recessed portion 20 can be a portion of the attachment that is cut away or molded to be recessed. Alternatively, the recessed portion 20 can comprise a separate insert that is positioned inside a wall or perimeter 22 of the attachment 10. Other configurations of the recessed portion are within the scope of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 9, the recessed portion 20 is configured to receive adhesive for attaching the phone grip 10 to a phone P. In the illustrated embodiment, adhesive 24 comprises foam tape (e.g. double-sided foam tape), although other attachment structures are within the scope of the present invention. The foam tape 24 is configured to secure the attachment 10 to a handheld device P. As illustrated, the tape 24 can be configured, sized, and dimensioned to fit within the recessed portion 20 on the bottom surface 16 of the attachment 10, and can include geometrically corresponding features to the bottom surface (e.g., cutouts at either end and in the center).
Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the base includes at least one locking portion 18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the base 12 includes two locking portions 18. The locking portions 18 are at diagonally opposed positions of the base 12. Other configurations (e.g., centered locking portion(s) (see, e.g., FIGS. 14 and 15), fewer than two locking portions, more than two locking portions) are within the scope of the present invention. Each locking portion 18 includes an overhang or ledge 26 positioned above the remainder of the base 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 includes cutouts below each overhang 26 (e.g., for ease of manufacturing), although these can be omitted within the scope of the present invention. Each overhang 26 is positioned above the top surface 14 of the base 12 so as to define a gap 28 having a height h. The locking portions 18 are sized, positioned, and configured to receive and engage a finger-hold of the attachment 10, as described in more detail below.
Referring still to FIGS. 1-9, the attachment 10 includes a finger-hold 30 positioned on the base 12 of the attachment. The finger-hold 30 is movable between a collapsed position (see, e.g., FIG. 8) and an extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In the extended position, the finger-hold 30 can be grasped by a user for secure gripping of the attachment 10 (and the phone secured thereto), as described in more detail below.
Referring to FIG. 4, the finger-hold 30 includes a bottom member 32 and a top member 34. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the top and bottom members 34, 32 are generally curved when the finger-hold 30 is in the extended position. Other configurations are within the scope of the present invention, such as planar, angled, or multi-component top and bottom members. The bottom and top members 32, 34 are movably (e.g., pivotally) attached to each other. As illustrated, in one embodiment the top and bottom members 34, 32 are pivotally attached by pins 36. The top member 34 includes a spaced pair of ears 38 at each end thereof, each of the ears including an opening 40. The bottom member 32 includes a neck 42 near each end, separating a central portion 44 of the bottom member from tabs 46 at each end of the bottom member. Each of the tabs 46 can optionally include a contoured edge or stop 54 corresponding to the shape of a free edge of the locking portion 18. The necks 42 of the bottom member 32 each include an opening 48. When the finger-hold 30 is assembled such that the top and bottom members 34, 32 are pivotally attached, the neck 42 on a first end of the bottom member 32 is positioned between the pair of ears 38 on a first end of the top member 32, and the neck 42 on a second end of the bottom member is positioned between the pair of ears 38 on a second end of the top member. The top member 34 is pivotally attached to each end of the bottom member 32 by a pin 36 extending through the neck 42 of the bottom member and the pair of ears 38 of the top member at each respective end. Other configurations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the top member can include necks that are positioned between pairs of ears on the bottom member. In other embodiments, any suitable pivot attachment between members can be used.
The finger-hold 30 is movably attached to the base 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger-hold 30 is attached to the base 12 so as to permit free rotational movement in either direction (i.e., counterclockwise and clockwise). In an illustrated embodiment, the finger-hold is attached to the base 12 of the attachment 10. For example, as illustrated, fastener 50 attaches the base 12 to the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30. Fastener 50 can be any suitable fastener configured to permit free rotation of the finger-hold 30 relative to the base 12. In one embodiment, fastener 50 comprises a rivet. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the fastener 50 does not extend completely through the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30; in other words, in one embodiment the fastener is not visible and a user does not contact the fastener 50 when using the finger-hold 30. Optionally, a retaining ring 52 may be positioned on fastener 50 against the lower surface 16 of the attachment 10. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 16 includes a central portion that is not recessed (e.g., is co-planar with the perimeter of the bottom surface) and extends beyond the fastener 50 to prevent the fastener from contacting the back of a phone P secured to the attachment 10. It is understood that any attachment permitting rotation of the finger-hold 30 relative to the base 12 is within the scope of the present invention. Although free rotation of the finger-hold when it is in the extended position is shown and described, other configurations are within the scope of the present invention, such as a limited arc of movement for the finger-hold, or other suitable attachments.
The finger-hold 30 is movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. In the extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 2), an opening 60 is defined between the bottom member 32 and the top member 34 of the finger-hold 30. In the collapsed configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 4), the top member 34 lies substantially flat against the bottom member 32. Thus, in the extended position, the finger-hold is configured to be grasped by a user to securely hold the attachment and phone. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, a user may insert one or more fingers through the opening 60 to securely attach the phone to the user's hand H. A user may also rest one or more fingers on one or both of the tabs 46 of the bottom member 32, to provide a secure and comfortable hold. As described above, the finger-hold can be attached to the base 12 to permit free rotation relative thereto. Thus, a user can position the finger-hold 30 in any desired orientation relative to base 12 (and therefore relative to the phone P) for secure holding based on comfort, orientation of phone screen during use, or any other factor. Use of the finger-hold 30 permits secure holding of the phone while leaving the user's thumb free for use of the phone. In the collapsed position, the finger-hold is configured to lie substantially flat against the base 12, so as to be out of the way of the user or to reduce the footprint of the attachment (and therefore of the assembly including the phone) for storage (e.g., carrying in a pocket, placing on a surface, etc.).
The finger-hold 30 is preferably biased to the extended position. Thus, absent external forces acting on the finger-hold 30, the finger-hold is in the extended position for grasping by a user. The finger-hold may include spring steel, shape memory alloy, or any other suitable material or configuration to permit biasing to the extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 9). In order to overcome the bias and collapse the finger-hold, the locking portion 18 engages the finger-hold. For example, the finger-hold is rotated such that a portion of the finger-hold is positioned underneath the overhang 26. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the tabs 46 of the bottom portion 32 are rotated to a position underneath the overhangs 26 (i.e., in the gaps 28), although other configurations are within the scope of the present invention (e.g., a different portion of the finger-hold being positioned under the overhang to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position). Each tab 46 is thus positioned between the base 12 and the respective overhang 26. Each tab 46 may contact an underside of the respective overhang 26. The overhang thereby prevents the finger-hold 30 from returning to the extended position, and maintains the finger-hold in the collapsed position. In order to move the finger-hold to the collapsed position, in one embodiment the finger-hold can be pressed down (e.g., by pressing down on the top member 34 to flatten the finger-hold). Once the finger-hold 30 is sufficiently flattened to fit underneath the overhangs 26 (see, e.g., position of finger-hold 30a in FIG. 8), the finger-hold is rotated (e.g., in direction of arrow A in FIG. 8) to move the tabs 46 under the respective overhangs 26. The overhangs 26 thereby contact the tabs 46 to prevent the finger-hold from returning to the extended position, maintaining the finger-hold in the collapsed position. In the illustrated embodiment, each tab includes a contoured edge or stop 54. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the stop 54 comprises an edge between an upper portion 56 and a lower portion 58 of the tab 46 (alternatively, a first or lower portion 58 having a first thickness and a second or upper portion 56 having a second thickness greater than the first thickness). When the finger-hold 30 is rotated to the locked position, the lower portion 58 is positioned in the gap 28 beneath the overhang 26. The upper portion 56 is positioned adjacent the locking portion 18, and preferably has a top surface coplanar with a top surface of the locking portion. The stop or contoured edge 54 engages a free edge 66 of the locking portion 18 to prevent further movement of the finger-hold 30 (i.e., to prevent further movement of the tab 46 under the overhang 26). It is understood that the stop may be omitted or the tabs 46 have only one thickness within the scope of the present invention. In order to move the finger-hold 30 from the collapsed position back to the extended position, the finger-hold is rotated to remove the tabs 46 from under the overhangs 26. With nothing to counteract the bias and force the finger-hold to remain collapsed, the finger-hold will return to the extended position.
As illustrated, the attachment 10 may optionally include additional features to facilitate easy use and gripping by a user. For example, one or both of the top and bottom members 34, 32 of the finger-hold can include ribbed gripping surfaces (see, e.g., FIG. 10). The finger-hold 30 can be coated in rubber or other plastic material for easy gripping. It is understood that other ribbed portions or designs, and other gripping surfaces, are within the scope of the present invention, and that the attachment need not include any additional features to facilitate easy gripping (see, e.g., FIG. 2, with no ribbed surfaces).
FIGS. 10-38C illustrate alternative configurations for the attachment 10. Unless otherwise stated, the description above with reference to FIGS. 1-9 (and corresponding reference numerals) applies, except where differences are indicated.
In FIGS. 10 and 11, the base 112 of attachment 110 includes tab or tab-receiving portions 162. The tab portions 162 have sufficient length and dimensions to receive the tabs 146 of the finger-hold 130 when the finger-hold is in the collapsed (or flattened) position. To collapse the finger-hold, the finger-hold 130 is pressed down to flatten it when the tabs 146 are aligned with the tab portions 162 of the base 112. Once the finger-hold 130 is sufficiently flattened to fit underneath the overhangs of the locking portion 118, the finger-hold is rotated to move the tabs 146 under the respective overhangs, as described above.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the base 212 of the attachment 210 is generally square and is configured and dimensioned such that a central portion of the finger-hold 230 is engaged by the at least one locking portion 218 to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the at least one locking portion 318 is centrally positioned on the base 312 of the attachment 310. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the base 412 of the attachment 410 is generally round and is configured and dimensioned such that a central portion of the finger-hold 430 is engaged by the at least one locking portion 318. As illustrated in the described embodiments, various configurations are within the scope of the present invention, such as different shapes for the base and/or the finger-hold. Other configurations and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
FIGS. 18-29 show views of yet another embodiment of the attachment 10. In the embodiment as shown, the finger-hold 30 comprises a bottom member with first and second tabs 46 at opposing ends thereof, which are configured to be received in the locking portions 18 that are disposed on opposing sides of the base 12. Each of the locking portions 18 comprises at least one overhang 26 defining the gap 60, the gap below the overhang being configured to receive a portion of the finger-hold 30 to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position. According to aspects of this embodiment as shown, one or more of the tabs 46 comprises at least one protrusion 90 that is configured to be received in the gap 60. Referring to FIGS. 25-26 for further detail, is can be seen that in one embodiment, the overhang 26 of one or more of the locking portions 18 comprises a downwardly extending lip portion 80 which extends towards the base 12. Furthermore, the one or more tabs 46 comprise at least one first peripheral protrusion 90a that is configured to be received in a portion 92 of the gap 60 that is interior to the downwardly extending lip portion 80. One of more of the tabs 46 can further comprise a recessed portion 92 adjacent the first peripheral protrusion 90a that is configured to accommodate the downwardly extending lip portion 80, when the tab 46 is received in the locking portion 18. That is, according to certain embodiments, the finger-hold 30 can be collapsed and rotated such that tabs 46 on either ends of the bottom member 32 slide below the overhangs 26 of the locking portions, with the peripheral protrusions 90a on the tabs 46 being pushed past the downwardly extending lip portions 80 into the interior portions 92, to facilitate retention of the tabs 46 within the locking portions 18. According to yet another aspect, one or more of the tabs 46 can comprise a second peripheral protrusion 90b on a side of the tab opposing the first peripheral protrusion 90a, where the second peripheral protrusion 90b comprises a contoured edge and/or stop 54 to engage the free edge 66 of the locking portion 118 to prevent additional rotation of the finger-hold 30.
As illustrated, the first and second peripheral protrusions 90a, 90b comprise the same shape and overall configuration, however first and second peripheral protrusions 90a, 90b having different shapes and configurations than that shown, as well as shapes and configurations that differ from one another, are also contemplated. Also, while tabs 46 at opposing ends of the bottom member 32 are illustrated as being symmetrical with one another, the opposing tabs 46 can also comprise different shapes and configurations, for example to accommodate different locking portions 18, according to certain aspects. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-29, according to one aspect, the base 12 includes two locking portions 18 at opposing ends of the base 12, and a periphery 96 of the base 12 extends past each of the two locking portions 18 at the opposing ends. For example, the periphery 96 of the base 12 may extend in a longitudinal direction past the locking portions 18 to provide an increased surface area of the base 12 for improved adhesion of the base to a surface, such as a surface of a cell phone and/or cell phone case. FIGS. 26, 28 and 29 further exemplify different designs and/or grip types that can be provided on the finger-hold, such as on an upper surface of the top member 34 of the finger-hold. Other designs, ornamentation, and/or grip types can also be provided.
FIGS. 30-31 illustrate yet another embodiment of the attachment 10, in which a raised reinforcement bar 98 is provided on the base 12 to structurally reinforce the attachment 10. For example, as illustrated in these figures, the base 12 can comprise a raised reinforcement bar 98 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the base 12, such as between locking portions 18 located at opposing ends of the base 12. The raised reinforcement bar 98 can be molded from the same material as the base 12, and/or may be provided as a separate structural component to the base. In yet another embodiment, the overall dimensions of the base 12 can be decreased by providing a raised reinforcement base 98 that extends above a thickness of the base, to provide structural support to an otherwise low-profile and relatively thin main base portion 100. According to certain aspects, the base 12 can further comprise a peripheral raised rim 102 about a periphery of the main base portion 100 that can provide further structural support to the base 12.
Referring to FIG. 32, an exploded view of an embodiment of an attachment 10 is shown, and which may correspond to aspects of embodiments as shown in FIGS. 18-31. The attachment 10 as shown in FIG. 32 comprises a base 12 and a finger-hold 30. The base 12 is depicted as having a bottom layer, which may for example be a layer of adhesive 24, and/or may be a further structural support layer. According to certain embodiments, the base 12 may be formed of a single piece and/or without a separate bottom layer structural layer, although layer of adhesive may be provided. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 32, the finger-hold 30 comprises a top member 34 and a bottom member 32, where the top member 34 comprises a top member body 35, and the bottom member 32 comprises a bottom member body 33. The top and bottom member bodies 35, 33 may be formed of molded plastic, polymeric and/or elastomeric material that provides a structure that can be readily gripped to manipulate the finger-hold. The bottom member 32 comprises the central portion 44, a first tab 46 located at a first end of the bottom member 32, a first neck 44 between the central portion 44 and the first tab 46, a second tab 46 at a second end of the bottom member 32 opposing the first end, and a second neck 44 between the central portion 44 and the second tab 46. The top member 34 comprises a first pair of ears 38 at a first end thereof, and a second pair of ears 38 at a second end opposing the first end, and the top member 34 is pivotally attached to the bottom member by a first pin 36 extending through the first pair of ears 38 and the first neck and a second pin 36 extending through the second pair of ears 38 and the second neck 44.
In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 32, the finger-hold 30 is biased to the extended position by at least one spring member 82 provided in one or more of the top and bottom members 34, 32 of the finger-hold 30. The at least one spring member 82 can comprise a metal material, such as for example stainless steel, alloy steel, spring steel, carbon steel, cobalt-nickel alloy, copper-based alloys, nickel based alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, titanium, aluminum, chrome silicon, chrome vanadium, beryllium copper alloy, phosphor bronze, a shape memory alloy, or any other alloys thereof, and/or ceramics or plastics or other suitable materials or configurations to permit biasing to the extended position. According to one aspect, the at least one spring member 82 can be incorporated into one or more of the top member body 35 and bottom member body 35, such as by molding the body about the spring member, or otherwise inserting the spring member at least partly and even entirely into the body.
In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 32, the at least one spring member 82 comprises a leaf spring structure 88 that is biased to an arcuate shape. That is, the leaf spring structure 88 may be capable of being deformed, such as by pressing on a central portion 87 of leaf spring structure 88 to flatten and/or collapse the leaf spring structure 88, for example to collapse the finger-hold 30 into a closed state. According to further aspects, the leaf spring structure tends to return to the arcuate shape, when a deforming pressure is released from the leaf spring structure. For example, when the finger-hold 30 is released from the locking portions 18 to open the finger-hold, the leaf spring tends to return to the arcuate shape and thereby open the finger-hold to the extended position. In the embodiment as shown, the leaf spring structure 88 comprises a band of material that is biased into the arcuate shape. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the finger-hold 30 comprises a top leaf spring 84 provided in the top member body 35, and a bottom leaf spring 86 provided in the bottom member body 33. The top leaf spring 84 and bottom leaf spring 86 can further be biased in directions opposing one another, such that the arcuate shapes extend in opposing directions from one another to provide an opening in the finger-hold 30 in the extended position.
As further shown in FIG. 32, according to one embodiment, the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold comprises a bottom member body 33 comprising the central portion 44, the first tab 46 at the first end of the bottom member, the first neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the first tab 46, the second tab 46 at the second end of the bottom member 32, and the second neck 44 between the central portion 44 and the second tab 46. The top member 34 comprises a top member body 35 having the first pair of ears 38 at a first end thereof and a second pair of ears 38 at a second end thereof. According to one aspect, the bottom leaf spring 86 comprises a band of material that extends from the first tab 46 at the first end of the bottom member body 33, through the first neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the first tab, along the central portion 44, through the second neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the second tab 46, and to the second tab 46. As is further shown in FIG. 32, according to one embodiment, the top leaf spring 84 extends from the first end to the second end of the top member 34, and comprises first and second leaf spring ears 70 that are aligned with the first and second pairs of ears 38 of the top member body 35. According to this embodiment the top member 34 is pivotally attached to the bottom member 32 by the first pin 36 extending through the first pair of ears 38 of the top member body 35, the first pair of ears 70 of the top leaf spring 84, and the first neck 42, and a second pin 36 extending through the second pair of ears 38 of the top member body 35, the second pair of ears 70 of the top leaf spring 84, and the second neck 42.
Furthermore, according to one aspect, one or more of top leaf spring 84 and bottom leaf spring 86 can comprise apertures 72 formed therein along a length of the leaf spring, such as for example to reduce the weight and/or increase the bias strength of the leaf spring. According to yet another aspect, the bottom leaf spring 86 can comprise passages 74 formed therein and located at the first and second necks 42 to accommodate the first and second pins 36 extended through the first and second necks of the bottom member 32. The bottom leaf spring 86 can also comprise an opening 76 in a central portion thereof that can accommodate a fastener 50 that fastens the bottom member 32 to the base 12.
FIGS. 33-38C show yet another embodiment of the attachment 10 according to aspects of the invention. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the base 12 of the attachment comprises at least one locking portion 18 that comprises at least one overhang 26 defining a gap 60, the gap below the overhang being configured to receive a portion of the finger-hold 30 to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position. For example, the locking portion 18 can comprise any shape or configuration described elsewhere herein, and at least two locking portions 18 can be provided at opposing ends of the attachment. Furthermore, according to aspects herein, the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30 can include at least one tab 46 at an end thereof, and even two tabs 46 at opposing ends thereof, the at least one tab 46 being configured to be received in the gap below the overhang to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 33, one or more of the tabs 46 comprise at least one protrusion 90 configured to be received in the gap 60 to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position. For example, the at least one protrusion 90 may be located at a central portion 78 of the tab 46, and can be configured to be received in the gap 60 below the overhang 26 to retain the finger-hold 30 in the collapsed position. According to one aspect, the at least one protrusion 90 is configured to engage a lower surface 25 of the overhang 26, to retain the finger-hold in the locking portion 18.
FIGS. 38A-38B show an exploded view of the embodiment according to aspects of FIGS. 22-27. As shown in FIGS. 38A-38C, according to certain aspects, the at least one spring member 82 comprises a wire spring 62 having a wire reinforcement body 63 that is biased to an arcuate shape. That is, the wire spring 62 may be similar to the leaf spring structure 88 described above, in that it may be capable of being deformed, such as by pressing on a central portion 64 of wire reinforcement body 63 to flatten and/or collapse the wire reinforcement body 63, for example to collapse the finger-hold 30 into a closed state. According to further aspects, the wire spring 62 tends to return to the arcuate shape, when a deforming pressure is released from the wire reinforcement body 63. For example, when the finger-hold 30 is released from the locking portions 18 to open the finger-hold, the wire spring tends to return to the arcuate shape and thereby open the finger-hold to the extended position.
In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 38A-38C, the wire reinforcement body 63 of the wire spring 62 comprises a pair of length-wise extending wires 68 that run along a length of the top and/or bottom member 34,32, and that are spaced part from one another in a width direction of the top and/or bottom member 34,32, the pair of wires being biased into the arcuate shape. The wire reinforcement body 63 can further comprise connecting bars 69 at opposing ends thereof that connect the pair of wires 68 to each other at the opposing ends. Together, the pair of length-wire extending wires 68 and connecting bars 69 can form a wire reinforcement body 63 that extends about a perimeter of the body 35 of the top member 34 and/or the body 33 of the bottom member 32. Furthermore, according to one embodiment (e.g. as shown in FIG. 38B), the finger-hold 30 comprises a top wire spring 62a provided in the top member body 35, and a bottom wire spring 62b provided in the bottom member body 33. The top wire spring 62a and bottom wire spring 62b can further be biased in directions opposing one another, such that the arcuate shapes extend in opposing directions from one another to provide an opening in the finger-hold 30 in the extended position. The at least one wire spring 62 can be made of any of the spring materials described above, or other suitable materials, and according to one aspect is made of a stainless steel material. According to one embodiment, the wire spring 62 is configured to provide a minimal amount of material in the finger-hold 130 that could interfere with and/or obstruct wireless charging of the phone. For example, the wire spring 62 can be configured to provide a minimal amount of conductive material in the 130 that could interfere with electromagnetic fields for wireless charging, and/or to impart a relatively small profile of the attachment 10 to minimize the distance to a charging device.
According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 38A-38C, the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30 comprises the central portion 44, a first tab 46 at a first end of the bottom member 32, a first neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the first tab 46, a second tab 46 at a second end of the bottom member 32, and a second neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the second tab 46. The top member 34 comprises a first pair of ears 38 at a first end thereof and a second pair of ears 38 at a second end thereof. The bottom wire spring 62b extends from the first tab 46 at the first end of the bottom member 32, through the first neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the first tab 46, along the central portion 44, through the second neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the second tab 46, and to the second tab 46. The bottom wire spring 62b further comprises a first pair of loops 106 at the first neck 42 and a second pair of loops 106 at the second neck 42. That is, the pair of length-wise extending wires 68 of the wire reinforcement body 63 may form loops 106 that curve upwardly at the first and second necks 42, with the loops each having an opening that can be accessed from below the wire reinforcement body 63.
According to one aspect, the top wire spring 62a extends from the first end to the second end of the top member 34, and comprises a first wire bar 69 extending between the first pair of ears 38 at the first end of the top member 34, and a second wire bar 69 extending between the second pair of ears 38 at the second end of the top member 34. For example, the top member body 35 may be molded about the wire reinforcement body 63 of the upper wire spring 62a, leaving at least a portion of the body open between the pairs of ears 38 on each opposing end, with at least a section of the connecting wire bars 69 extending between the ears 38. According to one aspect, the top member 34 is pivotally attached to the bottom member 32 by receiving the first bar 69 of the top wire spring 62a that extends between the first pair of ears 38 of the top member 34 into the first pair of loops 106 of the bottom wire spring 62b at the first neck 42 of the bottom member 32, and receiving the second bar 69 of the top wire spring 62a that extends between the second pair of ears 38 of the top member 34 into the second pair of loops 106 of the bottom wire spring 62b at the second neck 42 of the bottom member 32. The openings of each of the pair of first and second loops 106 can be at least partly blocked to secure the first and second bars 69 of the top wire spring therein. For example, as shown in 38C, the tabs 46 can comprise front and back snap on portions 108a, 108b that snap on to the wire reinforcement body 63 at each opposing end of the bottom member 32, and that snap over the openings of the loops 106 to secure the wire reinforcement body 63 of the upper wire spring 62a in the loops 106 of the wire reinforcement body 63 of the lower wire spring 62b.
According to yet another aspect, the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold can comprise a plurality of body segments 109a,b,c along a length of the bottom wire spring 62b. The plurality of body segments 109a,b,c can comprise an inner body segment 109b about a central portion 64 of the bottom wire spring 62b, the inner body segment 109b being attachable to the base, and first and second body segments 109a,c on opposing sides of the inner body segment 109b. The first body segment 109a can be disposed between the central portion 64 of the bottom wire spring and the first neck 42 of the bottom member 32, and the second body segment 109c can be between the central portion 64 of the bottom wire spring and the second neck 42 of the bottom member. According to certain aspects, by providing plurality of body segments, the bottom member 32 can be securely fastened to the base 12, while retaining sufficient flexibility of the bottom member 32 to allow for expanding and/or collapsing of the finger-hold 30.
The phone grip attachment as shown and described permits a user to securely attach a phone to the user's hand. Furthermore, the attachment allows a user to orient the phone and the finger-hold in any orientation for comfort and ease of use, while maintaining the thumbs free for use of the phone. Thus, for example, a user can use the finger-hold to secure the phone while taking a selfie, without worrying about dropping the phone. Moreover, the finger-hold collapses substantially flat against the base of the attachment for convenience and a small footprint when the finger-hold is not in use.
According to yet another aspect, the phone grip attachment can serve the function of propping up a phone, for example when the phone is placed on a table or other horizontal surface, so the phone can be more readily viewed by a user when resting on the surface, used for taking photos, etc. The phone grip attachment can prop up the phone by virtue of having the finger-hold being extended into the first extended position where the open finger-hold is substantially parallel to the base, such as for example as shown in FIG. 18, and/or by rotating the finger-hold into the second extended position, such as a rotation of about 90 degrees, so that the finger-hold is substantially perpendicular to the base. That is, to prop up a phone to which the phone grip attachment is attached, the attachment can be released from the locking portions and extended in a position in which the finger-hold is substantially parallel to the base, after which the phone can be angled such that a side of the attachment contacts the surface that the phone is to be propped up on. Additionally and/or alternatively, the attachment can be released from the locking portions into an extended position, and rotated until the finger-hold is substantially perpendicular with respect to the base, after which the phone can be angled such that attachment props the phone up on the surface. Furthermore, the finger-hold can be rotated such that the phone can be propped up either in a vertical and/or a horizontal direction, according to viewing preference. According to yet another aspect, a rotation of the extended finger-hold may be selected according to an orientation in which the attachment is attached to the phone and/or phone case. For example, to prop the phone up vertically, the finger-hold may be extended and placed in a position where the finger-hold is substantially perpendicular to a long axis (length direction) of the phone. If the attachment base is attached in an orientation such that its longest axis is parallel to the long axis of the phone (lengthwise), then the finger-hold would be rotated substantially perpendicular to the attachment base. However, if the attachment base is attached in an orientation such that its longest axis is perpendicular (side-ways) to the long axis of the phone, then the finger-hold would be rotated substantially parallel to the attachment base. As another example, to prop the phone up horizontally the finger-hold may be extended and placed in a position where the finger-hold is substantially parallel to the long axis (length direction) of the phone. If the attachment base is attached in an orientation such that its longest axis is parallel to the long axis of the phone (lengthwise), then the finger-hold would be rotated substantially parallel to the attachment base. However, if the attachment base is attached in an orientation such that its longest axis is perpendicular (side-ways) to the long axis of the phone, then the finger-hold would be rotated substantially perpendicular to the attachment base. Other angles of rotation of the finger-hold with respect to the attachment base and/or the phone itself can be selected according to an orientation in which the base is attached, and a viewing position (vertical or horizontal) in which it is desired to view the phone. According to yet another embodiment, the finger-hold is free to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the attachment base, such that any desired orientation of the finger-hold with respect to the phone orientation can be selected for gripping of the phone and/or propping the phone up on surfaces.
It will be understood that various features of the aspects of the apparatus and methods described herein may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular features of another aspect. Having provided the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure are provided as non-limiting examples.
Patent Application
20200412400
