1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a finger strap for a mobile device, such as a cellular phone.
2. Related Art
Various different holders have been proposed to facilitate the holding of a tablet computer. Some provide a case for the tablet computer with a handle mounted on the back. For example, see the Handler iPad Strap & Desk Mount; the Gladius Air; and the 2loop ipad Handle. Some provide a ring mounted to a plate. For example, see the Universal Silver Bunker Ring Stand & Holder; and the i-Ox Smartphone Grip by Gic Nexux. Some provide a loop or strap. For example, see the CellHandle™; the GoStrap®; the Lazy-Hands™; the SlingGrip; US 2012/0299318; U.S. Pat. No. 8,374,657; US 2013/0119099; U.S. Pat. No. 8,380,264; US 2009/0270050. In addition, a large screen mobile device can be difficult to both grasp with the fingers, and engage the touch screen of the mobile device, with a single hand due to the large screen. The improvement of electronics' accessories is an ongoing endeavor.
It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a strap to securely hold a mobile device. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a strap to securely hold a mobile device, while allowing the mobile device to be rotated to a preferred orientation for viewing. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to facilitate use of large screen mobile devices.
The invention provides a swivel finger strap device for a mobile device having a forward viewing surface and a rearward surface. The finger strap device comprises a base with an adhesive layer to be adhered to the back of the mobile device. An aperture is formed in the center of the base. A cap is rotatably coupled to the base. A post extends from the cap, and through the aperture in the base, and defines a pivot axel about which the cap rotates with respect to the base. The cap has an interior cavity on an interior side of the cap, and is sized and shaped to receive substantially all of the base therein. A flexible strap is affixed to the cap. The flexible strap and the cap form a loop to receive one or more fingers of a user's hand.
In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present invention, the swivel finger strap device can include the flexible strap being elastic, and having a length to bias the flexible strap taut against the cap. The flexible strap can have at least two configurations, including: 1) an unused configuration in which the flexible strap is substantially flat against the cap; and 2) an in-use configuration in which a portion of the flexible strap is displaced from the cap defining the loop.
In addition, the invention provides a swivel finger strap device in combination with a mobile device having a forward viewing surface and back. The finger strap device comprises a base with an adhesive layer adhered to the back of the rearward surface of the mobile device. An aperture is formed in the center of the base. A recess circumscribes the aperture on a back side of the base between the base and the adhesive layer. A cap is rotatably coupled to the base. A post extends from the cap, and through the aperture in the base, and defines a pivot axel about which the cap pivots with respect to the base. An enlarged head is formed on a distal end of the post, and is rotatably disposed in the recess of the base. The enlarged head is enlarged with respect to the post and the aperture to retain the cap on the base. A slot is formed longitudinally in the post and the enlarged head, and bisects the post into a pair of fingers. The pair of fingers is flexible to bend inward into the slot to allow the pair of fingers to bend inwardly into the slot to reduce a size of the enlarged head to allow the enlarged head to be inserted through the aperture. The pair of fingers is resilient to return outwardly from the slot after being bent inwardly into the slot. The cap has an interior cavity on an interior side of the cap. The interior cavity is sized and shaped to receive substantially all of the base therein. A perimeter of the cap circumscribes the base, and substantially covers a perimeter of the base. A pair of notches is each formed in opposite sides of the perimeter of the cap. Each of the pair of notches extends into the perimeter of the cap, and under an outer surface of the cap defining an undercut. A flexible strap is affixed to the cap, and has opposite ends each disposed in a different one of the pair of notches. Each of the opposite ends extends into a respective undercut, and under the cap between the cap and the back of the mobile device. The flexible strap and the cap form a loop to receive one or more fingers of a user's hand. The flexible strap is elastic and has a length to bias the flexible strap taut against the cap. The flexible strap has at least two configurations, including: 1) an unused configuration in which the flexible strap is substantially flat against the cap; and 2) an in-use configuration in which a portion of the flexible strap is displaced from the cap defining the loop. Indicia is disposed on an outward facing surface of the flexible strap. The indicia is indicative of or represents a business, a product, or both.
Furthermore, the invention provides a method for holding the mobile device with the swivel finger strap device, comprising: adhering the base to the back of rearward surface of the mobile device in a desired location; inserting one or more fingers between the flexible strap and the cap; and rotating the flexible strap and the cap about the pivot axel to orient the mobile device as desired.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:
a is a cross-sectional side view of the swivel finger strap of
b is a cross-sectional side view of the swivel finger strap of
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
The term “mobile device” is used broadly herein to refer to a portable, hand-held electronic device, including by way of example, a cellular (cell) phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer or tablet, a global positioning system (GPS), a mobile media player, a gaming system, and the like. Such a device can have a display screen upon which data, information, media, etc. is viewed; one or more inputs, such as buttons, a touch screen, etc.; one or more outputs, such as the screen, a speaker, an audio jack, etc.; a power supply, such as a battery; a data storage system and a computing system. Such a device can also include a port or socket for receiving a power and/or data connection cord or plug.
The term “back” or “rearward surface” of a mobile device is used broadly herein to refer to an actual back or rear surface of the mobile device, or any skin, sticker, case or shell disposed wholly or partially, permanently or temporarily, fixed or removable, over or on the back or rear surface of the mobile device, with the skin, sticker, case or shell, and for purposes of the term back or rearward surface, becomes part of the mobile device or back or rearward surface, and provides the back or rearward surface, when carried by the mobile device.
The terms “business”, “company” are used broadly and interchangeably herein to refer to an organization that provides a product or a service. The business, company or organization can have a name, logo, slogan, trademark, service mark, etc. that is capable of identifying and/or distinguishing the business or company, or product or service, or both, or can otherwise be utilized to market, promote, and/or brand the business or company, or product or service, or both. The swivel finger strap of the present invention can have indicia indicative of or representing a business, a product, or both. The indicia can include, for example, a name, logo, slogan, trademark, service mark, etc. Thus, the swivel finger strap can be utilized as a promotional device.
As illustrated in
The swivel finger strap 10 has a base 26 with an adhesive layer 30. The adhesive layer can adhere the base to the back 22 or rearward surface of the mobile device 14. The adhesive layer 30 can be an adhesive layer or pad applied to the base. Or the adhesive layer 30 can be a liquid or film applied to the base. The adhesive film can be pliable, such as with a thin foam layer, to conform to any curvature of the back of the mobile device. The base 26 can be circular, as described below, and can be formed of injection molded plastic. The base 26 can be a flat, thin layer or disc with a back or inner side or face and a front or outer side or face. In addition, the base can be rigid. The base 26 can have an aperture 34 (
The swivel finger strap 10 also has a cap 42 rotatably coupled to the base 26. The cap can substantially receive and surround the base, such that the base can be substantially hidden between the cap and the mobile device. An annular gap can be formed between the cap and the mobile device. The cap 42 can be substantially circular, and can be formed of injection molded plastic. The cap 42 can be a flat, thin layer or disc with a back or inner side or face and a front or outer side or face. In addition, the cap can be rigid. The cap 42 can have a post 46 (
To facilitate manufacture or assembly, a slot 54 (
In addition, the cap 42 can have an interior cavity 62 (
The post 46 can have a length substantially the same as a depth of the cavity 62, and the post can extend to an opening, or interior side, of the cap. The post 46 and the head 50 can be entirely received within the cavity. Thus, the device can have a low profile.
Furthermore, the cap 42 can have a pair of notches 66 (
The swivel finger strap 10 has a flexible strap 70 affixed to the cap 42. The strap 70 has opposite ends each disposed in a different one of the pair of notches 66. The strap 70 extends across the cap from one side to the other. The flexible strap 70 and the cap 42 form a loop 78 to receive one or more fingers of a user's hand, as shown in
The strap 70 can have indicia 84 disposed on an outward facing surface of the flexible strap. The indicia 84 can be indicative of or representing a business, a product, or both. Thus, the indicia can include, for example, a name, logo, slogan, trademark, service mark, etc. Thus, the swivel finger strap can be utilized as a promotional device. The indicia can be screen printed, sublimation printed, an adhesive layer, etc.
In use, the swivel finger strap 10 can be selectively positioned and adhered to the back 22 of the rearward surface (or case or skin) of the mobile device 14 with the adhesive layer 30 in a desired location. Because the strap 70 and cap 42 swivel on the base, it is unnecessary to selectively orient the strap when adhering the base to the mobile device. The low profile of the swivel finger strap 10, and the strap 70 held taut to the cap 42, allow the mobile device with the swivel finger strap 10 thereon to be easily inserted and removed from pockets, purses, etc. When holding the mobile device 14, the user can insert one or more fingers through the loop 78 between the strap 70 and the cap 42. The user can selectively hold the mobile device 14 in his or her hand with the mobile device at a desired or select orientation (such as in a portrait or landscape orientation). In addition, the user can selectively pivot the mobile device between orientations while the fingers remain in the loop.
In one aspect, the swivel finger strap 10 can allow the mobile device 14 (or long axis thereof) to be oriented substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the user's finger (defining a portrait orientation if the user's hand and fingers are held horizontally, or a landscape orientation if the user's hand and fingers are held vertically), as shown in
A method for holding a mobile device 14 with the swivel finger strap 10 comprises: adhering the base 26 to the back of rearward surface of the mobile device in a desired location; inserting one or more fingers between the flexible strap 70 and the cap 42; and rotating the flexible strap and the cap about the pivot axel to orient the mobile device as desired.
In another aspect, the cap, or outer or exterior surface thereof, can have an elongated indentation formed therein an extending across a diameter or width of the cap, and oriented transverse or perpendicular to the flexible strap, to receive a portion of the user's finger.
While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.