PROTECTIVE HANDHELD DEVICE HOLDER
Device holders having a number of arms for receiving a handheld device and a number of recesses providing an interface area for a user's hand to hold the device during use. In some examples the device holder maintains an open cavity between the body of the device and the holder itself. In some examples, the holder maintains the device in place with a series of extensions from the base of the holder that secure the periphery of the device via a retainer.
The present disclosure relates generally to handheld device holders. In particular this disclosure includes handheld device holders having strategically placed gripping recesses and device protection cavities.
There exist a large variety of handheld devices on the market today. These devices come in all shapes and sizes and vary in function and purpose. These devices range from standard cellular phones, to smart phones, to gaming devices, global positioning units, tablet computers, laptops and more. These devices serve a myriad of purposes and are carried everywhere a user goes. Because these devices are handheld, users often seek comfortable and efficient ways to secure these devices during use and protect them from damage.
Known device holders are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing device holders lack gripping recesses conducive to increasing a user's hold on a device. Existing device holders allow a very limited number of holding positions for a user. These positions often place the device in precarious and difficult to maintain positions in a user's hands.
Existing holders often cause user discomfort in that they force a user to endure often uncomfortable and non-ergonomic hand positions when interfacing with a device. Such positions can lead to Fatigue and increase the likelihood that a device will fall or be dropped by the user causing damage to the device.
Extant device holders are also attached too close to the body of the device to allow for proper gripping recesses. A user maintains significantly more control over a device when the hand and fingers can penetrate the holder's recesses. Existing device holders do not allow adequate space between the body of the device and the holder itself for users to grip the holder.
Additionally, known device holders provide inadequate protection to the device. Damage to the device results when the device is dropped and contacts a hard surface, Existing holders are wrapped to closely around the body of the device and fail to provide sufficient impact resistance for the device. A holder having inadequate cavity between the device body and the holder allows the full force of impact to be transferred to a device.
Ease of use, comfort in handling, and protection from damage are of utmost importance for device users, Current holders have failed to sufficiently incorporate these needs into a single functional design. Thus, there exists a need for device holders that improve upon and advance the design of known device holders. Examples of new and useful device holders relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure is directed to device holders having a number of arms for receiving a handheld device and a number of recesses providing an interface area for a user's hand to hold the device during use. In some examples the device holder maintains an open cavity between the body of the device and the holder itself. In some examples, the holder maintains the device in place with a series of extensions from the base of the holder that secure the periphery of the device via a retainer.
The disclosed device holders will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein, Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various device holders are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
With reference to
By way of example, reference is also made to a device 150 and a user interacting with device holder 100. These examples do not limit the device holder in any way and only represent a sample of the devices with which the instant embodiment may be used.
As can be seen in
In this example base 102 is composed of a flexible plastic. A significant number of materials and composites are employed in various other examples. In another example the base is made of aluminum. In yet another example the base is made of rubber. In other examples any material that can reasonably create a holding surface for user interface is contemplated.
Base 102 provides a surface into which finger holes 104 extend. Base 102 constitutes a structure within which space is provided for gripping device holder 100, Material can be removed from any portion of base 102 creating finger holes 104.
Turning our attention more specifically to
In the present embodiment, finger holes 104 are arranged in a circular pattern. In various examples, finger holes may be arranged in patterns conducive to user interface. In yet other examples, finger hole placement is specifically optimized for user interface and/or mounted attachment interface.
Referencing
The ranges of devices that may be used with device holder 100 serve numerous functions. As such, user preferred holding positions differ between the varying functions and device orientations. In
By way of explanation only, a device holder may be used in conjunction with a handheld gaming device. A user needing to turn the device or move it rapidly in his hands would elect a particular hand position to accomplish such mobility. On the other hand a device holder being used with a handheld electronic sketch pad would cause a user to elect a different hand position offering more stationary stability.
We also see in
Further,
Turning now to
Any number of mounted attachments may be attached to any of finger holes 104. In the instant example the mounted attachment is an adjustable clamping arm 140. Clamping arm 140 has been optionally interfaced with central finger hole 104(i). In various other embodiments the mounted attachment is a wall mount, a table top stand, or an automotive dash attachment. In each of the various embodiments, mounted attachments are able to interface using any of the unused finger holes.
Directing attention now to
In the instant embodiment, arms 110 and 112 extend seamlessly in one piece from base 102 towards the periphery of device 150 in opposing directions. Arm 110 for example, extends from the top of base 102 towards the top of device 150 whereon the terminal end 114 of arm 110 contacts the peripheral edge of device 150.
In contrast, arm 112 extends from the bottom of base 102 towards the bottom of device 150 terminating on the bottom peripheral edge of device 150. In a similar configuration, right arm 112(i) and left arm 112(i) extend from base 102 in opposing directions terminating on the right and left peripheral edge respectively, of device 150.
Each of arms 110, 112, 112(i), and 112(ii) are capped at their respective terminal ends with a retainer 116. As can be seen in
Turning to
Retainers 116 have an outer and inner surface.
Turning back to
As can be seen in
In another example, the arms approach the peripheral edges of the device at a substantially right angle creating a similar inward pressure for holding the device in place. In another example, the device is instead held in place with adhesive. In yet other examples, the device is held in place mechanically and no inward pressure is exerted on the device by the arms.
While in the current example base 102, arms 110,112,112(i), and 112(ii), and the respective terminal ends 114, and retainers 116 are formed from a single piece having no seams, alternative embodiments include bases, arms, terminal ends, and retainers formed from multiple discrete pieces that are joined together to create a single device holder.
In the current example and in various other embodiments, the device holder is configured to receive a lid portion 160.
Focusing again on
In the instant embodiment, cavity 120 has a contour largely matching the contour of the exterior surface of base 102. The outside edges of cavity 120 are tapered to meet the peripheral edges of device 150. In another example, the cavity does not match the exterior contour of the base but instead is has a unique shape which can be selected for particular characteristics. The cavity in such examples is selected based upon desired mountable attachments, storage, rigidity, flexibility, cushion, weight, etc. In each case the cavity shape is selectable based upon desired interface characteristics.
Turning attention to
As can be seen in
Arms 210, and 212, the relevant terminal ends 214 and retainers 216 are substantially similar to their device 100 counterparts. Additionally, cavity 220 defines a cavity having substantially similar characteristics compared to cavity 120 described above. Finger holes 204 however include an additional feature not present in the embodiment described above. Device holder 200 therefore, additionally includes a mounted attachment friction interface 230 and a support stand 240 for propping the device.
Directing attention now to
Though
Further,
Turning now to
A noticeable addition to finger hole 204(i) when compared to device holder 100, is a friction interface 230. In the instant example, friction interface 230 is arranged in a circular pattern surrounding finger hole 204(i). Friction interface 230 defines a region of base 202 having a series of ribs arranged in a pattern surrounding a finger hole 204. Friction interface 230 provides for controlled adjustment of interfacing mounted attachments.
In the instant embodiment, friction interface 230 defines a series of ribs protruding from the surface of base 202. In another example, the friction interface is comprised of tooth like structures. In yet another embodiment, the friction interface is a series of dimples. In each embodiment including a friction interface, any surface having a sufficient friction coefficient for selectable adjustment of interfacing mounted attachments is contemplated.
Any number of mounted attachments may be attached to any of finger holes 204 and therefore friction interface 230 may likewise be present around any of finger holes 204. In the instant example the mounted attachment is a support stand 240. Support stand 240 has been optionally interfaced with central finger hole 204(i). In various embodiments, support stand 240 is able to interface using any of the unused finger holes 204.
Turning attention now to
In this example, attachment surface 242 engages friction interface 230. Attachment surface 242 is a substantially planar surface configured to create a contact point between device holder 200 and support stand 240. In the instant example, the contacting face of attachment surface 242 is covered with a series of ribs complimentary to the ribs of friction interface 230.
In another embodiment, the attachment surface is covered with tooth-like protrusions configured to compliment the teeth of alternative friction interfaces. In yet another embodiment the attachment surface is dimpled to receive a complimentarily dimpled friction interface, in yet other embodiments, any surface complimentary to an opposing friction interface that allows for controlled adjustment of the support stand is contemplated.
The attachment surface 242 of device holder 200 is coupled to base 202 via a coupler 244. In the instant example, coupler 244 attaches to base 202 through the center of attachment surface 242, through finger hole 204(i) and is fastened into place within cavity 220.
Coupler 244 applies a clamping force on attachment surface 242 pulling it into contact with friction interface 230. In this example, coupler 244 is a standard bolt retained in place with a nut as known in the art. The bolt extends through the attachment surface and through the finger hole and is retained from within the cavity causing a clamping force to be exerted on all surfaces and hold the support stand to the device holder. The amount of clamping force exerted by coupler 244 on the attachment surface 242 is adjustable by tightening the nut.
In this example, a clamping force that allows for selectable adjustment of the angle of attachment of the stand, but sufficient to withstand sagging or unwanted movement is preferable. In another example, the coupler is a pin that is retained in place with a spring, the spring being disposed on the interior surface of the cavity. In such example, the amount of clamping force exerted by the coupler on the attachment surface is a function of the tension exerted by the spring.
When sufficient clamping force is exerted, drawing base 202 together with attachment surface 242 via coupler 244, support stand 240 can be rotated in intervals around the friction interface between corresponding ribs. Device holder 200 supplies support, protection and holding positions for a large number of devices, each of which often have multiple positions of use. Support stand 240 allows articulation of device holder 200 across a range of positions and orientations.
Support stand 240 is rotatably adjustable around the axis of coupler 244. As support stand 240 rotates around the axis, attachment surface 242 intermittently engages the ribs of friction interface 230 making support stand 240 selectably adjustable in three-hundred-and-sixty degrees.
Turning back to
Swivel member 246 allows propping member 248 to open away from base 202 sufficient to provide standing support for device 200. In this embodiment, swivel member 246 is free floating and acts as a common bushing between the propping member and attachment surface. In another embodiment the swivel member is configured to selectively apply a clamping force between the propping member and the attachment surface. Such a clamping force allows for selective positioning angle of the propping member.
Turning attention now to propping member 248.
The contour of propping member 248 allows for a compact stowing position.
The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.
Claims
1. A device holder, comprising:
- a base that is substantially planar and that defines a plurality of finger holes;
- a first arm extending from the base transverse to the plane defined by the base and terminating at a first terminal end opposite the base, the first terminal end including a first retainer configured to secure a first end of a device; and
- a second arm extending from the base transverse to the plane defined by the base and terminating at a second terminal end opposite the base, the second terminal end including a second retainer configured to secure a second end of the device spaced from the first end of the device.
2. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are resilient and are configured to flex apart and to resiliently squeeze against the device when supporting the device.
3. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm includes an interior side facing the base and the terminal end defines a lip extending along the interior side of the first arm.
4. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are curved.
5. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm is opposite the base from the second arm.
6. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend from a perimeter boundary of the base.
7. The device holder of claim 1, further comprising a third arm extending from the base a fourth arm extending from the base.
8. The device holder of claim 7, wherein the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm extend from a perimeter boundary of the base and each extend from different quadrants of the base.
9. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the shape of the base is complimentarily configured to the shape of the device.
10. The device holder of claim 9, wherein the base has a rectangular shape that compliments the device, which has a rectangular shape with a larger area than the area defined by the rectangular shape of the base.
11. The device holder of claim 1, further comprising a mounting bracket mounted to the base, the mounting bracket being configured to couple with an external support.
12. The device holder of claim 11, wherein the mounting bracket is mounted to the middle of the base.
13. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of finger holes are arranged in a circle.
14. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the finger holes include a first hole and a second hole that is larger than the first hole.
15. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the base defines a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes that are larger than the first hole, the plurality of first holes and plurality of second holes being arranged in an alternating pattern where a first hole is followed by a second hole in a circle.
16. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are integrally connected to the base.
17. A device holder, comprising:
- a base defining a plurality of finger holes arranged in a pattern to conform with the anatomy of a human hand when the base is in a variety of positions relative to a user's hand;
- a first arm extending from the base and terminating at a first terminal end opposite the base, the first terminal end including a first retainer configured to secure a first end of a device; and
- a second arm extending from the base and terminating at a second terminal end opposite the base, the second terminal end including a second retainer configured to secure a second end of the device spaced from the first end of the device.
18. The device holder of claim 17, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged in a circle.
19. The device holder of claim 17, wherein the base defines a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes that are larger than the first hole, the plurality of first holes and plurality of second holes being arranged in an alternating pattern where a first hole is followed by a second hole in a circle.
20. A device holder, comprising:
- a base that is substantially planar and having a perimeter boundary, the base defining a plurality of finger holes arranged in a pattern to conform with the anatomy of a human hand when the base is in a variety of positions relative to a user's hand;
- a first arm extending from the perimeter boundary of the base transverse to the plane defined by the base and terminating at a first terminal end opposite the base, the first arm including a first interior side facing the base and the first terminal end including a first lip on the first interior side of the first arm and configured to secure a first end of a device; and
- a second arm opposite the first arm extending from the perimeter boundary of the base transverse to the plane defined by the base and terminating at a second terminal end opposite the base, the second arm including a second interior side facing the base and the second terminal end including a second lip on the second interior side of the second arm and configured to secure a second end of a device spaced from the first end of the device.
21. The device holder of claim 20, wherein the base further includes a friction interface.
22. The device holder of claim 21, wherein the friction interface defines a series of raised protrusions extending from and embedded in the surface of the base.
22. The device holder of claim 20, further including a support stand adjustably affixed to the base.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 11, 2012
Publication Date: Oct 17, 2013
Inventor: David Konyha (Seaside, OR)
Application Number: 13/444,750
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101);