TEXTIPS SYSTEMS

Abstract

A textips system comprising: a text-tip assembly comprising finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s). The text-tip assembly may comprise rubber. Finger-fit sleeves of the text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule located on a finger-tip portion of the finger-fit sleeves suitable when used by the wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate electronic communication devices and other objects. The text-tip assembly further comprises an isolator whereby the finger of the wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with the key to avoid the wearer-user experiencing pain in the finger(s). The finger-fit sleeves fits about at least one finger of a wearer-user or other embodiments may be simply adhesively attached directly to the fingertip. The finger-fit sleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and/or a pinky finger alternately or in combination.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/393,208, filed Oct. 14, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of tips and more specifically relates to text tips for use with electronic devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Individuals in modern society often use cellular telephones to communicate. An increasing number of these communications are via ‘texting’. Text messaging, or texting is the common term for the sending of “short” (originally 160 characters or fewer, including spaces) text messages from mobile phones using the Short Message Service (SMS). This service is available on most digital mobile phones and some personal digital assistants with on-board wireless telecommunications. The individual messages which are sent are called text messages or, more colloquially, texts or SMS.

There are problems that may be experienced during texting. Particularly, the keypads of most mobile units tend to be very small, to accommodate the compact size of the device itself. Even the smallest of adult fingertips can easily cover two buttons. Thus, as can be imagined, it can be challenging to correctly type a text or dial a number when the fingertips constantly strike the wrong button(s). Not only can this result in embarrassing mis-typed messages, but can also lead to extra charges on one's phone bill from dialing the wrong number. Moreover, constant texting can increase pressure on the fingertips and thumbs, resulting in sore fingers and unattractive callouses. A means whereby more accurate texting manipulation is achieved is desirable.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in text tips art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0289893 to Jason Drangel et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,464 to Winston Delano Lee; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D418,494 to Karl A. Robb. This prior art is representative of finger appliances useful for data entry.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. Thus, a need exists for a reliable text tips assembly/system to provide efficient texting means for users of electronic devices and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known field of tips art, the present invention provides a novel textips system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide efficient texting means for users of electronic devices.

The present invention, textips system, as disclosed herein, preferably comprises: a text-tip assembly comprising finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s). The text-tip assembly preferably comprises rubber or other suitable flexible yet substantially rigid material. The finger-fit sleeves of the text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule located on a finger-tip portion of the finger-fit sleeves suitable when used by the wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate the electronic communication device. The text-tip assembly further comprises an isolator whereby the finger of the wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with the key to avoid the wearer-user experiencing pain in his/her finger(s).

The finger-fit sleeves fits about at least one finger of a wearer-user, ideally proximate an end and the front of a finger tip. The finger-fit sleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and/or a pinky finger alternately or in combination. In this way they can be used on the finger of the user's choice.

The raised nodules are preferably tapered with the larger portion proximate the finger and decreasing in size down to a dulled-point (knob) and may comprises an adhesive on a backside of the raised nodule (such that it is removably attachable to a finer or a sleeve.) The raised nodule of text-tip assembly substantially prevents the finger of the wearer-user from slipping off a key on an electronic communication device. Further, the raised nodule(s) comprises a gripper to grippingly manipulate the keys or other object being touched, thus slippage is effectually eliminated.

The textips system may further comprise a kit as disclosed herein, wherein the kit comprises: a plurality of the raised nodules adhesively (initially) attached to a holding sheet; finger-fit sleeves; and a set of instructions wherein the finger-fit sleeves comprise rings and closed-end-cap versions.

A method of using a textips system comprises the steps of: adhesively donning a raised nodule onto a finger of a wearer-user (as a ring; sleeve; or directly onto a fingertip surface); manipulating an electronic communication device with the raised nodule wherein the electronic communication device comprises a display surface with keys; and removing the raised nodule for a future use. The electronic communication device may comprises a tablet (touch screen or a keypad with keys.)

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a textips system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, textips system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a textips system as employed in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a kit of the textips according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a ring embodiment of the textips according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating the textips as attached directly to a finger of a user, according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4b is a perspective view illustrating a closed-end cap embodiment of the textips according to an embodiments of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using textips according to embodiment(s) of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a manipulation device and more particularly to a text tips assembly/system to provide efficient texting means for users of electronic devices

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1 a perspective view illustrating textips system 100 as employed in ‘in-use’ condition 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Textips system 100 of the present invention preferably comprises a line of assistive devices specially designed to aid in accurately operating keys 174 on electronic communication device 170, thereby helping to bridge the gap between a large finger-tip portion 124 of finger(s) 150 and tiny input buttons to improve the accuracy of dialed numbers and text messaging on electronic communication device 170. Textips system 100 preferably provides wearer-user(s) 180 of electronic communication device(s) 170 with a more efficient and convenient means to manipulate and use electronic communication device 170.

The present invention serves to effectively eliminate the possibility of sliding fingertips (on surfaces such as keys or touch screens) during the activity of pressing multiple keys on electronic communication device 170 that are compact; textips system 100 may thereby increase accuracy in both dialing and texting on electronic communication device 170. As such, wearer-user(s) 180 can be substantially rest assured that wearer-user(s) 180 may be able to reduce the number of mistakes, unnecessary calls and texts that can increase a phone bill from electronic communication device 170. Saving money, textips system 100 may also improve communication, effectively ensuring that embarrassing misspellings are not transferred to message recipients of user-wearer 180. Further, textips system 100 may alleviate the pressure applied by finger(s) 150 when dialing or texting, preferably ensuring that painful callouses do not form on finger(s) 150 since finger(s) 150 do not directly contact electronic communication device 170.

Textips system 100 preferably comprises: text-tip assembly 110. Text-tip assembly 110 further comprises finger-fit sleeves 120, and raised nodule(s) 140 in certain embodiments shown for example in FIG. 4a. Finger-fit sleeves 120 preferably fit about at least one finger(s) 150 of wearer-user 180. Finger-fit sleeves 120 of text-tip assembly 110 preferably comprises raised nodule(s) 140 located on finger-tip portion 124 of finger-fit sleeves 120 suitable when used by wearer-user 180 to accurately touch-manipulate at least one electronic communication device 170. Electronic communication device 170 may comprise a touch screen display such as a cellular phone or a tablet or the like. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other electronic devices such as, for example, PDAs, smart phones, etc., may be sufficient.

Raised nodule(s) 140 are preferably tapered; however in other embodiments raised nodule(s) 140 may comprise knobs, stubs, points, blunt-ends or other suitable geometry for manipulating electronic communication device 170. Raised nodule(s) 140 of text-tip assembly 110 substantially prevents finger(s) 150 of wearer-user 180 from slipping off a key 174 on electronic communication device 170, as previously mentioned. Raised nodule(s) 140 further comprises gripper 148. Raised nodule(s) 140 preferably act as a gripper 148 having gripping means wherein gripper 148 comprises a small surface area to suitably grip and/or touch objects. Not limited to use when operating electronic communication device 170, textips system 100 may also be utilized to afford a secure grip when counting money, leafing through the pages of a book, or searching through a stack of documents. Further, textips system 100 may enable user 180 to pick up small or awkward items with ease.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view illustrating kit 240 of Texttips systems 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Texttips systems 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 may comprise kit 240. Kit 240 may comprise the following parts: a plurality of raised nodules 140 adhesively attached to holding sheet 200; finger-fit sleeves 120; and a set of instructions wherein finger-fit sleeves 120 comprise rings 300 and closed-end-cap 400 versions. In alternate embodiments not shown text-tip assembly 110 may comprise a plurality of finger-fit sleeves 120 to form together as a text-glove (not shown.)

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different tip geometries and/or combinations thereof, parts may be sold separately.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view illustrating ring 300 embodiment of textips system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Finger-fit sleeves 120 may comprise open end 128. Open end 128 of finger-fit sleeves 120 may comprise ring 300, as shown. Text-tip assembly 110 preferably comprises flexible plastic, however other suitably flexible materials may be used. Finger-fit sleeves 120 are preferably deformable such that finger-fit sleeves 120 may be fit on thumb 152, index finger 154, middle finger 156, ring finger 158 and/or pinky finger 160 alternately or in combination. Further, finger-fit sleeves 120 are adjustable to accommodate digit extremities of virtually any size. Text-tip assembly 110 preferably comprises rubber in preferred embodiments. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other suitable materials such as, for example, other plastics, non-rubber material, and the like, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b, perspective views illustrating closed-end cap 400 embodiment of textips system 100 and finger-attached version, both according to embodiments of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Finger-fit sleeves 120 as previously mentioned may comprise closed-end-cap(s) 400 such that finger-tip portion 124 of finger-fit sleeves 120 is substantially enclosed therewithin. Raised nodule(s) 140 preferably comprise at least one adhesive on a backside of raised nodule 140 such that text-tip assembly 110 may be removably coupled repeatedly to various surfaces. Alternately raised nodule(s) 140 may be manufactured integrally with the various versions of the instant device. Raised nodules 440 may also be adhesively attached via adhesive 420 directly to finger(s) 150 of user-wearer 180 in a user-preferred positioning (as shown in FIG. 4b.) Additionally, raised nodule(s) 140 are user-locatable on finger-fit sleeves 120 (FIG. 4a.) Universal in design, textips system 100 may also be adhered to the tips of gloves, so that user-wearer 180 who lives in a cold climate is not required to remove their gloves to call or text. Text-tip assembly 120 comprises an isolator 130 whereby finger(s) 150 of wearer-user 180 is isolated from direct-touch-contact with key(s) 174 to avoid wearer-user 180 experiencing pain in finger(s) 150.

FIG. 5. shows flowchart 550 illustrating method of use 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

A method of using (at least herein enabling method of use 500) textips system 100 may comprise the steps of: step one 501 adhesively donning raised nodule 140 onto finger(s) 150 (or attached to finger-fit sleeves 120—rings 300 or closed-end-cap 400, or glove versions) of a wearer-user 180; step two 502 manipulating electronic communication device 170 with raised nodule 140 wherein electronic communication device 170 comprises a display surface with keys 174 (or a touch screen); and step three 503 removing raised nodule 140 for a future use (or non-use discard.) The present invention as mentioned above can also be used for grippingly manipulating a host of other objects for example when counting money, leafing through pages of a book and other such activities.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A textips system comprising:

a text-tip assembly comprising, finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s);

wherein said raised nodule(s) comprise an adhesive suitable for removable attachment to said finger-fit sleeves;

wherein said finger-fit sleeves fits about at least one finger of a wearer-user; and

wherein each of said finger-fit sleeves of said text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule removably located on a finger-tip portion of said finger-fit sleeves suitable when used by said wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate at least one electronic communication device.

2. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodules are tapered.

3. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said electronic communication device comprises a touch screen display.

4. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said finger-fit sleeves comprise a closed-end-cap such that said finger-tip portion of said finger-fit sleeves is enclosed therewithin.

5. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said finger-fit sleeves comprise an open end.

6. The textips system of claim 5 wherein said finger-fit sleeves comprising said open end comprise a ring.

7. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule of said text-tip assembly comprises a knob which substantially prevents said finger of said wearer-user from slipping off a key on said electronic communication device.

8. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said text-tip assembly comprises flexible plastic.

9. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said text-tip assembly comprises rubber.

10. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s) comprise an adhesive on a backside of said raised nodule.

11. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s) are user-locatable on said finger-fit sleeves.

12. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s) are user-locatable on said finger of said wearer-user.

13. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said text-tip assembly comprises a plurality of said finger-fit sleeves to form together as a text-glove.

14. The textips system of claim 7 wherein said text-tip assembly comprises an isolator whereby said finger of said wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with said key to avoid said wearer-user experiencing pain in said finger(s).

15. The textips system of claim 1 wherein said raised nodule(s) comprises a gripper.

16. The textips system of claim 6 wherein said finger-fit sleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an index said finger, a middle said finger, a ring said finger and/or a pinky said finger alternately or in combination.

17. A textips system comprising:

a text-tip assembly comprising, finger-fit sleeves, and raised nodule(s);

wherein said finger-fit sleeves fits about or to at least one finger of a wearer-user;

wherein said raised nodules are tapered;

wherein said text-tip assembly comprises rubber;

wherein said raised nodule(s) comprise an adhesive on a backside of said raised nodule;

wherein said raised nodule of said text-tip assembly substantially prevents said finger of said wearer-user from slipping off a key on an electronic communication device;

wherein said raised nodule(s) comprises a gripper;

wherein said text-tip assembly comprises an isolator whereby said finger of said wearer-user is isolated from direct-touch-contact with said key to avoid said wearer-user experiencing pain in said finger(s);

wherein said finger-fit sleeves are deformable such that they can be fit on a thumb, an index said finger, a middle said finger, a ring said finger and/or a pinky said finger alternately or in combination; and

wherein each of said finger-fit sleeves of said text-tip assembly comprises a raised nodule located on a finger-tip portion of said finger-fit sleeves suitable when used by said wearer-user to accurately touch-manipulate said electronic communication device.

18. The textips system of claim 17 further comprising a kit, wherein said kit comprises: a plurality of said raised nodules adhesively attached to a holding sheet; finger-fit sleeves; and a set of instructions wherein said finger-fit sleeves comprise said ring and closed-end-cap versions.

19. A method of using a textips system comprising the steps of:

adhesively donning a raised nodule onto a finger of a wearer-user;

manipulating an electronic communication device with said raised nodule wherein said electronic communication device comprises a display surface with keys; and

removing said raised nodule for a future use.

20. The method of using a textips system of claim 19 wherein said raised nodule is directly adhesively attached to said finger of said wearer-user.