ACCESSORY FOR MOBILE DEVICES
A device for securing a mobile device is provided. The device includes a connector having an attachment surface that is capable of attaching to a mobile device. The device also includes an attachment mechanism coupled to the connector opposite the attachment surface, wherein the attachment mechanism is adapted to engage a digit of a user.
This application is a continuation of, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/767,192, filed Feb. 14, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/599,265, filed Feb. 15, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTSHandheld mobile electronic devices are becoming ubiquitous in modern society and include such devices as mobile phones, electronic readers, tablets, gaming devices, media players, and the like. Though these devices come in various sizes and shapes, each is ostensibly designed to be held in a user's hands. Despite this intended purpose, most mobile devices are not ergonomically designed to fit well in a user's hands. The devices can be awkward to hold and operate and, therefore, can be prone to being dropped. Unfortunately, most mobile devices are not very robust, and a drop from any appreciable height can irreparably damage the device.
Many smaller mobile devices are specifically designed fit in a user's pocket or a belt carrier pouch for easy transportation of the device. The small size that allows for easy transport often makes the device difficult to use for those users with lesser manual dexterity, particularly older users. For these and many additional users, the need to both securely grip the device and keep fingers free to operate the device negatively affects the users' ability to operate the device effectively. As a result, many users will set the device down on a flat surface to operate their device. For these users, having a stable base that presents the device at an appropriate viewing and operating angle is desirable.
To address these issues, there is a need for a mobile device accessory that aids a user in securely and ergonomically holding a mobile device, prevents the device from being dropped while being operated, and enables the device to be secured when being transported.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTSIn one aspect, a device for securing a mobile device is provided. The device includes a connector having an attachment surface that is capable of attaching to a mobile device. The device also includes an attachment mechanism coupled to the connector opposite the attachment surface, wherein the attachment mechanism is adapted to engage a digit of a user.
In a further aspect of the above, the connector and the attachment mechanism comprise a single integral body.
In a further aspect of any of the above, the attachment mechanism comprises an elastic material.
In a further aspect of any of the above, the attachment mechanism comprises a neoprene material.
In a further aspect of any of the above, the attachment surface is configured to reversibly attach to a selected surface.
In a further aspect of any of the above, the attachment surface comprises an adhesive surface.
In a further aspect of any of the above, the attachment mechanism comprises a sleeve.
The described embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures.
An overview of the features, functions and configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non-discussed features, such as various couplers, etc., as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry or configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTSThe present application discloses accessories for mobile devices and methods for using and constructing the same. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory that enables secure and stable attachment between a user and a mobile electronic device is disclosed. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.
As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The socket 20 may further include an attachment surface 21 disposed opposite the top surface 23. The attachment surface 21 may include any number of different means for attaching socket 20 to device 70. By way of non-limiting example, the attachment surface 21 may include a layer of adhesive suitable to permanently or reversibly attach the socket 20, preferably, to a non-functional area of a mobile device 70, such as a back cover 71 as shown in
The connector 30 may be formed of a strong and durable material such as a suitable polymer or metal. The socket 20 may be formed of a strong, durable, and elastically deformable material that is compatible with the material selected for the connector 30, such as a suitable polymer or a metal. Where a polymer is used, the connector 30 and socket 20 may be injection molded. The sleeve 40 may be formed of an elastically deformable material, such as neoprene, suitable to enable the sleeve 40 to conform to and comfortably grip the finger of a user. The inner surface 42 or outer surface 48 of the sleeve 40 may further be laminated or covered with nylon, or other suitable material, to provide durability and wear resistance to the sleeve 40 for extended use.
In operation, the attachment surface 21 of the socket 20 may be affixed to a mobile device 70. The connector 30 may be installed in the sleeve 40 as described herein. Moreover, the ball 32 of the connector 30 may be pushed into and retained by the ball socket 24. Subsequently, the sleeve 40 may be placed on a finger of a user's hand by inserting the finger thru the opening 41. In this configuration, the accessory 10 is capable of substantially retaining the device 70 within the grasp of a user. Further, the device 70 may be rotated 360 degrees and titled within the grasp of the user to facilitate the operation of device in either landscape or portrait mode or in some orientation in between.
The connector 30 may include various different configurations. For example, in at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure as shown in
In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure as shown in
Further, the connector 60 may include an attachment surface 61 disposed opposite the top surface 63 and adapted to attach the connector 60 to the working surface 80. For example, the attachment surface 61 may include a layer of adhesive suitable to permanently or reversibly attach the connector 60 to the working surface 80. Said adhesive layer may comprise any number of known adhesives, including but not limited to, an automotive grade, double-sided, foam tape. Further, the connector 60 may include indicia 69 imprinted or formed on the top surface 63 or any visible surface, such as a trademark or other identifiers.
As should be apparent from the foregoing examples, the socket 20 enables many different uses of an accessory 10 for mobile devices as disclosed herein. Specifically, the socket 20 is capable of attaching to many different connector configurations, including those shown in
While various embodiments of an accessory for mobile devices and methods for using the same have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered by way of non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure and are intended to encompass any later appended claims. Indeed, this disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure.
Further, in describing representative embodiments, the disclosure may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. Other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A device for securing a mobile device, the device comprising:
- a connector having an attachment surface that is capable of attaching to a mobile device; and
- an attachment mechanism coupled to the connector opposite the attachment surface, wherein the attachment mechanism is adapted to engage a digit of a user.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector and the attachment mechanism comprise a single integral body.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an elastic material.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a neoprene material.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment surface is configured to reversibly attach to a selected surface.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment surface comprises an adhesive surface.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a sleeve.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 7, 2015
Publication Date: Feb 4, 2016
Inventors: Cole B. Keesling (Fishers, IN), Jason B. McCrocklin (Anderson, IN)
Application Number: 14/877,160