U.S. patent application number 14/251146 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for flexible finger strap and surface mount for electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is John A Murphy, Connie R Rutledge. Invention is credited to John A Murphy, Connie R Rutledge.
Application Number | 20140217135 14/251146 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51258461 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140217135 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murphy; John A ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
FLEXIBLE FINGER STRAP AND SURFACE MOUNT FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a
connection apparatus and mount designed for easier and more secure
transport of a mobile phone or other hand-held electronic device,
and wherein an electronic device can be secured to a surface. The
connection apparatus includes a flexible strap, a rigid base, and
an adhesive. The mount includes a mount faceplate, a stem, and a
surface attachment system.
Inventors: |
Murphy; John A; (Roseville,
MN) ; Rutledge; Connie R; (Roseville, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Murphy; John A
Rutledge; Connie R |
Roseville
Roseville |
MN
MN |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51258461 |
Appl. No.: |
14/251146 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29453073 |
Apr 24, 2013 |
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14251146 |
|
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|
|
13481581 |
May 25, 2012 |
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29453073 |
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|
61490516 |
May 26, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/218 ;
224/250 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/04 20130101;
H04B 2001/3861 20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101; A45F 2200/0516
20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; H04B 1/3877 20130101; H04M 1/04
20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/218 ;
224/250 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus that facilitates holding an electronic device
comprising: a rigid base, having a first end, a midpoint, and a
second end, that is configured to adhere to an electronic device,
and a flexible strap attached to the rigid base.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible strap is
configured to partially encircle a portion of a user's hand.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rigid base has a shape
that is wider at the first end and the second end than at the
midpoint.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible strap and rigid
base are configured to mate with a mount.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 29/453,073, filed on Apr. 24, 2013, titled
ELASTIC FINGER STRAP AND BASE, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/481,581, filed May 25, 2012, titled
ELASTIC FINGER STRAP AND SURFACE MOUNT FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/490,516, filed on May 26, 2011, titled ELASTIC FINGER STRAP AND
SURFACE MOUNT FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a
connection apparatus and mount designed for easier and more secure
transport of a mobile phone or other hand-held electronic device,
and wherein an electronic device can be secured to a surface.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a flexible
strap that is adhered to a rigid base that is, in turn, adhered to
the back of an electronic device allowing the user to hold the
electronic device securely with one or more fingers. The strap is
flexible enough to allow a user to hold the device in a variety of
ways, making it safer as well as more practical and ergonomic to
use. The rigid base may be bowtie-shaped, as shown in the drawings,
or of a shape, design or color that can be used to distinguish or
stylize the electronic device it is attached to. The strap and
strap base are of a low profile (ideally less than one quarter of
an inch) so as to not interfere with the usual operation or grip of
the device or other methods of securing the device.
[0004] In another aspect, there is disclosed a complementary base
that adheres to a surface and mates to the strap, enabling an
electronic device to be mounted to any surface and used in a "hands
free" fashion. The complementary base may attach to a solid
surface, article of clothing, vehicle interior, handbag, or
luggage, among other things.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates the flexible strap of one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates the die cut adhesive used to adhere the
rigid base to an electronic device in one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the rigid base for the
flexible strap in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the rigid base for the
flexible strap in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the rigid base with the
flexible strap attached in one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the rigid base with the
flexible strap attached and a die cut adhesive in place in one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the
rigid base with the strap attached.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention
attached to an electronic device.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the
present invention in the hand of a user and attached to an
electronic device.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
present invention in the hand of a user and attached to an
electronic device.
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the
mount faceplate of the present invention with the rigid base
engaged.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective rear view of one
embodiment of the mount faceplate of the present invention with the
rigid base engaged.
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of the mount faceplate of
the present invention with three backer options.
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the strap and mount of
the present invention in use with an electronic device.
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of the mount faceplate
with recesses and protrusions.
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of the mount faceplate
with the rigid base engaged.
[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates the mount faceplate attached to a stem
and surface attachment system.
[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates the mount faceplate with various
protrusions for aligning and securing the base.
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a longer version of the
rigid base.
[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the elongated rigid base
with the flexible strap.
[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a rear view of a longer rigid base with
elastic attached in channels at both ends.
[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a longer rigid base
without the flexible strap and with recesses for receiving the
protrusions of the mount faceplate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The exemplary embodiments described herein in detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure
and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present
disclosure is not limited to a particular strap, base and mount, as
shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may
suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the
application or embodiments without departing from the spirit or
scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0028] 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.
Further, the terms, "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation
of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the
referenced item. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "attached,"
"coupled," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and
encompass direct and indirect attachments and couplings.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is depicted a connection
apparatus 10 comprising a flexible strap 102 spanning the length of
a rigid base 302. The flexible strap 102 is of an elastic fabric
material, though may be comprised of rubber or similar flexible
material. In the case of rubber, the flexible strap 102 could
provide additional friction for secure handling of an electronic
device. The flexible strap 102 is flexible enough to allow a user's
fingers to be inserted between the flexible strap 102 and a rigid
base 302 for easier holding and control of the electronic device to
which the rigid base 302 is attached. The flexible strap 102 can be
permanently or removably secured to the rigid base 302 at both
ends, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and attached in such a way that it
is held taut against the rigid base 302. The flexible strap 102 may
be printed upon with text or graphics in some embodiments. The
width of the flexible strap 102 may vary. The flexible strap 102
may have a loop to attach lanyards or trinkets. The rigid base 302,
as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, may be of plastic, metal, wood or
other rigid material. Additionally, the rigid base 302 may be may
be semi-rigid or even flexible. For example, it could be made of
neoprene or rubber. The rigid base 302 can adhere to the back side
of any hand-held electronic device, protective case, or other solid
surface using an adhesive 202 with strong bonding capability, but
with such adhesive 202 also being removable; the VHB family of
tapes or other similar adhesives may be used as the adhesive 202 in
some embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively, the rigid
base 302 could adhere to the backside of any hand-held device,
protective case, or other solid surface through the use of a
magnet. For example, the rigid base 302 can contain an embedded or
surface magnet or it can be made of metal and capable of attaching
to a magnetic surface. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the
adhesive 202. In other embodiments, the flexible strap 102 and
rigid base 302 may be attached by physically engaging an electronic
device's protective case or tensioned via buckle, snaps or by
expanding the length of the rigid base 302.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the three components
of the connection apparatus 10 are depicted. FIG. 1 illustrates a
flexible strap 102 comprising a strip of elastic material. FIG. 3
illustrates the front of a rigid base 302 and FIG. 4 illustrates
the rear of a rigid base 302. FIG. 2 illustrates an adhesive 202,
which has a high bond adhesive but which will remove without damage
to the device, its case, or the rigid base 302. To improve
adhesion, the adhesive 202 may be die cut to match the shape of the
rigid base 302, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and
6. In some embodiments, the adhesive 202 may cover only a portion
of one side of the rigid base 302. Some embodiments may use a
single piece of adhesive material, and other embodiments may use
multiple pieces of adhesive material.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a thin,
bowtie-shaped rigid base 302 with a front and rear face, two ends
and two contoured sides. The sides and corners can be beveled
towards the front face to create a smoother feel for the user. The
sides can be contoured such that the rigid base 302 becomes
narrower than the flexible strap 102 at one or more points,
creating a gap between the connection apparatus 10 and the flexible
strap 102 for easier insertion of fingers or attachment to a mount.
At either end of the rigid base 302 are elongated recesses 304.
These protrusions 304 may also be the entire depth of the rigid
base 302 creating a pass-through. Referring to FIG. 4, the rear
face of the rigid base 302 is smooth, with channels 402 at each end
to receive a portion of the flexible strap 102. The channels 402
run the length of the rigid base 302, are not visible from the
front, and are as wide as the flexible strap 102. The rigid base
302 may be made to different lengths and widths to accommodate
different mounting apparatus or appendages. The rigid base 302 may
be integrated with the case of the electronic device. In one
embodiment, the rigid base 302 may be a protective case for a
mobile phone.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates the connection apparatus 10, which
includes the flexible strap 102 and rigid base 302, connected to
the back of an electronic device. FIGS. 9 and 10 demonstrate use of
the connection apparatus 10 when the flexible strap 102 and rigid
base 302 are attached to an electronic device and held in a user's
hand.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 18, a complementary mount
20 for securing an electronic device to a surface is shown. The
mount 20 interfaces with the flexible strap 102 and rigid base 302.
The mount 20 includes a mount faceplate 1102, a stem 1702 that
allows for positioning, and a surface attachment system 1106. As
illustrated in FIG. 17, the mount faceplate 1102 may attach to the
stem 1702 with a center rivet 1202 that allows for a variety of
stems 1702 and surface attachment systems 1106 or a molded fitting
1704 that allows the mount faceplate 1102 to be positioned. FIG. 13
illustrates one embodiment of the mount faceplate of the present
invention with three backer options.
[0034] The mount faceplate 1102 can be made of a rigid material and
can have two concave recesses 1104 in the shape of the rigid base
302. The concave recesses 1104 may vary in dimension and placement
depending on the shape of the rigid base 302. The concave recesses
1104 are placed perpendicular to one another to accommodate holding
an electronic device in either landscape or portrait orientation.
The mount faceplate 1102 has protrusions 1502 that fit securely in
recesses 304 to securely hold and align the attached electronic
device. The protrusions 1502 may be a variety of shapes and
positions as illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 15 illustrates one
embodiment of the faceplate with recesses 1104 and protrusions
1502.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 14, 16 the mount faceplate
1102 can receive the flexible strap 102 and rigid base 302 when the
rigid base 302 is aligned into the concave recesses 1104 and the
protrusions 1502 in the mount faceplate 1102 are "keyed" in to the
recesses 304 in the rigid base 302. The flexible strap 102 aligns
against the stem 1702 in the center of the mounting faceplate 1102,
holding the electronic device in place. The mount faceplate 1102
may be made from, or include in its construction, plastic, wood,
metal, leather, rubber, or synthetic or other material. Further,
the mount faceplate 1102 may be magnetic in that it contains a
magnet or is made of metal and capable of attaching to a magnetic
surface. The mount faceplate 1102 at the point of the recesses 1104
is equal to or slightly less than the length of the rigid base 302.
The mount faceplate 1102 is secured to its stem 1702 and surface
attachment system 1106 with sufficient height to enable the
securing of an electronic device at a usable angle. The stem 1702
can be semi-flexible, wherein it can be bent into different angles
or directions and can hold the angle or direction into which it is
bent. The surface attachment system 1106 may include but is not
limited to, suction cups, a solid surface with high bond adhesive
tape, flexible wire or armature, VELCRO, or magnets. The surface
attachment system 1106 can be designed to mount to a wall or any
flat surface.
[0036] In some embodiments, the mount 20 is contoured to attach to
a computer case or the case of a tablet computer or e-book reader
or similarly flat-screened device. The mount 20 may also be shaped
to attach to a musical instrument, bicycle, or tool. The mount 20
may also attach to objects via magnets, VELCRO, snaps, adhesive
strip, hooks, bolt and nut, screw, or any other means of
attachment. The mount 20 may employ rubber or other high friction
material in order to securely hold a device.
[0037] FIGS. 19 through 22 illustrate an elongated form of the
connection apparatus 10. More specifically, FIG. 19 illustrates a
side view of an elongated rigid base 302, and FIG. 20 illustrates a
front view of the elongated rigid base 302 with the elongated
flexible strap 102 attached.
[0038] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the
rigid base 302 can include recesses 304 at the ends and in the
middle of the rigid base 302. FIG. 21 illustrates a rear view, and
FIG. 22 illustrates a front view, of the rigid base 302 with
recesses 304 at the ends and in the middle of the rigid base 302
where the recesses 304 create a pass-through in the rigid base 302.
In FIG. 21, the rigid base 302 is attached to the flexible strap
302 through the channels 402. In FIG. 22, the recesses 304 are
shown on the front of the rigid base 302 and no flexible strap 102
is attached.
* * * * *