U.S. patent application number 14/499032 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-31 for swivel finger strap for a mobile device.
The applicant listed for this patent is American Covers, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jason Fogg, Bryce Haymond.
Application Number | 20160088924 14/499032 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55583180 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160088924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haymond; Bryce ; et
al. |
March 31, 2016 |
SWIVEL FINGER STRAP FOR A MOBILE DEVICE
Abstract
A swivel finger strap device for a mobile device comprises a
base with an adhesive layer configured to be adhered to a 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.
Inventors: |
Haymond; Bryce; (Draper,
UT) ; Fogg; Jason; (Lake Point, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
American Covers, Inc. |
Draper |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55583180 |
Appl. No.: |
14/499032 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
A45F 2005/008 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/10 20060101
A45F005/10 |
Claims
1. A swivel finger strap device configured for a mobile device
having a forward viewing surface and a back, the finger strap
device comprising: a) a base with an adhesive layer configured to
be adhered to the back of the mobile device; b) an aperture formed
in the center of the base; c) a cap rotatably coupled to the base;
d) a post extending from the cap and through the aperture in the
base, and defining a pivot axel about which the cap rotates with
respect to the base; e) the cap having an interior cavity on an
interior side of the cap, and being sized and shaped to receive
substantially all of the base therein; f) a flexible strap affixed
to the cap; and g) the flexible strap and the cap forming a loop
configured to receive one or more fingers of a user's hand.
2. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: a) a recess circumscribing the aperture on a
back side of the base between the base and the adhesive layer; and
b) an enlarged head formed on a distal end of the post and
rotatably disposed in the recess of the base, and being enlarged
with respect to the post and the aperture to retain the cap on the
base.
3. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 2,
further comprising: a slot formed longitudinally in the post and
the enlarged head, and bisecting the post into a pair of fingers,
the pair of fingers being 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, and the pair of fingers being
resilient to return outwardly from the slot after being bent
inwardly into the slot.
4. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: a perimeter of the cap circumscribing the base,
and substantially covering a perimeter of the base.
5. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: a) a pair of notches each formed in opposite
sides of the perimeter of the cap; b) each of the pair of notches
extending into the perimeter of the cap, and under an outer surface
of the cap defining an undercut; and c) the flexible strap having
opposite ends each disposed in a different one of the pair of
notches, and each of the opposite ends extending into a respective
undercut and under the cap.
6. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: the flexible strap being elastic and having a
length to bias the flexible strap taut against the cap.
7. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the flexible strap has at least two configurations,
including: a) an unused configuration in which the flexible strap
is substantially flat against the cap; and b) an in-use
configuration in which a portion of the flexible strap is displaced
from the cap defining the loop.
8. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: indicia disposed on an outward facing surface
of the flexible strap, the indicia being indicative of or
representing a business, a product, or both.
9. A method for holding a mobile device with the swivel finger
strap device in accordance with claim 1, 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.
10. A swivel finger strap device configured for a mobile device
having a forward viewing surface and a back, the finger strap
device comprising: a) a base with an adhesive layer configured to
be adhered to the back of the mobile device; b) an aperture formed
in the center of the base; c) a cap rotatably coupled to the base;
d) a post extending from the cap and through the aperture in the
base, and defining a pivot axel about which the cap rotates with
respect to the base; e) the cap having an interior cavity on an
interior side of the cap, and being sized and shaped to receive
substantially all of the base therein; f) a flexible strap affixed
to the cap; g) the flexible strap and the cap forming a loop
configured to receive one or more fingers of a user's hand; h) the
flexible strap being elastic and having a length to bias the
flexible strap taut against the cap; and i) the flexible strap
having at least two configurations, including: an unused
configuration in which the flexible strap is substantially flat
against the cap; and an in-use configuration in which a portion of
the flexible strap is displaced from the cap defining the loop.
11. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 10,
further comprising: a) a recess circumscribing the aperture on a
back side of the base between the base and the adhesive layer; and
b) an enlarged head formed on a distal end of the post and
rotatably disposed in the recess of the base, and being enlarged
with respect to the post and the aperture to retain the cap on the
base.
12. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 11,
further comprising: a slot formed longitudinally in the post and
the enlarged head, and bisecting the post into a pair of fingers,
the pair of fingers being 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, and the pair of fingers being
resilient to return outwardly from the slot after being bent
inwardly into the slot.
13. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 10,
further comprising: a perimeter of the cap circumscribing the base,
and substantially covering a perimeter of the base.
14. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 10,
further comprising: a) a pair of notches each formed in opposite
sides of the perimeter of the cap; b) each of the pair of notches
extending into the perimeter of the cap, and under an outer surface
of the cap defining an undercut; and c) the flexible strap having
opposite ends each disposed in a different one of the pair of
notches, and each of the opposite ends extending into a respective
undercut and under the cap.
15. The swivel finger strap device in accordance with claim 10,
further comprising: indicia disposed on an outward facing surface
of the flexible strap, the indicia being indicative of or
representing a business, a product, or both.
16. A method for holding a mobile device with the swivel finger
strap device in accordance with claim 10, 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.
17. A swivel finger strap device in combination with a mobile
device having a forward viewing surface and a back, the finger
strap device comprising: a) a base with an adhesive layer adhered
to the back of the mobile device; b) an aperture formed in the
center of the base; c) a recess circumscribing the aperture on a
back side of the base between the base and the adhesive layer; d) a
cap rotatably coupled to the base; e) a post extending from the cap
and through the aperture in the base and defining a pivot axel
about which the cap pivots with respect to the base; f) an enlarged
head formed on a distal end of the post and rotatably disposed in
the recess of the base, and being enlarged with respect to the post
and the aperture to retain the cap on the base; g) a slot formed
longitudinally in the post and the enlarged head, and bisecting the
post into a pair of fingers, the pair of fingers being 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, and
the pair of fingers being resilient to return outwardly from the
slot after being bent inwardly into the slot; h) the cap having an
interior cavity on an interior side of the cap, and being sized and
shaped to receive substantially all of the base therein; i) a
perimeter of the cap circumscribing the base, and substantially
covering a perimeter of the base; j) a pair of notches each formed
in opposite sides of the perimeter of the cap; k) each of the pair
of notches extending into the perimeter of the cap, and under an
outer surface of the cap defining an undercut; l) a flexible strap
affixed to the cap and having opposite ends each disposed in a
different one of the pair of notches, and each of the opposite ends
extending into a respective undercut and under the cap between the
cap and the back of the mobile device; m) the flexible strap and
the cap forming a loop configured to receive one or more fingers of
a user's hand; n) the flexible strap being elastic and having a
length to bias the flexible strap taut against the cap; o) the
flexible strap having at least two configurations, including: i) an
unused configuration in which the flexible strap is substantially
flat against the cap; and ii) an in-use configuration in which a
portion of the flexible strap is displaced from the cap defining
the loop; and p) indicia disposed on an outward facing surface of
the flexible strap, the indicia being indicative of or representing
a business, a product, or both.
18. A method for holding the mobile device with the swivel finger
strap device in accordance with claim 17, 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.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a finger strap
for a mobile device, such as a cellular phone.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] 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.TM.; the GoStrap.RTM.; the
Lazy-Hands.TM.; 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top or front view of a swivel finger strap in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the swivel finger strap of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom or rear view of the swivel finger strap
of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top or front view of the swivel finger strap of
FIG. 1, shown mounted on a mobile device, and in use with a user's
hand;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear or bottom view of the swivel finger strap
of FIG. 1, shown with a strap and an adhesive layer removed;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the swivel finger
strap of FIG. 1, taken along line 6 of FIG. 5, shown with the strap
and the adhesive layer removed;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top or front view of a cap of the swivel finger
strap of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a bottom or rear view of the cap of the swivel
finger strap of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of the
swivel finger strap of FIG. 1, taken along line 9 of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of a base of the swivel finger strap
of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a bottom or rear view of the base of the swivel
finger strap of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the base of the
swivel finger strap of FIG. 1, taken along line 12 of FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top or front view of a strap of the swivel
finger strap of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a top or front view of the swivel finger strap of
FIG. 1, shown mounted on the mobile device, and shown in the
portrait orientation;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a top or front view of the swivel finger strap of
FIG. 1, shown mounted on the mobile device, and shown in the
landscape orientation;
[0026] FIG. 16a is a cross-sectional side view of the swivel finger
strap of FIG. 1, with the strap shown in an initial unused
configuration; and
[0027] FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional side view of the swivel finger
strap of FIG. 1, with the strap shown in subsequent in-use
configuration.
[0028] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S)
Definitions
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
Description
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-16b, a swivel finger strap,
indicated generally at 10, in an example implementation in
accordance with the invention is mounted to a mobile device 14, and
being held by a user's hand 18. The swivel finger strap can
facilitate secure holding of the mobile device, and/or ease
prolonged holding or griping of the device. The swivel finger strap
can be affixed to the back 22 or rearward surface of the mobile
device, or a case or film thereof (opposite a front or a forward
viewing surface with a screen). The swivel finger strap can allow
the mobile device to swivel, or change, configurations between
portrait and landscape orientations while remaining held by the
user (and with the user's fingers still disposed in a loop of the
swivel finger strap, and without having to release the device or
the swivel finger strap). In addition, the swivel finger strap can
allow the mobile device to be oriented as desired with respect to
the user's hand and fingers, and infinitely adjustable with respect
to the user's hand and fingers. Thus, the swivel finger strap can
be easily affixed to the mobile device, without concern for the
orientation of the loop. And the swivel finger strap can
accommodate any user's personal preference with respect to hand
orientation. In addition, the swivel finger strap can have a low
profile, and/or smooth edges, to resist snagging or other
interference when the mobile device is placed in the user's pocket,
purse, etc. Furthermore, the swivel finger strap can be used with
mobile devices having larger screens, such as over 5 inches (e.g.
iPhone 6 Plus or Galaxy Note), to allow the user to reach across
the screen with their thumb. The user can insert a finger under a
strap of the swivel finger strap to just past a first knuckle of
the finger. Then, the user no longer has to grasp the mobile device
with their fingers all the way around the back of the mobile
device. This gives the user a lot more reach with the thumb on the
front of the screen, which is particularly important when using
large screen mobile devices. It has been found that reach can be
extended by up to 2 inches on the screen when the mobile device is
not grasped. Thus, the swivel finger strap can make large screen
mobile devices easier to use.
[0033] 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 (FIGS. 11 and 12) formed in the center of the base. The aperture
34 can extend through the base. A recess 38 can circumscribe the
aperture 34 on a back side of the base (between the base and the
adhesive layer or back of the mobile device), and can define a
counter bore.
[0034] 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
(FIGS. 6, 8 and 9) extending from a center of the back or inner
side or face of the cap. The post 46 can extend through the
aperture 34 in the base 26, and can define a pivot or pivot axel
about which the cap 46 rotates or pivots with respect to the base
26, and thus the mobile device (or about which the base and the
mobile device pivots with respect to the cap and the user's hand).
The post 46 can have an enlarged head 50 (FIG. 9) formed on a
distal end of the post, and rotatably disposed in the recess 38 (or
counter bore) of the base. The head 50 can be enlarged with respect
to the post 46 and the aperture 34 to retain the cap on the base.
The head can have a greater size, width or diameter than a size,
width or diameter of the post and the aperture. The size or outer
perimeter of the head can substantially match the size or inner
perimeter of the recess 38 (or counter bore) to facilitate
stability and resist wobbling. Similarly, the size or diameter of
the post can substantially match the size or diameter of the
aperture 34 to facilitate stability and resist wobbling. In one
aspect, the cap and base can rotate freely with respect to one
another, and thus the mobile device can rotate freely in the user's
hand. In another aspect, the post and aperture, and/or the head and
the recess, can have an interference fit or friction fit (in which
the respective clearances are sized to introduce greater than
normal friction), so that the cap and the base can be selectively
positioned and held in position with respect to one another, and
thus the mobile device can be selectively oriented, and maintain
such orientation, in the user's hand.
[0035] To facilitate manufacture or assembly, a slot 54 (FIG. 9)
can be formed longitudinally in the post 46, and the enlarged head
50. The slot 54 can bisect the post 46 into a pair of fingers 58
(FIG. 9) separated by the slot. The pair of fingers 58 can be
flexible to bend inward into or towards the slot 54 to allow the
pair of fingers to bend inwardly into the slot to reduce a size of
the enlarged head and to allow the enlarged head to be inserted
through the aperture 34 during assembly. In addition the pair of
fingers 58 can be resilient to return outwardly from the slot after
being bent inwardly into the slot, to expand and enlarge the head
to its original size larger than the aperture, and to retain the
cap on the base. In one aspect, the cap (and thus the strap) can be
non-removably, or permanently attached, to the base.
[0036] In addition, the cap 42 can have an interior cavity 62 (FIG.
9) on an interior side of the cap. The cavity 62 can be circular,
and can be sized and shaped to receive substantially all of the
base 26 therein, as shown in FIG. 6. Thus, the base 26 being
substantially entirely received in the cavity 62 of the cap 42 can
provide for a lower profile of the device. In addition, a perimeter
of the cap 42 can circumscribe the base 26, and can substantially
cover a perimeter of the base, as shown in FIG. 6. Thus, the cap
can resist foreign objects from interfering with the rotation of
the cap on the base, and the pivot axel.
[0037] 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.
[0038] Furthermore, the cap 42 can have a pair of notches 66 (FIGS.
7-9) each formed in opposite sides of the perimeter of the cap.
Each of the pair of notches 66 can extend into the perimeter of the
cap, and under an outer surface of the cap, defining an
undercut.
[0039] 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 FIGS. 4 and 16b. The ends of strap extend
around the perimeter on opposite sides of the cap, and under the
cap, at the notches and undercut. The notches can keep the strap
aligned over a center of the cap. In addition, the notches and
undercut provide a low profile of the device, and resist snagging.
Thus, each of the opposite ends of the strap can extend into a
respective undercut, and under the cap, between the cap and the
back of the mobile device. In one aspect, the ends of the strap can
be adhered in the notches. Thus, the strap can be permanently
affixed to the cap. The flexible strap 70 can be elastic or can
comprise an elastic material, and can have a length, to bias the
flexible strap taut against the cap 42, when the user's fingers are
withdrawn, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 16a. Again, the taut strap
can provide a low profile device and resist snagging. The flexible
strap 70 can have at least two configurations, including: an unused
configuration in which the flexible strap 70 is substantially flat
(and biased) against the cap 42 (as shown in FIG. 16a); and an
in-use configuration in which a portion of the flexible strap 70 is
displaced from the cap 42 defining the loop 78 (as shown in FIG.
16b).
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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 FIG. 14. In another
aspect, the swivel finger strap 10 can allow the mobile device 14
(or long axis thereof) to be oriented substantially parallel to the
user's finger (defining a landscape orientation if the user's hand
and fingers are held horizontally, or a portrait orientation if the
user's hand and fingers are held vertically), as shown in FIG. 15.
In another aspect, the swivel finger strap 10 can allow the mobile
device 14 (or long axis thereof) to be oriented transverse, such as
at a substantially 45 degree angle, to the user's finger, as shown
in FIG. 4.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
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