U.S. patent application number 17/021128 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-31 for phone grip attachment.
The applicant listed for this patent is SecureGrip, LLC. Invention is credited to David Wayne BRITT, Deborah LAUN, Robert NAAS.
Application Number | 20200412400 17/021128 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005109195 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200412400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BRITT; David Wayne ; et
al. |
December 31, 2020 |
PHONE GRIP ATTACHMENT
Abstract
A phone grip attachment includes a base configured for
attachment to a phone and a finger-hold attached to the base. The
finger-hold has a top member and a bottom member. The finger-hold
is movable between an extended position in which an opening is
defined between the top member and the bottom member for use in
gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top member
is substantially flat against the bottom member. The finger-hold
can be biased to the extended position. The finger-hold can be
rotatably attached to the base.
Inventors: |
BRITT; David Wayne;
(Charlotte, NC) ; LAUN; Deborah; (Skaneateles,
NY) ; NAAS; Robert; (Skaneateles, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SecureGrip, LLC |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005109195 |
Appl. No.: |
17/021128 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/US19/22751 |
Mar 18, 2019 |
|
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17021128 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/3877 20130101;
A45F 2200/0516 20130101; H04B 1/385 20130101; A45F 5/10 20130101;
G06F 1/1628 20130101; H04M 1/725 20130101; G06F 1/1607 20130101;
H04B 2001/3861 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3827 20060101
H04B001/3827; A45F 5/10 20060101 A45F005/10; H04B 1/3877 20060101
H04B001/3877; H04M 1/725 20060101 H04M001/725; G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A phone grip attachment comprising: a base configured for
attachment to a phone; and a finger-hold attached to the base, the
finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member, the
finger-hold being movable between an extended position in which an
opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for
use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top
member is substantially flat against the bottom member.
2. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
finger-hold is biased to the extended position.
3. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
finger-hold is rotatably attached to the base.
4. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 3, wherein the
finger-hold is freely rotatable relative to the base.
5. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the top
member of the finger-hold is pivotally attached to the bottom
member of the finger-hold.
6. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
bottom member includes tabs at each end thereof.
7. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
base includes at least one locking portion configured to engage a
portion of the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in the
collapsed position.
8. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 7, wherein the at
least one locking portion comprises at least one overhang defining
a gap, the gap below the overhang being configured to receive a
portion of the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in the
collapsed position.
9. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 8, wherein the
bottom member of the finger-hold includes at least one tab at an
end thereof, the tab being configured to be received in the gap
below the overhang to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed
position.
10. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 9, wherein the
tab comprises a lower portion having a first thickness and an upper
portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness,
the lower portion configured to be received in the gap and a
contoured edge between the upper and lower portions configured to
engage a free edge of the locking portion to prevent additional
rotation of the finger-hold.
11. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 9, wherein the
bottom member of the finger-hold includes at least one tab at an
end thereof, the tab comprising at least one protrusion configured
to be received in the gap to retain the finger-hold in the
collapsed position.
12. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 11, wherein the
overhang of the at least one locking portion comprises a downwardly
extending lip portion, and wherein the tab comprises a first
peripheral protrusion configured to be received in a portion of the
gap that is interior to the downwardly extending lip portion.
13. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 12, wherein the
tab comprises a recessed portion adjacent the first peripheral
protrusion that is configured to accommodate the downwardly
extending lip portion, to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed
position.
14. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 13, wherein the
tab comprises a second peripheral protrusion on a side of the tab
opposing the first peripheral protrusion, and wherein the second
peripheral protrusion comprises a contoured edge to engage a free
edge of the locking portion to prevent additional rotation of the
finger-hold.
15. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 11, wherein the
at least one protrusion is configured to engage a lower surface of
the overhang, to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed
position.
16. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 8, wherein a
central portion of the finger-hold is configured to be received in
the gap below the overhang to retain the finger-hold in the
collapsed position.
17. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 7, wherein the
base includes two locking portions at diagonally opposite locations
on the base.
18. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 7, wherein the
base includes two locking portions at opposing ends of the base,
and wherein a periphery of the base extends past each of the two
locking portions at the opposing ends.
19. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 7, wherein the
base includes two locking portions at opposing ends of the base,
and wherein the base comprises a raised reinforcement bar extending
between the two locking portions located at the opposing ends.
20. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, further
comprising foam tape for securing the attachment to the phone.
21. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
bottom member of the finger-hold comprises a central portion, a
first tab at a first end of the bottom member, a first neck between
the central portion and the first tab, a second tab at a second end
of the bottom member, and a second neck between the central portion
and the second tab.
22. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 21, wherein the
top member comprises a first pair of ears at a first end thereof
and a second pair of ears at a second end thereof, wherein the top
member is pivotally attached to the bottom member by a first pin
extending through the first pair of ears and the first neck and a
second pin extending through the second pair of ears and the second
neck.
23. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
finger-hold is biased to the extended position by at least one
spring member provided in one or more of the top and bottom members
of the finger-hold.
24. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 23, wherein the
at least one spring member comprises a leaf spring having a
structure that is biased to an arcuate shape.
25. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 23, wherein the
at least one leaf spring comprises a band of material that is
biased to the arcuate shape.
26. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 23, wherein the
finger-hold comprises a top leaf spring provided in a first body of
the top member, and a bottom leaf spring provided in second body of
the bottom member.
27. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 26, wherein the
top leaf spring is biased in a direction opposing that of the
bottom leaf spring.
28. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 27, wherein: the
bottom member of the finger-hold comprises a bottom member body
comprising a central portion, a first tab at a first end of the
bottom member, a first neck between the central portion and the
first tab, a second tab at a second end of the bottom member, and a
second neck between the central portion and the second tab; the top
member comprises a top member body having a first pair of ears at a
first end thereof and a second pair of ears at a second end
thereof; the bottom leaf spring extends from the first tab at the
first end of the bottom member body, through the first neck between
the central portion and the first tab, along the central portion,
through the second neck between the central portion and the second
tab, and to the second tab, and the top leaf spring extends from
the first end to the second end of the top member body, and
comprises first and second leaf spring ears that are aligned with
the first and second pairs of ears of the top member body, wherein
the top member is pivotally attached to the bottom member by a
first pin extending through the first pair of ears of the top
member body, the first pair of ears of the top leaf spring, and the
first neck, and a second pin extending through the second pair of
ears of the top member body, the second pair of ears of the top
leaf spring, and the second neck.
29. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 23, wherein the
at least one spring member comprise a wire spring having a wire
reinforcement body that is biased to an arcuate shape.
30. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 29, wherein the
finger-hold comprises a top wire spring provided in a top member
body of the top member, and a bottom wire spring provided in a
bottom member body of the bottom member.
31. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 30, wherein the
top wire spring is biased in a direction opposing that of the
bottom wire spring.
32. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 31, wherein the
top wire spring comprises a top wire reinforcement body that
extends about a perimeter of the top member body of the top member,
and wherein the bottom wire spring comprises a bottom wire
reinforcement body that extends about a perimeter of the bottom
member body of the bottom member.
33. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 32, wherein the
bottom member of the finger-hold comprises a central portion, a
first tab at a first end of the bottom member, a first neck between
the central portion and the first tab, a second tab at a second end
of the bottom member, and a second neck between the central portion
and the second tab; the top member comprises a first pair of ears
at a first end thereof and a second pair of ears at a second end
thereof; the bottom wire spring extends from the first tab at the
first end of the bottom member, through the first neck between the
central portion and the first tab, along the central portion,
through the second neck between the central portion and the second
tab, and to the second tab, the bottom wire spring comprising a
first pair of loops at the first neck and a second pair of loops at
the second neck, and the top wire spring extends from the first end
to the second end of the top member, and comprises a first wire bar
extending between the first pair of ears at the first end of the
top member, and a second wire bar extending between the second pair
of ears at the second end of the top member, wherein the top member
is pivotally attached to the bottom member by receiving the first
bar of the top wire spring that extends between the first pair of
ears of the top member into the first pair of loops of the bottom
wire spring at the first neck of the bottom member, receiving the
second bar of the top wire spring that extends between the second
pair of ears of the top member into the second pair of loops of the
bottom wire spring at the second neck of the bottom member, and at
least partly blocking openings in each of the respective first and
second pairs of loops to secure the first and second bars
therein.
34. The phone grip attachment recited in claim 33, wherein the
bottom member comprises a plurality of body segments along the
bottom wire spring, the plurality of body segments comprising an
inner body segment about a central portion of the bottom wire
spring, the inner body segment being attachable to the base, and
first and second body segments on opposing sides of the inner body
segment, and the first body segment being between a central portion
of the bottom wire spring and the first neck of the bottom member,
and the second body segment being between a central portion of the
bottom wire spring and the second neck of the bottom member.
35. A phone grip attachment comprising: a base configured for
attachment to a phone, the base including a top surface, a bottom
surface, and at least one locking portion, the bottom surface
including a recessed portion and the at least one locking portion
comprising an overhang defining a gap between the locking portion
and the top surface of the base; adhesive positioned in the
recessed portion of the bottom surface for securing the base to a
phone; a finger-hold attached to the base, the finger-hold having a
top member and a bottom member, the finger-hold being movable
between an extended position in which an opening is defined between
the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone
and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially
flat against the bottom member, wherein the finger-hold is biased
to the extended position, wherein the locking portion is configured
to engage the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in the
collapsed position.
36. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 35, wherein the
finger-hold is rotatably attached to the base such that the
finger-hold is freely rotatable relative to the base when the
finger-hold is in the extended position.
37. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 35, wherein the
top member of the finger-hold is pivotally attached to the bottom
member of the finger-hold.
38. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 37, wherein the
bottom member of the finger-hold comprises a central portion, a
first tab at a first end of the bottom member, a first neck between
the central portion and the first tab, a second tab at a second end
of the bottom member, and a second neck between the central portion
and the second tab.
39. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 38, wherein the
top member comprises a first pair of ears at a first end thereof
and a second pair of ears at a second end thereof, wherein the top
member is pivotally attached to the bottom member by a first pin
extending through the first pair of ears and the first neck and a
second pin extending through the second pair of ears and the second
neck.
40. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim 38, wherein the
top member comprises a first pair of ears at a first end of the top
member having a first wire bar portion of a top wire spring
extending therebetween, and a second pair of ears at a second end
of the top member having a second wire bar portion of a top wire
spring extending therebetween, and wherein the bottom member
comprises a bottom wire spring having a first pair of loops at the
first neck thereof, and a second pair of loops at the second neck
thereof, and wherein the top member is pivotally attached to the
bottom member by receiving the first wire bar that extends between
the first pair of ears of the top member into the first pair of
loops at the first neck of the bottom member, receiving the second
wire bar that extends between the second pair of ears of the top
member into the second pair of loops at the second neck of the
bottom member, and at least partly blocking openings in each of the
respective first and second pairs of loops to secure the first and
second bars therein.
41. A method comprising: providing a phone grip attachment
comprising: a base configured for attachment to a phone, the base
including a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one locking
portion, the bottom surface including a recessed portion and the at
least one locking portion comprising an overhang defining a gap
between the locking portion and the top surface of the base;
adhesive positioned in the recessed portion of the bottom surface
for securing the base to a phone; a finger-hold attached to the
base, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member, the
finger-hold being movable between an extended position in which an
opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for
use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top
member is substantially flat against the bottom member, wherein the
finger-hold is biased to the extended position, wherein the locking
portion is configured to engage the finger-hold to retain the
finger-hold in the collapsed position; securing the phone grip
attachment to a phone using the adhesive; and collapsing the
finger-hold from the extended position to the collapsed position by
pressing the top member substantially flat against the bottom
member and rotating the finger-hold until at least one tab of the
finger-hold is positioned in the gap defined by the overhang.
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising extending the
finger-hold from the collapsed position to the extended position by
rotating the finger-hold until the at least one tab of the
finger-hold is free from the at least one overhang.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This is a continuation of International Application
PCT/US2019/022751, filed Mar. 18, 2019 which claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/923,629 filed Mar. 16, 2018,
the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to phone
attachments, and more particularly to apparatuses and methods
related to phone grip attachments having a finger-hold.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mobile phones and handheld devices are in widespread use.
The devices are often expensive, leading users to purchase
protective phone cases or grips to prevent damage to the phones due
to dropping. It can be difficult for users to maintain their grip
on the phone during activities such as texting, browsing, and
taking pictures or selfies. Furthermore, phones and the phone
screens can be utilized in different orientations, depending on the
desired use and the preferences of the user.
SUMMARY
[0004] Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the
provision of a phone grip attachment having a finger-hold as
substantially shown and described.
[0005] Briefly, therefore, one aspect of the disclosure is directed
to a phone grip attachment comprising a base configured for
attachment to a phone. A finger-hold is attached to the base. The
finger-hold has a top member and a bottom member, and is movable
between an extended position in which an opening is defined between
the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone
and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially
flat against the bottom member in which the top member is
substantially flat against the bottom member.
[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a phone grip
attachment comprising a base configured for attachment to a phone.
The base includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one
locking portion. The bottom surface includes a recessed portion.
The at least one locking portion comprises an overhang defining a
gap between the locking portion and the top surface of the base.
Adhesive is positioned in the recessed portion of the bottom
surface for securing the base to a phone. A finger-hold is attached
to the base, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom
member. The finger-hold is movable between an extended position in
which an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom
member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in
which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom
member. The finger-hold is biased to the extended position. The
locking portion is configured to engage the finger-hold to retain
the finger-hold in the collapsed position.
[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method
comprising providing a phone grip attachment including a base
configured for attachment to a phone. The base includes a top
surface, a bottom surface, and at least one locking portion. The
bottom surface includes a recessed portion, and the at least one
locking portion comprises an overhang defining a gap between the
locking portion and the top surface of the base. Adhesive is
positioned in the recessed portion of the bottom surface for
securing the base to a phone. A finger-hold is attached to the
base, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member. The
finger-hold is movable between an extended position in which an
opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for
use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top
member is substantially flat against the bottom member. The
finger-hold is biased to the extended position. The locking portion
is configured to engage the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold
in the collapsed position. The method includes securing the phone
grip attachment to a phone using the adhesive. The method further
includes and collapsing the finger-hold from the extended position
to the collapsed position by pressing the top member substantially
flat against the bottom member and rotating the finger-hold until
at least one tab of the finger-hold is positioned in the gap
defined by the overhang.
[0008] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following
detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings,
wherein the drawings illustrate features in accordance with
exemplary aspects of the disclosure, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a phone
grip attachment secured to a phone, illustrating a user's hand
using the finger-hold;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the phone grip attachment of
FIG. 1, illustrating a finger-hold in a first extended
position;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the phone grip
attachment of FIG. 1 illustrating the finger-hold in the first
extended position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a separated view of the finger-hold of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2,
illustrating the finger-hold in the first extended position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2,
illustrating the finger-hold in a second extended position rotated
from the first extended position illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment secured to
a phone in a second orientation, illustrating the finger-hold in a
third extended position rotated from both the first and second
extended positions;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the phone grip attachment,
illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position and showing
movement of the collapsed finger-hold to the locked position;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a section of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
2;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip
attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed
position;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 10,
illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip
attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed
position;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 12,
illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip
attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed
position;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 14,
illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a top plan of another embodiment of a phone grip
attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed
position;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 16,
illustrating a finger-hold in an extended position;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
phone grip attachment;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan of the phone grip attachment of
FIG. 18;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a side view of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a front view of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position and
rotated with respect to the base;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
18, illustrating the finger-hold in collapsed position;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the phone grip attachment
of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in collapsed position;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the phone grip attachment
of FIG. 18, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position
and rotated with respect to the base;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the phone
grip attachment of FIG. 18 secured to a phone, illustrating a
user's hand using the finger-hold;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a top plan of an embodiment of the phone grip
attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating a top member configuration
according to one embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a top plan of an embodiment of the phone grip
attachment of FIG. 18, illustrating a top member configuration
according to another embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended
position;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a separated view of the phone grip attachment of
FIG. 30;
[0041] FIG. 32 is a separated view of the phone grip attachment of
FIG. 18;
[0042] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
phone grip attachment, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended
position;
[0043] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the phone grip attachment of
FIG. 33, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
[0044] FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the phone grip attachment
of FIG. 33;
[0045] FIG. 36 is a side view of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
33, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
[0046] FIG. 37 is a front view of the phone grip attachment of FIG.
33, illustrating the finger-hold in an extended position;
[0047] FIGS. 38A-38C are separated views of the phone grip
attachment of FIG. 33.
[0048] Like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] The accompanying Figures and this description depict and
describe aspects of apparatuses and methods in accordance with the
present disclosure, and features and components thereof. It should
also be noted that any references herein to front and back, right
and left, top and bottom and upper and lower and the like are
intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present
invention or its components to any one positional or spatial
orientation.
[0050] Before any aspects of the disclosure are explained in
detail, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other
aspects and of being practiced or of being carried out in various
ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. 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. All numbers expressing measurements and
so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood
as being modified in all instances by the term "about."
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, a phone grip (broadly, an
attachment) is shown generally at 10. The attachment 10 includes a
base 12 having an upper or top surface 14 and a lower or bottom
surface 16 opposite the top surface. The base 12 includes at least
one locking portion 18, as described in further detail below. The
attachment 10 is generally rectangular, although other
configurations are within the scope of the present invention. As
seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the attachment 10 is configured, sized, and
dimensioned for attachment to the back of a phone or handheld
device P (e.g., phones and handheld devices sold by Apple, Inc.,
Samsung Group and Samsung Electronics, Google LLC, etc.) in order
to assist a user in maintaining the user's grip on the phone or
handheld device P. As such, the attachment 10 can be positioned on
the back of the phone or handheld device P in any orientation so as
to avoid interfering with any components of the phone (e.g., camera
opening, speaker opening, volume button openings or demarcations,
etc.). The attachment can also be sized to permit attachment to
different handheld devices. In one embodiment, the attachment 10 is
so sized, configured, and dimensioned to enable attachment to any
handheld device without interfering with functional components of
the handheld device. The attachment 10 can be made of any suitable
plastic, rubber, metal, or any other material suitable for use in
gripping a phone. The attachment 10 may be molded or formed as one
piece, or may be constructed of separate components that are
attached together.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, in one embodiment the bottom
surface 16 of the attachment 10 includes a recessed portion 20. The
recessed portion 20 is recessed from the outer perimeter of the
bottom surface 16. In one embodiment, the recessed portion 20 can
be a portion of the attachment that is cut away or molded to be
recessed. Alternatively, the recessed portion 20 can comprise a
separate insert that is positioned inside a wall or perimeter 22 of
the attachment 10. Other configurations of the recessed portion are
within the scope of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 3 and
9, the recessed portion 20 is configured to receive adhesive for
attaching the phone grip 10 to a phone P. In the illustrated
embodiment, adhesive 24 comprises foam tape (e.g. double-sided foam
tape), although other attachment structures are within the scope of
the present invention. The foam tape 24 is configured to secure the
attachment 10 to a handheld device P. As illustrated, the tape 24
can be configured, sized, and dimensioned to fit within the
recessed portion 20 on the bottom surface 16 of the attachment 10,
and can include geometrically corresponding features to the bottom
surface (e.g., cutouts at either end and in the center).
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the base includes at least one
locking portion 18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the
base 12 includes two locking portions 18. The locking portions 18
are at diagonally opposed positions of the base 12. Other
configurations (e.g., centered locking portion(s) (see, e.g., FIGS.
14 and 15), fewer than two locking portions, more than two locking
portions) are within the scope of the present invention. Each
locking portion 18 includes an overhang or ledge 26 positioned
above the remainder of the base 12. In the illustrated embodiment,
the base 12 includes cutouts below each overhang 26 (e.g., for ease
of manufacturing), although these can be omitted within the scope
of the present invention. Each overhang 26 is positioned above the
top surface 14 of the base 12 so as to define a gap 28 having a
height h. The locking portions 18 are sized, positioned, and
configured to receive and engage a finger-hold of the attachment
10, as described in more detail below.
[0054] Referring still to FIGS. 1-9, the attachment 10 includes a
finger-hold 30 positioned on the base 12 of the attachment. The
finger-hold 30 is movable between a collapsed position (see, e.g.,
FIG. 8) and an extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In the
extended position, the finger-hold 30 can be grasped by a user for
secure gripping of the attachment 10 (and the phone secured
thereto), as described in more detail below.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, the finger-hold 30 includes a bottom
member 32 and a top member 34. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-9, the top and bottom members 34, 32 are generally curved
when the finger-hold 30 is in the extended position. Other
configurations are within the scope of the present invention, such
as planar, angled, or multi-component top and bottom members. The
bottom and top members 32, 34 are movably (e.g., pivotally)
attached to each other. As illustrated, in one embodiment the top
and bottom members 34, 32 are pivotally attached by pins 36. The
top member 34 includes a spaced pair of ears 38 at each end
thereof, each of the ears including an opening 40. The bottom
member 32 includes a neck 42 near each end, separating a central
portion 44 of the bottom member from tabs 46 at each end of the
bottom member. Each of the tabs 46 can optionally include a
contoured edge or stop 54 corresponding to the shape of a free edge
of the locking portion 18. The necks 42 of the bottom member 32
each include an opening 48. When the finger-hold 30 is assembled
such that the top and bottom members 34, 32 are pivotally attached,
the neck 42 on a first end of the bottom member 32 is positioned
between the pair of ears 38 on a first end of the top member 32,
and the neck 42 on a second end of the bottom member is positioned
between the pair of ears 38 on a second end of the top member. The
top member 34 is pivotally attached to each end of the bottom
member 32 by a pin 36 extending through the neck 42 of the bottom
member and the pair of ears 38 of the top member at each respective
end. Other configurations are within the scope of the present
invention. For example, the top member can include necks that are
positioned between pairs of ears on the bottom member. In other
embodiments, any suitable pivot attachment between members can be
used.
[0056] The finger-hold 30 is movably attached to the base 12. In
the illustrated embodiment, the finger-hold 30 is attached to the
base 12 so as to permit free rotational movement in either
direction (i.e., counterclockwise and clockwise). In an illustrated
embodiment, the finger-hold is attached to the base 12 of the
attachment 10. For example, as illustrated, fastener 50 attaches
the base 12 to the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30. Fastener
50 can be any suitable fastener configured to permit free rotation
of the finger-hold 30 relative to the base 12. In one embodiment,
fastener 50 comprises a rivet. In one embodiment, as illustrated,
the fastener 50 does not extend completely through the bottom
member 32 of the finger-hold 30; in other words, in one embodiment
the fastener is not visible and a user does not contact the
fastener 50 when using the finger-hold 30. Optionally, a retaining
ring 52 may be positioned on fastener 50 against the lower surface
16 of the attachment 10. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 16
includes a central portion that is not recessed (e.g., is co-planar
with the perimeter of the bottom surface) and extends beyond the
fastener 50 to prevent the fastener from contacting the back of a
phone P secured to the attachment 10. It is understood that any
attachment permitting rotation of the finger-hold 30 relative to
the base 12 is within the scope of the present invention. Although
free rotation of the finger-hold when it is in the extended
position is shown and described, other configurations are within
the scope of the present invention, such as a limited arc of
movement for the finger-hold, or other suitable attachments.
[0057] The finger-hold 30 is movable between an extended position
and a collapsed position. In the extended position (see, e.g., FIG.
2), an opening 60 is defined between the bottom member 32 and the
top member 34 of the finger-hold 30. In the collapsed configuration
(see, e.g., FIG. 4), the top member 34 lies substantially flat
against the bottom member 32. Thus, in the extended position, the
finger-hold is configured to be grasped by a user to securely hold
the attachment and phone. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, a user
may insert one or more fingers through the opening 60 to securely
attach the phone to the user's hand H. A user may also rest one or
more fingers on one or both of the tabs 46 of the bottom member 32,
to provide a secure and comfortable hold. As described above, the
finger-hold can be attached to the base 12 to permit free rotation
relative thereto. Thus, a user can position the finger-hold 30 in
any desired orientation relative to base 12 (and therefore relative
to the phone P) for secure holding based on comfort, orientation of
phone screen during use, or any other factor. Use of the
finger-hold 30 permits secure holding of the phone while leaving
the user's thumb free for use of the phone. In the collapsed
position, the finger-hold is configured to lie substantially flat
against the base 12, so as to be out of the way of the user or to
reduce the footprint of the attachment (and therefore of the
assembly including the phone) for storage (e.g., carrying in a
pocket, placing on a surface, etc.).
[0058] The finger-hold 30 is preferably biased to the extended
position. Thus, absent external forces acting on the finger-hold
30, the finger-hold is in the extended position for grasping by a
user. The finger-hold may include spring steel, shape memory alloy,
or any other suitable material or configuration to permit biasing
to the extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 9). In order to overcome
the bias and collapse the finger-hold, the locking portion 18
engages the finger-hold. For example, the finger-hold is rotated
such that a portion of the finger-hold is positioned underneath the
overhang 26. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the tabs
46 of the bottom portion 32 are rotated to a position underneath
the overhangs 26 (i.e., in the gaps 28), although other
configurations are within the scope of the present invention (e.g.,
a different portion of the finger-hold being positioned under the
overhang to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position). Each
tab 46 is thus positioned between the base 12 and the respective
overhang 26. Each tab 46 may contact an underside of the respective
overhang 26. The overhang thereby prevents the finger-hold 30 from
returning to the extended position, and maintains the finger-hold
in the collapsed position. In order to move the finger-hold to the
collapsed position, in one embodiment the finger-hold can be
pressed down (e.g., by pressing down on the top member 34 to
flatten the finger-hold). Once the finger-hold 30 is sufficiently
flattened to fit underneath the overhangs 26 (see, e.g., position
of finger-hold 30a in FIG. 8), the finger-hold is rotated (e.g., in
direction of arrow A in FIG. 8) to move the tabs 46 under the
respective overhangs 26. The overhangs 26 thereby contact the tabs
46 to prevent the finger-hold from returning to the extended
position, maintaining the finger-hold in the collapsed position. In
the illustrated embodiment, each tab includes a contoured edge or
stop 54. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the stop 54 comprises an
edge between an upper portion 56 and a lower portion 58 of the tab
46 (alternatively, a first or lower portion 58 having a first
thickness and a second or upper portion 56 having a second
thickness greater than the first thickness). When the finger-hold
30 is rotated to the locked position, the lower portion 58 is
positioned in the gap 28 beneath the overhang 26. The upper portion
56 is positioned adjacent the locking portion 18, and preferably
has a top surface coplanar with a top surface of the locking
portion. The stop or contoured edge 54 engages a free edge 66 of
the locking portion 18 to prevent further movement of the
finger-hold 30 (i.e., to prevent further movement of the tab 46
under the overhang 26). It is understood that the stop may be
omitted or the tabs 46 have only one thickness within the scope of
the present invention. In order to move the finger-hold 30 from the
collapsed position back to the extended position, the finger-hold
is rotated to remove the tabs 46 from under the overhangs 26. With
nothing to counteract the bias and force the finger-hold to remain
collapsed, the finger-hold will return to the extended
position.
[0059] As illustrated, the attachment 10 may optionally include
additional features to facilitate easy use and gripping by a user.
For example, one or both of the top and bottom members 34, 32 of
the finger-hold can include ribbed gripping surfaces (see, e.g.,
FIG. 10). The finger-hold 30 can be coated in rubber or other
plastic material for easy gripping. It is understood that other
ribbed portions or designs, and other gripping surfaces, are within
the scope of the present invention, and that the attachment need
not include any additional features to facilitate easy gripping
(see, e.g., FIG. 2, with no ribbed surfaces).
[0060] FIGS. 10-38C illustrate alternative configurations for the
attachment 10. Unless otherwise stated, the description above with
reference to FIGS. 1-9 (and corresponding reference numerals)
applies, except where differences are indicated.
[0061] In FIGS. 10 and 11, the base 112 of attachment 110 includes
tab or tab-receiving portions 162. The tab portions 162 have
sufficient length and dimensions to receive the tabs 146 of the
finger-hold 130 when the finger-hold is in the collapsed (or
flattened) position. To collapse the finger-hold, the finger-hold
130 is pressed down to flatten it when the tabs 146 are aligned
with the tab portions 162 of the base 112. Once the finger-hold 130
is sufficiently flattened to fit underneath the overhangs of the
locking portion 118, the finger-hold is rotated to move the tabs
146 under the respective overhangs, as described above.
[0062] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the base 212 of the
attachment 210 is generally square and is configured and
dimensioned such that a central portion of the finger-hold 230 is
engaged by the at least one locking portion 218 to retain the
finger-hold in the collapsed position. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the at
least one locking portion 318 is centrally positioned on the base
312 of the attachment 310. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the base 412 of the
attachment 410 is generally round and is configured and dimensioned
such that a central portion of the finger-hold 430 is engaged by
the at least one locking portion 318. As illustrated in the
described embodiments, various configurations are within the scope
of the present invention, such as different shapes for the base
and/or the finger-hold. Other configurations and embodiments are
within the scope of the present invention.
[0063] FIGS. 18-29 show views of yet another embodiment of the
attachment 10. In the embodiment as shown, the finger-hold 30
comprises a bottom member with first and second tabs 46 at opposing
ends thereof, which are configured to be received in the locking
portions 18 that are disposed on opposing sides of the base 12.
Each of the locking portions 18 comprises at least one overhang 26
defining the gap 60, the gap below the overhang being configured to
receive a portion of the finger-hold 30 to retain the finger-hold
in the collapsed position. According to aspects of this embodiment
as shown, one or more of the tabs 46 comprises at least one
protrusion 90 that is configured to be received in the gap 60.
Referring to FIGS. 25-26 for further detail, is can be seen that in
one embodiment, the overhang 26 of one or more of the locking
portions 18 comprises a downwardly extending lip portion 80 which
extends towards the base 12. Furthermore, the one or more tabs 46
comprise at least one first peripheral protrusion 90a that is
configured to be received in a portion 92 of the gap 60 that is
interior to the downwardly extending lip portion 80. One of more of
the tabs 46 can further comprise a recessed portion 92 adjacent the
first peripheral protrusion 90a that is configured to accommodate
the downwardly extending lip portion 80, when the tab 46 is
received in the locking portion 18. That is, according to certain
embodiments, the finger-hold 30 can be collapsed and rotated such
that tabs 46 on either ends of the bottom member 32 slide below the
overhangs 26 of the locking portions, with the peripheral
protrusions 90a on the tabs 46 being pushed past the downwardly
extending lip portions 80 into the interior portions 92, to
facilitate retention of the tabs 46 within the locking portions 18.
According to yet another aspect, one or more of the tabs 46 can
comprise a second peripheral protrusion 90b on a side of the tab
opposing the first peripheral protrusion 90a, where the second
peripheral protrusion 90b comprises a contoured edge and/or stop 54
to engage the free edge 66 of the locking portion 118 to prevent
additional rotation of the finger-hold 30.
[0064] As illustrated, the first and second peripheral protrusions
90a, 90b comprise the same shape and overall configuration, however
first and second peripheral protrusions 90a, 90b having different
shapes and configurations than that shown, as well as shapes and
configurations that differ from one another, are also contemplated.
Also, while tabs 46 at opposing ends of the bottom member 32 are
illustrated as being symmetrical with one another, the opposing
tabs 46 can also comprise different shapes and configurations, for
example to accommodate different locking portions 18, according to
certain aspects. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-29,
according to one aspect, the base 12 includes two locking portions
18 at opposing ends of the base 12, and a periphery 96 of the base
12 extends past each of the two locking portions 18 at the opposing
ends. For example, the periphery 96 of the base 12 may extend in a
longitudinal direction past the locking portions 18 to provide an
increased surface area of the base 12 for improved adhesion of the
base to a surface, such as a surface of a cell phone and/or cell
phone case. FIGS. 26, 28 and 29 further exemplify different designs
and/or grip types that can be provided on the finger-hold, such as
on an upper surface of the top member 34 of the finger-hold. Other
designs, ornamentation, and/or grip types can also be provided.
[0065] FIGS. 30-31 illustrate yet another embodiment of the
attachment 10, in which a raised reinforcement bar 98 is provided
on the base 12 to structurally reinforce the attachment 10. For
example, as illustrated in these figures, the base 12 can comprise
a raised reinforcement bar 98 that extends along a longitudinal
axis of the base 12, such as between locking portions 18 located at
opposing ends of the base 12. The raised reinforcement bar 98 can
be molded from the same material as the base 12, and/or may be
provided as a separate structural component to the base. In yet
another embodiment, the overall dimensions of the base 12 can be
decreased by providing a raised reinforcement base 98 that extends
above a thickness of the base, to provide structural support to an
otherwise low-profile and relatively thin main base portion 100.
According to certain aspects, the base 12 can further comprise a
peripheral raised rim 102 about a periphery of the main base
portion 100 that can provide further structural support to the base
12.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 32, an exploded view of an embodiment of
an attachment 10 is shown, and which may correspond to aspects of
embodiments as shown in FIGS. 18-31. The attachment 10 as shown in
FIG. 32 comprises a base 12 and a finger-hold 30. The base 12 is
depicted as having a bottom layer, which may for example be a layer
of adhesive 24, and/or may be a further structural support layer.
According to certain embodiments, the base 12 may be formed of a
single piece and/or without a separate bottom layer structural
layer, although layer of adhesive may be provided. In the
embodiment as shown in FIG. 32, the finger-hold 30 comprises a top
member 34 and a bottom member 32, where the top member 34 comprises
a top member body 35, and the bottom member 32 comprises a bottom
member body 33. The top and bottom member bodies 35, 33 may be
formed of molded plastic, polymeric and/or elastomeric material
that provides a structure that can be readily gripped to manipulate
the finger-hold. The bottom member 32 comprises the central portion
44, a first tab 46 located at a first end of the bottom member 32,
a first neck 44 between the central portion 44 and the first tab
46, a second tab 46 at a second end of the bottom member 32
opposing the first end, and a second neck 44 between the central
portion 44 and the second tab 46. The top member 34 comprises a
first pair of ears 38 at a first end thereof, and a second pair of
ears 38 at a second end opposing the first end, and the top member
34 is pivotally attached to the bottom member by a first pin 36
extending through the first pair of ears 38 and the first neck and
a second pin 36 extending through the second pair of ears 38 and
the second neck 44.
[0067] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 32, the finger-hold 30 is
biased to the extended position by at least one spring member 82
provided in one or more of the top and bottom members 34, 32 of the
finger-hold 30. The at least one spring member 82 can comprise a
metal material, such as for example stainless steel, alloy steel,
spring steel, carbon steel, cobalt-nickel alloy, copper-based
alloys, nickel based alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, titanium,
aluminum, chrome silicon, chrome vanadium, beryllium copper alloy,
phosphor bronze, a shape memory alloy, or any other alloys thereof,
and/or ceramics or plastics or other suitable materials or
configurations to permit biasing to the extended position.
According to one aspect, the at least one spring member 82 can be
incorporated into one or more of the top member body 35 and bottom
member body 35, such as by molding the body about the spring
member, or otherwise inserting the spring member at least partly
and even entirely into the body.
[0068] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 32, the at least one
spring member 82 comprises a leaf spring structure 88 that is
biased to an arcuate shape. That is, the leaf spring structure 88
may be capable of being deformed, such as by pressing on a central
portion 87 of leaf spring structure 88 to flatten and/or collapse
the leaf spring structure 88, for example to collapse the
finger-hold 30 into a closed state. According to further aspects,
the leaf spring structure tends to return to the arcuate shape,
when a deforming pressure is released from the leaf spring
structure. For example, when the finger-hold 30 is released from
the locking portions 18 to open the finger-hold, the leaf spring
tends to return to the arcuate shape and thereby open the
finger-hold to the extended position. In the embodiment as shown,
the leaf spring structure 88 comprises a band of material that is
biased into the arcuate shape. Furthermore, according to one
embodiment, the finger-hold 30 comprises a top leaf spring 84
provided in the top member body 35, and a bottom leaf spring 86
provided in the bottom member body 33. The top leaf spring 84 and
bottom leaf spring 86 can further be biased in directions opposing
one another, such that the arcuate shapes extend in opposing
directions from one another to provide an opening in the
finger-hold 30 in the extended position.
[0069] As further shown in FIG. 32, according to one embodiment,
the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold comprises a bottom member
body 33 comprising the central portion 44, the first tab 46 at the
first end of the bottom member, the first neck 42 between the
central portion 44 and the first tab 46, the second tab 46 at the
second end of the bottom member 32, and the second neck 44 between
the central portion 44 and the second tab 46. The top member 34
comprises a top member body 35 having the first pair of ears 38 at
a first end thereof and a second pair of ears 38 at a second end
thereof. According to one aspect, the bottom leaf spring 86
comprises a band of material that extends from the first tab 46 at
the first end of the bottom member body 33, through the first neck
42 between the central portion 44 and the first tab, along the
central portion 44, through the second neck 42 between the central
portion 44 and the second tab 46, and to the second tab 46. As is
further shown in FIG. 32, according to one embodiment, the top leaf
spring 84 extends from the first end to the second end of the top
member 34, and comprises first and second leaf spring ears 70 that
are aligned with the first and second pairs of ears 38 of the top
member body 35. According to this embodiment the top member 34 is
pivotally attached to the bottom member 32 by the first pin 36
extending through the first pair of ears 38 of the top member body
35, the first pair of ears 70 of the top leaf spring 84, and the
first neck 42, and a second pin 36 extending through the second
pair of ears 38 of the top member body 35, the second pair of ears
70 of the top leaf spring 84, and the second neck 42.
[0070] Furthermore, according to one aspect, one or more of top
leaf spring 84 and bottom leaf spring 86 can comprise apertures 72
formed therein along a length of the leaf spring, such as for
example to reduce the weight and/or increase the bias strength of
the leaf spring. According to yet another aspect, the bottom leaf
spring 86 can comprise passages 74 formed therein and located at
the first and second necks 42 to accommodate the first and second
pins 36 extended through the first and second necks of the bottom
member 32. The bottom leaf spring 86 can also comprise an opening
76 in a central portion thereof that can accommodate a fastener 50
that fastens the bottom member 32 to the base 12.
[0071] FIGS. 33-38C show yet another embodiment of the attachment
10 according to aspects of the invention. According to one
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the base 12 of the attachment
comprises at least one locking portion 18 that comprises at least
one overhang 26 defining a gap 60, the gap below the overhang being
configured to receive a portion of the finger-hold 30 to retain the
finger-hold in the collapsed position. For example, the locking
portion 18 can comprise any shape or configuration described
elsewhere herein, and at least two locking portions 18 can be
provided at opposing ends of the attachment. Furthermore, according
to aspects herein, the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30 can
include at least one tab 46 at an end thereof, and even two tabs 46
at opposing ends thereof, the at least one tab 46 being configured
to be received in the gap below the overhang to retain the
finger-hold in the collapsed position. In the embodiment as shown
in FIG. 33, one or more of the tabs 46 comprise at least one
protrusion 90 configured to be received in the gap 60 to retain the
finger-hold in the collapsed position. For example, the at least
one protrusion 90 may be located at a central portion 78 of the tab
46, and can be configured to be received in the gap 60 below the
overhang 26 to retain the finger-hold 30 in the collapsed position.
According to one aspect, the at least one protrusion 90 is
configured to engage a lower surface 25 of the overhang 26, to
retain the finger-hold in the locking portion 18.
[0072] FIGS. 38A-38B show an exploded view of the embodiment
according to aspects of FIGS. 22-27. As shown in FIGS. 38A-38C,
according to certain aspects, the at least one spring member 82
comprises a wire spring 62 having a wire reinforcement body 63 that
is biased to an arcuate shape. That is, the wire spring 62 may be
similar to the leaf spring structure 88 described above, in that it
may be capable of being deformed, such as by pressing on a central
portion 64 of wire reinforcement body 63 to flatten and/or collapse
the wire reinforcement body 63, for example to collapse the
finger-hold 30 into a closed state. According to further aspects,
the wire spring 62 tends to return to the arcuate shape, when a
deforming pressure is released from the wire reinforcement body 63.
For example, when the finger-hold 30 is released from the locking
portions 18 to open the finger-hold, the wire spring tends to
return to the arcuate shape and thereby open the finger-hold to the
extended position.
[0073] In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 38A-38C, the wire
reinforcement body 63 of the wire spring 62 comprises a pair of
length-wise extending wires 68 that run along a length of the top
and/or bottom member 34,32, and that are spaced part from one
another in a width direction of the top and/or bottom member 34,32,
the pair of wires being biased into the arcuate shape. The wire
reinforcement body 63 can further comprise connecting bars 69 at
opposing ends thereof that connect the pair of wires 68 to each
other at the opposing ends. Together, the pair of length-wire
extending wires 68 and connecting bars 69 can form a wire
reinforcement body 63 that extends about a perimeter of the body 35
of the top member 34 and/or the body 33 of the bottom member 32.
Furthermore, according to one embodiment (e.g. as shown in FIG.
38B), the finger-hold 30 comprises a top wire spring 62a provided
in the top member body 35, and a bottom wire spring 62b provided in
the bottom member body 33. The top wire spring 62a and bottom wire
spring 62b can further be biased in directions opposing one
another, such that the arcuate shapes extend in opposing directions
from one another to provide an opening in the finger-hold 30 in the
extended position. The at least one wire spring 62 can be made of
any of the spring materials described above, or other suitable
materials, and according to one aspect is made of a stainless steel
material. According to one embodiment, the wire spring 62 is
configured to provide a minimal amount of material in the
finger-hold 130 that could interfere with and/or obstruct wireless
charging of the phone. For example, the wire spring 62 can be
configured to provide a minimal amount of conductive material in
the 130 that could interfere with electromagnetic fields for
wireless charging, and/or to impart a relatively small profile of
the attachment 10 to minimize the distance to a charging
device.
[0074] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 38A-38C, the
bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30 comprises the central
portion 44, a first tab 46 at a first end of the bottom member 32,
a first neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the first tab
46, a second tab 46 at a second end of the bottom member 32, and a
second neck 42 between the central portion 44 and the second tab
46. The top member 34 comprises a first pair of ears 38 at a first
end thereof and a second pair of ears 38 at a second end thereof.
The bottom wire spring 62b extends from the first tab 46 at the
first end of the bottom member 32, through the first neck 42
between the central portion 44 and the first tab 46, along the
central portion 44, through the second neck 42 between the central
portion 44 and the second tab 46, and to the second tab 46. The
bottom wire spring 62b further comprises a first pair of loops 106
at the first neck 42 and a second pair of loops 106 at the second
neck 42. That is, the pair of length-wise extending wires 68 of the
wire reinforcement body 63 may form loops 106 that curve upwardly
at the first and second necks 42, with the loops each having an
opening that can be accessed from below the wire reinforcement body
63.
[0075] According to one aspect, the top wire spring 62a extends
from the first end to the second end of the top member 34, and
comprises a first wire bar 69 extending between the first pair of
ears 38 at the first end of the top member 34, and a second wire
bar 69 extending between the second pair of ears 38 at the second
end of the top member 34. For example, the top member body 35 may
be molded about the wire reinforcement body 63 of the upper wire
spring 62a, leaving at least a portion of the body open between the
pairs of ears 38 on each opposing end, with at least a section of
the connecting wire bars 69 extending between the ears 38.
According to one aspect, the top member 34 is pivotally attached to
the bottom member 32 by receiving the first bar 69 of the top wire
spring 62a that extends between the first pair of ears 38 of the
top member 34 into the first pair of loops 106 of the bottom wire
spring 62b at the first neck 42 of the bottom member 32, and
receiving the second bar 69 of the top wire spring 62a that extends
between the second pair of ears 38 of the top member 34 into the
second pair of loops 106 of the bottom wire spring 62b at the
second neck 42 of the bottom member 32. The openings of each of the
pair of first and second loops 106 can be at least partly blocked
to secure the first and second bars 69 of the top wire spring
therein. For example, as shown in 38C, the tabs 46 can comprise
front and back snap on portions 108a, 108b that snap on to the wire
reinforcement body 63 at each opposing end of the bottom member 32,
and that snap over the openings of the loops 106 to secure the wire
reinforcement body 63 of the upper wire spring 62a in the loops 106
of the wire reinforcement body 63 of the lower wire spring 62b.
[0076] According to yet another aspect, the bottom member 32 of the
finger-hold can comprise a plurality of body segments 109a,b,c
along a length of the bottom wire spring 62b. The plurality of body
segments 109a,b,c can comprise an inner body segment 109b about a
central portion 64 of the bottom wire spring 62b, the inner body
segment 109b being attachable to the base, and first and second
body segments 109a,c on opposing sides of the inner body segment
109b. The first body segment 109a can be disposed between the
central portion 64 of the bottom wire spring and the first neck 42
of the bottom member 32, and the second body segment 109c can be
between the central portion 64 of the bottom wire spring and the
second neck 42 of the bottom member. According to certain aspects,
by providing plurality of body segments, the bottom member 32 can
be securely fastened to the base 12, while retaining sufficient
flexibility of the bottom member 32 to allow for expanding and/or
collapsing of the finger-hold 30.
[0077] The phone grip attachment as shown and described permits a
user to securely attach a phone to the user's hand. Furthermore,
the attachment allows a user to orient the phone and the
finger-hold in any orientation for comfort and ease of use, while
maintaining the thumbs free for use of the phone. Thus, for
example, a user can use the finger-hold to secure the phone while
taking a selfie, without worrying about dropping the phone.
Moreover, the finger-hold collapses substantially flat against the
base of the attachment for convenience and a small footprint when
the finger-hold is not in use.
[0078] According to yet another aspect, the phone grip attachment
can serve the function of propping up a phone, for example when the
phone is placed on a table or other horizontal surface, so the
phone can be more readily viewed by a user when resting on the
surface, used for taking photos, etc. The phone grip attachment can
prop up the phone by virtue of having the finger-hold being
extended into the first extended position where the open
finger-hold is substantially parallel to the base, such as for
example as shown in FIG. 18, and/or by rotating the finger-hold
into the second extended position, such as a rotation of about 90
degrees, so that the finger-hold is substantially perpendicular to
the base. That is, to prop up a phone to which the phone grip
attachment is attached, the attachment can be released from the
locking portions and extended in a position in which the
finger-hold is substantially parallel to the base, after which the
phone can be angled such that a side of the attachment contacts the
surface that the phone is to be propped up on. Additionally and/or
alternatively, the attachment can be released from the locking
portions into an extended position, and rotated until the
finger-hold is substantially perpendicular with respect to the
base, after which the phone can be angled such that attachment
props the phone up on the surface. Furthermore, the finger-hold can
be rotated such that the phone can be propped up either in a
vertical and/or a horizontal direction, according to viewing
preference. According to yet another aspect, a rotation of the
extended finger-hold may be selected according to an orientation in
which the attachment is attached to the phone and/or phone case.
For example, to prop the phone up vertically, the finger-hold may
be extended and placed in a position where the finger-hold is
substantially perpendicular to a long axis (length direction) of
the phone. If the attachment base is attached in an orientation
such that its longest axis is parallel to the long axis of the
phone (lengthwise), then the finger-hold would be rotated
substantially perpendicular to the attachment base. However, if the
attachment base is attached in an orientation such that its longest
axis is perpendicular (side-ways) to the long axis of the phone,
then the finger-hold would be rotated substantially parallel to the
attachment base. As another example, to prop the phone up
horizontally the finger-hold may be extended and placed in a
position where the finger-hold is substantially parallel to the
long axis (length direction) of the phone. If the attachment base
is attached in an orientation such that its longest axis is
parallel to the long axis of the phone (lengthwise), then the
finger-hold would be rotated substantially parallel to the
attachment base. However, if the attachment base is attached in an
orientation such that its longest axis is perpendicular (side-ways)
to the long axis of the phone, then the finger-hold would be
rotated substantially perpendicular to the attachment base. Other
angles of rotation of the finger-hold with respect to the
attachment base and/or the phone itself can be selected according
to an orientation in which the base is attached, and a viewing
position (vertical or horizontal) in which it is desired to view
the phone. According to yet another embodiment, the finger-hold is
free to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the attachment base,
such that any desired orientation of the finger-hold with respect
to the phone orientation can be selected for gripping of the phone
and/or propping the phone up on surfaces.
[0079] It will be understood that various features of the aspects
of the apparatus and methods described herein may be used in
combination with, or instead of, particular features of another
aspect. Having provided the disclosure in detail, it will be
apparent that modifications and variations are possible without
departing the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended
claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all examples in
the present disclosure are provided as non-limiting examples.
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