GB2546964A

GB2546964A - A Device for electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2546964A
Application number: GB1600124.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fleet Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-02
Filing date: 2016-01-02
Publication date: 2017-08-09
Also published as: GB201600124D0

Abstract

The holding device for an electronic apparatus, such as a smartphone, audio player or tablet, has an attachment means to attach the holding device onto or over the apparatus; and a holding mechanism arranged to allow a user to hold the holding device so as to aim the apparatus screen towards them. This enables a user to easily take selfie photographs, using a front facing camera of the apparatus. The holding device may comprise a body to partially encase an apparatus and one or more finger engaging portions which may be formed by a strap 5. The strap 5 may be threaded through slots 4 in the body and the finger gripping regions may be tightened or formed of a resiliently deformable or elastomeric material. The strap 5 may end in a terminal rigid bar 6.

Description

A DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC APPARATUS Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for electronic apparatus, in particular a holding device for electronic apparatus; more particularly but not exclusively a device for holding electronic apparatus such as tablet computers or smartphones.

Background

Increasing numbers of users enjoy portable electronic apparatus having a user interface screen or touchscreen; such as mobile phones, smartphones and tablet computers.

Many of such items of apparatus Include cameras, and many include front-facing cameras which are located adjacent or in the screen, facing towards the user, so as to allow for video conferencing and the like.

In addition or the alternative many users enjoy taking pictures of themselves using the front-facing camera. Holding a mobile apparatus to take a quick photograph can sometimes result in losing your grip and causing expensive damage to the apparatus. So-called ‘Selfie Sticks’ can be used to hold the apparatus, but are often banned in public places making it difficult for the user to take the shot they desire.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

United States patent application US 2015 054 297 (SCHAFFER) comprises finger holds that are adhesively secured and form ridges jutting downwardly from the back surface of an associated handheld device. Each finger hold provides a location by which the user’s finger tip can brace and consequently permit the user to better grip and hold the device with a single hand.

International patent application WO 2012 019 105 (BAKER) discloses a device to help a user in holding a personal digital assistant (PDA), the device comprising at least one sleeve sized to receive at least one of the user's fingers, and a mechanism to attach the sleeve to the PDA in an orientation to permit the user to hold the PDA by placing the finger in the sleeve while permitting the user to manipulate a function of the PDA with another finger or thumb.

Granted United States patent US 8 833 620 (INTERDONATO) discloses a finger receiving device for holding a personal communication unit, comprising: a first loop portion configured to receive a finger of a user of the personal communication unit, said first loop portion having a length, an opening along said length and a perimeter about said opening; and an overlay portion, said overlay portion having a first base portion and an intermediate portion positioned adjacent said first base portion, said intermediate portion being positioned adjacent at least a portion of said perimeter of said first loop portion, said first base portion extending fore of said first loop portion and positioned for affixation to said communication unit.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for electronic apparatus, arranged with an attachment means to attach the device onto or over the apparatus; and a holding mechanism arranged to allow a user to hold the device so as to aim the apparatus’ screen towards them.

The apparatus may be a handheld apparatus such as a smartphone or tablet computer, having a front-facing camera adjacent the screen.

The holding mechanism may advantageously allow the user to hold the device from behind and prevent obscuring and allowing access to the screen, as well as permitting the user to access controls to side of the screen.

Advantageously therefore in this way the device may permit the apparatus to be used for taking ‘selfie’ photographs, using a front facing camera.

The device may comprise a rear, at least one side and a front. The apparatus may be envisaged to be rectangular wherein the side may be continuous, and arranged to surround the four peripheral edges of the device in use.

In some embodiments a body may comprise the attachment means, wherein the front may comprise at least one tab or lip; wherein the front extends parallel to the rear at least in part. In this way the apparatus may be envisaged to be held between the tab or lip and the rear.

In some embodiments the body may deform to accept the apparatus, and reform to maintain the apparatus, or attach thereto.

In some embodiments the holding mechanism comprises a means for the user to hold the apparatus in a plurality of attitudes or orientations.

In some embodiments the holding mechanism comprises a means for the user to hold the apparatus in a plurality of positions.

In some embodiments the holding mechanism is arranged to allow the user to hold the apparatus from behind. In this way the user may be enabled to hold the apparatus with the screen facing towards them.

In some embodiments the holding mechanism may comprise a plurality of finger-engagements. Said finger engagements may comprise locations where the user’s fingers may be engaged. In this way the user’s hand may be engaged with a larger portion of the device and/or may be provided with a greater span of engagement for increased comfort, choice and/or stability during holding.

The plurality of finger engagements enables the user to choose which finger to engage where on the apparatus, with respect to attitude or orientation of the device.

The finger engagements may be separate, such that the user may advantageously choose which to use at any time.

In particular, in addition or the alternative, the resulting holding mechanism produces a natural grip in the user’s hand, which grip is held in all hand attitudes and orientations, ensuring advantageously that the user does not feel limited in hand movements, for example when photographing using a front camera from different angles.

The holding mechanism may be displaceable in some embodiments, so as to enable maintenance or user selection, for example washing or colour or material changing.

In some embodiments the holding mechanism may comprise a strap or band, elongated from top to bottom of the rear of the apparatus in use. Said strap may comprise a plurality of finger engagements therein. In some other embodiments the strap may be envisaged as separate to the finger engagement, for example wherein the user is enabled to place their hand into the strap, and against the body; and the finger engagement is for a more secure grip, or an alternative according to user preference.

The finger engagements for example may be provided in a vertical direction, wherein the strap is provided in a horizontal direction; or viceversa.

In some embodiments the finger engagements may be provided laterally, so as to run from side to side of the apparatus in use.

In some embodiments the finger engagements may be provided longitudinally, so as to run from end to end of the apparatus in use.

In some embodiments the finger engagements may be provided diagonally, so as to allow for an inclined finger hold; for example to allow the user to reach a ‘home’ button with their thumb, where such button is central and provided adjacent the bottom end of the apparatus.

In some embodiments the finger engagements may comprise a tightening mechanism.

The device may comprise resiliently deformable or elastomeric material, for example such that the finger engagements may stretch to receive and grip a plurality of finger sizes.

In some embodiments the finger engagement may comprise hook and loop portions, such as Velcro (RTM).

In some embodiments the attachment means may comprise a friction fit, wherein for example the apparatus may be slid or pushed to engage the attachment means.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an exploded reverse isometric view of the device shown in Figure 1; Figures 5 show a sketch of a second embodiment of the device;

Figures 6 show a sketch of a third embodiment of the device;

Figures 7 show a sketch of a fourth embodiment of the device;

Figures 8 show two plan and four side views of the first embodiment of the device; Figures 9 show sketches of a fifth embodiment of the device;

And

Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 1, in use with electronic apparatus.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures 1 to 4 and 8 there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising a continuous side with a lip 11 forming the attachment means 1, with plural control perforations 3 arranged in the side for access of the apparatus’ controls, and a threaded strap 5 through an undulating body forming a holding mechanism 2.

The embodiment comprises a monolithic body. Said body may comprise a single material and/or single part. The material may be silicone, rubber or other elastomeric or resiliently deformable material.

Differing embodiments of the device may be arranged in sizes, dimensions and control perforations appropriate for differing apparatuses.

The pictured embodiment of the device has a side with curved comers, in a rectangular format, and six control perforations.

The side surrounds a rear comprising an undulating sheet with raised parts 8 and lowered parts 9 reflecting in the side, and comprising inclined ramps 7 therebetween.

The rear comprises perforations, one to correspond with a rear facing camera, and a further opening 10 for insertion of a holding mechanism, which mechanism comprises the strap and a terminal rigid bar 6 or pin. A second opening is provided to the bottom side of the body.

Threading strap openings comprise thin rectangular slot openings 4 extending laterally and arranged longitudinally centrally down the rear.

The strap is fed through the openings, wherein the threading openings are arranged in the ramps, such that the lowered parts and the strap combine to describe finger engagements 21.

The strap is terminated by endmost lateral bars.

The strap is formed in elastomeric material, or includes elastomeric material, advantageously such that the finger engagements are tight but are enabled to expand so as to provide a variable number.

Advantageously the plurality of finger engagements may be used simultaneously in some embodiments, such that the hand is engaged in a plurality of finger positions and as such across a larger area or longer length of the device. In this way stability and security of hold is enhanced, limiting risk of loss and enabling easier handling.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it Is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A device for electronic apparatus, arranged with an attachment means to attach the device onto or over the apparatus; and a holding mechanism arranged to allow a user to hold the device so as to aim the apparatus' screen towards them.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the body comprises the attachment means.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the body comprises a lip.

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the body deforms to accept the apparatus, and reforms to maintain the apparatus, or attach thereto.

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the holding mechanism comprises a means for the user to hold the apparatus in a plurality of attitudes or orientations.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the holding mechanism comprises a plurality of finger-engagements.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the finger engagements comprise locations where the user’s fingers engage.

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims 6 or 7 wherein the holding mechanism comprises a strap or band, elongated on the rear of the apparatus in use.

9. A device according to any of the preceding claims 6 to 8 wherein the finger engagements are provided laterally, so as to run from side to side of the apparatus in use.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims 6 to 9 wherein the finger engagements may comprise a tightening mechanism.

11. A device according to any of the preceding claims 6 to 10 wherein the device comprises resiliently deformable or elastomeric material, such that the finger engagements may stretch to receive and grip a plurality of finger sizes.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims 6 to 11 comprising a monolithic body.

13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the finger engagements are provided by a strap threaded through the body.

14. A device according to claim 13 wherein the strap has at least one displaceable terminal bar.

15. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.