Abstract:
An accessory for a device defines a generally arcuate shape in plan view, and has a flat surface configured for attachment to the device. The flat surface is in an X-Y plane, and is configured for attachment to the device. In a plan view when viewed from the Z direction, the main body defines a shape including two arms. Each of the arms is generally elongate and defines a longitudinal direction in the X-Y plane. The longitudinal direction of the first arm is generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the second arm. The arms are connected to one another at an elbow, where the elbow and the arms cooperate to define a smooth, rounded, inner concave curve. The accessory is generally shaped and dimensioned for at least two of a user&#39;s fingers to be placed interior to the inner, concave curve, to apply a holding force to the device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Millions of people worldwide use portable electronic devices on a daily basis, and the prevalance of such devices is constantly increasing. An individual may have several devices with different primary functions and degrees of portability: music players, smart phones, tablets, electronic readers, gaming devices, etc. Many of these devices are trending towards sleeker designs and slimmer profiles, and many are extremely slick. Many devices can slip very easily out of a user&#39;s hand or off a lap during use, or even out of a garment pocket when not in use. 
         [0002]    An entire industry has developed around corner bumpers and full cover cases for such devices. The bumpers and cases can protect electronic devices from scratches and impacts. Some can contribute to the device&#39;s aesthetics, or have a unique color or appearance to help the owner identify his or her device at a glance. However, many cases suffer from the same slickness as the bare devices do. 
         [0003]    Furthermore, the cases add appreciable weight and bulk to the device—some are as heavy as the device itself. Some cases are rather expensive. Each case is typically only suited for a particular make and model of device, since all devices have different dimensions. Thus, if a user upgrades his or her device, a new case must be purchased as well, usually at a substantial cost. 
         [0004]    While some cases address the issue of the slickness of the device which they are intended to protect, there is a still a need for a product that provides better grip to either a bare device or a case, without adding significant bulk or weight, ideally at a low cost. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    This invention provides an accessory for a device, defining a generally arcuate shape in plan view, and a flat surface configured for attachment to the device. The arcuate shape includes two arms, and defines an inner, concave curve connecting the arms and having an apex. The accessory is generally shaped and dimensioned for at least two of a user&#39;s fingers to be placed interior to the inner, concave curve, to apply a holding force to the device. 
         [0006]    The at least two fingers may be an index finger, a middle finger, and a ring finger of a single one of the user&#39;s hands. The middle finger may grip the accessory near the apex, and the index and middle fingers may grip respective ones of the arms. 
         [0007]    Each arm may further have a foot at its distal end, the foot being configured, dimensioned, and located to be gripped by the user&#39;s pinky finger. 
         [0008]    In more detail, the accessory defines an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction, where the accessory may include a substantially flat surface in an X-Y plane, the surface being configured for attachment to the device. In a plan view when viewed from the Z direction, the main body may define a shape including two arms. Each of the arms may be generally elongate and define a longitudinal direction that lies in the X-Y plane. The longitudinal direction of the first arm may be generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the second arm. The arms may be connected to one another at an elbow, where the elbow and the arms cooperate to define a smooth, rounded, inner concave curve. 
         [0009]    The plan view shape may further include a foot connected to a distal end of each arm. Each foot may have a larger width than the distal end of the corresponding arm (defined in a width direction generally transverse to the corresponding longitudinal direction and lying in the X-Y plane). Each foot may be substantially circular in the plan view. 
         [0010]    The elbow may further define a smooth, rounded outer convex curve. 
         [0011]    The main body may further define an additional surface which intersects the flat surface along a length of the inner concave curve and protrudes transverse to the X-Y plane. In some embodiments, the additional surface is a projection of the inner concave curve in the Z direction, and intersects the flat surface at a 90 degree angle. In alternative embodiments, the additional surface is an additional curve in the Y and Z directions, such as a semi-circular curve, when viewed in a plane transverse to the respective longitudinal direction. 
         [0012]    The accessory may be mirror-image symmetric, with a Y-Z plane of symmetry located at the elbow. 
         [0013]    The accessory may be a single integral, monolithic piece. The accessory may be made primarily of silicone, with an adhesive adhered on the surface, to attach the accessory to the device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary gripping accessory. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are further plan views of the accessory of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is yet another plan view of the accessory. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of a first exemplary embodiment of the accessory. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4C and 4D  are perspective views of a second exemplary embodiment of the accessory. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the accessory, taken along line V-V in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the second exemplary embodiment of the accessory, taken along line V-V in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A-6K  show exemplary configurations of the accessory or accesories, once the accessory or accessories has/have been attached to a handheld device. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are a back view and a front view, respectively, of a handheld device being held by a user, where the handheld device has two accessories attached thereto in the configuration of  FIG. 6B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed invention provide a slim, adhesive-coated gripping accessory for attachment to handheld devices. The flat back surface is coated with an adhesive, configured to be adhered to a surface of a handheld device, so that the accessory can be adhered to the handheld device in any desired position, orientation, and number. In plan view, the accessory is generally arcuate and is shaped and sized to be held comfortably by a user&#39;s four fingers on one side of the handheld device, while the thumb wraps around the other side of the device. The accessory is symmetrical, so it can be used by left- and right-handed users alike. The accessory is slim in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the electronic device, so as not to add appreciable bulk to the size of the device. In other words, when attached, it projects slimly away from the suface to which it is attached. 
         [0025]    In more detail, in plan view, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the accessory  1  vaguely resembles a boomerang. The accessory  1  has two arms  2  and  3  that are generally transverse to one another. The arms  2  and  3  connect at an elbow  4 . Each arm  2 ,  3  terminates at a foot  5 ,  6 , respectively. 
         [0026]    The “boomerang” shape will now be described in more detail, with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Near the respective foot  5 ,  6 , each of the arms  2 ,  3  has a substantially constant width, i.e. is defined by two substantially parallel edges. Were the aims  2 ,  3  extended along the imaginary lines defined by their respective longitudinal directions, they would intersect at an angle α, as is seen in  FIG. 2A . Rather than this sharp angle, however, referring to  FIG. 2B , the shape of the accessory  1  defines an inner, concave curve  7  and an outer, convex curve  8 . The outer, convex contour  8  defines a radius of curvature r 8  that is narrower than the radius of curvature r 7  of the inner, concave contour  7 , so that the accessory is widest (in the X-Y plane) at the elbow  4 , and narrower towards the distal ends of the arms  2 ,  3 . 
         [0027]    The feet  5 ,  6  may have any suitable shape, such as being wider (in plan view) than the local width of the associated arms  2 ,  3 , as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiments, the feet  5 ,  6  are substantially circular in plan view, however, they may be any desired shape, such as any shape that may assist the user to move the position and/or orientation of the device to which the accessory  1  is attached with his or her pinky finger, as will be described later. Alternatively, the feet  5 ,  6  may be omitted entirely, and the arms  2 ,  3  may simply terminate, such as at respective rectangular or rounded ends. 
         [0028]    In more detail yet, referring to  FIG. 3 , specific dimensions of a presently preferred embodiment are shown. The overall length            1  from the end of one foot  5  to the opposite end of the other foot  6  may be approximately 5.0″. The length            2  of each arm  2 ,  3  from the end of its associated foot  5 ,  6  to the elbow  4  may be approximately 2.85″. The width w 1  of each arm near its distal end may be approximately 0.25″. The width w 2  at the elbow may be approximately 0.50″. The diameter d of each foot may be approximately 0.40″, and each foot  5 ,  6  may consist of approximately ⅘ of a circle (or more accurately, approximately 78% of a circle), because the angle β traversed by the arm is approximately 79 degrees. 
         [0029]    Turning back to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the angle α may be approximately 122 degrees, as is clearly seen in  FIG. 2A  and derived with elementary trigonometry from            1  and            2  (sin(α/2)=(           1 /2)/           2 ). The radius of curvature r 7  of the inner, concave curve  7  may be approximately 2.78″. The radius of curvature r 8  of the outer, convex curve  8  may be approximately 1.95″. 
         [0030]    Having described the shape of the accessory  1  in plan view, let us turn now to  FIGS. 4A-4D  and  5 A- 5 B, to describe its three-dimensional shape. A first exemplary embodiment is seen in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  5 A, and a second exemplary embodiment is seen in  FIGS. 4C ,  4 D, and  5 B. 
         [0031]    As is seen in  FIGS. 4A and 5A , in the first presently preferred embodiment, the inner, concave contour  7  defines a flat, vertical edge  9  that extends substantially straight along the Z direction. This edge  9  provides the gripping surface for the user&#39;s index, middle, and ring fingers, as will be discussed later with reference to  FIG. 7A . The first exemplary cross-section at the center of the elbow  4  is seen in  FIG. 5A . The bottom surface  10  is substantially smooth and flat, as shown, and coated with an adhesive for attachment to the handheld device. The top surface provides a smooth curve from the corner with the bottom surface  10  of the accessory at the bottom left of the Figure up to the intersection with the vertical edge  9  at the top right of the Figure. As illustrated, the radius of curvature of this curve may decrease from bottom left to top right, to provide a substantially smooth interface with the edge  9  at the top right. 
         [0032]    Also as illustrated, the two flat edges  9 ,  10  may meet at approximately a 90 degree angle at the bottom right corner in  FIG. 5A , where the vertical edge  9  protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the surface of the device (which surface is flush with the bottom surface  10  of the accessory). 
         [0033]    The thickness h may be constant across the entire accessory  1 . In a presently preferred embodiment, the thickness h is approximately 0.19″ ( 3/16″). 
         [0034]    As is seen in  FIGS. 4C and 5B , the second presently preferred embodiment, rather than the flat, vertical edge  9 , includes a curved, approximately semi-circular edge  9   a . The second exemplary cross-section at the center of the elbow  4  is seen in  FIG. 5B . The bottom surface  10 , again, is substantially smooth and flat, and coated with an adhesive for attachment to the handheld device. The radius of curvature of the surface  9   a  is substantially constant. 
         [0035]    The thickness h a  may, similarly to the first embodiment, be constant across the entire accessory  1 , such as approximately 0.19″ ( 3/16″). 
         [0036]    The first exemplary embodiment may be preferred because the flat edge  9  provides a good gripping surface for the user&#39;s fingers, as will be described below with reference to  FIG. 7A . The second exemplary embodiment may alternatively be preferred because it is easier to manufacture when using a mold. Both of the above-described exemplary cross-sections, as well as other cross-sections that are not specifically illustrated or described, are within the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0037]    In a presently preferred embodiment, two accessories  1  are packaged and sold together as a gripping system. While in the package, the adhesive on the bottom surface  10  may be covered by a backing, e.g. paper. Alternatively, the accessories  1  are temporarily adhered to the packaging material itself (e.g., a sheet of plastic, slick cardboard, or plastic-coated cardboard), and the packaging and accessories may then be encased, e.g. in shrink wrap. 
         [0038]    To apply the accessory  1  to a device, the user removes the backing from each accessory, or peels the accessory off the packaging, and then applies any desired number of accessories  1  in any desired configuration on the back surface of the device. Exemplary configurations are seen in  FIGS. 6A-6K .  FIGS. 6A-6D  show a large tablet.  FIGS. 6E-6G  show a smaller tablet.  FIGS. 6H-6K  show an electronic reader. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show the accessories during use, in the same configuration illustrated in  FIG. 6B  for a large tablet.  FIG. 7A  shows the back of the tablet and  FIG. 7B  shows the front. 
         [0040]    One aspect of the design of the exemplary, illustrated inventive “boomerang” shape involves dimensions and an overall configuration that maximize ergonomic concerns regarding grip. Referring to  FIG. 7A , the inner concave curve  7  at the center of the elbow  4  allows the user&#39;s middle finger to dominate the hold with strength, by being located farthest toward the edge of the device. The descending wider angles farther along the arms  2  and  3  allow the middle finger grip to be supplemented with the support of the shorter ring finger and index finger on each side. The feet  5 ,  6  allow the little finger to slide (in the Y direction) or pivot (in the X-Y plane) the position and orientation of the device to which the accessory  1  is attached. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , the thumb will typically wrap around the device to provide support on the front side. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 6B ,  7 A, and  7 B show one exemplary configuration, which a user may find comfortable if he or she typically uses his or her tablet in the horizontal configuration. However, the placement of the accessory or accessories  1  is entirely customizable and can be freely selected according to an individual user&#39;s preference. 
         [0043]    Turning back to  FIGS. 6A-6K , it will be apparent that any of these configurations, or any other configuration a user desires, may be preferred depending on the size of the user&#39;s hands and in which orientation he or she typically uses his or her device. For example, the configuration of  FIG. 6A  may be preferred by users that typically use their tablets in the vertical orientation. The configuration of  FIGS. 6C  or  6 D may be preferred by users that want the flexibility to view their screens in both directions. 
         [0044]    Furthermore, the distance of the accessory  1  from the edge of the device can be selected based on the size of a user&#39;s hands: children will likely position the accessories  1  closer to the edges of the device than will adults. 
         [0045]    Still further, while it is considered ergonomically beneficial for a user to grasp the inner curve  7  as was discussed above, some users may prefer to grasp the outer curve  8 . This can be accomplished, for example, by the configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 6C ,  6 G,  61 , and  6 K, or any other desired configuration. 
         [0046]    The illustrated embodiment is mirror-symmetrical in the X-direction with a Y-Z plane of symmetry at the center of the elbow  4 . This allows the accessory  1  to be used regardless of whether the user is left- or right-handed, which facilitates purchasing and application of the accessories to the device, and allows device owners to share their devices with family and friends. 
         [0047]    The presently preferred embodiment is made primarily of a soft material that may provide some protection against impact to the device. The presently preferred embodiment is additionally or alternatively made primarily of a material that imparts a higher coefficient of friction to a user&#39;s fingers than the device surface alone would. A presently preferred material is silicone, but other materials are within the scope of the present invention. The presently preferred embodiment may be molded as a single, integral piece (other than the adhesive on the back surface  10 ). The presently preferred embodiment is made of clear silicone, but other materials, colors, etc. are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0048]    It will be appreciated based on the foregoing that exemplary embodiments of the inventive accessories are low-cost, light-weight, easy to apply, and do not add appreciable bulk to the device on which they are used. The thickness h, h a  is just thick enough to effectively provide a surface  9 ,  9   a  tall enough to allow the user&#39;s fingers to effectively support the device with a pressing force in the Y direction. The thickness h, h a  also ensures that the accessory  1  will touch flat surfaces first, which may, in embodiments in which the material of the accessory has a higher coefficient of friction than the device surface, prevent the device from sliding when being set down. The overall configuration and dimensions of the specific embodiments shown allow the middle finger to provide a centered grip with the most pressure at the elbow  4 . The index and ring fingers apply secondary pressure, while the little finger is used to adjust the angle of the device while it is being held, by pivoting the device about the middle finger at the elbow  4 . The shape and dimensions of the rounded feet  5 ,  6  of the particular embodiments shown are particularly suitable for the fit of the little finger as it is used to angle the device. Thus, the accessory or accessories may benefit the user when carrying the device, when holding it for use, and/or when setting it down on a desk or table, and may even prevent the device from slipping out of garment or purse pockets by providing a higher overall coefficient of friction than a bare device and most cases. 
         [0049]    As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Many other embodiments are possible without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. These other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.