Abstract:
A retractable finger handle assembly, the finger handle assembly comprising a housing, a retractable finger holder assembly coupled to the housing, the retractable finger holder assembly comprising, a belt, a first end of the belt coupled to the housing, and a finger slide coupled to a second end of the belt and slidably coupled to the housing. A resizable finger handle assembly for holding an object, comprising a retractable finger holder assembly, the retractable finger holder assembly comprising a belt coupled at a first end to a surface of the object, and a finger slide coupled to a second end of the belt and slidably coupled to the object.

Description:
RELATED DOCUMENTS 
       [0001]    The present application is a divisional patent application and claims the benefit under 25 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. Application Publication No. 20100222118, filed Sep. 11, 2009 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/156,453, filed Feb. 27, 2009, these documents being incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present specification discloses holders for handheld personal electronic communication units and, more particularly, holders that both attach to a communication unit and receive a number of fingers of a user in order to operate the unit by the user&#39;s thumb in a comfortable, stable and efficient manner. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Handheld communication units, such a cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, music storage devices and gaming consoles, each having a number of keypads, touch screens or trackballs and the like, have and continue to become increasingly popular and widespread. As technology advances, the size and weight of such units reduces. Indeed, it is not uncommon at the time of this writing to see cellular telephones weighing but a few ounces and having height and width dimensions on the order of a few inches and thicknesses on the order of a fraction of an inch. While using such slender and lightweight communication units, it is not uncommon for the unit to slip from a user&#39;s hand and drop to the ground, being damaged in the process. Moreover, because the of the compactness of modern units, it is not uncommon for user&#39;s to experience Repetitive Stress Injuries (RS) resulting from operating keyboards and the like, particularly by young people “texting” tens if not hundreds of messages daily. Further, as the devices become smaller and more compact, is becomes more difficult to hold the device with a single hand while typing or keying or otherwise operating the device with the user&#39;s thumb. 
         [0004]    The present specification seeks to address the difficulties associated with inadvertent dropping of a communications unit while, at the same time, providing a prophylactic measure against RSI, as well as other injuries, including, but not limited to. Text Messaging Injury (TMI), Nintenditis, and Blackberry Thumb. These injuries are likely to grow in significance as more and more people simultaneously operate and hold handheld devices using a single hand. Additional benefits arise in productivity as well—e.g., it is not only more comfortable to type messages or operate a compact console using a single hand, but is more efficient also. Indeed, the current examples describe herein even permit efficient operation of a communications unit or similar device while seated or laying horizontally—e.g., in a bed—with the communication unit being held by the user over his or her head. Additionally, the present examples described herein facilitate easy, single-handed use of a camera included with the device. Smartphones with touch-screens frequently have the shutter button on the device screen. As a result, the actuation of an on-screen shutter button proves to be difficult while holding the device in one hand and then pressing the shutter button with the same hand. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A finger receiving device for holding a personal communication unit is disclosed. The finger receiving device includes a first loop portion that receives a finger of a user of the personal communication device and an overlay portion. The first loop portion has a length, an opening along the length and a perimeter about the opening that are all sized to receive a finger of the user and to fit with the overlay portion. The overlay portion secures the loop portion to the backside of the communication unit by affixing fore and aft base portions to the unit—e.g., using an adhesive. In various examples, the overlay portion has a width equal in magnitude to the length of the first loop portion, the first loop portion and the overlay portion are affixed to one another using an adhesive, or the overlay portion has a length greater than twice the perimeter of the first loop portion. In one example, the overlay portion and the first loop portion constitute a single piece unit. Other examples include a second loop portion that receives a second finger of the user of the communication device, wherein the second loop portion may be positioned adjacent said first loop portion. Still further examples include one of fore and aft base portions affixed to the communication unit. Materials used to construct the finger receiving device include elastic materials and adhesive tape. Beneficial aspects of the device include ease of use and the ability to incorporate identifying information into the device, such information including, for example, computer readable identification information residing on or in a barcode, and RFID tag, or a magnetic strip. The information may also be visual, such as a user&#39;s name, a corporate logo or printed medical or emergency contact information. Various other examples and uses of the device are described below in reference to the appended drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a communications unit, a finger holder affixed to the backside of the communications unit, and a user&#39;s finger extending into a loop portion according to one example of the principles described herein. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a frontal perspective view of the illustration shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an overlay portion of the example shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the loop or finger receptacle portion according to the example shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the combination of overlay and finger receptacle portion shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the combination shown in  FIG. 5  affixed to the backside of a communications unit; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the combination of overlay and finger receptacle portions illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the combination of overlay and finger receptacle portions shown in  FIG. 7  following collapse of the overlay and finger receptacle portions for storage; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example of the finger holder while stored in a generic holster; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a first cutaway side view of one example of finger holder affixed to the backside of a communication unit and stored in the generic holster or storage sleeve illustrated in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a second cutaway side view of one example of the finger holder affixed to the backside of a communication unit and stored in the generic holster or storage sleeve illustrated in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  illustrates a one-piece example of the finger holder shown generally in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  illustrates a multi-finger example of the present finger holder; 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  illustrates an example of the finger holder having a single base section; 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  illustrates another example of a finger holder in an open or unretracted position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is an alternative example of the finger holder shown in  FIG. 15  in a closed or retracted position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a cutaway side view of the example shown in  FIG. 15  in the open or unretracted position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a cutaway side view of the example shown in  FIG. 16  in the closed or retracted position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the example shown in  FIG. 16  in the closed or retracted position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  is a close-up perspective view of the top side of the slide element used in the example of the finger holder shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 21  is a close-up perspective view of the bottom side of the slide element used in the example of the finger holder shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 22  is another example of the finger holder shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  where the loop device is contained in a stand-alone housing; 
           [0028]      FIG. 23  is an alternative example of the finger holder where the spring element acts as a loop; 
           [0029]      FIG. 24  is a cutaway side view of the example shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 25A  and B are another example of a finger holder that lies flush against the backside of a communication unit in a first position ( 25 A) and spring to curled unstressed state for holding by a user in a second position ( 25 B); and 
           [0031]      FIG. 26A-D  shows several embodiments of the finger holder of  FIGS. 1-14  having identification devices mounted thereon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The present specification describes apparatus and methods for holding handheld devices and, more particularly, holding personal electronic communication devices so as to be more easily operable by a user&#39;s fingers or thumb. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one example comprises a loop device  10  for affixation to a personal electronic communication unit  12 , such as a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA), having a keypad or touch screen  13  for operation. The loop device  10  is configured and affixed on the communication unit  12  to receive a finger  14  (i.e. the index or middle finger) or two or more fingers of a user&#39;s hand  16  such that the user&#39;s thumb  18  is better positioned to operate the keypad or touch screen  13  of the communication unit  12 . In one example, the loop device  10  comprises a loop or finger receptacle portion  20  and first  22  and second  23  base portions, the first and second base portions  22 ,  23  being positioned fore and aft of the loop or finger receptacle portion  20 , respectively. In one example, the loop device  10  is manufactured separately from the communication unit  12  and fabricated as an aftermarket or auxiliary accessory to the communication unit  12  and affixed to the unit following manufacture or during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the loop device  10  may be formed integrally with the communication unit  12  during the manufacturing process. In either event, the loop device  10  is affixed to the communication unit  12  by the end user or the manufacturer. In one example, the loop device  10  is affixed to the communication unit  12  using adhesive. In alternative examples, the loop device is affixed to the communication unit  12  using screws, rivets or other fasteners, such as hook-and-loop on-off fasteners—e.g., Velcro®. As seen from the foregoing, the loop device  10  is either permanently or releaseably attached to the communication unit  12 , depending on the preference of the end user or manufacturer. In either case, the means by which the loop device  10  is affixed to the communication unit  12  is intended to provide sufficient bonding or attachment strength that the bop device  10  does not separate from the communication unit  12  when undergoing normal use—e.g., when the user&#39;s thumb  18  is typing on or otherwise operating a keyboard or touch screen  13  of the unit  12 ; the loop devices disclosed herein, alternatively, may be used as finger holders in conjunction with similar communication units—e.g., gaming consoles having keypads, touch screens or trackballs and the like—or in conjunction with other apparatus that benefit from a convenient means of holding a handheld device using a number of fingers while operating the device using the thumb of the same hand, effectively resulting in a “fingerheld” device. Further details on constructing various exemplar examples of the loop device  10  are provided below. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3-6 , construction of one example of a loop device of the present finger holder and its affixation to a communication device is disclosed. Specifically, a loop device  110  is permanently or removeably affixed to a communication unit  112 —e.g., a Blackberry® or Ipod® or stored music device. The loop device  110  includes a loop or finger receptacle portion  120  and an overlay portion  124 . The loop or finger receptacle portion  120  has a first dimension or height  130  and a second dimension or width  132  that are sized such that the loop  120  fits snugly about a user&#39;s finger; although not necessarily, the user&#39;s index or middle finger or a combination of the index and middle finger or simply a number of the fingers of the user&#39;s hand. The first dimension or height  130  and the second dimension or width  132  may be equal in magnitude, resulting in a loop or finger receptacle portion  120  having a constant or substantially constant radius or diameter. The loop or finger receptacle portion  120  further includes a width  131 . The width provides one aspect of creating a snug fit about the finger and, also, provides rotational stability of the unit when undergoing operation by the user&#39;s thumb—the longer the width, the more rotational stability. In one example, the overlay portion  124  includes first  122  and second  123  base portions, the first and second base portions  122 ,  123  being appropriately sized for positioning fore  126  and aft  128  of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120 , respectively. The overlay portion  124 , in one example, includes an underside having adhesive on the entire underside surface. Alternatives include the adhesive being positioned on the underside only at the fore  126  and aft  128  sections or the adhesive being positioned at the fore  126  and aft  128  sections in addition to adhesive being positioned at the underside of a loop section  127  of the overlay portion  124 . 
         [0034]    In constructing one example of the loop device  110 , the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  is constructed using non adhesive tape and positioned on the back side of the communication unit  112 . The overlay portion  124  is then positioned over the loop or finger portion  120  such that the fore  126  and aft  128  sections of the overlay portion  124  are affixed to the back of the communication unit  112  and the loop section  127  is affixed to the loop or finger receptacle portion  120 . In an alternative example, the loop or finger portion  120  is constructed using adhesive tape with the adhesive surface on the outer side of the loop so as to adhere to either or both of the overlay portion and the back side of the communication unit  112 . In one example, the entire fore  126  and aft  128  sections are affixed to the back of the communication unit—e.g., the fore  126  section, extending from a first end  140  of the overlay portion  124  to a first intersection  142 , and the aft  128  section, extending from a second end  144  of the overlay portion  124  to a second intersection  146 , are both fully adhered to the back side of the communication unit  112 . As previously disclosed, various alternatives are available for affixing the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  and the overlay portion  124  either to each other or to the backside of the communication device  112 . 
         [0035]    In one example of the loop device  110 , the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  has a constant or substantially constant radius or diameter as previously indicated. The magnitude of the radius or diameter is selected according to the size of the user&#39;s finger or fingers. For example, using standard ISO ring sizes (see, e.g., ISO 8653:1986), an inside loop diameter ranging from about 0.459 inches to about 0.97 inches will correspond to a ring size from about 0 to about 16. Because ring sizes are generally based on the inside diameter of the ring, it is straightforward to size the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  of the finger holder based on the ring size of the user&#39;s particular finger or fingers. More specifically, in one example, the diametrical dimension of the overlay portion  124  is selected to correspond approximately to the largest ring size a user might be expected to have—e.g., about a size 16 ring. The loop or finger receptacle portion  120  corresponding to the size 16 ring is then affixed to the overlay portion using one of the manners described elsewhere in the specification. For fingers having ring sizes smaller than about 16, the loop or finger receptacle portion in one example may be modified by increasing its wall thickness such that the outer diameter remains constant, thereby decreasing the inside diameter to correspond to the user&#39;s finger size. In such an example, the material used to construct the loop or finger receptacle portion should have characteristics allowing the material to readily compress during opening and closing of the device as discussed above and below. A material having foam like characteristics could be used for such examples. Alternative examples include selecting the diametrical or cross sectional dimensions of both the overlay portion  124  and the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  to correspond with particular finger sizes or the combined size of multiple fingers. In all cases, the outside dimension or dimensions of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  will be approximately equal to the inside dimension or dimensions of the overlay portion when the overlay portion  124  is to house the loop or receptacle portion as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0036]    It is noted, furthermore, that while the foregoing discussion employs the term “diameter” in reference to the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  and overlay portion  124 , the use of such term in conjunction with these portions and ring sizes is meant to be approximate as the loop or finger receptacle portion need not necessarily be circular or even substantially circular in cross section. In still further examples, the length  131  of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  is selected to cover at least a substantial distance between the finger tip and the first knuckle or, alternatively, some fraction of the distance between the tip and first knuckle. In further examples, the length (i.e., width  131 ) of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  is selected to cover at least a substantial distance between adjacent knuckles of a finger or, alternatively, some fraction of the distance between the adjacent knuckles. Ultimately, the length of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  may encompass a small fraction of the length of a finger or fingers, or the entire length of a finger or fingers. As stated previously, rotational stability—i.e., the ability of the user to keep the unit steady while undergoing operation using the thumb—is dependent in many respects on the length of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120 . 
         [0037]    In an example, the dimensions of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  are about 0.65 inches to about 0.775 inches in inside diameter (or average diameter if the loop is not circular in cross section—see e.g., reference numerals  130  and  132 ) and about 0.65 inches to about 1.00 inches in length  131 . In one example, the thickness of the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  is about 0.004 inches to about 0.08 inches (corresponding to about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm). The dimensions of the overlay portion are correspondingly similar. This dimensional range accommodates finger sizes ranging in ISO ring sizing from about 6 to about 10. Alternative examples incorporate sizing the loop device to have a varying (or funnel shaped) diameter along the length of the device—e.g., the diameter of the device proximate the finger tip is preferably in the range of about 0.50 inches to about 0.65 inches, while the diameter of the device proximate the first knuckle is about 0.65 inches to about 0.775 inches, the diameter varying linearly along the length of the loop. Materials for constructing the loop or finger receptacle portion  120  and the overlay portion  124  used with the size range include materials having rubber-like or elastic properties such that the loop diameter is able to stretch slightly to accommodate fingers having ring sizes slightly greater than the nominal ring size corresponding to the dimensions selected for the loop  120  or overlay  124  portions. These dimensions or sizing strategies are applicable to the various other and related examples set forth in and throughout the specification. It is noted, further, that the foregoing dimensions are based on an average range of finger sizes, but in no way should be considered limiting, as finger sizes vary substantially depending on age and gender. One criterion may include that the finger fit snuggly inside the loop or finger receptacle portion  120 . 
         [0038]    An alterative examples that permits variance in sizing includes incorporation of a large loop or finger receptacle portion that is sized down by adjusting the positions of the fore and aft base tabs. More specifically, by repositioning the fore and aft base portions farther away from one another, a downward force is applied to the loop or finger receptacle portion, causing the loop to become more oval-like. This process has the effect of sizing down the loop portion for a smaller finger than would otherwise be the case were the loop portion to remain substantially circular with near constant inside diameter. Toward the extreme, a relatively large loop—e.g., a having an ISO finger size of 16 or larger—can be compressed sufficiently thin so that the device can be used by a person having a relatively small finger. One example of this alternative employs Velcro® fasteners to affix the base portions to the communication unit so that the base portions are adjustable in the lengthwise—i.e., fore and aft directions. Another example employs snap fasteners positioned at varying distances along the length of the overlay portion and beyond in the fore and aft directions. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a further example of the finger holder is disclosed. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a loop device  210  includes a loop or finger receptacle portion  220  and an overlay portion  224 . The loop or finger receptacle portion  220  and overlay portion  224  are constructed as generally described above. As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the loop device  210  is constructed to enable collapsing of the device for storage. More specifically, the loop device  210  is configured such that the device collapses at a first point  230  and a second point  232 , generally through bending of the loop device  210  at the indicated points. In one example, the first point  230  coincides with the first  142  or second  146  intersections discussed previously. In alternative examples, the device collapses at any number of arbitrary points about the circumference of the loop or finger receptacle portion  220 . If desired, the loop device  210  may be scribed or perforated at desired collapse points to facilitate collapse of the device where desired or otherwise advantageous. In one example, the materials used to construct the loop or finger receptacle portion  220  and overlay portion  224  are selected to provide strength to the assembled device  210  sufficient to hold a communication device on the user&#39;s finger during operation of the communication unit with the user&#39;s thumb while, at the same time, permitting the device  210  to collapse for storage. One such material found suitable for both purposes is Scotch® High Performance Masking Tape 2693 available from 3M. This material provides the strength and resiliency necessary for use of the communication unit and compression/decompression of the loop device  210  during the closing and opening processes for storage and use, respectively. 
         [0040]    Deformability and resiliency of the loop device  210 —e.g., the ability of the device to repeatedly collapse or compress or fold down and be pressed flush or nearly flush against the backside of the communication unit—permits use of cases, holsters and other accessories commonly used to store or secure communication units without interference from the loop device. The loop device is simply compressed or pressed flush or nearly flush against the backside of the communication unit prior to storage (or during the storage or holstering process) and later decompressed or unfolded following removal of the device from its storage accessory and prior to use. This aspect of the present example is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 , Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , for example, a communication unit  250  is shown positioned in a holster  252  configured for securing to a user&#39;s belt  253 . A loop device  255  is affixed to the backside of the communication unit  250  and illustrated in the collapsed state. Prior to insertion of the communication unit  250  into the holster  252  (or during the process of insertion), the loop device  255  is collapsed by the user and the unit  250  is inserted in the holster  252  for storage. Referring also to  FIG. 11 , a holster  257  is again configured for storage of a communication unit  258 . In this example, the communication unit  258  includes a channel  259 , in which a loop device  260  is positioned. This example permits storage of the loop device  260  entirely within or below the surface of the backside of the communication unit  258  so that the loop device  260  does not interfere with the process of insertion of the unit  258  into the holster  257 . As described below, various other examples of the present finger holder are advantageously positioned within recessed portions (or channels) of the communication device. 
         [0041]    An alternative example to the foregoing described “two-piece” examples (i.e., separate loop and overlay portions) includes a “single piece” device as disclosed and illustrated in  FIG. 12 . A single-piece loop device  150  includes a loop or finger receptacle portion  152  and fore  156  and aft  158  sections. The fore  156  and aft  158  sections are included in a base section  160  that spans the length of the device and is configured for positioning against and affixing to the backside of a communication unit (not illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). The loop device  150  is affixed to the communication device using any of the manners previously disclosed and is sized for use according to the same features discussed above. A yet further alternative to the devices disclosed above is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this example, a finger loop device  170  includes a loop or finger receptacle portion  172  and a base section  175  having fore  174  and aft  176  portions for affixing to a communication unit  180 . The loop or finger receptacle portion of this latter example is similar to those previously described, except the loop is sized accordingly to accept two or more fingers from the user&#39;s hand. It is noted here that a still further example of the variants of the present finger holder disclosed herein and above contemplate adhesion of only one or the other of the fore and aft portions to the communication unit. Indeed, referring to  FIG. 14 , in one example of the finger holder, the fore section of the overlay portion or base section may be eliminated entirely, resulting in a loop device  190  comprising a loop or finger receptacle portion  191  and a first attachment portion  192  for affixation to the communication unit. The dimensions of the loop or finger receptacle portion are determined based on the considerations previously discussed. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15-18 , a still further example of the finger holder comprises a retractable finger loop assembly  301  for attachment to or integration with a communication unit  312 . In one example, the retractable finger loop assembly  301  is integrated into the back side of a communication unit  312  having a recessed portion or channel  351 . The recessed portion or channel has an aft end  370 , a fore end  372  and first  374  and second  376  opposing side walls. The retractable finger loop assembly  301  is positioned and made operable for retraction into and extraction out of the recessed portion or channel  351 . The retractable finger loop assembly  301  includes a spring element  342 , a belt  343  and a finger loop  320 . The spring element  342  has a first end  356  that is secured to the aft end  370  of the recessed portion or channel  351  and a second end  357  that is attached to a first end  358  of the belt  343 . In one example, the spring element  342  is constructed using a thin strip of spring steel, which permits the spring element to retain an original curved shape when not loaded or forced into the recessed portion or channel  351 . The first end  356  of the spring element  342  is secured to the aft end  370  of the recessed portion or channel  351  in a fixed, non-rotatable manner, such that the spring element is able to function as a spring. The first end  356  of the spring element  342  may be secured in a non-rotatable manner, for example, by extending a male portion of the first end  356  into a slot-like female portion  357  at the aft end. The walls of the slot-like female portion will maintain the extended portion of the first end  356  in a fixed, non-rotatable position. Furthermore, the internal stress state in the spring element  342  is biased to spring away from the recessed portion  351  when unloaded as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 17 . The curved shape of the spring element  342  is, in the unloaded state, also selected and configured such that the finger loop  320  may have sufficient diameter or inner and outer dimensions when open to accommodate insertion of a user&#39;s finger. The user&#39;s finger (or fingers if multiple loops or large single loops are used) is then able to rest against the spring element  342  and thereby hold the communication unit  312  steady for operation of the keyboard or touch pad by the user&#39;s thumb. 
         [0043]    The finger loop  320  is positioned between the spring element  342  and the recessed portion or channel  351  and affixed to either the spring element  342  or the recessed portion or channel  351  or both. The same or similar means of affixation previously described above may be used. The finger loop  320  is constructed using any suitable material. For example, flexible tape as discussed above may be used. In such case, the finger loop  320  will preferably comprise several layers of tape to provide sufficient strength for use of the device during operation of the communication unit  312 . The finger loop  320  may also be constructed using a rubberlike or similar material exhibiting elastic or resilient properties. The elastic or resilient properties of the finger loop allow it to retain its original loop shape or circular like appearance in cross section when the assembly  301  is retracted from the closed to the open position as discussed below. In a yet further example, the finger loop  320  is constructed using a material of sufficient resilience that the spring element  342  may be replaced with flexible elastic material, similar to that disclosed below with reference to the belt  343 . Here, the resilience of the material used to construct the finger loop  320  will provide the spring effect that otherwise can assist in raising the loop from the recessed portion or channel  351  for insertion of a finger or fingers by the user. 
         [0044]    The belt  343  includes the first end  358  that is attached to the second end  357  of the spring element  342  and a second end  360  that is attached to a retractor assembly  348  which functions to drive the belt  343  and thereby raise and lower (or open and close) the spring element  342  as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 17  and  FIGS. 16 and 18 , respectively. The belt  343  further includes an intermediate portion between the first  358  and second  360  ends that is positioned around a belt roller  350 . The belt roller  350  is attached to the fore end  372  of the recessed portion or channel  351 . The belt roller  350  preferably comprises a simple pin that extends between the first  374  and second  376  opposing side walls but may comprise an actual roller assembly that permits rotatable attachment to the opposing side walls. In one example, the belt  343  is constructed using a thin piece of flexible elastic material such as nylon webbing or like materials having flexibility and sufficient elasticity and strength to operate the retractor assembly  348 . 
         [0045]    The retractor assembly  348  functions to raise and lower (or open and close) the spring element  342  (and thereby the finger loop  320 ) between a closed or retracted position and an open or unretracted position as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 17  and  FIGS. 16 and 18 , respectfully. More specifically, referring to  FIGS. 15 and 17 , the retractor assembly  348  is positioned proximate the fore end  372  of the recessed portion or channel  351 . When the retractor assembly is positioned at the fore end  372 , the tension on the belt  343  is relaxed, thereby allowing the spring element  342  to spring away from the recessed portion or channel  351  and thereby assume its unloaded state, revealing finger loop  320 . Conversely, referring to  FIGS. 16 and 18 , the retractor assembly is positioned at the aft end  370  of the recessed portion or channel  351 . When the retractor assembly is positioned at the aft end  370 , the tension on the belt is increased to a point whereby the spring element  342  is urged toward and into the recessed portion or channel  351 . 
         [0046]    More specifically, while in or translating toward the fore end  372  position, the retractor assembly releases tension on the belt  343  which, in turn, releases the load on the second end  357  of the spring element  342 , As the load on the second end  357  of the spring element  342  is released, the spring element  342  springs away from the recessed portion or channel  351  due to the internal stress state within the spring element  342 ; the stress state is generated by forcing the second end  357  of the spring element  342  toward the recessed portion or channel  351  while preventing the first end  356  from rotating at or about the point of fixation to the aft end  370  of the channel  351 . When the spring element  342  is in the raised or open position (see  FIGS. 15 and 17 ), the finger loop  320  is exposed and open, thereby allowing a user to insert a finger (or fingers as described above in examples having a large loop or multiple loops) and firmly hold or position the communication unit  312  by urging the finger(s) against the spring element  342  and thereby hold or position the communication unit  312  steady for operation of the keyboard or touch pad by the user&#39;s thumb. Conversely, while in or translating toward the aft end  370  position, the retractor assembly  348  places tension on the belt  343  which, in turn, generates a load on the second end  357  of the spring element  342 , thereby tending to force the spring element downward into the recessed portion or channel  351 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 19-21 , together with the previously described  FIGS. 15-17 , further details of one example of the retractor assembly  348  are described. The retractor assembly includes a slide element  380  for sliding back and forth between the fore end  372  and the aft end  370  of the recessed portion or channel  351 . The slide element  380  has first  381  and second  382  side was that are spaced a distance slightly less than the distance between the first  374  and second  376  opposing walls of the recessed portion or channel  351 , thereby allowing the slide element to slide between the fore end  372  and aft end  370  positions. The slide element  380  further includes a raised portion  383  on each of the first  381  and second  382  side walls for sliding engagement with corresponding indented portions  385  on the respective first  374  and second  376  opposing walls of the recessed portion or channel  351 . On the underside of the slide. element  380  is a first lock portion  387  positioned to releaseably engage a second lock portion  388  positioned on the spring element  342 . In one example, both the first  387  and second  388  lock portions are raised semi-circular rails extending along the width of the slide element  380  and spring element  342 , respectively. Alternatives include one or the other of such raised lock portions being indented. Grooves or raised portions  392  (or an otherwise roughened surface) may be incorporated into or onto the upper surface of the slide element  380  to enhance traction between the surface and the thumb of the user. Further examples contemplate a series of first and second lock portions, enabling the slide element  380  to engage in locked positions other than fully open or closed. This latter feature permits a particular sized loop to accommodate varying sized fingers by causing the loop to be less than fully opened, thereby restricting the cross sectional dimensions of the loop to less than a full circular opening. 
         [0048]    Operationally, a user&#39;s thumb, for example, places the retractable finger loop assembly  301  in the lowered or closed position by sliding the slide element  380  in the aft direction until the first lock portion  387  slides aft of and then locks against the second lock portion  388  as indicated in  FIGS. 16 and 18 . Tension in the elastic belt  343  maintains the lock portions in contact with one another, thereby forcing the slide element  380  to maintain downward pressure on the spring element  342 . The downward pressure on the spring element  342 , in turn, maintains downward pressure on the finger loop  320 , causing the finger loop  320  to remain in a collapsed position. In one example, an indentation  390  in the floor of the recessed portion or channel  351  provides space for the collapsed finger loop  320 . Conversely, the user places the retractable finger loop assembly  301  in the raised or open position by sliding the slide element  380  in the fore direction until the first lock portion  387  slides fore of and is released from the second lock portion  388  as indicated in  FIGS. 15 and 17 . With the slide element  380  moved away from the spring element  342 , the internal stress state in the deformed spring element  342  forces it upward and away from the channel  351 , thereby decompressing and opening or exposing the finger loop  320  for insertion of a finger or fingers by the user. The opening and closing (or raising and lowering) process is repeated as necessary when using the communication unit  312 . Advantageously, the retractable finger assembly  301  is opened when the communication unit is being used by a user and dosed when not. Further, the assembly  301  is dosed when the communication unit is stored in a holster. 
         [0049]    The description of the foregoing example has been made with respect to a recessed portion or channel  351  positioned on the backside of the communication device  312 . An alternative example contemplates the same or a similar structure of the just disclosed retractable finger loop assembly  301  being incorporated into a stand alone device intended for aftermarket installation to the backside of a communication device. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , a finger loop device  400  includes a retractable finger loop assembly  401  mounted in a housing  402 . The housing  402  is sized and shaped for affixation to the back of a communication unit  404  using, for example, an adhesive or Velcro® strips. Because communication units come in varying sizes and shapes, a particular housing can also be sized and shaped to fit a particular communication unit, while the size and shape of the retractable finger unit assembly  401  may remain the same. Still further examples of the present finger holder contemplate removal of the previously described finger loop—e.g., finger loop  320 —from the examples disclosed in  FIGS. 15-18  and configuring the spring element for use as the “finger loop.” Referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , for example, a finger loop assembly  501  includes a spring element  542 , a belt  543  and a retractor assembly  548 . While the spring element  542  is in the open position, as indicated, the user may slide their finger or fingers into the loop assembly  501  and operate the communication unit as described above. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 25  A and B, a yet further example of a finger holder is disclosed. In  FIGS. 25A  and B is shown a communication unit  600  having a loop device  602  mounted on the backside  604  of the unit. The finger loop device  602  includes a snap strip  603  having a first end  610  and a second end  612 . The snap strip  603  lies substantially flat against the backside  604  of the communication unit  600  as illustrated in  FIG. 25A  or roll up into itself to form a loop  620  as indicated in  FIG. 25B . The snap strip  603  rolls up into the loop  620  when in its unloaded or unstressed state, having one end of the strip affixed to the communication unit as indicated in the drawings. When unrolled, as shown in  FIG. 25A , the snap strip  603  is caused to remain flat against the backside  604  of the communication unit  600  due to internal stresses caused by a downward curvature  625  imposed on the snap strip  603  along its length, much like the manner in which the blades of a Venetian blind remain flat (or horizontal) along their individual lengths due to the downward curvature of each of the blades. Once the curvature is upset—e.g., by a user pushing against the snap strip  603  at a point along its length—the internal stress state is relaxed, thereby causing the snap strip  603  to roll up into itself as illustrated in  FIG. 25B . The snap strip is preferably constructed using a mild spring steel, but may also be constructed using a stiff plastic. While in the rolled up position, a user inserts a number of fingers into the loop  620  and operates the communication unit  600  with the thumb as described above. As discussed below, advertising or identification media  630  may be incorporated with the exposed side of the snap strip  603 . 
         [0051]    A useful aspect of the present finger holder is the ability to incorporate print or computer readable media onto or into the various examples of the loop devices. Referring to  FIGS. 25A-D , for example, a finger loop device  500  is sized to have sufficient surface area to accommodate identification related items, such as barcode strips  502 , magnetic strips  504 , personal name strips  506 , corporate logo strips  508  and I.D. photographs (not illustrated) or related identifying information—e.g., name, address and telephone number of the owner of the communication unit. In one example, the identification related items are secured to the top surface of the finger loop device  500  using an adhesive. In alternative examples, particularly where magnetic strips or the like are concerned—e.g., radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags—the identification related items are secured within the finger loop device—e.g., between the loop or finger receptacle portion and overlay portion previously described. In those examples where the identification related items are secured within the finger loop device, a transparent overlay may be used to maintain visibility of the particular identification related item. Other useful information that can be stored on or in any of the loop devices may include medical information—e.g., blood type or allergy identification—and emergency contact information. 
         [0052]    While certain examples and details have been included herein and in the attached disclosure for purposes of illustrating these example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may be made without departing form the scope of the present application, which is defined in the appended claims.