Abstract:
A ring system that when worn by the user and attached to handheld devices, enhances the security, control and use of such devices. The ring system includes a conical ring element, a receiver, a connector, a terminal end and an anchor pad. One or more of these elements may be an integral member of the ring system depending on the method of manufacture. The ring element may be attached to the device via a receiver, a connector, a terminal end and an anchor pad. The anchor pad is attached to the back of the handheld device and the terminal end of the connector is attached to the anchor pad by means of connection. The conical ring element may be worn on the user&#39;s finger in variable positions. Thus utilized, the ring system places the handheld device in close proximity to the user&#39;s fingers and palm enhancing control, security and manipulation of the device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to methods for optimizing use of hand held devices, and more particularly to a ring system comprising a conical shaped ring to be worn on one&#39;s finger and bearing a connector that can be attached to handheld devices such as a PDA, camera, MP3, game, cell phone, walkie/talkie, GPS, etc. Thus, the ring system provides a more dexterous use of the device resulting in optimized function, convenience, and security.  
         [0002]     The invention is an innovation in securing handheld devices. The invention also secures any item that the user wishes to maintain securely close at hand. If a device fits in your hand, then use of the invention will optimize function, convenience, comfort and security. While many handheld devices are used with lanyards or straps which can provide some security against accidental dropping of the device, such methods do not provide the user with improved function or use of the device itself, nor are they intended to do so.  
         [0003]     The invention&#39;s primary function is to aid in securely carrying a handheld device. However, the invention&#39;s unique design optimizes the use and function of handheld devices. The invention accomplishes this by maintaining the device in close proximity to the user&#39;s hand and within the immediate grasp of the user&#39;s fingers. The invention&#39;s design and resilient characteristics provide the user with the mobility required to manipulate and use the device, while maintaining control and secure possession.  
         [0004]     As the public becomes more dependent on handheld devices such as personal music players, cell phones, and PDAs, etc., these devices are often needed securely close at hand. Whether it be for communicating, appointment scheduling, or for listening entertainment, these devices must be manipulated (opening, scrolling, dialing, typing, writing, etc.) by the user for proper function and this manipulation is the usual cause for faulty selections or data entry, loss of control and the resulting damage to the device by dropping, or loss. For example, telephones may accidentally slip out of a pocket and fall into a body of water such as a toilet. Some phone companies are placing special films inside of the telephones, and these films will change color when immersed in water. For example, if the special film turns red, then the phone company may refuse to freely replace the telephone because the special film indicates immersion.  
         [0005]     As these handheld devices become more stylish and more important cultural statements and fashion accessories, users will wish to have them available for public view, although with a sense of security. For example, the iPod™ may be used by a teenager as a fashion statement. Further, the continuing miniaturization of electronics has created devices that are smaller than a deck of playing cards, and objects of this small size are ideally suited for attachment to a finger.  
         [0006]     For these reasons and others, such devices when in use will most often be held in the hand, and are described as “hand held devices”. This tendency and developing trends require new methods of providing security, dexterity, function and convenience of use. It is with this in mind that the present invention is created.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing handheld devices and other items to the hand via a ring system. In one preferred embodiment, the ring system may comprise the following elements attached in the following order: a ring element, a receiver, a connector, a terminal end, and an anchor.  
         [0008]     The ring element fits around the user&#39;s finger. The ring element is attached to the receiver. The receiver is attached to the connector. The connector is attached to the terminal end. The terminal end is attached to an anchor. In another preferred embodiment each of these elements may be integral parts of the ring system.  
         [0009]     Various elements may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the anchor may be omitted when the handheld device (such as a camera) has an integral anchor (for example, a through-hole for attaching lanyards, or a threaded blind hole for attaching a tripod). In this embodiment, the terminal end of the invention may be adapted to attach to said integral anchor.  
         [0010]     Alternately, the ring element may be directly attached to an anchor, omitting the connector. In this embodiment, the handheld device would be very closely linked to the finger, almost like a large ring. For example, a small telephone may be worn as a ring on the outside of the hand while driving, and then may be rotated about the finger to the inside of the hand in order to speak on the phone.  
         [0011]     In another embodiment, two ring elements may be directly linked to a single device such as a small phone, and the phone may be maintained on the outside of the hand while speaking on the phone. In this embodiment, the hand may be curled into a fist, and the phone (positioned externally like a large ring) may be placed near the ear. This embodiment would be particularly useful placed on the left hand, so that a right-handed user may dial a phone number with the right hand. Note that two ring elements linked directly to a single device (two attachment points) would stabilize the device by removing one degree of freedom of rotation. This stabilization may be preferred by some users for some devices. The two ring elements may be placed on separate fingers, or may be placed on a single finger.  
         [0012]     In a preferred embodiment, the ring element comprises a truncated conical, annular, ring element. The ring element may be formed from a linear piece of resilient material that. The conical ring element provides a snug graduated fit caused by the compression of the resilient material as the user inserts his finger through the opening of the conical ring element.  
         [0013]     This graduated fit enables the user to adopt varying positions on the user&#39;s finger, which enables the user to control the attached devise in varying positions within the user&#39;s hand enhancing the manipulation and security of the devise. The conical ring shape and resilient material of the invention facilitate safe and easy removal from the user&#39;s finger.  
         [0014]     Additionally, the resulting variation in control of the device improves use through added dexterity, function and security. The characteristics of the invention include flexible sizing of the ring element allowing one conical ring element to fit a wide range of finger and hand sizes. This unique feature enables the user to comfortably and effectively wear the invention on different fingers and hands. This unique flexible sizing capability also provides greater flexibility in sizing as the combination of the conical shape and a resilient material will enable variable fit and sizing so that just a few categories of ring size (for example, small, medium, and large) can provide a comfortable fit for a very wide range of finger sizes, as opposed to current ring sizings required by rings made of rigid or non-resilient materials. Thus, a small number of models will serve the entire population.  
         [0015]     The graduated fit also enables the user to select different levels of security and convenience. For quick or casual use the user can wear the ring system on the first or second segment of the finger and gain the convenience, dexterity and manipulative control provided by the invention. For longer term use, or for use while walking, jogging, or for active use in unstable environments such as boating or traversing uneven terrain, the user can wear the ring element on the segment closest to the hand. This will provide a highly secure fit providing ultimate control allowing active manipulation of the device and improved function during physical activity and in moving environments such as boating.  
         [0016]     Varying colors materials and textures will be utilized in manufacturing the invention to provide multiple designs including those with jewelry features. The uniqueness of the design also creates promotional opportunities with the application of logos, etc. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0017]     The following description for the preferred embodiments to a ring system for handheld devices is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or uses.  
         [0018]     The invention will be illustrated by reference to the following drawings:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of a ring system comprising: ring element, receiver, connector, terminal end, anchor pad and double sided tape.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a preferred embodiment of a ring element.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a preferred embodiment of a receiver.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  shows a preferred embodiment of a connector.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  shows preferred embodiments of a terminal end.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  shows several embodiments of connectors and anchors.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  shows several embodiments of anchors.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of a ring element created from a single strip of fabric and joined to a receiver.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of a ring element with an internal element, and external shell, and with an integral external receiver.  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a ring element with an internal element, and external shell, and with an integral internal receiver.  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment comprising a rectangular flat strip formed into a ring element.  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  shows more views of an embodiment comprising a rectangular flat strip formed into a ring element.  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  shows a ring element with integral receiver, connector, and terminal end. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]     In one preferred embodiment, a ring system comprising: ring element, receiver, connector, terminal end, and anchor pad. The ring element may comprise a resilient material that is constructed to form a conical ring element by overlapping the two ends of the material and joining the two ends at approximately right angles by fusing with glue, heat, stitching, rivets grommets, etc. to create a conical ring shape with an annular opening passing through the conical ring element.  
         [0033]     The conical ring element may be described geometrically as approximately a truncated cone with a hole or annulus passing through its axis. The hole or annulus is also approximately conical, with one end having a larger diameter than the other end.  
         [0034]     The conical ring element may be constructed from a resilient material, and thus may expand as it is pulled over a finger to create a snug elastic fit, or a pressure fit. This fit will become more snug as the conical ring element is moved from the small diameter tip of a finger towards the larger diameter base of the finger (where the finger attaches to the palm of the hand). This graduated fit of the conical ring provides unique benefits including: variable fit and sizing, ambidextrous hand and finger selection, and variable distancing between the devise and the user&#39;s palm thereby regulating manipulative control of the devise and increased function and security.  
         [0035]     The resilient material may form the entire ring element. Alternately, the resilient material may serve as an inner liner for a relatively rigid or nonresilient exterior shell. The resilient material liner together with the conical shape provides the graduated fit. When a rigid or non-resilient material is used for the outer shell of the ring element, then the resilient material inner liner provides the flexible fit created by the compression of the inner liner caused by insertion of the user&#39;s finger into the openings in ring element. The resilient quality of the inner liner material enables a rigid or non-resilient ring element to provide variable fit and sizing.  
         [0036]     These embodiments are illustrated in the figures discussed below.  
         [0037]      FIG. 1  shows one preferred embodiment of a ring system comprising: ring element, receiver, connector, terminal end, and anchor pad. Ring system  100  comprises ring element  10 , receiver  20 , connector  30 , terminal end  40 , and anchor pad  50 . In some embodiments anchor pads and receivers may be interchangeable. The ring element  10  may be snugly secured about a finger or thumb of hand  80 , and the anchor pad  50  may be attached by double sided tape  60  to a handheld device  70  such as a flip phone. Other handheld devices such as cameras, or audio equipment, or GPS devices, etc. are also contemplated.  
         [0038]     The ring element  10  may be conically ring shaped, and may comprise a resilient material. The receiver  20  may be adapted to attach to the connector  30 , and the connector  30  may be a link, loop, chain, cord or other connecting structures known in the art.  
         [0039]     The connector  30  may be any convenient length, and may be omitted entirely. If the connector is omitted, then the ring element would attach directly to an anchor pad through a combination receiver/terminal element.  
         [0040]     The terminal end  40  may be permanently attached to the anchor pad  50 , or may be detachable and re-attachable with the anchor pad  50 , or may be integrally formed into a single unit with the anchor pad  50 .  
         [0041]     Alternately, the terminal end  40  may have a hook or a lanyard or a bolt for connecting to a pre-existing attachment point on a device. For example, many cameras comprise an attachment point that is a hole through the chassis adapted to accept a lanyard. Other cameras comprise an attachment point that is a threaded blind hole adapted to accept a bolt from a tripod.  
         [0042]     The anchor pad  50  may have a flat portion adapted to receive a first side of double-sided tape  60 , wherein the second side of double sided tape  60  (or double sided foam) may be attached to a device. Other embodiments may include and anchor pad  50  with pre-applied adhesive that is exposed by removing a protective cover. Velcro may be used in place of double sided tape to temporarily attach the anchor pad  50  to the device  70 , so that multiple devices may be used with a single ring system, or so that multiple ring systems may be used with a single device.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of a ring element.  FIG. 2  shows a ring element  10  and a receiver  20 . In this first embodiment of a ring element  10 , the body of the ring element  10  is constructed from a flat rectangular strip of resilient material which has been positioned so that the ends overlap approximately perpendicularly, and then receiver  20  has been inserted to retain the orientation of the overlapped or folded flat rectangular strip. Ring element  10  is shown from various angles in views (a) through (f). The preferred conical shape of ring element  10  is clearly illustrated.  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of a receiver.  FIG. 3  shows a ring element  10  and a receiver  20 . In this first embodiment of the receiver  20 , the receiver  20  comprises an approximately rivet type shape and is constructed from a relatively stiff material. The receiver  20  may be glued, thermo-set, or mechanically set into position. View (a) shows a cross section of the receiver  20 . The receiver  20  in this embodiment does not penetrate below the interior portion overlapping portions of the ring element. Alternately, the receiver  20  may penetrate both overlapping portions of the ring element and functionally act like a rivet to lock the overlapping portions into place relative to each other (keep them from rotating about the axis of the receiver). Views (b) through (e) provide alternate detailed views.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a connector.  FIG. 4  shows a connector  30  attached to receiver  20 , which in turn is attached to ring element  10 . The connector  30  may be be constructed from any flexible material such as cylindrically shaped silicone rubber, or braided nylon cord, or any other construction known in the art. The receiver  20  may attach to the connector  30  with glue, or the receiver  20  may be crimped over the connector  30 , or the receiver  20  may be integrally constructed with connector  30  such that they are a single part, or the receiver  20  may be fused to the connector  30 , or the receiver  20  may be joined with the connector  30  in other ways known in the art. Views (a) through (b) provide alternate detailed views.  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  shows embodiments of a terminal end.  FIG. 5  view (a) shows a connector  30  attached to an eyelet shaped terminal end  40 . Similar to the above discussion in  FIG. 4 , the connector  30  may be attached to terminal end  40  by many methods known in the art.  FIG. 5  view (b) shows an alternate T-bar shape for the terminal end  40 . The terminal end  40  may comprise a T-bar, circular connector, hook, loop, lobster claw, spring clip, snap or any other shape known in the art for attachment to an anchor or to a device.  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  shows several embodiments of connectors and terminal ends.  FIG. 6  view (a) shows a double loop shaped connector, wherein one end may be crimped into a receiver, and then the second end may be crimped into a terminal end or looped into an anchor. View (b) shows a double ring shaped connector, wherein one end may be joined to a receiver, and then the second end may be defined as a terminal end and attached to an anchor. Views (c) and (d) are alternate views of one embodiment of a hook shaped anchor. This type of hook shaped anchor allows a ring shaped terminal end or an end of a double loop shaped connector to be snapped into the hook. If the hook is sufficiently flexible, the terminal end may be repeatedly snapped into and out of the hook.  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  shows several embodiments of anchors. Views (a) through (c) show a first embodiment of an anchor pad  50 .  FIG. 7  view (c) shows that there is no break in the upper region of this embodiment of the anchor pad  50 . Views (d) through (f) show a second embodiment of an anchor pad  50 . View (f) shows that there is a break in the upper region of this embodiment of the anchor pad  50 , and shows the right upper portion overlapping the left upper portion. Views (g) through (i) show a third embodiment of an anchor pad  50 , wherein there is a break in the upper region, and wherein the right upper portion and the left upper portion do not overlap. Other means of attachment include: snap, hook, loop, spring clamp, split ring, pressure lock, or other attachment means known in the art.  
         [0049]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of a ring element created from a single strip of fabric and joined to a receiver.  FIG. 8  view (a) shows a flat strip of resilient material for constructing the ring element  10 . View (b) shows the flat strip being formed into the ring element  10  , by attaching the end of the strip to the body of the strip at an approximate 45 degree angle, by such methods including glue, sewing and fusing. View (c) shows the ring element  10 , with a portion of the flat strip sewn into a shape adapted to accept a receiver  20 . View (d) shows a ring element  10  with a receiver  20  glued, sewn, or fused into position. Receiver  20  in this embodiment may also function as a terminal end  40  for direct attachment to an anchor pad or direct attachment to device.  
         [0050]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of a ring element with an internal element, and external shell, and with an integral external receiver.  FIG. 9  view (a) shows a ring element  10  with an integrally formed external receiver  20 , which may be formed from a single mold. View (b) shows a ring element  10  comprising a resilient plush inner liner or interior finish  12  applied to the interior of the ring element  10 , and the external shell  14 , and an integral external receiver  20 . A portion of external shell  14  has been cut away to reveal the inner liner  12 . The external shell  14  may be rubber, silicone, foam or other resilient manmade materials. Textures, figures, relief&#39;s, symbols and other adornments may be on the surface of external shell  14 . The inner liner  12  may be a plush material such as nylon, velvet, leather and other materials providing flexibility and comfort. View (c) provides an additional detailed view.  
         [0051]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a ring element with an internal element, and external shell, and with an integral internal receiver.  FIG. 10  view (a) shows a ring element  10  with an integral internal receiver  20 , which may be formed from a single mold. View (b) shows a ring element  10  (comprising a resilient inner liner  12  and a rigid or less resilient external shell  14 ), and an integral internal receiver  20 . A portion of external shell  14  has been cut away to reveal the inner liner  12 . The inner liner  12  may be neoprene, rubber, foam, or some other compressible resilient material providing flexibility and comfort. The external shell  14  may be a man made or natural material such as rigid plastic, nonstretch vinyl and leather, etc. and may be relatively stiff or non resilient. Textures, figures, relief&#39;s, symbols and other adornments may be on the surface of external shell  14 . View (c) provides an additional detailed view.  
         [0052]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment comprising a rectangular flat strip formed into a ring element.  FIG. 11  view (a) shows a rectangular flat strip to be formed into a ring element  10 . View (b) shows the rectangular flat strip being formed into a ring element  10  by overlapping the exterior flap  16  over the interior flap  18  approximately perpendicularly. View (f) shows a connector  30  with a terminal end  40  and a disk shaped end  32 , wherein the disk shaped end  32  will be trapped inside of the receiver  20 . View (e) shows a male portion  22  of receiver  20 . View (d) shows a female portion  24  of receiver  20 . Said male portion  22  is adapted to penetrate into and lockably snap into said female portion  24 . View (c) shows the assembled portions from views (b), (d), (e), and (f).  FIG. 12  below provides additional views of this embodiment, which will show a hole through the center of male portion  22 . The male and female portions of the receiver  20  may be flat as shown by View (e) and View (d) or curved as shown in later embodiments.  
         [0053]      FIG. 12  shows more views of an embodiment comprising a rectangular flat strip formed into a ring element.  FIG. 12  view (a) shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  discussed above. From top to bottom, view (a) shows a terminal end  40 , connector  30 , male portion  22  of receiver  20 , exterior flap  16  of ring element  10 , interior flap  18  of ring element  10 , disk shaped end  32  of connector  30 , and female portion  24  of receiver  20 . In this embodiment, the female portion  24  of receiver  20  will be directly against the skin of a user&#39;s finger. View (b) is a different view of the same embodiment, which more clearly shows the orientation of the exterior flap  16  of ring element  10  as approximately perpendicular to the interior flap  18  of ring element  10 . Alternate orientations of the flaps may yield different angles of the conical shape of the ring element  10 . A parallel orientation of the flaps will yield a cylindrical shape ring element  10 . Alternate embodiments may include placing the male portion  22  interior to the female portion  24 . View (c) shows male portion  22 , exterior flap  16 , interior flap  18 , and female portion  24 . Male portion  22  displays a hole through the center which is not visible in  FIG. 11 . The male portion  22  and female portion  24  of the receiver  20  may be flat as shown by View (a), or curved as shown by View (c) and View (b). The embodiment of  FIG. 12  may be sold as a kit for the user to assemble by snapping the elements together.  
         [0054]      FIG. 13  shows a ring element with integral receiver, connector, and terminal end.  FIG. 13  view (a) shows a ring element  10  with integral receiver  20 , integral connector  30 , and integral terminal end  40 , which may be formed from a single mold. View (b) shows a ring element  10  (comprising a resilient inner liner  12  and a less resilient external shell  14 ), and an integral receiver  20 , an integral connector  30 , and an integral terminal end  40 . A portion of external shell  14  has been cut away to reveal the inner liner  12 . The external shell  14  may be rubber, silicone, foam or resilient manmade materials, and may be relatively stiff. Textures, figures, reliefs, symbols and other adornments may be on the surface of external shell  14 . The inner liner  12  may be neoprene, or leather, or plush velvet, or may be soft vinyl, or may be other materials providing flexibility and comfort. View (c) provides an additional detailed view.  
         [0055]     It is to be understood that the aforementioned description is illustrative only and that changes can be made in the invention, in the ingredients and their proportions and in the sequence of combination and process steps, as well as in other aspects herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.