Abstract:
An apparatus and method of using the apparatus is presented. The apparatus includes a base protective housing includes a back portion and side panels. The base protective housing is operable for joining to a portable electronic device where the back portion at least covers a back of the portable electronic device. A finger pocket includes a cavity. The finger pocket is joined to the back portion and is operable for receiving a plurality of fingers into the cavity to grasp the back portion. The method includes joining a base protective housing comprising a back portion and side panels to a portable electronic device where the back portion at least covers a back of the portable electronic device. The method further includes inserting one or more fingers into a finger pocket joined to the back portion to grasp the back portion and the portable electronic device.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to portable electronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to accessories to improve user comfort and device durability of portable electronic devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In recent years, advances in technology have yielded lightweight and small portable electronic devices with low power consumption. These technological improvements of portable electronic devices have resulted in extended using time and increased using frequency of such devices. Examples of such devices include, without limitation, iPad®, Android® based tablet computers, Windows® based tablet computers, E-book readers, portable media players, portable DVD players, as well as mobile phones with large screens. 
         [0006]    These portable electronic devices, especially touch screen based tablet computers, have become immensely popular and are generally larger and heavier than cell phones or portable music players such as, but not limited to, iPods. For example, without limitation, the iPad® weighs around 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) for the Wi-Fi model and 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) for the Wi-Fi+3G model. These portable electronic devices can be held or operated by one or two hands, preferably by two hands due to their increased sizes and weights. However, the user&#39;s wrist and hand can easily become fatigued from holding such devices due to their increased sizes and weights. Thus, using such devices for an extended period of time can quickly become uncomfortable. Due to the size and weight of these portable electronic devices and the user fatigue induced by them, the frequency of the user losing grasp and damaging such devices has been significantly increased over smaller devices. Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide accessories for portable electronic devices that reduce the fatigue to a user&#39;s wrist and hand from extended usage. 
         [0007]    Portable electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, iPad®, are conventionally protected from damage by housing accessories. However, these housing accessories do not alleviate the fatigue of a user&#39;s wrist and hand. Furthermore, housing accessories add more weight to the portable electronic devices. A prior art accessory for improving security and comfort of grasping by a user of a handheld electronic device comprises a base portion configured to substantially mate with a surface of the handheld electronic device and a loop portion connected to the base portion configured to receive a finger while the user is grasping the device. The loop portion assists the user in securely grasping the device with the finger while holding and operating the device. This accessory can further improve security and grasping by a user by attaching a second loop portion into which a second finger may be inserted; however, no more than two fingers may be used with this accessory. The handheld electronic devices with which this accessory is to be used are small handheld electronic devices, such as cell phones, GPS systems, portable gaming devices, mp3 players, and remote controllers. These small handheld electronic devices are typically held and operated by a single hand and do not usually cause fatigue on a user&#39;s hand and wrist. This accessory does not address the need for holding and operating portable electronic devices with larger screens, which are larger and heavier than these small devices and specifically does not address the increased pressure on a user&#39;s wrist and hand and the resulting fatigue buildup induced by the portable electronic devices with larger screens. Furthermore, this accessory does not protect the portable electronic device, particularly if the user loses grasp of the device. Additionally, this accessory is not aesthetic and does not comply with the sleek look of many current portable electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, the iPad®, E-book readers, tablet computers, etc. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing an accessory for portable electronic devices with small or large screens that enhances the grip and comfort of the user, reduces the user&#39;s hand fatigue, protects the device, and blends with the sleek look of many of these portable electronic devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary accessory for improving the comfort and grasp of users of portable electronic devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an exemplary accessory in use on a portable electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view, and  FIG. 2B  is a rear perspective view; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary accessory for improving the comfort and grasp of users of portable electronic devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0013]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, an accessory for portable electronic devices that enhances the grip and comfort of the user is presented. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment an apparatus includes a base protective housing includes a back portion and side panels. The base protective housing is operable for joining to a portable electronic device where the back portion at least covers a back of the portable electronic device. A finger pocket includes a cavity. The finger pocket is joined to the back portion and is operable for receiving a plurality of fingers into the cavity to grasp the back portion. In another embodiment an opening of the cavity is proximate a one of the side panels. In yet another embodiment the cavity comprises a plurality of friction zones for increased interaction with the fingers. In still another embodiment the finger pocket further comprises a plurality of ventilation openings into the cavity. In another embodiment the ventilation openings are on a back side of the finger pocket. In yet another embodiment the cavity further comprises at least two finger openings for forming at least two finger cavities. In still another embodiment a one of the side panels comprises an opening being operable for accepting accessories for the portable electronic device. Another embodiment further includes a wrist strap joined to the base protective housing, the wrist strap being operable for receiving a wrist of a hand of the plurality of fingers. In yet another embodiment the wrist strap is removably joined to the base protective housing. In still another embodiment the wrist strap is joined to one of the side panels. In another embodiment the base protective housing is joined to the portable electronic device by snapping the base protective housing about a back and sides of the portable electronic device. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment an apparatus includes means for joining to a portable electronic device where the joining means at least covers a back of the portable electronic device and means for receiving a plurality of fingers into a cavity to grasp the joining means. Another embodiment further includes means being operable for receiving a wrist of a hand of the plurality of fingers. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment a method includes the steps of joining a base protective housing comprising a back portion and side panels to a portable electronic device where the back portion at least covers a back of the portable electronic device. The method further includes the steps of inserting one or more fingers into a finger pocket joined to the back portion to grasp the back portion and the portable electronic device. In another embodiment inserting further includes placing the one or more fingers into one or more finger cavities in the finger pocket where a weight of the base protective housing and the portable electronic device is supported about the one or more fingers. Yet another embodiment further includes the step of placing a wrist of a hand of the one or more fingers into a wrist strap joined to the base protective housing. In still another embodiment the back portion and the portable electronic device is grasped between the one or more fingers and a thumb. In another embodiment the joining further includes snapping the base protective housing about a back and sides of the portable electronic device. Yet another embodiment further includes the step of removably joining the wrist strap to the base protective housing. Still another embodiment further includes the step of accessing accessories for the portable electronic device through an opening in one of the side panels. 
         [0018]    Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0020]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0021]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0022]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0023]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0024]    Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0025]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom. 
         [0026]    References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0027]    As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0028]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0029]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention and at least one variation thereof address and alleviate issues caused by the use of portable electronic devices with large screens by improving the user&#39;s comfort and grasp of these devices. Particularly, many preferred embodiments reduce the weight-induced pressure on the user&#39;s wrist and hand and decreases the fatigue induced by extended use of such devices. Some examples of commercially significant products that may be used with a preferred embodiment of the present invention include, without limitation, iPads®, Android® based tablet computers, Windows® based tablet computers, E-Book readers (e.g., Amazon kindle®), portable media players, portable DVD players, mobile phones with screens equal or greater than five inches diagonally, etc. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary accessory  100  for improving the comfort and grasp of users of portable electronic devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, accessory  100  is a two-finger version; however, alternate embodiments may be implemented for use with more or fewer fingers. In the present embodiment, accessory  100  comprises a base protective housing  110  configured to attach, confine, and protect a portable electronic device and a finger pocket  120  on the rear side of base housing  110 . Finger pocket  120  is configured with two cavities to receive two fingers of a user while grasping a device. However, it is contemplated that finger pockets in alternate embodiments may be configured differently to receive one or more fingers. For example, without limitation, one alternate embodiment comprises one large finger pocket that may receive multiple fingers as shown by way of example in  FIG. 3 . In another alternate embodiment, the finger pocket may comprise up to four separate cavities for receiving up to four fingers. Moreover, the finger pockets in alternate embodiments may be positioned in a multiplicity of suitable locations on the rear side of the housing to suit different users. For example, without limitation, in one alternate embodiment, the finger pocket may be located on the right side of the housing for left-handed users. In the present embodiment, an opening  130  on the side panel of base protective housing  110  is able to receive other accessories for the portable electronic device, such as, but not limited to, headphones, power supply cables, USB cables, speakers, keyboards, etc. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that openings in alternate embodiments may be configured differently in order to accommodate the various different ports, docks and features present on the wide range of portable electronic devices available. In the present embodiment, housing  110  and finger pocket  120  may be made of a multiplicity of suitable materials including, but not limited to, polymers, plastics, metals, leather, silicone, etc. Furthermore, housing  110  and finger pocket  120  may be made of the same material, different materials or the same material with different properties such as, but not limited to, elasticity, adhesiveness, porosity, texture, etc. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an exemplary accessory  100  in use on a portable electronic device  210 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view, and  FIG. 2B  is a rear perspective view. Accessory  100  is employed to improve a user&#39;s comfort and grasp of portable electronic device  210 . In the present embodiment, housing  110  preferably snaps onto device  210 ; however, a multiplicity of suitable attachment means may be used in alternate embodiments. For example, without limitation, some alternate embodiments may be made of elastic materials such as, but not limited to, silicone or rubber, that are able to stretch and wrap around the device. Other alternate attachment means include without limitation, Velcro®, adhesives, clips, elastic straps, etc. 
         [0032]    According to the present embodiment, accessory  100  has a low profile and is aesthetically compatible with the sleek look of portable electronic device  210  and other current portable electronic devices with which accessory  100  may be used. In some embodiments of the present invention, housing  110  may have different colors, patterns or artwork to make accessory  100  more aesthetically compatible with the portable electronic device with which it is to be used. Moreover, housing  110  and finger pocket  120  may be the same or different colors or patterns. 
         [0033]    Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that accessories in alternate embodiments may be used with a multiplicity of suitable devices and that the size and shape of the housings in alternate embodiments may vary in order to accommodate these different devices. Portable electronic devices that may be used with the present embodiment can have a touch screen or a regular screen and can be equipped with or without a physical keyboard. Accessory  100  is preferably used with portable electronic devices with large screens whose diagonal length ranges from five to fifteen inches. However, some alternate embodiments may be implemented for use with devices with larger or smaller screens. 
         [0034]    In typical use of the present embodiment, referring to  FIG. 2B , a user&#39;s hand  200  comfortably secures and grasps portable electronic device  210  by inserting two fingers into a finger pocket  120 . The fingers shown received by finger pocket  120  are an index finger  220  and a middle finger  230 . However, a ring finger  240  or a little finger  250  may also be received by finger pocket  120  in a alternative embodiment, in which four individual finger pockets are provided, and the particular combination of fingers inserted into finger pocket  120  is determined by user preference. Some users may prefer to insert only one finger into finger pocket  120 . Referring to  FIG. 2A , the user holds device  210  between a thumb  260 , a palm  270 , and the interactions between fingers  220  and  230  in finger pocket  120 . Finger pocket  120  assists the user in comfortably and securely grasping device  210  while operating device  210  by supporting a portion of the weight of portable electronic device  210 . This improves the user comfort by reducing the pressure on the user&#39;s wrist and hand  200  and also enables the user to obtain a secure grasp on device  210  with minimum effort. Portable electronic device  210  can be held or operated by one or two hands, preferably by two hands with thumb  260  maintaining a firm grasp on device  210  and the user&#39;s other hand operating device  210 . When using only one hand, the user uses thumb  260  to operate device  210  and the interaction of finger pocket  120  with fingers  220  and  230  keeps device  210  in place on hand  200 . As the interaction between fingers  220  and  230  and finger pocket  120  generally prevents device  210  from falling from hand  200 , the accessory  100  also protects portable electronic device  210  in the case when the user loses grasp of device  210 . Furthermore, housing  110  protects portable electronic device  210  from scratching or other damage and therefore improves the durability of device  210 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary accessory  400  for improving the comfort and grasp of users of portable electronic devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment accessory  400  comprises a finger pocket  420  on a housing  410 , multiple ventilation openings  440 , multiple friction zones  430 , and a protective wrist strap  450 . Finger pocket  420  is configured to receive more than one finger in one pocket. Ventilation openings  440  in finger pocket  420  help to ventilate the user&#39;s hand and increase the comfort of the user&#39;s fingers. Friction zones  430  are textured areas inside finger pocket  420  that help to increase the interaction between the user&#39;s fingers and accessory  400  and assist the grasp of the portable electronic device. Wrist strap  450  connects accessory  400  to the user&#39;s wrist to generally prevent the device from freefalling in case the user loses grasp completely when the user&#39;s fingers are not securely inserted into finger pocket  420 . Wrist strap  450  may be made of the same material as housing  410  or may be made of a different material such as, but not limited to, cording, nylon webbing, leather, plastic, neoprene, fabric, etc. Wrist strap  410  may be permanently or removably attached to accessory  400 . It is contemplated that an accessory similar to the present embodiment may be provided without a wrist strap in an alternate embodiment. Moreover, other alternate embodiments similar to the present embodiment may be incorporated without ventilation openings or friction zones. Similarly, some embodiments with finger pockets comprising multiple cavities, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B, may comprise some or all of these features including, but not limited to, wrist straps, ventilation openings and friction zones. 
         [0036]    Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable features may be added to alternate embodiments of the present invention. For example, without limitation, a loop may be provided on the front of the housing into which the user&#39;s thumb may be inserted. Decorative items such as, but not limited to, shapes, crystals, LEDs, etc. may be provided on the housing. Pockets for holding other small accessories including, but not limited to, ear buds or styluses may be included in some alternate embodiments. 
         [0037]    One alternate embodiment of the present invention may comprise a thicker edge along the side of the housing that is to be grasped by the user. This thickened edge may enable the user to obtain an even more secure grasp than with a thinner edge. This embodiment may be particularly useful for users with larger hands or conditions such as, but not limited to, arthritis. 
         [0038]    Another alternate embodiment comprises a large pocket on the rear side of the housing that is able to accommodate a large portion of a user&#39;s hand including the thumb and part of the palm. In typical use of this embodiment, the user places all four fingers and thumb into the pocket with the palm open and facing the rear side of the portable electronic device. The user may then use the other hand to operate the device. 
         [0039]    In yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention a finger pocket can be incorporated into a portable electronic device rather than being provided as an accessory. Some alternate embodiments with incorporated finger pockets may also comprise incorporated protective housings on the portable electronic devices. 
         [0040]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing comfort and grasp enhancing accessories according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the accessory may vary depending upon the particular type of item with which it is to be used. The accessories described in the foregoing were directed to implementations for use with portable electronic devices; however, similar techniques are to use comfort and grasp enhancing accessories with non-electronic items such as, but not limited to, books or magazines. Implementations of the present invention for use with non-electronic items are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0041]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.