Patent Description:
The invention relates to a a grip system configured for assisting holding of an electronic device according to claim <NUM>.

Electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices, are used for a growing variety of purposes, as well as in a growing variety of situations. Examples of portable electronic devices include smartphones, tablet computers, gaming devices, audio players, video players, cameras, portable computers, two-way radios, GPS receivers, and/or other electronic devices which are used in a mobile manner. Portable electronic devices are susceptible to damage from a variety of forces or elements such as dropping, impact, water, and scratching. At the same time, the cost of portable electronic devices is increasing. Improved apparatuses and techniques for protecting and securely holding portable and personal electronic devices are needed for better accommodating these changing use models. For example, <CIT> discloses a protective case for a tablet computer with a flexible strip on the back that allows fingers to slide underneath for better grip.

The invention relates to a a grip system configured for assisting holding of an electronic device according to claim <NUM>. Optional embodiments are disclosed by claims <NUM> to <NUM> and the specification.

According to the invention, a grip system is configured for assisting holding of an electronic device. The grip system comprises a protective case and a grip apparatus. The protective case comprises a protective shell for receiving the electronic device and covering at least a portion of a housing of the electronic device. The protective case has a back surface which has a recess. The grip apparatus is removably attachable to the back surface of the protective case. The grip apparatus comprises a base, two flexible strips or straps, and a cap. The base is configured to be removably inserted into the recess in the back surface of the protective case for removably attaching the grip apparatus to the protective case. The two flexible strips are each formed from a bendable material, wherein each flexible strip includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of each flexible strip is attached to the base. The cap being a button is configured to assist a user in holding the protective case, wherein the cap is proximate a top surface of the base when in a stowed position, and wherein the cap is extendable away from the top surface of the base away from the protective case when the cap is pulled outward to extend the cap to an extended position. Each flexible strip is configured or adapted to slide, at least partially, within a slot in the cap. Each flexible strip slides into the slot when the grip apparatus is transitioned to the stowed position and slides outward from the slot when the grip apparatus is transitioned to the extended position. A stop proximate the second end of each flexible strip establishes a maximum extension length and prevents each flexible strip from fully exiting the slot of the cap.

In another exemplary embodiment, a grip apparatus for facilitating holding of an electronic device includes a base, an extension arm, and a cap. The base has a bottom surface and a top surface, wherein the bottom surface is configured for attachment to the electronic device or to a protective case for the electronic device, wherein the base includes a linear channel between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the base further includes an aperture in the top surface, wherein the aperture extends from the top surface of the base into the linear channel. The extension arm is formed from a semi-rigid bendable material, wherein the extension arm includes first and second ends and is configured to slide, at least partially, within the linear channel, wherein a center portion of the extension arm is accessible through the aperture in the top surface of the base, wherein the extension arm is configured to extend out of the aperture to an extended position and retract into the linear channel to a retracted position when the extension arm slides within the linear channel, and wherein each end of the extension arm includes a respective stop which establishes a maximum extension length and prevents the extension arm from fully exiting the linear channel when at the extended position. The cap is attached to the center portion of the extension arm, wherein the cap is configured to rest against one or more fingers of a user holding the electronic device, wherein the cap is proximate the top surface of the base when the extension arms are in the retracted positions, and wherein the cap and the extension arm extend away from the top surface of the base in a substantially perpendicular direction when the cap is pulled outward and the center portion of the extension arm is pulled out of the aperture toward the extended position.

As people carry electronic devices with them more frequently, they have become more interested in using them for a wider variety of tasks and in a wider variety of situations. Electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices, are being used now more than ever and the longer devices are held by the user the greater the chance that they are dropped or otherwise damaged. In addition, people are using their electronic devices in a greater variety of situations. Electronic devices are also increasingly used with protective cases and/or covers that protect the electronic devices from a variety or forces or elements such as dropping, impact, and scratching. In some cases, these challenges are coupled with an increasing need for holders or stands that hold the device in a particular preferred configuration or location when the user wants the device to be visible and/or in a particular orientation but may not necessarily be holding it.

While most of the electronic device cases and/or covers discussed herein are described as "protective" cases, the apparatuses and techniques disclosed herein do not necessarily require that the case is protective and could apply to any type of electronic device case, cover, sleeve, sheath, attachment panel, etc. In other examples, the case may be water-resistant or water proof for protecting the electronic device from water or other liquids. In yet other examples, the case may have other characteristics, such as but not limited to, water resistance, chemical resistance, and/or antimicrobial characteristics. In other examples, any of the grips, grip devices, or apparatuses disclosed herein may be used directly with an electronic device and need not necessarily be used with a protective case.

<FIG> illustrates a protective case <NUM> for an electronic device. Protective case <NUM> may also be called a protective cover. Protective case <NUM> is configured with a retractable device grip <NUM>. Variations of device grips will be disclosed herein. Different case designs accommodating different grips, holders, and/or stands may involve changing shapes, sizes, dimensions, geometries, quantities, and/or positions of case features described herein to accommodate other grips, holders, or stands.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of protective case <NUM> for use with an electronic device, such as a smartphone. Protective case <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. Inner surface <NUM> provides the primary surface(s) for receiving and holding the electronic device in protective case <NUM>. Inner surface <NUM> may contact the electronic device on any one or more of a back surface, on one or more side surfaces, and/or on a portion of a front surface of the electronic device. In some situations, inner surface <NUM> may also be referred to as or may include a cushion layer, cushioning member, or cushion liner. Inner surface <NUM> can be made of any suitable material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be, but is not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone rubber. Inner surface <NUM> may comprise a material that is softer than a material of body <NUM> for purposes of cushioning, protecting, and/or retaining the electronic device.

Inner surface <NUM> may be configured to cushion an installed electronic device from external forces, impacts, sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, and/or other forces experienced at outer surfaces of protective case <NUM>. Further, the compliant nature of inner surface <NUM> may allow it to flexibly hold the electronic device to reduce movement, shifting, or rattling of the electronic device within protective case <NUM>. Inner surface <NUM> may contain cavities, coring, reliefs, ribs, channels, recesses, a grid pattern, protrusions, and/or other similar features for holding the electronic device in place, for protecting the electronic device, and/or for potentially reducing the surface area of contact between inner surface <NUM> and the installed electronic device.

In some embodiments, inner surface <NUM> may not cover the entire internal surface of the protective case. In one specific example, inner surface <NUM> may extend around an internal perimeter of the protective case and may not span the entire back of the protective case or the installed electronic device.

Protective case <NUM> also includes a front opening which permits or allows access to at least some portion of the installed electronic device. In one example, the front opening permits access to an interactive interface of the electronic device such as a touchscreen, a touch screen interface, a resistive touchscreen, a display, and/or a capacitive touchscreen. The front opening may contain a lip or edge that removably retains the electronic device in the protective case such that it does not easily or readily come out of the protective case but can still be intentionally removed by a user when desired. The front opening may also include a lip, ledge, protrusion, raised edge, rim, elevated rim, elevated protective rim, or other raised feature around at least a portion of the front opening to reduce the chances of a front surface of the installed electronic device from coming into contact with another object or surface, particularly when protective case <NUM> is laid face down on a flat surface, such as on a table.

Body <NUM> of protective case <NUM> may also be referred to as a structural layer, a frame, a rigid layer, a bottom shell, a shell member, an outer shell, and/or a shell of protective case <NUM>. Body <NUM> extends around some or all of the outer surface of inner surface <NUM>. Body <NUM> will typically be manufactured from a material that is harder, more rigid, stiffer, more puncture resistant, more crush resistant, more chemical resistant, and/or more abrasion resistant than the material of inner surface <NUM>, if any. The material of body <NUM> can be any suitable material such as a thermoplastic polymer or a synthetic polymer. The material can include polycarbonate, nylon, or glass filled nylon. Alternately, any other material, or combination of materials, which provide rigidity to protective enclosure <NUM> can be used. Body <NUM> can be formed using any suitable process, such as an injection molding process. The back or sides of body <NUM> may also include stylistic patterns, images, graphics, and/or one or more color combinations.

Protective case <NUM> also includes camera aperture <NUM> in a back surface of protective case <NUM>. Camera aperture <NUM>, which may also be called an opening, provides optical access and/or an optical path to/from a camera and/or a flash of an installed electronic device. In other words, camera aperture <NUM> permits use of the camera and/or flash even though the electronic device is installed in protective case <NUM> and much of the back of the electronic device is covered by protective case <NUM>. Camera aperture <NUM> may be covered with a clear, mostly clear, transparent, or mostly transparent membrane, lens, or film that protects the camera and/or the flash but also still permits optical access and/or an optical path to/from the camera and/or flash. In some examples, the membrane or film may serve a lensing function and/or provide an optical effect, such as magnification.

Protective case <NUM> provides protection for an installed electronic device against external forces by reducing or eliminating transfer of those forces to the installed electronic device, as well as providing a relatively soft contact surface for the installed electronic device. The relatively soft contact surface can resist scratching, scraping, marring, and/or rub marks. While providing protection, protective case <NUM> enables a user to still use the electronic device while it is in protective case <NUM>.

In one embodiment, one of inner surface <NUM> and body <NUM> may be comolded (or co-molded) onto the other, comolded with the other, or overmolded onto the other. In another embodiment, they may be molded as separate pieces and adhered together after the molding process. In yet other embodiments, inner surface <NUM> and body <NUM> may not be formed, molded, or adhered together but may fit together as an assembly. Inner surface <NUM> and body <NUM> may have approximately the same thickness throughout protective enclosure <NUM> and in other embodiments can vary in thickness. The thickness can vary depending on the manufacturing process and/or the design of protective enclosure <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, inner surface may not be formed from a different material than body <NUM> and inner surface <NUM> may simply be the inner surface of the member that makes up body <NUM>.

When inner surface <NUM> and body <NUM> are formed, adhered, or fitted together, protective case or enclosure <NUM> may provide a one-piece construction that functions like, and provides benefits similar to, a more costly and possibly more complicated two-piece or three-piece assembly. However, it should be understood that the protective case features described herein are not to be limited to a protective case with an inner liner and an outer shell. It should be understood that the improvements disclosed herein may be implemented in a case with a single layer (e.g., a hard rigid layer or a soft flexible layer), a case made of a single material (e.g., a polycarbonate, a silicone, etc.), a case made of a single component, a case with more than two layers, a case made of more than two materials, and/or a case made of more than two components. For example, the case improvements disclosed herein could be implemented into a clam shell case with two or more pieces, a sliding case with two or more pieces, a hinged case with two or more pieces, etc. In other examples, protective case <NUM> may be a case that is assembled from a greater number of components or members. For example, protective case <NUM> may be assembled from two members, three members, four members, or more. The improvements disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to any particular case or protective case design.

Protective case <NUM> also includes one or more button pads <NUM> on one or more sides of protective case <NUM>. In some cases, button pads <NUM> may be formed in or from the material that makes up inner surface <NUM>. Button pads <NUM> correspond to respective buttons or control features of an installed electronic device. Button pads <NUM> enable actuation or operation of the respective buttons or control features of the installed electronic device from outside of protective case <NUM> without necessarily having direct access to the buttons or control features. Body <NUM> and/or inner surface <NUM> may also include another aperture, hole, or opening for directly accessing a button, switch, port, or control feature of the installed electronic device. Button pads and apertures may have many other shapes or configurations. A protective case may have more or fewer button pads or apertures than illustrated, or no button pads or apertures at all.

Protective case <NUM> also includes grip aperture <NUM> in the back surface of protective case <NUM>. Grip aperture <NUM> extends from inside of protective case <NUM> through inner surface <NUM> and body <NUM> to provide an aperture or hole that extends all the way through to the back of the case. As discussed with respect to other figures herein, grip aperture <NUM> facilitates operation and use of a device grip, with a protective case, such as protective case <NUM>. The size, shape, quantity, or position, of grip aperture <NUM> may vary. In some examples, there may be no grip aperture and any of the disclosed grips may be attached directly to an outer surface of protective case <NUM> and/or directly to a back surface or housing of an electronic device.

Any of the device grips disclosed herein may be implemented as a standalone device or apparatus which is attachable, either permanently or removably, to an electronic device and/or to a case for an electronic device. Alternatively, any of the device grips or apparatuses disclosed herein may be integrated into the housing of an electronic device and/or integrated into a case for an electronic device, either permanently or removably.

The grips and holders disclosed herein are configured or adapted for assisting a user in holding an electronic device and reducing the chances of the user dropping the device. The grip is extendable for use and retractable or stowable when not in use. In the extended or use position, the user may extend one or more fingers through or around the grip to assist in holding the device. The grip may also act as a stand for one or more viewing orientations for the electronic device when the electronic device is sitting on a surface such as a desk. The retracted or stowed position is preferred when the grip is not in use in order to reduce any negative effects of the grip such as getting caught on the edge of a pocket, a purse, or a bag. It is also preferred to reduce the thickness of the grip as much as possible in the retracted or stowed position to better accommodate other functions such as wireless charging, attachment of or to other accessories, and storage.

<FIG> illustrates a side sectional view of a grip <NUM> for use with an electronic device and/or with a case for an electronic device. Grip <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a cap <NUM>. While illustrated in <FIG> as a standalone apparatus, grip <NUM> may be integrated into an electronic device or into a case for an electronic device and base <NUM> may be part of the electronic device, the housing for the electronic device, or the case for the electronic device. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in the stowed or retracted position. Cap <NUM> is referred to as a button. As illustrated in subsequent figures, cap <NUM> may be extended into the extended or use position.

The elements of grip <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> with basic shapes for purposes of explanation of the operation of grip <NUM>. However, it should be understood that any of the elements of grip <NUM> may have different shapes or sizes while retaining similar functionality. Further, any of the elements disclosed herein may be made from a single component or may be made up of multiple components. Any of the grips disclosed herein may also be referred to as a device grip, a grip apparatus, a gripping apparatus, a holder, a device holder, a device holding apparatus, a case holder, a case handle, a stand, and/or a device stand. Any of the grips or caps disclosed herein may be designed to pivot and/or rotate to permit movement of the device and/or protective case while the grip is being held. Any of the caps disclosed herein may be decorated with any variety of colors, pictures, or graphics. Any of the caps disclosed herein may be removable and replaceable with a different cap for purposes of changing the colors, pictures, or graphics without replacing the entire grip or case.

Grip <NUM> also includes two bendable strips <NUM> which are attached to cap <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> may be formed from any relatively thin flexible, bendable, and/or resilient material that is substantially flat and may return to its substantially flat state after being bent. Bendable strips <NUM> may be formed from a plastic film, from a plastic strip, from a thin metallic strip, or from another material that is bendable, semi-rigid, rigid, and/or returns to its original shape. In some examples, bendable strips <NUM> may have some cross-sectional curvature, similar to a metal measuring tape, which further causes them to tend to return to a straight or flat position. Bendable strips <NUM> may also be referred to as strips, straps, bendable straps, arms, bendable arms, or extension arms. In <FIG>, bendable strips <NUM> appear as lines because they are being viewed from the side. Bendable strips <NUM> are each positioned in a slot <NUM> of base <NUM> and extend through an opening or aperture of base <NUM> to be attached to cap <NUM>. Slots <NUM> may also be referred to as a cavity or a channel. In some examples, slots <NUM> may not be fully enclosed and may be formed as a channel in a surface with extensions or tabs which extend over the channel only partially to retain bendable strips <NUM> in the channel.

<FIG> illustrates a top sectional view of grip <NUM> of <FIG>. The section view of <FIG> cuts through base <NUM>. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in dashed lines for reference only. <FIG> illustrates bendable strips <NUM> in slots <NUM>. The ends of bendable strips <NUM> extend up (out of the page) through openings or apertures to attach to cap <NUM>. Each of bendable strips <NUM> includes one or more stop features <NUM> which corresponds to a shape of the end of the corresponding slot <NUM>. As explained further in subsequent figures, stop features <NUM> prevent bendable strips <NUM> from sliding or extending all the way out of or exiting slots <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side sectional view of grip <NUM>, similar to <FIG>, but in the extended or use position. Cap <NUM> has been pulled or extended upward such that a user can place one or more fingers between cap <NUM> and base <NUM>. Alternately, cap <NUM> may be used as a stand. When pulled up, bendable strips <NUM> are partially pulled out of slots <NUM>. They can be pulled until stop features <NUM> reach the corresponding shoulder or stop feature of slots <NUM> (see <FIG>) and prevent the bendable strips <NUM> from extending or exiting slots <NUM> any further. Since bendable strips <NUM> are semi-rigid and are extending from opposite directions they tend to press against each other and hold cap <NUM> up in the extended position. While the grip illustrated in <FIG> has some features that are different than grip <NUM>, <FIG> generally illustrates the use position of any of the grips disclosed herein relative to a protective case.

In the example of <FIG>, bendable strips <NUM> are viewed from their edges such that they appear very thin. When viewed from another direction, such as from the left of the page or the right of the page, each bendable strip will have a more substantial width that is not visible in <FIG>. The width of any of the bendable strips, straps, or arms disclosed herein may also be reduced or variable, such as having an hourglass shape, to better accommodate a user's fingers in more than one direction. In other words, the width of any of the bendable strips disclosed herein may not be uniform and may include contours where a user's fingers are expected such that the user does not have to spread his fingers as far apart to hold the grip from a variety of directions or orientations.

<FIG> illustrates a top sectional view of grip <NUM> of <FIG> in the extended position. The section view of <FIG> cuts through base <NUM>. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in dashed lines for reference only. <FIG> illustrates bendable strips <NUM> extended out of slots <NUM>. The extended ends of bendable strips <NUM> extend up (out of the page) to attach to cap <NUM>, which is extended to or toward the use position. The stop features <NUM> are at or near the stops of slots <NUM> preventing bendable strips <NUM> from sliding or extending further out of slots <NUM>. In this way, cap <NUM> remains attached to base <NUM> and can only be extended out a specified distance. After use, cap <NUM> can be pressed or pushed down and returned to the retracted or stowed position illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a side sectional view of a grip <NUM> for use with an electronic device and/or with a case for an electronic device. Grip <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of grip <NUM>. Grip <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a cap <NUM>. Base <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of base <NUM>. Cap <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of cap <NUM>. While illustrated in <FIG> as a standalone apparatus, grip <NUM> may be integrated into an electronic device or a case for an electronic device and base <NUM> may be part of the electronic device, the housing for the electronic device, or the case for the electronic device. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in the stowed or retracted position. Cap <NUM> is referred to as a button. As illustrated in subsequent figures, cap <NUM> may be extended into the extended or use position. The elements of grip <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> with basic shapes for purposes of explanation of the operation of grip <NUM>. However, it should be understood that any of the elements of grip <NUM> may have different shapes or sizes while retaining same or similar functionality. Further, any of the elements disclosed herein may be made from a single component or may be made up of multiple components.

Grip <NUM> also includes a bendable strip <NUM> which is attached to cap <NUM>. Bendable strip <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of bendable strips <NUM>. Bendable strip <NUM> may be formed from any relatively thin flexible and/or bendable material that is substantially flat and tends to return to its substantially flat state after being bent. Bendable strip <NUM> may be formed from a plastic film, a plastic strip, from a thin metallic strip, or from another material. In some examples, bendable strip <NUM> may have some cross-sectional curvature, similar to a metal measuring tape, which further causes it to have a tendency to return to a straight or flat position. Bendable strip <NUM> may also be referred to as a strip, strap, arm, bendable strap, bendable arm, or extension arm. In <FIG>, bendable strip <NUM> appears as a line because it is being viewed from the thin side. Bendable strip <NUM> is positioned in a slot <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a channel, of base <NUM> and extends through one or more openings or apertures of base <NUM> to be attached to cap <NUM>.

Unlike the configuration of grip <NUM>, bendable strip <NUM> is a single strip that is attached to cap <NUM> and extends from cap <NUM> in both directions into base <NUM>. In one example, bendable strip <NUM> may be attached to cap <NUM> near a center point of bendable strip <NUM>. Cap <NUM> may retain bendable strip <NUM> using a pin or bar. Slot(s) <NUM> may also be referred to as a cavity or a channel. In some examples, slot(s) <NUM> may not be fully enclosed and may be formed as a channel in a surface with extensions or tabs which extend over the channel only partially to retain bendable strip <NUM> in the channel.

<FIG> illustrates a top sectional view of grip <NUM> of <FIG>. The section view cuts through base <NUM>. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in dashed lines for reference only. <FIG> illustrates bendable strip <NUM> in slot(s) <NUM>. Bendable strip <NUM> extends up (out of the page) through openings or apertures to attach to cap <NUM>. Bendable strip <NUM> includes stop features <NUM> which correspond to a shape of slot <NUM>. As explained further in subsequent figures, stop features <NUM> prevent each end of bendable strip <NUM> from sliding or extending all the way out of slot <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side sectional view of grip <NUM>, similar to <FIG>, but in the extended or use position. Cap <NUM> has been pulled or extended upward such that a user can place one or more fingers between cap <NUM> and base <NUM>, or to use cap <NUM> as a stand. When pulled up, bendable strip <NUM> is partially pulled out of slot <NUM> from two directions. It is pulled until stop features <NUM> reach the corresponding shoulders of slot <NUM> (see <FIG>) and prevent the bendable strip <NUM> from extending or exiting slot <NUM> any further. Bendable strip <NUM> is flexible enough to permit some side to side movement but rigid enough to hold cap <NUM> away from base <NUM> and rigid enough for extended cap <NUM> to act as a stand when the electronic device is on a table, desk, or other substantially horizontal surface. While the grip illustrated in <FIG> has some features that are different than grip <NUM>, <FIG> generally illustrates the use position of any of the grips disclosed herein relative to a protective case.

<FIG> illustrates a top sectional view of grip <NUM> of <FIG> in the extended position. The section view cuts through base <NUM>. Cap <NUM> would exist above the illustrated section, but is illustrated in dashed lines for reference purposes. <FIG> illustrates bendable strip <NUM> extended out of slot(s) <NUM>. Two parallel portions of bendable strip <NUM> extend up to cap <NUM>. Bendable strip <NUM> extends up (out of the page) to attach to extended cap <NUM>. The stop features <NUM> are at or near the stops of slot <NUM> preventing bendable strips <NUM> from sliding or extending further out of slot(s) <NUM>. In this way, cap <NUM> remains attached to base <NUM> and can only be extended out a specified distance. After use, cap <NUM> can be pressed or pushed down and returned to the retracted or stowed position illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a side sectional view of a grip <NUM> for use with an electronic device and/or with a case for an electronic device. Grip <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of grips <NUM> or <NUM>. Grip <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a cap <NUM>. Base <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of base <NUM> or <NUM>. Cap <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of cap <NUM> or <NUM>. While illustrated in <FIG> as a standalone apparatus, grip <NUM> may be integrated into an electronic device or a case for an electronic device. Base <NUM> may also be part of the electronic device, the housing for the electronic device, or the case for the electronic device. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in the stowed or retracted position. Cap <NUM> is referred to as a button. As illustrated in subsequent figures, cap <NUM> may be extended into the extended or use position. The elements of grip <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> with basic shapes for purposes of explanation of the operation of grip <NUM>. However, it should be understood that any of the elements of grip <NUM> may have different shapes or sizes while retaining similar functionality. Further, any of the elements disclosed herein may be made from a single component or may be made up of multiple components.

Grip <NUM> also includes bendable strips <NUM> which are attached near ends or edges of cap <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of bendable strips <NUM> or <NUM>. Bendable strip <NUM> may be formed from any relatively thin flexible, resilient, and/or bendable material that is substantially flat and tends to return to its substantially flat state after being bent. Bendable strip <NUM> may be formed from plastic, a plastic film, from a thin metallic strip, or from another material. In some examples, bendable strips <NUM> may have some cross-sectional curvature, similar to a metal measuring tape, which further causes them to tend to return to a straight or flat position. Bendable strips <NUM> may also be referred to as a strip, strap, bendable strap, arm, bendable arm, or extension arm. In <FIG>, bendable strips <NUM> appears as lines because they are being viewed from the side. Bendable strips <NUM> are positioned in a slot <NUM> of base <NUM> and extend through openings or apertures of base <NUM> to be attached to cap <NUM>. Unlike grips <NUM> and <NUM>, bendable strips <NUM> extend from opposite or opposing sides or edges of base <NUM> and attach to opposing sides or edges of cap <NUM>. Slot <NUM> may also be referred to as a cavity or a channel. In some examples, slot <NUM> may not be fully enclosed and may be formed as a channel in a surface with extensions which extend over the channel only partially to retain bendable strips <NUM> in the channel.

<FIG> illustrates a top sectional view of grip <NUM> of <FIG>. The section view cuts through base <NUM>. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in dashed lines for reference only. <FIG> illustrates bendable strips <NUM> in slot <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> extend up (out of the page) through openings or apertures at opposite ends of base <NUM> to attach to cap <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> includes stop features <NUM> which correspond to a shape at ends of slot <NUM>. As explained further in subsequent figures, stop features <NUM> prevent each end of bendable strips <NUM> from sliding or extending all the way out of or exiting slot <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side sectional view of grip <NUM>, similar to <FIG>, but in the extended or use position. Cap <NUM> has been pulled or extended upward such that a user can place one or more of fingers between cap <NUM> and base <NUM> between bendable strips <NUM>. Cap <NUM> may also act as a stand or a holding point for a wall mount, a desk mount, and/or a car mount. When pulled up, bendable strips <NUM> are partially pulled out of slot <NUM> from two opposite directions. Bendable strips <NUM> are pulled until stop features <NUM> reach the corresponding shoulders of slot <NUM> (see <FIG>) which prevent the bendable strips <NUM> from further extending out of slot <NUM> any further and/or exiting slot <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top sectional view of grip <NUM> of <FIG> in the extended position. The sectional view cuts through base <NUM>. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in dashed lines for reference only. <FIG> illustrates bendable strips <NUM> extended out of slot <NUM>. Each bendable strip <NUM> extends up to cap <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> extend up (out of the page) to attach to opposing sides or edges of extended cap <NUM>. The stop features <NUM> are at or near the stops of slot <NUM> preventing bendable strips <NUM> from sliding or extending further out of slot <NUM>. In this way, cap <NUM> remains attached to base <NUM> and can only be extended out a specified distance. The fact that bendable strips <NUM> extend out from opposite directions and are bent in opposite directions tends to keep cap <NUM> centered in an upright position. After use, cap <NUM> can be pressed or pushed down and returned to the retracted or stowed position illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a grip <NUM> attached to the back of a protective case <NUM>. Grip <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of grips <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. In <FIG>, grip <NUM> is in the extended or use position and can be pressed down when not in use. Grip <NUM> may or may not be removable from protective case <NUM>. One or more of a user's fingers may be extended through the opening between bendable strips <NUM> for improving the user's grip on the assembly and/or reducing the chances of dropping it. In addition, another accessory, such as a wireless charger, may alternately be placed between bendable strips <NUM> and under the cap. This configuration may enable the wireless charger to be closer to the back of the electronic device than it would be if grip <NUM> was in the stowed position and the wireless charger was on top of the stowed grip.

<FIG> illustrates grip <NUM> without protective case <NUM>. Cap <NUM> and bendable strips <NUM> are similar to cap <NUM> and bendable strips <NUM>, respectively, of grip <NUM>. However, grip <NUM> does not necessarily contain the same configuration of base and slots as other grips disclosed herein. Bendable strips <NUM> are each attached to a frame <NUM> which holds them in position. Frame <NUM> and bendable strips <NUM> may be formed, molded, punched, or die-cut from a single piece of material rather than being separate components. In another example, they may contain a stack of two or more materials to accomplish a variety of characteristics including strength, rigidity, flexibility, durability, stiffness, resilience, and/or smoothness. In other examples, they many be made of different materials.

Beneficially, the grip structure illustrated in <FIG> may provide a thin structure. Height reduction allows grip <NUM> to protrude less from the back of an electronic device or from a case when grip <NUM> is stowed and not in use. Grip <NUM> may be somewhat flush, substantially flush, or completely flush with a back surface of the protective case. This minimizes the chance of grip <NUM> catching on pockets, edges of bags, etc. when not in use and makes the assembly generally easier to store. It also permits a wireless charger to be closer to the back surface of the installed electronic device without removing grip <NUM> and/or the protective case thereby improving wireless charging performance. Other types of grips may have to be removed for wireless charging.

<FIG> illustrates grip <NUM> of <FIG> with a top portion of cap <NUM> removed. In this view, the ends of bendable strips <NUM> inside cap <NUM> are visible, including stop features <NUM> which prohibit bendable strips <NUM> from being pulled out of or exiting cap <NUM> entirely. In this way, the extension of cap <NUM> from frame <NUM> is limited to a particular length or distance. When transitioned to the stowed or retracted position, bendable strips <NUM> extend into cap <NUM> until cap <NUM> is against, or substantially close to, frame <NUM>. Frame <NUM> may be attached to an internal surface of a protective case such that grip <NUM> extends through an aperture of the protective case and/or frame <NUM> may be attached to another element which is attached to an internal surface of a protective case such that grip <NUM> extends through an aperture of the protective case.

<FIG> illustrates a side sectional view of grip <NUM>. Cap <NUM> is illustrated in the stowed or retracted position. Cap <NUM> is referred to as a button. As illustrated in <FIG>, cap <NUM> may be extended into the extended or use position. The elements of grip <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> with basic shapes for purposes of explanation of the operation of grip <NUM>. However, it should be understood that any of the elements of grip <NUM> may have different shapes or sizes while retaining similar functionality. Further, any of the elements disclosed herein may be made from a single component or may be made up of multiple components.

Bendable strips <NUM> are attached near ends or edges of base <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> may include any of the features, functions, elements, or characteristics of bendable strips <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> may be formed from any relatively thin flexible and/or bendable material that is substantially flat and tends to return to its substantially flat state after being bent. Bendable strips <NUM> may be formed from a plastic film, from plastic, from a thin metallic strip, or from another material. In some examples, bendable strips <NUM> may have some cross-sectional curvature, similar to a metal measuring tape, which further causes them to have a tendency to return to a straight or flat position. Bendable strips <NUM> may also be referred to as a strip, strap, bendable strap, arm, bendable arm, or extension arm. In <FIG>, bendable strips <NUM> appear as lines because they are being viewed from the side. Bendable strips <NUM> are positioned in a slot <NUM> of cap <NUM> and slide in and out of cap <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Similar to grip <NUM>, bendable strips <NUM> extend from opposite sides or outer edges of the device. However, in grip <NUM> bendable strips <NUM> have a fixed attachment to base <NUM> and slide in and out of one or more slots <NUM> in cap <NUM> to provide the travel or movement between the extended position and the stowed position.

Slot <NUM> may also be referred to as a cavity or a channel. In some examples, slot <NUM> may not be fully enclosed and may be formed as a channel in a surface with extensions which extend over the channel only partially to retain bendable strips <NUM> in the channel. In some examples, methods other than those illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be used to limit the travel or distance of movement of the bendable strip(s). In one example, the bendable strip(s) may include a slot and the cap or base may include one or more posts that extend through the slot such that the post(s) travel through the range of the slot of the bendable strip when the bendable strip is moved.

<FIG> illustrates a grip <NUM> having some similarities to grip <NUM>. Cap <NUM> and bendable strips <NUM> are similar to cap <NUM> and bendable strips <NUM>, respectively, of grip <NUM>. Similar to grip <NUM>, bendable strips <NUM> have a fixed attachment to a lower frame <NUM> and slide in and out of cap <NUM> to achieve the extension and retraction movements. Frame <NUM> and bendable strips <NUM> may be formed, punched, or die-cut from a single piece of material. In another example, they may comprise a stack of two or more materials to accomplish a variety of characteristics including strength, rigidity, flexibility, durability, stiffness, resilience, and/or smoothness. Frame <NUM> may be temporarily or permanently adhered to a case or to an electronic device. Alternately, frame <NUM> may be otherwise adhered to or captured by a case or by an electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates a side section view of grip <NUM> in the stowed position. The structure and movement of grip <NUM> has similarities to grip <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> in that the bendable strips slide in and out of the cap from opposite directions. However, in grip <NUM> the two bendable strips <NUM> are overlapped in cap <NUM> such that one slides above the other. They may have length such that some overlap still exists when they are in the extended position in order to maintain the orientation between them. This configuration allows the overall length or size of grip <NUM> to be reduced. In some examples, grip <NUM> may optionally include a divider <NUM> which is a thin piece of film or other material that separates the bendable strips <NUM> so they are not sliding directly against each other. In one variation, the two bendable strips <NUM> may be a single strip that retracts into a collapsed "S" shape inside cap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates grip <NUM> in protective case <NUM> and extending out of an opening or aperture in a back surface of protective case <NUM>. When collapsed into the stowed position, grip <NUM> may be flush, substantially flush, or nearly flush, and/or recessed relative to the back surface of protective case <NUM>. In addition to handling and storage benefits, this geometry may also provide wireless charging performance for the installed electronic which is as good, or nearly as good, as the charging performance would be if the grip is not present because the wireless charger is able to be placed as close to the device as it could be were the grip not present. This provides a significant advantage over other solutions in which a grip must be removed for wireless charging. In some examples, any of the grips, grip apparatuses, or grip components disclosed herein may be manufactured from or include materials which preferred or increased magnetic permeability characteristics for improving the performance of a wireless charger by improving the magnet inductive coupling between the wireless charger and the electronic device which is inside the case on an opposite side of the grip.

Grip <NUM> may be permanently or temporarily attached to protective case <NUM> from one side, both sides, or either side. Grip <NUM> may be attached with an adhesive, magnets, a friction fit, an interference fit, a tab, a groove, a clip, a mechanical fastener, co-molding, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, and/or a rotational attachment mechanism. In some examples, any of the grips disclosed herein may be sized to fit within a particular feature or dimension of the electronic device and/or the protective case. In one specific example, any of the grip assemblies disclosed herein may fit within the circular shape of the APPLE MAGSAFE magnet array. In this way, the grip has minimal impact on the performance or use of the MAGSAFE interface. The flush and/or low profile grips disclosed herein may also result in the grip having little or no effect on the magnet attraction features of such an interface. For example, the flush and/or low profile grips disclosed herein may also enable the device and/or case to be attached to a magnetic desk or car mount without removing the grip. In other examples, any of the grips or cases disclosed herein may also include one or more magnets for establishing a magnetic interface with other devices or for enhancing an existing magnetic interface.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of a grip <NUM> in the extended position. Grip <NUM> has similarities to and may include any of the elements, features, or characteristics of the other grip devices disclosed herein. Cap <NUM> is similar to cap <NUM> and other caps disclosed herein. Frame <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a base, is similar to other frames disclosed herein, such as frame <NUM>, but does not have a complete or closed circumference. In other words, frame <NUM> has a gap or opening in its perimeter edge. As discussed with respect to subsequent figures, the opening in frame <NUM> facilitates installation into another object. Bendable strips <NUM> are similar to bendable strips <NUM> of grip <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> have a fixed attachment to frame <NUM> and/or are formed from a same piece of material as frame <NUM>, but may be formed from a different material in some examples. Bendable strips <NUM> slide in and out of cap <NUM> to achieve the extension and retraction movements as discussed in prior examples.

<FIG> illustrates protective case <NUM> with an opening <NUM> for receiving any of the grips, grip apparatuses, or holders disclosed herein. Opening <NUM> may also be referred to as a cavity. Opening <NUM> may extend all the way through the back wall of protective case <NUM> or may be a recess or cavity with a bottom where it does not extend all the way through the back wall of protective case <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, opening <NUM> is circular and has a specified diameter. In other examples, opening <NUM> may have a different shape. Opening <NUM> includes a lip <NUM> around some or all of the diameter of opening <NUM>. The cavity of opening <NUM> extends back under the edge of lip <NUM> such that such that a grip or other object can expand into the cavity under the lip and be attached to protective case <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of a grip <NUM> in the extended position. Grip <NUM> has similarities to and may include any of the elements, features, or characteristics of the other grip devices disclosed herein. Cap <NUM> is similar to cap <NUM>, cap <NUM>, and/or other caps disclosed herein. Frame <NUM> is similar to other frames disclosed herein, such as frame <NUM>, frame <NUM>, and/or others. Grip <NUM> also includes bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> which may be similar to bendable strips <NUM> of grip <NUM> and/or bendable strips <NUM> of grip <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> have a fixed attachment to frame <NUM> and/or are formed from a same piece of material as frame <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> may also be formed from a different material than frame <NUM>. Bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> slide in and out of cap <NUM> to achieve the extension and retraction movements similar to those discussed in prior examples. Unlike prior examples, bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to be side-by-side with each other or side adjacent to each other in cap <NUM> rather than sliding one over the other as illustrated in <FIG>. Grip <NUM> may include fewer or more bendable strips.

<FIG> illustrates an alternate view of grip <NUM> of <FIG>. Frame <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a base, includes a gap <NUM> in the circumference. Gap <NUM> may also be referred to as a break or a discontinuity. In <FIG>, frame <NUM> is in a relaxed state and has a specified diameter. When an external force is temporarily applied to framed <NUM> it can be squeezed or compressed to reduce or close gap <NUM> and temporarily reduce the dimension or diameter of frame <NUM> so it can fit into a smaller opening, such as opening <NUM> of protective case <NUM> in <FIG>. When the external force is removed, frame <NUM> will relax or return to the original diameter (illustrated in <FIG>) and it will expand under lip <NUM> thereby temporarily attaching, affixing, or retaining grip <NUM> to protective case <NUM> until it is intentionally removed by applying a similar force again.

<FIG> illustrates grip <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in the collapsed or stowed position. Cap <NUM> may have a variety of shapes to facilitate use as a grip. Cap <NUM> may be round, oval, square, or rectangular. Further, cap <NUM> may have a shape or features to fit into opening <NUM> when in the stowed position. Some or all of cap <NUM> may have an arced or circular ship to match at least a portion of opening <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, cap <NUM> may also have one or more sections which leave one or more portions of opening <NUM> accessible even when it is in the stowed position. These areas may make it easier for a user to get a fingertip or fingernail under an edge of cap <NUM> to make it easier to pull it to the extended or use position. More specifically, the sides of cap <NUM> may form an hourglass shape to provide more fingertip room while still maintaining the overall width of cap <NUM>. Other shapes are possible.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of device grip <NUM> of <FIG> in the stowed position. Bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to be side-by-side with each other or side adjacent to each other, which may make it possible to make device grip <NUM> thinner and/or flatter. Device grip <NUM> may also include stop features such as stop features <NUM> and <NUM> which may limit a distance bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> can be extended out of frame <NUM> toward the extended position illustrated in <FIG>.

Any of the bendable strips disclosed herein may be comprised of two or more layers of materials having different characteristics. In one example, a first material for the bendable strips may be selected based on desired rigidity, stiffness, bendability, resilience, durability, and/or strength characteristics. A stiffer material may tend to keep the device grip in one or more of the extended or stowed positions until an external force is applied to change the position. The first material may be overmolded, covered, or coated with a second material that provides different characteristics on one or more surfaces of the bendable strips. For example, the second material may be chosen to slide easily against other parts, to prevent binding, for user feel, for comfort, for softness, for scuff or scratch resistance, and/or for preferred color characteristics. The second material may cover or extend over the first material on one, two, or all sides of the bendable strip.

<FIG> illustrates device grip <NUM> of <FIG> attached to protective case <NUM> and in the stowed position. In the example of <FIG>, cap <NUM> is made from a clear or transparent material such that bendable strips <NUM> and <NUM> are visible inside, below, and/or through cap <NUM>. Device grip <NUM> may attach to protective case <NUM> in a manner similar to that described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates device grip <NUM> attached to protective case <NUM> and in the extended position.

<FIG> illustrates an alternate view of the grip of <FIG> attached to a protective case and in the extended position. <FIG> illustrates the protective case and grip of <FIG> in the stowed position. <FIG> illustrates the grip and protective case of <FIG> and <FIG> in a stand orientation for use on a table, desk, or other substantially horizontal surface. Grip <NUM> may be rotated to a preferred position depending on which orientation is preferred for protective case <NUM>. Also, grip <NUM> may be partially extended on one or more sides, as illustrated in <FIG>, in order to achieve a different stand angle. In some examples, grip <NUM> may also be used to attach the assembly to another object such as a wall mount or a car mount.

In some examples, any of the grips or holders disclosed herein may be substantially flush, or even recessed, when in the stowed position such that another feature is helpful when extending the grip. Any of the grips or holders disclosed herein may include a small cutout, recess, or edge for lifting the grip with a fingernail or other small object, such as a coin. In other examples, the grip may rock or pivot when in the stowed position and pressure is applied to an edge in order to temporarily raise and provide access at an opposing edge for extending the grip.

Various components described herein may be manufactured, provided, or sold in the form of a system or a kit. The system or kit may include any combination of: a protective case or cover having any combination of the features described herein and a compatible device grip, or multiple compatible device grips or components. The system or kit need not include every component or feature described herein.

The elements, components, and steps described herein are meant to exemplify some types of possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned examples limit the scope of the invention, as they are only exemplary embodiments.

The phrases "in some embodiments," "according to some embodiments," "in the embodiments shown," "in other embodiments," "in some examples," "in other examples," "in some cases," "in some situations," "in one configuration," "in another configuration," and the like generally mean that the particular technique, feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and/or may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to different embodiments.

Claim 1:
A grip system configured for assisting holding of an electronic device, the grip system comprising:
a protective case (<NUM>) comprising a protective shell (<NUM>) for receiving the electronic device and covering at least a portion of a housing of the electronic device, the protective case (<NUM>) having a back surface having a recess; and
a grip apparatus (<NUM>) that is removably attachable to the back surface of the protective case (<NUM>), the grip apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>) configured to be removably inserted into the recess in the back surface of the protective case (<NUM>) for removably attaching the grip apparatus (<NUM>) to the protective case (<NUM>);
two flexible strips (<NUM>) each formed from a bendable material, wherein each flexible strip (<NUM>) includes a first end and a second end, characterized in that the first end of each flexible strip is attached to the base (<NUM>);
wherein a cap (<NUM>) being a button is configured to assist a user in holding the protective case (<NUM>), wherein the cap (<NUM>) is proximate a top surface of the base when in a stowed position, wherein the cap (<NUM>) is extendable away from the top surface of the base (<NUM>) away from the protective case (<NUM>) when the cap (<NUM>) is pulled outward to extend the cap (<NUM>) to an extended position, wherein each flexible strip (<NUM>) is configured to slide, at least partially, within a slot (<NUM>) in the cap (<NUM>), wherein each flexible strip (<NUM>) slides into the slot (<NUM>) when the grip apparatus (<NUM>) is transitioned to the stowed position and slides outward from the slot (<NUM>) when the grip apparatus (<NUM>) is transitioned to the extended position, and wherein a stop (<NUM>) proximate the second end of each flexible strip (<NUM>) establishes a maximum extension length and prevents the respective flexible strip (<NUM>) from fully exiting the slot (<NUM>) of the cap (<NUM>).