Holding piece for portable electronic device

Abstract

A finger grip attachable to a portable electronic device and configured to provide a deployable tool to assist a user in gripping the portable electronic device. The finger grip includes a base portion, a cover portion, and a flexure support. The cover portion is movable between a capture position in which the cover portion is in contact with the base portion and a release position in which the cover portion is separated from the base portion by a gap. A flexure support is coupled to the base portion and to the cover portion, and the flexure support provides at least one compliant degree of freedom to allow the cover portion to move between the captured position and the relaxed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to physical accessories for portable electronic devices, and more particularly, to thin and reusable grips that allow electromagnetic induction to pass through the grip. Background Art

[0002] Portable electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, e-readers, music players, fitness trackers, handheld gaming consoles, etc.) have become ubiquitous in modern society. The sizes of these devices are typically designed to be carried in one hand and manipulated with either the left or right hand. However, frequent use may cause hand cramps or discomfort. To address these or other challenges, several accessories have been developed to reduce the burden of carrying and using these portable electronic devices. One such accessory (commonly referred to as a "grip" or "finger grip") can be attached to the device or its case and can simultaneously serve as a stand, provide drop protection, and offer a more comfortable and practical way to grip the device. An exemplary grip is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,330,093, which is assigned to Ohsnap, Inc. of Apex, N.C. ("Ohsnap") and is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In recent years, wireless charging, including the Qi wireless power transfer standard, has become increasingly popular, especially for smartphone charging. These devices utilize alternating current charging bases, which can be powered by a household power supply. The charging base can include a transmitting coil that can generate a magnetic field that induces and is resonantly charged to a receiving coil inside the smartphone. Traditional finger grips are typically too thick to enable wireless charging through the finger grip. Thus, when charging is needed, many users continue to choose plug-in chargers or choose to physically remove the finger grip to enable wireless charging. These options are cumbersome and undesirable. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Throughout the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to indicate corresponding relationships between the elements being referenced. The drawings are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 1 An environmental view of an exemplary finger grip according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0006] Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the Figure 1 finger grip positioned in a relaxed position.

[0007] Figures 3A to 3C shows the Figure 1 finger grip in the capture position.

[0008] Figures 4A to 4D shows the Figure 1 finger grip in the bracket position.

[0009] Figures 5A to 5C shows the sequence of transitions for converting the Figure 1 finger grip from the capture position to the bracket position.

[0010] Figures 6A to 6C shows an example use of the finger grip for gripping a smartphone.

[0011] Figure 7 shows the Figure 1 exploded view of the finger grip.

[0012] Figure 8A and Figure 8B show the front exploded view and the rear exploded view of an example finger grip, respectively.

[0013] Figure 9A and Figure 9B show the front cross-sectional view and the side cross-sectional view of an example finger grip, respectively.

[0014] Figure 10 shows an example flexure support.

[0015] Figure 11 shows an example finger grip according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 12 shows an example finger grip according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 13 shows the relative coupling strength associated with the finger grip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Although some cases and examples are described below, it should be understood that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and / or uses and their obvious modifications and equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure herein should not be intended to be limited by any particular embodiment described below. In addition, although some cases and examples described herein refer to "finger grips", it should be understood that such grips should not be limited to use with fingers.

[0019] Embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein relate to a finger grip for a portable electronic device. As appreciated by the present inventor, finger grips may be uncomfortable, lack enhanced functionality, and / or not support wireless charging through the finger grip.

[0020] In combination with the description herein, it will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein significantly improve finger grips for portable electronic devices and other portable devices. Specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a finger grip that folds to such an extent that the profile of the finger grip is thin enough to allow wireless charging through the finger grip. In this way, the finger grip complies with MagSafe and / or Qi. By allowing wireless charging via the finger grip itself, the accessibility of wireless charging is greatly enhanced.

[0021] In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a finger grip that can move between multiple configurations. For example, the finger grip can be maneuvered to a position with a compact and small profile (referred to as the "capture position"), a position providing a dynamically adjustable-sized finger opening (referred to as the "relaxed position"), or a position for supporting the portable device on a surface (referred to as the "stand position"), and so on. In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a finger grip that implements a flexure support, which improves comfort and ease of use by facilitating movement to any of the multiple configurations. By implementing multiple positions, the finger grip advantageously improves functionality and comfort and provides other improvements.

[0022] Figure 1 An environmental view of an exemplary finger grip according to the present disclosure is shown. The finger grip 100 can be magnetically and / or adhesively attached to the smartphone 121 to provide an easily deployable tool for gripping the smartphone 121 with one or more fingers.

[0023] The specific implementation of the finger grip 100 may vary among embodiments. For example, in some cases, as Figure 1As shown, the finger grip 100 can be implemented as a standalone accessory that can be attached to a portable device such as a smartphone 121 or a case for the smartphone 121. In some such cases, the finger grip 100 may be compatible with a specific brand or model and incompatible with other brands or models. For example, the finger grip 100 may be compatible with Apple devices (e.g., iPhone) and incompatible with Android devices (e.g., Samsung Galaxy), or the finger grip 100 may be compatible with Android devices and incompatible with Apple devices. Alternatively, in some cases, the finger grip 100 may be generally compatible with multiple (or all) brands or models (e.g., both Apple devices and Android devices). As another example, in some cases, the finger grip 100 is integrated with or is part of a portable device. For example, the finger grip 100 may be incorporated into a smartphone case or the smartphone 121 itself.

[0024] Although the finger grip 100 is illustrated as being mounted on the smartphone 121, it will be appreciated that the finger grip 100 can be removably coupled to any of a variety of portable devices to assist in gripping the device. For example, the back surface of the finger grip 100 can be attached to a portable electronic device (e.g., a gaming console, a mobile phone, an e-reader, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a television, a car console monitor, a personal digital assistant (PDA), smart glasses, a monitor) or another portable object (e.g., a book, a notepad, a soda can, a coffee cup, etc.) using magnets, adhesives, etc. Additionally, the front surface of the finger grip 100 can be attached to ferromagnetic and magnetic surfaces (e.g., a refrigerator, fitness equipment, a car, a charger, a desktop mount, etc.) using magnets.

[0025] Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows the finger grip 100 positioned in a relaxed position Figure 1 isometric view of the finger grip 100. The finger grip 100 includes a base portion 110, a cover portion 140, and an active hinge assembly 160. It will be appreciated that the finger grip 100 represents an example finger grip, and other examples may use fewer, more, or different components or arrangements.

[0026] The base portion 110 includes a frame portion 112 and a hub portion 114, and the hub portion 114 is radially nested from the frame portion 112 and is rotatably connected to the frame portion 112. In the illustrated example, the frame portion 112 is implemented as an annular member that includes an outer edge having an outer diameter D1 and an inner edge having an inner diameter D2. D1 and D2 may vary in various embodiments. For example, D1 or D2 may be in the range of between about 30 mm and about 70 mm, in the range of between about 40 mm and about 60 mm, or in the range of between about 45 mm and about 55 mm. As another example, D1 or D2 may be greater than 30 mm, greater than 40 mm, greater than 50 mm, greater than 60 mm, greater than 70 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 60 mm, or less than 70 mm. As another example, D1 or D2 may be about 40 mm, 42.5 mm, 45 mm, 47.5 mm, 50 mm, 52.5 mm, 55 mm, 57.5 mm, 60 mm, 62.5 mm, or 65 mm (+ / - about 1 mm).

[0027] It will be appreciated that the shape of the frame portion 112 may vary in various embodiments. For example, in some cases, the inner edge and / or the outer edge of the frame portion 112 may be relatively rectangular, oval, triangular, polygonal, non-polygonal, or irregular in shape. In some cases, the inner edge and / or the outer edge of the frame portion 112 is complementary to the geometry of a magnet located in the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may include an annular magnet array (e.g., having an outer diameter of about 56 mm to 58 mm and an inner diameter of about 45 mm to about 46 mm) to facilitate magnetic connection with the electronic device. In some such cases, the inner edge and / or the outer edge of the frame portion 112 may have a shape complementary to the outer diameter and / or the inner diameter of the magnet. By implementing the frame portion 112 having a shape complementary to the annular magnet array in the electronic device, the finger grip 100 can maintain a moderate size while remaining large enough to magnetically couple with the electronic device using the magnet of the finger grip 100. In some cases, the base portion 110 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the electronic device. In some cases, as described herein, the base portion 110 may have an inner shape complementary to the shape of the cover portion 140.

[0028] The frame portion 112 includes a first side portion 115, a second side portion 116, and a transition edge 118 located between the first side portion 115 and the second side portion 116. Due to the transition edge 118, the outer perimeter of the first side portion 115 is different from (e.g., greater than) the outer perimeter of the second side portion 116. In some cases, the transition edge 118 makes it easier for a user to disengage the frame portion 112 (and thus the finger grip 100) from the electronic device. For example, the transition edge 118 can form a small gap under the edge of the frame portion 112, and the user can insert a fingernail (or other similarly sized object) under the gap when disengaging the finger grip 100 from the electronic device. The transition edge 118 can be implemented in various ways. For example, in some cases, the transition edge 118 includes a tapered sidewall. As another example, the transition edge 118 can include a chamfered edge or a filleted edge.

[0029] At least a portion of the second side portion 116 (sometimes referred to as the dorsal portion) of the frame portion 112 can include an adhesive backing 120. The adhesive backing 120 can include an adhesive, such as a double-sided adhesive substrate, for assisting in attaching the finger grip 100 to the electronic device or other object. In some cases, the adhesive backing 120 works in conjunction with a magnetic connection to couple the finger grip 100 to the electronic device or other object. In this way, compared to a complete magnetic coupling, the adhesive backing 120 can enhance the coupling between the finger grip 100 and the electronic device.

[0030] The thickness (T1) of the frame portion 112 can vary among embodiments. For example, T1 can be in the range of between about 1 mm and about 4.5 mm, in the range of between about 1 mm and about 3.5 mm, or in the range of between about 1.25 mm and about 1.75 mm. As another example, T1 can be less than 4.5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. As another example, T1 can be about 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, 4 mm, 4.25 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.75 mm, or 5 mm (+ / - approximately 0.05 mm).

[0031] In some cases, the frame portion 112 may include (e.g., fully or partially encapsulate) an array of annular magnets that are disposed at least partially around the periphery of the frame portion 112. One or more magnets may include a plurality of arcuate magnets that are disposed in an annular peripheral channel of the frame portion 112. According to some advantageous embodiments, the size and shape of the annular magnet array conform to the MagSafe specification. MagSafe is a magnetic technology specification introduced by Apple and incorporated into the internal engineering of some iPhone models to create a new accessory ecosystem for easy attachment and faster wireless charging using magnetic fields.

[0032] The hub portion 114 includes a retainer portion 122 for coupling to the cover portion 140. As described in more detail herein, the hub portion 122 is rotatably connected to the frame portion 112 and is separable from the frame portion 112 (e.g., see Figure 7 A). Additionally, the hub portion 114 defines at least one cavity 124 for receiving a portion of the movable hinge assembly 130. As described in more detail herein, the presence of one or more cavities 124 provides space for the movable hinge assembly 160 to fold, allowing the finger grip 100 to maintain a sufficiently thin thickness to permit wireless charging through the finger grip 100.

[0033] The retainer portion 122 includes an elongate member 126 that bisects the hub portion 122. The elongate member 126 includes a slot 128 along a central portion. The retainer portion 122 includes tapered sidewalls 130 above a peripheral surface 132 of the elongate member 126, the tapered sidewalls 130 having a first height H1. In the illustrated example, the elongate member 126 includes two curved tapered sidewalls 130 positioned in a central portion of the elongate member 126. It will be understood that in some cases, the number of tapered sidewalls may vary. For example, in some cases, the retainer portion 122 includes only one or more than two tapered sidewalls 130. In some cases, the tapered sidewalls 130 form a right angle or an acute angle relative to the peripheral surface of the elongate member 126. In some cases, the tapered sidewalls 130 form an obtuse angle relative to the peripheral surface of the elongate member 126. As described in more detail herein (and as shown, for example Figure 3C in), the presence of the tapered sidewalls 130 provides a raised area behind which an edge of the cover portion 140 is placed, thereby securing the finger grip 100 in the stand position.

[0034] The retainer portion 122 includes a mating portion 132 for mating with the cover portion 140, e.g., for mating with the mating portion 142. In Figure 1In the example shown, the engagement portion 132 is formed by the tapered sidewall 130, which forms the female structure 134 including the opening 136, and the engagement portion 142 is implemented as the male structure 164, which includes the protrusion 166 opposite to the opening 136. In this example, the size of the opening 136 is designed to be smaller than the diameter of the protrusion 166. In this way, when the lid portion 140 is pushed towards the base portion 110 such that the male structure 164 is moved into the female structure 134, the male structure 164 (e.g., the protrusion 166) is received and fixed by the female structure 134 (e.g., the opening 136). Further, when the engagement portion 142 is pushed into the engagement portion 132, the engagement portion 142 applies an external pressure to a part of the engagement portion 132, thereby widening the gap 128. The gap 128 can advantageously improve the stability of the retainer portion 122 by introducing the force generated by compression. In some cases, the implementation of the gap 128 advantageously allows a smaller male structure 164, thus allowing a smaller profile of the finger grip 100.

[0035] The hub portion 114 is thinner than the frame portion. The thickness of the hub portion 114 can vary in various embodiments. For example, the thickness can be in the range between about 0.25 mm and about 2 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm, or between about 0.75 mm and about 1.25 mm. As another example, the thickness can be less than 2 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.25 mm, less than 1.1 mm, less than 1.05 mm, less than 1 mm, or less than 0.9 mm. As another example, the thickness can be about 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.70 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.80 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.90 mm, 0.95 mm, 1 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.45 mm, or 1.5 mm (+ / - about 0.0025 mm). The base portion 110 can be made of plastic (e.g., ABS plastic, polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS)) or any non-ferrous metal (e.g., aluminum, copper, magnesium alloy).

[0036] The lid portion 140 is a generally flat circular structure. The lid portion 140 includes a first surface 143, a second surface 144, and an outer edge 146. The first surface 142 and the second surface 144 are opposite and parallel to each other. Although the shape of the lid portion 140 is shown as circular, the shape of the lid portion 140 may vary in various embodiments. For example, the lid portion 140 may be relatively rectangular, oval, triangular, polygonal, non-polygonal, or irregular in shape. As another example, the lid portion 140 may have the shape of a leaf, a flower, or a specific object. In some cases, the lid portion 140 is a symmetric shape, while in other cases, the lid portion 140 has an asymmetric shape. In some cases, the shape of the lid portion 140 is complementary to the shape of the inner edge of the base portion 110 (e.g., the shape defined by the inner edge of the frame portion 112). In this way, when the lid portion 140 is pressed downward onto the base portion 110, the lid portion 140 fits into a cavity located above the hub portion 114 and at or below the top surface of the frame portion 112, such that the first surface 142 of the lid portion 140 is substantially flush with the top surface of the frame portion 112.

[0037] The first surface 142 is a generally flat surface facing away from the base portion 110 and may be referred to as the outer surface of the lid portion 140. Although the first surface 142 is illustrated as a generally flat surface, it will be understood that the first surface 142 may also be non-flat. For example, in some cases, the first surface 142 has a texture, a curved (e.g., concave, convex) profile, a stepped geometry, etc.

[0038] The second surface 144 faces the base portion 110. As described herein, the second surface 144 includes a mating portion 142 for mating with the base portion 110, e.g., with the mating portion 132.

[0039] It will be understood that the mating portions 132 and 142 may be implemented in different ways in various embodiments. For example, the lid portion 140 and the base portion 110 may include any consistent coupling features (e.g., snap-fit pairs, living hinges and consistent lip portions, interference fit pairs, hook-and-loop fasteners, bosses and slots, clamps, clamps, buckles, belt buckles, buttons, hooks and protrusions, screws and openings, wires, etc.).

[0040] The outer edge 146 of the lid portion 140 can be implemented as a transition edge located between the first surface 142 and the second surface 144. This transition edge can facilitate disengaging the lid portion 140 from the base portion 110. For example, this transition edge can facilitate a user inserting a fingernail (or an object of a similar size) under the edge of the lid portion 140 to disengage the lid portion 140 from the base portion 110. The transition edge can be implemented in various ways. For example, in some cases, the transition edge includes a tapered sidewall. As another example, the transition edge can include a chamfered edge or a rounded edge.

[0041] The thickness of the lid portion 140 can vary among embodiments. For example, the thickness can be in a range between about 0.25 mm and about 2 mm, in a range between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm, or in a range between about 0.75 mm and about 1.25 mm. As another example, the thickness can be less than 2 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.2 mm, less than 1.1 mm, less than 1.05 mm, less than 1 mm, or less than 0.9 mm. As another example, the thickness can be about 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.70 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.80 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.90 mm, 0.95 mm, 1 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.45 mm, or 1.5 mm (+ / - about 0.0025 mm).

[0042] The movable hinge assembly 160 is coupled to the base portion 110 and to the lid portion 140. The movable hinge assembly 160 is a compliant mechanism that provides at least one compliant degree of freedom to allow movement of the lid portion 140. In some cases, the at least one compliant degree of freedom includes only one compliant degree of freedom. In some cases, the at least one compliant degree of freedom includes more than one compliant degree of freedom, such as two, three, four, or more compliant degrees of freedom. The movable hinge assembly 160 allows the finger grip 100 to move between various positions, including but not limited to: a capture position (e.g., a position where the lid portion 140 contacts the base portion 110), a relaxed position (e.g., a position where the lid portion 140 is separated from the base portion 110), and / or a stowed position (e.g., a position where an edge of the lid portion 140 is fitted behind the tapered sidewall 130 of the base portion 110). For example, when the finger grip 100 is in the capture position and then the lid portion 140 is released from the base portion 110, the movable hinge assembly 160 can apply a force that is transferred to the lid portion 140 to push the finger grip 100 to the relaxed position. It will be understood that the "relaxed position" is broad and refers to any position where the lid portion 140 is separated from the base portion 110. Thus, there are multiple relaxed positions that are distinguished by the size of the gap between the lid portion 140 and the base portion 110, as well as the orientation of the lid portion 140 relative to the base portion 110. Similarly, the "stowed position" can refer to any position where the lid portion 140 is separated from the base portion 110.

[0043] In Figure 2A and Figure 2B the example shown, the movable hinge assembly 160 includes four segments. Each segment includes: an upper flexure member 162 coupled to the lid portion 140, a lower flexure member 164 coupled to the base portion 120, and a movable hinge 166 that couples the upper flexure member 162 to the lower flexure member 164. Additionally, the movable hinge assembly 160 includes a movable hinge that couples the lower flexure member 164 to the base portion 120 and a movable hinge that couples the upper flexure member 162 to the lower flexure member 164. Although the finger grip 100 is illustrated as including the movable hinge assembly 160, it will be appreciated that the movable hinge assembly 160 can vary in various embodiments. For example, the movable hinge assembly 160 can include fewer segments or additional segments. Additionally, the finger grip 100 can include any other flexure support instead of the movable hinge assembly 160. For example, in some cases, the finger grip 100 can use a leaf spring instead of the movable hinge assembly 160, or in addition to the movable hinge assembly 160, a leaf spring can also be used.

[0044] Figures 3A to 3C shows the finger grip 100 in the capture position. Figure 1 In the capture position, the cover portion 140 is in contact with the base portion 110 and the finger grip 100 is compact such that the thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 is thin enough to allow wireless charging through the finger grip 100.

[0045] The thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 can vary in various embodiments. For example, when the finger grip 100 is in the capture position, the thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 can be in the range between about 1 mm and about 4.5 mm, in the range between about 1 mm and about 3.5 mm, or in the range between about 1.25 mm and about 1.75 mm. As another example, when the finger grip 100 is in the capture position, the thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 can be less than 4.5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1 mm or less than 1.5 mm. As another example, when the finger grip 100 is in the capture position, the thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 can be less than 4.5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1 mm or less than 1.5 mm. As another example, when the finger grip 100 is in the capture position, the thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 can be about 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, 4 mm, 4.25 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.75 mm or 5 mm (± about 0.05 mm).

[0046] In some cases, the thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 when in the capture position is thin enough to allow wireless charging through the finger grip 100 such that a first device (e.g., a wireless charging device) coupled to the frame portion 112 of the base portion 110 can charge a second device (e.g., a smartphone) coupled to the second side portion 116 of the base portion 110. For example, the thickness (302) of the finger grip 100 when in the capture position can be thin enough to allow wireless charging using Qi or other wireless power transfer standards (e.g., using a MagSafe charger).

[0047] Figures 4A to 4D shows the finger grip 100 in the stand position. Figure 1finger grip 100. In the stand position, the edge 402 of the cover portion 140 is fitted behind the tapered sidewall 412 of the retainer portion 122 of the base portion 110. In the stand position, the cover portion 140 can be used as a tool (sometimes referred to as a "stand") for supporting the portable device on a surface so that the user can view the screen without using their hands.

[0048] The finger grip 100 can include multiple stand configurations. For example, in some cases, the finger grip 100 can be symmetric such that: a first stand position can be formed by placing the first edge 402 of the cover portion 140 behind the first tapered sidewall 412, and a second stand position can be formed by placing the second edge 404 of the cover portion 140 behind the second tapered sidewall 414. In some cases, the angle of the stand (e.g., the angle between the plane of the cover portion 140 and the position of the base portion 110) can be the same for the first stand position and the second stand position. Alternatively, in some cases, the angle of the stand for the first stand position can be different from the angle of the stand for the second stand position. For example, the angle for a particular stand position can be in the range of between about 70 degrees and about 130 degrees, in the range of between about 90 degrees and about 120 degrees, or in the range of between about 100 degrees and about 110 degrees. As another example, the angle for a particular stand position can be about 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees, 90 degrees, 95 degrees, 100 degrees, 105 degrees, 110 degrees, 115 degrees, 120 degrees, 125 degrees, 130 degrees, 135 degrees, 140 degrees, 145 degrees, or 150 degrees (± about 1 degree). In some cases, a single tapered sidewall 130 can allow for multiple stand angles. For example, in some cases, the elongate member 126 can include multiple ridges or notches along the length of the elongate member 126, and the user can select between the multiple ridges or notches to selectively angle the cover portion 140 relative to the base portion 110. According to an embodiment, the ridges or notches can be located behind or in front of the tapered sidewall 130. Additionally or alternatively, the tapered sidewall 130 can include multiple ridges or notches.

[0049] Figures 5A to 5C Illustrated is a transition sequence for transitioning Figure 1 the finger grip 100 from the capture position to the stand position. Starting from the Figure 5A capture state, when the user lifts one side of the cover portion 140, the cover portion 140 disengages from the base portion 110 and (due to the elastomeric deformation of the active hinge assembly 160) reflexively separates from the base portion 110, as Figure 5BAs shown. When the user rotates the cover portion 140 by approximately 90 degrees and places the pivot edge 502 of the cover portion 140 behind the first tapered sidewall 412, the finger grip 100 is in the stand position, as Figure 5C shown.

[0050] Once the cover portion 140 is moved to the desired position behind the tapered sidewall 412, the active hinge assembly 160 holds the cover portion 140 in tension behind the desired tapered sidewall 412. When in the stand position, the hub portion 114 is capable of rotating within the frame portion 112 to allow the user to rotate the stand, for example, to select between a longitudinal orientation or a transverse orientation.

[0051] To disengage Figure 4C from the stand position (sometimes referred to as the stand configuration) shown, the user simply raises the pivot edge 502 of the cover portion 140 above the tapered sidewall 412 and the active hinge assembly 160 will reflexively reorient the cover portion 140 such that the finger grip 100 is in the relaxed position.

[0052] Figures 6A to 6C An example use of the finger grip 100 for gripping a smartphone 602 is shown. In particular, Figure 6A it shows a single finger placed in the opening defined by the active hinge assembly 160 (sometimes referred to as a single finger grip), while Figure 6B and Figure 6C show a pair of fingers placed along the sides of the active hinge assembly 160 (sometimes referred to as a double finger grip). Although only the single finger grip and the double finger grip are illustrated, it will be appreciated that various techniques, such as any technique that is comfortable or practical for the user, can be used to grip the finger grip 100.

[0053] The finger grip may include reusable elements and disposable elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize from the present disclosure that disposable elements can also be reused, so the difference between so-called reusable elements and disposable elements is related to the expected difference in lifespan between the two sets of elements.

[0054] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 an exploded view of the finger grip 100. Specifically, Figure 7Shows the disposable element 750 separated from the reusable element 760. The disposable element 750 can generally include the cheaper or more fragile components in the finger grip 100, such as, for example, the cover portion 140, the movable hinge assembly 160, and the hub portion 114 of the base portion 110. The reusable element 760 can generally include the more expensive or more robust components in the finger grip 100, such as, for example, the frame portion 112 of the base portion 110. In some cases, after multiple uses, one or more parts of the disposable element may break or become inoperable. In some such cases, rather than discarding the entire finger grip 100, another disposable element 750 can be provided to attach to the reusable element 760.

[0055] The reusable element 760 can be configured to receive the disposable element 750 in a releasable attachment assembly, thereby providing a radial displacement between the disposable element 750 and the reusable element 760. The radial displacement advantageously allows the disposable element 750 to rotate relative to the possibly fixed position of the reusable element 760. To assemble the finger grip 100, the components of the reusable element cooperate with the assembly mechanism of the disposable element 750.

[0056] In some cases, the reusable element 760 and the disposable element 750 can be attached together by placing or snapping a protrusion on one element into an opening and a receiving slot on the other element. For example, as illustrated, the disposable element 750 can include protrusions, ratchet portions, or bosses extending along the outer periphery of the disposable element 750 (e.g., along the hub portion 114), while the reusable element 760 can include corresponding openings extending along the inner periphery of the reusable element 760. In some such cases, the disposable element 750 is attached to the reusable element 760 by inserting or snapping the protrusion into the opening. When assembled, at least some of the protrusions can slide within the receiving slot to allow radial displacement of the disposable element 750 relative to the reusable element 760.

[0057] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Show a front view exploded view and a rear view exploded view of an example finger grip 800, respectively. It will be appreciated that the finger grip 800 represents an example finger grip, and other examples may use fewer, additional, or different components or arrangements. For example, the finger grip 800 can be an embodiment of the finger grip 100. The finger grip 800 includes a base portion assembly (e.g., base 802, base trim 808), a cover portion assembly (e.g., cover front 810, cover trim 806), and a movable hinge assembly 804.

[0058] Figure 9A and Figure 9B show a front cross-sectional view and a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary finger grip 900, respectively. It will be understood that the finger grip 900 represents an exemplary finger grip, and other examples may use fewer, additional, or different components or arrangements. For example, the finger grip 900 may be an embodiment of the finger grip 100.

[0059] Figure 10 An exemplary movable hinge assembly 1030 is shown. The movable hinge assembly 1030 may be Figure 1 an embodiment of the movable hinge assembly 160 of Figure 1 A finger grip 100 having two movable hinge assemblies 1030 facing each other is depicted.

[0060] The hinge assembly 1030 includes a cover attachment member 1002, two leg segments 1004 extending from the cover attachment member 1002, and corresponding base attachment members 1006 on each leg segment 1004. Each leg segment 1004 includes an upper flexible member 1010 coupled to the cover attachment member 1002, a lower flexible member 1012 coupled to the base attachment member 1006, and a movable hinge 1016 that couples the upper flexible member 1010 to the lower flexible member 1012. The two leg segments 1004 are connected to the cover attachment member 1002 via the movable hinge 1016 and are connected to the base attachment member 1006 via a pair of movable hinges 1018. The cover attachment member 1002 is configured to attach to a cover portion of the finger grip (e.g., cover portion 140), and the base attachment member 1006 is configured to attach to a base portion of the finger grip (e.g., base portion 110).

[0061] Each of the movable hinges 1016, 1018 may provide force and / or motion transfer via the upper flexible member 1010 and / or the lower flexible member 1012 to move the cover attachment member 1002 and / or the base attachment member 1006 that may be attached to the cover portion and the base portion, respectively.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the hinge assembly 1030 represents an exemplary flexure support, and other embodiments may be implemented in different ways. For example, in some cases, the cover attachment member 1002 may be implemented as two or more cover attachment members, such as one cover attachment member corresponding to each leg segment 1004. As another example, the base attachment member 1006 may be implemented as a single base attachment member attached to each leg segment 1004. As another example, the hinge assembly 1030 may include a different number of leg segments, such as one leg segment, three leg segments, or more leg segments.

[0063] Any of the movable hinge members 1016, 1018 may include a thinning portion 1020 having a thickness thinner than that of the upper flexible member 1010 and thinner than that of the lower flexible member 1012. Any of the movable hinge members 1016, 1018 may provide force and motion transmission via the upper flexible member 1010 and the lower flexible member 1012 to move the cover portion 140 between a captured position and a relaxed position by elastomeric deformation. In some cases, one or more of the movable hinge members 1016, 1018 are a unitary structure formed by the respective upper flexible member 1010 and the lower flexible member 164. Additionally, one or more of the movable hinge members 1016, 1018 may be made of polypropylene.

[0064] Figure 11 An exemplary finger grip 1100 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary finger grip 1100 includes a base portion 1110, a cover portion 1120, and a movable hinge assembly 1130. It will be appreciated that the finger grip 1100 represents an exemplary finger grip and that other examples may use fewer, additional, or different components or arrangements. For example, the finger grip 1100 may be Figure 1 an embodiment of the finger grip 100, the base portion 1110 may be an embodiment of the base portion 110, the cover portion 1120 may be an embodiment of the cover portion 140, and / or the movable hinge assembly 1130 may be an embodiment of the movable hinge assembly 160.

[0065] As described herein, the implementation of the movable hinge assembly 1130 may vary among embodiments. In Figure 11 one example, the movable hinge assembly 1130 is implemented as two opposing portions 1130A and 1130B. Each of the portions 1130A and 1130B includes a respective upper flexible member 1102 coupled to the cover portion 1120, a respective lower flexible member 1104 coupled to the base portion 1110, and a movable hinge member 1106 coupling the upper flexible member 1102 to the lower flexible member 1104. The movable hinge member 1106 provides force and motion transmission via the upper and lower flexible members to move the cover portion 1120 between a relaxed position and a captured position by elastomeric deformation.

[0066] As Figure 11As shown, in some cases, the movable hinge 1106 includes a thinning portion 1112 that has a thickness thinner than the thickness of the upper flexible member 1102 and thinner than the thickness of the lower flexible member 1104. In some cases, the movable hinge 1106 is a one-piece structure formed by the upper flexible member 1102 and the lower flexible member 1104.

[0067] As shown, the movable hinges 1106 for the respective portions 1130A and 1130B are located on opposite sides of the base portion 1110 and the cover portion 1120. In the relaxed position, the first movable hinge 1106A forms an internal angle facing the internal angle formed by the second movable hinge 1106B. Additionally, the exterior of the first movable hinge 1106A faces away from the second movable hinge 1106B, and the exterior of the second movable hinge 1106B also faces away from the first movable hinge 1106A.

[0068] Figure 12 An example finger grip 1200 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The example finger grip 1200 includes a base portion 1210, a cover portion 1220, and a movable hinge assembly 1230. It will be appreciated that the finger grip 1200 represents an example finger grip, and other examples may use fewer, additional, or different components or arrangements. For example, the finger grip 1200 may be Figure 1 an embodiment of the finger grip 100, the base portion 1210 may be an embodiment of the base portion 110, the cover portion 1220 may be an embodiment of the cover portion 140, and / or the movable hinge assembly 1230 may be an embodiment of the movable hinge assembly 160.

[0069] As described herein, the shape and / or size of the base portion 1210 may vary among embodiments. In Figure 12 an example, the base portion 1210 is shown as having a rectangular shape. In some cases, the base portion 1210 may be even larger so as to cover a larger surface area of the device to which the base portion 1210 is attached. In some such cases, the base portion 1210 may include an adhesive material on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the base portion 1210. In some cases, as the surface area of the adhesive increases, the adhesion provides a stronger adhesive force.

[0070] In many cases, a user may desire to use multiple accessories on her electronic device simultaneously. For example, a user may wish to attach a finger grip to the back of her smartphone and then use a charger to wirelessly charge the phone while the finger grip is attached, without removing the finger grip. What results is a layered structure of the device, where the bottom layer is the smartphone, the middle layer is the finger grip, and the top layer is the wireless charger. In some cases, it may be desirable for the connection between the finger grip and the smartphone to be stronger than the connection between the wireless charger and the finger grip. In this way, the user can easily remove the charger from the finger grip without also removing the finger grip from the smartphone.

[0071] Figure 13 Illustrates the relative coupling strength associated with finger grip 1300. In this example, finger grip 1300 is coupled to the back of mobile device 1302, and wireless charger 1304 is coupled to the back of finger grip 1300. Finger grip 1300 can be Figure 1 an embodiment of finger grip 100. For example, finger grip 1300 can be thin enough to allow charging of mobile device 1302 via finger grip 1300 by wireless charger 1304.

[0072] In some cases, the coupling strength between wireless charger 1304 and finger grip 1300 is greater than the coupling strength between mobile device 1302 and finger grip 1300. For example, the connection between wireless charger 1304 and finger grip 1300 can include a combination of magnets and adhesives, while the connection between mobile device 1302 and finger grip 1300 can rely only on magnets. For example, finger grip 1300 can include an array of multi-pole arcuate magnets, where a first set of magnets has a positive polarity and another set of magnets has a negative polarity.

[0073] Example Embodiment

[0074] Various exemplary embodiments of the grip can be found in the following clauses:

[0075] Clause 1. A grip for coupling to a portable electronic device, the grip comprising:

[0076] A base portion;

[0077] A cover portion that is movable between a capture position and a relaxed position, in the capture position, the cover portion is in contact with the base portion, and in the relaxed position, the cover portion is separated from the base portion by a gap; and

[0078] A flexure support member is coupled to the base portion and to the cover portion, the flexure support member providing at least one compliant degree of freedom to allow the cover portion to move from the capture position to the relaxed position.

[0079] Clause 2. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexure support member comprises:

[0080] An upper flexible member coupled to the cover portion;

[0081] A lower flexible member coupled to the base portion; and

[0082] A movable hinge that couples the upper flexible member to the lower flexible member.

[0083] Clause 3. The gripping member according to Clause 2, wherein the movable hinge includes a thinned portion having a thickness that is thinner than the thickness of the upper flexible member and thinner than the thickness of the lower flexible member.

[0084] Clause 4. The gripping member according to any one of Clauses 2 or 3, wherein the movable hinge provides force and motion transmission via the upper flexible member and the lower flexible member to move the cover portion to the relaxed position by elastomeric deformation.

[0085] Clause 5. The gripping member according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the movable hinge is a one-piece structure formed by the upper flexible member and the lower flexible member.

[0086] Clause 6. The gripping member according to any one of Clauses 2 to 5, wherein the movable hinge comprises polypropylene.

[0087] Clause 7. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexure support member includes a leaf spring.

[0088] Clause 8. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexure support member comprises:

[0089] A first movable hinge that is coupled to the base portion and to the cover portion at a first position on a first side of the base portion and at a first position on the cover portion, respectively; and

[0090] A second movable hinge member that is coupled to the base portion and to the lid portion at a second location on a second side of the base portion and at a second location on the lid portion, the second side being opposite the first side.

[0091] Clause 9. The gripping member according to Clause 8, wherein the first movable hinge member and the second movable hinge member are located on two opposite sides of the base portion and the lid portion.

[0092] Clause 10. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the flexure support member includes:

[0093] A first pair of movable hinge members that are coupled to the base portion and to the lid portion at a first location on a first side of the base portion and at a first location on the lid portion; and

[0094] A second pair of movable hinge members that are coupled to the base portion and to the lid portion at a second location on a second side of the base portion and at a second location on the lid portion, the second side being opposite the first side.

[0095] Clause 11. The gripping member according to Clause 10, wherein the first pair of movable hinge members and the second pair of movable hinge members are located on two opposite sides of the base portion and the lid portion.

[0096] Clause 12. The gripping member according to any one of Clauses 10 or 11, wherein the first pair of movable hinge members are coupled to the lid portion and to the base portion at the first location by respective upper and lower flexure members; and

[0097] wherein the second pair of movable hinge members are coupled to the lid portion and to the base portion at the second location by respective upper and lower flexure members.

[0098] Clause 13. The gripping member according to any one of Clauses 10 to 12, wherein in the relaxed position, the first pair of movable hinge members form respective internal angles facing in opposite directions.

[0099] Clause 14. The gripping member according to any one of Clauses 10 to 13, wherein in the relaxed position, the second pair of movable hinge members form internal angles facing in opposite directions.

[0100] Clause 15. The holding member according to any one of Clauses 10 to 14, wherein the first pair of movable hinge members includes a first movable hinge member and a second movable hinge member that are directly adjacent to each other.

[0101] Clause 16. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, the holding member further comprising a retainer configured to fix the cover portion to the base portion in the capture position.

[0102] Clause 17. The holding member according to Clause 15, wherein the retainer comprises:

[0103] a first part of a snap-fit pair on the cover portion; and

[0104] a second part of the snap-fit pair on the base portion.

[0105] Clause 18. The holding member according to any one of Clause 15 or 16, wherein the retainer comprises:

[0106] a male structure on the cover portion, wherein the male structure includes a protrusion having a diameter; and

[0107] a female structure on the base portion, wherein the female structure includes an opening opposite to the protrusion, the opening having a size smaller than the diameter, the opening being configured to fix the cover portion to the base portion in the capture position.

[0108] Clause 19. The holding member according to Clause 18, wherein the female structure further includes a tapered sidewall above the peripheral surface of the base portion, the tapered sidewall having a first height.

[0109] Clause 20. The holding member according to Clause 19, wherein the tapered sidewall forms an obtuse angle with respect to the surface at the outer edge of the base portion.

[0110] Clause 21. The holding member according to any one of Clause 19 or 20, wherein the movable hinge members further include:

[0111] a first pair of movable hinge members that are respectively coupled to the base portion at a first position on a first side of the base portion and coupled to the cover portion at a first position on the cover portion; and

[0112] A second pair of movable hinge members, the second pair of movable hinge members being coupled to the base portion and to the lid portion at a second location on a second side of the base portion and at a second location on the lid portion, the second side being opposite the first side, wherein the female structure is located between the first pair of movable hinge members and the second pair of movable hinge members, the gripping member further comprising:

[0113] Wherein the lid portion rotates about the first pair of movable hinge members and the second pair of movable hinge members from the relaxed position such that an upper surface of the lid portion engages against the tapered sidewall to place the lid portion in an upright position.

[0114] Clause 22. The gripping member according to any one of clauses 19 to 21, wherein when the lid portion is in the capture position, the thickness of the gripping member is in a range between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

[0115] Clause 23. A gripping member for coupling to a portable electronic device, the gripping member comprising:

[0116] A base portion;

[0117] A lid portion; and

[0118] A continuous material piece that couples the base portion to the lid portion, the continuous material piece including a first segment and a second segment separated by a movable hinge member, the first segment being coupled to the base portion and the second segment being coupled to the lid portion,

[0119] Wherein the thickness of the gripping member is such that electrical power can be transmitted from a first device to a second device via at least a portion of the gripping member.

[0120] Clause 24. A gripping member for coupling to a portable electronic device, the gripping member comprising:

[0121] A base portion, the base portion including a first engagement member;

[0122] A lid portion, the lid portion including a second engagement member; and

[0123] A first continuous material piece that couples the base portion to the lid portion, wherein the first continuous material piece includes a first segment and a second segment separated by a first movable hinge member, the first segment being coupled to the base portion and the second segment being coupled to the lid portion,

[0124] A second continuous material piece that couples the base portion to the cover portion, wherein the second continuous material piece includes a third segment and a fourth segment separated by a second active hinge, the third segment being coupled to the base portion and the fourth segment being coupled to the cover portion,

[0125] wherein, in the closed orientation, the first continuous material piece is folded along the first active hinge and the second continuous material piece is folded along the second active hinge.

[0126] Clause 25. A grip for coupling to a portable electronic device, the grip comprising:

[0127] A base portion that includes a first engagement member;

[0128] A cover portion that includes a second engagement member; and

[0129] A plurality of continuous material pieces that couple the base portion to the cover portion, wherein each continuous material piece includes a first segment and a second segment separated by an active hinge, the first segment being coupled to the base portion and the second segment being coupled to the cover portion,

[0130] wherein the grip is movable between a plurality of configurations, wherein, in a first configuration, the second engagement member is engaged with the first engagement member and a main surface of the base portion is parallel to a main surface of the cover portion, and wherein, in a second configuration, a first end portion of the cover portion is positioned behind a protrusion of the first engagement member.

[0131] Clause 26. The grip according to Clause 25, wherein, in a third configuration, the grip defines a receiving area for receiving fingers, wherein a top portion of the receiving area is defined by the cover portion, wherein a bottom portion of the receiving area is defined by the base portion, and wherein a side portion of the receiving area is defined by at least one of the continuous material pieces.

[0132] Clause 27. The holding member according to Clause 25, wherein in the third configuration, the holding member defines a first receiving area for receiving a first finger and a second receiving area for receiving a second finger, wherein a top portion of the first receiving area and the second receiving area is defined by the cover portion, wherein a bottom portion of the first receiving area and the second receiving area is defined by the base portion, wherein a side portion of the first receiving area is defined by a first continuous material piece in the continuous material piece, and wherein a side portion of the second receiving area is defined by a second continuous material piece in the continuous material piece.

[0133] Clause 28. A holding member for coupling to a portable electronic device, the holding member comprising:

[0134] A holding member having a thickness that permits power to be transferred from a first device to a second device via at least a portion of the holding member.

[0135] Wherein a first side of the base portion is configured for a first connection with the portable electronic device, wherein the first connection includes an adhesive connection and a magnetic connection;

[0136] Wherein a second side of the base portion is configured for a second connection with the portable electronic device, wherein the second connection includes a magnetic connection;

[0137] Wherein the first connection is stronger than the second connection such that decoupling the second device from the holding member does not decouple the holding member from the portable electronic device.

[0138] Clause 29. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first device is a charging device and wherein the second device is a portable electronic device coupled to the holding member.

[0139] Clause 30. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the thickness of the holding member is less than 2.5 mm.

[0140] Clause 31. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the thickness refers to the distance between the bottom surface of the base portion and the top surface of the cover portion when the holding member is in the closed position.

[0141] Clause 32. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the holding member includes a plurality of orientations, and wherein the thickness of the holding member is the thickness of the holding member when the holding member is positioned in a first orientation among the plurality of orientations.

[0142] Clause 33. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein, in the first orientation, the continuous material piece is folded along the movable hinge and the first segment is flush with the second segment.

[0143] Clause 34. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base portion includes a first engaging portion, wherein the cover portion includes a second engaging portion, and wherein, in the first orientation, the second engaging portion mates with the first engaging portion to removably fix the gripping member in the first position.

[0144] Clause 35. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first engaging portion includes a first part of a snap-fit pair, and wherein the second engaging portion includes the second part of the snap-fit pair.

[0145] Clause 36. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first engaging portion includes a first part of a snap-fit pair, and wherein the second engaging portion includes the second part of the snap-fit pair.

[0146] Clause 37. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first engaging portion includes a first part of a press-fit latch, and wherein the second engaging portion includes the second part of the press-fit latch.

[0147] Clause 38. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the gripping member is in the first orientation, a force applied to the cover portion in a first direction causes the second engaging portion to disengage from the first engaging portion and actuates the movable hinge to move the cover portion in the first direction.

[0148] Clause 39. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein, in a second orientation of the plurality of orientations, the gripping member defines a receiving area for receiving fingers, wherein a top portion of the receiving area is defined by the cover portion, wherein a bottom portion of the receiving area is defined by the base, and wherein side portions of the receiving area are defined by the movable hinge.

[0149] Clause 40. The gripping member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein, in a second orientation of the plurality of orientations, the gripping member is configured to receive a pair of fingers between the base orientation and the cover portion and to at least partially surround at least a portion of the movable hinge with the pair of fingers.

[0150] Clause 41. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the movable hinge is a first movable hinge, and wherein the continuous material member further comprises:

[0151] A third section that is separated from the first section by a second movable hinge, wherein the third section is coupled to the base portion; and

[0152] A fourth section that is separated from the second section by a third movable hinge, wherein the fourth section is coupled to the lid portion.

[0153] Clause 42. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the movable hinge is a first movable hinge, wherein the continuous material is a first continuous material member, wherein the holding member further comprises a second continuous material member, the second continuous material member including a third section and a fourth section separated by a second movable hinge, and wherein the third section is coupled to the base portion and the fourth section is coupled to the lid portion.

[0154] Clause 43. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the movable hinge is a first movable hinge, wherein the continuous material is a first continuous material member, wherein the holding member further comprises a second continuous material member, the second continuous material member including a third section and a fourth section separated by a second movable hinge, and wherein the third section is coupled to the base portion and the fourth section is coupled to the lid portion.

[0155] Clause 44. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the interior of the first movable hinge faces a first direction, and wherein the interior of the second movable hinge faces a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0156] Clause 45. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the continuous material member includes a plurality of alternating continuous material members, and wherein each continuous material member includes a movable hinge.

[0157] Clause 46. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the hinges are offset from each other.

[0158] Clause 47. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base portion is configured to be coupled to a frame portion, and wherein the frame portion includes a first magnetic interface for coupling to a second magnetic interface of the second device.

[0159] Clause 48. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the frame portion further includes an adhesive for coupling to the second device.

[0160] Clause 49. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base portion includes a first engaging portion that extends at least partially around a periphery of the base portion, wherein the frame defines an inner region that includes a second engaging portion, and wherein the first engaging portion is configured to mate with the second engaging portion in a removable manner.

[0161] Clause 50. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base portion is rotatably mounted within the frame portion such that the holding member is rotatable relative to the frame portion about a central axis.

[0162] Clause 51. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein in the stand orientation among the plurality of orientations, the cover portion is oriented substantially perpendicular to the base portion.

[0163] Clause 52. The holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein in the stand orientation, a first end of the cover portion is positioned behind a protrusion of the base portion and a second end opposite the first end is in the air.

[0164] Clause 52. A holding member as shown in the figures and / or described in the specification.

[0165] Clause 53. A method of using the holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses.

[0166] Clause 54. A method of manufacturing the holding member according to any one of the preceding clauses.

[0167] I. Terms

[0168] Any terms commonly associated with a circle, such as "radius", "radial", "diameter", "circumference", or "circumferential", or any derivatives or terms of a similar type are intended to refer to any corresponding structure in any type of geometric shape, and not just circular structures. For example, "radial" as applied to another geometric shape structure should be understood to refer to the direction or distance between a position corresponding to the approximate geometric center of the structure and the perimeter of the structure; "diameter" as applied to another geometric shape structure should be understood to refer to the cross-sectional width of the structure; and "circumference" as applied to another geometric shape structure should be understood to refer to the perimeter region. Nothing in this specification or the drawings should be construed as limiting these terms to circles or circular structures.

[0169] Terms used to refer to the relationship between two objects, such as "substantially", "about", "approximate", etc., are not only intended to reflect the exact relationship, but also intended to reflect the variations that may occur in this relationship due to various factors such as environmental conditions, common error tolerances, manufacturing differences, etc. It should also be understood that although some values or other relationships in this document may be expressed without modifiers, these values or other relationships may also be exact, or may contain a certain degree of variation due to various factors such as environmental conditions, common error tolerances, manufacturing differences, etc. For example, when referring to the thickness of a gripping member or one or more components of a gripping member, "about a specified thickness" may, in some cases, refer to a thickness deviation of about less than 10% compared to the specified thickness (e.g., a deviation of 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or 0.5%). Thus, a thickness of about 3 mm may refer to 3 mm ± 0.3 mm, 3 mm ± 0.15 mm, 3 mm ± 0.012 mm, 3 mm ± 0.019 mm, 3 mm ± 0.006 mm, or 3 mm ± 0.03 mm. As another example, when referring to a diameter, "about a specified distance" may, in some cases, refer to a thickness deviation of about less than 10% compared to the specified distance (e.g., a deviation of 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or 0.5%). Thus, a thickness of about 50 mm may refer to 50 mm ± 5 mm, 50 mm ± 2.5 mm, 50 mm ± 2 mm, 50 mm ± 1.5 mm, 50 mm ± 1 mm, or 50 mm ± 0.5 mm. As a further example, when referring to the angle of a bracket, "about a specified angle" may, in some cases, refer to an angular variation of about less than 10% compared to the specified angle (e.g., a variation of 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or 0.5%). Thus, an angle of about 70 degrees may refer to 70° ± 7°, 70 ± 3.5°, 70° ± 2.8°, 70° ± 2.1°, 70° ± 1.4°, or 70° ± 0.7°.

[0170] Unless otherwise expressly stated, or otherwise understood in the context in which it is used, conditional terms such as "can", "may", "might", or "could", etc., are generally intended to express that some embodiments include some features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include these features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional terms are generally not intended to imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are necessary in any way for one or more embodiments, nor do they imply that one or more embodiments necessarily include the logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included in any particular embodiment or are performed in any particular embodiment, regardless of whether user input or prompting is required.

[0171] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, words such as "comprising", "may comprise", etc. shall be construed in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, words such as "comprising", "may comprise", etc. shall be construed to mean "including but not limited to". As used herein, the terms "connected", "coupled" or any variation thereof shall mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. In addition, words such as "herein", "above", "below" and words of similar import used in this application shall refer to the entire application, rather than to any particular part of this application. Where the context permits, the singular or plural words used in the above detailed description may also respectively include the plural or singular. The word "or" cited in a list of two or more items covers all of the following interpretations of that word: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. Similarly, the phrase "and / or" cited in a list of two or more items covers all of the following interpretations of that phrase: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0172] Unless otherwise expressly stated, disjunctive language such as "at least one of X, Y or Z" shall be understood in context as typically being used to mean that items, terms, etc. can be X, Y or Z, or any combination thereof (non-limiting example: X, Y and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is generally not intended and should not be construed to imply that some embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y or at least one of Z.

[0173] Unless otherwise expressly stated, articles such as "a" or "an" shall generally be understood to include one or more of the item(s) in question. Thus, a phrase such as "an apparatus configured to" is intended to include one or more of the apparatus(es) in question. One or more of the apparatus(es) in question may also be collectively configured to perform the recited description. For example, "a processor configured to perform descriptions A, B and C" may include a first processor configured to perform description A working in cooperation with a second processor configured to perform descriptions B and C.

[0174] Although the specific embodiments have been shown, described, and pointed out as applying to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms shown can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. As can be recognized, some of the embodiments described elsewhere herein may be implemented in forms that do not provide all of the features and advantages described herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from other features. The scope of some of the embodiments disclosed herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that fall within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims should be covered within the scope of the claims.

[0175] These and other changes can be made to the present invention in accordance with the specific embodiments. Although the foregoing description describes some examples of the present invention and describes the expected best mode, no matter how detailed the foregoing description may appear in the text, the present invention can be practiced in many ways. The details of the system may vary significantly in the specific implementation of the system, but are still included in the invention disclosed herein. As described above, the specific terms used when describing some features or aspects of the present invention should not be construed as implying that the term is redefined herein to be limited to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the present invention associated with the term. Generally, unless the terms used in the following claims are explicitly defined in the foregoing specific embodiments section, these terms should not be construed as limiting the present invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification. Thus, the actual scope of the present invention not only covers the disclosed examples, but also covers all equivalent ways of implementing or realizing the present invention according to the claims.

Claims

1. A grip for attachment to a portable electronic device, the grip comprising: a base portion; a cover portion movable between a capture position and a relaxed position, in the capture position, the cover portion is in contact with the base portion, and in the relaxed position, the cover portion is separated from the base portion by a gap; and a flexure support coupled to the base portion and coupled to the cover portion.

2. The grip according to claim 1, wherein, the flexure support includes at least two pairs of legs, each pair of legs including a first leg and a second leg, the first leg including a first movable hinge, the second leg including a second movable hinge, and wherein, in the relaxed position, the first movable hinge forms an internal angle facing a first direction, and the second movable hinge forms an internal angle facing a second direction opposite to the first direction.

3. The grip according to claim 2, wherein, in the capture position, at least a portion of each leg of the at least two pairs of legs intersects a common plane perpendicular to a longitudinal plane of the base portion.

4. The grip according to claim 2, wherein, in the relaxed position, the internal angle of the first movable hinge faces the second movable hinge.

5. The grip according to claim 1, wherein, the cover portion includes a male structure including a protrusion having a diameter, and wherein the base portion includes a female structure including an opening configured to fix the cover portion to the base portion in the capture position.

6. The grip according to claim 5, wherein, the opening has a size smaller than the diameter of the protrusion.

7. The grip according to claim 5, wherein, the base portion includes a frame portion and a hub portion radially nested from the frame portion and rotatably connected to the frame portion, wherein the female structure is provided on the hub portion.

8. The grip according to claim 7, wherein, the hub portion includes an outer frame and an elongate member bisecting the outer frame, wherein the female structure is provided on the elongate member.

9. The grip according to claim 8, wherein, the elongate member includes a slit extending at least partially along the length of the elongate member and passing through the female structure, wherein during engagement of the male structure and the female structure, an external pressure is applied to the female structure, causing the slit to widen to allow the female structure to receive the male structure.

10. The grip according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, the hub portion is circumferentially coupled to a circumferential recess provided on an inner edge of the frame portion.

11. The grip according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The hub portion includes a circumferential recess provided along an outer periphery of the hub portion, wherein an inner edge of the frame portion is circumferentially connectable to the circumferential recess.

12. The holding member according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, the hub portion includes a recessed cavity that accommodates a folding assembly of the flexure support when the cover portion is in the capture position.

13. The holding member according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, the hub portion is rotatably mounted within the frame portion such that the hub portion is rotatable relative to the frame portion about a central axis.

14. The holding member according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, when the holding member is in the capture position, a force applied to the cover portion disengages the male structure from the female structure and actuates the flexure support to move the cover portion away from the base portion.

15. The holding member according to claim 1, wherein, when the holding member is in the capture position, the thickness of the holding member is in a range between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

16. The holding member according to claim 1, wherein, when the holding member is in the capture position, the thickness of the holding member is less than about 3.5 mm.

17. The holding member according to claim 1, wherein, in the capture position, the holding member is thin enough to allow wireless charging through the holding member.

18. The holding member according to claim 1, wherein, the base portion includes a bracket protrusion extending from the base portion, wherein the cover portion is movable to a bracket position where the cover portion is angularly oriented relative to the base portion and an edge of the cover portion abuts against the bracket protrusion to stably hold the cover portion behind the bracket protrusion.

19. The holding member according to claim 1, wherein, The holding member complies with a wireless charging standard or at least one of the wireless charging standards, so that when the holding member is in the capturing position, wireless charging of the electronic device can be performed through the cover portion and the base portion of the holding member.

20. A holding member for connection to a portable electronic device, the holding member comprising: a base portion including a female structure formed with a cavity; a cover portion including a male structure for removably engaging with the female structure by fitting into the cavity, the cover portion being movable between a capture position and a relaxed position, in the capture position, the male structure engages with the female structure, in the relaxed position, the male structure disengages from the female structure; a flexure support connecting the base portion and the cover portion, and the flexure support elastically extends when the cover portion disengages from the base portion to move the cover portion to the relaxed position; Wherein, the holding member complies with a wireless charging standard or at least one of the wireless charging standards, so that when the holding member is in the capturing position, the electronic device can be wirelessly charged through the cover portion and the base portion of the holding member.

Images