Mobile Device Handle Accessories

Abstract

A mobile device handle accessory designed to maintain the compact nature of the mobile device, secure a user's hand on the device to reduce the likelihood of dropping the mobile device, and minimize the detrimental effects of non-ergonomic hand positions during extended use of the mobile device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to accessories for portable electronic devices. As used herein, the term "portable device" can include any type of portable wireless device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a mobile POS system, a portable computer, a gaming device, a media player, a smart phone, a personal organizer, etc. Although the primary embodiment described herein relates to accessories for mobile phones, it will be understood that the principles of the invention can be applied to other geometries for use with other portable devices.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 966,896, filed Jan. 28, 2020 by the present inventor. [Background technology]

[0003] Human dependency on mobile devices has increased rapidly in recent decades. Modern users regularly interact with their mobile devices for several hours each day, whether it be for calling, messaging, working, searching, selling, buying, using social media, or viewing media on the device.

[0004] Portable devices are generally uncomfortable to hold for the extended periods of time held by modern users, and this extended holding time can cause damage to the user's hands and wrists over time. The hand positions required to hold these devices are uncomfortable to maintain primarily because they can require the user to flex their wrist joints upward relative to the device and contract the hand muscles for extended periods of time. For example, when holding a mobile phone, a typical user's hand is positioned closer to the bottom of the phone than to the top of the phone; that is, it places the center of gravity of the device in the top third of the device, making it top-heavy. Not only does this make the device more difficult to balance in the hand and therefore more susceptible to dropping, but this top-heavy characteristic also places the top of the device downward and away from the user's wrist, putting pressure on the user's wrist by stretching the palm out and down.

[0005] To compensate for the top-heavy characteristics of mobile devices, users often bend their palms upward toward the wrist, countering their weight. Prolonged muscle flexion and wrist flexion, extension, and deviation, such as experienced with prolonged mobile device use, can reduce blood flow to the hand and fingers, place undue stress on the wrist, cause muscle stiffness, and increase median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel. This prolonged flexion can exacerbate a user's existing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis, or contribute to the onset of these disorders in users who do not currently have them.

[0006] Furthermore, as the use of portable devices increases, the risk that a user will drop and damage the device increases, regardless of the durability of the portable device case design.

[0007] Most mobile device cases and accessories are not constructed to reduce the likelihood that a user will drop the phone or device in the first place, nor are they constructed to address the increased musculoskeletal injuries that occur with extended use of mobile devices.

[0008] Currently, most mobile device accessories and cases marketed as ergonomic also have significant limitations: Many of these accessories and cases either 1) protect the mobile device but provide no ergonomic benefit to the user, and / or 2) provide very limited or nominal ergonomic features or experience, such as not being of high quality ergonomic design, providing straight straps or finger rings to secure the hand to the device case, and / or 3) are ergonomic in design, but at the expense of being incredibly bulky (often round, blocky or spherical in shape) and therefore not practical or compact enough for daily use by the average mobile device user.

[0009] Users purchase portable devices with the intention that they are portable: compact and easy to store in a pocket or bag when on the go. Creating a spherically shaped device accessory may be ergonomic, but it is ultimately useless if the user can no longer easily use and store the device. The accessory will simply not be used regularly and the ergonomic benefit will be wasted.

[0010] These realities create a need for mobile device accessories that provide ergonomic benefits to the user, protect the mobile device itself by reducing the likelihood of it being dropped, and preserve the compact nature of the mobile device. Our ergonomic mobile device handle accessories are intended to address these shortcomings in the current market. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The subject matter described herein is a mobile device accessory that integrates the ergonomic design and damage prevention features that the accessory needs to provide to the mobile device, while maintaining the compact, sleek, and easily storable shape that users require for practical everyday use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] 1A through 1C show an embodiment of a mobile device handle accessory in a fully extended position for use, a fully collapsed position for storage, and in a side profile in the fully collapsed position.

[0013] 2A to 2C show a handle accessory for use with a mobile device.

[0014] Figures 3A-3B show an embodiment of a [4] first magnetic material array and a [6] second magnetic material array. Figure 3A shows a handle accessory that connects to a portable device with the [6] second magnetic material array embedded in the portable device. Figure 3B shows a side profile of the handle accessory and a close-up perspective view of the [4] first magnetic material array.

[0015] 4A through 4C depict three embodiments of connections in the straps: [2] using pin-like connections, [7] seams or laminations, or

[10] stretch woven materials.

[0016] 5A through 5D show the sequence in which the [2] strap is folded and the

[52] magnetic material secures the

[12] left segment and the

[14] right segment together when the [2] strap is in a fully folded position.

[0017] 6A through 6D show top and bottom perspective views of the [3] bolster in fully extended and fully folded positions.

[0018] 7A through 7D show an embodiment of a

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor of the [5] continuous friction mechanism, within a handle accessory, separate from the handle accessory, and an internal view of the

[19] embodiment.

[0019] 8A to 8C show an embodiment of the

[24] single-axis geared interference fit anchor of the [5] continuous friction mechanism, shown within the handle accessory and separated from the handle accessory with an internal view of the

[24] single-axis geared interference fit anchor.

[0020] 9A to 9C show an embodiment of a

[31] sliding anchor of a [5] continuous friction mechanism within a handle accessory and an internal view of the

[31] sliding anchor separated from the handle accessory.

[0021] 10A to 10C show an embodiment of a

[37] fixed gearbox of the [5] continuous friction mechanism, including an internal view of the

[37] fixed gearbox in a handle accessory, an isolated internal view of the

[37] fixed gearbox, and an internal view of the

[37] fixed gearbox coupled to a [3] bolster. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0023] A user holds a mobile device with a handle accessory, illustrated in Figures 2A-2C. While the primary function of the handle accessory in Figures 1A-1C is similar to a strap, ring, or pop socket to reduce the risk of the user dropping their device, the goal is to provide a much more ergonomic, smooth, and therefore luxurious experience than the user can get from a typical mobile device, mobile device case, or mobile device accessory, while maintaining the streamlined, portable shape that the user requires for everyday use. Both the construction and materials of the design are key to maintaining the sleek, lightweight, and easy-to-store shape that the user requires.

[0024] When a user slides their hand into the handle accessory, they slip their hand under the fully folded [2] strap and over the ergonomic [3] bolster, as shown in Figures 2A through 2C. The [2] strap and [3] bolster extend upward with the user's movement. When unfolded or extended upward to their fully extended positions, the [2] strap is over the top of the user's hand, gently holding the user's hand over the phone, and the [3] bolster is under the user's hand, gently pushing up and supporting the user's palm. This allows the user's hand to assume a more relaxed, more natural hand position than flat straps, rings, pop sockets, or similar accessories would allow.

[0025] When the handle accessory is not in use, the [2] strap and [3] bolster fold down onto the [1] rail for compact storage.

[0026] The handle accessory is comprised of three basic parts with additional parts that vary depending on the particular embodiment being discussed. For ease of understanding, these components are referred to throughout this document as [1] Rail: elongated frame, [2] Segmented strap: first strap-like structure, [3] Ergonomic bolster: second strap-like structure, and [5] Continuous friction mechanism. It will be understood that these names do not limit the function or scope of the components described herein, but are merely tools to refer to different aspects of the invention for ease of understanding. Four possible embodiments of the [5] Continuous friction mechanism are included herein, which are referred to as

[19] Shrinkage fit anchor with spring,

[24] Shrinkage fit anchor with single-axis gear,

[31] Sliding anchor, and

[37] Fixed gear box.

[0027] The [1] elongated frame of the handle accessory, called the rail, has features that hold other components within it. In one embodiment, the [1] rail is an I-beam complementary shape. This molding forms a cavity within the [1] rail, which in some embodiments can be used to store a [3] bolster, and the [2] strap can be folded flat over the [1] rail to allow the user to store the handle accessory compactly when not in use. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the [1] rail can be toothed to actuate a rotational mechanism, such as a gear, or to provide friction along a mechanism within the [1] rail.

[0028] In some embodiments, attached within or to the underside of the [1] rail can be a [4] first array of magnetic material (such as iron or magnets). This [4] first array can attach the handle accessory to (1) a [6] second array of magnetic material embedded within the mobile device or mobile device case, thus integrating a magnetic attachment system directly into the mobile device or mobile device case itself, or (2) any magnetic surface large and magnetic enough to accommodate the size of the handle accessory and the strength of the magnetic connection within the handle accessory, which is particularly useful for storing the handle accessory on a regular magnetic surface in the home when not in use, such as a magnetic refrigerator door or a magnetic door frame.

[0029] In an embodiment of a [1] rail including a [4] first array of magnetic material, the [4] first array of magnetic material may be contained within the underside of the [1] rail or within a protrusion from the underside of the [1] rail, which is referred to as a magnetic housing. A possible embodiment of this magnetic housing is shown in the associated drawings as a slightly curved partial sphere protruding downwardly from the underside of the [1] rail. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the magnetic housing may be alternatively shaped and located in alternative locations on or within the [1] rail.

[0030] In embodiments of a [1] rail including a [4] first array of magnetic material, the [6] second array of magnetic material can be embedded within the mobile device or mobile device case, or embedded within a thin panel or disk shape adhered to the top or bottom surface of the mobile device, mobile device case, or other surface. As shown in the associated drawings, in some embodiments, the magnetic housing of the rail can be slightly curved to recess into the complementary curve of the [6] second array of magnetic material. This not only consistently guides the user to the correct position for connecting the handle accessory to the mobile device, mobile device case, or other magnetic surface, but also allows the handle accessory to be connected more securely to that mobile device, mobile device case, or magnetic surface than a flat surface would allow.

[0031] [2] A first strap-like structure, referred to as the [2] Strap, is the topmost component of the handle accessory, and in use, the [2] Strap can be placed over a user's hand. As shown in Figures 5A through 5D, the [2] Strap is constructed from a first plurality of segments in a foldable manner. It is foldable for two reasons: 1) to allow for compact storage when not in use, and 2) to allow for two different hand positions for the user.

[0032] Although the [2] strap is shown in the accompanying drawings as having a straight bar-like shape with five segments, it will be understood that the [2] strap may be alternatively shaped in other embodiments to have fewer or more than five segments. Some possible reasons may be for simplicity of manufacture, or to shape the [2] strap to best conform to the curvature of the human hand for improved comfort or usability.

[0033] [2] Strap segment description: As shown in Figures 5A to 5D, the [2] strap can be segmented by a

[12] left segment, a

[14] right segment, a

[13] center segment, and two

[11] ,

[15] end segments. The segments of the [2] strap can be made of a thin semi-rigid material (such as flexible plastic or rubber) coated in a soft cloth-like material (such as Alcantara) for maximum comfort and durability. As shown in Figures 5A to 5D, the

[12] left segment and the

[14] right segment can have a

[52] magnetic material present that connects when the [2] strap is in its fully folded position. The force of the magnetic connection of the

[52] magnetic material securely holds the [2] strap in its fully folded position.

[0034] Figures 4A to 4C show three possible embodiments of the [2] strap. In one embodiment, the segments may be connected to each other by small [7] pin-like mechanisms at the contact points of the segments. In a second embodiment, the segments may be connected to each other by [8] seams, or laminated sections in a foldable cloth-like material at the contact points of the segments. In a third embodiment, the segments may be connected to each other by fabricating the

[12] left segment and the

[14] right segment from a stretchy or elastic-like fabric.

[0035] [2] In all strap embodiments, the purpose of the connections between the segments is to allow the segments to easily fold and unfold when the [2] strap is extended and retracted.

[0036] In all embodiments, there may be [9] web connections between the

[13] center segment and the adjacent

[12] left and

[14] right segments, as shown in Figures 4A-4B. These [9] web connections hold the

[13] center segment under the

[12] left and

[14] right segments when the [2] straps are in their fully extended position. This may ensure that the segments of the straps fold in the order described below necessary to lie flat on the [3] bolster when released to their fully folded position for storing the [2] straps when not in use (see "STRAP EXTENSION AND FOLDING MECHANISM").

[0037] Description of Strap Stretching: In one embodiment, when the [2] strap is fully folded, the

[13] center segment is at the bottom below the

[12] left segment and the

[14] right segment, which fold their farthest ends toward each other and toward the center of the [1] rail so that they lie flat, and pull the two

[11] ,

[15] end segments of the strap toward the center of the [1] rail so that they lie flat on their tops. The

[52] magnetic material located in the

[12] left segment and the

[14] right segment is aligned with the center of the folded [2] strap and attracts the opposing

[52] magnetic material, holding the [2] strap flat in its fully folded position.

[0038] To use the [2] strap extended upwards, the user places a hand under the [2] strap and pulls upwards. The user's pulling force overcomes the force of the

[52] magnetic material connection and breaks the magnetic connection, releasing the

[12] left segment and

[14] right segment to deploy upward and outward, while the

[13] center segment rises, stabilizing the [2] strap in its fully extended position.

[0039] [2] Because the strap is segmented, [2] the strap allows two possible user hand positions on the mobile device: Position #1: Full Hand Position [2] When the strap is fully extended, the user will be able to fit the entire length of their fingers under the [2]strap. A typical full hand hold for a user around a mobile device will place the bottom knuckles almost under or just beyond the [2]strap when the hand is in position. Position #2: Finger holding position [2] When the strap is fully folded, the user can hold the mobile device with two or more fingertips underneath the strap. The purpose of the finger hold is usually to allow the user to easily use their thumbs when typing and selecting on the mobile device.

[0040] [3] A second strap-like structure, called the bolster, is the component of the handle accessory that sits directly under the user's palm. When the user inserts their hand under the [2] strap and pulls upward, the [3] bolster rises under the user's palm to support the hand and guide it into a more ergonomic position than a flat hand position. [3] When the bolster is not in use and is fully folded down, the bolster lies as flat and flush as possible within the central hollow cavity of the [1] rail.

[0041] [3] The bolster helps keep the wrist and fingers straight from the elbow, which is straighter than a typical cell phone case (preventing the user's hand from "grabbing" around the phone, and reducing wrist flexion, wrist extension, and ulnar / radial deviation). In embodiments that include a continuous friction mechanism, the [3] bolster is located forward of the continuous friction mechanism in the [1] rail.

[0042] [3] The bolster has a second plurality of individually articulating segments similar to the arches of the human spine or a stone bridge. The figures illustrating this embodiment show fifteen individual segments, although it will be understood that fewer or more segments may be included in alternative embodiments.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second plurality of segments is supported by a

[16] wide strip of semi-rigid material, such as a flexible metal similar to copper, on either or both of the underside and / or top side of the [3] bolster. Figures 6A-6D show the

[16] semi-rigid strip located under the second plurality of segments. This

[16] semi-rigid strip can bend with the articulation of the [3] bolster, and the second plurality of segments of the bolster can slide along the length of the

[16] semi-rigid strip as the [3] bolster extends and folds. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A-6D, a

[17] magnet or magnets at one end of the [3] bolster can move the

[16] semi-rigid strip closer to the end of the [3] bolster and attract the end of the

[16] semi-rigid strip to it upon articulation of the [3] bolster to its fully extended position. [3] This attraction of the

[16] semi-rigid strip to the

[17] magnet or magnets at the end of the bolster provides a stabilizing magnetic force to securely lock the [3] bolster in the fully extended position and reduces the likelihood that a user will unintentionally depress the [3] bolster by applying excessive force to the [3] bolster during use.

[0044] In an additional embodiment, there may be a complementary set of magnets between some of the individual segments that connect when the [3] bolster reaches its fully extended position, thus magnetically connecting some of the individual segments together. This may provide a stabilizing magnetic force similar to the

[17] magnets of the prior embodiment at the ends of the bolster that attract the

[16] semi-rigid strips, helping to keep the segments connected in the fully extended position, and the [3] bolster being securely locked in the fully extended position.

[0045] Another additional embodiment of the [3] bolster shown in 6A through 6D may connect the individual segments together using

[18] pins similar to a watch band between each segment.

[0046] [3] Another possible embodiment of the bolster could use a cable made of flexible metal or plastic that passes through the segments and extends above or below the segments to provide support to hold the segments together.

[0047] General description of four embodiments of the continuous friction mechanism The goal of the handle accessory is the ability to provide the user with smooth, continuous movement of the [2] straps and [3] bolsters as they extend upward during use, rather than locking them in an awkward, intermittent position as they extend upward.

[0048] [5] In these four possible embodiments, although the continuous friction mechanism is not limited to these embodiments, one end of the [2] strap and one end of the [3] bolster are secured within the [1] rail. The [5] continuous friction mechanism within the [1] rail allows for smooth, continuous motion, as opposed to jerky, intermittent motion, of the ends of the unsecured [2] strap and [3] bolster, which smoothly pushes the centers of the [2] strap and [3] bolster upward in an arc. This allows the user to pull up on the [2] strap and [3] bolster in one smooth motion, without restriction or awkwardness due to intermittent positions.

[0049] First embodiment: Description and operation of the continuous friction mechanism of a spring-loaded interference fit anchor. Figures 7A to 7C One possible embodiment of a continuous friction mechanism can have a box-like housing called a spring-loaded interference fit anchor.

[19] A spring-loaded interference fit anchor is held within the rail by a unique geometry that creates an interference fit with the rail.[1]

[0050] In engineering, an interference fit is a fit between two parts where the outer dimensions of one part slightly exceed the inner dimensions of the part it fits into.

[31] Unlike the sliding anchor embodiment, in this

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor embodiment, the continuous friction does not come from the spring clip attachment resisting movement of the anchor in the [1] rail, but instead comes from the

[20] interference fit of this anchor with the wall of the [1] rail. The shape of the [1] rail is adjusted slightly so that the top segments of the [1] rail curve slightly downward into the [1] rail as they rise and pass the

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor. This curvature causes the dimensions of the top of the [1] rail to be slightly smaller than the dimensions of the

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor, thus creating a

[20] interference fit between them and the

[19] rail that resists movement of the spring-loaded interference fit anchor.

[0051]

[37] Unlike the fixed gearbox embodiment,

[31] as well as the sliding anchor embodiment and the

[24] interference fit anchor embodiment with single axis gear, [5] this interference fit embodiment of the continuous friction mechanism does not have a completely fixed position, but instead is free to move within the length of the rail along the x-axis direction of the rail, [1].

[0052] Similar to the

[31] sliding anchor embodiment and the

[24] single-axis geared interference fit anchor embodiment, the [2] free end of the strap is attached, possibly by a pin, to one end of the

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor. The [3] free end of the bolster can be held within the [1] rail, possibly by a pin, and is free to move along the x-axis of the rail. The [3] free end of the bolster can be adjacent the inner end of the

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor; that is, the end of the interference fit anchor closest to the center of the [1] rail.

[0053] Action Sequence: (1)[2] When you insert your hand under the strap, the [2] strap begins to stretch upward. (2)[2] As the free end of the strap is pulled inward along the x-axis of the rail[1] toward the center of the rail, the spring-loaded interference-fit anchor

[19] attached to that end of the strap is forced inward with it[1] toward the center of the rail. (3)

[19] The inward movement of the interference fit anchor also pushes the free end of the [3] bolster inward toward the center of the [1] rail and pushes the center of the [3] bolster upward. (4)

[19] As the spring-loaded interference fit anchor moves further into the [1] rail, the walls of the [1] rail resist and provide continuous resistance to the movement of the

[19] anchor as it is dragged along the inside wall of the [1] rail. The user experiences this as a smooth, continuous movement of the [2] strap and [3] bolster as they extend upward, not a jerky, intermittent movement.

[0054] Ratchet system for locking and unlocking the fully extended position of the [3] bolster and [2] strap during use: One embodiment of the mechanism for locking the [3] bolster and [2] strap in place may be a ratchet stem in the [1] rail with a

[23] knurl in the inner bottom wall of the [1] rail and a

[53] lever in a

[19] spring-loaded interference-fit anchor. As the

[19] spring-loaded interference-fit anchor slides across the

[23] knurl in the [1] rail when the user inserts his or her hand under the [2] strap during use, the

[53] lever is pulled sideways and falls onto each successive

[23] knurl it slides over. One end of the

[53] lever is shaped to be complementary to an indentation in the

[23] knurl in the [1] rail, so that as the lever falls onto each

[23] knurl, the

[53] lever gets caught and cannot move backwards from the

[23] knurl it falls onto. This only allows the

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor to advance further toward the center of the [1] rail as the [3] bolster and [2] strap extend upward, thus preventing the [3] bolster and [2] strap from collapsing beyond the point where the

[53] lever catches on the upward extension of the [3] bolster and [2] strap. This fixes the height of the [3] bolster and [2] strap in their fully extended position during use, providing additional protection against a user applying excessive force to the handle accessory and unintentionally depressing the [3] bolster and [2] strap.

[0055] When the user is ready to fold the [3] bolster and [2] strap after use, the user can simply depress the

[21] button with his thumb, thereby depressing the straight end of said

[53] lever directly below the

[21] button. By depressing the straight end of the

[53] lever, the user causes the opposite end of the

[53] lever, i.e. the end complementary to the

[23] knurled portion in the [1] rail, to rotate upwards against the

[22] spring clip directly above it while the

[21] button is being pressed, and out of the

[53] knurled portion in the [1] rail. This releases the

[19] spring-loaded interference-fit anchor, which then moves again along the X-axis of the [1] rail. By continuing to depress the

[21] button, the user can pull his thumb, and with it the

[19] spring-loaded interference-fit anchor, away from the center of the [1] rail, and fold the [3] bolster to its fully folded position.

[0056] A

[22] spring clip inside the

[19] interference fit anchor is positioned over the end of the

[53] lever that is complementary to the recess in the

[23] knurled portion of the [1] rail. The

[22] spring clip positioned therein resists the downward force exerted by a user depressing the

[21] button and causes the

[21] button to spring upward to its original position as soon as the user releases the

[21] button.

[0057] Set the distance between the strap [2] and the bolster [3] according to the width of your hand:

[55] Bumper System, see Figures 7C to 7D. The distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster is adjustable and is typically set once to a comfortable distance for the user before the user begins to use the handle accessory. This distance can be set by the

[55] bumper system in a

[19] spring-loaded interference-fit anchor. The

[55] bumper is made from a soft, semi-rigid material such as flexible silicone wrapped around a plastic skeleton so that there is no risk of damaging the end of the [3] bolster when it comes into contact with it. Below, two possible embodiments of the

[55] bumper system are described.

[0058] A first embodiment of the

[55] bumper system (FIGS. 7C-7D) utilizes a

[54] button and

[57] linear gear to further extend the

[55] bumper in and out of the [1] rail. The user presses the second

[54] button in the

[19] interference fit anchor, The cylindrical

[58] rod extension on the end of the

[54] button is pushed further down into the

[19] spring-loaded interference-fit anchor. There is an opening through the

[58] rod horizontally, with a small upward protrusion at the bottom of the opening that is complementary to the teeth of the

[57] linear gear attached to the end of the

[55] bumper. The

[57] linear gear passes through the opening. When the user presses the second

[54] button, the downward movement of the

[58] rod and its opening releases the teeth of the

[57] linear gear, which then telescopes further in and out of the opening, thereby telescopes further in and out of the

[19] interference-fit anchor. This releases the soft

[55] bumper on the end of the

[57] linear gear, which telescopes further up and down the [1] rail along the rail's x-axis. The user manually pulls the

[55] bumper further into the [1] rail. When the user releases the

[54] button, the

[55] bumper is held in the extended position within the [1] rail.

[0059] A second possible embodiment of the

[55] bumper system (not shown) uses a captive nut and screw to allow the

[55] bumper to be telescopically moved further in and out of the [1] rail, instead of using a

[54] button and a

[57] linear gear as described and illustrated in Figures 7C-7D. In this captive nut and screw embodiment, the user can manually rotate the captive nut (instead of pressing the

[54] button), which telescopically moves the

[55] bumper connected to the captive screw (instead of connecting to the

[57] linear gear). The direction of rotation of the captive nut determines the direction of rotation of the screw, thereby allowing the user to telescopically move the

[55] bumper up or down the [1] rail, depending on the direction the user rotates the captive nut. This has an advantage over the

[54] button and

[57] linear gear embodiment of the

[55] bumper system by allowing the user to move the

[55] bumper by simply turning the captive nut, instead of grabbing the

[55] bumper by hand and pulling it.

[0060] In both embodiments of the

[55] Bumper system, the less the user centers the

[55] Bumper on the [1]Rail, the more space there is between the unsecured end of the [3]Bolster and the

[55] Bumper. This extra space that the

[55] Bumper must traverse before it contacts the end of the [3]Bolster proportionally delays the initiation of upward extension of the [3]Bolster after the

[19] Interference-Fit Anchor begins to move. Thus, the [3]Bolster does not extend as high upward, and a greater distance is maintained between the [2]Strap and the [3]Bolster when they are fully extended. This greater distance accommodates a thicker hand width.

[0061] Conversely, the further the user centers the

[55] Bumper on the [1]Rail, the less space there is between the free end of the [3]Bolster and the

[55] Bumper. This smaller space traversed before the

[55] Bumper contacts the end of the [3]Bolster proportionately speeds up the onset of upward extension of the [3]Bolster after the

[19] Interference Fit Anchor begins to move. Thus, the [3]Bolster extends higher upward, and the distance between the [2]Strap and the [3]Bolster remains smaller when the [2]Strap and the [3]Bolster are fully extended. This shorter distance accommodates a smaller or thinner hand width.

[0062] Near the end of the

[58] rod of the

[54] button, just above the

[56] spring, a small lip projects horizontally from the

[58] rod. When a user presses the second

[54] button, the

[56] spring resists downward movement of the lip. The

[56] spring thereby resists downward movement of the

[58] rod. When the user releases this second

[54] button and again releases the

[56] spring, the

[56] spring pushes the

[54] button back to its original position.

[0063] Second embodiment: Description and operation of the continuous friction mechanism of the interference fit anchor with a single-axis gear. Figures 8A to 8C

[24] An embodiment of the continuous friction mechanism, also called a single-axis geared interference fit anchor, combines a modified interference fit anchor (as described in the

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor) in which the [3] bolster has a

[25] linear gear attachment and the [1] rail has been modified to have a toothed inner wall.

[0064] The modification to the interference fit anchor is to add a single shaft and two gears, a

[26] larger gear and a

[27] smaller gear, housed within the

[24] anchor, instead of the

[22] spring clip and

[21] button.

[0065] [1] A modification to the rail may be that one or more of the inner walls of the [1] rail be toothed in this embodiment, so that the

[27] smallest gear in the

[24] single axle geared interference fit anchor is forced to rotate by contact with the toothed rail wall near the end of the axle.

[0066] This embodiment can allow for greater movement of the [3] bolster than alternative embodiments, and eliminates the need for a [5] bumper mechanism (see Figures 7C and 7D) to set the distance between the [2] strap and bolster, as described in the

[31] sliding anchor embodiment of the

[19] continuous friction mechanism and the

[55] spring-loaded interference fit anchor embodiment.

[0067] Action Sequence: (1)[2] When you insert your hand under the strap, the [2] strap begins to stretch upward. (2) As the free end of the[2] strap is pulled inward along the x-axis of the rail toward the center of the[1] rail, the

[24] single-axis geared interference fit anchor attached to that end of the strap is forced or pushed inward with it toward the center of the[1] rail. Because the

[24] single-axis geared interference fit anchor has a

[20] interference fit with the[1] rail, the walls of the[1] rail resist movement of the

[24] single-axis geared interference fit anchor along the length of the[1] rail and provide continuous resistance for the

[24] anchor. (3)When the interference fit anchor with the

[24] single shaft gear is pulled into the center of the [1] rail, the teeth of the

[27] smallest gear are pulled along the teeth of the rail wall, causing the

[27] smallest gear to rotate within the

[24] interference fit anchor. (4) As this

[27] smallest gear rotates, the

[28] spindle is urged to rotate with it, forcing the

[26] larger gear nearer the center of the

[28] spindle to rotate. (5) This

[26] larger gear rotates in place on a

[25] partially toothed linear gear attached to the end nearest the [3] bolster. The teeth of this

[26] larger gear mesh with the teeth of the

[25] partially toothed linear gear as the

[26] larger gear rotates, causing the

[25] partially toothed linear gear to move inward toward the center of the [1] rail. (6) Because the [3] bolster is attached at this end to a

[25] partially toothed linear gear, this end of the [3] bolster is also forced inward toward the center of the [1] rail. Because the opposite end of the [3] bolster is fixed to the [1] rail, the center of the [3] bolster is forced to arc upward as the

[25] partially toothed linear gear is forced inward into the [1] rail, pushing the [3] bolster up to its fully extended position.

[0068] Set the distance between the strap [2] and the bolster [3] according to your hand width:

[28] The single shaft can be fitted into a hollow

[59] tube for the length of the shaft that leads to the

[26] larger gear above it. This

[59] tube can push the

[26] larger gear out of contact with the toothed surface of the

[25] partially toothed linear gear, effectively stopping the upward movement of the [3] bolster. This allows the user to pull the [2] strap upward without moving the [3] bolster to accommodate the hand width between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster, and to set the desired distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster based on the width of the hand. This mechanic is included to accommodate the various widths of an individual's hands. Typically, the user only needs to set this distance to comfort once when first using the handle accessory.

[0069] Action sequence for setting the distance between the strap [2] and the bolster [3] according to your hand width: (1) The user presses a

[29] button on the end of the

[59] tube of the single shaft, pushing the hollow

[59] tube, which in turn pushes the larger

[26] gear at its end down onto the

[28] single shaft. (2) This movement pushes the

[26] larger gear out of the toothed region of the bolster's

[25] partially toothed linear gear and into the toothless region of the

[25] partially toothed linear gear. (3)

[26] When the larger gear is in this toothless area, the user can insert their hand between the [2]strap and the [3]bolster without rotating the

[26] larger gear and therefore without moving the [3]bolster. (4) Once the user has set the desired distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster, the user releases the

[29] button, releasing the

[30] spring at the opposite end of the

[28] single shaft from the

[29] button, pushing the

[26] larger gear back to its original position on the

[28] single shaft, and back into the toothed region of the

[25] partially toothed linear gear. (5) This

[26] larger gear re-engages with the

[25] partially toothed linear gear so that the [3] bolster can again be moved, but the new distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster will be maintained during use.

[0070] Third embodiment: Description and operation of the continuous friction mechanism of the sliding anchor. Figures 9A to 9C One embodiment of the continuous friction mechanism has a box-like housing called the

[31] sliding anchor. The

[31] sliding anchor is held within the [1] rail by one or more

[32] spring clip-like attachments between it and the wall of the [1] rail.

[37] Unlike the fixed gear box embodiment,

[19] the spring-loaded interference fit anchor embodiment and the

[24] single-axis geared interference fit anchor embodiment, this

[31] sliding anchor embodiment of the [5] continuous friction mechanism does not have a completely fixed position, but instead is free to move within the length of the [1] rail along the x-axis direction of the rail.

[0071] [2] The free end of the strap is attached, perhaps by a pin, to one end of the

[31] sliding anchor. The free end of the [3] bolster may be held within the [1] rail, perhaps by a pin, and may be free to move along the x-axis of the rail. [3] The said free end of the bolster may be adjacent to the inner end of the

[31] sliding anchor, i.e., the end of the

[31] sliding anchor closest to the center of the [1] rail.

[0072] Action Sequence: (1) When a user inserts their hand under the [2] strap, the [2] strap begins to open and stretch upward. (2) As the free end of the[2] strap is pulled inward along the x-axis of the[1] rail toward the center of the[2] rail, the

[31] sliding anchor attached to that end of the[2] strap is forced or tucked inward with it toward the center of the[1] rail. Because the opposite end of the[2] strap is fixed to the[1] rail, the center of the[2] strap is forced to arc upward and deploy to the deployed position. (3)As the

[31] sliding anchor moves inward, the free end of the [3] bolster is also forced inward toward the center of the [1] rail. Because the opposite end of the [3] bolster is fixed to the [1] rail, the center of the [3] bolster is forced to arc upward as the

[31] sliding anchor is forced inward into the [1] rail, pushing the [3] bolster up to its extended position. (4)

[31] As the sliding anchor moves further into the [1]rail, the

[32] spring clip attached to it resists the movement of the

[31] sliding anchor as it drags along the inside wall of the [1]rail, providing continuous resistance to the

[32] spring clip. The user experiences this as a smooth, continuous movement of the [2]strap and [3]bolster as they extend upward, rather than in awkward, intermittent positions.

[0073] Mechanism to unlock and lock the bolster in the fully extended position during use: This embodiment may include a button

[33] that a user can depress to securely lock the [3] bolster in a fully extended position during use, providing additional protection against a user applying excessive force to the [3] bolster during use and unintentionally depressing the [3] bolster.

[0074] When pressed, the

[33] button pushes a vertical extension on one end of a

[34] rod through a notched path in a box-like housing (possibly made of hard plastic or a similar material) called a lock housing.

[35] When the end of the

[34] rod reaches the end of the first path, it pushes up against a hook shape at the end of the path, where it catches. When the user releases the

[33] button, the

[34] rod is held or "locked" in that catch and position in the path.

[0075] Locking the

[34] rod in this position holds the

[35] lock housing against the nearest end of the [3] bolster in the [1] rail. This movement of the

[35] lock housing forces the

[51] floating wedge in the

[31] sliding anchor outward and vertically into the [1] rail, thereby forcing the

[32] spring clip on the side of the

[51] floating wedge against the inner wall of the [1] rail. This wedging effect stops the

[31] sliding anchor from moving and effectively locks the [3] bolster in its fully extended position.

[0076] The [3] bolster remains in this locked position until the

[33] button is pressed again, releasing the end of the

[34] rod, forcing the end of the

[34] rod up and out of the hook-shaped catch at the end of the first path and onto the second path, allowing the force of the

[36] spring to return it to its initial position. This

[36] spring resists the

[34] rod pushing towards the centre of the [1] rail. The

[36] spring is positioned perpendicular to one end of the

[35] lock housing opposite the

[33] button. Returning the

[34] rod to its original position returns the

[35] lock housing to its original position, and the pressure of the

[35] lock housing is released from the

[51] floating wedge, allowing it to return towards the centre of the

[31] sliding anchor. This releases the

[32] spring clip [1] and eases it against the inner wall of the rail, releasing the

[31] sliding anchor and [3] bolster to once again move, allowing the [3] bolster to fold into its fully folded position for storage.

[0077] Set the distance between the strap [2] and the bolster [3] according to your hand width: The distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster is adjustable and is typically set once to a distance that is comfortable to the user before the user begins using the handle accessory. This distance is set by the same means as the [5] bumper system (see Figures 7C and 7D) described in the

[19] spring-loaded interference fit anchor embodiment of the

[55] continuous friction mechanism, but installed in the

[31] sliding anchor embodiment.

[0078] Fourth embodiment: Description and operation of a continuous friction mechanism for a fixed gearbox. Figures 10A to 10C [5] Another possible embodiment of the continuous friction mechanism has a box-like housing for the gears, called a fixed gear box, located in a fixed position at one end of the rail. At the end of the straps in this fixed gear box, the straps terminate in one or more paddles. For ease of understanding, this document and the accompanying drawings will describe this embodiment as having two paddles.

[0079] Action Sequence: (1)

[38] The paddles are at the end of [2] straps inside the

[37] fixed gear box. [1] Under the

[38] paddles, which are attached at both ends to the inside of the rails, there is a

[39] spring clip for each

[38] paddle. When the user inserts his hand, the [2] strap begins to stretch upwards. (2)As the[2] strap stretches upward, it pulls on its

[38] paddle end. Because the

[38] paddle is fixed to a

[40] first shaft within a

[37] fixed gearbox, the

[38] paddle cannot move laterally or vertically, but instead is forced to rotate with the[2] strap movement. (3)

[38] The pressure of the paddle rotating against the

[39] spring clip beneath it provides the smooth and continuous friction that the user experiences as the [2] strap and [3] bolster move smoothly and continuously, rather than in awkward, intermittent positions, as they extend upward. (4)

[38] The rotation of the paddle also rotates the first shaft within it,

[40] which in turn forces the first gear to rotate.

[41] (5)

[41] This movement of the first gear rotates a contacting second gear located on a second axis,

[42] which in turn rotates a third gear on a third axis.

[43] (6) The rotation of the

[45] third gear rotates the

[44] third shaft on which it operates, which in turn rotates the

[46] fourth gear, also on the

[44] third shaft. (7)

[46] The fourth gear rotates on an underlying

[50] linear gear that is attached to the end nearest the [3] bolster. As the

[46] fourth gear rotates, the teeth of the

[46] fourth gear mesh with the teeth of the

[50] linear gear, causing the

[50] linear gear to move inward toward the center of the [1] rail. (8)Because the [3] bolster is attached at this end to the

[50] linear gear, this end of the [3] bolster is also forced inward toward the center of the [1] rail. Because the opposite end of the [3] bolster is fixed to the [1] rail, the

[50] linear gear is forced inward of the [1] rail, forcing the center of the [3] bolster to arc upward as the [3] bolster is forced to its fully extended position.

[0080] Set the distance between the strap [2] and the bolster [3] according to your hand width: Unlike the

[40] first and

[44] third shafts, the

[42] second shaft can be sheathed within a

[47] hollow tube for the length of the

[42] second shaft that leads to the

[43] gear. This

[47] hollow tube allows the user to push the

[43] second gear out of contact with the

[41] first and

[45] third gears, effectively stopping the upward movement of the [3] bolster. This allows the user to pull the [2] strap upward without moving the [3] bolster to fit the hand width between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster, and allows the user to set the desired distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster based on the width of the hand. This mechanic is included to accommodate the various widths of an individual's hands. Typically, the user only needs to set this distance to a comfortable distance once when first using the handle accessory.

[0081] Action sequence for setting the distance between the strap [2] and the bolster [3] according to your hand width: (1) The user presses the

[48] button on the

[42] second shaft at the end of the

[47] tube to push the

[47] hollow tube, thereby pushing the

[43] second gear at the end of the

[47] tube down on the

[42] second shaft. (2) This movement causes the

[43] second gear to move out of the toothed center of the

[42] second shaft and into an area of ​​the

[42] second shaft that does not have any teeth. (3)

[43] When the second gear is in this toothless area, the user can insert his or her hand between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster without rotating the

[43] second gear and therefore without moving the [3] bolster. (4) Once the user has set the desired distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster, the user releases the

[48] button, releasing the

[49] spring at the opposite end of the

[42] second shaft from the

[48] button, causing the

[43] second gear to return to its original position, i.e., on the toothed area of ​​the

[42] second shaft and between the

[41] first gear and the

[45] third gear. This

[43] second gear re-engages with the

[41] first gear and the

[45] third gear, allowing the [3] bolster to be moved again, while the new distance between the [2] strap and the [3] bolster is maintained during use.

[0082] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used herein are words of description rather than limitation, and it will be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A mobile device accessory, comprising: an elongate frame detachable from the portable device and providing means for connecting each component to some or all of the other components of the accessory; a first strap-like structure including a first plurality of foldable segments, having means for attachment to said elongated frame and providing a means for holding a user's hand on said accessory; a second strap-like structure disposed beneath said first strap-like structure, said second strap-like structure including a second plurality of foldable segments, said second strap-like structure having means for attachment to said elongated frame, said second strap-like structure having an orientation such that in use said second strap-like structure arcs upwardly into the palm of a user's hand, providing means for supporting the underside of a user's hand; A mobile device accessory comprising:

2. said elongated frame further comprising a first array of magnetic material therein; and providing means for connecting and disconnecting said elongated frame to said portable device; The mobile device accessory of claim 1 .

3. the elongate frame further comprising a cavity into which the second strap-like structure can extend; 2. The mobile device accessory according to claim 1 .

4. 2. The mobile device accessory of claim 1, The elongated frame includes: one end of the first strap-like structure and one end of the second strap-like structure are secured to the elongated frame; an end opposite the fixed end is attached to the elongated frame but is capable of continuous movement in the longitudinal direction of the elongated frame; a mechanism for providing a frictional force between the opposite end and the elongated frame during movement; 2. The mobile device accessory according to claim 1 .

5. 5. The mobile device accessory of claim 4, the frictional force providing mechanism further includes an anchor that travels within the elongated frame by an interference fit within the elongated frame; At least one dimension of the elongate frame is smaller than at least one dimension of the anchor; transferring motion from the first strap-like structure to move the second strap-like structure; 5. The mobile device accessory according to claim 4.

6. 5. The mobile device accessory of claim 4, the frictional force providing mechanism further includes an anchor that travels within the elongated frame by an interference fit with the elongated frame; This includes housing a single shaft having a plurality of gears on the single shaft, a gear selected from the group of the plurality of gears transmitting rotational motion from the first strap-like structure to the single shaft and transmitting motion from the first strap-like structure to move the second strap-like structure; 5. The mobile device accessory according to claim 4.

7. 5. The mobile device accessory of claim 4, the frictional force providing mechanism further includes an anchor moving within the elongated frame by one or more fasteners that bring the anchor into contact with the elongated frame, transferring motion from the first strap-like structure to move the second strap-like structure; 5. The mobile device accessory according to claim 4.

8. 5. The mobile device accessory of claim 4, the frictional force applying mechanism further comprises a fixed gear box disposed within the elongated frame using a plurality of shafts with gears connected on the shafts for transferring motion from the first strap-like structure to move the second strap-like structure; 5. The mobile device accessory according to claim 4.

9. 5. The mobile device accessory of claim 4, the frictional force providing mechanism further comprises a retractable bumper mechanism providing means for setting the distance between the first strap-like structure and the second strap-like structure during actuation; 5. The mobile device accessory according to claim 4.

10. 2. The mobile device accessory of claim 1, the first strap-like structure further comprising a central segment that folds downwardly, pulling the left and right segments adjacent to the central segment downwardly and folding them onto the central segment; 2. The mobile device accessory according to claim 1 .

11. 11. The mobile device accessory of claim 10, The first strap-like structure comprises: a fabric-like web connection for partially maintaining the position of the central segment underneath the left and right segments, close enough to join the left and right segments to the central segment; providing means for forcing the central segment to remain below the left and right segments when the first strap-like structure is folded; The mobile device accessory according to claim 10.

12. the first strap-like structure further comprising a plurality of magnets within the left and right segments to provide means for securing the first strap-like structure in a folded position; The mobile device accessory according to claim 10.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second strap-like structure further comprises a strip of elastic material attached via a fixture attached to one side of the second plurality of segments to provide a stable interconnection for movement between the second plurality of segments.

2. The mobile device accessory according to claim 1 .

14. the second strap-like structure further comprising magnets between a number of segments selected from the group consisting of the second plurality of segments to provide a stable interconnection between the second plurality of segments; 2. The mobile device accessory according to claim 1 .

15. the second strap-like structure further comprising pins at interconnections between the second plurality of segments; 2. The mobile device accessory according to claim 1 .

16. the second strap-like structure further comprising a cable extending along the second plurality of segments to provide a stable interconnection between the second plurality of segments; 2. The mobile device accessory according to claim 1 .

Images