GB2515827A

GB2515827A - A handgrip

Info

Publication number: GB2515827A
Application number: GB1312114.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Boyce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-07-05
Filing date: 2013-07-05
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-05
Also published as: GB201312114D0; GB2515827B

Abstract

A handgrip, suitable for a tablet computer device, comprises a handle 7 having an attachment mechanism in the form of suction cup or pad 1 and mutual interconnection means which via a ball 5 and socket or spheroidal joint allows rotation and inclination of the handle 7 about and off an axis. In use a user places the suction cup 1 on a tablet computer and twists a lock mechanism which creates a vacuum thereby securing the handle 7 to the tablet. The lock mechanism comprises a closeable aperture and a screwthread 3 which may be untightened to release the vacuum and suction cup 1. A flexible sleeve 6 covers an opening between the suction cup 1 and handle 7. The handle may also be used as a support stand or brace.

Description

A HANDGRIP

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a handgrip for use on or with an electronic device, more particularly but not exclusively for use on a tablet computer.

Background

Many people use handheld screens often for long periods of time on a daily basis.

The handheld screens are typically for or comprised by cellphones, smartphones and such as tablet computers, and are often used for such as watching video footage or reading text.

In order to achieve an optimal view angle the handheld screen is often held by the user in a particular position for a long period of time. However repeatedly holding the screen in this manner can lead to wrist strain and as a result the user may find it uncomfortable and in some extreme cases impossible to support the screen for long periods of time.

Particular problems arise with disparities of screen or device size to hand size, for example for children, elderly or female users where devices increase in screen size. * *

In addition or the alternative, often controls are located at or adjacent sides, edges of * " 25 the devices and consequently a holding hand may obscure or accidentally touch controls. * * * *

* : PriorArt * ** Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: International patent application WO 2012 050 980 (POLLEX) discloses a tablet computer and handle assembly comprising: a tablet computer with a screen and a back side opposite the screen; a tablet mounted assembly attached to the back side of the tablet computer, the tablet mounted assembly including a fixed portion and a rotating portion with a mounting plate; a handle removably mounted to the tablet mounted assembly: wherein the tablet computer may be rotated as needed about the handle to permit a user to access the screen from any angle, and the handle configured to permit a user to hold the tablet computer with one hand while accessing the screen with the other hand.

United States patent application US 2009 224 117 (KANEDA) discloses a suction cup device, comprising: a suction cup having a suction face, and a rear face along a thicknesswise direction thereof: a center stem connected to a central portion of the rear face of said suction cup and extending in a direction away from the rear face along the thicknesswise direction; a case having a contacting portion capable of contacting with an outer circumferential portion of the rear face of said suction cup or with a portion of an attaching object face outside said suction cup in a state where said case covers the rear face of said suction cup and the suction face of said suction cup is attached to the attaching object face by suction; and a displacement mechanism provided between said center stem and said case for operating said case to cause said contacting portion of said case to contact with the outer circumferential portion of the rear face of said suction cup or the portion of the attaching object face outside said suction cup to displace said center stem in the direction away from the attaching object face in a state where the suction face of said suction cup is attached to the attaching object face by suction; said case having a male thread portion which : extends in the direction away from the central portion of the rear face of said suction cup.

25 Granted United States patent US 7246781 (NAN) discloses a stand for supporting a shaft-ended object in a swiveling and rotating relationship, said stand comprising:a * shaft receiving receptacle, a ball joint member, and a base member, said base member being adapted to be connected to a support surface, said shaft receiving * *.

* receptacle being supported on said base member through said ball joint member in a swiveling and rotating relationship, said receptacle being adapted to receive a shaft end of said object, whereby said object may be supported for pivotable and rotational movement with respect to said stand, said shaft receiving receptacle defining a hollow chamber, said chamber having a longitudinal slot disposed in a side wall thereof; said longitudinal slot originating at a top edge at an open end of said chamber and extending a substantial distance along a length of said chamber.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a handgrip suitable for a tablet computing device, the handgrip comprising a handle and an attachment mechanism, wherein the handle and attachment mechanism are arranged with a mutual interconnection means defining a central axis; wherein said attachment means allows rotation of the handle about said axis and inclination of the handle relative to said axis.

In preferred embodiments the attachment mechanism comprises at least one suction cup or pad, in order that the handgrip can be attached to the tablet.

In preferred embodiments the interconnection means comprises a ball and socket or spheroidal joint.

Advantageously therefore the handle allows a user to hold the device in a plurality of attitudes and in particular substantially orthogonally to the device face and screen, allowing maximum visibility and without interfering with the sides.

Typically therefore the handgrip comprising: an elongate handle dimensioned to be held in a hand of a user, with an attachment mechanism provided for connection to a : surface of a device, the attachment mechanism arranged on a joint. 0 0

In this way the handgrip provides an alternative means for holding a mobile electronic device such as a tablet computing device or other handheld screen for viewing, so as to minimise wrist strain. Furthermore by using the handgrip to hold the device none of the screen is obstructed by the user's hands and touch screens are fully available. *00

Preferably the handgrip is arranged centrally on the rear face of the device in use so as not to obstruct the screen and to allow the screen to be supported in a balanced manner.

The hancfle may be elongate so as to allow the user to grip their hand around the handle. In this way the user is able to hold the handgrip and the device in a comfortable and secure manner.

Preferably the handle is arcuate so as to curve downwards from the centre of the device where it can be easily held by the user. It may be envisaged that the handle is curved so as to be angled at 45 degrees in relation to the rear face of the device.

Therefore the device is typically positioned at a suitable viewing angle.

In preferred embodiments the handle has a circular or oval cross-sectional profile that tapers towards a distal end. In this way the handle has a larger cross section at the shoulder and a smaller cross section at the distal end. Preferably when held by the user the user's hand is arranged to have a thumb and index finger closest to the shoulder where grip may be naturally wider so as to correspond with the tapering handle. The handle is dimensioned to correspond with the user's grip and may in some embodiments comprise a resiliently deformable body or covering, for example malleable and deformable to suit the user's hand.

Advantageously the taper allows different users to use a preferable grip relative to dimensions of their hand.

In some embodiments the handle may be shaped to include shaped and/or bulbous portions, for example a central bulbous portion may be included so as to make the handle substantially ovaloid. Alternatively the handle may have two spaced bulbous portions so as to form a waist into which the user's hand may be placed in use.

Preferably the distal end is rounded so as to have no sharp edges exposed on the handgrip during use. In some embodiments the distal end may be bulbous or collared so as to prevent the hand slipping down the handle whilst being held. In some embodiments the distal end may be flat, for example to enable standing thereon, wherein the end may be relatively enlarged in cross-sectional width. * S.

* Typically the handle is formed from a resiliently deformable, non slip material or has a resiliently deformable layer or portion/s so as to be readily gripped by the user. For example the handgrip may be formed from a synthetic material such as siliéone or a plastic such as polyurethane.

In some embodiments the handle may be deforrnable so as adjust shape dependant on use. For example the handle may be deformed or bent in a particular way so as to fit comfortably within the user's hand, to be capable of adjustment to specific requirements of the user. For example the handle may comprise a cover over articulation, such as a segmented core.

Advantageously the shoulder enables the device to be tilted so as to arrange the device for optimal viewing without the user necessarily having to adjust grip on the handle or change location of the handgrip on the device, which would involve removal and reattachment.

Typically the shoulder comprises a ball and socket joint so as to allow movement in substantially 360 degrees.

Preferably the joint is concealed within the shoulder, handle and/or attachment mechanism by a flexible sleeve. In this way the shoulder is less likely to become obstructed or be pinched during use, for example where the user's hand is around 1 5 the shoulder. Advantageously by enclosing the joint the handgrip may have a smooth exterior, less likely to accumulate dirt, and more hygienic.

Ideally the sleeve about the joint is formed from a resiliently deformable material so as to allow movement. For example the sleeve may be formed from a flexible synthetic plastic, elastomer or rubber, such as silicone.

In some embodiments tilting of the shoulder may be facilitated by other means such as at least one hinge, pivot or mechanical articulation.

.*. 25 In some embodiments part of or all of the joint may be exposed for example wherein the mechanism is arranged on the socket and the ball is connected to the handle. * S.

The suction cup may include a lock to consolidate the suction cup in place, and prevent disconnection during use. For example the suction cup may be positioned, pressed against the device and a collar twisted so as to secure the suction cup tightly to the device.

In other embodiments the suction cup may be locked in place by a slider that serves to lock the suction cup to the device wherein sliding of the slider constricts or closes a part of the suction cup thereby forming a stronger fixing that is harder to detach from the device.

In some embodiments the suction cup may include a clip that serves to lock the suction cap. For example the suction and a locking clip, ring or top may be connected by screwthread and/or lug and socket or groove, wherein the top is screwed into the suction cup and consequently the suction cup compressed; and/or the suction cup, or more particularly any ventilation aperture in the suction cup, is closed and thereby the suction cup locked.

In some embodiments the handgrip may include more than one suction cup on one attachment mechanism. In this way if a suction cup were to fail the device would remain connected by another suction cup. It may be envisaged that this embodiment may be used for larger devices or devices of higher value, for example wherein the attachment mechanism comprises three suction cups in triangular formation.

Preferably the handgrip is provided in various sizes so as to accommodate different devices and users. For example a smaller version may be provided for children and smaller handheld screens such as a Kindle (RTM).

Ideally the handgrip is provided in multiple colours so as to appeal to different users.

In some embodiments the handgrip may include text, images or patterns. These may be printed on the handgrip, etched or embossed. For example the handgrip :. may include a logo, or emblem from a football team.

*..... * S

In preferred embodiments the handgrip has a matte, textured or raised and lowered 25 finish for enhanced grip where a glossy finish may make the handgrip more likely to slip in the user's hands when being held. * **

In some embodiments the handle may be moulded to include finger grips so as to limit slippage in use Additionally or alternatively the handle may include textured portions, for example ridges, a knurled pattern or pimples that are provided to enhance grip.

B:rief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the handgrip; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. in use: Figure 3 shows a second side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 4 shows a third side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the handgrip comprises a deformable suction cup 1 sitting on a base 2 with a seat 8 for the cup 1 and screwthread 3, a ball and socket joint, wherein the ball 5 is fixed to the shoulder 4, which is secured via the base 2 to form the attachment mechanism to the device 100.

The handle 7 connects to the balI 5 arid comprises the socket. The connection is covered by the flexible sleeve 6, to cover the opening between the suction cup 1 and handle 7. The handle includes a rounded tip to aid in use as a stand, strut or support arm.

Seal with a twisting lock mechanism, wherein the mechanism is tightened to create or consolidate the vacuum, or untightened to release the vacuum and cup.

o. 25 Ideally the shoulder can facilitate tilt of up to 45 degrees from horizontal.

Ideally the suction cap may have a diameter of at least 50mm and preferably at least 70mm so as to provide a suitable attachment area. * **

In use the user places the suction cup in the location desired on the tablet, twists the top of the handle tight to secure the suction cup., and grips a hand around the handle to tilt the tablet at different angles. The handle can also be used as a support stand or brace.

In preferred embodiments the handle is at least 90mm long and preferably at least 130mm long. In this way the handle is typically at least the width of the users palm so as to be able to securely and comfortably grasp the handgrip.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. * * * * *

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Claims

Claims 1. A handgrip suitable for a tablet computing device, the handgrip comprising a handle and an attachment mechanism, wherein the handle and attachment mechanism are arranged with a mutual interconnection means defining a central axis; wherein said means allows rotation of the handle about said axis and inclination of the handle off said axis.
2. A handgrip according to claim 1 wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least one suction cup or pad.
3. A handgrip according to claim 2 wherein the interconnection means comprises a lock to consolidate the suction cup.
4. A handgrip according to claim 3 wherein the lock comprises a closeable aperture.
5. A handgrip according to either of claims 3 or 4 wherein the lock comprises a screwthread.
6. A handgrip according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the interconnection means comprises a ball and socket or spheroidal joint.*
7. A handgrip with reference to the drawings and substantially as described 4***t* * 25 herein. U. * . *

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