US20180368538A1

US20180368538A1 - Assistive Holder

Info

Publication number: US20180368538A1
Application number: US16/014,811
Authority: US
Inventors: Renee Vanderbilt Kay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-06-26
Filing date: 2018-06-21
Publication date: 2018-12-27

Abstract

A tool for securing an object, such as a cell phone, to a body part, such as a wrist, of a user. The assistive holder includes a strap having a sleeve and a channel located along the strap, wherein an external clip fastener can be positioned in either the sleeve or the channel. Fasteners on either end of the strap can be attached to one another, thereby forming a loop that can encircle a wrist. In operation, the user attaches an object to an upper surface of the external clip fastener, and then removably secures the object and external clip fastener to the sleeve or channel, per the user's desired orientation of the object.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/604,132 filed on Jun. 26, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to assistive bands and holders. More specifically, the present invention provides an assistive holder for securing an object, such as a cell phone, to a wrist of a user. The present invention provides a strap having a first panel connected to a second panel, wherein a first end and a second end of the strap each include a fastener configured to removably secure to one another to form a loop. A sleeve having a first end affixed to a first edge of the first panel, and a second end affixed to a second edge of the first panel, such that an opening is formed, allowing the sleeve to receive an object. A pair of connections run perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strap between an opening of the sleeve and fastener forming a channel, such that the channel extends through the first and second panel. Additionally, the device comprises an external clip fastener having a planar upper surface configured to receive an object flush thereupon, wherein the external clip fastener is configured to removably secure to the sleeve or channel thereby.
Many individuals carry objects in their hand on a day to day basis. However, elderly individuals can have decreased grip strength, which can lead to a difficulty in securely holding everyday objects, such as a cell phone. Because of the poor grip strength, some individuals will drop their objects resulting in damage, and in some cases forcing an expensive replacement of the object. Additionally, elderly individuals can suffer from hand tremors, which causes cell phones they are holding to shake, making it difficult to read the information currently displayed. Furthermore, individuals with certain chemotherapy treatments suffer from peripheral neuropathy, wherein they cannot feel when they are holding an object and are not able to tell if they've dropped it. Other individuals may wish to use a device, such as a cell phone or a flashlight, while their hands are utilized elsewhere, such as searching for a light switch or holding the leash of a dog. In this way, attempting to hold multiple items can cause in the individual to pay less attention than is necessary and result in injury to both the items and the person.
Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to assistive holder devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to straps that loop and fasten thereby to a body part such as a wrist. These known art devices have several known drawbacks. These devices fail to disclose a planar surface configured to affix to an object. Additionally, unlike the known art, the external clip fastener configured to affix to an object is removable and therefore manipulatable within the strap.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing assistive holder devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of assistive bands and holders now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new assistive holder wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when securing an object to a body part, such as a wrist.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved assistive band or holder device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages. The assistive holder comprises a strap having a sleeve and a channel disposed along the strap, wherein an external clip fastener can be positioned in either the sleeve or the channel. Fasteners on either end are configured to affix to one another, thereby forming a loop configured to encircle a wrist. In operation, the user affixes an object to an upper surface of the external clip fastener, and then removably secures the object and external clip fastener to the sleeve or channel, per the user's desired orientation of the object.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an assistive holder or band that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the assistive holder.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded-side view of an embodiment of the assistive holder.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistive holder, wherein the strap is in a loop configuration and the external fastener is affixed to the sleeve of the assistive holder.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistive holder, wherein an object is affixed to the external clip fastener in the sleeve.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistive holder, wherein an object is affixed to the external clip fastener in the channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the assistive holder. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for aiding in holding an object in a handsfree manner. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, there are shown exploded views of an embodiment of the assistive holder, and another perspective view of an embodiment of the assistive holder wherein the strap is in a loop configuration and the external fastener is affixed to the sleeve of the assistive holder, respectively. An assistive holder 10 comprises a strap 11 having a first end 12 and a second end 13, and a first panel 14 connected to a second panel 15. In the illustrated embodiment the first panel 14 overlays the second panel 15 such that an outermost edge of each panel share the same boundary. In the shown embodiment, the first panel 14 is connected to the second panel 15 via connectors 16 along this same boundary.
In one embodiment, a cushion 115 is disposed between the first panel 14 and the second panel 15, such that the cushion is secured between the connectors of the first panel 14 and the second panel 15, thereby enabling the individual to wear the assistive holder 10 for an extended period of time without discomfort caused by a weight of an object configured to affix to the as ve holder 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion 115 comprises a section of the strap disposed between a sleeve 18 and a fastener 17. However in other embodiments, the cushion comprises the length of the strap 11 such that it is disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 13. The strap 11 is configured to encircle a body part of an individual. In one embodiment, the second panel 15 is configured to encircle a wrist, however in other embodiments the second panel 15 is configured to encircle a palm of a hand, a forearm, or other suitably sized body part. The first end 12 and the second end 13 each include a fastener 17 configured to removably secure each end to one another to form a loop. In the shown embodiments, the fasteners 17 comprise a hook and loop, however in alternate embodiments the fasteners 17 comprise magnets, snaps or other suitable fasteners.
The assistive holder 10 further comprises a sleeve 18 having a first end 118 and a second end 128, wherein the first end 118 of the sleeve 18 is affixed to a first edge of the first panel 14, and the second end 128 of the sleeve 18 is affixed to a second edge of the first panel 14, such that an opening is formed that is configured to receive an object therethrough and the sleeve 18 is disposed fixedly. The first end 118 and the second end 128 are each affixed to the first panel 14 through connectors 16.
Additionally, a pair of connections 16, are disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strap 11 between an opening of the sleeve 18 and a fastener 17 forming a channel 19, such that the channel 19 extends through the first panel 14 and second panel 15. In one embodiment, the channel 19 is disposed between sleeve 18 and the fastener 17 on the first end 15, however in other embodiments the channel 19 is disposed between the sleeve 18 and the fastener 17 on the second end 15. The channel 19 is configured to receive an object therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 18 and channel 19 are disposed such that they are opposite the fasteners 17 when the loop is formed. In the illustrated embodiment the connections 16 are seams. However, any suitable fastener, such as adhesive, can be used to form a connection between the first panel 14 and the second panel 15, such that a channel is formed therebetween.
The assistive holder 10 further comprises an external clip fastener 20, having a first end and a second end configured to removably secure to the sleeve 18 or channel 19 thereby, wherein the external clip fastener 20 receives a width of the sleeve 18 or channel 19 disposed on opposing sides of the clip therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper surface 21 of the external clip fastener 20 is planar and includes an adhesive thereupon, such that it is configured to receive an object 70 flush against the upper surface 21. In the illustrated embodiment, an indentation 211 is disposed on a lower surface of the external clip fastener 20, wherein the indentation 211 is configured to receive a thumb or a finger of a user. Further, the indentation 211 is composed of a different material than the external clip fastener 20, wherein the material of the indentation 211 is rough and provides a frictional surface, such that the user may easily grip the external clip fastener 20. In one embodiment, the second end of the external clip fastener 20 is elongated and tilted towards the upper surface 21 of the clip, such that a tab 22 having an upper surface 212 is formed, wherein the upper surface 212 of the tab 22 is planar and aligned with the upper surface 21 of the external clip fastener 20. The tab 22 is ergonomically configured to receive a thumb or a finger of a user such that the user can simultaneously pull up on an object affixed to the upper surface 21 of the external clip fastener 20 while the thumb or finger can depress the tab 22, thereby releasing the external clip fastener 20 from the sleeve 18 or the channel 19. Further, the tab 22 provides additional separation between the opposing sides of the clip thereby increasing the ease with which a user can affix the external clip fastener 20 to the strap 11. Additionally, the tab 22 prevents the external clip fastener from sliding off the sleeve 18 or the channel 19 once affixed. Thereby, the tab 22 allows the external clip fastener 20 to easily and securely attached to the strap 11.
Referring now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistive holder wherein an object is affixed to the external clip fastener positioned in the sleeve, and a perspective view of an embodiment of the assistive holder wherein an object is affixed to the external clip fastener positioned in the channel, respectively. In one embodiment, the external clip fastener 20 is configured to removably secure to the sleeve 18 of the strap 11 such that the lateral sides 201 of the external clip fastener 20 is disposed parallel to the strap 11 along the longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis is disposed between the first end and the second end of the strap. In an alternate embodiment, the external clip fastener 20 is configured to removably secure to the channel 19 of the strap 11 such that the external clip fastener 20 is disposed along the lateral axis, wherein the lateral axis is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thus the external clip fastener 20 removably secures to a position that is most desirable to an individual using the device, thereby enabling the individual to manually rotate the object 70 affixed to the upper surface 21 of the external clip fastener 20 without rotating the strap 11 or body part the strap 11 is configured to encircle.
In operation, the assistive holder provides an apparatus to aid in conveying an object in a handsfree manner. The second panel of the strap is configured to encircle the body part of a user, wherein the fasteners on the first end and the second end are configured to removably secure each end to one another to form a loop. An object is configured to adhesively affix to the upper surface of the external clip fastener, such that the object rests flush against the upper surface. The external clip fastener is removably secured to the sleeve of the strap, should the user desire the object positioned in a longitudinal orientation. However, in other embodiments the external clip fastener is removably secured to the channel of the strap, should the user desire the object positioned in a lateral orientation. The assistive holder is configured to aid in holding and using the object in a secure handsfree manner, thereby enabling the user to use their hands for other activities and negating any fear of dropping the object.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized 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.

Claims

I claim:

1) An assistive holder, comprising:

a strap comprising a first end, a second end, a first panel connected to a second panel;

wherein the first end and the second end each include a fastener configured to removably secure each end to one another to form a loop;

a sleeve having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the sleeve is affixed to a first edge of the first panel, and the second end of the sleeve is affixed to a second edge of the first panel, such that an opening is formed configured to receive an object therethrough;

wherein a pair of connections run perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strap between a first opening of the sleeve and a first fastener forming a channel such that the channel extends through the first and second panel;

an external clip fastener, having a first end and a second end configured to removably secure to the sleeve or channel thereby.

2) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the second panel comprises a cushion configured to encircle a wearer's wrist.

3) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the second panel is connected to the first panel via seams.

4) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the channel is positioned such that it is between the sleeve and the second end of the strap.

5) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the channel is positioned such that it is between the sleeve and the first end of the strap.

6) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein the sleeve and channel are disposed such that they are opposite the fasteners when the loop is formed.

7) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the external clip fastener is planar and includes an adhesive thereupon, such that it is configured to receive an object flush against the upper surface.

8) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein a second end of the external clip fastener is elongated and tilted towards the upper surface of the external clip fastener, such that a tab is created, wherein the tab is configured to aid in removal and attachment of the external fastener to the strap.

9) The assistive holder of claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the external clip fastener comprises an indentation configured to receive a finger or thumb therein.