WO2019087077A1

WO2019087077A1 - A handheld mobile phone retention system for self-portrait photography

Info

Publication number: WO2019087077A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/058507
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Bland; Brennan BLAND; Daniel Matthews
Original assignee: Robert Bland
Priority date: 2017-10-30
Filing date: 2018-10-30
Publication date: 2019-05-09

Abstract

There is provided herein a handheld mobile phone retention system for self portrait photography having a glove comprising a first two forefingers sleeve and a releasable behind-thumb retention strap therebehind for securement. The glove comprises a glove snap-on connector may comprise a radial arrangement of magnets configured for magnetic snap-on attachment to a corresponding mobile phone snap-on connector similarly comprising a radial arrangement of magnets. The radial arrangements of magnets allow for rotatably engagement thereby allowing quick pivoting of the mobile phone device between desirous orientations such as portrait and landscape orientations without requiring disconnection. At each orientation, the magnets preferably directly align, thereby maximising the magnetic attraction at each orthogonal orientation.

Description

A handheld mobile phone retention system for self-portrait

photography

Field of the Invention

[I] This invention relates generally to devices and apparatus for self-portrait photography.

Background of the Invention

[2] "Selfie" self-portrait photography is commonplace today given the prevalence of mobile phone devices. In this regard, many devices exist for holding mobile phone devices for self-portrait photography including the ubiquitous "selfie stick" which comprises a handle and an extension arm therefrom and a mobile phone housing at a distal end thereof within which a mobile phone device is retained and held afar for the taking of photographs.

[3] However, these and other similar devices are finicky and difficult to use and are especially unwieldy for action sports.

[4] Furthermore, it is difficult if not possible to control the orientation of the mobile phone device held therein without rotating the entire stick.

[5] Furthermore, holding a handle of the device occupies all fingers of the handle which may undesirous, especially during sports such as when holding a handlebar or the like.

[6] The present invention seeks to provide a system, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[7] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[8] There is provided herein a handheld mobile phone retention system for self portrait photography.

[9] The system comprises a glove comprising a first two forefingers sleeve and a releasable behind-thumb retention strap therebehind for securement.

[10] The glove comprises a glove snap-on connector preferably comprising a radial arrangement of magnets configured for magnetic snap-on attachment to a corresponding mobile phone snap-on connector similarly comprising a radial arrangement of magnets.

[II] The glove snap-on connector is preferably located across the front of the sleeve and therefore correctly positioned across the first two forefingers for self-portrait photography. An inner reinforcement member may be provided which locates in front and across the top of the forefingers for rigidly and therefore more stably supporting the glove snap-on connector. [12] In a preferred embodiment, the radial arrangements of magnets comprises a quadrant of magnets and the snap-on connectors allow for rotatably engagement thereby allowing quick pivoting of the mobile phone device between desirous orientations such as portrait and landscape orientations without requiring disconnection. At each orientation, the magnets preferably directly align, thereby maximising the magnetic attraction at each orthogonal orientation.

[13] As such, use of the system may comprise quick and simple donning of the glove by splaying the first two and the remaining two forefingers and inserting the forefingers, so splayed into the glove such that the first two forefingers locate within the sleeve whereafter the retention strap may be closed behind the thumb to retain the sleeve across the forefingers. The behind-thumb retention strap preferably travels from the palm side of the device and comprises a press type fastener pad at a distal end thereof which may be engaged to a corresponding press type fastener pad at the back of the glove (such as hook and loop fastener pads or similar). As such, the behind-thumb retention strap may be quickly fastened using the thumb and forefinger of the opposing hand.

[14] Thereafter, a mobile phone device or housing for the mobile phone snap-on connector may be quickly snapped onto the glove snap-on connector and retained thereon by magnetic attraction. The glove may then be held afar in one hand to allow for the taking of self-portrait photography wherein the phone is supported across the first two forefingers and wherein the thumb may be used oppositely to press the camera button.

[15] Changing of the orientation from portrait to landscape may be done by gripping the mobile phone device with the opposing hand and twisting the mobile phone device through 90° to the landscape orientation. The quadrant of magnets does not require the disconnection of the snap-on connectors for transitioning to the new orientation and wherein, in the new location, the quadrant of magnets directly align thereby maximising the magnetic force at the new landscape orientation. In the landscape orientation, the thumb may again be used to press the camera button.

[16] In an embodiment, the system may further comprise a rear glove snap-on connector which may allow for the retention of the mobile phone device when not required for self-portrait photography.

[17] Especially for action sports such as cycling when the forefingers and thumb are required for gripping a handlebar, the rear snap-on connector may be located behind the forefinger such that the rear snap-on connector locates at the rear of the glove. In this way, the mobile phone device may be connected atop the glove whilst the forefingers and thumb are clasped around the handlebar.

[18] Furthermore, the rear snap-on connector may be configured such that when the mobile phone devices connected thereto, the mobile phone device is orientated either in portrait or landscape orientation towards the gaze of the user. [19] In embodiments, the snap-on connectors may comprise a peripheral recess and key which travels within the peripheral recess to control the permissible orientations and extents thereof of the mobile phone device.

[20] In embodiments, the system may comprise an extension member which may comprise a telescopic arm and opposite upper and lower magnetic snap-on connectors. The lower magnetic snap- on connector may be configured for magnetic snap fit engagement to the glove snap-on connector and the upper magnetic snap-on connector may be configured for magnetic snap fit engagement to a corresponding accessory snap-on connector. In this way, an accessory (such as a photography gimbal or the like) or a mobile phone device may be held aloft the glove for elevated self-portrait photography.

[21] In embodiments, the upper snap-on connector may be pitch adjustably engaged so as to allow the tilting down of the mobile phone device towards the user whilst being held aloft.

[22] Furthermore, the lower snap-on connector may comprise a notch which sugly accommodates a key of the glove snap-on connector so as to control and hold the extension member orthogonally with respect to the forefingers.

[23] In embodiments, the system may comprise a custom fit housing for a specific type of mobile phone device or a generic housing for accommodating various types of mobile phone devices. In embodiments there is provided a generic housing which may comprise a backing from which peripheral engagements engage the lateral edges of the mobile phone device. One side of the generic housing may comprise a gate which opens and closes to allow the insertion of the mobile phone device therein and closing thereagainst for retention. In this way, the mobile phone device may be held laterally between the fixed and gate closing engagements and a bottom edge of the housing. An upper edge of the mobile phone device may be held with a harness which extends over the top of the mobile phone device on which may be fastened by an elastic band to a clip held within an aperture of the rear of the housing. The harness may be forked to allow a gap for the rear camera of the mobile phone device.

[24] According to one aspect, there is provided a handheld mobile phone retention system for self- portrait photography, the system comprising a glove comprising a first two forefinger sleeve and a releasable behind-thumb retention strap therebehind;, the glove snap-on connector comprising a radial arrangement of magnets, the glove snap-on connector located across a front of the sleeve; and a separable mobile phone snap-on connector comprising a corresponding radial arrangement of magnets for magnetic attraction snap-on connection to the glove snap-on connector, and wherein the respective radial arrangement of magnets are configured for holding the mobile phone snap-on connector in at least two orthogonal snap-on orientations with respect to the glove snap-on connector and wherein the respective connectors are configured for rotatably engagement such that the mobile phone snap-on connection can be twisted between the at least two orthogonal snap-on orientations.

[25] The system may further comprise a rigid reinforcement member within the sleeve and wherein the glove snap-on connector may be fastened to the reinforcement member through the sleeve

[26] The respective radial arrangement of magnets each may comprise a quadrant of magnets.

[27] Respective magnets of the respective quadrants of magnets may directly align at each of the at least two orthogonal snap-on orientations.

[28] The snap-on connectors may be configured such that a first of the snap-on orientations may be a portrait orientation wherein a mobile phone connected thereto may be aligned upright and a second of the snap-on orientations may be a landscape orientation wherein the mobile phone connected thereto may be aligned horizontally.

[29] The mobile phone snap-on connector may be recessed and wherein the glove snap-on connector locates within the recess.

[30] The recess has circular cross-section and wherein the glove snap-on connector has a conforming circular cross-section such that the glove snap-on connector can rotate within the mobile phone snap-on connector.

[31] An inner periphery of the mobile snap-on connector peripherally may engage an outer periphery of the glove snap-on connector.

[32] The mobile phone snap-on connector may comprise a peripheral guide track recess and wherein the glove snap-on connector may comprise an orientation controlling key that travels within the guide track as the mobile phone snap-on connector rotates with respect to the glove snap-on connector.

[33] The guide track may arc through 180°.

[34] A terminus of the guide track may be configured such that when the key locates within the terminus, a mobile phone connected to the mobile phone snap-on connector may be orientated in one of the at least two orthogonal snap-on orientations.

[35] The system may further comprise a rear glove snap-on connector configured for magnetic snap-on connection with the mobile phone snap-on connector.

[36] The rear glove snap-on connector may be located on the glove behind the forefingers.

[37] The rear glove snap-on connector may be configured such that when the mobile phone snap- on connector may be connected thereto, a mobile phone device connected thereto may be orientated either in portrait or landscape orientation towards the gaze of a user.

[38] The behind-thumb retention strap may transition from a palm side to a back side of the glove. [39] A distal end of the thumb retention strap may comprise a press fastener pad configured for press fastening against a corresponding press fastener pad at the back of the glove.

[40] The glove further may comprise a recessed aperture adjacent the sleeve configured for allowing the extension of the remaining two forefingers therethrough and wherein the recessed aperture may be recessed such that both respective finger joints thereof may be exposed therethrough.

[41] The system may further comprise an extension member comprising a telescopic arm, a lower snap-on connector connected to the telescopic arm comprising radial arrangement of magnets configured for magnetic snap-on connection with the glove snap-on connector and an upper snap-on connector connected to the telescopic arm comprising a quadrant of magnets configured for magnetic snap-on connection with an accessory snap-on connector.

[42] The upper snap-on connector may be pivotally attachable to the telescopic arm to control the pitch of an accessory connected thereto.

[43] The lower snap-on connector may comprise a peripheral recess configured for snugly receiving a corresponding peripheral key of the glove snap-on connector therein to hold the lower snap-on connection in one orientation with respect to the glove snap-on connector.

[44] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[45] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[46] Figure 1 shows a disassembled view of a hand of mobile phone retention system for self- portrait photography in accordance with an embodiment;

[47] Figure 2 shows a front view of the system in use;

[48] Figure 3 shows a rear view of the system in use;

[49] Figure 4 shows a rear elevation view of a housing for a mobile phone device comprising a mobile phone snap-on connector in accordance with an embodiment;

[50] Figure 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the mobile phone housing illustrating the connection between a glove snap-on connector and the mobile phone connector of the system;

[51] Figure 6 shows a top perspective view of the glove snap-on connector in accordance with an embodiment;

[52] Figure 7 illustrates the location of a rigid reinforcement member in accordance with an embodiment; [53] Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of the reinforcement member;

[54] Figure 9 shows a side elevation view of the reinforcement member;

[55] Figure 10 shows a front elevation view of an extension member in accordance with an embodiment;

[56] Figure 11 shows a side elevation view of the extension member in accordance an embodiment;

[57] Figure 12 illustrates a lower snap-on connector of the extension member in accordance with an embodiment;

[58] Figure 13 illustrates the use of the extension member in use;

[59] Figure 14 shows a front perspective view of a generic mobile phone housing in accordance an embodiment;

[60] Figure 15 shows a side view of the generic mobile phone housing; and

[61] Figure 16 shows a rear view of the generic mobile phone housing in accordance with an embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[62] Figure 1 shows a disassembled view of a handheld mobile phone retention system 100 for self-portrait photography in accordance with an embodiment.

[63] The system 100 comprises a glove 101 which preferably comprises a first two forefinger sleeve 102 and a releasable behind-thumb retention strap 103 therebehind to pull and retain the sleeve 102 about the first two forefingers 105 in the manner shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[64] The glove 101 may further comprise a recessed aperture 104 for accommodating the remaining two forefingers 106 therethrough in the manner shown in Figures 2 and 3. Preferably, the aperture 104 is recessed sufficiently such that both middle joints of each remaining two forefingers 106 is exposed.

[65] The sleeve 102 and the recess 104 cooperate to utilise the first two forefingers for mobile phone retention in the manner described herein whilst freeing the remaining two forefingers 106 for normal use.

[66] In the embodiments shown, the strap 103 transitions from the palm side of the glove 102 to the rear side thereof. The inner distal end of the strap 103 may comprise a press fastener pad 107 which, with reference to Figure 3 may fasten to a corresponding outer press fastener pad 108 for securement thereto. In this way, the glove 102 may be donned by quickly splaying the first two forefingers 105 and the remaining two forefingers 106 in the manner shown in Figure 1 and inserting the forefingers so splayed into the glove 101 to extend into the sleeve 102 and from the recess 104 respectively wherein the distal end of the strap 103 may be gripped between the thumb and forefinger of the opposing hand and looped to the back of the glove 101 for connection to the press fastener pad 108.

[67] The glove 101 is preferably made from neoprene. Furthermore, the sleeve 102 is preferably open-ended so as to allow the tips of the first two forefingers 105 two protrude therefrom in the manner shown in Figure 2.

[68] The system 100 further preferably comprises a rigid reinforcement member 109, such as one made of plastic which locates within the sleeve 102. With reference to the embodiments shown in Figures 7 - 9, the reinforcement member 102 may comprise a front 110 and a back 111 and an inverted U-bend transition 112 therebetween to space the front and back 110, 111 apart so as to provide a finger accommodation 113 therebetween. The front and back 110, 111 hold the sleeve 102 apart such that the fingers 105 may be easily inserted therethrough into the finger accommodation 113.

[69] The front 110 may comprise a fastener 114 which protrudes forwardly therefrom and, when located within the sleeve 102 may retrieve therethrough for the connection of the snap-on fasteners in the manner described hereunder in further detail.

[70] As is shown in Figure 7 and 8, the inverted U-bend transition 112 may comprise a proximal extension 114 which, with reference to Figure 7, lengthens the engagement thereof across the first forefinger, thereby holding the first forefinger straight and therefore the reinforcement member 109 and mobile phone connected thereto substantially stable and rigid.

[71] The system further comprises a glove snap-on connector 115.

[72] The glove snap-on connector 115 may attach to the fastener 114 of the reinforcement member 109 which protrudes through an aperture of the sleeve 102.

[73] In preferred embodiments, the glove snap-on connector 115 comprises a a radial arrangement of magnets 116, preferably a quadrant of magnets 116, preferably strong magnets such as rare earth magnets.

[74] The magnets 116 may be retained between a backing plate 117 and a cover 118. The cover 118 may comprise a plurality of magnets apertures 119 for exposing the quadrant of magnets 116 therethrough. These pieces may be held together using through fastener 120.

[75] When assembled, the glove snap-on connector 115 locates across the first two forefingers 106 in the manner shown in Figure 2.

[76] The glove snap-on connector 115 is configured for connection to a corresponding mobile phone snap-on connector 116 as is provided in Figures 4 and 5. [77] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile phone snap-on connector 118 similarly comprises a quadrant of magnets 116 configured for magnetic attraction snap-on connection with the quadrant of magnets 116 of the glove snap-on connector 115.

[78] The configuration of the quadrant of magnets 116 of the glove and mobile phone snap-on connectors 116, 118 allows for the snap-on connection of a mobile phone device and at least two orthogonal snap-on orientations 121 in the manner shown in Figure 2.

[79] Specifically, the snap-on connectors 115, 118 may be configured such that when a mobile phone is connected thereto, the mobile phone may be held in a portrait orientation 121A wherein the mobile phone device is substantially upright and a landscape orientation 121B wherein the mobile phone device is substantially horizontal.

[80] In a further preferred embodiment, the connectors 115, 118 may be connected such that the mobile phone device retained thereby may be further orientated in an opposite landscape orientation 121C as shown in Figure 2.

[81] In a preferred embodiment, the snap-on connectors 115, 118 have circular cross sections and fit within each other such that the snap-on connectors 115, 118 may rotate within and with respect to each other.

[82] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 and 6, the cover plate 118 of the glove snap-on connector may define a front face 122 and a circular cross-section outward periphery 123. With reference to Figure 5, the mobile phone snap-on connector 118 may be recessed so as to define a circular cross-section inward periphery 124 such that the glove snap-on connector 115 can rotate within the mobile phone snap-on connector 118 and wherein the peripheries 123, 124 allow the respective rotation of the snap-on connectors 115, 118 whilst preventing lateral movement thereof.

[83] Additional or alternative mechanical interlocks may be provided to allow rotation of the connectors 115, 118. Specifically, with reference to Figure 6, the glove snap-on connector 150 may comprise a central recess 125 within which a central protrusion 126 as shown in Figure 4 locates.

[84] As such, with reference to Figure 2, the cooperation of the corresponding recesses 123, 124 and the quadrant of magnets 116 allow the mobile phone device to be quickly and easily twisted to the various orientations 121 shown. In this way, the snap-on connectors 115, 118 do not need to be disengaged to transition the mobile phone device to a new orientation 121 and, at each orthogonal orientation (i.e. portable landscape), the quadrant of magnets 116 are aligned directly such that magnetic attraction force is maximised and each of the orientations 121.

[85] It should be noted that whereas a quadrant of magnets 116 is described herein with reference to a preferred embodiment, in alternative embodiments, variations to the number and location of the magnets 116 may be provided within the purposive scope of the present embodiments. For example, the glove snap-on connector 115 may comprise a quadrant of magnets 116 whereas the mobile phone snap-on connector 118 may comprise a pair of magnets which selectively engage with respective pairs of the quadrant of magnets 116 of the glove snap-on connector 115. Furthermore, whereas the quadrant of magnets 116 allow the connection in the orthogonal orientations 121 as shown in Figure 2, additional magnets may be provided so as to, for example, allow the mobile phone device to be orientated in increments of 45°.

[86] In embodiments the snap-on connectors 115, 116 may comprise a peripheral orientation controlling track 127 and key to control the orientations 121 and the extent thereof.

[87] Specifically, with reference to Figure 4, the mobile phone snap-on connector 118 may comprise a peripheral recess 127 within which a peripheral key 128 is shown in Figure 6 travels. The key 128 and the peripheral track 127 control the permissible orientations 121 at which the mobile phone device may be connected. For example, if the mobile phone device were to be connected upside down, the key 120 and the track 127 would misalign. Furthermore, whilst rotating the mobile phone device between the various orientations 121 of Figure 2, the track 127 may be sized and orientated such that terminus ends 129 thereof abut against the key 128 at the extent of each opposite orientation 121. With reference to Figure 4, the peripheral track 127 may arc through 180° such that in the first landscape orientation 121B, the key 128 abuts against a first terminus 129 thereof and at the opposite landscape orientation 121C, the key 128 abuts against the opposite terminus 129 thereof.

[88] With reference to Figure 1, in embodiments, the system 100 may further comprise a rear glove snap-on connector 130 which may similarly comprise a quadrant of magnets 116 in embodiments.

[89] With reference to Figure 3 showing the back of the glove 101, there is shown the rear glove snap-on connector 130 fastened to a rear of the glove 101 such that a mobile phone device may be fastened thereto. The rear glove snap-on connector 130 may be used to hold a mobile phone device such as when cycling or the like. Furthermore, the rear snap-on connector 130 may be located behind the forefingers 105, 106 such that when the forefingers grip around an object such as a handlebar or the like, the rear snap-on connector 130 locates therebehind so as to allow for the connection of a mobile phone device 131 on top of the hand.

[90] Furthermore, the rear snap-on connector 131 may be orientated such that, when engaging the mobile phone snap-on connector 118, the mobile phone 131 is orientated in the manner shown in Figure 3 towards the gaze of the user. Alternatively, the rear snap-on connector 130 may allow the orientation of the mobile phone device 131 orthogonally with respect to the orientation shown in Figure 3. As such, in use, when the mobile phone device 131 is retained to the back of the hand using the rear snap-on connector 131, the display thereof is orientated towards the gaze of the user in either portrait or landscape orientation. When required for taking a self-portrait or the like, the mobile phone device 131 may be easily pulled from the rear snap-on connector 130 and connected to the front glove snap-on connector 115.

[91] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the system 100 may comprise a mobile phone housing 132 for holding the mobile phone device 131.

[92] With reference to Figure 4, the housing 132 may comprise a window 133 for avoiding the rearward camera of the mobile phone device 131.

[93] Furthermore, the housing 132 may comprise a backing 134 which comprises the mobile phone snap-on connector 118 recessed therein. The housing 132 may further comprise a front 135 comprising a periphery 136 which engages the mobile phone device 131 therein. Such a recess allows the connection of the mobile phone device substantially flush against the forefingers 105.

[94] In embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing 132 is custom fit. In other words, the front portion 135 and the periphery 136 thereof is configured for differing mobile phone devices. In this regard, a generic backing 134 may be provided which is fastened to customised mobile phone cases using adhesive or the like.

[95] However, Figures 14 - 16 show a generic housing 137 configured for adjusting to accommodate various sized mobile phone devices.

[96] With reference to Figure 14, the housing 137 may comprise a backing 138 and lateral engagements 139 which engage around and across the front periphery of the mobile phone device so as to hold the mobile phone device against the backing 138.

[97] The housing 137 may comprise a lateral gate 140 which is able to be pulled a laterally from the backing 118 to move the respective engagements 139 laterally for the insertion of the mobile phone device against the opposite engagements 139 whereafter the gate 140 retracts such as by under elastic or spring bias to close the associated engagements 139 against the mobile phone device.

[98] A front surface of the backing 138 may comprise a rubberised friction pad 141 for enhancing securement of the mobile phone device 131 within the generic housing 137. In embodiments, the surface of the backing 138 may further comprise at least one sticky pad 142 which may further enhance the retention of the mobile phone device therein. As can be seen from Figure 14, the sticky pad 114 may be located away from the gate 140 such that when the gate 140 is opened, the adjacent edge of the mobile phone device 131 may be gripped there underneath and wherein the location of the sticky pads 142 away from that edge allows the prizingof the mobile phone device 131 away from the distally located sticky pads 142. [99] With reference to Figure 16, the rear of the backing 138 may comprise an aperture 143 within which a clip 144 may be selectively engaged which pulls an elastic band 143 which pulls a harness against a top edge of the mobile phone device 131.

[100] The rear of the harness 141 may be forked so as to allow a gap for the camera of the mobile phone device is shown in Figure 16.

[101] With reference to Figures 10 - 13, in embodiments, the system may comprise an extension member 147. Extension member 147 may comprise a telescopic arm 148 comprising telescopic members 149.

[102] The lower end thereof may comprise an extension member snap-on connector 150 which may similarly comprise a quadrant of magnets 116 four snap-on connection with the glove snap-on connector 115 in the manner shown in Figure 13. An upper end thereof may comprise an accessory snap-on connector 151 which may similarly comprise a quadrant of magnets 116 four snap-on connection with an accessory snap-on connector (not shown).

[103] In this way, an accessory 152 may be held aloft using the extension member 147 from the love 101 and position in various orientations 121 in the manner shown in Figure 13.

[104] With reference to Figure 12, the periphery of the lower snap-on connector 150 may comprise a notch 153 sized to snuggly accommodate the key 128 of the glove snap-on connector 115 therein such that the lower snap-on connector 150 can only be connected to the glove snap-on connector 115 in one orientation. In this way, the notch 153 and the key 128, in conjunction with the orientation of the quadrant of magnets 116 hold the extension member 147 perpendicularly from the forefingers 105.

[105] With reference to Figure 11, in embodiments, the upper snap-on connector 151 may be variably pitch mounted to the extension member 148 to control the pitch of the mobile phone device 131 operably coupled thereto. In embodiments, the upper connector 151 may be connected to a pivot arm 154 which is pivotally engaged within an upper block 155 of the extension member 148.

[106] In embodiments, a photographic trigger, such as a Bluetooth transmitter, wired switch or the like may be fastened to a rear of the lower block 156 so as to allow for the triggering of the camera of the mobile phone device 131 using the thumb, despite the mobile phone device 131 being held aloft.

[107] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A handheld mobile phone retention system for self-portrait photography, the system comprising a glove comprising a first two forefinger sleeve and a releasable behind-thumb retention strap therebehind;, the glove snap-on connector comprising a radial arrangement of magnets, the glove snap-on connector located across a front of the sleeve; and a separable mobile phone snap-on connector comprising a corresponding radial arrangement of magnets for magnetic attraction snap- on connection to the glove snap-on connector, and wherein the respective radial arrangement of magnets are configured for holding the mobile phone snap-on connector in at least two snap-on orientations with respect to the glove snap-on connector, the at least two snap-on orientations being substantially orthogonal with respect to each other and wherein the respective connectors are configured for rotatable engagement such that the mobile phone snap-on connection can be twisted between the at least two snap-on orientations.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rigid reinforcement member within the sleeve and wherein the glove snap-on connector is fastened to the reinforcement member through the sleeve

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective radial arrangement of magnets each comprise a quadrant of magnets.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein respective magnets of the respective quadrants of magnets directly align at each of the at least two snap-on orientations.

5. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the snap-on connectors are configured such that a first of the snap-on orientations is a portrait orientation wherein a mobile phone connected thereto is aligned upright and a second of the snap-on orientations is a landscape orientation wherein the mobile phone connected thereto is aligned horizontally.

6. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mobile phone snap-on connector is recessed and wherein the glove snap-on connector locates within the recess.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the recess has circular cross-section and wherein the glove snap-on connector has a conforming circular cross-section such that the glove snap-on connector can rotate within the mobile phone snap-on connector.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein an inner periphery of the mobile snap-on connector peripherally engages an outer periphery of the glove snap-on connector.

9. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mobile phone snap-on connector comprises a peripheral guide track recess and wherein the glove snap-on connector comprises an orientation controlling key that travels within the guide track as the mobile phone snap-on connector rotates with respect to the glove snap-on connector.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the guide track arcs through 180°.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein a terminus of the guide track is configured such that when the key locates within the terminus, a mobile phone connected to the mobile phone snap-on connector is orientated in one of the at least two orthogonal snap-on orientations.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rear glove snap-on connector configured for magnetic snap-on connection with the mobile phone snap-on connector.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rear glove snap-on connector is located on the glove behind the forefingers.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rear glove snap-on connector is configured such that when the mobile phone snap-on connector is connected thereto, a mobile phone device connected thereto is orientated either in portrait or landscape orientation towards the gaze of a user.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the behind-thumb retention strap transitions from a palm side to a back side of the glove.

16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein a distal end of the thumb retention strap comprises a press fastener pad configured for press fastening against a corresponding press fastener pad at the back of the glove.

17. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glove further comprises a recessed aperture adjacent the sleeve configured for allowing the extension of the remaining two forefingers therethrough and wherein the recessed aperture is recessed such that both respective finger joints thereof are exposed therethrough.

18. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an extension member comprising a telescopic arm, a lower snap-on connector connected to the telescopic arm comprising radial arrangement of magnets configured for magnetic snap-on connection with the glove snap-on connector and an upper snap-on connector connected to the telescopic arm comprising a quadrant of magnets configured for magnetic snap-on connection with an accessory snap-on connector.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the upper snap-on connector is pivotally attachable to the telescopic arm to control the pitch of an accessory connected thereto.

20. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the lower snap-on connector comprises a peripheral recess configured for snugly receiving a corresponding peripheral key of the glove snap- on connector therein to hold the lower snap-on connection in one orientation with respect to the glove snap-on connector.