Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Handle – handle component – or handle adjunct – Handle with ergonomic structure enhancements such as...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-28
2001-03-20
Kramer, Dean J. (Department: 3652)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Handle, handle component, or handle adjunct
Handle with ergonomic structure enhancements such as...
C016S422000, C294S001200, C294S137000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202257
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to handheld devices and, more particularly, to a handheld device having a modifiable handgrip configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Handheld devices, such as remote controllers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cellular phones, have become increasingly popular as technology has advanced. Most of these handheld devices can be held and operated in one hand, or held in one hand and operated with the other hand.
Many users of handheld devices prefer to grip the device by its sides using their fingers or to cradle the device in the palm of their hand. Most handheld devices are designed and formed best for use while either gripped by the sides or cradled in the palm of the hand, but are not formed best for use both ways. For example, PDAs, which are generally rectangular with concave sides, may be gripped easily by the sides. However, a PDA having convex sides may be better fitted to the palm of the hand for a user preferring to operate the device cradled in the palm of the hand. The same situation may apply to other handheld devices, in that the handheld device may be better configured for a handheld use not preferable to the user of the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a handheld device that has a modifiable handgrip configuration. The modifiable handgrip configuration allows the form of the handheld device to be changed depending on the needs and preferences of a user of the device. For example, a user who prefers to grip the device by the edges may change the handgrip configuration of the device to a form optimized for gripping at the edges, while a user who prefers to cradle the device in the palm of the hand may change the handgrip configuration to a form optimized for cradling in the palm of the hand.
In an embodiment of the invention, a generally rectangular device is provided with an edge configured to allow removal and replacement of handgrips at the sides of the device. Each handgrip of the device may be removed and replaced by sliding the handgrip out of and into grooves formed on the sides of the device with a rib formed on the handgrip to engage the grooves. Alternatively, other methods could be used to allow removal and replacement of the handgrips. For example, the rib could be formed on the side of the device, and a groove on the handgrip could engage the rib for removal and replacement of the handgrip by sliding, or snap fasteners could be used to secure the handgrip on each side of the device.
In the embodiment, the handgrip may be formed with a convex or concave form. When a user desires to grip the device by the sides, handgrips having concave form may be used. When a user desires to cradle the device in palm of the hand, handgrips having convex form may be used.
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Dana Jubin
Kramer Dean J.
Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
Rivers Brian T.
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