CA2559491A1 - Thumb or finger attachment for use with portable hand held devices - Google Patents
Thumb or finger attachment for use with portable hand held devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2559491A1 CA2559491A1 CA002559491A CA2559491A CA2559491A1 CA 2559491 A1 CA2559491 A1 CA 2559491A1 CA 002559491 A CA002559491 A CA 002559491A CA 2559491 A CA2559491 A CA 2559491A CA 2559491 A1 CA2559491 A1 CA 2559491A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- thumb
- finger
- attachment
- finger attachment
- bottom portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
- A41D13/08—Arm or hand
- A41D13/081—Hand protectors
- A41D13/087—Hand protectors especially for fingers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
- Gloves (AREA)
Abstract
A thumb or finger attachment which can provide for easier typing on keyboards of portable hand held devices. The thumb or finger attachment has a body portion, which consists of an integrally connected bottom portion and arcuate portion formed above the bottom portion.
The arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion. The bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging the keyboard of a handheld portable device.
The arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion. The bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging the keyboard of a handheld portable device.
Description
THUMB OR FINGER ATTACHMENT FOR USE WITH PORTABLE HAND HELD
DEVICES
This invention relates generally to a thumb or finger attachment, and, more particularly, to a thumb or finger attachment for people with large thumbs or fingers to use which can provide for easier typing on their keyboards, such as on a RIM BlackberryTM or similar type of portable hand held devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Portable hand held devices, which generally have smaller keyboards positioned thereon, are extremely popular and heavily utilized items in today's society. However, one persistent problem in utilizing such a device having a smaller keyboard or other keys positioned thereon is that it can be difficult to select the desired keys without inadvertently selecting another undesired key, particularly when the user of the device possesses large thumbs or fingers.
Thus, there is a need for an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing for people with large thumbs on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, and which is simple, easy to manufacture, and which is semi-adjustable. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing for people with large thumbs on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, and which is simple, easy to manufacture, and which is semi-adjustable.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, the thumb or finger attachment comprising a body portion comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thumb or finger attachment comprising thumb engaging means for coupling said thumb attachment to a distal portion of a thumb or fingerof a user, the thumb engaging means comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, the arcuate portion substantially encircling the distal portion of the thumb or the finger of the user when coupled thereto, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, the thumb or finger attachment comprising a body portion of flexible material comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around a thumb or a finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
The advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing for people with large thumbs on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, and which is simple, easy to manufacture, and which is semi-adjustable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention positioned on the thumb of a user; and Figure 2 is a top view of the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention shown positioned on the thumb of a user.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the present invention essentially comprises a thumb or finger attachment which can provide for easier typing on keyboards or keys of portable hand held devices, such as on a RIM BlackberryTM or similar type.
The thumb or finger attachment has a body portion comprises a body portion 1 having a bottom portion 5 and an arcuate portion 7 integrally formed above the bottom portion 5, wherein the arcuate portion 7 is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger 3 of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion. With reference to Figure 1, it can be seen that the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention can be made from a moldable clay, that is baked in the oven. Once baked, it has the consistency of a firm pencil eraser, and, in this way, is still flexible, but at the same time, provides grip for contacting the keys of the handheld portable device. In this manner, be being flexible, the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention can be deformed slightly, so as to be semi-adjustable, or whereby, for example, the wearer can modify a shape of the bottom portion 5 and the arcuate portion 7. As a further example of this, a wearer might desire to deform the outmost end of the bottom portion 5 of the thumb or finger attachment so as to provide for a narrower surface for contacting the keys of the handheld portable device.
Of course, it will also be understood that the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention can be made from plastic, or other suitable thermoplastic compositions. Preferably, the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention will be a one-piece design, though it will be readily understood that variations to this are conceivable.
With reference to Figure 2, it can be seen that the arcuate portion 7 provides for a partial ring, configured to extend at least partially around a thumb or a finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the end of a thumb (or finger) of the wearer within the arcuate portion.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments.
However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.
DEVICES
This invention relates generally to a thumb or finger attachment, and, more particularly, to a thumb or finger attachment for people with large thumbs or fingers to use which can provide for easier typing on their keyboards, such as on a RIM BlackberryTM or similar type of portable hand held devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Portable hand held devices, which generally have smaller keyboards positioned thereon, are extremely popular and heavily utilized items in today's society. However, one persistent problem in utilizing such a device having a smaller keyboard or other keys positioned thereon is that it can be difficult to select the desired keys without inadvertently selecting another undesired key, particularly when the user of the device possesses large thumbs or fingers.
Thus, there is a need for an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing for people with large thumbs on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, and which is simple, easy to manufacture, and which is semi-adjustable. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing for people with large thumbs on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, and which is simple, easy to manufacture, and which is semi-adjustable.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, the thumb or finger attachment comprising a body portion comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thumb or finger attachment comprising thumb engaging means for coupling said thumb attachment to a distal portion of a thumb or fingerof a user, the thumb engaging means comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, the arcuate portion substantially encircling the distal portion of the thumb or the finger of the user when coupled thereto, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, the thumb or finger attachment comprising a body portion of flexible material comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around a thumb or a finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
The advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing for people with large thumbs on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, and which is simple, easy to manufacture, and which is semi-adjustable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention positioned on the thumb of a user; and Figure 2 is a top view of the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention shown positioned on the thumb of a user.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the present invention essentially comprises a thumb or finger attachment which can provide for easier typing on keyboards or keys of portable hand held devices, such as on a RIM BlackberryTM or similar type.
The thumb or finger attachment has a body portion comprises a body portion 1 having a bottom portion 5 and an arcuate portion 7 integrally formed above the bottom portion 5, wherein the arcuate portion 7 is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger 3 of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion. With reference to Figure 1, it can be seen that the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention can be made from a moldable clay, that is baked in the oven. Once baked, it has the consistency of a firm pencil eraser, and, in this way, is still flexible, but at the same time, provides grip for contacting the keys of the handheld portable device. In this manner, be being flexible, the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention can be deformed slightly, so as to be semi-adjustable, or whereby, for example, the wearer can modify a shape of the bottom portion 5 and the arcuate portion 7. As a further example of this, a wearer might desire to deform the outmost end of the bottom portion 5 of the thumb or finger attachment so as to provide for a narrower surface for contacting the keys of the handheld portable device.
Of course, it will also be understood that the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention can be made from plastic, or other suitable thermoplastic compositions. Preferably, the thumb or finger attachment of the present invention will be a one-piece design, though it will be readily understood that variations to this are conceivable.
With reference to Figure 2, it can be seen that the arcuate portion 7 provides for a partial ring, configured to extend at least partially around a thumb or a finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the end of a thumb (or finger) of the wearer within the arcuate portion.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments.
However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.
Claims (11)
1. A thumb or finger attachment comprising:
thumb engaging means for coupling said thumb attachment to a distal portion of a thumb or finger of a user, the thumb engaging means comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, the arcuate portion substantially encircling the distal portion of the thumb or the finger of the user when coupled thereto, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
thumb engaging means for coupling said thumb attachment to a distal portion of a thumb or finger of a user, the thumb engaging means comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, the arcuate portion substantially encircling the distal portion of the thumb or the finger of the user when coupled thereto, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
2. A thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, the thumb or finger attachment comprising:
a body portion comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
a body portion comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around the thumb or finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
3. A thumb or finger attachment for providing easier typing on a keyboard of portable hand held devices, the thumb or finger attachment comprising:
a body portion of flexible material comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around a thumb or a finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
a body portion of flexible material comprising a bottom portion and an arcuate portion having a substantially frusto-conical cross-section formed above the bottom portion, wherein the arcuate portion is configured to extend at least partially around a thumb or a finger of a wearer when coupled thereto so as to substantially enclose the thumb or the finger of the wearer within the arcuate portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the thumb or the finger and terminates in a substantially narrow end for engaging a handheld portable device.
4. The thumb or finger attachment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thumb or finger attachment is made of a thermoplastic composition.
5. The thumb or finger attachment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thumb or finger attachment is made of a moldable clay which is baked.
6. The thumb or finger attachment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thumb or finger attachment is made of plastic.
7. The thumb or finger attachment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thumb or finger attachment is semi-adjustable.
8. The thumb or finger attachment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the thumb or finger attachment is made of a flexible material.
9. The thumb or finger attachment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the narrow end of the bottom portion engages a keyboard of the handheld portable device.
10. The thumb or finger attachment of claim 8, wherein the flexible material can be deformed by the user so as to modify a shape of the bottom portion and the arcuate portion.
11. The thumb or finger attachment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thumb or finger attachment is of a one-piece, unitary construction.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002559491A CA2559491A1 (en) | 2006-09-07 | 2006-09-07 | Thumb or finger attachment for use with portable hand held devices |
| US11/850,932 US20080060107A1 (en) | 2006-09-07 | 2007-09-06 | Thumb or finger attachment for use with portable hand held devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002559491A CA2559491A1 (en) | 2006-09-07 | 2006-09-07 | Thumb or finger attachment for use with portable hand held devices |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2559491A1 true CA2559491A1 (en) | 2008-03-07 |
Family
ID=39153689
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002559491A Abandoned CA2559491A1 (en) | 2006-09-07 | 2006-09-07 | Thumb or finger attachment for use with portable hand held devices |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20080060107A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2559491A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8237660B2 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2012-08-07 | Dara Lynn | Data input device |
| US20110205190A1 (en) * | 2010-02-23 | 2011-08-25 | Spaulding Diana A | Keypad ring |
| US20110273406A1 (en) * | 2010-05-10 | 2011-11-10 | Ron Brailey | Texting ring for operating the keys of keypads of cell phones and hand-held communication devices |
| US20120000002A1 (en) * | 2010-07-01 | 2012-01-05 | Romney Lynn Prince | Thumb-eez |
| CN102750010A (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2012-10-24 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Stylus |
| USD869775S1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-12-10 | Vsquad, Llc | Thumb guard |
| US20220079259A1 (en) * | 2020-09-14 | 2022-03-17 | Deborah Bush | Thumb Assistance Tool |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US760339A (en) * | 1903-09-04 | 1904-05-17 | Joseph G Marsh | Finger-pad. |
| US835803A (en) * | 1905-09-11 | 1906-11-13 | Arthur P Witten | Finger-cot. |
| US1261706A (en) * | 1917-05-25 | 1918-04-02 | James B Condley | Finger attachment. |
| US2717799A (en) * | 1952-12-02 | 1955-09-13 | Translon Company | Plastic finger pad or cot |
| US3531029A (en) * | 1969-05-16 | 1970-09-29 | Kenneth P Lee | Wraparound thimble |
| US4084824A (en) * | 1976-08-04 | 1978-04-18 | Kalivas Christopher G | Device to assist in holding a playing record to clean the same and the method of using the same |
| US20070118947A1 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2007-05-31 | Lorenzo Philip C | Ventilated and swing away finger cot for handling paper documents |
| US20060066563A1 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2006-03-30 | Don Mochwart | Finger-mounted instrument |
-
2006
- 2006-09-07 CA CA002559491A patent/CA2559491A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-09-06 US US11/850,932 patent/US20080060107A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20080060107A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US20080060107A1 (en) | Thumb or finger attachment for use with portable hand held devices | |
| WO2007084546A3 (en) | Golf glove with thumb support | |
| WO2005079333A3 (en) | Ergonomic handle and articulating laparoscopic tool | |
| WO2004034873A3 (en) | Endoscope valve assembly and method | |
| WO2006132746A3 (en) | Ergonomic keyboard apparatus | |
| US6343885B1 (en) | Writing instrument with hand grip | |
| CA2288884A1 (en) | Ergonomic handle and driver incorporating same | |
| EP1479486A3 (en) | Cushion grip handle | |
| JP5458337B2 (en) | Tool handle | |
| CA2409058A1 (en) | Glove with tapered fingers | |
| US6998548B2 (en) | Buffering protective handheld controller | |
| USD635736S1 (en) | West Virginia “Fan”-cy spirit finger gloves | |
| US20090266626A1 (en) | Flexible Stylus Tip With Flat Contact Surface | |
| US20070281838A1 (en) | Skipping Ropes | |
| JP2011030938A (en) | Grip for golf club | |
| WO2006047642A3 (en) | Multipurpose glove | |
| WO2005088432A3 (en) | Constructive disposition applied to the orthopedic computer mouse | |
| WO2004102321A3 (en) | An ergonomic hand-held computer input and control device | |
| MX2023009834A (en) | Grip for video game controller. | |
| CA2368535A1 (en) | Manipulation levers of forklift and forklift | |
| JP2008067796A (en) | Grip | |
| AU2003265211B2 (en) | Table-tennis bat(pen-holding type) | |
| USD968138S1 (en) | Hand stand | |
| US20050190532A1 (en) | Buffering protective handheld controller device | |
| US20110205190A1 (en) | Keypad ring |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20150908 |