US20140027482A1

US20140027482A1 - Mobile device grasping attachment and holder for use with same

Info

Publication number: US20140027482A1
Application number: US13/875,825
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenneth Ray Crawford; Richard Lane Stafford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-30
Filing date: 2013-05-02
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

A grasping attachment for a mobile device includes a body coupled to the mobile device. The body is coupled to a back surface of the mobile device. The body includes a raised portion above a surface of the mobile device with an opening in the raised portion. A ring is coupled to the body with one or more elastic members at the opening. The elastic members allow the ring to swivel while being coupled to the body. The ring is sized to allow at least one finger of a user to be inserted through the ring and securely grasp the mobile device.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/741,902 filed Jul. 30, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/849,351 filed Jan. 25, 2013, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to mobile device accessories. More particularly, the invention relates to an attachment for a mobile device and a holder for a mobile device.
2. Description of Related Art
Many varieties of cases for mobile devices (such as mobile cellular phones and tablets) have been developed. Cases are used for protection and/or enhancing the ability to grip and manipulate the mobile device. Cases may also be used to support and/or connect the mobile device to other devices or structures.
While many cases have been developed with a variety of grasping features, there still remains a need for grasping attachments as raised portions on the case bodies or as separate units that allow quick and easy grasping of the mobile device in a secure manner. For example, it may be desirable to have a grasping attachment that allows quick and secure grasping of the mobile device using one hand. The grasping attachment may also include flexibility to be grasped in a variety of ways and/or support for placing the mobile device on a surface. It may also be desirable for the grasping system to be non-intrusive to, for example, allow a mobile device to be easily stored in a holder, in a pocket, or in a protective sleeve.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, a grasping attachment for a mobile device includes a body coupled to the mobile device. The body is coupled to a back surface of the mobile device. The body includes a raised portion above a surface of the mobile device with an opening in the raised portion. A ring is coupled to the body with one or more elastic members at the opening. The elastic members allow the ring to swivel while being coupled to the body. The ring is sized to allow at least one finger of a user to be inserted through the ring and securely grasp the mobile device.
In some embodiments, the body includes a notch located a distance from the opening in the body that is about equal to a diameter of the ring. The ring may move relative to the body such that an inside surface of the ring fits into the notch to secure the ring to the body. The ring may be almost planar with the mobile device when the ring is in the notch. In some embodiments, the ring is pressed at or near the opening to release the ring from the notch.
In certain embodiments, a holder for a mobile device includes an enclosure with a rectangular shape substantially similar to the mobile device. A coupling device on a back surface of the enclosure couples the enclosure to a surface or an object. The enclosure may include an open end that allows the mobile device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The enclosure may include an opening on a front surface of the enclosure with the opening having a border along three sides of the front surface of the enclosure to retain the mobile device in the enclosure. The opening may allow the grasping attachment coupled to the mobile device to be accessed by a user of the mobile device while the mobile device is in the enclosure and the grasping attachment to be used by the user to remove the mobile device from the enclosure out the open end of the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the ring is allowed to be swiveled by the user into a position that allows the user's finger to be inserted through the ring while the mobile device is in the enclosure. The user's finger may be allowed to be inserted into the ring and used to remove the mobile device from the enclosure. The open end in the enclosure may allow the mobile device to be inserted lengthwise into the enclosure and removed lengthwise from the enclosure. The coupling device may couple the enclosure to the user's belt or pants. A display surface of the mobile device may be oriented towards the back surface of the enclosure when the mobile device is in the enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the methods and apparatus of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a grasping attachment for a mobile device.

FIGS. 2A-E depict various views of an embodiment of a body of the grasping attachment.

FIG. 3 depicts a representation of an embodiment of a ring of the grasping attachment.

FIG. 4 depicts a representation of an embodiment of an elastic member of the grasping attachment.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the grasping attachment coupled to a mobile device.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the grasping attachment coupled to a mobile device with a ring rotated about 90° from the normal position.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the grasping attachment coupled to a mobile device with a ring tilted about 60° from the position shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the grasping attachment coupled to a mobile device with a ring in a notch.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the grasping attachment coupled to a mobile device with a ring being pressed with a finger to pop the ring out of a notch.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 with a finger on the user's hand inserted in the ring.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the grasping attachment with the ring supporting the mobile device on a surface.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment a mobile device in a holder with a grasping attachment coupled to the mobile device.

FIGS. 13A-C depicts various views of an embodiment of a holder.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile device in a holder with a grasping attachment coupled to the mobile device.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the context of this patent, the term “coupled” means either a direct connection or an indirect connection (e.g., one or more intervening connections) between one or more objects or components. The phrase “directly connected” means a direct connection between objects or components such that the objects or components are connected directly to each other so that the objects or components operate in a “point of use” manner.
In the context of this patent, the term “mobile device” refers to any electronic device that utilizes mobile connection technology (e.g., cellular, satellite, or wireless technology). Examples of mobile devices include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, smart cellular phones, PDAs, computer tablets, GPS units, and gaming devices.
FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 for a mobile device. In certain embodiments, grasping attachment 100 includes body 102, ring 104, and elastic member 106. Body 102, ring 104, and elastic member 106 may be separate components coupled together to form grasping attachment 100.
FIGS. 2A-E depict various views of an embodiment of body 102. In certain embodiments, body 102 is formed using a hard plastic material (e.g., PVC or similar materials). Body 102 may, however, be formed using any material known in the art (e.g., materials used for mobile device cases).
FIG. 3 depicts a representation of an embodiment of ring 104. In certain embodiments, ring 104 is made of metal (e.g., brass or nickel). In some embodiments, ring 104 includes gap 104A. Gap 104A may allow the ring to be slightly opened and objects to be coupled to the ring. In some embodiments, ring 104 is similar to a key ring and includes a groove that allows objects to be coupled to the ring.
FIG. 4 depicts a representation of an embodiment of elastic member 106. In certain embodiments, elastic member 106 is a looped elastic member (e.g., an elastic band). Elastic member 106 may be made of any durable elastic material (e.g., neoprene) with sufficient elastic properties and strength for holding objects securely.
FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 coupled to mobile device 101. In certain embodiments, body 102 of grasping attachment 100 is coupled to a back surface of mobile device 101 (e.g., the back, non-display (non-LCD screen) surface of the mobile device). For example, grasping attachment 100 may be directly connected to the back surface of mobile device 101. In some embodiments, body 102 of grasping attachment 100 is coupled to mobile device 101 using an adhesive. Examples of adhesives include, but are not limited, to 3M™ Command™ adhesive products and 3M™ VHB™ adhesive products. In some embodiments, grasping attachment 100 is coupled to a case or case body for mobile device 101 (e.g., a snap fit mobile device case). In some embodiments, grasping attachment 100 is formed as an integral part of the mobile device case (e.g., the grasping attachment and the mobile device case are a single piece). The mobile device case may have a shape substantially similar to the mobile device. The mobile device case may include the grasping attachment as a raised portion on the body of the case.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, body 102 includes raised portion 103. Raised portion 103 may be, for example, a portion of body 102 raised above the back surface of mobile device 101 (e.g., the raised portion of the body creates a gap between the body and the back surface of the mobile device). In some embodiments, raised portion 103 has a substantially flat or a slightly rounded surface profile. In some embodiments, raised portion 103 includes lowered surface 105. Lowered surface 105 may be coupled to mobile device 101 to provide support to raised portion 103 and body 100 (e.g., the lowered surface is attached to the mobile device with adhesive to provide support for the raised portion of the body).
In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, ring 104 is coupled to raised portion 103 with one or more elastic members 106 at opening 108 in the raised portion. In some embodiments, one elastic member 106 is used to couple ring 104 to raised portion 103. In some embodiments, two elastic members 106 are used to couple ring 104 to raised portion 103. To secure ring 104 to raised portion 103 and body 102, elastic member(s) 106 may be placed on the ring and centered on the ring. For example, elastic member(s) 106 may be placed through ring 104 or the elastic member(s) may be placed onto the ring using gap 104A. The ends of elastic member(s) 106 may be pulled through opening 108 such that ring 104 is pulled tightly towards the opening. The ends of elastic member(s) 106 may be pulled over tabs 110 to secure the elastic member(s) and ring 104 at opening 108. Thus, elastic member(s) 106 extends from tab 110, under raised portion 103, through opening 108, over ring 104, back through the opening, under the raised portion, and back onto the tab.
The above method for securing ring 104 at opening 108 with elastic member(s) 106 is provided as an example with an understanding that other methods for securing the ring at the opening with the elastic member(s) are possible (e.g., the elastic member(s) can be secured over one tab 110, pulled through the opening and over the ring, and secured to the other tab 110). In certain embodiments, tabs 110 include protrusions or edges that inhibit elastic members 106 from sliding off the tabs (e.g., the elastic members do not accidentally come off the tabs).
Elastic member(s) 106 provide tension that holds ring 104 tightly to raised portion 103 at opening 108 when the ends of the elastic member are placed on tabs 110. Tension provided by elastic member(s) 106 may cause ring 104 to have a normal (default) position, as shown in FIG. 5. In the normal position, the opening in ring 104 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges of mobile device 101 (e.g., the flat sides of the ring are substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges of the mobile device). In the normal position, ring 104 may be substantially vertical (e.g., in a 90° position above raised portion 103 and/or mobile device 101).
In certain embodiments, elastic member 106 allows ring 104 to swivel (e.g., tilt and/or rotate) at opening 108 while remaining coupled to raised portion 103 and/or mobile device 101. FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 coupled to mobile device 101 with ring 104 rotated about 90° from the normal position. Because ring 104 is only held by elastic member at essentially a point at opening 108, the ring may both tilt and rotate with respect to mobile device 101, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 5 and 6.
In some embodiments, ring 104 rotates up to about 360° around opening 108. In certain embodiments, ring 104 is tilted anywhere between a substantially vertical position (perpendicular to the back surface of case body 101) and a substantially horizontal position (parallel or planar with the back surface of the case body). FIG. 7 depicts a side view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 coupled to mobile device 101 with ring 104 tilted about 60° from the position shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, ring 104 is rotated and tilted simultaneously (e.g., the ring is tilted while rotating or rotated while tilting).
Ring 104 may be rotated and/or tilted, for example, by a hand or fingers of a user. When ring 104 is moved (e.g., tilted and/or rotated), tension in elastic member(s) 106 may generate restoring forces to move the ring back towards the normal position. Depending the forces applied and on the tension and elasticity in elastic member(s) 106, ring 104 may be moved completely back to the normal position or only partially back towards the normal position by the restoring forces (e.g., the ring may remain in a rotated and/or tilted position or return towards the normal position).
In certain embodiments, body 102 includes notch 112 on an end of the body, shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-7. Notch 112 may be located a distance from opening 108 that is about equal to a diameter of ring 104. Notch 112 may be on a non-raised portion of the body. The non-raised portion of body 102 may have a substantially similar shape to an inside surface of ring 104 (e.g., the non-raised portion has a curved shape that substantially mirrors the inner curvature of the ring). Notch 112 may include lip 114 (shown in FIGS. 5-7) that secures ring 104 in the notch when the ring is in the notch.
During use, ring 104 may be rotated about 90° from the normal position (as shown in FIG. 6) and, at about the same time, the ring may be tilted towards notch 112 (as shown in FIG. 7). As ring 104 is tilted down, the ring may be pushed with some force over lip 114 and into notch 112 (e.g., the ring may be “snapped” into the notch by applying some downward force on the ring). Tension from elastic member(s) 106 may then hold (secure) ring 104 in notch 112. FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 coupled to mobile device 101 with ring 104 in notch 112.
Moving ring 104 into notch 112 secures the ring to body 102 in a relatively planar position (e.g., the ring is substantially planar or almost planar with mobile device 101). In the secured position, ring 104 does not project from grasping attachment 100, which allows the grasping attachment and mobile device 101 to easily be stored, for example, in a holder, a pocket of the user, or a protective sleeve. Because of the tension provided by elastic member(s) 106, ring 104 is inhibited from inadvertently releasing from notch 112 (e.g., movement and force must be applied to the ring to dislodge the ring from the notch).
In some embodiments, body 102 includes raised surface 115 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Raised surface 115 may support ring 104 when the ring is in notch 112. Raised surface 115 may have a rounded profile to minimize the volume of the raised surface and/or to provide structural integrity for the raised surface.
Ring 104 may be released from notch 112 by moving the ring up and out of the notch. For example, in one embodiment, the user's finger or thumb may be used to apply force to a part of ring 104 near opening 108 and move the ring up and out of notch 112. In certain embodiments, the user's finger or thumb presses on ring 104 near opening 108 and the ring pops out of notch 112. FIG. 9 depicts a side view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 coupled to mobile device 101 with ring 104 being pressed with finger 116 at opening 108 to pop the ring out of notch 112. Once ring 104 is out of (dislodged) from notch 112, the tension of elastic member(s) 106 may pop the ring up and away from the notch (e.g., the ring may pop to a position such as shown in FIG. 7).
In some embodiments, a finger of a user is placed through the opening in ring 104. FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 with finger 116 on the user's hand inserted in ring 104. The user may put his/her finger 116 through ring 104 to securely hold onto grasping attachment 100 and mobile device 101.
In some embodiments, a user is able to release ring 104 out of notch 112 and immediately slide the user's finger through the ring to quickly grasp and secure mobile device 101. For example, the user may have mobile device 101 in the user's pocket, reach in the pocket with the user's hand, release ring 104 out of notch 112 while the mobile device is in the pocket, and slide the user's finger through the ring to secure the mobile device and remove the mobile device from the pocket.
FIG. 10 depicts a user's left hand grasping mobile device 101. Ring 104, however, may deploy for either a right or left handed user depending on which direction the ring is rotated before securing the ring in notch 112. For example, in certain embodiments, if ring 104 is rotated clockwise before securing the ring in notch 112, the ring will release in position for a user's left hand to grasp mobile device 101. Contrastingly, if ring 104 is rotated counterclockwise before securing the ring in notch 112, the ring will release in position for a user's right hand to grasp mobile device 101. The above rotation directions are merely provided as one example of how ring 104 may be selectively engaged with either a left or right hand of a user. It is to be understood that the rotation directions may be changed or varied, for example, by changing the number of elastic members coupling ring 104 to raised portion 103 and/or varying the tension in the elastic members.
In some embodiments, ring 104 is used to support mobile device 102 on a surface and allow use of the device at an angle on the surface. For example, ring 104 may be used to support mobile device 101 on the surface for tilted viewing of the device. FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an embodiment of grasping attachment 100 with ring 104 supporting mobile device 101 on surface 118. In some embodiments, ring 104 is used to support mobile device 101 at about a 60° angle on surface 118. Other angles, however, may also be supported depending on the weight of mobile device 102 and/or the tension in elastic member 106.
FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment mobile device 100 in holder 200 with grasping attachment 100 coupled to the mobile device. FIG. 13A depicts a back view of an embodiment of holder 200. FIG. 13B depicts a left side view of an embodiment of holder 200. FIG. 13C depicts a right side view of an embodiment of holder 200. FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of mobile device 100 in holder 200 with grasping attachment 100 coupled to the mobile device. Holder 200 may be used in combination with grasping attachment 100 to hold mobile device 101. Holder 200 provides a simple and secure holder for any mobile device with grasping attachment 100 (or a similar grasping device) attached to the mobile device.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, holder 200 includes enclosure 202. Enclosure 202 may surround mobile device 101 to hold the mobile device. Enclosure 202 may have a shape substantially similar to mobile device 101. For example, enclosure 202 may have a rectangular shape similar to that of a cellular phone or a tablet. Enclosure 202 may be made of a rigid (hard) material such as plastic (e.g., PVC) or, in some embodiments, a soft rigid material such as leather or soft sided plastic. In some embodiments, enclosure 202 is made of any material used for mobile device cases known in the art.
In certain embodiments, enclosure 202 includes open end 204. Open end 204 allows mobile device 101 (and grasping attachment 100) to be inserted into and removed from enclosure 202. For example, mobile device 101 may be inserted lengthwise into enclosure 202 through open end 204. Similarly, mobile device 101 may be removed lengthwise from enclosure 202 through open end 204. In certain embodiments, when mobile device 101 is in enclosure 202, the mobile device is held with a longer dimension of the mobile device (e.g., the longitudinal dimension) substantially horizontal. For example, the longer dimensions of enclosure 202 and mobile device 101 are substantially horizontal relative to the ground.
In certain embodiments, enclosure 202 includes detent 205 at open end 204. Detent 205 may retain mobile device 101 in enclosure 202 (e g , inhibit the mobile device from falling out of the enclosure). Detent 205 may provide some force to retain mobile device 101 in enclosure 202. The user may move mobile device 101 with a force that overcomes detent 205 to allow the mobile device to be removed from enclosure 202. For example, the user may use grasping attachment 100 to apply force to overcome detent 205 and remove mobile device 101 from enclosure 202.
In certain embodiments, mobile device 101 is inserted into enclosure 202 with a display surface (e.g., the screen) of the mobile device oriented towards a back surface of the enclosure (e.g., the display surface is facing into the page, as shown in FIG. 12). In some embodiments, the interior of the back surface of enclosure 202 includes material 206. Material 206 may be, for example, a cloth material, a microfiber material, or other screen cleaning material used to clean the display surface of mobile device 101 when the mobile device is inserted into or removed from enclosure 202. Thus, the display surface of mobile device 101 may be wiped free of oil and debris when the mobile device is inserted into or removed from enclosure 202.
In certain embodiments, enclosure 202 includes opening 208 on the front surface of the enclosure. Opening 208 provides an opening for grasping attachment 100 to remain coupled to mobile device 101 when the mobile device is inserted into enclosure 202. As shown in FIG. 12, opening 208 includes border 210 along three sides of the front surface of enclosure 202. Border 210 may be planar portions of enclosure 202 that border opening 208 to provide a surface that retains mobile device 101 in the enclosure (e.g., the border keeps the mobile device from falling out of the enclosure through opening 208).
In certain embodiments, a user accesses grasping attachment 100 through opening 208 in enclosure 202. Thus, the user may access grasping attachment 100 while mobile device 101 is in holder 200 (e.g., the user may swivel ring 104 on the grasping attachment while the mobile device is in the holder). In one embodiment, the user releases ring 104 from notch 112, as described above, while mobile device 101 is in holder 200, then inserts finger 116 into the ring and removes the mobile device from the holder 200. FIG. 10 depicts finger 116 in ring 104 while mobile device 101 is in holder 200.
In certain embodiments, one or more coupling devices 212 are coupled to the back surface of enclosure 202, as shown in FIGS. 13A-C. Coupling devices 212 may be, for example, belt loops, belt clips, or other suitable attachment devices for coupling enclosure 202 to a surface or an object (e.g., a user's belt or pants). In one embodiment, when enclosure 202 is coupled to a user's belt or pants, open end 204 may be oriented forward to allow the user to insert and remove mobile device 101 from the user's front.
Holder 200 provides a simple and convenient device for holding mobile device 101 when grasping attachment 100 is coupled to the mobile device. Using holder 200 without grasping attachment 100 coupled to mobile device 101 may be unsafe as the user may not be able to securely grasp the mobile device when inserting or removing the mobile device without a secure means for grasping the mobile device (e.g., the grasping attachment).
It is to be understood the invention is not limited to particular systems described which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a body” includes a combination of two or more bodies and reference to “a material” includes mixtures of materials.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A grasping attachment for a mobile device, comprising:

a body configured to be coupled to a mobile device, wherein the body is coupled to a back surface of the mobile device during use, and wherein the body comprises a raised portion above a surface of the mobile device with an opening in the raised portion; and

a ring coupled to the body with one or more elastic members at the opening, wherein the elastic members allow the ring to swivel while being coupled to the body, and wherein the ring is sized to allow at least one finger of a user to be inserted through the ring and securely grasp the mobile device.

2. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a notch.

3. The grasping attachment of claim 2, wherein the notch is located a distance from the opening in the body that is about equal to a diameter of the ring.

4. The grasping attachment of claim 2, wherein the ring moves relative to the body such that an inside surface of the ring fits into the notch to secure the ring to the body.

5. The grasping attachment of claim 2, wherein the ring is almost planar with the mobile device when the ring is in the notch.

6. The grasping attachment of claim 2, wherein the body comprises a raised surface that supports the ring when the ring is in the notch.

7. The grasping attachment of claim 2, wherein the ring is pressed at or near the opening to release the ring from the notch.

8. The grasping attachment of claim 1, further comprising one or more tabs located on the body, wherein ends of the elastic member are secured to the tabs to secure the ring to the body.

9. The grasping attachment of claim 8, wherein the tabs include protrusions to inhibit the elastic member from sliding off the tabs.

10. The grasping attachment of claim 8, wherein the elastic member extends from at least one tab, under the raised portion of the body, through the opening, over at least a portion of the ring, back through the opening, under the raised portion of the body, and onto at least one tab.

11. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the elastic member pulls the ring towards the body at the opening.

12. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to be coupled to the mobile device with an adhesive.

13. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the body is coupled to a mobile device case, and wherein the mobile device case is configured to be coupled to the mobile device.

14. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the elastic member allows the ring to tilt and rotate with respect to the body.

15. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the elastic member allows the ring to rotate substantially 360° around the coupling between the ring and the body.

16. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the elastic member normally locates the ring with the opening of the ring being substantially parallel to longitudinal edges of the body.

17. The grasping attachment of claim 1, wherein the ring is swiveled with respect to the body using a finger of the user.

18. A holder for a mobile device, comprising:

an enclosure with a rectangular shape substantially similar to the mobile device; and

a coupling device on a back surface of the enclosure, wherein the coupling device is configured to couple the enclosure to a surface or an object;

wherein the enclosure includes an open end that allows the mobile device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure;

wherein the enclosure includes an opening on a front surface of the enclosure, the opening having a border along three sides of the front surface of the enclosure to retain the mobile device in the enclosure; and

wherein the opening allows a grasping attachment coupled to the mobile device to be accessed by a user of the mobile device while the mobile device is in the enclosure and the grasping attachment to be used by the user to remove the mobile device from the enclosure out the open end of the enclosure.

19. The holder of claim 18, wherein the grasping attachment comprises:

a body coupled to a back surface of the mobile device; and

a ring coupled to the body with one or more elastic members, wherein the elastic member allows the ring to swivel while being coupled to the body, and wherein the ring is sized to allow at least one finger of the user to be inserted through the ring and securely grasp the mobile device.

20. The holder of claim 19, wherein the ring is allowed to be swiveled by the user into a position that allows the user's finger to be inserted through the ring while the mobile device is in the enclosure, and the user's finger is allowed to be inserted into the ring and used to remove the mobile device from the enclosure.

21. The holder of claim 18, wherein the open end in the enclosure allows the mobile device to be inserted lengthwise into the enclosure and removed lengthwise from the enclosure.

22. The holder of claim 18, wherein the coupling device is configured to couple the enclosure to the user's belt or pants.

23. The holder of claim 18, wherein the coupling device couples the enclosure to the surface or the object such that the mobile device, when in the enclosure, is held with a longer dimension of the mobile device being substantially horizontal.

24. The holder of claim 18, wherein a display surface of the mobile device is oriented towards the back surface of the enclosure when the mobile device is in the enclosure.

25. The holder of claim 18, wherein an interior of the back surface of the enclosure comprises a material that cleans a display surface of the mobile device as the mobile device is inserted into or removed from the enclosure.

26. The holder of claim 18, wherein the enclosure includes a detent at the open end of the enclosure to retain the mobile device in the enclosure until force is applied using the grasping attachment to remove the mobile device from the enclosure.