Stability Structure for Mobile Electronic Devices

Abstract

A stability structure for a mobile electronic device is provided. The stability structure includes a plurality of aglets. An elastic member is connected to and extends between the aglets. The elastic member is placed against a back surface of a mobile electronic device or a back surface of its protective case. Adhesive members attach the aglets to the back surface of the mobile electronic device or the back surface of its protective case. In an installed position, the elastic member and the back surface of the mobile electronic device or the back surface of its protective case form a gap to receive a user's fingers. The elastic member urges the inserted fingers against the back surface of the mobile electronic device or the back surface of its protective case thereby allowing the user to securely hold the mobile electronic device with one hand.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stability structure configured for a mobile electronic device, the stability structure comprising:
 a plurality of aglets, the aglets having a lower surface;   an elastic member connected to and extending between the plurality of aglets, the elastic member having lower surface, the elastic member configured for placement against a back surface of a mobile electronic device or a back surface of its protective case;   a plurality of adhesive members attached to the lower surfaces of the aglets, the adhesive members configured to attach the aglets to the back surface of the mobile electronic device or the back surface of its protective case;   wherein with the stability structure in an installed position, the lower surface of the elastic member and the back surface of the mobile electronic device or the back surface of its protective case are configured to form a gap to receive a user's fingers, and wherein the elastic member is further configured to urge the fingers inserted into the gap against the back surface of the mobile electronic device or the back surface of its protective case thereby allowing the user to securely hold the mobile electronic device with one hand.   
     
     
         2 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein the aglet includes a first segment connected to a second segment along a longitudinal edge. 
     
     
         3 . The stability structure of  claim 2 , wherein the first segment has a shorter width than the width of the second segment. 
     
     
         4 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein elastic member has a width that corresponds to the width of the aglets. 
     
     
         5 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic member has an upper surface and wherein the upper surface includes a plurality of surface structures. 
     
     
         6 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic member has a stretched length that is longer than a contracted length by an amount in a range of from about 10.0% to about 50%. 
     
     
         7 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic member is formed from an elastic material, such as neoprene. 
     
     
         8 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein in an installed position against the back surface of the mobile electronic device, the elastic member has a contracted, substantially flat orientation. 
     
     
         9 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein in an installed position against the back surface of the mobile electronic device and with the user's fingers inserted into gap, the elastic member has an arcuate cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         10 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein a lower surface of the elastic member includes a covering material. 
     
     
         11 . The stability structure of  claim 10 , wherein the covering material is formed from an elastic polymeric material, such as Lycra®. 
     
     
         12 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic member has a crimped connection with the aglets. 
     
     
         13 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein the aglets have a curved or arcuate cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         14 . The stability structure of  claim 1 , wherein a second elastic member is connected to the aglets and extends therebetween, and wherein the second elastic member is positioned between the elastic member and the back surface of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         15 . The stability structure of  claim 14 , wherein the second elastic member includes a plurality of layers. 
     
     
         16 . The stability structure of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of layers cooperate to form a closed pouch. 
     
     
         17 . The stability structure of  claim 16 , wherein the closed pouch is positioned between the elastic member and the back surface of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         18 . The stability structure of  claim 14 , wherein in an installed position against the back surface of the mobile electronic device, the elastic member and the second elastic member have a contracted, substantially flat orientation. 
     
     
         19 . The stability structure of  claim 16 , wherein in an installed position against the back surface of the mobile electronic device, the closed pouch is hidden from view. 
     
     
         20 . The stability structure of  claim 14 , wherein the second elastic member is formed from an elastic polymeric material, such as Lycra®.