Ergonomic control system for electronic devices

Abstract

A control system configured with ergonomic hand grips is provided. The control system may be configured with the steering device of a vehicle and may include control buttons that may be programmed to control different aspects of electronic devices.

1 . A control system, the system comprising:
 a controller configured to control at least one electronic device;   at least one hand grip adaptable for use on a steering device and including a first portion adapted to engage a user's palm and a second portion located opposite to the first portion and adapted to engage the user's fingers; and   a first control button configured with the second portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's index finger when the user grips the at least one hand grip, the first control button communicatively coupled to said controller;   wherein activation of the first control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a second control button configured with the second portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's middle finger when the user grips the at least one hand grip; 
 wherein activation of the second control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device. 
 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a third control button configured with the second portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's ring finger when the user grips the at least one hand grip; 
 wherein activation of the third control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device. 
 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising:
 a fourth control button configured with the second portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's small finger when the user grips the at least one hand grip; 
 wherein activation of the fourth control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device. 
 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a third portion adjacent the first portion and adapted to engage the user's thumb; and 
 a thumb control button configured with the third portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's thumb when the user grips the at least one hand grip; 
 wherein activation of the thumb control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device. 
 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the steering device includes at least one of a handlebar configured with a bicycle, a steering wheel configured with an automobile, a steering wheel configured with a boat, a handlebar configured with a motorcycle, and a handlebar configured with a scooter. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one electronic device is at least one selected from the group: a smartphone, a mobile music player, a mobile GPS unit and a turn signal. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the output control signals are at least one chosen from the group: play/pause, volume up, volume down, skip forward, skip back, move to the next playlist, turn on left turn signal and turn on right turn signal. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the control signals are output using a wireless communication protocol. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a display. 
     
     
         11 . A hand grip for use with a vehicle steering device and a controller, the controller adapted to control at least one electronic device, the hand grip comprising:
 a first portion adapted to engage a user's palm;   a second portion adapted to engage the user's fingers;   a first control button configured with the second portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's index finger when the user grips the hand grip, the first control button communicatively coupled to said controller;   wherein activation of the first control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device.   
     
     
         12 . The hand grip of  claim 11  wherein the second portion is located opposite to the first portion. 
     
     
         13 . The hand grip of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a second control button configured with the second portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's middle finger when the user grips the hand grip, the second control button communicatively coupled to said controller; 
 wherein activation of the second control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device. 
 
     
     
         14 . The hand grip of  claim 13  further comprising:
 a third control button configured with the second portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's ring finger when the user grips the hand grip, the third control button communicatively coupled to said controller; 
 wherein activation of the third control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device. 
 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a third portion adjacent the first portion and adapted to engage the user's thumb; and 
 a thumb control button configured with the third portion and located in a position corresponding to a point of contact of the user's thumb when the user grips the hand grip; 
 wherein activation of the thumb control button instructs the controller to output control signals that control the at least one electronic device. 
 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the vehicle steering device includes at least one of a handlebar configured with a bicycle, a steering wheel configured with an automobile, a steering wheel configured with a boat, a handlebar configured with a motorcycle, and a handlebar configured with a scooter. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the at least one electronic device is at least one selected from the group: a smartphone, a mobile music player, a mobile GPS unit and a turn signal. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the output control signals are at least one chosen from the group: play/pause, volume up, volume down, skip forward, skip back, move to the next playlist, turn on left turn signal and turn on right turn signal. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the control signals are output using a wireless communication protocol. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 11  further comprising a display.