Grip for latching a cover to a receptacle
OwnerCharles W. Singleton JR., Robert P. Bliven +3inventors
InventorsCharles W. Singleton JR., Robert P. Bliven, Memphis Zhihong Yin, Michael D. Derocher, Dennis R. Esterberg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A grip is used to communicate force between a digit, such as a user's finger or thumb, to a receiver. The grip includes a first tab that inserts into a first end portion of the receiver. The grip further includes a second tab that inserts into a second end portion of the receiver. The second end portion may be substantially opposite the first end portion. Further, the grip includes a depression that is formed into an area between the first and second end, wherein the depression is formed to accord with the user's digit.
Claims23
A latching device for securing a cover to a receptacle, comprising:
- a grip shaped to accord with the shape of one of a finger and a thumb;
- a receiver, attached to said cover, for retaining said grip and communicating force from said one of said finger and said thumb to a pivot;
- and
- a hook, coupled to said pivot, for latching said cover to said receptacle.
A grip used to communicate a force between a digit and a receiver, comprising:
- a first tab that inserts into a first end portion of said receiver;
- a second tab that inserts into a second end portion of said receiver, said second end portion being substantially opposite of said first end portion;
- and
- a depression formed into an area between said first and second end portions, said depression being formed to accord with said digit.
A method for releasing a cover of an electronic device, comprising;
- fitting one of a finger and a thumb into a grip, wherein said grip conforms to the shape of said one of said finger and said thumb;
- said one of said finger and said thumb applying a force in a direction substantially tangential to a surface of said grip;
- said grip conveying said force to a latch;
- and
- said latch moving a retaining element from contacting a notch, thereby releasing said cover of said electronic device.
A portable computing unit having first surface hingedly coupled to, and occasionally becoming proximate with, a second surface of said portable computing unit, said portable computing unit comprising:
- a grip, coupled to said first surface, said grip being shaped to agree with the shape of a user's thumb;
- a receiver, connected to said first surface, for retaining said grip and communicating force from said user's thumb to a shaft;
- and
- a hook, coupled to said shaft, for occasionally latching said first surface to said second surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.