Handheld electronic device and method

Inventor: Ivan Miramontes (Fontana, CA)

G06F3/0227 G06F3/0354

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12663877
App. No.: 19/058,230
Granted: Jun 23, 2026
Kind: B1

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Abstract

A handheld electronic device includes a front side having a display screen, and a rear side disposed opposite the front side. An input unit is disposed on the rear side. The input unit is ergonomically positionable to a plurality of different locations on the rear side, so that when the electronic device is gripped the input unit aligns with the finger of the user. The ergonomical positioning of the input unit customizes the device to the hand and finger of the user.

Claims (38)

1 . A method for ergonomically adapting a handheld electronic device to a user, the user having a hand with a finger, the method comprising:

(a) providing a handheld electronic device including;

a front side having a display screen;

a rear side disposed opposite said front side;

an input unit disposed on said rear side, said input unit ergonomically positionable to a plurality of different locations on said rear side;

(b) ergonomically positioning said input unit to a location on said rear side which in

2 . The method of claim 1 further including:

in (a) said input unit including a plurality of switches.

3 . The method of claim 2 further including:

said input unit including five switches.

4 . The method of claim 1 further including:

in (a) said rear side having a longitudinal centerline;

in (a) a path disposed on said rear side; and,

in (b) said input device positionable along said path.

5 . The method of claim 4 further including:

said path disposed parallel to said longitudinal centerline.

6 . The method of claim 4 further including:

said path disposed perpendicular to said longitudinal centerline.

7 . The method of claim 4 further including:

said path being one of a circle, a rectangle, and an ellipse.

8 . The method of claim 1 further including:

in (a) said back side having a centerline; and,

in (c) the finger naturally angling across said centerline wherein the finger aligns with said input unit.

9 . The method of claim 1 further including:

in (a) providing a lock which locks said input unit in place; and, after (b) locking said input unit in place.

10 . The method of claim 1 further including:

in (b) said positioning effected under computer control.

11 . A method for ergonomically adapting a handheld electronic device to a user, the user having a hand with a finger, the method comprising:

(a) providing a handheld electronic device including;

a front side having a display screen;

a rear side disposed opposite said front side, said rear side having a centerline;

an input unit disposed on said rear side, said input unit ergonomically positionable to a plurality of different locations on said rear side;

a lock for locking said input unit in place;

(b) ergonomically positioning said input unit to a location on said rear side which in (d) below aligns with the finger of the user;

(d) the user gripping said handheld electronic device with the hand and using the finger to manipulate said input unit; said gripping Including the finger naturally angling across said centerline wherein the finger aligns with said input unit.