U.S. patent application number 10/745907 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for belt clip and locking fastener for selectively securing an electronic device.
Invention is credited to Badillo, Paul.
Application Number | 20040232180 10/745907 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33450111 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040232180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Badillo, Paul |
November 25, 2004 |
Belt clip and locking fastener for selectively securing an
electronic device
Abstract
A combined belt clip and locking fastener is provided which is
adapted for selectively securing an electronic device such as a
cellular telephone or Personal Digital Assistant to a belt or other
object. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention
includes a beveled button interconnected to the electronic device
that is adapted for removable interconnection to a locking portion
of a separable fastener based on a rotational movement.
Inventors: |
Badillo, Paul; (Littleton,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
|
Family ID: |
33450111 |
Appl. No.: |
10/745907 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10745907 |
Dec 23, 2003 |
|
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10441928 |
May 19, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/021 20130101;
A45F 2005/026 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; A45F 2200/0516
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/269 |
International
Class: |
A45F 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fastening system adapted for selectively securing an
electronic device, comprising: a locking portion comprising an
upper end, a lower end and lateral edges extending therebetween; a
clip operably interconnected to said locking portion that is
adapted to selectively interconnect said fastening system to an
object, such as a user's belt; a receiving pocket positioned within
said locking portion and comprising at least one outwardly
extending lip on a first end with a restricted diameter upper
surface; a button having a lower surface and an upper surface to
define a first thickness and a beveled edge extending between said
lower surface and said upper surface of said button, wherein said
first thickness is reduced; and wherein said receiving pocket is
sized to receive and secure said button in a first position, but
said button cannot be withdrawn from said receiving pocket until
said beveled edge is positioned substantially adjacent to said
outwardly extending lip.
2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein said button further
comprises an attachment means which is adapted to interconnect said
button to an electronic device to allow said electronic device to
be removably interconnected to said locking portion.
3. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein said clip is integrally
molded to said upper end of said locking portion.
4. The fastening system of claim 3, wherein said receiving pocket
is comprised of a deflectable tab portion interconnected to said
locking portion, wherein when said button is pushed against said
deflectable tab sufficient spacing is provided to allow said button
head to seat in said receiving pocket.
5. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein said fastening system
is comprised of one integrally molded plastic member.
6. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein when said button is
selectively interconnected to said locking portion it is adapted to
freely rotate.
7. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein alignment of said
beveled edge of said button with said outwardly extending lip
requires rotation of said button in said receiving pocket.
8. The fastening system of claim 7, wherein said rotation of said
button to facilitate disengagement of said button from said
outwardly extending lip is between about 150 and 210 degrees.
9. A carrying device adapted for removably securing an electronic
device based on a rotational movement, comprising: a locking means,
integrally interconnected to a clip, said clip adapted for
removable interconnection to an object, such as a belt; a receiving
pocket integrally positioned within said locking means and
comprising a deflectable tab and an engagement means positioned on
an upper portion of said receiving pocket; a locking button
operably sized to fit in said receiving pocket upon insertion in a
first direction, wherein said locking button becomes secured by
said engagement means, and is removable by rotating said locking
button at an angle distinct from said first direction to facilitate
release from said receiving pocket; and a means for interconnecting
said locking button to the electronic device.
10. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein said means for
interconnecting said locking button to the electronic device
comprises an adhesive material.
11. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein said engagement means
comprises an upwardly extending lip positioned proximate to said
receiving pocket.
12. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein said locking button
comprises an upper surface and a lower surface which defines a
first thickness, and a beveled edge extending between said upper
surface and said lower surface which has a thickness less than said
first thickness.
13. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein said receiving pocket
is shrouded with a restricted diameter upper portion to prevent
said locking button from inadvertent disengagement from said
pocket.
14. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein said electronic device
comprises at least one of a cellular phone, a radio, a global
positioning system and a personal digital assistant.
15. The carrying device of claim 9, wherein said device is
comprised of a one piece plastic material.
16. A method for one-handed removal of an electronic device from a
carrying system, comprising the steps of: providing a button
adapted for interconnection to the electronic device; providing a
base assembly comprising a clip on a first side which is adapted
for removable interconnection to an object, such as a user's belt,
and a receiving pocket on an opposing side; providing an engagement
means positioned within said receiving pocket that is adapted to
retain said button in said receiving pocket when said button is
oriented in a first position, and release said button from said
engagement means when said button is rotated at least about 30
degrees from said first position; wherein the electronic device may
be selectively secured and removed from said base assembly with one
hand based on a rotational movement of said button which is
interconnected to said electronic device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said engagement means comprises
a receiving pocket with an upwardly extending lip and a reduced
diameter cap portion sized to retain said button.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein said button comprises a beveled
edge which allows movement over said upwardly extending lip when
said beveled edge and said upwardly extending lip are aligned.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein said engagement means further
comprises a deflectable tab that allows said button to be slidingly
positioned in said receiving pocket when said deflectable tab is
pushed downward in a direction toward said clip.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein said button is interconnected
to the electronic device with an adhesive.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein said carrying system is
comprised of a one piece molded plastic.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/441,928, filed May 19, 2003, which claims
priority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/163,110,
filed Jun. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. D478,418, both applications
are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to clips and fasteners
designed for selective interconnection to a belt or pocket, and
more specifically, a molded belt clip and separable fastener for
selectively securing an electronic device, such as a cellular
phone, radio, or other object.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cellular telephones, pagers, radios, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), and other similar electronic devices
(hereinafter "electronic device") have become increasingly popular,
with many people carrying these devices on their belts or pockets.
The inevitable advances in technology will surely bring about new
items that users will desire to carry on their belts so that they
are easily accessible.
[0004] Various means of clipping small items to a user's belt have
been in use for many years. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No.
5,779,115, assigned to NOKIA.RTM., teaches a carrying device that
employs a hand-operated slide that includes an element to deflect a
spring to release a lock. The device employs a button, and a
cylindrical stem interconnected to a circular plate which is sewn
on a case adapted to receive a cellular phone. The body portion of
the holding device is attached to the user's belt and employs the
locking feature. The user inserts the button into the lock which
allows for storage of the electronic device on a belt or pocket. To
disengage the cell phone from the holding device, the user must
release the locking mechanism by deflecting the release mechanism.
This type of lock has the disadvantage of being made from many
parts thus time consuming and expensive to manufacture due to the
extensive assembly required. Further, the traditional lock release
may be inadvertently activated causing the item to become dislodged
and possibly damaged in a fall. Failure, due to normal wear and
tear, of the locking spring and the clip housing are also common,
which will cause the cell phone to become dislodged from the
locking mechanism and possibly damaged. Finally, it is cumbersome
and awkward in certain situations to disengage the lock with a
thumb or finger, and is difficult for the elderly or physically
challenged.
[0005] Separable fasteners with a single piece locking feature are
also known in the art. For example, the MOD-U-LOCK.RTM. attachment
system, built by the National Molding Corporation and sold
commercially by DURAFLEX.RTM., is a separable fastener that
utilizes the elastic properties of plastic to lock the button into
place. The locking portion includes a flexible tab with a locking
lip and a pocket to receive the button, which may be released by
applying finger pressure against an upper portion of the tab.
However, the locking portion of this type of separable fasteners is
usually rigidly interconnected onto existing materials, and thus
provides no means for removable interconnection to a belt, pocket,
or other object.
[0006] Another drawback of the separable fasteners is that they
have limited applications outside use with soft compliant items.
When a user applies pressure to a tab, it is deflected to achieve a
sufficient gap so that the button, which is interconnected to a
device, may be easily slipped into and out of the locking mechanism
without interference with the locking lip on the tab. In current
low-profile lock designs, a deflected tab will come in contact with
the item the lock is attached to. If the lock is attached to a
compliant item, a nylon bag for example, pressure from the tab will
deflect the item and a sufficient gap will be supplied for button
disengagement. If the item to which the locking portion of the
separable fastener is not compliant, a deflected tab may not be
able to provide a sufficient gap for the insertion or removal of
the button. Fasteners in use today are low profile, and as such
lack a sufficient gap when deflected to be used on non-compliant
materials.
[0007] There is thus a significant need for a one-piece integrally
molded interconnection system that may be selectively attached to a
belt or pocket, and which comprises a locking mechanism that
selectively secures an electronic device that employs no moving
parts, wherein rotation of the electronic device facilitates
disengagement thereof. There is a further need for a simplistic
interconnection system which requires no assembly, is durable, and
can be used for a multitude of applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a
detachable fastener that selectively interconnects to a user's belt
and selectively secures an electronic device, while eliminating
post-manufacturing steps of assembly and the costs associated
therewith. Thus, the detachable fastener of the present invention
does not employ springs or other means to disengage the lock, since
the resilient properties of the molded plastic perform the required
function. By attaching a belt clip of the present design the same
functionality of a spring actuated belt clip is achieved, without
the numerous components and costs associated therein.
[0009] It is another aspect of the present invention that the
single piece design be light, strong, and less susceptible to
breakage and jamming due to the reduction of movable parts. Also,
the single piece design will have no metal parts which are prone to
corrosion and tend to activate metal detectors. Due to the single
piece design and the elimination of post manufacturing steps,
significant time and expenses is saved.
[0010] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
selectable fastener that has a robust design, and which can
readably changed with a revision of a mold. Thus, the shape and
design of the clip may be changed easily, as well as the color. In
addition, the clip may be molded with substantially planar areas
for the attachment of company logos or other advertisements, or the
desired indicia may be etched or molded directly onto the clip.
[0011] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
separable lock that includes a button which selectively interfaces
with a locking portion of the separable lock by sliding into a
locking pocket. This button may be interconnected to any number of
electronic devices, tools, or carrying pouches, sleeves, or
holsters, such as a cell phone, a pager, a PDA, an MP3 player, a CD
player, a diagnostic device, a radio, tape cassette player, a
health monitor, a hammer, a tape measure, an inventory device, a
water bottle, a flashlight, a sleeve or holster adapted to secure a
cell phone, a gun holster, a pouch, a hand cuff holder, a knife
case, and a time piece (hereafter "electronic device"). Generally,
the attachment of the button to the electronic device depends on
the application, but the button may be sewn, glued, integrally
molded, screwed, riveted, clipped, taped, or tied to the item, as
appreciated by one skilled in the art. Finally, items of the same
general size may fit into the same lock depending on the shape of
the interface portion of the lock and interconnecting button.
[0012] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
a belt clip that is integrally interconnected to the locking
portion of the separable fastener by a thinner, resiliently
deflectable, section of material. By squeezing together finger and
thumb tabs on the clip and lock, the thinner section will
resiliently deflect, thereby allowing selective interconnection to
a user's belt. The lock portion will generally use the same
materials, such that the tab attached to the locking portion may be
easily deflected to allow insertion and removal of the button that
is interconnected to the electronic device.
[0013] It is a related aspect of the present invention to provide a
locking portion of the integral assembly that is attached to the
belt clip via a spring and pin combination, and thus does not
utilize the one-piece integral design discussed above, but is still
simplistic to manufacture, and thus cost effective.
[0014] It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to
provide a holder used to carry larger items that, due to their
shape and/or size, a user would find difficult to disengage the
lock on the clip. In this embodiment, the locking portion employs
the locking pocket, but no movable tab. In contrast, the locking
portion is equipped with a small protrusion which in turn
interfaces with a tab on the button. Disengagement is achieved by
flexing the tab, thereby releasing the interface. In addition, the
connection between the clip and the locking portion may not include
a reduced thickness, but rather employ the same dimensions as the
joined components to increase the strength of the holder to
accommodate heavier items.
[0015] In each of the above mentioned aspects of the invention, a
button that is selectively interconnected to the electronic device
will be employed. The interface portion of the button will dictate
the mobility of the item when it is installed in the lock's pocket
and engaged in a locked position. For example, a round interface
will allow the device to rotate, whereas a square interface will
constrain the device to prevent rotation, while an interface which
is notched will allow the user to set a desired rotation angle in a
preferred position of use.
[0016] It is another aspect of the present invention that there be
a sufficient gap integrated into the locking portion of the
integral assembly such that there is sufficient space for the tab
on the lock to be deflected.
[0017] It is still yet another aspect of the invention to provide a
button that be selectively removable from the locking position when
it is rotated to a predetermined angle with respect to the locking
portion of the clip, and thus is removable without deflecting a
release mechanism. In one embodiment of the present invention the
button employs an angled bevel on the interface portion that is
adapted to provide sufficient clearance from the locking portion of
the clip when the button is rotated to a predetermined angle. The
button is interconnected to the electronic device and is designed
to selectively interconnect with the locking portion of the
separable fastener, as previously described. During insertion, the
beveled area of the button travels in an unobstructed path into the
locking portion of the clip. Further, once the button is seated
securely in the pocket, a non-beveled area of the button will be in
contact with the locking portion, thereby preventing removal.
Removal of the electronic device is achieved by rotation,
preferably about 180 degrees, such that the beveled area is again
proximate to the locking portion, thereby providing an unobstructed
path for button removal. One skilled in the art will appreciate
that any rotation angle, or plurality thereof, may be used to
facilitate button removal. In addition, previously described
locking portions of the present invention that are resiliently
deflectable, may be used. Alternatively, a locking portion with no
moving parts may be employed. More specifically, the beveled button
alleviates the need for a resiliently deflectable tab that provides
an unobstructed path for selective interconnection. Further, the
removal of the resiliently deflectable tab will allow the locking
portion to be constructed with a lower profile, because the tab's
travel space is no longer required. Additional advantages of the
present invention will become readily apparent from the following
discussion, particularly when incorporated with the accompanying
drawings.
[0018] Thus, in one aspect of the present invention a fastening
system adapted for selectively securing an electronic device is
provided comprising:
[0019] a locking portion comprising an upper end, a lower end and
lateral edges extending therebetween;
[0020] a clip operably interconnected to said locking portion that
is adapted to selectively interconnect said fastening system to an
object, such as a user's belt;
[0021] a receiving pocket positioned within said locking portion
and comprising at least one outwardly extending lip on a first end
with a restricted diameter upper surface;
[0022] a button having a lower surface and an upper surface to
define a first thickness and a beveled edge extending between said
lower surface and said upper surface of said button, wherein said
first thickness is reduced; and
[0023] wherein said receiving pocket is sized to receive and secure
said button in a first position, but said button cannot be
withdrawn from said receiving pocket until said beveled edge is
positioned substantially adjacent to said outwardly extending
lip.
[0024] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth
in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well
as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the
Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a first embodiment of an
integral belt clip and locking fastener;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 5 are front elevation and plan views of a square
engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 6 are front elevation and plan views of a round
engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 7 are front elevation and plan views of a notched
engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a left elevation view of the button attached to an
electronic device and a method of insertion into the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 interconnected to a belt and the electronic device
selectively secured thereto;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the invention shown in
FIG. 10;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a left elevation view of the invention shown in
FIG. 10;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the invention shown in
FIG. 10;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the invention shown in FIG.
10;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a left elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 16;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 16;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a button with an
extended tab;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a right elevation view of the button with
extended tab shown in FIG. 19;
[0045] FIG. 21 is a left elevation view of the button with an
extended tab attached to an item and the method of insertion into
the embodiment shown in FIG. 16;
[0046] FIG. 22 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 16 interconnected to a user's belt and an electronic device
selectively secured thereto;
[0047] FIG. 23 is a rear elevation view of an alternative
embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 24 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 23;
[0049] FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 23;
[0050] FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of a resilient engagement
button;
[0051] FIG. 27 is a right section view of a resilient engagement
button;
[0052] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a resilient engagement
button;
[0053] FIG. 29 is a rear elevation view that shows an example of a
hard stop; and
[0054] FIG. 30 are front elevation and plan views of a beveled
button used with an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0055] FIG. 31 is a partial right cross section of the locking
portion of the belt clip shown in FIG. 25 selectively
interconnected to the beveled button shown in FIG. 30; and
[0056] FIG. 32 is a partial right cross section of the locking
portion of the belt clip shown in FIG. 25 selectively
interconnected to the beveled button shown in FIG. 30, rotated to
facilitate removal thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 1-32, a separable fastener that
includes at least a locking portion and a button, which is
interconnected to an electronic device, is shown herein. One
embodiment of the present invention includes a locking portion with
a resiliently deflectable tab that employs a locking protrusion
that is adapted to selectively interconnect with a button.
Engagement and disengagement of the button is achieved by
selectively deflecting the tab in order to provide a
obstruction-free path for which the button to travel.
Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, a button is
provided that employs a beveled area that is adapted to provide an
obstruction free path for removal when the beveled area is rotated
to a predetermined angle.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of the present
invention is shown herein. In general, a one-piece integral belt
clip holder 60 is a union of a belt clip 10 and a locking portion
30 of a separable fastener which are attached by a web 31 of
plastic or other material with resilient properties, made from a
material such as rubber, deflectable plastic, etc. The web 31 is
resilient to allow for attachment to a belt when pressure is
applied to the finger grip on the clip portion 12 and the finger
grip on the lock portion 13. Alternatively, the lower portions of
the belt clip 10 and the locking portion 30 may be pulled apart to
allow for selective interconnection to a belt or other object. The
lock portion 30 employs a flexible plastic tab 15 with a lip 16
that secures a button and prevents upward movement and
disengagement from the lock portion 30. Alternatively, other types
of residual materials commonly known in the art may be used,
including rubber, polyethylene, etc. A locking pocket 19 constrains
the button portion of the separable fastener, and consists of a
front wall 17, a back wall 18, and side pocket walls 22. When the
tab 15 is flexed, the non-locking portion remains supported in the
pocket and is easily disengaged. The belt clip portion 10 may be
equipped with a hook 11 which will help maintain the unit on the
user's belt. Both portions of the belt clip 10 and the locking
portion 30 of the separable fastener are integrally molded
preferably with open molded spaces 14 and 21 which eliminates
assembly, inherent labor costs, and the expenses related
thereto.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 and FIGS. 26-27, a secondary
engaged portion of the separable fastener is shown, and which is
designed for interconnecting to an electric device such as a
cellular phone, radio, etc. This item is referred to herein as a
button 42, and is generally comprised of a plastic material such as
polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. The button's attachment surface
41 is connected to the button 42 by a stem 46 such that the button
42 is easily slipped into the pocket of the lock. In one
embodiment, the interconnecting stem 46 and/or the attachment area
41 may be made of rubber or other resilient material capable of
deflection which will decrease stresses on the button and
electronic device interface when a force is applied to a portion of
the electronic device. The stem 46 is not limited to a cylindrical
shape. For example, a rectangularly shaped stem 46 may be used
which would provide resiliency in one direction and greater
stiffness in the others. Also, at the button to electronic device
interface, a resilient material will provide a better bond between
the button attachment surface 41 and the electronic device because
the resilient material will be capable of deflection and
conformance to the electronic device that may have a non-planar
shape. The button 42 dictates the mobility of the item when it is
locked in the pocket. More specifically, a square shape will give a
user substantially no rotation, while a round button shape will
allow for free rotation. Alternatively in one embodiment, notches
43 may be employed to provide a variety of rotational positions
depending on the preferred application.
[0060] The button attachment surface 41 is selectively
interconnected to an electronic device or an electronic device
carrying pouch by means including sewn, glued, integrally molded,
clipped, screwed, riveted, taped, or tied to the electronic device.
The button attachment surface 41 may further employ a rivet hole 45
or stitching holes 44 to facilitate interconnection with an
electronic device or electronic device carrying pouch. One
embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection
to a sleeve or holster that is adapted to secure a cellular phone,
wherein the sleeve encompasses all or a portion of the cellular
phone's body.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 8, the locking function of one
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated herein. More
specifically, the button 42 is shown interconnected to the
electronic device 50, while the integral belt clip and holder 60 is
shown with a tab 15 in the locked position. To lock the electronic
device 50 into place, in one embodiment the user applies pressure
to the tab 15 in the direction of the clip portion 10 of the
integral assembly 60. Alternatively embodiments may employ release
mechanisms which are pushed in different directions of release.
After pressure is applied to the tab 15, there is an unobstructed
path for the button 42 to engage the pocket 19. That is, the button
interface 42 can be easily guided downward into the lock pocket 19.
When the user releases the pressure on the tab 15 the locking
portion of the tab 16 will prevent the button interface 42 from
traveling upward. Thus, the electronic device 50 is released by the
application of pressure to the tab 15 towards the clip portion 10
of the integral assembly 60, thereby deflecting the tab, separating
the lock 16 and button interface 42, and providing an unobstructed
path in which the electronic device can travel in an upward
direction.
[0062] The requisite pressure that deflects the tab 15 prior to the
introduction of the button interface 42 into the pocket 19 can be
supplied by the interface 42 itself. More specifically, the user
can initiate the downward motion of the electronic device 50 into
the pocket 19 without touching the tab 15. Thus, the contact of the
interface 42 with the tab 15, along with the downward force
supplied by the user, will sufficiently deflect the tab 15 so that
the interface 42 will engage the pocket 19.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 9, the button 42 is shown
interconnected to the electronic device 50, while the belt clip 10
is attached to the user's 5 belt. The tab 15 of the lock 30 has
been flexed towards the user 5, while the button interface has been
seated in the pocket 19, and the tab 15 has been released. Thus,
the button has been prevented from upward motion by the lock 16,
and the electronic device 50 is operably interconnected to belt
clip and holder 60.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, a second embodiment of the
present invention is shown herein. This embodiment is similar to
the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-9,
but the single piece molding is modified to simplify manufacturing
because "side pulls" on the mold are not required. In some molding
processes side pulls are required to form holes or cavities into
the final product. By deleting the need for side pulls, an integral
design is moldable using a two-piece mold construction, and more
clips can be made using a single mold. The requirement of side
pulls adds complexity and cost to the molding operation. More
specifically, the belt clip portion 10 is constructed slightly
longer than the locking portion 30. In addition, the belt clip
finger grip is split into two pieces 12A and 12B.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 15, a third embodiment of the present
invention is shown herein that employs a pin 7 and spring mechanism
to connect the locking 30 and clip 10 portions of the unit. More
specifically, the pressure on the finger grips 12 and 13 is reduced
by the use of a pin and spring such that selective interconnection
to a user's belt or other object is more easily performed.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 16-20, a fourth embodiment of the
present invention is shown herein which is more durable and
specifically designed for larger items such as radios, CD players,
PDAs, inventory devices, water bottles, etc. In this embodiment of
the present invention, the locking feature 3 on the integral
assembly 60 is not attached to a flexible tab. Instead, the locking
portion 30 employs a small protrusion 3, which interfaces with a
flexible tab 2 on the button 42 when the button is seated in the
pocket 19 and the tab 2 is released. Further, the halves are
connected by a thicker interface 32 which increases the strength of
the unit.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 21, the locking function of one
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated herein. More
specifically, the button 42 is shown interconnected to a sleeve 36
on a larger device 50, while the integral belt clip and holder 60
is shown with a stationary locking protrusion 3. The sleeve 36 may
be used to selectively secure the larger device 50 to the button 42
if attachment locations on the item 50 are not feasible. To lock
the device into place the user applies pressure to the tab 2 on the
button 42. After pressure is applied to the tab 15 there is an
unobstructed path for the button 42 to engage the pocket 19, that
is, the button 42 may be easily guided downward into the lock
pocket 19. When the user releases the pressure on the tab 2, the
locking portion of the integral assembly 3 will prevent the button
42 from traveling upward because a portion of the tab 2 will
selectively interconnect with the lock 3. The item is released by
the application of pressure to the tab 2 thereby deflecting the
tab, separating the lock 3 and the tab interface 4, and providing
an unobstructed path in which the device can be moved upward.
[0068] The requisite pressure that deflects the tab 2 prior to the
introduction of the button interface 42 into the pocket 19 can be
supplied by the interface 4 itself. More specifically, the user can
initiate the downward motion of the device into the pocket without
touching the tab 2. The contact of the interface 4 with the lock 3,
along with the downward force supplied by the user, will
sufficiently deflect the tab 2 so that the button interface 42 will
be able to be seated into the pocket 19.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 22, the button 42 is shown
interconnected to the larger device 50, while the belt clip 10 is
attached to the user's 5 belt. The tab 2 of the button 42 has been
flexed towards the device 50, the button interface has been seated
in the pocket 19, the tab 2 has been released, and the button has
been prevented from upward motion by the contact of the interface 4
with the lock 3.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 23-25, a fifth embodiment of the
present invention is shown that employs a thick connection
interface 32, but is substantially similar to the first two
embodiment described with respect to the aspects of the locking
feature. In order for any locking mechanism to work properly in
some embodiments of the present invention, a gap 70 must be
integrated into the locking portion 30 of the integral design to
allow unrestricted travel of the locking tab 15. This gap 70 will
extend from the back surface of the locking portion 71 to the back
wall of the locking pocket 18A. When the user deflects the tab 15,
the gap 70 will provide sufficient deflection of the tab 15 so that
the button 42 will not come in contact with the locking lip 16 when
a user inserts and removes a device from the integral assembly 60.
The greater the gap 70, the easier and quicker the button can be
inserted and released from the pocket and lock.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 29, a "hard stop" is shown. As used
herein, a hard stop 1 is any type of backing material, detent, or
other mechanism which prevents the tab 15 from extending or
deflecting past a predetermined position. The predetermined
position may be dictated by the maximum deflection the tab 15 can
move without incurring damage. To engage and disengage a button
from the integral assembly 60, a user must depress the tab 15
toward the belt clip 10 of the integral assembly. Extreme
deflections of the tab 15 may fatigue the material such that it
will be permanently deformed or break. In order to prevent this
detrimental effect, the hard stop 1 maybe added to the belt clip
portion 10 of the integral assembly 60. When a user applies
pressure on the tab 15 towards the belt clip portion 10, the tab 15
will deflect enough for engagement or disengagement of a button,
but the tab 15 will be stopped from further deflection when it
comes in contact with the hard stop 1. Preferably, the hard stop 1
is molded integrally with the belt clip 10.
[0072] Further, the hard stop 1 may be added to or molded onto the
tab 15 of the locking portion 30 of the integral assembly 60 as
opposed to the belt clip 10, as discussed above. When a user
applies pressure on the tab 15 towards the belt clip portion 10,
the tab 15 will deflect enough for engagement or disengagement of a
button, but the tab 15 will be stopped from further deflection when
the hard stop 1 on the tab 15 comes in contact with the belt clip
portion 10.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 30-32, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention is shown herein. More specifically, a button 42
that employs a beveled area 73 is shown that is adapted to
selectively interconnect with the lock portion 30 of the clip 60.
When interconnecting, the beveled area 73 allows the button 42 to
pass unobstructed into the locking pocket 19. Once seated in the
pocket 19, the button's 42 non-beveled area selectively
interconnects with the locking protrusion 3 of the locking portion
30, thereby preventing removal. To separate the button 42 from the
locking portion 30, the user rotates the button 42, such that the
beveled area 73 is proximate to the locking protrusion 3, thereby
providing an unobstructed path for the button 42 to travel. In
contrast to the previously-described embodiments, this embodiment
requires no deflection of the tab employed on the clip. More
specifically, the shape of the bevel 73 allows the button 42 to be
inserted into the lock 30 without resiliently deflecting the
locking tab, and wherein a predetermined rotation allows the button
42 to be removed from the lock 32 because the lock 30 and the
button 42 are adapted to slide past each other. This feature is
highly desirable for individuals who have difficulty using their
hands, wherein use of the resiliently deflectable tab may be
difficult. Further, individuals, such as the elderly or the
disabled, will be able to easily utilize this embodiment of the
present invention since the unlocking mechanism simply entails
selective rotation of the electronic device.
[0074] Generally, the button 42 is constructed with a predetermined
thickness. In order to create the bevel 73, the thickness of the
button 42 is selectively trimmed at a predetermined angle relative
to the top of the button 42. This cut defines a bevel portion 73 on
the button 42 which allows for unobstructed travel of the button 42
in and out of the lock. More specifically, the button 42 is defined
after the bevel 73 is created by an unaffected portion of length d
and a bevel of angle .theta.. The angle .theta. and the length d
may be of any dimension depending on the thickness of the button 42
and the locking requirements required. Preferably, in one
embodiment of the invention, d is about {fraction (3/8)} inches. In
addition, the beveled portion 73 may span any distance around a
perimeter of the circular button 42 as long as sufficient
non-beveled area remains to ensure that locking is possible,
wherein more than small rotations of the electronic device will
cause unlocking. For example, in one embodiment of the invention
the bevel spans at least about 50%, or about 180.degree., around
the perimeter of the button 42. Further, the bevel 73 may be made
of one smooth swept cut around the perimeter, or may be made of a
series of faceted cuts to allow for various locking and unlocking
options. In one embodiment of the present invention, the angle
.theta. is about 30.degree..
[0075] To provide clarity to the various components found in the
drawings, and the numbering of the various components provided
herein:
1 # Component 1 Hard Stop 2 Extended Tab 3 Locking Protrusion 4
Extended tab/Protrusion interface location 5 User 7 Pin 10 Belt
clip portion 11 Hook 12 Belt Clip Finger Grip 12A Belt Clip Finger
Grip 12B Belt Clip Finger Grip 13 Locking Portion Finger Grip 14
Open molding area 15 Tab 16 Locking Lip 17 Front wall of locking
pocket 17A Front wall of locking pocket (Looking from the belt
clip) 18 Back wall of locking pocket 18A Back wall of locking
pocket (Looking from the belt clip) 19 Locking Pocket 21 Open
molding space 22 Side pocket walls 30 Lock portion 31 Web 32 Belt
clip/Lock portion interface 36 Sleeve 41 Button attachment surface
42 Button 43 Button notches 44 Stitch holes 45 Rivet hole 46 Stem
50 Electronic Device or other item 60 Integral Belt Clip and Holder
70 Gap 71 Back surface of locking portion 73 Button bevel area
[0076] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of
the present invention, as set forth in the claims that follow.
* * * * *