U.S. patent application number 12/042033 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for strap clip.
This patent application is currently assigned to HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Brian Vincent Conti.
Application Number | 20080148530 12/042033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39182154 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080148530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conti; Brian Vincent |
June 26, 2008 |
STRAP CLIP
Abstract
A clip is described for securing a strap to a housing having a
slot for receiving the clip and a feature near the slot. The clip
comprises a tab, a loop and a cover. The tab is shaped to fit in
the slot on the housing. The loop defines an opening to receive a
strap, at least a portion of the loop extending away from the
housing to provide clearance for the strap. The cover is shaped to
fit over the feature when the tab is inserted in the slot the cover
extending at an angle to the tab. In another embodiment, a clip is
described as comprising a loop and tab. The loop defines an opening
to receive a strap. The tab is shaped to fit in a slot on a
housing, the tab having a first end attached to and spaced from a
first edge of the loop, a second end of the tab extending in the
same general direction as the loop, wherein the gap between a
portion of the loop closest to the second end of the tab and the
second end of the tab is less than the gap betveen the first edge
of the loop and the first end of the tab such that when the tab is
pressed into the slot, the second end of the tab is flexed away
from the second end of the loop.
Inventors: |
Conti; Brian Vincent;
(Matthews, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
700 VISIONS DRIVE, P.O. BOX 208
SKANEATELES FALLS
NY
13153-0208
US
|
Assignee: |
HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
Skaneateles Falls
NY
|
Family ID: |
39182154 |
Appl. No.: |
12/042033 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11216775 |
Aug 31, 2005 |
7344083 |
|
|
12042033 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/265EC |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1656 20130101;
G06F 1/1626 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; Y10T 24/44205 20150115;
A45F 2200/0516 20130101; Y10T 24/1397 20150115; A45F 5/02 20130101;
Y10T 24/4745 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/265EC |
International
Class: |
A44B 21/00 20060101
A44B021/00 |
Claims
1. A portable device comprising: a housing having a slot; and a
clip having a loop defining an opening to receive a strap and a tab
shaped to fit in the slot on the housing, the tab having one end
fixed to a first edge of the loop and second end extending toward a
second edge of the loop in such manner that when the tab is pressed
into the slot, the second end of tab and the loop are flexed
apart.
2. The portable device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
housing defines a ridge associated with an opening of the slot
wherein as the tab is inserted into the slot, the second end of the
tab and the second end of the loop are forced apart.
3. The portable device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the ridge
is sloped so as to allow the clip to return to an unflexed state
upon additional insertion of the tab into the slot.
4. The portable device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the slope
of the ridge is sloped at an angle greater than an angle formed by
portions of the tab and the loop.
5. The portable device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the shape
of the ridge is selected such that the clip snaps into the
housing.
6. A portable device comprising: a housing having an opening and a
slot situated near the opening: a connector situated in the
opening; a clip having a cover shaped to fit over the opening the
housing, a loop defining an opening, to receive a strap, a tab
shaped to fit in the slot on the housing; and wherein when the tab
is inserted into slot, the cover protects the connector.
7. A portable device, as set forth in claim 6, wherein the loop and
the tab extend from and generally perpendicular to the cover.
8. A portable device, as set forth in claim 6, wherein the clip
further comprises a rubber plug that covers the connector when the
tab of the clip is inserted into the slot.
9. A portable device, as set forth in claim 6, wherein the loop
extends over the housing such that a portion of the loop is spaced
from the housing.
10. A portable device, as set forth in claim 6, wherein the tab
extends between the cover and the loop.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/216,775 filed Aug. 31. 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Portable data terminals (PDT) are a type of data collection
device used to collect, interpret, process, and ultimately transfer
data to a larger data processing system. PDTs generally comprise a
mobile computer, a keypad, and a data capture device. It is to be
noted that some PDT's utilize more durable or "industrial" versions
of their constituent components. The mobile computer generally
comprises a hand held (or "pocket") computing device, such as those
available from PALM, HEWLETT PACKARD, and DELL. Keypads come in a
variety of alpha-numeric and numeric configurations. The data
capture device generally comprises a device that captures data
from, for examplem, radio frequency IDs (RFID), images and/or bar
codes. Data may also be captured via keypad entry and utilization
of a touch pad associated with the mobile computer. PDT's are
available from several sources, including the assignee of the
present application: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
[0003] FIG. 1a is an orthogonal view of a known PDT 102. In
particular, FIG. 1a illustrates an example of a popular form factor
comprising an elongated bar shape. The PDT 102 comprises a battery
(not shown), an LCD with touch screen 106, a keyboard 108, and a
scan engine 110. The scan engine 110 may comprise, for example, an
image engine or a laser engine. An adjustable strap 118, secured at
two points on a back side of the PDT 102, is provided to assist
with holding the PDT 102 and to thereby avoid damaging the PDT 102.
In particular, the adjustable strap 118 facilitates a secure
one-handed grip.
[0004] In use, a scan key 116 initiates an image capture via the
image engine 110. The captured image is analyzed, e.g. decoded, to
identify the data it represents. The decoded data is stored on the
PDT 102 and made available to data processing resources contained
therein.
[0005] FIG. 1b is a bottom view of a known PDT 102. Integration of
the strap 118 may be accomplished through the use of a molded
recess and a bar extending across the recess. The bar may be formed
as part of the molded shell or provided as a separate bar (plastic,
metal or wire) captured by the molded shell. It is also known to
use a clip that is press (or loosely) fit into a slot, such as the
slot 120. FIG. 1c is a bottom view of a known PDT 102 with a known
strap clip 122 secured in place by a biasing force exerted by the
strap 118. Typically, such a clip is only used to secure one end of
a strap.
[0006] FIGS. 1b and 1c also illustrate the use of a connector 124
on a bottom surface of the PDT 102. The connector 124 may be used
for charging of and/or communication with the PDT 102. Typically,
such communication involves retrieving decoded (and possibly
processed) data from the PDT 102.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] An understanding of the present invention can be gained from
the following detailed description of the invention, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
[0008] FIG. 1a is an orthogonal view of a known PDT.
[0009] FIG. 1b is a bottom view of a known PDT.
[0010] FIG. 1c is a bottom view of a known PDT with a known strap
clip.
[0011] FIG. 2a is an orthogonal exploded view of a PDT and a strap
clip in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2b is an orthogonal view of a PDT and strap clip, as
assembled, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c are views of strap clip according to at
least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4a is a partial orthogonal view of the bottom surface
of a PTD.
[0015] FIG. 4b is a partial orthogonal view of a PDT with a strap
clip installed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are views of strap clip according
to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout. The following description will use nomenclature
associated with a PDT, however those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that the present invention is applicable to a
variety of other portable devices including personal data
assistants (PDAs); bar code scanners, consumer electronics
(including portable radios, televisions and phones), and the like.
It is anticipated that many such portable devices would benefit
from the present invention, including the embodiments thereof
described herein.
[0018] FIG. 2a is an orthogonal exploded view of a PDT 200 and a
strap clip 202 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention. In general, FIGS. 2a illustrates a rear surface
220, a top surface 222, a first side surface 224, and part of a
bottom surface 226. A front surface and a second side surface are
obfuscated by the viewing angle. The illustrated PDT 200 has many
feature commonly found on available PDT's including: a battery
compartment cover 204: a receptacle 206 for a stylus; an opening
208 for an imaging unit; and side buttons 210. In addition, the PDT
200 is provided with an exposed bar 212 in association with a
bottom surface 226 for securing one end of a strap (not shown). The
other end of the strap is secured by the clip 202 which, during
use, is inserted into a slot 214 located near the intersection of
the rear surface 220 and the top surface 222.
[0019] FIG. 2b is an orthogonal view of a PDT 200 and strap clip
202, as assembled, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the present invention. The strap clip 202, designed to be easily
inserted and removed by a user, is secured in slot 214. A hand
strap (not shown) is subsequently extended betveen the clip 202 and
the exposed bar 212. The hand strap preferably comprises an elastic
fabric with hook and loop fabric attached thereto so as to enable
securing of the hand strap by looping an end through the clip
202.
[0020] The housing of the PDT 200 is lormed using injection
molding. Referring to FIG. 2a, the slot 214 on the rear surface 220
is typically formed as an undercut. Undercuts are formed using tool
action, e.g. a piece of tooling pulled perpendicular to the
separation motion of major mold halves. The pulling motion of the
tooling results in a flat featureless interior. As strap clips tend
to be rather small and easily lost, it is desirable to provide a
snap fit both to secure the strap clip and to assure the user that
the strap clip is secure. Such a snap fit will also prevent the
strap clip from falling out when the biasing force provided by the
strap is removed. However, as noted, the slot 214 is formed with
straight walls meaning that no indentations are provided to
facilitate a snap fit.
[0021] FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c are views of strap clip 202 according
to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The strap clip
202 generally comprises a loop 302 secured to a tab 304 by a neck
306. The loop defines a hole 3 10 adapted to receive and secure a
strap (not shon). A lower surface 308 of loop 302 and the upper
surface 309 of the tab 304 form an acute angle such that the
exposed end of the tab 304 is closer to the exposed end of the loop
302 than the distance between the respective opposite ends
(connected by the neck 306). Referring once again to FIG. 2a, the
rear surface 220 of the PDT 200 is provided with a ridge 230
traversing the opening 214 across a short axis of the PDT 200. The
ridge 230 slopes toward the center of mass of the PDT 200; meaning
that the surface of the housing is further from the slot 214 at the
opening of the slot 214 that at the opposite end of the slot 214.
The distance between the closer surface of the slot 214 and the top
of the ridge 230 at or near the opening of the slot 214 is
preferably greater than the distance between the upper surface 309
at the end of the tab 304 and the lower surface 308 of the loop
302. It is to be understood that any of the relevant surfaces may
be chamfered to ease insertion of the tab 304 into the slot
214.
[0022] As the tab 304 of the strap clip 202 is inserted into the
opening 214, the free end of the loop 302 is biased away from the
free end of the tab 304 by the ridge 230. As the strap clip 202 is
further inserted the bias against the exposed end of the loop is
reduced as the distance between the slot and the rear surface 220
of the PDT 200 is reduced. By adjusting the slopes of the lower
surface 308 of the loop 302 and the ridge 230. different "feels"
can be generated. For example, by making the slope of the ridge 230
(with respect to the slot 214) greater than the slope of the lower
surface 308 (with respect to the upper surface 309 of the tab 304),
a snap fit can be achieved.
[0023] FIG. 4a is a partial orthogonal view of a bottom 402 of a
PTD 400. The bottom 402 includes an opening 404 exposing a
connector 406. The connector 404 may be any of a variety of
connectors used. for example to communicate with the PDT 400 and/or
charge the PDT 400. A slot 408 is formed in the bottom surface. The
slot 408 has an opening extending across the short axis of the PDT
400 and extends under a rear surface of the PDT 400 along and
roughly parallel to the long axis of the PDT 400. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4a, the slot is open on both ends to facilitate use
of a strap with or without a strap clip.
[0024] FIG. 4b is an orthogonal view of a PDT 400 with a strap clip
410 installed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b, the strap
clip 410 may be loosely or press fitted into the slot 408 and
retained in the slot 408 by a biasing force applied by the strap
(not shown). Alternatively, the fit may be adjusted in accordance
with the teachings described hereinabove. The strap clip 410 may be
formed of injection molded plastic and generally comprises a tab
412 (not visible) for insertion into the slot 408, a loop 414 that
receives and secures a strap (not shown) and a cover 416 that
protects the opening 440 (and the connector 442).
[0025] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are views of strap clip 410
according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The
loop 414 generally extends perpendicular to the cover 416 and
defines an opening 420 through which a strap (not shown) may pass.
The loop 414 may be curved to generally match the exterior curves
of the PDT 400. The cover 416 may be augmented with a rubber plug
418 to assist with protecting the opening 404 (and connector 406)
from the elements. The interior surface (e.g. that surface which
mates with the opening 404) of the rubber plug 418 may be generally
shaped to overlap the opening 404 with a protrusion that fits into
the opening 404 against the connector 406. The plug 418 may extend
through the thickness of cover 416 to both exterior surfaces so as
to provide a tactile feel to the user. The tab 412 extends
generally parallel with the loop and is sized to mate with the slot
404.
[0026] In use, the tab 412 is inserted into the slot 408 in such a
manner that the cover 416 overlays the opening 404. A strap is
looped through the opening 420 and secured. As noted the strap clip
410 may be retained in place using the biasing force of the
strap.
[0027] Although some embodiments of the present invention has been
shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing
from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which
is defined in the claims and their equivalents. For example, either
or both of the strap clips described herein may be utilized on
peripherals associated with the portable devices to which the strap
is primarily associated. This would provide a common operating mode
and the possibility to using a single strap for multiple devices
(particularly useful when a strap is lost or broken in the field).
By way of another example, the loop of the first embodiment may
incorporate an angle to narrow the gap with the tab.
* * * * *