U.S. patent application number 12/493153 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-08 for mobile device holster.
Invention is credited to Howard Bullock.
Application Number | 20120055822 12/493153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45769874 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120055822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bullock; Howard |
March 8, 2012 |
MOBILE DEVICE HOLSTER
Abstract
An adaptable mobile device holster is disclosed, the holster
including a shell having a top, a bottom, a front side, a back
side, and a cavity provided therein with an opening at the top
adapted to receive a mobile device within the cavity. The holster
also includes a height adjustment device disposed at the bottom
adapted for vertically positioning and supporting a mobile device
within the cavity. The holster also includes at least one
horizontal positioning device disposed within the cavity, and
adapted for applying horizontal force for horizontally aligning and
for applying horizontal gripping pressure on a mobile device within
the cavity for ensuring that the mobile device stays removable and
secure within the holster.
Inventors: |
Bullock; Howard; (Richland,
WA) |
Family ID: |
45769874 |
Appl. No.: |
12/493153 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61133380 |
Jun 27, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
A45C 11/00 20130101; A45F 5/022 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101;
A45C 2011/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An adaptable mobile device holster, comprising: a shell having a
top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, which together define
a cavity with an opening at the top, the cavity being adapted to
receive a mobile device; a height adjustment device disposed at the
bottom, the height adjustment device being adapted for vertically
positioning a mobile device within the cavity; and at least one
horizontal positioning device disposed within the cavity, the at
least one horizontal positioning device being adapted for applying
force for horizontally aligning and applying vertical stabilization
on a mobile device within the cavity.
2. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
height adjustment device includes a replaceable insert.
3. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
height adjustment device comprises: a frame; a shelf for attachment
to the frame onto which a mobile device rests on; and an adjustment
system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf.
4. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
height adjustment device comprises: a frame having a plurality
positional holes provided therein; and a shelf for attachment to
the frame upon which a mobile device rests, the shelf having at
least one pin for insertion into the positional holes, wherein the
position of the attachment of the shelf to the frame is adjustable
by changing which of the plurality of positional holes the at least
one pin is inserted into.
5. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
height adjustment device comprises: a frame; a shelf for attachment
to the frame upon which a mobile device rests; and an adjustment
system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf.
6. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at
least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of
opposing springs.
7. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at
least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of
opposing springs, and wherein at least one of the opposing springs
is tapered.
8. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at
least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of
opposing springs, and wherein at least one of the opposing springs
has a substantially constant width.
9. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at
least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of
opposing springs, and wherein at least one of the opposing springs
has a downwardly sloped shape to facilitate a low insertion force
for inserting a mobile device into the cavity.
10. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at
least one horizontal positioning device comprises a spring having a
downwardly sloped shape to facilitate a low insertion force for
inserting a mobile device into the cavity, and a surface opposite
of the spring which provides a horizontal force on a mobile device
opposing the spring and a vertical stabilization force to
facilitate prevention of vertical movement of a mobile device.
11. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
back side is substantially flat and the front side is substantially
elliptical in shape.
12. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, further
comprising at least one attachment mechanism for attaching the
shell to a garment.
13. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
cavity is about 30 to 300 percent larger in volume than the mobile
device to be inserted.
14. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
back side and front side are substantially flat.
15. An adjustable mobile device holster comprising: a shell having
a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, which together
define a cavity with an opening at the top, the cavity being
adapted to receive a mobile device; and, a first insert for
insertion into the cavity for providing height adjustment of a
mobile device, the insert having a pair of opposite downwardly
sloped shaped surfaces to facilitate a vertical insertion force on
a mobile device and to facilitate vertical and horizontal restraint
on the mobile device.
16. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 15, further
comprising a second insert having a downwardly sloped shaped
surface for facilitating vertical restraint in addition to vertical
restraint provided by the first insert.
17. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 15, wherein the
first insert is removable.
18. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 16, wherein the
second insert is removable.
19. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the
exterior surface is made from a material that facilitates
resistance of removal of the mobile device holster from a
pocket.
20. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, further
comprising an attachment device disposed on the shell that
facilitates resistance of removal of the mobile device holster.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/133,380 filed Jun. 27, 2008, and entitled
"Mobile device Quick Draw Holster", the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to mobile devices, and more
particularly to mobile device accessories.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mobile devices such as cellular mobile devices, PDA's,
GPS's, and the like, have provided great convenience in
communications, personal organization and computing, and are now
commonplace and widely popular. The added convenience provided by
such mobile devices has led to many people becoming dependent upon
the devices. Such dependence has placed an obligation on many
mobile device users to keep the device with them, within earshot,
nearby, or on their person, at all times. There are many ways to
store the devices on or near the user, such as placing them in
pockets, pocket books, purses, etc. Many of these storage methods
however, can cause damage due to such things as other articles
coming in contact with them or by being crushed. Damage can also
occur if the device unintentionally falls or slips out of its
storage location.
[0004] Holsters have been devised to store mobile devices to
prevent such damage. These holsters, however, are custom-designed
for one particular type of mobile device, thereby making them
unsuitable for use with devices other than the device for which the
holster was designed. Furthermore, some prior holsters are designed
to be worn on a belt, having a belt clip in addition to a gripping
mechanism to grip the mobile device. However, two hands are often
required to release the gripping mechanism when the belt clip is
not well-anchored.
SUMMARY
[0005] An adaptable mobile device holster is disclosed which is
adaptable to a variety of mobile devices, and securely holds the
mobile device while also allowing for quick and efficient release
of the mobile device from the holster. The holster includes a shell
having a top, a bottom, a front side, a back side, and a cavity
provided therein with an opening at the top adapted to receive a
mobile device within the cavity. The holster also includes a height
adjustment device disposed at the bottom adapted for vertically
positioning and supporting a mobile device within the cavity. The
holster also includes at least one horizontal positioning device
disposed within the cavity, and adapted for applying horizontal
force for horizontally aligning and for applying horizontal
gripping pressure on a mobile device within the cavity for ensuring
that the mobile device stays removable and secure within the
holster.
[0006] In one general embodiment, the invention is an adaptable
mobile device holster, comprising a shell having a top, a bottom, a
front side, and a back side, which together define a cavity with an
opening at the top, the cavity being adapted to receive a mobile
device; a height adjustment device disposed at the bottom, the
height adjustment device being adapted for vertically positioning a
mobile device within the cavity; and at least one horizontal
positioning device disposed within the cavity, the at least one
horizontal positioning device being adapted for applying force for
horizontally aligning and applying vertical stabilization on a
mobile device within the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the
height adjustment device includes a replaceable insert. In other
preferred embodiments, the height adjustment device comprises a
frame; a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile
device rests on; and an adjustment system for adjusting the
attachment position of the shelf.
[0007] In some other preferred embodiments, the height adjustment
device comprises a frame having a plurality positional holes
provided therein, and a shelf for attachment to the frame upon
which a mobile device rests, the shelf having at least one pin for
insertion into the positional holes, wherein the position of the
attachment of the shelf to the frame is adjustable by changing
which of the plurality of positional holes the at least one pin is
inserted into. In still other preferred embodiments, the height
adjustment device comprises a frame, a shelf for attachment to the
frame upon which a mobile device rests, and an adjustment system
for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf.
[0008] In some preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal
positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs. In other
preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning
device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and at least one of
the opposing springs is tapered. In still other preferred
embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning device
comprises a pair of opposing springs, and at least one of the
opposing springs has a substantially constant width. In other
preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning
device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and wherein at least
one of the opposing springs has a downwardly sloped shape to
facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device into
the cavity.
[0009] In some preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal
positioning device comprises a spring has a downwardly sloped shape
to facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device
into the cavity, and a surface opposite of the spring which
provides a horizontal force on a mobile device opposing the spring
and a vertical stabilization force to facilitate prevention of
vertical movement of a mobile device. In other preferred
embodiments, the back side is substantially flat and the front side
is substantially elliptical in shape. In some preferred
embodiments, the invention further comprises at least one
attachment mechanism for attaching the shell to a garment. In some
preferred embodiments, the cavity is about 30 to 300 percent larger
in volume than the mobile device to be inserted. In some preferred
embodiments, the back side and front side are substantially
flat.
[0010] In another general embodiment, the invention is a shell
having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, which
together define a cavity with an opening at the top, the cavity
being adapted to receive a mobile device; and a first insert for
insertion into the cavity for providing height adjustment of a
mobile device, the insert having a pair of opposite downwardly
sloped shaped surfaces to facilitate a vertical insertion force on
a mobile device and to facilitate vertical and horizontal restraint
on the mobile device.
[0011] In some preferred embodiments, the invention further
comprises a second insert having a downwardly sloped shaped surface
for facilitating vertical restraint in addition to vertical
restraint provided by the first insert. In some preferred
embodiments, the first insert is removable. In some preferred
embodiments, the second insert is removable. In some preferred
embodiments, the exterior surface is made from a material that
facilitates resistance to an attempt of removal of the mobile
device holster from a pocket. In some preferred embodiments, the
invention further comprises an attachment device disposed on the
shell that facilitates resistance to an attempt of removal of the
mobile device holster.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile
device holster.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a mobile device holster.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a mobile device holster.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a mobile device holster.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a mobile device holster.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary horizontal
positioning device of the mobile device holster of FIG. 3.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7G are three dimensional illustrations of exemplary
mobile device holsters.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the embodiment of a mobile
device holster of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the embodiment of a mobile
device holster of FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a mobile device holster.
[0022] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an exemplary horizontal
positioning device of a mobile device holster.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment wherein a
mobile device holster 2 includes a shell or housing 10 which has a
cavity 12 with an opening to accommodate a mobile device 14 which
is placed or inserted therein. The shell 10 can be curved outward
in a convex configuration. An exemplary shape for the shell 10 can
be a split ellipse configuration, wherein the back side of the
shell is flat and the front side of the shell is elliptically
shaped.
[0024] The shell can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes
such as rounded, tapered, thinned, or substantially box-shaped with
sides substantially vertical, etc. The shell can be substantially
thin walled, with external and internal contours adapted for easy
insertion into an article of clothing, such as a shirt or jacket
pocket and can be comprised or composed of a structurally
appropriate material, such as plastic, nylon, leather, cloth,
etc.
[0025] The shell can be manufactured by mass production techniques
or processes such as injection molding, casting, forming by thermal
or other means, sonic welding of plastic sheets, adhesive bonding,
or other method such as impregnation of leather or cloth with
resins to cause the materials to become semi rigid, etc.
[0026] The shell can be substantially designed in elongated
three-dimensional rectangles shaped to closely fit the mobile
device housed therein, or the cavity can be volumetrically larger
than the mobile device. For example, the mobile device holster
cavity can be 30 to 300% larger in volume than the mobile
device.
[0027] An exemplary plastic, leather or molded shell of selected
sizes can be produced by injection molding or bonding two flat
plastic sheets to one another. The back of the shell can be
approximately flat with a front that is arched or elliptical to
make a cavity for the mobile device. Such a cavity can facilitate
the holster being less cumbersome in function and appearance. The
shell can be covered or molded using an appropriate material to
implement slight adhesion within the pocket or to provide color
coordination or customer style preference. The shell can be
comprised of water proof or resistant material.
[0028] The shell can be painted, decorated, coated, wrapped with
cloth, festooned, emblazoned, affixed with lettering, corporate
symbols, logos, trimmed with baubles, stylized, color coordinated
or other decoration technique. It can be clear, opaque, frosted,
polished, etc. The shell can be covered in a variety of materials
and fabrics or trimmed with soft injection molded rubber or plastic
that is appropriate for functional requirements and customer
preferences. It can be patterned, printed, festooned or
accessorized.
[0029] Exemplary mobile device holsters can be placed in a garment,
such as a shirt, suit or sport coat pocket, a holding container
such as a purse, or attached to an outer garment by an attachment
device such as spring clips, pins, or hook and loop material. The
attachment device can be disposed on the shell. An exemplary mobile
device holster can be built into a garment or purse.
[0030] An exemplary mobile device holster can be comprised of a
specific material or dimensioned such that the mobile device is
largely un-shrouded for easy hearing of the sound emitted from the
mobile device, such as ring or message tones.
[0031] A positional depth or vertical height adjustment device 16,
such as a replaceable insert, is provided in the bottom of the
shell opposite the opening of the cavity 12. The insert can be
dimensioned or shaped such that when the mobile device rests on the
insert 16, the mobile device can protrude a distance X above the
opening of the cavity. The depth adjustment device 16 can be any
material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly
inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered,
re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened,
lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded,
shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally,
etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an
adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried
therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can
be determined and maintained as preferred by the user.
[0032] If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and
if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the
holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the
height adjustment device 16. In another example, a height
adjustment device is replaceable and can be replaced with a
different one which provides the mobile device with the desired
vertical position. In another example, a user can adjust the height
of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots
provided in the shell, centering device frame, or adjustment
component.
[0033] The holster also includes at least one horizontal
positioning adjustment device for adjusting the horizontal
positioning of a mobile device within the holster. One or more
horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment devices 50 can
be provided and disposed within the shell to facilitate positional
side restraint for the mobile device. The horizontal positioning
device can be adapted so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements
and falling out of the shell does not occur. The horizontal
positioning device 50 can be adapted to keep the mobile device
approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the
holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can
be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
[0034] The horizontal positioning device 50 can be designed or
contoured in such a way as to provide a spring or tension type
force on one or more sides of the mobile device. This force can be
in both the horizontal and/or vertical axis of the holster. An
exemplary device 50 can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame
52 having one or more pads 18 attached thereon or part and parcel
with the device frame 52 which hold and/or position the mobile
device. Pads 18 can be designed of a material which prevents damage
to the mobile device. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft
material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the
mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with
the shell or being accidentally released from the holster.
[0035] Exemplary horizontal positioning devices 50 can be comprised
of molded components, which can be formed of materials such as
nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other
construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately
adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated
insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the
frame 52 can be springs that bow outward slightly to retain the
centering device within the holster, which then allow the curved
pads to apply inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the
device centered in the holster.
[0036] The horizontal positioning device 50 can be configured to
have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with the mobile
device. If the holster is configured with two opposing horizontal
positioning devices the opposing curvatures can present a
relatively wide opening to the mobile device wherein the mobile
device, during its initial insertion contact, can engage a
downwardly sloped surface 13. This sloped surface can be combined
with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which
facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to
accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the
cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply
inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side can be
readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle,
yet the mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion
due to the spring forces counterbalancing each other.
[0037] An exemplary horizontal positioning device 50 can be
configured with a width W that varies such that the device tapers
to have a greater width in the center than the width on each ends.
This shape used within a split ellipse configuration shell
facilitates the spring to tuck into the reducing width corners,
thereby permitting a wider range of mobile device sizes to be
accommodated. The horizontal positioning device 50 facilitates
holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position and
keeping the mobile device within the holster.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein a mobile
device holster 2' similar to FIG. 1 is wider and includes a shell
or housing 10' which has a cavity 12' with an opening to
accommodate mobile device 14' which is placed or inserted therein.
An exemplary shape can be a split ellipse configuration, wherein
the back side of the shell is flat and the front side of the shell
is elliptically shaped.
[0039] A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an
insert 16' can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the
opening of the cavity 12'. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such
that the mobile device rests on the insert 16' and protrudes a
distance X above the opening of the cavity when the mobile device
is placed in the shell. The depth adjustment device can be any
material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly
inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered,
re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened,
lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded,
shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally,
etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an
adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried
therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can
be determined and maintained as preferred by the user.
[0040] If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and
if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the
holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the
height adjustment device 16'. In another example, a height
adjustment device is replaceable and can be replaced with a
different one which provides the mobile device with the desired
vertical position. In another example, a user can adjust the height
of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots
provided in the shell.
[0041] One or more horizontal positioning or opening width
adjustment device 50' can be provided to facilitate positional side
restraint for the mobile device which it is adapted to so that
tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell
does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 50' can be
adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to
the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device
within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other
things, aesthetic purposes.
[0042] The horizontal positioning device can be designed or
contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force
on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can
be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 50'
can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 52'and have pads 18'
attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile
device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be
comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in
preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial
alignment with the shell or being accidentally released from the
holster.
[0043] Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of
molded components comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon,
urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction,
or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide
adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and
withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be
springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device
within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply
inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device
centered in the holster.
[0044] The horizontal positioning device 50' can be configured in
shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with
the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing
horizontal positioning devices the opposing pad curvatures can
present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device, during
its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped
surface 13'. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning
device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal
amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or
insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As
the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal
positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a
progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains
essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces
counterbalancing each other.
[0045] An exemplary horizontal positioning device 50' can be
configured with a width W that varies such that the device tapers
to have a wider surface in the center that the width on each ends.
When this shape is used within the split ellipse configuration
shell, this shaped pad allows the spring to tuck into the reducing
width corners, permitting a wider range of mobile device sizes to
be accommodated. The horizontal positioning device 50' facilitates
holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position.
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein a mobile
device holster 4 includes a shell or housing 20 which has a cavity
22 with an opening to accommodate mobile device which is placed or
inserted therein. An exemplary shape can be a rectangular type
configuration, wherein the back and front side of the shell are
substantially flat and parallel to each other. The front side of
the shell can have a surface at the bottom which curves towards and
meets the back side which can facilitate easy insertion of the
holster into an article of clothing.
[0047] A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an
insert 26 can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the
opening of the cavity 22. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such
that the mobile device rests on the insert 26 and protrudes above
the opening of the cavity when the mobile device is placed in the
shell. The depth adjustment device can be any material that can
provide a support for the mobile device thusly inserted. For
example, it can be a material that can be altered, re-positioned,
re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened, lengthened,
trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded, shrunk, locked
or clipped into position, internally or externally, etc., such as a
shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an adjustment for the
positional height of the mobile device carried therein so that an
appropriate position for one hand extraction can be determined and
maintained as preferred by the user.
[0048] If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and
if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the
holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the
height adjustment device 26. In another example, a height
adjustment device can be replaced with a different one until the
desired height is determined. This can be inside the shell opening.
In another example, a user can adjust the height of the height
adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots.
[0049] One or more horizontal positioning or opening width
adjustment device 54 can be provided to facilitate positional side
restraint for the mobile device which it is adapted to so that
tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell
does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 54 can be adapted
to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the
longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device
within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other
things, aesthetic purposes.
[0050] The horizontal positioning device can be designed or
contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force
on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can
be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 54
can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 56 and have pads 28
attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile
device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be
comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in
preventing the mobile device from either being damaged or twisting
away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being accidentally
released from the holster.
[0051] Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of
molded components which can be formed of materials such as nylon,
Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other
construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately
adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated
insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the
frame 52 can be springs that bow outward slightly to retain the
centering device within the holster, which then allow the curved
pads to apply inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the
device centered in the holster.
[0052] The horizontal positioning device 54 can be configured in
shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with
the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing
horizontal positioning devices the opposing pad curvatures can
present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device, during
its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped
surface 29. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning
device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal
amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or
insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As
the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal
positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a
progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains
essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces
counterbalancing each other.
[0053] An exemplary horizontal positioning device 54 can be
configured with a width W which is approximately or substantially
constant along the length of the device. The horizontal positioning
device 54 facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned,
secure upright position.
[0054] FIGS. 4 and 9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment similar to
FIG. 3 wherein a mobile device holster 6 includes a shell or
housing 30 which has a cavity 32 with an opening to accommodate a
mobile device which is placed or inserted therein. An exemplary
shape can be a rectangular type configuration, wherein the back and
front side of the shell are substantially flat and parallel to each
other. The front side of the shell can have a surface at the bottom
which curves towards and meets the back side which can facilitate
easy insertion of the holster into an article of clothing. The
front side of the shell has a tab or extension 39 which extends
above the back side.
[0055] A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an
insert 36 can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the
opening of the cavity 32. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such
that the mobile device rests on the insert 36 and protrudes above
the opening of the cavity when the mobile device is placed in the
shell.
[0056] If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and
if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the
holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the
height adjustment device 36. In another example, a height
adjustment device can be replaced with a different one until the
desired height is determined. In another example, a user can adjust
the height of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or
slots.
[0057] One or more horizontal positioning or opening width
adjustment device 58 can be provided to facilitate positional side
restraint for the mobile device which it is adapted to so that
tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell
does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 58 can be adapted
to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the
longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device
within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other
things, aesthetic purposes.
[0058] The horizontal positioning device 58 can be designed or
contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force
on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can
be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 58
can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 59 and have pads 38
attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile
device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be
comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in
preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial
alignment with the shell or being unintentionally released from the
holster.
[0059] Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of
molded components comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon,
urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction,
or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide
adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and
withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be
springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device
within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply
inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device
centered in the holster.
[0060] The horizontal positioning device 58 can be configured in
shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with
the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing
horizontal positioning devices the opposing pad curvatures can
present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device, during
its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped
surface 39. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning
device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal
amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or
insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As
the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal
positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a
progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains
essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces
counterbalancing each other.
[0061] Exemplary horizontal positioning device pads 38 can be
configured with a width W which is approximately or substantially
constant along the length of the device. The horizontal positioning
device 38 facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned,
upright position and preventing unintentional extraction from the
holster.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 3
wherein a mobile device holster 8 includes a shell or housing 40
which has a cavity 42 with an opening to accommodate a mobile
device which is placed or inserted therein. An exemplary shape can
be a rectangular type configuration, wherein the back and front
side of the shell are substantially flat and parallel to each
other. The front side of the shell can have a surface at the bottom
which curves towards and meets the back side which can facilitate
easy insertion of the holster into an article of clothing.
[0063] A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an
insert 46 can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the
opening of the cavity 42. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such
that the mobile device rests on the insert 46 and protrudes above
the opening of the cavity when the mobile device is placed in the
shell.
[0064] If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and
if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the
holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the
height adjustment device 46. In another example, a height
adjustment device can be replaced with a different one until the
desired height is determined. In another example, a user can adjust
the height of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or
slots.
[0065] A horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment device
47 can be provided to facilitate positional side restraint for the
mobile device which it is adapted to so that tipping, rocking,
marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur. The
horizontal positioning device 47 can be adapted to keep the mobile
device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of
the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which
can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
[0066] The horizontal positioning device 47 can be designed or
contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force
on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can
be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 47
can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 49 and have pads 48
attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile
device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be
comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in
preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial
alignment with the shell or being unintentionally released or
extracted from the holster.
[0067] Horizontal positioning device 47 can act opposite an
internal surface 52 to provide a friction grip to restrain the
mobile device, and keep it secure within the shell. Surface 49 can
be comprised of or coated with a friction generating material.
[0068] Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of
molded components can be formed of materials such as nylon, Teflon,
urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction,
or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide
adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and
withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be
springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device
within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply
inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device
centered in the holster.
[0069] The horizontal positioning device pad 48 can be configured
in shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with
the mobile device. The holster can present a relatively wide
opening wherein the mobile device and during its initial insertion
contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 51. This sloped
surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a
magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward
force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device
into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply
inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side is readily
moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle.
[0070] An exemplary horizontal positioning device pad 48 can be
configured with a width W which is approximately or substantially
constant along the length of the device. The horizontal positioning
device pad 48 facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned,
upright position.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates a horizontal positioning device 54 as
illustrated in FIG. 3 comprising a frame which can have spring type
qualities and can be comprised of an exemplary steel spring frame.
Pads 28 can be part and parcel with or attached to a frame 56 to
hold the horizontal positioning device in proper placement in the
shell.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7a, a mobile device
holster 62 similar to FIG. 1 can be adapted to slip into a garment
in order for the mobile device to be readily heard and accessible
with one hand.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7b, a mobile device
holster 62 is provided with a hook and loop material 63 which
facilitates placement of the holster in or on a purse or other
container for accessibility by the owner.
[0074] In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7c, a mobile device
holster 64 can be adapted to slip into a garment, purse or other
container. One or more clips 65 can be adapted to keep the holster
in a location where the mobile device is accessible and readily
heard.
[0075] In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7d, a decorative mobile
device holster 66 can be adapted to facilitate attachment of the
holster on a garment. A hook and loop type backing or other
attachment mechanism can accommodate this.
[0076] In exemplary embodiments of FIG. 7d-7f, a mobile device
holster 66, 68, 70 can be designed to be children's mobile device
carriers which can include a contoured lip 67, 69, 71 that projects
upward in the center of the shell front surface, and is a part
thereof to provide impact resistance. The lip can increase
protection for the portion of the mobile device that extends above
the normal confines of the shell and can be gripped during the
removal and/or insertion process.
[0077] In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7g, a mobile device
holster 72 similar to FIG. 3 can be adapted to slip into a garment
such as a shirt pocket to facilitate the mobile device being
readily accessible with one hand.
[0078] FIG. 10 is an exemplary mobile device holster 80 comprising
a shell or housing 82 which has a cavity 84 with an opening to
accommodate a mobile device which is placed or inserted therein. An
exemplary shape for shell 10 can be a split ellipse configuration,
wherein the back side of the shell is flat and the front side of
the shell is elliptically shaped.
[0079] The shell can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes
such as rounded, tapered, thinned, radiused, or substantially box
shaped with sides substantially vertical, etc. The shell can be
substantially thin walled, with external and internal contours
adapted for easy insertion into an article of clothing, such as a
shirt or jacket pocket and can be comprised or composed of a
structurally appropriate material, such as plastic, nylon, leather,
cloth, etc.
[0080] The shell can be manufactured by mass production techniques
or processes such as injection molding, casting, forming by thermal
or other means, sonic welding of plastic sheets, adhesive bonding,
or other method such as impregnation of leather or cloth with
resins to cause the materials to become semi rigid, etc.
[0081] The shell can be substantially designed in elongated
three-dimensional rectangles shaped to closely fit the mobile
device housed therein, or the cavity can be volumetrically larger
than the mobile device. For example, the mobile device holster
cavity can be 30 to 300% larger in volume than the mobile
device.
[0082] An exemplary plastic, leather or molded shell of selected
sizes can be produced by injection molding or bonding two flat
plastic sheets to one another. The back of the shell can be
approximately flat with a front that is arched or elliptical to
make a cavity for the mobile device which can facilitate the
holster being less cumbersome in function and appearance. The shell
can be covered or molded using an appropriate material to implement
slight adhesion within the pocket or to provide color coordination
or customer style preference. The shell can be comprised of water
proof or resistant material.
[0083] The shell can be decorated through a variety of different
techniques. For example, the shell can be painted, coated, wrapped
with cloth, festooned, emblazoned, affixed with lettering,
corporate symbols, logos, trimmed with baubles, stylized, color
coordinated or other decoration technique. It can be clear, opaque,
frosted, polished, etc. The shell can be covered in a variety of
materials and fabrics or trimmed with soft injection molded rubber
or plastic that is appropriate for functional requirements and
customer preferences. It can be patterned, printed, festooned or
accessorized.
[0084] Exemplary mobile device holsters can be placed in a garment,
such as a shirt, suit or sport coat pocket, a holding container
such as a purse, or attached to an outer garment by spring clips,
pins, or hook and loop material. An exemplary mobile device holster
can be built into a garment or purse.
[0085] An exemplary mobile device holster can be comprised of a
specific material or dimensioned such that the mobile device is not
shrouded by the holster. The holster can be configured for easy
hearing of the sound emitted from the mobile device, such as ring
or message tones.
[0086] In FIG. 10, an insert 88 can be disposed into the cavity 84
and can provide positional depth or vertical height adjustment
device and horizontal adjustment for a mobile device provided
therein. Insert 88 can be removable or replaceable to accommodate
different shaped mobile devices. An opening 90 is adapted to
receive the mobile device and is dimensioned or shaped such that
the mobile device rests at the bottom of the opening such that the
mobile device can protrude above the opening of the cavity 84 when
the mobile device is placed in the shell. Insert 88 can be any
material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly
inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered,
re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened,
lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded,
shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally,
etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an
adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried
therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can
be determined and maintained as preferred by the user. Insert 88
can be provided and disposed within the shell to facilitate
positional side restraint for the mobile device. The horizontal
positioning device can be adapted so that tipping, rocking,
marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur and
can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered
coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the
mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for,
amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
[0087] Insert 88 can be designed or contoured in such a way as to
provide a tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile
device. This force can be in both the horizontal and/or vertical
axis of the holster. Insert 88 can be comprised of soft material
such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device
from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or
being accidentally released from the holster. It can be comprised
of molded components, comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon,
urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction,
or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide
adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and
withdrawal of the mobile device.
[0088] Insert 88 can be configured to have one or more sloped
surfaces 92 for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. If
the holster is configured with two opposing horizontal positioning
devices the opposing curvatures can present a relatively wide
opening to the mobile device and wherein the mobile device, during
its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped
surface 92. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning
device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal
amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or
insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As
the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal
positioning device on each side can be readily moved aside due to a
progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains
essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces
counterbalancing each other.
[0089] An exemplary insert 94 can be received within the shell 82
to exert a force on the mobile device. Insert 94 can be any
material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly
inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered,
re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened,
lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded,
shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally,
etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an
adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried
therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can
be determined and maintained as preferred by the user. Insert 94
can be provided and disposed within the shell to facilitate
positional side restraint for the mobile device. The horizontal
positioning device can be adapted so that tipping, rocking,
marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur and
can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered
coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the
mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for,
amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
[0090] FIG. 11 is an exemplary centering and vertical positioning
device for insertion to a mobile device holster shell and
facilitates both vertical and horizontal positioning. An exemplary
device 100 can be comprised of a metal or plastic frame 102 and
have pads 104 attached thereon or part and parcel with the frame
102 that exert a force on the mobile device to hold the device and
prevent damage thereto. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft
material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the
mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with
the shell or being unintentionally released from the holster. The
horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment system can be
provided to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile
device which is adapted to so that tipping, rocking, marginal
movements and falling out of the shell does not occur and
maintaining the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the
longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device
within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other
things, aesthetic purposes. Device 100 can be designed or contoured
in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force on one or
more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can be in the
horizontal axis of the holster.
[0091] Exemplary positioning devices 102 can be comprised of molded
components comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane,
reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or
combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide
adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and
withdrawal of the mobile device.
[0092] The positioning device pads 104 can be configured in shape
to have a sloped surface 108 for contacting or engagement with the
mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing pads
104 the opposing pad curvatures can present a relatively wide
opening wherein the mobile device, during its initial insertion
contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 108. This sloped
surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a
magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward
force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device
into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply
inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side is readily
moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle, yet the
mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion due to
the spring forces counterbalancing each other thereby facilitating
holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position and
preventing unintentional extraction from the holster.
[0093] A positional depth or height adjustment system can be
provided as part and parcel to the positioning device 100. The
height adjustment system can be comprised of a platform or shelf
112 on which a mobile device is rested on. The platform can have
one or more pins 116 which mate with receiving holes 118 provided
in the frame 102.
[0094] If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and
if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the
holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the
height adjustment device by changing which holes 118 the pins 116
are inserted in.
[0095] What is described herein is an exemplary mobile device
holster having a shell having a top, bottom, front side, back side
and cavity provided therein with an opening at the top adapted to
receive a mobile device within the cavity; a height adjustment
device disposed at the bottom adapted for vertically positioning a
mobile device within the cavity; at least one horizontal
positioning device disposed within the cavity adapted for applying
force for horizontally aligning and applying vertical tension on a
mobile device within the cavity. The height adjustment device can
be a replaceable insert. The height adjustment device can have a
frame; a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile
device rests on; and, an adjustment system for adjusting the
attachment position of the shelf. The height adjustment device can
have a frame having a plurality positional holes provided therein;
and, a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile device
rests on, the shelf having at least one pin for insertion into the
positional holes, wherein the position of the attachment of the
shelf to the frame is adjustable by changing which of the plurality
of positional holes the at least one pin is inserted into. The
height adjustment device can have a frame; a shelf for attachment
to the frame onto which a mobile device rests on; and, an
adjustment system for adjusting the attachment position of the
shelf,
wherein the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a
pair of opposing springs which are part of the frame. The
horizontal positioning device can be a pair of opposing springs.
The horizontal positioning device can be a pair of opposing springs
and wherein at least one of the opposing springs is tapered. The
horizontal positioning device can be a pair of opposing springs and
wherein at least one of the opposing springs has a substantially
constant width. The horizontal positioning device can be a pair of
opposing springs and wherein at least one of the opposing springs
has a downwardly sloped shaped to facilitate a low insertion force
for inserting a mobile device into the cavity. The horizontal
positioning device can be a tapered spring. The horizontal
positioning device can be a spring with a substantially constant
width. The horizontal positioning device can be a spring having a
downwardly sloped shaped to facilitate a low insertion force for
inserting a mobile device into the cavity and a surface opposite of
the spring which provides a horizontal force on a mobile device
opposing the spring and a vertical force to facilitate prevention
of vertical movement of a mobile device.
[0096] An exemplary mobile device holster can have a shell having a
top, bottom, front side, back side and cavity provided therein with
an opening at the top adapted to receive a mobile device within the
cavity; and a first insert for insertion into the cavity for
supporting providing height adjustment of a mobile device, the
insert having a pair of opposite downwardly sloped shaped surfaces
to facilitate a vertical insertion force on a mobile device and to
facilitate vertical and horizontal restraint on the mobile device.
The mobile device holster can have a second insert having a
downwardly sloped shaped surface for facilitating vertical
restraint additional to the first insert. One or both inserts can
be removable.
* * * * *