U.S. patent application number 15/642674 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-11 for adjustable clip.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tedder Industries, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tedder Industries, LLC. Invention is credited to Jacob Shearer, Drew Stephens, Thomas Tedder, Taylor Vold, Christopher Weber.
Application Number | 20180010885 15/642674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60910422 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180010885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tedder; Thomas ; et
al. |
January 11, 2018 |
Adjustable Clip
Abstract
Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide
an adjustable clip that may be adjusted in overall length. The
adjustable clip includes an upper clip portion and a lower clip
portion, which are moveably coupled to each other. An actuator is
included to set the overall length of the adjustable clip, and to
prevent the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion from
moving with respect to each other unintentionally, when the length
is set. The clip length can be user-adjusted in the field if
desired.
Inventors: |
Tedder; Thomas; (Post Falls,
ID) ; Weber; Christopher; (Coeur d'Alene, ID)
; Stephens; Drew; (Coeur d'Alene, ID) ; Shearer;
Jacob; (Post Falls, ID) ; Vold; Taylor;
(Valleyford, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tedder Industries, LLC |
Post Falls |
ID |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tedder Industries, LLC
Post Falls
ID
|
Family ID: |
60910422 |
Appl. No.: |
15/642674 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62359301 |
Jul 7, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/041 20130101;
F41C 33/0209 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/04 20060101
F41C033/04; F41C 33/02 20060101 F41C033/02 |
Claims
1. An adjustable clip, comprising: an upper clip portion arranged
to clip onto or around a support object and including one or more
interface features arranged to interface with a lower clip portion
and to adjust an overall length of the adjustable clip; a lower
clip portion moveably coupled to the upper clip portion and
arranged to extend from the upper clip portion or retract towards
the upper clip portion to adjust an overall length of the
adjustable clip, the lower clip portion including at least one
mounting hole for mounting the adjustable clip to a load object;
and an actuator coupled to or integral to the upper clip portion or
the lower clip portion, the actuator configured to allow the lower
clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion when the
actuator is in a first position and to prevent the lower clip
portion from moving relative to the upper clip portion when the
actuator is in a second position.
2. The adjustable clip of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of actuators coupled to or integral to the upper clip portion, the
lower clip portion, or the upper clip portion and the lower clip
portion, one or more of the plurality of actuators configured to
lock a position of the lower clip portion relative to the upper
clip portion while the one or more of the plurality of actuators is
at rest and configured to release the lower clip portion to move
relative to the upper clip portion while the one or more of the
plurality of actuators is actuated.
3. The adjustable clip of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of
actuators includes a tang component, and wherein each of the
plurality of actuators is configured to be actuated by bending the
tang component from a rest position.
4. The adjustable clip of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of
actuators includes a button portion configured to protrude through
an opening in the upper clip portion or the lower clip portion to
lock the position of the lower clip portion relative to the upper
clip portion while the one or more of the plurality of actuators is
at rest.
5. The adjustable clip of claim 2, wherein a quantity and a
location of the plurality of actuators determines a plurality of
discrete length adjustments for the adjustable clip.
6. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the upper clip portion
includes a cavity wherein the lower clip portion may be inserted,
the actuator configured to allow the lower clip portion to travel
within the cavity when the actuator is in the first position and
configured to prevent the lower clip portion from travelling within
the cavity when the actuator is in the second position.
7. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion
includes a cavity wherein the upper clip portion may be inserted,
the actuator configured to allow the upper clip portion to travel
within the cavity when the actuator is in the first position and
configured to prevent the upper clip portion from travelling within
the cavity when the actuator is in the second position.
8. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the actuator is coupled
to or integral to the upper clip portion and wherein the lower clip
portion includes a plurality of openings, and wherein the actuator
is configured to protrude from at least one of the plurality of
openings to determine an overall length of the adjustable clip when
the actuator is in the second position.
9. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion
includes a channel along a length of the lower clip portion having
a plurality of detents, protrusions, or openings disposed along a
length of the channel, the plurality of detents, protrusions, or
openings determining a plurality of stops for the lower clip
portion relative to the upper clip portion.
10. The adjustable clip of claim 9, wherein a quantity and a
location of the plurality of stops determines a plurality of
discrete length adjustments for the adjustable clip.
11. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion
includes a plurality of stops along a length of the lower clip
portion, the actuator configured to bypass the stops when actuated,
allowing the lower clip portion to travel with respect to the upper
portion, and configured to catch the stops when not actuated,
preventing the lower clip portion from travelling with respect to
the upper portion.
12. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises
one or more spring-tensioned push buttons.
13. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion
is slideably coupled to the upper clip portion.
14. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion
is moveably coupled to the upper clip portion via a screw
mechanism.
15. The adjustable clip of claim 14, wherein an overall length of
the adjustable clip is determined by a quantity of turns of the
screw mechanism.
16. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion
is extended from the upper clip portion to increase an overall
length of the adjustable clip and wherein the lower clip portion is
retracted toward the upper clip portion to decrease an overall
length of the adjustable clip.
17. An implement holster, comprising: a pocket for receiving an
implement; a backing portion coupled to the pocket to support a
load of the pocket and the implement; and one or more adjustable
clips coupled to the backing portion or to the pocket, each
adjustable clip having: an upper clip portion arranged to clip onto
or around a support object, and including one or more interface
features arranged to interface with a lower clip portion and to
adjust an overall length of the adjustable clip; a lower clip
portion moveably coupled to the upper clip portion and arranged to
extend from the upper clip portion or retract towards the upper
clip portion to adjust an overall length of the adjustable clip,
the lower clip portion including at least one mounting hole for
mounting the adjustable clip to the backing portion or to the
pocket; and an actuator coupled to or integral to the upper clip
portion or the lower clip portion, the actuator configured to allow
the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion
when the actuator is in a first position and to prevent the lower
clip portion from moving relative to the upper clip portion when
the actuator is in a second position.
18. A method, comprising: moveably coupling an upper clip portion
to a lower clip portion, the upper clip portion and the lower clip
portion including one or more interface features arranged to adjust
a relative position of the upper clip portion to the lower clip
portion, the relative position determining an overall length of an
adjustable clip comprising the upper clip portion and the lower
clip portion; moving an actuator into a first position to allow the
lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion;
extending the lower clip portion from the upper clip portion while
the actuator is in the first position to increase an overall length
of the adjustable clip; retracting the lower clip portion towards
the upper clip portion while the actuator is in the first position
to decrease the overall length of the adjustable clip; and moving
the actuator into a second position to prevent the lower clip
portion from moving relative to the upper clip portion.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising slideably coupling
the lower clip portion to the upper clip portion or moveably
coupling the lower clip portion to the upper clip portion via a
screw-type mechanism.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising fine tuning a ride
height and a cant angle of an implement holster by extending or
retracting the lower clip portion relative to the upper clip
portion while the adjustable clip is coupled to the implement
holster.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/359,301,
filed Jul. 7, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Implements, such as tools, weapons, and the like, may be
encased in a holster for protection of the implement and/or the
user, while providing access to the implement. For example, a
holster may allow a user to conveniently carry the implement,
safely retaining the implement until needed. When the implement is
to be used, the user may withdraw the implement from the holster,
and then return it to the holster when finished. In some cases,
such as with a handgun for example, the holster may allow the user
to conceal the implement, or to conceal the fact that the user is
carrying the implement.
[0003] Holsters or other cases may be worn on a user (attached to
an article or garment of the user) for convenience of carrying the
tool or implement. In various examples, a holster can be worn on a
belt or strap, for instance, either in public view or concealed
from view. In some cases, the holster is temporarily or permanently
attached to the belt or strap using an attachment device, such as a
clip, strap, loop, or the like. However, in many situations it may
be desirable for the user to be able to determine the ride height
and orientation of the holster, including the cant angle of the
holster, for convenience of withdrawing the implement and for
comfort or utility while wearing the holster.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a
reference number identifies the figure in which the reference
number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in
different figures indicates similar or identical items.
[0005] For this discussion, the devices and systems illustrated in
the figures are shown as having a multiplicity of components.
Various implementations of devices and/or systems, as described
herein, may include fewer components and remain within the scope of
the disclosure. Alternately, other implementations of devices
and/or systems may include additional components, or various
combinations of the described components, and remain within the
scope of the disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the
illustrations of the figures are for example, and other shapes and
or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the
disclosure, unless specified otherwise.
[0006] FIGS. 1A and 1B show two views of an example adjustable
clip, according to a first implementation. FIG. 1A shows a
perspective view of the adjustable clip in an extended
configuration. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the adjustable
clip in a retracted configuration.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded view of the example
adjustable clip of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0008] FIGS. 3A-3F show six views of an example adjustable clip,
according to a second implementation. FIGS. 3A-3C show the
adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively,
while in a retracted configuration. FIGS. 3D-3F show the adjustable
clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in
an extended configuration.
[0009] FIGS. 4A and 4B show two views of an example adjustable
clip, according to a third implementation. FIG. 4A shows a
perspective view of the adjustable clip in a retracted
configuration. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the adjustable
clip in an extended configuration.
[0010] FIGS. 5A and 5B show two views of an example adjustable
clip, according to a fourth implementation. FIG. 5A shows a
perspective view of the adjustable clip in a retracted
configuration. FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the adjustable
clip in an extended configuration.
[0011] FIGS. 6A-6C show three views of an example adjustable clip,
according to a fifth implementation. FIG. 6A shows a perspective
view of the adjustable clip in a semi-extended configuration. FIG.
6B shows a top perspective view of the adjustable clip in the
semi-extended configuration. FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the
adjustable clip.
[0012] FIGS. 7A-7F show six views of an example adjustable clip,
according to a sixth implementation. FIGS. 7A-7C show the
adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively,
while in a retracted configuration. FIGS. 7D-7F show the adjustable
clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in
an extended configuration.
[0013] FIGS. 8A-8F show six views of an example adjustable clip,
according to a seventh implementation. FIGS. 8A-8C show the
adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively,
while in a retracted configuration. FIGS. 8D-8F show the adjustable
clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in
an extended configuration.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows an example of two adjustable clips mounted to
an implement holster. In the illustration, one adjustable clip is
in an extended configuration and the other is in a retracted
configuration.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process
for adjusting an adjustable clip, according to an
implementation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Introduction
[0016] Representative implementations of devices and techniques
provide an adjustable clip that may be adjusted in overall length.
In various embodiments, the adjustable clip may be used to
temporarily or permanently attach an item (such as a handgun
holster, for example) to a support location (such as a belt of a
user, for example). While hanging from or attached to the support,
the clip can hold the holster, or any other type of load. In
alternate implementations, the adjustable clip may be used to
attach various items to varying locations as desired.
[0017] The clip is configured to be easily adjusted in overall
length (or effective length) for adjusting a distance of the load
item from the support location. For example, the clip may be
mounted to a holster (see FIG. 9), and may be user-adjustable to
provide a desired ride height or angle (when used at one or more
attachment points) for the holster. Adjusting the ride height and
cant angle of the holster can improve comfort when wearing the
holster, or can provide a better orientation for withdrawing and
re-holstering a handgun out of and into the holster.
[0018] In various implementations, a user can adjust the adjustable
clip while the clip is mounted to the item, via an actuator on the
clip, or by other techniques. For instance, the actuator may be any
mechanism that allows the adjustable clip to increase or decrease
in overall length (or effective length) when actuated and prevents
the adjustable clip from changing in overall length (or effective
length) when not actuated (at rest). In some implementations, the
clip may have multiple discrete length adjustment positions. In
other implementations, the clip may be adjusted in length in an
infinitely variable sense.
[0019] Techniques and devices are discussed with reference to
example handgun holsters illustrated in the figures. However, this
is not intended to be limiting, and is for ease of discussion and
illustrative convenience. The techniques and devices discussed may
be applied to a holster or to any of various cases, case designs,
combinations, and the like, (e.g., holsters, sheaths, covers,
cases, carriers, scabbards, etc.) for encasing tools, weapons, or
other implements, and remain within the scope of the
disclosure.
[0020] Further, the techniques and devices are illustrated
generally with reference to an inside waistband (IWB) holster. This
is also not intended to be limiting. In various implementations,
the techniques and devices may be employed with inside waistband
(IWB) holsters, outside waistband (OWB) holsters, as well as
holsters or cases that may be worn in various ways using a belt,
strap, or other article. In alternate implementations, the
techniques and devices may be employed in other ways or with other
devices, systems, instruments, or the like.
[0021] Implementations are explained in more detail below using a
plurality of examples. Although various implementations and
examples are discussed here and below, further implementations and
examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of
individual implementations and examples.
Example Adjustable Clips
[0022] An example clip 100, as shown in FIGS. 1A-9, includes an
upper clip portion (i.e., component) 102 and a lower clip portion
(i.e., component) 104. In various implementations, the upper clip
portion 102 can have a generally hooked shape, looped shape, "C"
shape, "J" shape, etc., and is arranged to clip onto or around a
support object, such as a belt or strap worn by a user. In some
embodiments, the upper clip portion 102 includes a catch, a barb,
or other mechanism for holding onto the support object. In
alternate implementations, the upper clip portion 102 can be
clipped to any sort of support that fits within the looped shape of
the upper clip portion 102. Accordingly, the upper clip portion 102
may be formed to have any dimensions desired for an intended use
(or a general use).
[0023] In various embodiments, the lower clip portion 104 is
moveably coupled to the upper clip portion 102 and is arranged to
extend away from the upper clip portion 102 or to retract towards
the upper clip portion 102 to adjust an overall length (or an
effective length) of the adjustable clip 100. For example, in some
embodiments, the lower clip portion 104 is slideably coupled to the
upper clip portion 102. In various embodiments, the upper clip
portion 102 includes one or more interface features (e.g., cavity,
channel, rail, slot, tab, guide, etc.) for interfacing with the
lower clip portion 104 and for adjusting an overall length (or an
effective length) of the adjustable clip 100.
[0024] In an implementation, the lower clip portion 104 is arranged
to fit within a cavity 106 in the upper clip portion 102. The lower
clip portion 104 can travel (e.g., slide, screw, etc.) within the
cavity 106 to extend out of the upper clip portion 102 to increase
the overall length of the clip 100, or to retract into the upper
clip portion 102 to decrease the overall length of the clip 100. In
another implementation, the upper clip portion 102 is arranged to
fit within a cavity 106 in the lower clip portion 104. The lower
clip portion 104 can travel (e.g., slide, screw, etc.) with respect
to the upper clip portion 102 to extend from the upper clip portion
102 to increase the overall length (or an effective length) of the
clip 100, or to retract toward the upper clip portion 102 to
decrease the overall length (or an effective length) of the clip
100.
[0025] In an embodiment, the lower clip portion 104 includes a
beveled end 116 (see FIGS. 1A and 2) for inserting the lower clip
portion 104 into the cavity 106 of the upper clip portion 102. For
example, the beveled end 116 makes it easier to insert the lower
clip portion 104 into the cavity 106 when it is removed
intentionally or inadvertently.
[0026] In various embodiments, the lower clip portion 104 includes
at least one mounting hole 108 for coupling the lower clip portion
104 to the load object (e.g., a holster, etc.). For example, a
mounting hole 108 may be disposed at an end of the lower clip
portion 104 to allow for minimum and maximum overall lengths of the
adjustable clip 100. The load object may be coupled at the mounting
hole 108 using a fastener that allows the lower clip portion 104 to
pivot with respect to the load object, if desired.
[0027] In various embodiments, an actuator 110 may be coupled to a
portion of the clip 100 to control movement of the lower clip
portion 104 with respect to the upper clip portion 102, and thus,
control the overall length of the clip 100. For example, the
actuator 110 may be coupled to or integral with the lower clip
portion 104 or the upper clip portion 102, and user-activated to
control the movement. In an embodiment, the actuator 110 allows the
lower clip portion 104 to travel (i.e., extend or retract) with
respect to the upper clip portion 102 when the actuator 110 is in a
first position (i.e., actuated), and prevents the lower clip
portion 104 from travelling with respect to the upper clip portion
102 when the actuator 110 is in a second position (i.e., at rest,
not actuated). The actuator may be spring loaded (either with a
discrete or an integral spring-type device) such that the spring is
unloaded when the actuator 110 is in the first or second position,
as desired.
[0028] In an implementation, when the upper clip portion 102
includes a cavity 106 and the lower clip portion 104 is inserted
into the cavity 106 (see FIGS. 1A-3F), the actuator 110 allows the
lower clip portion 104 to travel within the cavity 106 when the
actuator 110 is in a first position (e.g., the actuator 110 is in
tension) and prevents the lower clip portion 104 from travelling
within the cavity 106 when the actuator 110 is in a second position
(e.g., the actuator 110 is at rest). Alternately, when the lower
clip portion 104 includes a cavity 106 and the upper clip portion
102 is inserted into the cavity 106 (see FIGS. 4A-7F), the actuator
110 allows the upper clip portion 102 to travel within the cavity
106 when the actuator is in a first position (e.g., the actuator
110 is in tension) and prevents the upper clip portion 102 from
travelling within the cavity 106 when the actuator 110 is in a
second position (e.g., the actuator 110 is at rest).
[0029] In several example embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3F and
7A-7F, the actuator 110 may be integral to the upper clip portion
102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, the actuator 110
comprises a spring-like tang that is integral to the upper clip
portion 102, and holds the lower clip portion 104 in place while
the actuator 110 is at rest. Bending the tang actuator 110 allows
the lower clip portion 104 to move with respect to the upper clip
portion 102. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, the upper
clip portion 102 may have several tang-type actuators 110, where at
least one of the actuators 110 holds the lower clip portion 104 in
place until bent (i.e., actuated) by the user.
[0030] In the example of FIGS. 7A-7F, the tang-type actuators 110
can include a button portion 702 that protrudes through an opening
704 in the lower clip portion 104. The actuator 110 is actuated by
pressing the button portion 702, which bends the tang portion of
the actuator 110, releasing the button portion 702 from the lower
clip portion 104. This allows the lower clip portion 104 to move
with respect to the upper clip portion 102. The quantity and
location of the tang-type actuators 110 can define discrete length
adjustments for the clip 100.
[0031] In an implementation, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lower
clip portion 104 includes a plurality of openings 402, and the
actuator 110 protrudes from at least one of the plurality of
openings 402 to determine an overall length of the adjustable clip
100 when the actuator 110 is in the second position (e.g., at
rest). For example, in an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,
there are one or more actuators 110 that can be engaged (e.g.,
pushed) by a user to slide the upper clip portion 102 into several
positions (corresponding to the openings 402) relative to the lower
clip portion 104. In an embodiment, the actuator(s) 110 are spring
loaded, such that when moving the upper clip portion 102 with
respect to the lower clip portion 104, the actuator(s) 110 can snap
into one of the openings 402. The quantity and location of the
openings 402 defines discrete length adjustments for the clip
100.
[0032] In another example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
the actuator 110 may be integral to the lower clip portion 104. In
various embodiments, one or more actuators 110 comprise one or more
spring-tensioned tang-type components, or the like. In the example
of FIGS. 5A-5B, the tang-type actuators 110 can include a button
portion 502 that protrudes through an opening 504 in the upper clip
portion 102. The actuator 110 is actuated by pressing the button
portion 502, which bends the tang portion of the actuator 110,
releasing the button portion 502 from the upper clip portion 102.
This allows the lower clip portion 104 to slide with respect to the
upper clip portion 102, to adjust the overall length of the clip
100. When the user does not press on the push button 502, the
actuator 110 holds the push button 502 in a rest position, which
holds the lower clip portion 104 in position relative to the upper
clip portion 102. The quantity and location of the actuators 110
and the push buttons 502 defines discrete length adjustments for
the clip 100.
[0033] In various implementations, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the
lower clip portion 104 includes a channel 112 along a length of the
lower clip portion 104 (also see FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, and 6A-6C). In
various embodiments, the channel 112 cuts partially or entirely
through the lower clip portion 104. In some embodiments, the
channel 112 includes a plurality of detents 114, protrusions 502,
or openings 602 (or a combination of detents 114, protrusions 502,
and openings 602) disposed along a length of the channel 112. The
detents 114, protrusions 502, and openings 602 determine a
plurality of stops for the lower clip portion 104 relative to the
upper clip portion 102. For example, the detents 114, protrusions
502, and openings 602 determine discrete distances that the lower
clip portion 104 may be extended from the upper clip portion 102.
When actuated, the actuator 110 bypasses the stops, allowing the
lower clip portion 104 to travel with respect to the upper clip
portion 102. When not actuated (i.e., at rest), the actuator 110
catches the stops, preventing the lower clip portion 104 from
travelling with respect to the upper clip portion 102.
[0034] In some embodiments, such as the example shown in FIGS.
6A-6C, the actuator 110 is a discrete component, separable from the
upper 102 and lower 104 clip portions. In the example shown in
FIGS. 6A-6C, the actuator 110 is inserted into an opening 602 in
the upper clip portion 102 and then into one of a plurality of
openings 604 in the lower clip portion 104 to determine the overall
length of the adjustable clip 100. In various embodiments, the
actuator 110 may be partly or entirely removable from the
adjustable clip 100. The quantity and location of the openings 604
can define discrete length adjustments for the clip 100.
[0035] In alternate implementations, the detents 114, protrusions
502, and openings 604 may be disposed along one or both side edges
of the lower clip portion 104. Further, in some variations, the
detents 114, protrusions 502, and openings 604 (e.g., stops) may
comprise fine or coarse pitch teeth, slots, or the like, or tabs
and the like. In one variation (not shown), the channel 112 and/or
edges of the lower clip portion 104 and/or upper clip portion 102
include a textured surface that provides friction to the actuator
110. In the variation, the lower clip portion 104 has unlimited
stop positions along its length.
[0036] In an implementation, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, the upper
clip portion 102 and the lower clip portion 104 may be coupled
together via a screw-type mechanism 802. In various embodiments,
the screw-type mechanism 802 may be one or more separate
components, or may be integral to the upper clip portion 102 (as
illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8F) or the lower clip portion 104 (or
both). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, the upper clip
portion 102 is inserted and screwed into the cavity 106 of the
lower clip portion 104 a quantity of turns. The length of the
adjustable clip 100 is modified by adjusting the quantity of
turns.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, one or more adjustable clips 100 may be
used with a holster for an implement such as a handgun, for
example. The illustration is not intended to be limiting, as the
clip 100 may be used with various other types of holsters, as well
as with countless other items. For this disclosure, the use of the
term "holster" also applies to the various other items that may be
temporarily or permanently mounted to a support location with one
or more clips. Further, the shape and design of the adjustable clip
100 illustrated in FIG. 9 may vary to accommodate various uses or
styles (including the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-8F, as well as
other clip 100 designs).
[0038] As shown in the example of FIG. 9, the clips 100 may be
attached to the holster using fasteners 902 with or without spacers
904. The clips 100 may be attached to the holster such that the
clips 100 are stationary or such that the clips 100 may pivot with
respect to the holster. In various embodiments, adjustable clips
100 can be attached to the holster in various locations and
configurations.
[0039] The example shown in FIG. 9 shows one clip 100 (at "A") in
an extended configuration and another clip 100 (at "B") in a
retracted configuration. Extending and retracting one or more of
the clips 100 allows a user to fine-tune the ride height and cant
(angle) of the holster. Further, the user can make adjustments to
the clips 100 in the field and as desired while the holster is worn
by the user. If the holster includes a plurality of mounting
locations 906, additional adjustments are also possible.
[0040] In various implementations, the adjustable clip 100 is
comprised of various plastics, composites, metals, combinations of
the same, or the like. For example, the clip 100 may be comprised
of a polyamide, or similar material. In various embodiments, the
clip 100 has rigidity and stability properties based on a
particular material selected for the clip 100. For example, some
materials that may be used include styrenic block copolymers
(TPE-s), polyolefin blends (TPE-o), elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or
TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), Thermoplastic
copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, various metals and alloys,
fiber composites, combinations of the same, and the like.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the stability properties are
also based on a thickness of the clip 100.
Representative Process
[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a representative process 1000 for
implementing techniques and/or devices relative to an adjustable
clip (such as adjustable clip 100, for example). The process 1000
may include extending and/or retracting portions of the adjustable
clip relative to each other to adjust an overall length (or an
effective length) of the adjustable clip. One or more actuators may
be actuated to allow the components to be moved relative to each
other. The example process 1000 is described with reference to
FIGS. 1A-10.
[0042] The order in which the process is described is not intended
to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
process blocks can be combined in any order to implement the
process, or alternate processes. Additionally, individual blocks
may be deleted from the process without departing from the spirit
and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the
process can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software,
firmware, or a combination thereof, without departing from the
scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0043] At block 1002, the process includes moveably coupling an
upper clip portion (such as upper clip portion 102, for example) to
a lower clip portion (such as lower clip portion 104, for example).
In an embodiment, the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion
include one or more interface features arranged to adjust a
relative position of the upper clip portion to the lower clip
portion. The relative position determines an overall length of the
adjustable clip comprising the upper clip portion and the lower
clip portion.
[0044] In some embodiments, the process includes slideably coupling
the lower clip portion to the upper clip portion. In other
embodiments, the process includes moveably coupling the lower clip
portion to the upper clip portion via a screw-type mechanism.
Alternately, other moveable coupling techniques may be used with
the lower clip portion and the upper clip portion.
[0045] At block 1004, the process includes moving an actuator (such
as actuator 110, for example) into a first position to allow the
lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion. In
various implementations, the adjustable clip may include more than
one actuator. In the implementations, the multiple actuators may be
operable independently or in groups. For example, just one of a
plurality of the actuators may be used at a time in some cases, and
in other cases multiple actuators may be used together.
[0046] In some embodiments, moving the actuator into the first
position includes putting the actuator into a state of tension.
This can include bending a portion of the actuator, compressing or
stretching a spring component associated with the actuator, or the
like. For instance, in some examples, the actuator includes a
button to be pressed by a user to actuate the actuator.
[0047] In another implementation, moving the actuator into the
first position comprises removing the actuator from its locked
position. In the implementation, the actuator may be a discrete
component, separable from the upper and lower clip portions, or an
integral or coupled component to one or both of the upper and lower
clip portions. Removing the actuator from its locked position
allows the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip
portion.
[0048] At block 1006, the process includes extending the lower clip
portion from the upper clip portion while the actuator is in the
first position to increase an overall length of the adjustable
clip.
[0049] At block 1008, the process includes retracting the lower
clip portion towards the upper clip portion while the actuator is
in the first position to decrease the overall length of the
adjustable clip.
[0050] At block 1010, the process includes moving the actuator into
a second position to prevent the lower clip portion from moving
relative to the upper clip portion. For instance, the lower clip
portion can be locked into position once moved to a desirable
position relative to the upper clip portion. In one example, moving
the actuator into a second position comprises releasing the
actuator, so that it returns to a state of rest from a state of
tension. In another example, moving the actuator into a second
position comprises placing the actuator into a locked position.
Placing the actuator into the locked position may include inserting
the actuator into an opening, a slot, a detent, or the like.
[0051] In an implementation, the process includes coupling the
adjustable clip (or a plurality of the adjustable clips) to an
implement holster, or the like. In one example, the process
includes fine tuning a ride height and a cant angle of the
implement holster by extending or retracting the lower clip portion
relative to the upper clip portion while the adjustable clip is
coupled to the implement holster.
[0052] In alternate implementations, other techniques may be
included in the process in various combinations, and remain within
the scope of the disclosure.
[0053] The techniques, components, and devices described herein
with respect to the implementations are not limited to the
illustrations of FIGS. 1A-10, and may be applied to various
holsters, cases, devices, and designs, without departing from the
scope of the disclosure. In some cases, additional or alternative
components, techniques, sequences, or processes may be used to
implement the techniques described herein. Further, the components
and/or techniques may be arranged and/or combined in various
combinations, while resulting in similar or approximately identical
results. It is to be understood that an adjustable clip 100 may be
implemented as a stand-alone device or as part of another system
(e.g., integrated with other components). In various
implementations, additional or alternative components may be used
to accomplish the disclosed techniques and arrangements.
[0054] Although various implementations and examples are discussed
herein, further implementations and examples may be possible by
combining the features and elements of individual implementations
and examples.
Conclusion
[0055] Although the implementations of the disclosure have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or
methodological acts, it is to be understood that the
implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific
features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts
are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the
claims.
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