Abstract:
Disclosed is a securing device for personal pagers consisting of a plastic holster-type device that includes interchangeable securing means for attaching it to the clothes of the user. The present invention includes a conventional belt clip for attaching to belts and the like as well as a locking straight pin, either of which can be used at any one given time. The incorporation of the pin allows the user to attach the pager to virtually any article of clothing in a secure manner in a situation where the belt clip would be insufficient.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/282,965, filed on Mar. 31, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to personal paging devices, and more specifically to a securing device that allows for the transportation of personal pagers in a convenient and accessible manner using interchangeable clamping and pin-on securing mechanisms. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Modern communications have made great strides in recent years, especially in the area of personal, portable electronics. Among these devices, personal pagers or beepers are extremely popular. Named after conventional paging systems used at fixed locations, use of the pager allows one to get in contact with the user at virtually any location simply by using a telephone. One simply dials the telephone number of the pager, enters the number from which he or she is calling and hangs-up. Using a network of satellite and radio transmissions, the information is conveyed to the pager, causing it to beep or vibrate, and alerting the user that they have a message pending. The user then contacts the individual wishing to get in contact with them by dialing the telephone number displayed on the beeper. While this is an effective means by which to remain in contact with certain individuals at all times, it does suffer from one main drawback. Use of the pager requires that it be attached to the user&#39;s person at all times in order to be used effectively. Pagers typically incorporate the use of a belt clip to facilitate easy attachment to a belt or pants, however these clips tend to break and they do not lend well to attaching to other types of garments, especially women&#39;s clothing. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which a conventional pager or beeper can be effectively secured to the user&#39;s clothing regardless of the type of clothes being worn. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, several references to devices related to the use and securement of personal paging devices were discovered. These devices neither anticipate nor disclose any embodiment that would preclude the novelty and the utilitarian functionality of the features of the present invention. 
     The following patents describe various clip-on mounting system for pagers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,262, issued in the name of Vardanega; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,770, issued in the name of Castilla et al.; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,429, issued in the name of Higginbotham; and 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,122, issued in the name of Otsuki et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,726, issued in the name of Wu et al., discloses a safety pin device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,946, issued in the name of Mafli, discloses a safety pin device for affixing flowers to a dress or similar article. 
     The following two patents describe a safety pin fastener device for a badge, broach, or the like: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,688, issued in the name of d&#39;Orgelys; and 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,166, issued in the name of Betters. 
     While several features exhibited within these references may be incorporated into this invention, alone and in combination with other elements, the present invention is sufficiently different so as to make it distinguishable over the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a securing device for personal pagers consisting of a plastic holster-type device that includes interchangeable securing means for attaching it to the clothes of the user. It provides the conventional belt clip for attaching to belts and the like as well as a locking straight pin, either of which can be used at any one given time. The incorporation of the pin allows the user to attach the pager to virtually any article of clothing in a secure manner. The holster is of an open design that allows the pager to be slid and inserted therein, securing it with a spring-biased friction fit. Thus, when the pager alerts the user of a message, it can be removed from the holster for viewing the telephone number. In an alternate embodiment, the interchangeable clamping and straight pin mechanisms are incorporated into the design of a paging device electronics housing, thus eliminating the separate, holster-type design. Regardless of the particular embodiment, the present invention provides a convenient, reliable means by which to carry a pager that is easy to use on any type of clothing. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a securing device for personal pagers that allows the user to interchangeably choose between a clamping-type and locking straight pin securing mechanism. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a securing device for personal pagers that includes a holster that allows a conventional paging device to be removably placed therein. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a securing device for personal pagers wherein the securing mechanism is built into the electronics housing of the paging device. 
     Finally, It is an object of the present invention to provide a securing device for personal pagers that can be attached to a variety of garments and materials. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a left side plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a right side plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a belt clip attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a rear plan view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a belt clip attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a belt clip attachment for use with the securing attachment for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the placement of a personal pager slidably removed from a securing device for personal pagers, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the securing device containing slidably therein a personal pager, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a belt clip attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 21 is a front plan view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 22 is a rear plan view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the first preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the first preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the second preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a straight pin attachment installed in the securing device for personal pagers configured so that the straight pin device is the chosen attachment means, according to the second preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention 
     FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a straight pin attachment installed in the securing device for personal pagers configured so that the belt clip device is the chosen attachment means, according to the second preferred alternate embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 28 is a rear plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 29 a front plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 30 a top plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 31 a bottom plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 32 a left side plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 33 is a right side plan view of a securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a belt clip pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 36 is a front plan view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 37 is a rear plan view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a belt clip attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a straight pin attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a belt clip attachment for use with the securing device for personal pagers, according to the third preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, depicted is the securing device for personal pagers, hereinafter pager securing device  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The pager securing device  20  consists of a holster  21  for securably supporting a personal pager device (not shown in this figure) therein and a securing attachment  22  for attaching the holster and the personal pager device to an article of clothing or the like. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, depicted is the holster  21  portion of the pager securing device  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The holster  20  is generally rectangular in shape and forms a pager receiving cavity  25  into which a personal paging device (not shown in these figures) can be placed in a secure manner. A securing attachment receiving slot  26  allows for the interchangeable connectivity of various securing attachments  22  such as the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30 . The securing attachments  22  are held in place within the securing attachment receiving slot  26  by a retaining cavity  27 . The function of the securing attachments  22  in conjunction with the securing attachment receiving slot  26  will be described in further detail herein below. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, depicted is a straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  for use in conjunction with the pager securing device  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  consists of a straight pin securing base  31  that supports a conventional straight pin device  32 , oriented along the longitudinal dimension thereof. The straight pin device  32  consists of a hinge mechanism  40  that provides pivotal support for a straight pin  41 . A clasp mechanism  42  allows for securing the straight pin  41  in the closed position, as depicted in the figures. A straight pin retaining tab  36  is attached to the straight pin securing base  31  on the side opposite the straight pin device  32 . The straight pin retaining tab  36  secures straight pin securing device  30  within the securing attachment receiving cavity  27 . The function of the straight pin retaining tab  36  in conjunction with the securing attachment receiving cavity  27  will be discussed in further detail herein below. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, depicted is straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  for use in conjunction with the pager securing device  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  consists of a belt clip securing base  46  that supports a belt clip device  34 , oriented along the longitudinal dimension thereof. The belt clip device  32  consists of a curved metal plate  45  that is spring biased against the belt clip securing base  41  so as to provide a clamping operation therewith. The curved metal plate  45  has a flange  44  at the end thereof to facilitate ease in sliding the belt clip device  34  over a belt, waist band or other like article. While the curved metal plate  45  design is depicted in the figures, it is envisioned that a variety of spring biased clamping devices are equally suitable for incorporation into the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30 . Referring now to FIGS. 22,  23 , and  24 , a belt clip retaining tab  49  is attached to the belt clip securing base  46  on the side opposite the belt clip device  34 . The belt clip retaining tab  49  is secured within the receiving slot  28 , thereby securing the straight pin/belt clip securing attachment  30  to the securing device. The function of the belt clip retaining tab  49  in conjunction with the securing attachment receiving slot  28  will be discussed in further detail herein below. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention and as shown in FIG. 1, the function of the securing attachments  22  in conjunction with the securing attachment receiving slot  26  is depicted. It should be noted that the straight pin securing base  31  and the belt clip securing base  46  portions of the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  including the straight pin retaining tab  36  and the belt clip retaining tab  49  produce an interchangeable form. Therefore, in describing the attachment of the securing attachments  22  within the securing attachment receiving slot  26  the functionality of the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  is also being described. 
     Referring now to FIG. 13, the dimensions formed within the securing attachment receiving slot  26  are in close tolerance with the dimensions of the straight pin securing base  31 , thus producing a snug fit that provides a firm connectivity there between. As the straight pin securing base  31  is inserted within the securing attachment receiving slot  26  in a sliding motion, the straight pin securing tab  36  reaches the retaining cavity  27 . It is realized that an interference fit may exist between the straight pin securing tab  36  and the holster  21  (not shown in this FIG.) as a result of the close tolerance between the securing attachment receiving slot  26  and the straight pin securing base  31 . Accordingly, the straight pin securing base  31  is constructed of a generally rigid material that does exhibit some flexibility to allow for overcoming the interference fit. Once the straight pin securing tab  36  reaches the retaining cavity  27 , it enters therein, retaining and securing the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  within the securing attachment receiving slot  26 , thus allowing the pager support device  20  to be suspended with the straight pin device  32 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the pager securing device  20  is depicted in its preferred use in holding and storing a personal paging device  50 . The personal paging device  50  is slidably inserted within the pager receiving cavity  25  of the holster  21 , thereby storing it in a position of easy and convenient access. The securing attachment  22 , being the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  allows for attaching the pager securing device  20  and thus the personal paging device  50  to the user&#39;s clothing. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, depicted is the securing device for personal pagers, hereinafter pager securing device  20 , according to the first preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention. The pager securing device  20  consists of a holster  21  for securably supporting a personal pager device  50  (not shown in this figure) therein and a securing attachment  22  for attaching the holster  21  and the personal pager device  50  to an article of clothing or the like. The securing attachment  22  of the preferred embodiment has depth added to it to accommodate a receiving slot  28  in the top and bottom wall as shown in FIGS. 16 through 18 for use as described further herein below. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 23, the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30 , according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has been modified slightly by angling upward the left edge of the straight pin securing base  31  and similarly the left edge of belt clip securing base  46 , according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 24, shown are retaining tabs  36  located on the left and right edge of straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  being received by the retaining cavity  17 . Retaining tabs  36  of straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  are received by the retaining cavity  27  and secured therein by an interference type fit. In this configuration the user is able to attach the pager securing device  20  to their clothing with straight pin device  32 . The purpose of the angled surfaces of straight pin securing base  31  and belt clip securing base  41  is now evident as shown in FIG.  24 . Due to the orientation of straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  when coupled to the securing attachment  22 , the faces of base  31  and  41  had to be angled to bring the plane of base  31  and  41  to the plane of the clothing of the user. To change the configuration so that the user can secure pager securing device  20  to their clothing using belt clip device  34 , retaining tabs  36  would be unseated from the rotating cavity  27 . The straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  would then be rotated 180° until retaining tabs  36  are seated in the retaining cavity  27  as shown in FIG.  26 . 
     As with the preferred embodiment, the securing attachment  22 , being the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  interchangeably connects to the personal paging device  50  via the securing attachment receiving slot  26  and allows for attaching the personal paging device  50  directly to the user&#39;s clothing in a position of easy and convenient access. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 27 through 41, depicted is a second preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein interchangeable securing attachment  22  is eliminated and it&#39;s functionality replaced by a rectangular cavity  24  recessed into the rear wall of holster  21  of pager securing device  20 . Of course, the rear wall of pager securing device  20  would have to be sufficiently thickened to accommodate the deeper receiving cavity  24 . A small aperture  23  of sufficient depth would be centrally drilled into the top and bottom edges of the wall forming receiving cavity  24 . Retaining tabs  36  would be eliminated and replaced by two solid pins  37  interference fitted into apertures centrally located in the top and bottom edges of straight pin/belt clip securing device  30 . Pins  37  would then be received by apertures  23  and straight pin securing device  30  would be free to rotate along pins  37  longitudinal axis. A user simply would rotate straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  about pins  37  longitudinal axis until the straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  is in the desired position. The user would then simply drop personal paging device (not shown in these figures) into pager receiving cavity  25  of holster  21 . The personal paging device would prevent any further rotation of straight pin/belt clip securing device  30  because receiving cavity  24  is open to pager receiving cavity  25 . 
     While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown, illustrated, and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in this field that various modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is for this reason that the scope of the invention is set forth in and is to be limited only by the following claims.