Abstract:
A belt clamp with a pivotal article carrier attached thereto includes a base and a cover hinged together at the top. The cover includes a passageway at the lower end to accept a barb-like fastener integral with lower end of base to lock clamp closed. A tongue projects inwardly from the cover to contact and inhibit movement of a duty belt inside the clamp. The base includes a pair of intersecting arcuate slots and a reversible insert having one arcuate slot to make the clamp usable by either right- or left-handed users. A movable belt width adjustment bar is mounted inside the clamp to accommodate belts of various widths. Bosses around the lower opening of the cover inhibit twisting of locked clamp to prevent inadvertent opening. A locking plate is provided to inhibit rotation of fasteners used in pivotal mounting of an article carrier to the belt clamp.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation and claims priority to application Ser. No. 11/400,483, filed on Mar. 28, 2006. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to attachments to a belt worn by, for example, a policeman for purposes of supporting a gun holster and carrying apparatus for a nightstick and particularly such devices that provide both a swivel adjustment of the position of the attachment as well as a fixed angled position of the attachment and a device carried thereon. 
         [0006]    2. Related Art 
         [0007]    Attachment to a belt for carrying holsters used for guns and nightsticks are well known in the art. Many of the devices currently known are deficient in many respects. Some devices allow position movement only in spaced increments rather than a continuous arc that may be secured at any point. Other devices have a pivot point that may be tightened down to hold the device at selected angles of orientation. What is desired in the art is a device that allows for continuous positioning through a wide arc as well as a multi-point fixed position that is more secure than a single tightened pivot can be. The preferred device should include means to increase or decrease the pivotal resistance of the device as desired. Much of the prior art is deficient in these respects. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, prior art devices are not ambidextrous. That is, they are specific to a right-hand or left-hand user. In addition, it is desired that the device be easy to add or remove from a belt and easy to adjust to fit a wide variety of belt widths. Moreover, a tension member should be included to reduce slippage or movement on thin duty belts and a locking capability to reduce the possibility of being bumped or snatched off a belt. The pivot tension is not adjustable because the pivot area is determined by the height of the two metal bushings that the screwheads bottom out on. Finally, the members of the clamp, particularly the cover, should be formed in a manner to inhibit twisting of the members, which could lead to inadvertent opening of the clamp when in use. 
         [0009]    Relevant art includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,169 to Terzuola, et al., and a brief description (including drawings) of a device previously made and sold by the present applicant. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a belt clamp adapted for attachment to a belt encircling a waist of a user for carrying an article comprising a base member adapted for attachment of an article having an inside and outside surface and an upper and lower portion including a locking portion; a cover member having an inside and outside surface and an upper and a lower portion including a locking portion for engaging the locking portion of the base member; cooperating fasteners between the upper portions of respective members for movement of the members between a closed position defining an interior space between the inside surface of the members and an open position; cooperating locking members including a locking passageway in one lower portion of one member, and a projecting element on another lower portion of other member disposable within the passageway to releasably lock the members together, the projecting element sized to substantially occupy the passageway to be nested therein for inhibiting twisting movement between the base and cover members to maintain the locking members in the closed position. 
         [0011]    Other features include a belt-tensioning element for inhibiting inadvertent movement of the belt clamp on a belt, the belt-tensioning element including a blade connected to one member projecting inwardly into the interior space for contacting a surface of a belt locatable therein. The blade is formed integrally with the cover member. A plurality of vertically spaced slots is formed in the lower portion of one member for carrying a belt width adjustment bar located in the interior space, the bar being selectively positionable into one of the vertically spaced slots for varying the vertical distance between the bar and the upper portion of one member to adjust the clamp to various widths of a belt disposable within the space. The belt width adjustment bar is disposed in the interior space and a pair of laterally projecting spaced prongs are positionable in a vertically selected pair of spaced slots for varying the vertical distance between the adjustment bar and the upper portion of one member. There is a pair of spaced upper flanges projecting inwardly from the upper portion of one member for contacting an upper edge of a belt positioned in the interior space. 
         [0012]    The base member includes a pair of substantially identical arcuate slots each having opposite terminal ends, a pivot opening is adjacent the slots, a spacer has a pair of spaced openings therethrough, and a pair of fasteners for attaching the spacer to the base member, one fastener passing through one slot and one opening in the spacer, another fastener passing through the pivot opening and another opening of the spacer for selective pivoting and securing of the spacer to the base member at a desired location. Also included is a pivot plate having first and second sides sized to fit superimposed over the arcuate slots and the pivot opening and against the inside surface of the base member, the pivot plate including an arcuate slot substantially identical to each arcuate slot in the base member and at least one opening, the at least one opening is located to be superimposed over the pivot opening of the base member, the arcuate slot of the pivot plate being aligned over one arcuate slot of the base member when the first side is positioned against the inside surface of the base member, the arcuate slot of the pivot plate being aligned over another arcuate slot of the member when the second side is against the inside surface of the base member so that the clamp may be worn on the left or right side of a user. 
         [0013]    One locking portion includes a locking opening having a lower lip and terminal ends, the other locking portion includes a projecting member having a barb for engaging with the lip when the other locking portion is located within and substantially occupying the locking passageway, the barb including an undercut ledge inclined from the vertical for contacting the lip of the locking passageway. The locking passageway is elongated and oriented transversely of one locking portion, the barb having end walls positionable closely adjacent the terminal ends of the locking passageway. 
         [0014]    In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a belt clamp adapted for attachment to a belt encircling a waist of a user for carrying an article comprising a base member adapted for attachment of an article having an inside and outside surface and an upper portion having a flange portion projecting from the inside surface and lower portion, the lower portion including a locking portion; a cover member having an inside and outside surface and an upper and a lower portion, the lower portion of the cover member including a locking portion for engaging the locking portion of the base member, hinge means connected between the upper portions of respective members for pivotal movement of the members between a closed position defining an interior space between the members and an open position, and a tongue connected to one member and projecting in the interior space for contacting a surface of a belt locatable therein to inhibit movement of the clamp on a belt. 
         [0015]    The locking portions including cooperative locking members having a locking passageway on one lower portion of the base and cover members are included, and a projecting element on another lower portion of the base and cover members disposed within the passageway to releasably lock the members together, the projecting element having a predetermined length substantially equal to a length of the passageway to inhibit twisting movement between the base and cover members to maintain the locking members in the closed position. One locking portion includes a locking opening having a lower lip and terminal ends, the other locking portion includes a projecting member having a barb for engaging with the lip when the other locking portion is located within and nested within the locking opening. The base member includes a pair of spaced rows of openings, each row includes a plurality of vertically disposed screw openings, a pivot opening adjacent the rows, a spacer having a pair of spaced openings therethrough, and a pair of screws having head portions for attaching the spacer to the base member, one screw passing through one opening in one row and one opening in the spacer, another screw passing through the pivot opening and another opening in one row to allow for selective rotation of the spacer on the base member to a desired location. Each row of openings is arranged in an arcuate manner to provide for selective locating of the spacer on the base member. The base member further includes a vertical elongated screw opening to provide for the use of a third screw for attaching the base member to an article to be attached to the belt clamp. 
         [0016]    In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a belt clamp adapted for attachment to a belt encircling a waist of a user for carrying an article comprising a base member adapted for attachment of an article thereto having an inside and outside surface and an upper and lower portion; a cover member having an inside and outside surface and an upper portion and a lower portion releasably engagable with the lower portion of the base member; cooperating fasteners attached between the upper portions of respective members for movement of the members between a closed position defining an interior space between the inside surface of the members and an open position; cooperating locking members including a locking passageway in one lower portion of one member, and a projecting element on another lower portion of other member disposable within the passageway to releasably lock the members together, the projecting element nested in the passageway for inhibiting twisting movement between the base and cover members to maintain the locking members in the closed member. 
         [0017]    A fastener locking plate having a body and a pair of spaced fastener openings therethrough is included. Such locking plate is locatable between the head portions of the fasteners and the inside surface of the base member for providing a consistent adjustable tension distribution between the base member, and the spacer and insert plate, if either is used. Recesses are formed around the openings to accommodate the heads of the fasteners used. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0018]    The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is an elevation view of the belt clamp and carrier according to the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the belt clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the pivot plate insert in accord with the present invention used in the belt clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the belt clamp and carrier of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the outside cover of the belt clamp in accord with the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an inner surface view of the cover of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 7-8  are perspective views of the cover of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an outer surface view of the inside base of the belt clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the base of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is an inner surface view of the base of  FIGS. 9-10 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of the screw plate in accord with the present invention used with the belt clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a top surface view of the width adjustment flange in accord with the present invention used in the belt clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a rear view of the flange of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a bottom surface view of the flange of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is an end elevation view of the flange of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the belt clamp and carrier of  FIG. 1  including a partial cross-sectional view; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged partial view of the drawing of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a second embodiment of the belt clamp in accord with the present invention in the open position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is an elevational view of the belt clamp of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is an outside perspective view of the belt clamp of  FIGS. 19-20 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is an inside view of the belt clamp of  FIGS. 19-21 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is another inside view of the belt clamp of  FIGS. 19-22 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is an exploded view of the components of the belt clamp and spacer in accord with the present invention; and 
           [0042]      FIGS. 25-28  illustrate the assembly and use of the device in accord with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    With respect now to the drawings, the belt clamp and carrier in accord with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4  at numeral  10 . In  FIG. 2  the basic belt clamp frame  11  is illustrated showing the belt clamp in an open position. 
         [0044]    The belt clamp  11  consists of two members: a base member  13  and a cover member or clamp plate  14  pivotally connected via cooperating fasteners in the form of a pin hinge shown generally at  12 . Spacer  15  ( FIG. 1 ) used with T-nuts is mounted to base  13  via openings  17  and fasteners such as screws  18  and includes a pair of spaced parallel ribs  16  that enhance the engagement of spacer  15  with attachment apparatus, especially with a carried device having a curved outer surface. If the curved device is flat, spacer  15  need not be used. A lower elongate fastener such as screw  19  can be used to attach base  13  to a carried device if desired and in a fixed position. 
         [0045]    The base  13  is secured to cover  14  via lower locking portions  21  and  22 , respectively that provide a snap lock as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. 
         [0046]    Belt tensioning member  24  is formed in cover  14  and rests against a duty belt when the clamp  10  is in a closed position ( FIG. 4 ). A belt width adjustment flange or bar  23  is movable vertically to accommodate belts of different widths between upper spaced flanges  23 A and  23  as will be further discussed hereinbelow. 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  illustrates three spaced pairs of width adjustment slots  25 . The adjustment bar or flange  23  includes a pair of spaced prongs  26  that are installed in one of a plurality of pairs of spaced vertically arranged slots  25 . Spacer  15  is mounted to base  13  via screws  18  and is pivotal via an arcuate slot opening  27  as will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. A distance compensating elongate opening  28  is provided with a screw  19  for various mounting arrangements, as will be more apparent hereinafter (being merely illustrative in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0048]    As will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, a reversible pivot or rotation plate formed as insert  29  is shown in  FIG. 3  with bottom edge portion  29 A and top edge portion  29 B. An arcuate slot  30  provides for rotating the position of the spacer  15  through approximately 90° to a desired location. Two fastener axis openings  31 A and  31 B are also provided. Bosses  32 ,  32 A are provided on opposite sides  33 ,  34  to locate the plate to the inside of base  14 . One side  33  is the same as the other side  34 . Depending upon which side is against the base  14 , the slot  30  will be oriented in a direction that accommodates right or left rotation of a spacer  15  for a right-handed or left-handed user as desired, particularly for a holster. For example, in  FIG. 1 , plate  29  is provided such that side  34  fits against base  14 . One screw  18  fits through opening  31 A and another screw  18  fits into arcuate slot  30  at the desired location to rotate and then secure spacer  15  at the desired position. The two-point attachment is more secure than one-point attachments. A further example of the capability of the present belt clamp derives from the reversible nature of plate insert  29 . A right-hand user who may want the holster device to pivot the opposite direction—such as that of a left-handed user—need only to reverse the plate insert  29  rather than using a non-ambidextrous device. 
         [0049]    With respect to  FIGS. 5-8 , the details of clamp cover  14  are illustrated. Belt tensioning member  24  is formed as an inwardly projecting tongue or blade element with slot  37  around it and fits closely adjacent base  13  and includes a lower arcuate portion  40  that contacts and pushes against a duty belt to minimize movement of the clamp. The remainder of inner surface  42  of cover  14  is substantially planar with a smooth matte finish. Pin  20 , spaced hinge flanges  36  and hinge pin holes  35  ( FIG. 1 ) are conventional as understood in the art. 
         [0050]    Outer surface  41  of cover  14  includes formed bosses  41 A,  41 B and  41 C that reinforce cover  14  adjacent opening  37  and locking opening  39  to inhibit any twisting of the cover  14  during use that may cause the clamp  10  to become inadvertently unlocked. Transverse slot  38  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) also provides rigidity and resistance to twisting. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 9-11  illustrate base  13 . Carrier adjustment slot opening  27  includes two functionally distinct intersecting arcuate slot portions  45 ,  46 . Pivot plate opening  32  fits in alignment with pivot screw opening  43  into recess  44 . In use, openings  30 ,  31 A,  31 B and  43  can be used in any appropriate pivotal or fixed combination as required in the circumstances. In addition, pivot plate  29  can be omitted if not needed when the device is used in a fixed mounting configuration. Locking plate  50  ( FIG. 12 ) includes body  51  and two fastener openings  52  surrounded by recesses  52 A that may accommodate T-bushings (not shown) if desired. Locking plate  50  provides an intermediate part of the pivot system. Plate  50  eliminates the likelihood that fasteners, preferably in the form of threaded screws  18 , will be loosened due to repeated pivot action of spacer  15 . The plate  50  also provides a larger bearing surface that applies a consistent adjustable tension distribution between the lower surface of spacer  15 , the outer surface of spacer  15 , the outer surface of base  13 , and a surface  33 ,  34  of plate insert  29  as screws  18  are tightened to provide the desired pivotal resistance to movement. If plate insert  29  is not used, locking plate  29  rests against inside surface  48  of base  13 . 
         [0052]    Belt width adjustment flange  23  fits into selected slots  25  set in recess  47  is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-16 . Flange  23  is a unitary element with a pair of spaced projecting prongs or tabs  26 . The space  54  between prongs  26  is sized to allow for passage for screw  19 . Prongs  26  extend from spaced bosses  55 . The upper portion of each prong  26  includes a groove  56  that is engaged via lip  57  of slot  25  ( FIG. 18 ). Sides  53 A and  53 B provide a resting surface for the lower edge of a belt. 
         [0053]    The belt width adjustment works as follows ( FIGS. 9-16 ). Flange  23  can be inserted into the uppermost or first pair of spaced slots  25  for belts of 1½-inch width. The next lower or second pair (¼ inch below first) provides for 1¾ inches. The lower or third pair (¼ inch below second) allows for a 2-inch belt. The elimination of the flange  23  allows for a 2¼-inch belt. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate the locking apparatus of the clamp  10 . The lower portion  21  of base  13  includes a single medially-located fastener  58  formed of an inwardly directed projecting member  63  having a lower barb portion  62  with ledge  60  slightly inclined by 2-3° from the vertical ( FIG. 18 ) that fits within locking opening  39 . When the locking portions  21 ,  22  are snap-fitted, fastener  58  will be nested or caged by opening  39 . The end walls  58 A of fastener  58  fit very closely adjacent the respective interior terminal ends  39 A of elongate opening or passageway  39 . There is accordingly virtually no “play” between fastener  58  and opening  39 , which greatly inhibits inadvertent opening of the clamp  10  due to any twisting forces placed on the clamp  10  in use. This structure cooperates with bosses  41 A,  41 B and  41 C. When clamp  10  is closed, tension element  24  is pushed to the position shown in broken line by belt  24 A (shown in broken line). 
         [0055]    The slightly inclined-from-vertical undercut portion  60  provides for easier manual opening of the clamp  10  by thumb pressure on fastener  58  than would otherwise be the case. 
         [0056]    The locking portion  22  of cover  14  includes a fastener  59 . The locking portion  21  of base  13  includes a fastener  58 . The bottom of elongate locking opening  39  oriented transversely of base  13  is formed as a lip or ledge  61  and is resilient enough to provide that member  63  of fastener  58  provides a snap fit into the opening  39  to secure the fasteners  58 ,  59  together as shown in  FIGS. 17 ,  18 . The clamp  10  may be opened by placing a finger against sloping portion  62  of fastener  58  and pulling cover  14  at its lower portion  22 . The cooperating locking portions  21 ,  22  have sufficient resiliency to allow for easy opening but only via the specific opening action described. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 19-23  illustrate a second embodiment of the belt clamp  10 A including a base  64  and cover  65 . Base  64  includes inner and outer surfaces  66 ,  67 . Base  65  includes inner and outer surfaces  68 ,  69 . Hinge  70  and hinge pin  71  are substantially as before. 
         [0058]    This embodiment of the belt clamp is designed to accommodate the largest possible number of carried devices. In order to accomplish this objective, the belt width adjustment apparatus including bar  74  and slots  75  is now on the cover  65 . Belt tensioning member  72  is in the form of a projecting blade element and slot  73  is substantially as before, as are locking portions  76 ,  77 . Locking slot  79  is surrounded by bosses  93  to reinforce the locking portion  77  to inhibit twisting as before. Transverse slot  78  also serves the same purpose as before. 
         [0059]    The inside surface  66  of base  64  includes a molded recess  84  around a first group of openings  81  in recess  88 . A second group of openings  82  each have a molded recess  85  in larger recess  89  separated by rib  87  from recess  88 . A pivot point opening  83  is surrounded with recess  86  ( FIG. 22 ). Each of the two spaced rows of openings of the second group of openings  82  are arranged in an arcuate manner to provide greater flexibility in locating the carrier  15  to a desired location. 
         [0060]    Recesses  84 ,  85  and  86  are designed to accommodate T-bushings, washers or screw plates for various screws or bolts as may be desired in the circumstances. No reversible insert  29  is needed with this embodiment. A locking plate, such as plate  50 , may be used if desired. Hinge  70  includes standard flanges  90 ,  91  and flanges  90 A that limit belt width with bar  74 . The other aspects of clamp  10 A include a sloping portion  92  of locking portion  76  that fits within opening and substantially fills  79  in a manner that is substantially identical to that of clamp  10 . 
         [0061]    With the exception of the discussion hereinabove clamp  10 A is otherwise substantially identical to clamp  10 . 
         [0062]    As a general proposition, clamp  10 A is wider than clamp  10  in order to be of use with spacer  15  as well as other devices. It is important to note that the relative size of clamps  10 ,  10 A may vary depending upon the circumstances. 
         [0063]    With respect to  FIGS. 24-28 , the clamp  10  is shown carrying a given article or device  95 ,  98  such as various firearm holsters. In  FIGS. 24-26 , device  95  has a curved surface  97  and two fastener openings  96 . In this configuration, spacer  15  and plate  50  are used. In  FIGS. 27-28 , a device  98  (fastener openings not shown) with flat surface  99  is mounted; at a fixed angle, without spacer  15  and plate  50  ( FIG. 27 ); or fixed vertically, without spacer  15  and plate  50 , ( FIG. 28 ). These two configurations employ elongate opening  28  and screw  19 , both shown in  FIG. 1 , to eliminate pivoting movement. 
         [0064]    While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.