Abstract:
An accessory holder for securing an accessory to a user, the holder comprising a first generally rigid portion; an interface; and a second generally rigid portion adjustably coupled to the first portion via the interface, the first and second portions defining an interior, the second portion being moveable relative to the first portion between at least a first position and a second position to vary a length of the interior by manipulation of the interface; wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be coupled to an item of apparel of a user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/057,441, filed May 30, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in it entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of storage devices, and more particularly, to a storage device or holder configured to hold a radio or similar device and accommodate devices having varying lengths. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    One embodiment relates to an accessory holder for securing an accessory to a user, the holder comprising a first generally rigid portion; an interface; and a second generally rigid portion adjustably coupled to the first portion via the interface, the first and second portions defining an interior, the second portion being moveable relative to the first portion between at least a first position and a second position to vary a length of the interior by manipulation of the interface; wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be coupled to an item of apparel of a user. 
         [0004]    Another embodiment relates to a method of configuring a radio holder, the method comprising providing a radio holder having a first portion and a second portion adjustably coupled to the first portion, the first and second portions defining an interior configured to receive a radio; positioning the second portion in a first position relative to the first portion; securing a first radio having a first length within the interior; moving the second portion from the first position to a second position; and securing a second radio having a second length different from the first length within the interior 
         [0005]    Another embodiment relates to a radio holder for securing a radio to an item of apparel of a user, the holder comprising a generally rigid first member having a coupler configured to couple the first member to an item of apparel of a user; a generally rigid second member slidably coupled to the first member, the first and second member forming an interior, the first member including a plurality of apertures each configured to receive at least one projection extending from the second member, thereby enabling the user to slidably adjust the second member between a plurality of positions relative to the first member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a holder according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the holder of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the holder of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4A  shows is an exploded view of the holder of  FIG. 1  and a device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the holder and device of  FIG. 4A  in an extended position according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the holder of  FIG. 1  with a device within the holder according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 1  in an unextended position and holding a device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the holder of  FIG. 1  in an unextended position and holding a device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the holder of  FIG. 1  in an unextended position and holding a device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded view of a holder and a device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the holder and device of  FIG. 9A  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10A  an exploded view of a holder and a device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the holder and device of  FIG. 10A  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11A  an exploded view of a holder and a device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the holder and device of  FIG. 11A  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , a holder  10  (e.g., a storage device, accessory holder support, holster, container, etc.) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Holder  10  is configured to support and/or secure a device  20  (e.g., a radio, flashlight, baton, etc.). Holder  10  may include a main body  12  (e.g., a first portion or member, an outer or upper member, etc.) and an extending portion or extension  14  (e.g., a second portion, a lower or extending member, an inner member, etc.). Body  12  and extension  14  may be secured in position relative to one another via an interface  16  (e.g., a series of mating slots/projections, a series of snap fit engagement positions, one or more hook and loop fasteners, threaded fasteners, buttons, etc., and/or any combination thereof). Holder  10  may further include a support member  18  (e.g., an attachment member, clip, loop, hook, ring, strap, etc.) configured to permit attachment of holder  10  to a user&#39;s apparel or other item (e.g., a vest, belt, bag, item of clothing, etc.). 
         [0022]    According to an exemplary embodiment, main body  12  may be formed by a front wall  22 , a rear wall  24 , and opposing side walls  26 ,  28 , and may have generally open top and bottom ends. As shown in  FIGS. 4B and 5 , extension  14  may be formed by a front wall  40 , a rear wall  42 , opposing side walls  44 ,  46 , and a bottom wall  48 , and have a generally open top end. While main body  12  and extension  14  are shown as having generally rectangular cross-sections, it should be understood that other cross-sections may be utilized and the present disclosure is not limited to any specific cross-section for main body  12  and/or extension  14 . For example, according to various exemplary embodiments, the appropriate cross-sections may be selected to provide a “snug” fit for a particular device, such as device  20  (e.g., a radio, etc.). In some embodiments, a compressible material such as a foam or other material may be used with holder  10  (e.g., with main body  12  and/or extension  14 ) to facilitate securing devices within holder  10 . 
         [0023]    According to an exemplary embodiment, main body  12  and extension  14  may be made from a rigid or semi-rigid polymer material, such as a polycarbonate or other material. According to various other embodiments, other materials may be used in conjunction with or in place of a polymer material. Furthermore, main body  12  and/or extension  14  may include additional cut-out portions, apertures, etc. to accommodate features such as buttons, knobs, display screens, and so on (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9A-11B ). 
         [0024]    Main body  12  and extension  14  are intended to provide a secure holder for device  20 . Extension  14  may be slidably received within main body  12  and secured at a variety of positions relative to main body  12  such that holder  10  may accommodate devices having a wide variety of lengths. For example, as shown in the FIGURES, holder  10  may be configured in a first length or configuration (e.g., a normal position, an unextended position, etc.) such that the front and side walls of main body  12  and extension  14  are generally aligned (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 6-8 ). In this first configuration, holder  10  may be configured to hold or otherwise support a device such as device  20  (or a number of different devices having lengths the same as, similar to, or within a predetermined range of, the length of device  20 ). 
         [0025]    Holder  10  may further be configured in a second length or configuration (e.g., an extended position, etc.) such that extension  14  is offset relative to main body  12  and bottom  48  of extension  14  extends below the walls of main body  12  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4B ). In this second configuration, holder  10  may be configured to hold or otherwise support a device such as device  21  (or a number of different devices having lengths the same as, similar to, or within a predetermined range of, the length of device  21 ). 
         [0026]    In order to secure extension  14  in position relative to main body  12 , interface  16  may be used. According to an exemplary embodiment, main body  12  may be provided with a number of apertures  30 ,  32 , extending along the length of main body  12 , and extension  14  may be provided with one or more corresponding projections  50  (e.g., tabs, flanges, etc.) such that the position of extension  14  relative to main body  12  may be adjusted by engaging/disengaging projections  50  from apertures  30 ,  32 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , extension  14  may be secured in a first position to hold device  20  by projection  50  engaging aperture  30 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , in order to accommodate a longer device such as device  21 , projection  50  may be disengaged from aperture  30 , extension  14  may be moved downward relative to main body  12 , and projection  50  may be engaged with aperture  32 . 
         [0027]    While in  FIGS. 1-8  holder  10  is generally shown as having two different positions for extension  14  relative to main body  12 , it should be understood that according to various exemplary embodiments, more or fewer positions may be utilized (e.g., 1, 3, 4, or more, etc.) by modifying the configuration of interface  16 . For example,  FIGS. 9A-11B  show holders  110 ,  210 ,  310  that are positionable in four different configurations (e.g., such that the holders may accommodate radios that may be used with battery units of four different sizes, etc.). Furthermore, while interface  16  is shown as including one or more projections  50  that interface with a number of apertures  30 ,  32 , it should be understood that other types of structural components may be used (e.g., indents/detents, spring-loaded members, mechanical fasteners, frictional interface(s), etc.). Further yet, while apertures  30 ,  32  and projections  50  are shown as being provided on the opposing side walls of main body  12  and extension  14 , respectively, it should be understood that these features may be provided on any suitable surfaces of main body  12  and/or extension  14  (e.g., on the rear or front walls only, on a single side wall, etc.), and the locations of the apertures, projections, and/or other features may be reversed relative to main body  12  and extension  14 . All such features and combination of features are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, holder  10  may be configured to support devices having varying lengths such that the same amount or portion of each device extends beyond the top of main body  12 . For example, a single radio may accommodate different sized battery packs, e.g., one that is longer than the other, such that the length of the radio changes based on which battery pack is used. A user may desire that a display screen and certain buttons, controls, etc., on the radio remain exposed (e.g., extend above main body  12 ) while the device is seated within holder  10 , regardless of the size battery utilized. Holder  10  may be configured such it may be adjusted to leave the display screen, etc. exposed when the radio is used with either sized battery pack by adjusting the relative positions of main body  12  and extension  14  (e.g., between an “unextended” configuration for use with a smaller battery pack, and an “extended” configuration for use with a larger, relatively longer, battery pack). 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-11B , holders  110 ,  210 , and  310  are shown according to various exemplary embodiments and are similar to holder  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . As shown in  FIGS. 9A-11B , holders  110 ,  210 ,  310  may further include one or more cut-out sections such as cut-outs  160 ,  162 ,  164  shown on main body  112  and cut-outs  166 ,  168  shown on extension  1   14 . The cut-outs may be provided such that they provide easy access to portions of device  121  such as buttons, plug-ins, display screens, and so on. Main body  112  and extension  114  may also include one or more contoured edge portions to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance relative to a design using primarily right-angled edges. Furthermore, extension  114  may include a curved bottom surface as indicated by curved portion  170 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B , holder  110  includes a support member  118  and an intermediate support  119  that couples support  118  to main body  112 . Support  118  may be a clip, such as a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) clip (e.g., configured to be coupled to a traditional duty-belt or vest, etc.), or any other suitable support member. Intermediate support  119  may provide an adjustability feature to holder  110  such that main body  112  may be secured at an angle relative to support  118  (e.g., such that when holder  110  is secured to, for example, a duty belt, holder  110  is angularly offset relative to a generally upright position). Intermediate member  119  may also be a compliant member (e.g., a spring-loaded member, etc.) that permits a limited amount of rotational movement of main body  112  relative to support  118 . This rotational movement reduces the risk of breakage of components due to stresses that may be generated during normal usage with a more rigid connection. According to one embodiment, support  118  may be secured to intermediate member  119  using a screw, rivet, or other suitable fastener (e.g., snap-fit, slide-fit, etc.), and intermediate member  119  may be secured to main body  112  using a sliding dovetail interface secured with a mechanical fastener such as a screw or other suitable fastener. Other methods of coupling main body  112 , intermediate support  119 , and support  118  may be used according to various other exemplary embodiments. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B , holder  210  is similar to holder  110 , except that holder  210  includes intermediate support  219  that provides a sliding dovetail mounting feature to couple support  218  to main body  212 . Intermediate support  219  may be coupled to support  218  using any suitable means, including mechanical fasteners, a snap-fit, sliding-fit, or friction-fit, or any other suitable means. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B , holder  310  is similar to holders  110  and  210  except that holder  310  includes support  318  which includes a sliding dovetail feature to interface with main body  312  and a mounting member  322 . According to an exemplary embodiment, mounting member  322  may be a knob or other type of projection or extension that is configured to engage a corresponding slot, aperture, or other feature in, for example, a support device provided on a traditional duty belt of a police officer or similar personnel. According to various other exemplary embodiments, other means of fastening mounting member  322  to holder  10  may be used in place of a sliding dovetail feature (e.g., mechanical fasteners, etc.). 
         [0033]    It is important to note that for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Such joining may also relate to mechanical, fluid, or electrical relationship between the two components. 
         [0034]    It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the holder shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.