Patent Publication Number: US-11382407-B2

Title: Removable pocket device clips and methods using them

Description:
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/223,883 filed on Jul. 29, 2016. U.S. application Ser. No. 15/223,883 is related to, and claims priority to and the benefit of, each of U.S. 62/199,751 filed on Jul. 31, 2015 and U.S. 62/256,591 filed on Nov. 17, 2015, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     This application is related to clips and assemblies using them. More particularly, certain embodiments described are directed to pocket devices which comprise a base configured to removably couple to a clip. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an aspect, a pocket knife clip assembly comprises a base configured to couple to a housing of the pocket knife, the housing sized and arranged to receive at least one knife blade and a clip configured to removably couple to the base. In certain embodiments, the clip comprises at least one finger that can reversibly couple to the base, wherein the at least one finger is configured to provide a spring force to retain the clip to the base after rotation of the clip to couple the clip to the base, and wherein rotation of the clip to couple the clip to the base aligns the clip parallel with a longitudinal axis of the pocket knife. 
     In certain configurations, the base is coupled to the housing of the pocket knife using one or more external fasteners or the base is integral to the housing. In other examples, the clip is configured to couple to the base through at least one slot on the base. In certain embodiments, the clip comprises a plurality of fingers, in which at least one finger is configured to engage a recess on the base. In some examples, the base comprises at least three recesses, and wherein a respective finger on the clip is configured to engage a respective recess on the base. In certain embodiments, the clip is configured to rotate at least 10 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis of the knife, after the respective finger engages the respective recess to lock the clip in place. In other embodiments, the base comprises a radial slot that can receive at least one finger of the clip and lock the clip in place as the at least one finger engages the radial slot of the base. In certain embodiments, the base is configured to couple to the housing at an end of the housing to permit a bi-directional positioning of the clip. 
     In another aspect, a pocket knife clip assembly comprises a base configured to couple to a housing of the pocket knife, the housing sized and arranged to receive at least one knife blade, wherein the base comprises at least an inner element and at least one outer element that can pivot about the at least one inner element, and a clip configured to removably couple to the at least one outer element of the base without the use of any external fasteners, wherein the at least one outer element of the base is configured to pivot and align the clip parallel with a longitudinal axis of the pocket knife. 
     In certain embodiments, the at least one inner element comprises a spring and plunger, wherein the plunger is configured to engage the at least one outer element to retain the at least one outer element in place after pivoting of the at least one outer element. In some examples, the plunger is further configured to protrude through an opening in the clip to retain the clip to the at least one outer element and keep the clip parallel with a longitudinal axis of the pocket knife. In other embodiments, the at least one outer element is coupled to the inner element through a fastener configured to permit rotation of the at least one outer element. In certain examples, the at least one outer element comprises a slot configured to receive the clip and align a hole in the clip with a hole in the at least one outer element when a plunger of the at least one inner element engages the hole in the at least one outer element and the hole in the clip. In some examples, the at least one inner element comprises a slot to permit the spring to compress. In other embodiments, the clip further comprises fingers configured to engage recesses on the at least one outer element of the base. In some examples, the at least one inner element comprises a second plunger configured to engage a second hole on the at least one outer element to retain the at least one outer element in place. In other examples, the plunger is tapered. 
     In another aspect, a kit comprises a first clip configured to reversibly couple to a base coupled to a pocket knife, a second clip configured to reversibly couple to the base, wherein the second clip is different than the first clip, and written instructions to couple the first clip and the second clip to the base. In certain examples, the kit may also include one or more bases. In some embodiments, a second base different than the base is present in a kit. 
     In an aspect, a pocket knife clip assembly comprises a base configured to couple to a housing of the pocket knife, the housing sized and arranged to receive at least one knife blade and to permit folding and unfolding of the knife blade, and a clip configured to removably couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners is provided. 
     In certain examples, the base is integral to the housing of the pocket knife. In other examples, the base is coupled to the housing of the pocket knife using one or more external fasteners. In some instances, the clip is configured to couple to the base through a slot of the base. In further embodiments, the clip comprises a ball and the base comprises a socket, in which insertion of the ball of the clip into the socket of the base couples the clip to the base. In additional examples, the clip comprises a cam configured to couple to the base upon rotation of the clip. In additional instances, rotation of the clip into place may act to increase the tension between the clip and a pocket or other device to which the knife or other device is placed in. If desired, rotation may comprise multiple set positions or stops to permit adjustment of the clip in different positions to provide different amounts of tension in the different positions, e.g., to account for differences in thickness of the pocket, garment, etc. In other configurations, the clip comprises a plurality of spring members, in which at least one spring member is configured to retain the clip to the base once the clip is coupled to the base. In some embodiments, the base comprises a plurality of storage slots each configured to retain a clip. In other instances, the assembly comprises a second base on an opposite surface of the housing. In some examples, the base removably couples to the housing without the use of any screws. 
     In an additional aspect, a kit comprising a pocket knife clip, a base configured to couple to a housing of a pocket knife, in which the base is sized and arranged to reversibly couple to the pocket knife clip, and instructions for using the clip and the base to couple the housing of the pocket knife to the base and to couple the clip to the base of the pocket knife is disclosed. 
     In certain embodiments, the kit comprises a second pocket knife clip different from the pocket knife clip. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a plurality of pocket knife clips, in which each of the plurality of pocket knife clips is different. In other examples, the kit comprises a second base different from the base. In certain embodiments, the kit comprises at least one external fastener configured to couple the base to the housing of the pocket knife. In other examples, the clip is sized and arranged to couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners. In certain configurations, the clip is configured to couple to the base through a slot of the base. In other configurations, the clip comprises a ball and the base comprises a socket, in which insertion of the ball of the clip into the socket of the base couples the clip to the base. In additional configurations, the clip comprises a cam (or other device or devices) configured to couple to the base upon rotation of the clip. In some embodiments, the clip comprises a plurality of coupled spring members, in which at least one spring member is configured to retain the clip to the base once the clip is coupled to the base. 
     In another aspect, a mobile device assembly comprising a base configured to couple to a mobile device, and a clip configured to removably couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners is provided. In certain embodiments, the base is integral to the housing of the mobile device or integral to a cover that receives the mobile device through friction fit. In some examples, the base is coupled to the housing of the mobile device or a mobile device cover using one or more external fasteners. In other embodiments, the clip is configured to couple to the base through a slot of the base. In additional examples, the clip comprises a ball and the base comprises a socket, in which insertion of the ball of the clip into the socket of the base couples the clip to the base. In further embodiments, the clip comprises a cam (or other device or devices) configured to couple to the base upon rotation of the clip. In some instances, the clip comprises a plurality of spring members, in which at least one spring member is configured to retain the clip to the base once the clip is slidingly coupled to the base. In other examples, the base comprises a plurality of storage slots each configured to retain a clip. In some embodiments, the assembly comprises a second base different from the base. In some instances, the base removably couples to the mobile device without the use of any screws. 
     In an additional aspect, an assembly comprises a base configured to couple to a housing of a pocket device, and a clip configured to removably couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners, in which the clip is sized and arranged to engage a pocket opening to position the pocket device (at least partially) in a pocket and position a portion of the clip outside of the pocket. 
     In certain embodiments, the clip is configured for use with a flashlight configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In other embodiments, the clip is configured for use with a wallet configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In further embodiments, the clip is configured for use with a knife configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In additional examples, the clip is configured for use with a firearm configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In some instances, the clip is configured to engage an outer surface with an effective force to retain the pocket device in position in the pocket. In certain examples, the clip comprises a memory unit and a processor. In other embodiments, the processor is configured to provide a location of the clip using a GPS system. In further instances, the clip comprises a Bluetooth device. In some examples, the clip comprises at least one battery. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to charge the pocket device. In other embodiments, the assembly comprises a light integral to the clip, a speaker integral to the clip, a camera integral to the clip and combinations thereof. In other instances, the clip comprises a RFID chip, a Bluetooth device or both. 
     In other embodiments, the base comprises at least one battery. In certain examples, the battery of the base is configured to charge the pocket device. In certain examples, the assembly may comprise a light integral to the base. In other examples, the assembly may comprise a speaker integral to the base, a camera integral to the base or both. In certain embodiments, the base may comprise a RFID chip. 
     In certain embodiments, the clip (or the base or both) may comprise a display screen. In some examples, the display screen is configured to receive information from a mobile device wirelessly and display the received information from the mobile device. In other instances, the display screen is electrically coupled to the base or a mobile device or both and display information received from the mobile device. In some embodiments, the base comprises a battery. In other embodiments, the clip comprises a battery. In certain instances, the assembly may comprise a second clip, different from the clip, in which second clip comprises a display screen different from the display screen of the clip. In further examples, the second clip comprises a battery. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a second base different from the base. 
     In an additional aspect, a data storage device comprising a memory unit and a base configured to couple to a housing of the data storage device, and a clip configured to removably couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners is provided. The data storage unit may take many forms including USB drives, stick drives, SSD drive, portable memory units or drives and the like. The data storage unit may comprise, for example, a processor and/or communication device, e.g., Bluetooth device, WAN chip, LAN chip, etc. to permit sending of data from the storage device to another device, e.g., a mobile device. 
     In another aspect, an assembly comprising a base configured to couple to a housing of a pocket device, and clip means for removably coupling to the base without the use of any external fasteners, in which the clip means engages a pocket opening to position the pocket device in a pocket and position a portion of the clip outside of the pocket is disclosed. 
     Additional aspects, embodiments and examples are described in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Certain configurations are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIGS. 1AA, 1AB, 1AC, 1BA, 1BB, 1BC, 1C, 1D and 1E  are illustrations showing a clip and base that can couple to a pocket knife, in accordance with certain configurations; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are illustrations showing a clip coupled to a pocket knife with an integral base, in accordance with certain configurations; 
         FIGS. 3A, 3C, 3C and 3D  are illustrations of a base with a single slot that couples to a clip, in accordance with certain examples; 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E  are illustrations of a base with two slots that couple to a clip, in accordance with certain configurations; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are illustrations of a flashlight that couples to base, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIGS. 5D and 5E  are illustrations of a clip and base and  FIGS. 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I, 5J and 5K  are different views of the base and clip configuration of  FIGS. 5D and 5E , in accordance with certain configurations; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are illustrations showing extended bases, in accordance with certain examples; 
         FIGS. 7A-7BB  are illustrations showing a clip that can be coupled to a base coupled to a mobile device, in accordance with certain examples; 
         FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C  are illustrations showing a base that can be coupled to a mobile device, in accordance with certain configurations; 
         FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D  are illustrations showing a base, a clip and a mobile device coupled to the base and the clip, in accordance with certain examples; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are illustrations of another configuration of a clip, in accordance with certain examples; 
         FIGS. 11A, 11C, 11C and 11D  are illustrations showing base and clip structures that can couple to a mobile device, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIGS. 12AA, 12AB, 12B, 12C and 12D  are illustrations showing base and clip structures that can couple to a mobile device, in accordance with certain examples; 
         FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E  are illustrations showing different base configurations that can be used to couple to a mobile device, in accordance with certain examples; 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 4D  are illustrations showing a display screen integrated into the clip or base, in accordance with certain configurations; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are illustrations showing a base/clip design to hide the device from view when the clip is placed, in accordance with certain examples. 
         FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D and 16E  are illustrations showing a two piece base, in accordance with certain configurations; 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F, 17G and 17H  are illustrations showing a base with radial slots, in accordance with some examples; 
         FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D  are illustrations of alternative configurations showing a base, in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D  are illustrations of components that can be present in a kit. 
     
    
    
     It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that the dimensions of one component of the figures are not necessarily to scale relative to the dimensions of another component in the figures. While illustrative dimensions are provided below for illustration purposes, these dimensions can be altered to provide a suitable size, thickness and/or configuration of the various device clips. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain configurations are described herein of pocket devices that can couple to a base. The base may be configured to removably couple to a clip which can be used, at least in part, to retain the pocket device in a pocket, e.g., in a front pocket, back pocket, cargo pocket, etc. The exact configuration of the pocket device may vary, and certain illustrative pocket devices are described below. The pocket device can be sized and arranged to fit in front pockets, back pockets, cargo pockets, coat pockets, etc., and the clip desirably functions to retain the device (to at least some degree) within the pocket to prevent loss of the device to which the clip is coupled, e.g., the clip is designed to work cooperatively with the base and the pocket to retain the pocket device in the pocket. As noted in more detail below, certain embodiments can include a generally fixed base that can receive and/or engage a removable or releasable clip. The releasability of the clip, without having to remove the base, permits different size clips, different color clips or different configured clips to be coupled to the base in a rapid and secure manner and without the need to use any tools to change out the clips. If desired, the base can be secured to the pocket device using one or more suitable fasteners. 
     In certain instances, the base may be a component which is added in addition to a cover or case that is used to protect or couple to the particular device. For example, where the device is configured as a pocket knife, the base may couple to covers of the pocket knife. Where the device is configured as a mobile device, the base may be configured to couple to a cover or sleeve that receives the mobile device. Notwithstanding that the base may couple to the device or a cover or sleeve coupled to the device, the base typically comprises a smaller form factor than the device or any cover or sleeve that can couple to the device to minimize the overall space occupied by the base. As noted below, the clip can be a separate component from the base, which can be detached from the base without detaching the base from the device. 
     In certain configurations described herein, a clip may couple to base and bear against the base. The presence of a base provides for additional spacing between the clip and the pocket device and permits coupling of different types of bases to the pocket device. The use of a two-piece (or more) assembly provides desirable attributes including the ability to customize the size of the clip and base, the shape and color of the clip and base and the particular functionality present in the clip and/or base. 
     In certain examples, a pocket knife clip assembly comprises a base configured to couple to a housing of the pocket knife. The housing of the pocket knife can be sized and arranged to receive at least one knife blade and to permit folding and unfolding of the knife blade. In other configurations, the knife may be housed within the housing in a first position and project from the housing in a second position. For example, a spring or other means can be present in the knife that when actuated causes the blade to project (or retract) from an end or side of the knife. A clip configured to removably couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners can be used to assist in retention of the pocket knife in the user&#39;s pocket. In some examples, the base is integral to the housing of the pocket knife. In other examples, the base is coupled to the housing of the pocket knife using one or more external fasteners, e.g., screws, rivets, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives and the like. In some embodiments, the clip is configured to couple to the base through a slot of the base. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1AA-1E , a clip  100  is shown. The clip  100  may take many forms and shapes and desirably comprises a suitable structure to permit flexing and sliding of a portion of the pocket underneath the clip  100  without breaking the clip  100 . For example, the clip  100  can be produced from spring steel, flexible plastics, elastomers or other suitable materials. In the configuration of  FIGS. 1AA-1E , the clip  100  is split into three fingers or members, though fewer than three fingers may be present if desired. The outer fingers of the clip are substantially flat (see  FIGS. 1AA, 1AB and 1AC ). The inner finger is offset from the two outer fingers and may be raised or turned up at its edge to form a tab or projection. When the inner finger is compressed toward a plane formed by the outer two fingers, the entire clip  100  can be slid into a base  110  coupled to pocket knife  120 . Once the fingers are inserted to their fill depth, the tab of the clip  100  will clear the base  110  and spring upward. The spring force acts to retain the clip  100  in the base  120  (see  FIGS. 1D and 1E ). 
     In certain embodiments, the base  110  may comprise one or more apertures that can receive a screw  125  or other fasteners to couple the base  110  to the knife  120 . Similarly, the knife body itself may include an aperture that can receive a portion of a fastener to couple the base  110  to the knife  120 . While three apertures are shown in  FIGS. 1BA, 1BB, 1BC and 1C , fewer than three apertures may be present. In some instances, the apertures of the base  110  may be non-threaded and may be sized and arranged such the top surface of the fasteners sits flush with the base  110 . This flush mounting may prevent the pocket device from being snagged or caught on other pieces of clothing. The housing of the knife  120  (see  FIG. 1BA ) may comprises threaded holes that can couple to threads of the fasteners to retain the base  110  (see  FIG. 1BB ) to the knife  120 . In other configurations, the base  110  may be integral to the housing of the knife  120 , e.g., molding in the housing of the knife  120 , such that no fasteners are needed to couple the base  110  to the knife  120 . In other instances, the base  110  may be coupled to the knife  120  through one or more intervening materials, e.g., adhesives, welds, brazes, solders, etc. Notwithstanding that the base  110  can be coupled to the knife  120  in many different manners or may be integral to the knife  120 , the base  110  is generally not removable from the knife  120  by hand without destruction of the knife of without the use of some tools or other device to break or remove the physical coupling between the base  110  and the knife  120 . In comparison, the clip  100  can be removed by depression of the tab with simultaneous sliding of the clip  100  out of the base. 
     In certain embodiments and referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , illustrations of a clip  200  coupled to a pocket knife  220  with an integral base  210  are shown. The clip  200  comprises a tab  202 , an inner finger  204  and a pair of outer fingers  206 . As noted in connection with  FIGS. 1A-1E , depression of the tab  202  and upward movement of the clip  200  into a lower portion of the base  210  results in retention of the clip  200  in the base  210  as the tab  202  engages the base  210 . While the clip  200  is shown in a resting position as contacting a planar surface of the housing of the knife  220 , in some instances there may be a gap or space between the clip  200  and the knife  220  when the clip  200  is engaged to the base  210 . For example, where the clip is designed for use with heavy clothing or thick pockets, it may be desirable to retain a slight gap between the clip  200  and the knife  220  so that the retention force exerted by the clip  200  in its use environment is not so high that the pocket knife  220  cannot be removed once it is engaged to a pocket through the clip  200 . 
     In certain embodiments, the exact configuration of the base used to couple to the pocket knife may vary. Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3D , illustrations of several components are shown. Clip elements  302 ,  304 ,  306  ( FIG. 3C ) can be designed to engage T-shaped base elements  312 ,  314 ,  316  ( FIG. 3B ) to couple a clip  300  to a base  310  (see  FIG. 3A ). The clip  300  is split into three fingers  302 ,  304 ,  306 . The two side fingers  204 ,  306  slide between the top  314 ,  316  of the T-shaped base and the knife  320 . The inner finger  302  slides across the top  312  and into a shallow slit. The end of the finger  302  may comprise a turned down portion  303  to permit the end  303  to engage the end of the base  310  when installed. To remove the clip  300 , the end  303  would be pulled away from the housing of the knife  320  and the clip  300  would be slid away from the base  310  until the clip  300  is free. A different size or color clip can then be installed in the same manner. 
     In other instances, the base may comprise two or more slots to assist in retention of the clip to the base. Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , illustrations of a base with more than a single slot are shown. A clip  400  comprises three different fingers  402 ,  404 ,  406  (see  FIG. 4A ). A base  410  comprises a first slot  412  and a second slot  414 . The middle finger  402  of the clip  400  may comprise a cut or opening to permit a portion  415  of the base  410  to be positioned between the slots  412 ,  414  to engage the clip  400 . The outer two fingers  404 ,  406  engage the base  410  underneath the base  400  and between the knife housing (not shown). If desired, the length of the finger  402  may extend beyond the edge of the base (see component  403  in  FIG. 4D ) to permit the finger  402  to rest against the base  410  and enhance coupling of the clip  400  to the base  410 . 
     While the embodiments described in connection with  FIGS. 1A-4E  show bases which couple to a generally planar or flat surface, the clips and bases described herein can also be used with devices comprising non-flat surfaces including curved surfaces, raised surfaces or surfaces which are generally not flat where the base couples to the pocket device. Referring to  FIG. 5A , a base  510  configured with a generally annular shape is coupled to a clip  500 . The base  510  is sized and arranged to receive a pocket device either through a friction fit or may couple to the pocket device through fasteners (not shown) present at a portion  512  of the base  510 . 
     In some instances, the base  510  can be sandwiched between different portions of a pocket device. Referring to  FIG. 5B , a flashlight is shown that comprises a handle  522  and a head  524 . The head  524  may engage the handle through threads, e.g., can unscrew from the handle  522  to permit placement of batteries in the flashlight. When unscrewed, the base  510  can be placed over the threads of the handle  522 , and the head  524  may be screwed back onto the handle  522 . This action results in sandwiching of the annular base  510  between the components  522 ,  524 . In some instances, the base  510  may function as both an engagement site for the removable clip  500  and as a gasket to seal the space between the head  524  and the handle  522 . For example, the annular base  510  may be compressible such that coupling of the head  522  to the handle  524  results in compression of the base  510  and creation of a substantially fluid tight seal between the components  522 ,  524 . Where a flashlight may permit loading of batteries at an end other than the end comprising a bulb or light source, the base  510  may instead be placed at that end. Referring to  FIG. 5C , a base  510  is shown sandwiched between an end cap  526  and a handle  528 . As noted in connection with  FIG. 5B , the base  510  may provide a substantially fluid tight seal when the end cap  526  is engaged to the handle  528 . An optional feature is shown in  FIG. 5C  and includes a glass breaker  530  coupled to the base. The glass breaker can be configured to provide highly concentrated force to permit the flashlight+base to break automotive glass. Alternate devices other than a glass breaker may also be coupled to the base  510 . 
     While a flashlight is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , any pocket device that may comprise two or more components can also be used with the sandwich base configuration. For example, writing instruments such as pens, laser pointers, game calls (e.g., duck calls, deer calls, turkey calls, etc.), water bottles, can or bottle koozies, 2-piece key chains and other similar devices can be used with the base  510 . Further, the base  510  need not be attached in a sandwich configuration but may instead be attached using screws, adhesives, welds, brazes, soldering or other mechanical or chemical fasteners. 
     An additional clip and base configuration that can be used to couple to a round device is shown in  FIGS. 5D-5K . Referring to  FIGS. 5D and 5D , a clip  550  is shown coupled to a base  560 . The base  560  is configured to receive three fasteners  561 ,  563  and  565  to couple to the base to a round pocket device (not shown). As shown more clearly in  FIGS. 5F-5K , the base  560  has several slots. The clip&#39;s outer two fingers slide into the slots in the bottom of the base. The top of the base has two slots to accommodate a slot cut in the middle finger of the clip  550 . The clip&#39;s middle finger engages a slot in the base and extends beyond the slots so the end  552  of the finger overlaps the end of the base  560 . 
     In certain embodiments, the base used with the pocket device may be oversized or comprise one or more extensions or extended portions. Referring to  FIG. 6A , a base  610  is shown coupled to a knife  610  and a clip  600 . The base has an extension portion  612  that can function as a glass breaker or compliance device. Alternatively, the extension portion  612  may be sized and arranged to couple to an accessory device such as a lanyard, glass breaker, key chain or other component as desired. In other instances, the base may extend in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the pocket device. For example and referring to  FIG. 6B , a base  660  may extend along a planar surface of a pocket knife  660 . The base  660  may be configured to contact a clip  650  at a portion  662  or may not make direct contact with the clip  650 . The use of an extended base or an extension may permit coupling of the base to the pocket device in many different positions. In addition, the extended base or extension need not be continuous and may comprise openings, apertures, slots, depressions or other features. 
     In certain embodiment, the pocket devices described herein may take the form of mobile device such as a cellular phone, tablet, personal digital assistant, digital music player or other portable electronic devices. The base may couple directly to the mobile device itself or may couple to a case or covering that receives the mobile device. Referring to  FIGS. 7A, 7BA and 7BB , a clip  700  is shown that comprises three fingers  702 ,  704  and  706 . The clip  700  may be produced using spring steel, plastic or other materials that are flexible at least to some degree. The inner finger  702  is offset from the other two fingers  704 ,  706  and can be turned up at its edge to form a tab. The clip  700  can reversibly couple to a base such as the base shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C . The base  800  comprises a slot that can receive the finger  702  of the clip  700  by inserting the clip upward toward the base  800 . When the base  800  is coupled to a mobile device  820 , upward movement of the clip  700  results in engagement of the fingers  702 ,  704   70  to the base  800 . Continued upper movement results in the tab of the finger  702  engaging a top surface of the base  800 , which can act to retain the clip  700  in the base  800 .  FIG. 9A-9D  are various illustrations showing the clip  700  engaged to the base  800 , which itself is coupled to a mobile device  820 . While a portion of the clip  700  is shown in  FIG. 9C  as contacting the mobile device  820 , there may be space between the clip  700  and the mobile device  820  when the clip  700  is in a resting position. 
     In certain embodiments, the base  800  may be integral to a mobile device cover or housing or may be coupled to the mobile device directly. Alternatively, the base  800  may be coupled to a mobile device cover through one or more fasteners or by an aperture in the mobile device cover. For example, a mobile device cover may comprise an opening in a surface that can receive a flat base. The base may rest against the mobile device with a portion of the base extending though the opening. The friction fit between the mobile device and the mobile device cover can act to retain the base within the opening. A clip may then be coupled to the portion of the base which extends through the opening to permit a user to retain the mobile device in their pocket. Where a base extends through an opening in a mobile device cover or housing, the portion of the base that remains adjacent to the mobile device may be generally flat or planar so as to not interfere with retention of the mobile device by the cover or housing. In some instances, this portion of the base may also function as a cooling device and comprise suitable materials which can transfer heat away from the back surface of the mobile device. If desired, fins or slots in the base may permit some air flow into the mobile device cover to assist in keeping the mobile device cool. 
     In certain embodiments and referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , another configuration of a clip and base suitable for use with a mobile device is shown. The base  1010  is integral to the mobile device or a mobile device cover or housing. The clip  1000  comprises a tab, an inner finger  1002  and a pair of outer fingers  1004 . The clip  1000  may be produced from spring steel or other flexible materials such as a polymer or elastomer. The fingers  1004  are generally flat, and the inner finger  1002  is offset and may form a tab  1005  at its edge. The clip  1000  can be slide upward into the base  1010 . After insertion to its full depth, the tab  1005  will clear and spring outward to retain the clip  1000  to the base  1010 . To remove the clip  1000 , a user can depress the tab toward the mobile device and base  1010  while pulling downward. A new clip may then be inserted into the base. 
     In certain examples, the exact configuration of the base used to couple to the mobile device may vary. Referring to  FIGS. 11A-11D , illustrations of several components are shown. Clip elements  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106  ( FIG. 11D ) can be designed to engage T-shaped base elements  1112 ,  1114 ,  1116  ( FIG. 11C ) to couple a clip  1100  to a base  1110  (see  FIG. 11B ). The clip  1100  is split into three fingers  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 . The two side fingers  1104 ,  1106  slide between the top  1114 ,  1116  of the T-shaped base and the mobile device  1120  or mobile device cover or case. The inner finger  1102  slides across the top  1112  and into a shallow slit. The end of the finger  1102  may comprise a turned down portion  1103  to permit the end  1103  to engage the end of the base  1110  when installed. To remove the clip  1100 , the end  1103  would be pulled away from the housing of the mobile device  1120  and the clip  1100  would be slid away from the base  1110  until the clip  1100  is free. A different size or color clip can then be installed in the same manner. 
     In other instances, a base that can couple to a mobile device may comprise two or more slots to assist in retention of the clip to the base. Referring to  FIGS. 12A-12D , illustrations of a base with more than a single slot are shown. A clip  1200  comprises three different fingers  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206  (see  FIG. 12B ). A base  1210  comprises a first slot  1212  and a second slot  1214  (se  FIG. 12C ). The middle finger  1202  of the clip  1200  may comprise a cut or opening to permit a portion  1215  of the base  1210  to be positioned between the slots  1212 ,  1214  to engage the clip  1200 . The outer two fingers  1204 ,  1206  engage the base  1210  underneath the base  1200  and between the knife housing (not shown). If desired, the length of the finger  1202  may extend beyond the edge of the base (see component  1203  in  FIG. 12AA ) to permit the finger  1202  to rest against the base  1210  and enhance coupling of the clip  1200  to the base  1210  (see  FIG. 12AB ). 
     In certain embodiments, the clips described herein need not be fixed in position. For example, the clip may comprise one or more features that permit lateral movement, longitudinal movement, rotation or other movements. It may be particularly desirable to use a rotational clip with stops or detents to hold the clip in different positions. Depression of the clip, for example, may unlock the clip and permit rotation by another 360 degrees to decrease the distance between the clip and the device to which the clip is coupled. This configuration permits adjustment of the tension between the clip and the device to account for differences in pocket or garment thickness. In some instances, it may be desirable to configure the clip to permit some slipping. For example and referring to  FIGS. 13A-13B , a clip  1300  comprises a pivoting member or rolling member  1310  that permits can provide some slip resistance. In some instances, the member  1310  may provide a friction force to resist movement of the clip in the pocket. Referring to  FIG. 13C , a clip  1325  is shown that comprises a rolling member  1330 . The clip  1325  is coupled to a rotatable base  1340 , but in an alternative configuration the base can be fixed and a rotatable member can be present on the clip itself. The rotatable member may permit movement of the clip  1325  relative to the longitudinal axis of the pocket device so that the longitudinal axis of the clip and the longitudinal axis of the pocket device are not always parallel. A configuration with a rotatable base is shown in  FIG. 13D . The rotatable base  1350  comprises a pivot plane  1355  and an axle  1360 . The base  1350  can rotate angularly about the axle  1355  to permit adjustment of the position of the clip (not shown) relative to a mobile device  1365 . Rotation of the base may be constrained by any desired devices or methods including, but not limited to, friction, detents, springs, etc.  FIG. 13E  shows a similar configuration but also includes an extension  1352  on the base  1350 . The extension may comprise an accessory device such as those listed herein, e.g., may include a glass breaker, a RFID chip, a compliance device, a processor or may include other components. 
     In other configurations, the clip described herein may comprise a ball and the base may comprise a socket, in which insertion of the ball of the clip into the socket of the base couples the clip to the base. If desired, the friction between the ball and socket when coupled may be high such that the clip cannot rotate easily when the two components are engaged. In other configurations, the clip comprises a cam configured to couple to the base upon rotation of the clip. In additional configurations, the clip may comprise threads which can couple to threads of the base or the device in different positions. For example, rotation of the clip by 90 degrees may lock the clip into a first position. Depression of the clip toward the base or the device can permit rotation by another 360 degrees to a second position to lock the clip in the second position. If desired, additional rotation may be permissible to adjust the gap spacing between the clip and the base or between the clip and the device to which the clip is coupled. In some instances, the clip may comprise substantially flat fingers which radiate from the end of the spring clip. The fingers can be bent downward, e.g., at a 30 degree angle from the end of the clip. The base may comprise openings to accept these fingers. The clip is depressed into the opening in the base so the fingers are compressed. The clip is then rotated several degrees so they line up with slots in the base. When the user releases the compressive force, the fingers push the clip upward into the slots and hold it in place. Alternatively, a base may comprise its own springs that would push up against the clip. 
     In certain embodiments, the clips described herein may comprise one more spring members, e.g., a plurality of spring members, in which at least one spring member is configured to retain the clip to the base once the clip is coupled to the base. While certain embodiments described above are directed to a single spring member that remains outward in use, two or more different spring members could instead be used to enhance retention of the clip to the base. 
     In some embodiments, the base may comprise at least one storage slot, e.g., a plurality of storage slots, configured to retain a clip or more than one clip. For example, where the base comprises an extension or extends along the length of the pocket device, the base may be configured to receive a store an additional clip. The additional clip when stored may remain flush with the base surface so as to not interfere with use of the base and clip. 
     In some instances, the assembly may comprise a second base on an opposite surface, e.g., on an opposite planar surface or an opposite end, of the housing. For example, two different bases can be coupled to a pocket device at different positions. One base, for example, may be a fixed base which acts to keep the clip in a fixed position, and the other base may be a rotatable base which acts to permit rotation of the clip when coupled to the base. As noted herein in connection with the clip, it may be desirable to use a rotatable base which can be locked into different positions to permit adjustment of the spacing between the clip and the associated device. In another configuration, a first base may be configured to receive a second base. For example, a first base can be coupled to the pocket device and configured to receive a clip or a second base. When a second base is added, the second base can either be configured differently than the first base or may act as a spacer to provide additional separation between the clip and the pocket device. 
     In some examples, the bases described herein may removably couple to the housing without the use of any screws. In other instances, the bases described herein may couple to the base through removable fasteners, permanent fasteners, releasable adhesives, permanent adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners or other means. In some instances, when in use the base typically cannot be separated from the base by application of a hand force but instead must be separated using one or more tools, heat or other means to break the mechanical or chemical connection between the base and the pocket device. 
     In some configurations, the clip may have a tab, boss or other element that the user would grip or pry with their fingers to help extract the pocket device from the pocket. The tab may comprise an opening or aperture that can receive the tip of an accessory tool, e.g., a punch, pen tip, key tip or the like, to assist the user in depressing the tab to release the clip from the base. If desired, the tool may be attached to the base through a lanyard or other means to facilitate a user separating the clip from the base. 
     In certain embodiments, the clips and bases described herein may be packaged in the form of a kit comprising a base configured to couple to a housing of a pocket device, a clip configured to couple to the base and instructions for using the clip and the base to couple the pocket device to the clip. In certain instances, the kit may comprise a plurality of different clips and/or bases to permit a user to select a particular clip/base pair for use with the pocket device. For example, the kit may comprise a second clip different from the first clip. In other embodiments, the kit may comprise at least one external fastener configured to couple the base to the housing of the pocket knife. In certain examples, the clip is sized and arranged to couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners, e.g., the kit is provided without any external fasteners. In certain configurations where a base is integrated into the pocket device, the kit may only comprise a clip and instructions for using the clip to couple the clip to the integral base of the pocket device. 
     In other embodiments, the components described herein may take the form of an assembly comprising a base configured to couple to a housing of a pocket device, and a clip configured to removably couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners, in which the clip is sized and arranged to engage a pocket opening to position the pocket device in a pocket (at least partially) and position a portion of the clip outside of the pocket is disclosed. In certain examples, the clip is configured for use with a flashlight configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view (at least partially) in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In other examples, the clip is configured for use with a wallet configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In some examples, the clip is configured for use with a pocket knife configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view (at least partially) in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In certain embodiments, the clip is configured for use with a firearm configured to insert into the pocket and be hidden from view (at least partially) in the pocket when the clip engages the pocket opening. In other embodiments, the clip is configured to engage an outer surface with an effective force to retain the pocket device in position in the pocket. 
     In certain configurations, the clip comprises a memory unit and a processor. In other embodiments, the processor is configured to provide a location of the clip (and any device coupled to the clip) using a GPS system or other tracking system that provides a signal from a processor of the whereabouts of the clip. For example, the GPS unit may be used to assist the user possessing the pocket device in finding a location or may assist the user in locating a lost or misplaced pocket device comprising the GPS unit. In some examples, the clip comprises a Bluetooth device. In further embodiments, the clip comprises at least one battery. In some examples, the battery is configured to charge or power the pocket device. If desired, the battery may comprise a wired or wireless coupler which can be configured to charge the battery from a power source, e.g., an AC power source, DC power source, another battery, a fuel cell, a solar cell, etc. Similarly, the battery itself may be coupled to the pocket device in wired or wireless manner. In certain embodiments, the clip may comprise an integral light. In some examples, the clip comprises an integral speaker, an integral camera, or an RFID chip. 
     In some embodiments, the clip may be configured with a small display, e.g., LCD screen, that can receive information from the pocket device and display that information. For example, the clip may comprise a narrow LCD screen that can display incoming text messages, phone calls, e-mails, etc., so the user can view that information without needing to unlock or access the mobile device. In some instances, the screen may be powered by the mobile device itself, or the clip may include an on-board battery, fuel cell, or the like which can power the screen. In additional configuration, the base may comprise a battery, fuel cell or the like which can electrically couple to the clip to provide power to the screen of the clip. The base may further be electrically coupled to the mobile device such that charging of the mobile device also charges the battery of the base. In other configurations, the base comprises a Bluetooth device. In some embodiments, the base comprises at least one battery. In certain examples, the battery in the base is configured to charge or power the pocket device. In some examples, the base may comprise one or more of an integral light, an integral speaker, an integral camera, or an RFID chip. Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , illustration are shown of a clip  1400  comprising a display  1410  (which instead, or in addition to, might be a speaker, Bluetooth device, GPS device, RFID chip, camera, light, battery, memory unit, processor, etc.) integral to the clip  1400 . The clip  1400  can couple to a base  1420  which itself can be coupled to a pocket device  1430 . An alternative configuration is shown in  FIGS. 14C and 14D  where the display  1460  is integral to the base  1470 . A clip  1450  can couple to the base  1470  as shown. A pocket device  1480  can be coupled to the base  1470 . The display  1460  may alternatively be, or in addition to a display be, a speaker, Bluetooth device, GPS device, RFID chip, camera, light, battery, memory unit, processor. The clip or base may comprise suitable electrical couplers to provide power and/or electrical signals to the display integral to the clip or screen. Where the display is integral to the base, then display may be configured to display information (e.g., time, date, text, etc.) above and/or below the clip, when the clip is coupled to the base, to permit the user to review the information without having to remove the clip. If desired, the display can wirelessly receive information from a mobile device or other device or may comprise suitable couplers, e.g., USB couplers, Apple® lightning adapter couplers or other suitable coupler, to provide information to the display and/or charge any on-board power supply. In certain configurations, the clip, base or both may comprise a data storage device comprising a memory unit, a base configured to couple to a housing of the data storage device, and a clip configured to removably couple to the base without the use of any external fasteners is provided. 
     In some configurations, the clip and/or base may be configured to permit hiding of the device when the clip is placed on a pocket. Referring to  FIG. 15A , a clip  1510  and base  1520  is shown coupled to a device  1530 . The clip is configured to permit the pocket to engage an upper surface of the clip to permit the mobile device  1530  to remain hidden when inserted into a pocket. Referring to  FIG. 15B , a clip  1550  and base  1560  are shown coupled to a device  1570 . The clip  1560  comprises a suitable length to permit the device  1570  to be hidden when the clip  1550  is engaged to a pocket. 
     In certain embodiments, the base may be a two-piece base as shown in  FIGS. 16A-16E . In this configuration, the base  1640  consists of two pieces. A bottom/inner element is secured to the knife, e.g., using an external fastener, and an upper/outer element is connected to the bottom element at a pivot point. The outer element may also reversibly couple to a clip as described herein. A spring and plunger assembly  1645  (see  FIG. 16B ) are situated in the inner element. The spring/plunger  1645  can be depressed to release the outer element and permit rotation of the outer element. The spring/plunger  1645  can protrude through a hole in the inner element and through another hole  1610  in the outer element. Depressing the spring/plunger  1655  (see  FIG. 16D ) allows the outer element to pivot about the inner element (see pivoted element  1660  in  FIG. 16E ) at a pivot point  1615  (see  FIG. 16B ). When the spring/plunger  1655  protrudes through the outer element, pivoting is prevented. The plunger may be tapered if desired. In certain examples, the plunger may also protrude through an opening in a clip  1650  and serve to hold the clip  1650  in place within a slotted/recessed opening  1620  in the upper part of the base  1640 . The clip may be held in place using other means or multiple plunger/springs may also be used. As shown in  FIG. 16B , the bottom element of the base may couple to a knife  1649  using fasteners such as screws, rivets, bolts, etc. Openings  1625  in the base  1640  may receive the fasteners  1647  to attach the base  1640  to the knife  1649 . A slot  1630  may be present in the inner element of the base  1640  to allow the spring to compress. When the clip  1650  is coupled to the base  1640 , the clip is generally parallel with a longitudinal axis is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis L A1  of the knife  1647 . In some configurations, pivoting of the outer element away from the inner element can act to release the clip or otherwise permit removal of the clip. A different clip can then be installed, and the outer element can be pivoted back toward the inner element so the spring/plunger of the inner element can engage a hole or aperture in the outer element and lock the inner element to the outer element and hold the clip in place. If desired, the plunger could instead be present in the outer element and engage a hole or aperture in the inner element to couple the clip to the base. As noted in more detail below, a clip that includes one, two, three or more fingers can be used with a base such as the base shown in  FIGS. 16A-16E . For example, fingers on the clip can engage recesses in the outer element of the base to couple the clip to the outer element, at least temporarily. Rotation of the clip, together or separately from pivoting of the outer element, can act to couple the clip to the base. 
     In certain embodiments, a base may comprise one or more radial slots that can engage a finger on the clip to lock the clip into place. Referring to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , a base  1710  is shown that can receive fingers  1715  of a clip  1720 . The fingers (collectively  1715 ) are bent downward and act as springs. While three fingers  1721 ,  1722 ,  1723  are shown in  FIG. 17B , one, two, four or more fingers may be present if desired. A clip  1720  may sit below the end of a knife  1725  requiring user to slightly lift and end of the clip  1720  as it is rotated into position. As shown in  FIG. 17A , when installed the clip  1720  is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis L A2  of the knife  1725 . This rotation can create additional force between the clip  1720  and the knife  1725  and can provide additional friction to hold the clip  1720  in place.  FIG. 17C  shows an external view of base  1740  that can include openings  1742  to receive the fingers  1721 ,  1722 ,  1723  from the clip  1720  from the outside.  FIG. 17D  is a partial section showing the interior recesses to receive the fingers  1721 ,  1722 ,  1723  of the clip  1720 .  FIG. 17E  is an external view showing the recesses as dashed lines. Apertures or holes  1752 ,  1754  are shown that can receive screws or other fasteners to attach the base to the knife. A section X-X through  FIG. 17E  is shown in  FIG. 17F , which better shows the holes for the screws of other fasteners.  FIG. 17G  shows rotation of the clip  1720  to secure it in the base  1710 . The installed clip  1720  in the base  1710  is shown in  FIG. 17H . The radial fingers of the clip  1720  engage radial slots of the base  1710 . For example, a user can place the clip at a desired angle to the axis of the knife with installed base. After the fingers of the clip  1720  are inserted into the base  1740 , the fingers of the clip  1720  can be pushed down. This action compresses the fingers and provides a spring force. The compressed finger and clip  1720  can then be rotated so the clip  1720  couples to the base  1740  and lines up with knife after rotation. The user may then release the force on the clip  1720 , which allows the fingers to move upward into recesses of the base  1740 . The upward movement retains the clip  1720  to the base  1740 . The exact number of degrees that the clip rotates may vary. For example, the clip may rotate at least 10 degrees or at least 15 degrees or at least 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 degrees. Where more fingers are present on the clip, the clip generally can be rotated fewer degrees to couple the clip to the base. 
     In certain embodiments, the bases and clips described herein may be present in other configurations. For example,  FIG. 18A  shows a knife housing  1815  with a base  1810  coupled to the knife housing  1815  at a top surface of the knife housing  1815 . This arrangement may permit bi-directional coupling of the clip to the base  1810  to position the clip on different sides of the housing  1815 .  FIG. 18B  shows a base  1820  that is integral to a knife housing  1825 .  FIG. 18C  shows a base  1830  that couples to an interior member  1836  in a knife housing  1835 . The interior member  1836  may be a liner or other inner feature of the knife.  FIG. 18D  shows a knife housing  1845  that is coupled to a first base  1840  and a second base  1842 . The first base  1840  and the second base  1842  can be the same or can be different and can be on the same side of the housing  1845  or different sides of the housing  1845 . In certain embodiments, the presence of two or more bases can allow for flexibility for placing the clip on either side. Alternatively, by including a single base, which can be integral if desired, at an end of the knife, the base can accept clips bi-directionally, thus allowing the same clip to work on either side of the knife handle. 
     In certain configurations, the clips and bases described herein can be present in a kit that includes written instructions to couple the clip to the base.  FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D  show different bases  1910 ,  1920  and clips  1930 ,  1940  that may be present in a kit. Additional different bases and clips could instead be present or also be present in any one kit. For example a kit may include one, two, three or more bases and one, two, three or more clips. In some instances, the kit may only include different clips that can couple to a single type of base already present on a knife housing. In other instances, the kit may only include different bases that can be used with a specific type of clip but that may, for example, position the clip differently on the knife housing. The written instructions, which may be electronic instruction instead if desired, can provide guidance to couple the clips to the base and/or the base to the knife housing. 
     When introducing elements of the aspects, embodiments and examples disclosed herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that various components of the examples can be interchanged or substituted with various components in other examples. 
     Although certain aspects, examples and embodiments have been described above, it will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that additions, substitutions, modifications, and alterations of the disclosed illustrative aspects, examples and embodiments are possible.