Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to co-pending United States provisional patent application entitled “Portable Gadget-Holding Device,” having Ser. No. 61/225,244, filed on Jul. 14, 2009, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to devices for releasably holding a personal gadget, and more specifically to a device for releasably holding a cell phone, an ipod or other similar gadget on a user&#39;s belt or clothing. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    While there are many different options available on the market for carrying devices such as cellular phones, music players, etc., nothing exists that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing—particularly for a woman. Bulky carriers that sit at the waistband create a bulge under the shirt if worn un-tucked and ultimately make the waist look larger, something a woman avoids at all costs. Also, while there are many holders that attempt to be fashionable by means of color and style, their bulkiness causes many women shy away from wearing them unless ultimately necessary for whatever reason. This can create a variety of problems for those who carry cell phones but have no desirable means of carrying them on their person. For example, important phone calls can be missed because the phone has been lost in the bottom of a purse, or inadvertently left in another room. Also, many women are fashion conscious and would prefer that their expensive phone or the latest ipod is not covered by some bulky case. In many instances, a phone or gadget purchase was made because of the way that it looked. Covering up the sleek look of the newest gadget on the market is not desirable either. 
         [0006]    In addition, while available gadget holders may function adequately for men, they still present the problem of being bulky and in many informal settings when guys wear their shirts un-tucked, the bulk at the waistband can be undesirable. It also makes it inconvenient to use the gadget when it is hidden way up under the shirt. Being able to wear a more comfortable, convenient, inconspicuous and yes, fashionable gadget or cell phone holder, appeals to men as well as women. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a sleek, flat, lightweight, fashionable and ultimately inconspicuous way to carry a cell phone, music player or any other gadget on a person comfortably. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention is summarized below only for purposes of introducing embodiments of the invention. The ultimate scope of the invention is to be limited only to the claims that follow the specification. 
         [0009]    Generally, the present invention comprises a gadget-holding device that is a sleek, flat, lightweight, fashionable and ultimately inconspicuous way to carry a cell phone, music player or any other gadget on a person comfortably. 
         [0010]    The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a clip, a connector, and a hanging interlock clasp wherein the connector is connected between the clip and the hanging interlock clasp. A D-ring is the preferred connector. More specifically, the straight leg of the D-ring should be connected to the clip so that the D-ring can rotate relative to the clip; and, the D-ring should be connected to the hanging interlock clasp so that the hanging interlock clasp can rotate and slide relative to D-ring. 
         [0011]    One object of the invention is to allow a user to both lock and release the gadget from the gadget holding device using only one hand. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to permit some usage of the device without having to remove it from the holder. For example, one advantage of the preferred embodiment is that a user can view the gadget&#39;s screen and operate some functions while sitting or standing without having to remove the gadget from the holder. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the gadget-holding device  10 . While this embodiment is suitable, it is preferred to add a covering as shown and discussed in relation to  FIG. 18 . A covering is preferred but not required to function in the manner intended. When a covering is used, cylinder  25  is not needed as discussed below in paragraph [048] as the covering can be configured to function in place of cylinder  25 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a back elevation view of the preferred engagement button  50 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a double sided adhesive tab used to attach the engagement button  50  to the back of a gadget  8  for use in conjunction with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the preferred engagement button  50  used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1   
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  attached to each other by means of adhesion. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of  FIG. 5  attached to the back of a device or gadget  8  such as a cellular phone or portable music player by means of adhesion thereby creating a method of insertion into the gadget-holding device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is the back perspective view of the gadget-holding device  10  releasably holding a gadget  8 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a back view of a gadget-holding device  10 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a back view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the first step of the engagement process—the engagement button  50  is in ready position to be moved down and into an interlocked position within the gadget-holding device  10 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a back view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the second step of the engagement process—as the gadget is moved downward, the engagement button  50  forces the legs of the hanging interlock clasp  40  to widen and the narrow neck of slide lock  42  to flex open and accept the engagement button  50  as it slides down and into the interlocked position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a back view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the third step of the engagement process—the interlocked position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side view of  FIG. 11  with the portable gadget  8  in the interlocked position and the D-ring  30  in the hanging position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a side view of  FIG. 11  with the portable gadget  8  in the interlocked and the D-ring  30  in the hanging position; with the portable gadget  8  rotated  90  degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a side view of  FIG. 11  with the portable gadget  8  in the interlocked position and the D-ring  30  in the release position (i.e., rotated 90 degrees about the straight leg of the D-ring  30  from the hanging position). 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is the same view as  FIG. 14  with the addition of a user&#39;s hand to show how the gadget  8  can be released from the gadget-holding device  10  with one hand: by placing the thumb on the D-ring  30  in the release position and using the fingers to move the gadget  8  toward the D-ring  30  to release it from the slide lock  42  of interlock clasp  40 . 
           [0028]      FIGS. 16 &amp; 17  illustrate how the gadget  8  can move freely on the D-ring  30  and rotate about the engagement button  50  in the interlocked position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a gadget-holding device  10 . The preferred embodiment combines the elements shown in  FIG. 1  enveloped in a covering such as fabric, leather or plastic for the purpose of fashion and design. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a gadget-holding device  10  using a one piece configuration which could be made from any suitable material such as metal or plastic and a D-ring  30 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is another angle of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a is a side view of  FIG. 19   
           [0033]      FIGS. 22  A-D illustrate various alternate embodiments of clip  20 . 
           [0034]      FIGS. 23A  and B illustrate an alternate embodiment of a way to connect the gadget-holding device  10  to clothing in a manner other than a clip  20 . As shown, a magnet pair can be used to connect to clothing (with each member of the pair on different sides of the piece of clothing). In this embodiment, it is also preferred to also use a mechanical male/female connection to strengthen the connection. Those in the art can devise a myriad of ways to accomplish this. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a way to connect the gadget-holding device  10  to clothing in a manner other than a clip. As shown, a pin/clasp pair can be used to connect to clothing. Those in the art can devise a myriad of ways to accomplish this. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  illustrates how the preferred embodiment is worn on a belt  22 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  illustrates how the preferred embodiment is worn on a belt  22  in the ordinary course, with the gadget in the landscape position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  illustrates how the preferred embodiment is worn on a belt  22  in the ordinary course, with the gadget in the landscape position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment of the gadget-holding device  10 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  illustrates a back view of the preferred embodiment of the gadget-holding device  10 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment of the hanging interlock clasp  40 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 31  illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment of the hanging interlock clasp  40 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment of the hanging interlock clasp  40 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the hanging interlock clasp  40 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the gadget-holding device  10 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 35  illustrates an enlarged view of the slide lock channel  45  for the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  illustrates an enlarged view of the slide lock channel  45  for the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 30-34 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    It is to be understood that the descriptions below are merely illustrative of various embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the detail of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the gadget-holding device  10 . As shown, this embodiment of gadget-holding device  10  comprises three parts: a clip  20 , a connector (preferably, D-ring  30 ), and a hanging interlock clasp  40 . The preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 28-34 . While the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  will function according to the principles of this invention, it is preferred to add a covering as shown and discussed in relation to FIG.  18 —even though a covering is not necessary. A covering is preferred for its aesthetical appeal, but also because a covering provides some additional rotational frictional forces that keep the gadget from rotating too freely about the engagement button  50 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Clip  20  is commercially available in many different shapes, sizes and materials such as metal or plastic. One skilled in the art can select the size, shape or material best suited for the desired end result.  FIGS. 22  A-D illustrate various alternate embodiments of clip  20 . For example, if the end design will include a covering such as fabric, leather, vinyl or plastic such as used for fashion, then  22 A or  22 B might be preferable options. In that case, D-ring  30  could be attached to the preferred embodiment by a cylindrical loop of fabric or leather as shown in  FIG. 18 . Consequently, there would be no need for the cylindrical shape shown at reference character  25  of clip  20 . Alternately, if the end design is to be made entirely from, for example, polished stainless steel or plated sterling silver,  22 C or  22 D might then be a better choice as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0051]    D-ring  30  is commercially available in many different sizes, gauges, shapes and finishes. One skilled in the art can select the size, shape or material that is best suited for the desired end result. D-ring  30  serves more than one purpose. It has a working function and a fashion function. Choosing a shape that works properly with hanging interlock clasp  40  for the designated purpose is important to the function and choosing a finish that esthetically complements the finished product whether it be covered or not, is important to the “look” or fashion of the preferred embodiment. 
         [0052]    At a minimum, hanging interlock clasp  40  comprises a slide lock  42 . 
         [0053]    The term “slide lock” refers broadly to any device that can secure engagement button  50  by sliding as shown in the progression from  FIG. 9  through  FIG. 11 . In the interlock position shown in  FIG. 11 , rotatability of engagement button  50  is preferable, but not required. While those in the art can utilize many items to function as a slide lock  42 , a product sold commercially by Richco, Inc. of Morton 
         [0054]    Grove Illinois under the mark Twist Lok or Twist Lock, product TL-350 can provide suitable results. See, e.g., www.richco-inc.com. While the Twist Lok product sold by Richco, Inc. is intended to be twisted for the purpose of tying wires together, the use contemplated here requires no twisting—just sliding the engagement button  50  down onto slide lock  42  as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . 
         [0055]    Hanging interlock clasp  40  preferably also comprises extension rings  44 L and  44 R. When extension rings  44 L and  44 R are connected to slide lock  42  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , preferred hanging interlock clasp  40  is created. Those in the art can create various alternative embodiments of the hanging interlock clasp  40 . The innovative hourglass shape and design of the hanging interlock clasp  40  (not necessarily including connectors  46 ) is what creates the function for which this design is intended. Hanging interlock clasp  40  can be made out of one material and in one piece or more than one material and have more than one part. An alternate design option where the flex movement of hanging interlock clasp  40  happens at the bottom instead of through the middle or at the top can be employed. It is up to the desire of one skilled in the art to decide which design works best for his purposes, whether the gadget-holding device will be covered in a decorative covering or if the working parts will be exposed to view. The material or materials which make hanging interlock clasp  40  should be rigid enough to hold the general shape but with enough flex ability to “give” in the right places when the proper pressure is applied (whether from above when inserting gadget  8  or from below when removing gadget  8 ) and then be able to return to the original shape as shown in  FIG. 9-11 . This could include but is not limited to materials such as plastics and/or spring metals. 
         [0056]    The purpose of solid spheres  46  is to connect the slide-lock  42  with the extension loops, but other connection types known in the art can be suitable. It is suitable to use a slide lock  42  having ball-shaped ends that can be drilled deep enough to accept the ends of extension loops  44 L and  44 R, which can then be inserted and glued if necessary. Connecting extension loops  44 L and  44 R to slide lock  42  creates the preferred embodiment of hanging interlock clasp  40 . Of course, solid spheres  46  are not necessary at all if hanging interlock clasp  40  is fabricated as one piece. 
         [0057]    Hanging interlock clasp  40  is designed to accept engagement button  50  into empty space  52  as shown in  FIG. 8  and then expand or flex open to allow the engagement button  50  to slip down into empty space  52  and engage as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0058]    The engagement button  50  is commercially available in many different sizes, shapes and colors. Engagement button  50  must be selected to work symbiotically with hanging interlock clasp  40 . Many engagement buttons  50  are commercially available and are often attached to protective cases specifically designed to fit a specific gadget, such as a cell phone or personal music player. 
         [0059]    It is preferred to employ a “universal” size engagement button, but it is up to one skilled in the art to decide the exact size and shape of engagement button  50  to fit the purposes of the design. Of course, then, those in the art will recognize that hanging interlock clasp  40  should be selected to work symbiotically with a universal size engagement button  50 . These purposes may be, but not limited to, function (examples of function may be: 1-allowing a loose, free rotation of button when fully engaged into hanging interlock clasp  40  and thus free rotation of the attached gadget, 2-a tighter yet still free rotation of said gadget made possible when fabric or another decorative medium covers hanging interlock clasp  40  creating a compression-like fit when engagement button  50  slips down into and fills in empty space  52 , or 3-a ratcheting action of surface  53 L,  53 R,  56 ,  57  or  58  of engagement button  50  interacting with any part of surface  43  of slide lock  42  whether it be by lans and grooves, bumps and divots or any other means of ratcheting action which may be conceived by one skilled in the art.) or fashion (examples of fashion may be 1—colors that “match” or “complement” the colors of the final form of the preferred embodiment or 2—colors that “match” or “complement” the color of the gadget that said engagement button  50  is being attached to and/or 3—the size and shape of the engagement button  50  be esthetically pleasing to the eye when attached to the gadget) or both function and fashion. The slimmer and sleeker the design and shape of the engagement button, along with being less noticeable when attached to the back of a gadget such as a cell phone or personal music player will make it more desirable to those who are fashion conscience. It is for this reason it is desirable to have color options that match the multiple color options available on many gadgets on the market. 
         [0060]    Engagement button  50  is preferred to be connected to the portable gadget  8  by means of an adhesive disk  54 . While this is one way by which an engagement button  50  can be attached to a gadget of any kind, it is not the only way. Those in the art can select the means of engagement from a variety of known options, gluing, sewing, strapping, screwing or any other suitable method to secure engagement button  50  to gadget  8 . 
         [0061]    The purpose of clip  20  is primarily two-fold. The first purpose is to attach the preferred embodiment as a whole to another object such as a waistband, belt or the edge of a pocket or purse. This is shown in an example environment in  FIGS. 25-27  and  FIG. 17  and as a cross section of a belt or waistband  22  engaged between interior surfaces of clip  20  in  FIG. 15 . The second purpose is to allow for attaching the D-ring  30  and ultimately the hanging interlock clasp  40  with which the engagement button  50  is held. Clip  20  is generally available commercially and thus will not be described in detail in this document. There are many different sizes and shapes available and it is up to one skilled in the art to choose which design best suits the purposes of the chosen embodiment.  FIGS. 22A-D  are just some examples of clip shapes that may be used. One way to attach D-ring  30  to clip  20  is by having cylindrical shape  25  at the bottom front of clip  20  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0062]    D-ring  30  is generally commercially available and thus will not be described in detail in this document. D-rings are available in many different shapes, sizes, gauges and finishes and it will be up to one skilled in the art to determine which one best serves the purposes of the design of the chosen embodiment. 
         [0063]      FIG. 1  illustrates one way to connect clip  20  with D-ring  30 . The horizontal leg of D-ring  30  can be located within a cylindrical tube  25  during fabrication. Of course, other ways can be employed to connect D-ring  30  with clip  20 . For example, when a fabric covering is employed as shown in  FIG. 18 , the fabric can be utilized to hold the D-ring  30  as shown. Regardless of the means used, though, it is preferred that D-ring  30  can rotate about its straight leg in relation to the clip to permit a user to release gadget  8  from gadget-holding device  10  by placing the thumb on the D-ring in the release position shown in  FIG. 15  and using the fingers to move the gadget  8  toward D-ring  30  to release gadget  8 . Allowing D-ring  30  to pivot along axis  33 , forward and back from within cylinder  25  as shown in  FIG. 2  is a preferred feature of the invention. 
         [0064]    Hanging interlock clasp  40  is connected to D-ring  30  by extension loops  44 L and  44 R as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is preferred that hanging interlock clasp  40  be rotatably and slidably connected to D-ring  30  to permit the movement shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  14 - 17 . It is preferred to shape hanging interlock clasp  40  in the hourglass shape as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 19 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , D-ring  30  runs through the loops shown at  42 L and  42 R. As a whole, hanging interlock clasp  40  can swing left and right along the curved leg of D-ring  30  as shown in  FIG. 16 . Hanging interlock clasp  40  can also rotate in the direction indicated in  FIG. 17 . Also, when materials selected have some “flex” ability, which is preferred, the hanging interlock clasp  40  can move as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . This flexing movement generally happens when a basic upward pressure is applied from below the preferred embodiment when D-Ring  30  is in the horizontal position. 
         [0066]    When D-Ring  30  is in the hanging position and pressure is applied from below (i.e., the user does not desire to remove gadget  8  from the gadget-holding device  10 ), the extension rings will naturally take the path of least resistance and swing or pivot on D-Ring  30  as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  out of the way instead of forcing the flex action to allow gadget  8  to escape from slide lock  42  of hanging interlocking clasp  40 . Gadget  8  may also rotate about engagement button  50  within the slide lock  42  as shown in  FIG. 16 , which also keeps gadget  8  from becoming disengaged when not desired. 
         [0067]    Another way this flexing movement can occur is when D-ring  30  pivots forward on axis  33  of cylinder  25  as shown in  FIG. 15 . The shape and angle of loops  42 L and  42 R are such that when the angle at which D-ring  30  hangs changes from hanging straight down or vertical position to that of a horizontal position, the loops  42  allow the hanging interlock clasp  40  to rotate relative to D-ring  30 . In other words, hanging interlock clasp  40  can maintain a vertical position, so that clip  20  is vertical and at a  90  degree angle from D-ring  30  and hanging interlock clasp  40  is also at a  90  degree angle from D-ring  30 , then extension loops  44 L and  44 R are forced to move in an up and/or outward position on surface  33  of D-ring  30 . An example both of the aforementioned actions are illustrated in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  15 . 
         [0068]    In  FIGS. 13-15 , gadget  8  has been rotated into a horizontal position as it is attached to engagement button  50 , which is fully engaged into hanging interlock clasp  40  of the preferred embodiment.  FIG. 15  illustrates the action of removing gadget  8  from gadget-holding device  10  by applying pressure in an upward manner from fingers while simultaneously applying pressure with thumb down on D-ring  30  in a substantially horizontal position. In this manner, hanging interlock clasp  40  expands apart as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . This flexing action combined with the pressure of the user allows neck  56  of engagement button  50  to be released up and out of the hanging interlock clasp  40  through the channel that is comprised of surfaces  53 L and  53 R as shown in  FIG. 5 . This flexing movement in some instances may force the movement of  44 L and  44 R up and out along the curved leg of D-ring  30  and then back in and down again as the upward pressure is released. 
       Alternate Attachment Options  
       [0069]    Sometimes a waistband or pocket is not available, for instance when a woman wears a dress. There are dresses that are informal such as a sun dress or the like that does not contain a pocket and one may still have a desire to have a gadget such as a cell phone available on their person for sake of convenience. In such an instance it would be desirable to have a gadget-holding device that had the ability to attach to the fabric in an alternate manner such as with a decorative pin and/or with very strong magnets that mate together on either side of the fabric to create a connection that does not slip when the weight of a gadget is attached.  FIGS. 23A ,  23 B and  24  illustrate some of the possible alternate embodiments. 
       Presently Preferred Embodiment 
       [0070]      FIG. 35  illustrates a suitable but not presently preferred embodiment of slide-lock channel  45  of the slide-lock  42  shown of  FIG. 8 . The slide-lock channel  45  shown in  FIG. 35  is symmetrical about its x and y axis. In addition, the hour-glass shape has smooth curves throughout. In contrast,  FIGS. 28-34  and  36  illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the gadget-holding device  10 , the hanging interlock clasp  40  and slide-lock channel  45 . 
         [0071]    When comparing  FIG. 35  to  FIG. 36 , the top-half of slide-lock channel  45  remains similarly, if not identically, shaped. But the bottom-half of slide-lock channel  45  is different because blunt corner  48  of  FIG. 36  allows the slide-lock  42  to more fully enclose around neck  56  of button  50  and does not allow button  50  to easily slip back out once it is engaged in slide-lock  42 . 
         [0072]    More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 36 , the engagement button  50  will face the same smooth entry on its way into the preferred slide-lock  42  as in  FIG. 35 . 
         [0073]    But engagement button  50  will encounter more resistance on its way out of the preferred slide-lock  42 . Blunt corner  48  is one way to achieve the preferred function of greater resistance going out than coming in but other ways could be devised by those in the art. 
         [0074]    The shape difference between the slide-lock channel  45  shown in FIG. 
         [0075]      35  and the slide-lock channel  45  shown in  FIG. 36  has been found to create the preferred function where the engagement button  50  does not disengage from the slide-lock  42  without deliberate force from directly above at the top of the interlock clasp  40  and the bottom of the engagement button  50  (such force will typically originate the bottom of gadget and transfer to the engagement button  50  as shown as shown in  FIG. 15 ). 
         [0076]      FIGS. 28-34  illustrate the preferred way to join slide lock  42  and extension loops  44 L and  44 R. For ease during the assembly process and to make a more reliable product, it is preferred to integrate the extension loops  44 L and  44 R with the slide-lock  42  using a molding process known in the art. As previously discussed and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-17 , it is suitable to use a slide lock  42  having ball-shaped ends that can be drilled deep enough to accept the ends of extension loops  44 L and  44 R but that method is not presently preferred. 
         [0077]    It is preferred that slide-lock  42  is made out of material sold by DuPont under the trademark DELRIN®, but other materials known in the art would be suitable. Likewise, it is preferred that extension loops  44 L and  44 R be constructed from sturdy gauge wire and bent into the ideal shape (as shown in the illustrations) with the one extension loops mirroring the other, although other materials are suitable. Extension loops  44 L and  44 R can be placed opposite of each other in a mold that has been specifically engineered for the purpose of creating the lower portion of the slide lock. Delrin or other suitable material is heated into liquid form and then injected into the mold. As the Delrin cools it hardens into the desired shape, encasing the lower portions of the extension loops  44 L and  44 R into the plastic. This procedure creates a durable bond of metal to plastic during the manufacturing process. 
         [0078]    While several of the drawings illustrate D-ring  30  being directly connected to clip  20 , see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 , it is preferred that D-ring  30  is not directly attached to the metal clip but is instead attached via a leather or fabric covering of clip  20  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 18 .  FIGS. 28-29  do not show an actual connection between clip  20  and D-ring  30  because the preferred fabric is not shown for clarity of the other connections. Of course, while  FIG. 18  illustrates the preferred embodiment covered, it certainly does not represent every way that the end product might visually be finished i.e., stitching differences, embellishments and the way that the fabric wraps the top of the metal rings. 
         [0079]    Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to one or more particular preferred embodiments, persons possessing ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

Technology Category: 1