Patent Document

[0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,928, filed May 19, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/163,110, filed Jun. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. D478,418, both applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to clips and fasteners designed for selective interconnection to a belt or pocket, and more specifically, a molded belt clip and separable fastener for selectively securing an electronic device, such as a cellular phone, radio, or other object.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Cellular telephones, pagers, radios, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other similar electronic devices (hereinafter “electronic device”) have become increasingly popular, with many people carrying these devices on their belts or pockets. The inevitable advances in technology will surely bring about new items that users will desire to carry on their belts so that they are easily accessible.  
           [0004]    Various means of clipping small items to a user&#39;s belt have been in use for many years. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,115, assigned to NOKIA®, teaches a carrying device that employs a hand-operated slide that includes an element to deflect a spring to release a lock. The device employs a button, and a cylindrical stem interconnected to a circular plate which is sewn on a case adapted to receive a cellular phone. The body portion of the holding device is attached to the user&#39;s belt and employs the locking feature. The user inserts the button into the lock which allows for storage of the electronic device on a belt or pocket. To disengage the cell phone from the holding device, the user must release the locking mechanism by deflecting the release mechanism. This type of lock has the disadvantage of being made from many parts thus time consuming and expensive to manufacture due to the extensive assembly required. Further, the traditional lock release may be inadvertently activated causing the item to become dislodged and possibly damaged in a fall. Failure, due to normal wear and tear, of the locking spring and the clip housing are also common, which will cause the cell phone to become dislodged from the locking mechanism and possibly damaged. Finally, it is cumbersome and awkward in certain situations to disengage the lock with a thumb or finger, and is difficult for the elderly or physically challenged.  
           [0005]    Separable fasteners with a single piece locking feature are also known in the art. For example, the MOD-U-LOCK® attachment system, built by the National Molding Corporation and sold commercially by DURAFLEX®, is a separable fastener that utilizes the elastic properties of plastic to lock the button into place. The locking portion includes a flexible tab with a locking lip and a pocket to receive the button, which may be released by applying finger pressure against an upper portion of the tab. However, the locking portion of this type of separable fasteners is usually rigidly interconnected onto existing materials, and thus provides no means for removable interconnection to a belt, pocket, or other object.  
           [0006]    Another drawback of the separable fasteners is that they have limited applications outside use with soft compliant items. When a user applies pressure to a tab, it is deflected to achieve a sufficient gap so that the button, which is interconnected to a device, may be easily slipped into and out of the locking mechanism without interference with the locking lip on the tab. In current low-profile lock designs, a deflected tab will come in contact with the item the lock is attached to. If the lock is attached to a compliant item, a nylon bag for example, pressure from the tab will deflect the item and a sufficient gap will be supplied for button disengagement. If the item to which the locking portion of the separable fastener is not compliant, a deflected tab may not be able to provide a sufficient gap for the insertion or removal of the button. Fasteners in use today are low profile, and as such lack a sufficient gap when deflected to be used on non-compliant materials.  
           [0007]    There is thus a significant need for a one-piece integrally molded interconnection system that may be selectively attached to a belt or pocket, and which comprises a locking mechanism that selectively secures an electronic device that employs no moving parts, wherein rotation of the electronic device facilitates disengagement thereof. There is a further need for a simplistic interconnection system which requires no assembly, is durable, and can be used for a multitude of applications.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a detachable fastener that selectively interconnects to a user&#39;s belt and selectively secures an electronic device, while eliminating post-manufacturing steps of assembly and the costs associated therewith. Thus, the detachable fastener of the present invention does not employ springs or other means to disengage the lock, since the resilient properties of the molded plastic perform the required function. By attaching a belt clip of the present design the same functionality of a spring actuated belt clip is achieved, without the numerous components and costs associated therein.  
           [0009]    It is another aspect of the present invention that the single piece design be light, strong, and less susceptible to breakage and jamming due to the reduction of movable parts. Also, the single piece design will have no metal parts which are prone to corrosion and tend to activate metal detectors. Due to the single piece design and the elimination of post manufacturing steps, significant time and expenses is saved.  
           [0010]    It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a selectable fastener that has a robust design, and which can readably changed with a revision of a mold. Thus, the shape and design of the clip may be changed easily, as well as the color. In addition, the clip may be molded with substantially planar areas for the attachment of company logos or other advertisements, or the desired indicia may be etched or molded directly onto the clip.  
           [0011]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a separable lock that includes a button which selectively interfaces with a locking portion of the separable lock by sliding into a locking pocket. This button may be interconnected to any number of electronic devices, tools, or carrying pouches, sleeves, or holsters, such as a cell phone, a pager, a PDA, an MP3 player, a CD player, a diagnostic device, a radio, tape cassette player, a health monitor, a hammer, a tape measure, an inventory device, a water bottle, a flashlight, a sleeve or holster adapted to secure a cell phone, a gun holster, a pouch, a hand cuff holder, a knife case, and a time piece (hereafter “electronic device”). Generally, the attachment of the button to the electronic device depends on the application, but the button may be sewn, glued, integrally molded, screwed, riveted, clipped, taped, or tied to the item, as appreciated by one skilled in the art. Finally, items of the same general size may fit into the same lock depending on the shape of the interface portion of the lock and interconnecting button.  
           [0012]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a belt clip that is integrally interconnected to the locking portion of the separable fastener by a thinner, resiliently deflectable, section of material. By squeezing together finger and thumb tabs on the clip and lock, the thinner section will resiliently deflect, thereby allowing selective interconnection to a user&#39;s belt. The lock portion will generally use the same materials, such that the tab attached to the locking portion may be easily deflected to allow insertion and removal of the button that is interconnected to the electronic device.  
           [0013]    It is a related aspect of the present invention to provide a locking portion of the integral assembly that is attached to the belt clip via a spring and pin combination, and thus does not utilize the one-piece integral design discussed above, but is still simplistic to manufacture, and thus cost effective.  
           [0014]    It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a holder used to carry larger items that, due to their shape and/or size, a user would find difficult to disengage the lock on the clip. In this embodiment, the locking portion employs the locking pocket, but no movable tab. In contrast, the locking portion is equipped with a small protrusion which in turn interfaces with a tab on the button. Disengagement is achieved by flexing the tab, thereby releasing the interface. In addition, the connection between the clip and the locking portion may not include a reduced thickness, but rather employ the same dimensions as the joined components to increase the strength of the holder to accommodate heavier items.  
           [0015]    In each of the above mentioned aspects of the invention, a button that is selectively interconnected to the electronic device will be employed. The interface portion of the button will dictate the mobility of the item when it is installed in the lock&#39;s pocket and engaged in a locked position. For example, a round interface will allow the device to rotate, whereas a square interface will constrain the device to prevent rotation, while an interface which is notched will allow the user to set a desired rotation angle in a preferred position of use.  
           [0016]    It is another aspect of the present invention that there be a sufficient gap integrated into the locking portion of the integral assembly such that there is sufficient space for the tab on the lock to be deflected.  
           [0017]    It is still yet another aspect of the invention to provide a button that be selectively removable from the locking position when it is rotated to a predetermined angle with respect to the locking portion of the clip, and thus is removable without deflecting a release mechanism. In one embodiment of the present invention the button employs an angled bevel on the interface portion that is adapted to provide sufficient clearance from the locking portion of the clip when the button is rotated to a predetermined angle. The button is interconnected to the electronic device and is designed to selectively interconnect with the locking portion of the separable fastener, as previously described. During insertion, the beveled area of the button travels in an unobstructed path into the locking portion of the clip. Further, once the button is seated securely in the pocket, a non-beveled area of the button will be in contact with the locking portion, thereby preventing removal. Removal of the electronic device is achieved by rotation, preferably about 180 degrees, such that the beveled area is again proximate to the locking portion, thereby providing an unobstructed path for button removal. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any rotation angle, or plurality thereof, may be used to facilitate button removal. In addition, previously described locking portions of the present invention that are resiliently deflectable, may be used. Alternatively, a locking portion with no moving parts may be employed. More specifically, the beveled button alleviates the need for a resiliently deflectable tab that provides an unobstructed path for selective interconnection. Further, the removal of the resiliently deflectable tab will allow the locking portion to be constructed with a lower profile, because the tab&#39;s travel space is no longer required. Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when incorporated with the accompanying drawings.  
           [0018]    Thus, in one aspect of the present invention a fastening system adapted for selectively securing an electronic device is provided comprising:  
           [0019]    a locking portion comprising an upper end, a lower end and lateral edges extending therebetween;  
           [0020]    a clip operably interconnected to said locking portion that is adapted to selectively interconnect said fastening system to an object, such as a user&#39;s belt;  
           [0021]    a receiving pocket positioned within said locking portion and comprising at least one outwardly extending lip on a first end with a restricted diameter upper surface;  
           [0022]    a button having a lower surface and an upper surface to define a first thickness and a beveled edge extending between said lower surface and said upper surface of said button, wherein said first thickness is reduced; and  
           [0023]    wherein said receiving pocket is sized to receive and secure said button in a first position, but said button cannot be withdrawn from said receiving pocket until said beveled edge is positioned substantially adjacent to said outwardly extending lip.  
           [0024]    The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is perspective view of a first embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 are front elevation and plan views of a square engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 are front elevation and plan views of a round engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 are front elevation and plan views of a notched engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8 is a left elevation view of the button attached to an electronic device and a method of insertion into the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 interconnected to a belt and the electronic device selectively secured thereto;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 12 is a left elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 15 is a left elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 17 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a button with an extended tab;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 20 is a right elevation view of the button with extended tab shown in FIG. 19;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 21 is a left elevation view of the button with an extended tab attached to an item and the method of insertion into the embodiment shown in FIG. 16;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 22 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 interconnected to a user&#39;s belt and an electronic device selectively secured thereto;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 23 is a rear elevation view of an alternative embodiment;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 24 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 23;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 23;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of a resilient engagement button;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 27 is a right section view of a resilient engagement button;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a resilient engagement button;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 29 is a rear elevation view that shows an example of a hard stop; and  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 30 are front elevation and plan views of a beveled button used with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 31 is a partial right cross section of the locking portion of the belt clip shown in FIG. 25 selectively interconnected to the beveled button shown in FIG. 30; and  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 32 is a partial right cross section of the locking portion of the belt clip shown in FIG. 25 selectively interconnected to the beveled button shown in FIG. 30, rotated to facilitate removal thereof. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0057]    Referring now to FIGS. 1-32, a separable fastener that includes at least a locking portion and a button, which is interconnected to an electronic device, is shown herein. One embodiment of the present invention includes a locking portion with a resiliently deflectable tab that employs a locking protrusion that is adapted to selectively interconnect with a button. Engagement and disengagement of the button is achieved by selectively deflecting the tab in order to provide a obstruction-free path for which the button to travel. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, a button is provided that employs a beveled area that is adapted to provide an obstruction free path for removal when the beveled area is rotated to a predetermined angle.  
         [0058]    Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of the present invention is shown herein. In general, a one-piece integral belt clip holder  60  is a union of a belt clip  10  and a locking portion  30  of a separable fastener which are attached by a web  31  of plastic or other material with resilient properties, made from a material such as rubber, deflectable plastic, etc. The web  31  is resilient to allow for attachment to a belt when pressure is applied to the finger grip on the clip portion  12  and the finger grip on the lock portion  13 . Alternatively, the lower portions of the belt clip  10  and the locking portion  30  may be pulled apart to allow for selective interconnection to a belt or other object. The lock portion  30  employs a flexible plastic tab  15  with a lip  16  that secures a button and prevents upward movement and disengagement from the lock portion  30 . Alternatively, other types of residual materials commonly known in the art may be used, including rubber, polyethylene, etc. A locking pocket  19  constrains the button portion of the separable fastener, and consists of a front wall  17 , a back wall  18 , and side pocket walls  22 . When the tab  15  is flexed, the non-locking portion remains supported in the pocket and is easily disengaged. The belt clip portion  10  may be equipped with a hook  11  which will help maintain the unit on the user&#39;s belt. Both portions of the belt clip  10  and the locking portion  30  of the separable fastener are integrally molded preferably with open molded spaces  14  and  21  which eliminates assembly, inherent labor costs, and the expenses related thereto.  
         [0059]    Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 and FIGS. 26-27, a secondary engaged portion of the separable fastener is shown, and which is designed for interconnecting to an electric device such as a cellular phone, radio, etc. This item is referred to herein as a button  42 , and is generally comprised of a plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. The button&#39;s attachment surface  41  is connected to the button  42  by a stem  46  such that the button  42  is easily slipped into the pocket of the lock. In one embodiment, the interconnecting stem  46  and/or the attachment area  41  may be made of rubber or other resilient material capable of deflection which will decrease stresses on the button and electronic device interface when a force is applied to a portion of the electronic device. The stem  46  is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, a rectangularly shaped stem  46  may be used which would provide resiliency in one direction and greater stiffness in the others. Also, at the button to electronic device interface, a resilient material will provide a better bond between the button attachment surface  41  and the electronic device because the resilient material will be capable of deflection and conformance to the electronic device that may have a non-planar shape. The button  42  dictates the mobility of the item when it is locked in the pocket. More specifically, a square shape will give a user substantially no rotation, while a round button shape will allow for free rotation. Alternatively in one embodiment, notches  43  may be employed to provide a variety of rotational positions depending on the preferred application.  
         [0060]    The button attachment surface  41  is selectively interconnected to an electronic device or an electronic device carrying pouch by means including sewn, glued, integrally molded, clipped, screwed, riveted, taped, or tied to the electronic device. The button attachment surface  41  may further employ a rivet hole  45  or stitching holes  44  to facilitate interconnection with an electronic device or electronic device carrying pouch. One embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection to a sleeve or holster that is adapted to secure a cellular phone, wherein the sleeve encompasses all or a portion of the cellular phone&#39;s body.  
         [0061]    Referring now to FIG. 8, the locking function of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated herein. More specifically, the button  42  is shown interconnected to the electronic device  50 , while the integral belt clip and holder  60  is shown with a tab  15  in the locked position. To lock the electronic device  50  into place, in one embodiment the user applies pressure to the tab  15  in the direction of the clip portion  10  of the integral assembly  60 . Alternatively embodiments may employ release mechanisms which are pushed in different directions of release. After pressure is applied to the tab  15 , there is an unobstructed path for the button  42  to engage the pocket  19 . That is, the button interface  42  can be easily guided downward into the lock pocket  19 . When the user releases the pressure on the tab  15  the locking portion of the tab  16  will prevent the button interface  42  from traveling upward. Thus, the electronic device  50  is released by the application of pressure to the tab  15  towards the clip portion  10  of the integral assembly  60 , thereby deflecting the tab, separating the lock  16  and button interface  42 , and providing an unobstructed path in which the electronic device can travel in an upward direction.  
         [0062]    The requisite pressure that deflects the tab  15  prior to the introduction of the button interface  42  into the pocket  19  can be supplied by the interface  42  itself. More specifically, the user can initiate the downward motion of the electronic device  50  into the pocket  19  without touching the tab  15 . Thus, the contact of the interface  42  with the tab  15 , along with the downward force supplied by the user, will sufficiently deflect the tab  15  so that the interface  42  will engage the pocket  19 .  
         [0063]    Referring now to FIG. 9, the button  42  is shown interconnected to the electronic device  50 , while the belt clip  10  is attached to the user&#39;s  5  belt. The tab  15  of the lock  30  has been flexed towards the user  5 , while the button interface has been seated in the pocket  19 , and the tab  15  has been released. Thus, the button has been prevented from upward motion by the lock  16 , and the electronic device  50  is operably interconnected to belt clip and holder  60 .  
         [0064]    Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown herein. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-9, but the single piece molding is modified to simplify manufacturing because “side pulls” on the mold are not required. In some molding processes side pulls are required to form holes or cavities into the final product. By deleting the need for side pulls, an integral design is moldable using a two-piece mold construction, and more clips can be made using a single mold. The requirement of side pulls adds complexity and cost to the molding operation. More specifically, the belt clip portion  10  is constructed slightly longer than the locking portion  30 . In addition, the belt clip finger grip is split into two pieces  12 A and  12 B.  
         [0065]    Referring now to FIG. 15, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown herein that employs a pin  7  and spring mechanism to connect the locking  30  and clip  10  portions of the unit. More specifically, the pressure on the finger grips  12  and  13  is reduced by the use of a pin and spring such that selective interconnection to a user&#39;s belt or other object is more easily performed.  
         [0066]    Referring now to FIGS. 16-20, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown herein which is more durable and specifically designed for larger items such as radios, CD players, PDAs, inventory devices, water bottles, etc. In this embodiment of the present invention, the locking feature  3  on the integral assembly  60  is not attached to a flexible tab. Instead, the locking portion  30  employs a small protrusion  3 , which interfaces with a flexible tab  2  on the button  42  when the button is seated in the pocket  19  and the tab  2  is released. Further, the halves are connected by a thicker interface  32  which increases the strength of the unit.  
         [0067]    Referring now to FIG. 21, the locking function of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated herein. More specifically, the button  42  is shown interconnected to a sleeve  36  on a larger device  50 , while the integral belt clip and holder  60  is shown with a stationary locking protrusion  3 . The sleeve  36  may be used to selectively secure the larger device  50  to the button  42  if attachment locations on the item  50  are not feasible. To lock the device into place the user applies pressure to the tab  2  on the button  42 . After pressure is applied to the tab  15  there is an unobstructed path for the button  42  to engage the pocket  19 , that is, the button  42  may be easily guided downward into the lock pocket  19 . When the user releases the pressure on the tab  2 , the locking portion of the integral assembly  3  will prevent the button  42  from traveling upward because a portion of the tab  2  will selectively interconnect with the lock  3 . The item is released by the application of pressure to the tab  2  thereby deflecting the tab, separating the lock  3  and the tab interface  4 , and providing an unobstructed path in which the device can be moved upward.  
         [0068]    The requisite pressure that deflects the tab  2  prior to the introduction of the button interface  42  into the pocket  19  can be supplied by the interface  4  itself. More specifically, the user can initiate the downward motion of the device into the pocket without touching the tab  2 . The contact of the interface  4  with the lock  3 , along with the downward force supplied by the user, will sufficiently deflect the tab  2  so that the button interface  42  will be able to be seated into the pocket  19 .  
         [0069]    Referring now to FIG. 22, the button  42  is shown interconnected to the larger device  50 , while the belt clip  10  is attached to the user&#39;s  5  belt. The tab  2  of the button  42  has been flexed towards the device  50 , the button interface has been seated in the pocket  19 , the tab  2  has been released, and the button has been prevented from upward motion by the contact of the interface  4  with the lock  3 .  
         [0070]    Referring now to FIGS. 23-25, a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown that employs a thick connection interface  32 , but is substantially similar to the first two embodiment described with respect to the aspects of the locking feature. In order for any locking mechanism to work properly in some embodiments of the present invention, a gap  70  must be integrated into the locking portion  30  of the integral design to allow unrestricted travel of the locking tab  15 . This gap  70  will extend from the back surface of the locking portion  71  to the back wall of the locking pocket  18 A. When the user deflects the tab  15 , the gap  70  will provide sufficient deflection of the tab  15  so that the button  42  will not come in contact with the locking lip  16  when a user inserts and removes a device from the integral assembly  60 . The greater the gap  70 , the easier and quicker the button can be inserted and released from the pocket and lock.  
         [0071]    Referring now to FIG. 29, a “hard stop” is shown. As used herein, a hard stop  1  is any type of backing material, detent, or other mechanism which prevents the tab  15  from extending or deflecting past a predetermined position. The predetermined position may be dictated by the maximum deflection the tab  15  can move without incurring damage. To engage and disengage a button from the integral assembly  60 , a user must depress the tab  15  toward the belt clip  10  of the integral assembly. Extreme deflections of the tab  15  may fatigue the material such that it will be permanently deformed or break. In order to prevent this detrimental effect, the hard stop  1  maybe added to the belt clip portion  10  of the integral assembly  60 . When a user applies pressure on the tab  15  towards the belt clip portion  10 , the tab  15  will deflect enough for engagement or disengagement of a button, but the tab  15  will be stopped from further deflection when it comes in contact with the hard stop  1 . Preferably, the hard stop  1  is molded integrally with the belt clip  10 .  
         [0072]    Further, the hard stop  1  may be added to or molded onto the tab  15  of the locking portion  30  of the integral assembly  60  as opposed to the belt clip  10 , as discussed above. When a user applies pressure on the tab  15  towards the belt clip portion  10 , the tab  15  will deflect enough for engagement or disengagement of a button, but the tab  15  will be stopped from further deflection when the hard stop  1  on the tab  15  comes in contact with the belt clip portion  10 .  
         [0073]    Referring now to FIGS. 30-32, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown herein. More specifically, a button  42  that employs a beveled area  73  is shown that is adapted to selectively interconnect with the lock portion  30  of the clip  60 . When interconnecting, the beveled area  73  allows the button  42  to pass unobstructed into the locking pocket  19 . Once seated in the pocket  19 , the button&#39;s  42  non-beveled area selectively interconnects with the locking protrusion  3  of the locking portion  30 , thereby preventing removal. To separate the button  42  from the locking portion  30 , the user rotates the button  42 , such that the beveled area  73  is proximate to the locking protrusion  3 , thereby providing an unobstructed path for the button  42  to travel. In contrast to the previously-described embodiments, this embodiment requires no deflection of the tab employed on the clip. More specifically, the shape of the bevel  73  allows the button  42  to be inserted into the lock  30  without resiliently deflecting the locking tab, and wherein a predetermined rotation allows the button  42  to be removed from the lock  32  because the lock  30  and the button  42  are adapted to slide past each other. This feature is highly desirable for individuals who have difficulty using their hands, wherein use of the resiliently deflectable tab may be difficult. Further, individuals, such as the elderly or the disabled, will be able to easily utilize this embodiment of the present invention since the unlocking mechanism simply entails selective rotation of the electronic device.  
         [0074]    Generally, the button  42  is constructed with a predetermined thickness. In order to create the bevel  73 , the thickness of the button  42  is selectively trimmed at a predetermined angle relative to the top of the button  42 . This cut defines a bevel portion  73  on the button  42  which allows for unobstructed travel of the button  42  in and out of the lock. More specifically, the button  42  is defined after the bevel  73  is created by an unaffected portion of length d and a bevel of angle θ. The angle θ and the length d may be of any dimension depending on the thickness of the button  42  and the locking requirements required. Preferably, in one embodiment of the invention, d is about {fraction (3/8)} inches. In addition, the beveled portion  73  may span any distance around a perimeter of the circular button  42  as long as sufficient non-beveled area remains to ensure that locking is possible, wherein more than small rotations of the electronic device will cause unlocking. For example, in one embodiment of the invention the bevel spans at least about 50%, or about 180°, around the perimeter of the button  42 . Further, the bevel  73  may be made of one smooth swept cut around the perimeter, or may be made of a series of faceted cuts to allow for various locking and unlocking options. In one embodiment of the present invention, the angle θ is about 30°.  
         [0075]    To provide clarity to the various components found in the drawings, and the numbering of the various components provided herein:  
                                                   #   Component                            1   Hard Stop            2   Extended Tab            3   Locking Protrusion            4   Extended tab/Protrusion interface location            5   User            7   Pin           10   Belt clip portion           11   Hook           12   Belt Clip Finger Grip           12A   Belt Clip Finger Grip           12B   Belt Clip Finger Grip           13   Locking Portion Finger Grip           14   Open molding area           15   Tab           16   Locking Lip           17   Front wall of locking pocket           17A   Front wall of locking pocket (Looking from the belt clip)           18   Back wall of locking pocket           18A   Back wall of locking pocket (Looking from the belt clip)           19   Locking Pocket           21   Open molding space           22   Side pocket walls           30   Lock portion           31   Web           32   Belt clip/Lock portion interface           36   Sleeve           41   Button attachment surface           42   Button           43   Button notches           44   Stitch holes           45   Rivet hole           46   Stem           50   Electronic Device or other item           60   Integral Belt Clip and Holder           70   Gap           71   Back surface of locking portion           73   Button bevel area                      
 
         [0076]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the claims that follow.

Technology Category: 1