Belt clip

Abstract

A belt clip is provided that is adapted for interconnection to a device for selectively securing an electronic device such as a cellular telephone or Personal Digital Assistant.

Description

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,928, filed May 19, 2003, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/163,110, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D478,418, filed Jun. 26, 2002, both which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to selectively attachable holders designed for interconnection to a belt or pocket, and more specifically, a molded belt clip and fastener for selectively holding a cellular phone or other device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cellular telephones, pagers, family radios, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other similar electronic devices have become increasingly popular, with many people carrying these devices on their belts or a pocket. The inevitable advances in technology will surely bring about new items that users will want to carry on their belts so that they are easily accessible.

Various means of clipping small items to a user's belt have been in use for many years. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,115, assigned to the cell phone manufacturer NOKIA®, teaches a carrying device that employs a hand-operated slide which includes an element to deflect a spring to release a lock. The device employs a button which is sewn on a case that the phone slips into. The other portion of the holding device is clipped to the user's belt and employs a locking feature. The user inserts the button into the lock which allows for storage or hands-free use. To disengage the cell phone from the holding device, the user must release a locking mechanism. These types of locks have the disadvantage of being made from many parts which can be time consuming to manufacture due to the extensive assembly required, and thus expensive.

The traditional lock release can be inadvertently activated causing the item to become dislodged and possibly damaged in a fall. Also, failure of these types of mechanisms may happen fairly quickly. Failure of the locking spring and the clip housing are common, which will cause the cell phone to become dislodged from the locking mechanism and possibly damaged in a fall.

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 fastener which utilizes the elastic properties of plastic to lock a button into place. The locking portion includes a flexible tab with a locking lip and a pocket to receive a button, and is released by applying finger pressure against an upper portion of the tab. However, these fasteners are sewn into existing materials, and provide no means for removable interconnection to a belt, pocket, or other object.

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 a button, which is interconnected to a device, can be easily slipped into and out of the locking pocket 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. 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 of a button. Fasteners in use today are low profile, and as such lack a sufficient gap when deflected to be used on non-compliant materials.

There is thus a significant need for a one-piece integrally molded interconnection system which can be selectively attached to a belt or pocket and which comprises a locking mechanism which selectively secures a cellular phone, radio, or PDA. 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

It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a detachable fastener that attaches to a user'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 can be achieved, without the numerous components and costs associated therein.

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 could be 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 can be saved.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a selectable fastener which has a multitude of possible designs, and which can readably changed with a revision of the mold. Thus, the shape and design of the clip can be changed easily, as well as the color. In addition, the clip can be molded with flat areas for the attachment of company logos or other advertisements, or the desired indicia can be etched or molded directly onto the clip.

It is another aspect of the present invention that a portion of the separable lock have a button which interfaces with the locking portion of the fastener by sliding into a pocket. This button can be selectively attached to any number of electronic devices, tools, or carrying pouches, such as a cell phone, pager, PDA, MP3 player, CD player, diagnostic device, radio, tape cassette player, health monitor, hammer, tape measure, inventory device, water bottle, flashlight, gun holster, pouch, hand cuff holder, knife case, and time piece (hereafter “electronic device”). 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.

In another aspect of the present invention, a belt clip is integrally interconnected to the locking portion of the separable fastener, and is joined by a thinner, flexible section of plastic. By squeezing together the finger and thumb tabs on the clip and lock, the thinner section of plastic will resiliently deflect, thereby allowing removable attachment to a user's belt. The lock portion will similarly use the same materials, and the tab attached to the locking portion may be easily deflected to allow insertion and removal of the button that is attached to the electronic device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the locking portion of the integral assembly is attached to the belt clip via a spring and pin combination, and thus does not utilize the one-piece integral mold discussed above, but is still simplistic in design, simplistic to manufacture, and cost effective.

It is another aspect of the present invention that the holder may be 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 would employ a 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 toward the item, thereby releasing the interface. In addition, the connection between the clip may not have a reduced thickness, but rather will have the same dimensions as the joined pieces to increase the strength of the holder to accommodate heavier items.

In each of the above mentioned aspects of the invention, a button that is selectively interconnected to the electronic device will be used. The interface portion of the button will dictate the mobility of the item when it is installed in the lock's pocket and engaged in a locked position. For example, a round interface will allow the item to rotate, whereas a square interface will constrain the item to present rotation, while an interface which is notched will allow the user to set a desired rotation angle in a preferred position of use.

It is another aspect of the present invention that there is 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. Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when incorporated with the accompanying drawings.

Thus, in one aspect of the present invention a one-piece carrier adapted for interconnection to a belt or other object is provided comprising:

a belt clip having an upper end, a lower end, an internal surface, and an external surface;

a locking portion having an upper end, a lower end, and a locking pocket positioned there between;

a resilient interconnection means operably connecting said upper end of said belt clip portion and said locking portion, wherein said lower end of said belt clip portion and said locking portion can be selectively opened for interconnection to a belt or other object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a first embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation and a plan view of a square engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation and a plan view of a round engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation and a plan view of a notched engagement button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

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;

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;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a left elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the invention shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a left elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a button with an extended tab;

FIG. 20 is a right elevation view of the button with extended tab shown in FIG. 19;

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;

FIG. 22 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 interconnected to a user's belt and an electronic device selectively secured thereto;

FIG. 23 is a rear elevation view of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of a resilient engagement button;

FIG. 27 is a right section view of a resilient engagement button;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a resilient engagement button;

FIG. 29 is a rear elevation view that shows an example of a hard stop;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener;

FIG. 31 is a front elevation view of the integral belt clip and locking fastener shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a left elevation view of the integral belt clip and locking fastener shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a right elevation view of the integral belt clip and locking fastener shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a bottom plan view of the integral belt clip and locking fastener shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the integral belt clip and locking fastener shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 36 is a rear elevation view of the integral belt clip and locking fastener shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 37 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener;

FIG. 38 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener;

FIG. 39 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener;

FIG. 40 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener; and

FIG. 41 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of an integral belt clip and locking fastener.

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
• 40 Button
• 41 Button attachment surface
• 42 Button/Locking pocket interface
• 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
• 74 Appendage

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 such as rubber, 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 non-locking 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's belt. Both portions of the belt clip 10 and the locking portion 30 of the separable fastener are integrally molded with open molded spaces 14 & 21 which eliminates assembly, inherent labor costs, and the expenses related thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 and FIGS. 26 -27, a non-locking portion of the separable fastener is shown. This item is referred to herein as a button 40, and is generally comprised of a plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. The button's attachment surface 41 is connected to the pocket interface 42 by a stem 46 such that the button 40 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 the leverage 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 can 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 interface portion 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.

The button 40 is selectively interconnected to an electronic device or an electronic device carrying pouch by many means including sewn, glued, integrally molded, clipped, screwed, riveted, taped, or tied to the electronic device. The button 40 may further employ a rivet hole 45 or stitching holes 44 to facilitate interconnection with an electronic device or electronic device carrying pouch.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the locking function of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated herein. More specifically, the button 40 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 40 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. 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.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the button 40 is shown interconnected to the electronic device 50, while the belt clip 10 is attached to the user'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.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, a second embodiment of the present intention 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 12A & 12B.

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 & 13 is reduced by the use of a pin and spring such that selective interconnection to a user's belt or other object is more easily performed.

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 40 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.

Referring now to FIG. 21, the locking function of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated herein. More specifically, the button 40 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 40 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 40 in the direction of the device 50. After pressure is applied to the tab 15 there is an unobstructed path for the button 40 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 2, the locking portion of the integral assembly 3 will prevent the button interface 42 from traveling upward because a portion of the tab 2 will interface with the lock 3. The item is released by the application of pressure to the tab 2 towards the device 50 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.

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.

Referring now to FIG. 22, the button 40 is shown interconnected to the larger device 50, while the belt clip 10 is attached to the user's 5 belt. The tab 2 of the button 40 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.

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 some aspects of the locking feature. In order for any locking mechanism to work properly, 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 18A. When the user deflects the tab 15, the gap 70 will provide sufficient deflection of the tab 15 so that the button 40 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.

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 may be 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.

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.

FIGS. 30-41 show views of various other embodiments of the present invention that employ a belt clip 10 integrated with a locking mechanism 30. In addition, these figures further illustrate an extended belt clip 10 that is positioned away from the bottom of the locking mechanism 30. Furthermore, an appendage 74 is provided on the end of the belt clip 10.

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.

Claims

1. A belt clip adapted for interconnection to a member, comprising:

an upper end;

a lower end;

an internal surface;

an external surface;

wherein said upper end is adapted for interconnection to a top end of the member to provide a space therebetween, the member also having a bottom end, and two lateral edges positioned therebetween, wherein said lower end of said belt clip is positioned below said bottom end of the member; and

wherein said belt clip is resiliently interconnected to the member such that said lower end of the belt clip is accessible by a user's finger thereby facilitating interconnection and removal of said belt clip onto and from a belt that is positionable within the space.

2. The belt clip of claim 1, further comprising an appendage depending from said lower end.

3. The belt clip of claim 2, wherein said appendage includes a portion adjacent to the member.

4. The belt clip of claim 2, wherein said appendage includes a portion extending between said space between said belt clip and the member.

5. The belt clip of claim 1, further comprising an appendage depending from said lower end, said appendage being hooked and adapted to engage a lower edge of the user's belt.

6. The belt clip of claim 1, further comprising an appendage depending from said lower end, said appendage angled with respect to a plane defined by said upper end and said lower end and adapted to engage a lower edge of the user's belt.

7. The belt clip of claim 1, wherein said member is a locking device.

8. A belt clip, comprising:

an upper end;

a lower end having an appendage positioned adjacent thereto;

an internal surface;

an external surface;

wherein said upper end adapted to be interconnected to a locking portion having a top end, a bottom end, and two lateral edges positioned therebetween to provide a space for receipt of a belt, wherein said lower end of said belt clip is positioned below said bottom end of the member; and

wherein said belt clip is resiliently interconnected to the locking portion such that the lower end of the belt clip is accessible by a user's finger thereby facilitating placement and removal of said belt clip onto and from a belt that is positionable within the space.

9. The belt clip of claim 8, wherein said appendage being hooked and adapted to engage a lower edge of the user's belt.

10. The belt clip of claim 8, wherein said appendage depends from said lower end, and wherein said appendage is angled with respect to a plane defined by the upper end and the lower end.

11. A belt clip adapted for interconnection to a means for interconnecting to an electronic device's storage case, comprising:

an upper end;

a lower end;

an internal surface;

an external surface; and

wherein said upper end is adapted to be interconnected to the means for interconnecting to an electronic device storage case to provide a space therebetween, said means for interconnecting having a top end, a bottom end, and two lateral edges positioned therebetween, wherein said lower end of said belt clip is positioned a below said bottom end of the means for interconnecting to an electronic device storage case.

12. The belt clip of claim 11, further comprising an appendage depending from said lower end.

13. The belt clip of claim 12, wherein said appendage includes a portion adjacent to the means for interconnecting to an electronic device storage case.

14. The belt clip of claim 11, wherein said appendage includes a portion extending the span between said upper end and said lower end.

15. The belt clip of claim 11, further comprising an appendage depending from said lower end, said appendage being hooked and adapted to engage a lower edge of a user's belt.

16. The belt clip of claim 11, further comprising an appendage depending from said lower end, said appendage angled with respect to a plane defined by said upper end and said lower end and adapted to engage a lower edge of a user's belt.

17. The belt clip of claim 11, wherein the means for interconnecting to an electronic device storage case is a locking device.