Connector for portable devices and methods for using the same
Apparatus and methods for attaching a portable device to an object are described. The apparatus comprises a connector that can be used to connect a portable device (or an accessory thereof) to a retention mechanism that is retained to an object. As well, the connector can be used with a new type of attachment device by modifying that attachment device to accept the connector. Thus, the connector can be used with both the new attachment device and the conventional retention mechanisms.
The invention relates to apparatus for portable devices and methods for using the same. More particularly, the invention relates to connectors that are used in connecting a portable device to a specific location or a specific object, such as a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBy their nature, portable devices (especially portable electronic devices) are meant to be carried by a user in a hand. Often, however, the user would like to connect the portable device to a specific location (usually to an object) and have it remain there until it is removed. This situation often occurs with portable telephones, such as wireless or cellular telephones, where a user attaches the wireless telephone to a retention mechanism on a belt until the telephone is needed (i.e., when someone calls the user).
There are currently several retention mechanisms that are used to connect portable devices to an object. Examples of the retention mechanisms include clips and holsters. The clips and holsters are usually attached to the belt of a user and retain the portable device to the belt. When the portable device is removed from the belt, the retention mechanism (i.e., holster or clip) stays on the belt.
Several devices are currently used to connect the portable device to the retention mechanism. Examples of these connection devices include those described in some of U.S. Pat. Nos.: 1,724,003; 2,830,478; 3,142,933; 3,146,925; 3,148,883; 3,307,754; 3,970,228; 4,157,166; 4,306,434; 4,319,384; 4,658,479; 4,993,613; 5,077,850; 5,414,596; 5,499,429; 5,540,367; 5,622,296; 5,727,290; 5,729,870; 5,730,342; 5,752,632; 5,779,115; 5,806,146; 5,850,996; 5,893,497; 5,906,031; 5,946,839; 5,983,686; 5,988,577; 5,955,700; 5,996,184; 6,006,969; 6,015,073; 6,062,521; 6,076,789; 6,173,875; 6,200,056; 6,223,402; 6,225,777; 6,233,788; 6,279,362; 6,352,186; 6,357,641; 6,364,184; 6,401,504; 6,427,293; 6,439,017; 6,481,058; 6,540,122; 6,550,108; 6,567,651; 6,606,769; 6,626,333; 6,626,336; 6,729,512; 6733,153; 6,742,685; 6,752,305; 6,790,046; and U.S. Published Application Nos. 2002/0030071; 2003/0064751; 2003/0075576; 2003/0094561; 2003/0111496; 2003/0127477; 2003/0233736; 2004/0029623; 2004/0050123; 2004/0069821; 2004/0069822; 2004/0069823; 2004/0069824; 2004/0124220; 2004/0129745; 2004/0200872; 2004/0232180; 2004/0204169; 2004/0251286; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
One example of a conventional connection device (or connector) is depicted in
A new type of attachment device is the subject of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/941,662 and 11/103,275, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This new type of attachment device easily and quickly attaches (and removes) the portable device directly to (and from) an object, but cannot be used with the conventional connectors and retention mechanisms described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to apparatus and methods for attaching a portable device to an object. The apparatus comprises a connector that can be used to connect a portable device (or an accessory thereof) to a retention mechanism that is retained to an object. As well, the connector can be used with a new type of attachment device by modifying that attachment device to accept the connector. Thus, the connector can be used with both the new attachment device and the conventional retention mechanisms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, in which:
The Figures presented in conjunction with this description are views of only particular—rather than complete—portions of the devices and methods of making and using the devices according to the invention. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. In the Figures, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe following description provides specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. The skilled artisan, however, would understand that the invention can be practiced without employing these specific details. Indeed, the invention can be practiced by modifying the illustrated device and can be used in conjunction with apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. The invention described below deals primarily with portable telephones like wireless and cellular telephones. The invention, however, could be modified for any other portable electronic devices, such as two-way radios, mp3 players, pagers, stop watches, time pieces, remote controls, flashlights and the like. Indeed, the invention could be used for any non-electronic portable device, such as a wallet, coin purse, key ring, key chain, tools (like a tape measure), security or ID cards. As well, the invention is primarily described for attaching such devices to an object (like a retention mechanism on a belt of a user), but could be attached to different objects that can be designed to accept the connector.
As described above, the invention includes dual-use connectors for attaching portable devices to an object. The connectors can be first used to connect a portable device (or its accessory) to a conventional retention mechanism (that is optionally modified to accept the connector) at any desired location of an object. As well, the connectors can also be used with a new type of attachment device to connect the portable device to an object.
Any connector (or connector device) with these characteristics can be used, including the connector depicted in the Figures and described below. In
The connector 30 can be used with a portable device 100 to attach the portable device to a retention mechanism that is located on an object (such as a user's belt). To use the connector 30 in this manner, the base 40 of the connector 30 can be attached to the portable device 100. Accordingly, the base 40 can be configured to substantially match the surface of the portable device 100 to which it is attached. Generally, such surfaces are substantially flat and so the rear surface of the base 40 is also substantially flat. But where the surface of the portable device is not flat (such as a convex or concave shape), the base 40 can be configured with a substantially matching shape for the rear surface. While the base 40 is illustrated as a substantially rectangular plate, any shape or size can be used for the base 40 that can be connected or attached to the desired location of the portable device.
The base 40 can be permanently or removably attached to the portable device 100. The base can be permanently attached by any means known in the art, such as molding, bonding, or mechanical capture. The base 40 can also be removably attached by any known means, such as by a friction fit, a snap fit, a screw, or adhesive. As well, the portable device 100 could be configured so that the base could be slid into a recess in the device 100 that has been designed to receive the base 40. Optionally, the portable device 100 could be used as the base of the connector, with the rest of the components of the connector being permanently or removably attached.
The optional spacer 38 of the connector 30 can be used to help provide the separation needed between the second portion of the connector 30 and the portable device (or its accessory). Generally, the thickness of the spacer can range from about 0 to about 0.25 inches. The spacer 38 can have any desired shape or size consistent with this separation function but, in some aspects, should not be smaller in diameter than the shoulder 36. Examples of shapes for the spacer 38 that can be used include polygons, stars and substantially circular.
The connector 30 can be located on any desired portion of the portable device 100 that does not interfere with the operation of the portable device. Where the portable device is a cellular phone, the connector is usually located on the back of the phone as shown in
The connector 30 need not be directly attached to the portable device 100. In some instances, the connector 30 can be attached to an auxiliary component or an accessory of the portable device. Examples of such auxiliary components and accessories include a battery, a battery cover, a case or pouch, or a holster designed to accept the portable device. In
Once attached to the portable device 100 or accessory, the connector 30 is then used to help connect the portable device to a retention mechanism that has been optionally configured to accept the connector. For example, where the retention mechanism is substantially similar to the clip 1 depicted in
The connector 30 can also be used in a similar manner with a new type of attachment device to connect the portable device to an object. This new type of attachment device is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/941,662 and 11/103,275. This new type of attachment device can be attached to a portable device and then used—without a connector or retention mechanism—to keep the portable device on the desired location of the object (such as the user's belt).
Briefly, the attachment device 80 comprises a hooking means (such as hook 82) and a base means (such as a base 81) as shown in
An example of this hooking action is depicted in
The portable device 100 can be attached to an object by moving the third portion C of the hook 82 (also referred to as the free end) away from the portable device 100 (as shown in
The attachment device 80 can be used to attach and retain a portable device 100 to any given location on an object that is capable of accepting it. Examples of such objects are the clothes of a user (belt, belt loop, pocket . . . ), a knob, a loop, a hole, a hook, a ring, a peg, a post, a finger or the specially designed hanger 16 depicted in
The attachment device 80 can be adapted to a variety of different portable devices. It can be configured to suit a specific end use (such as a specific model of wireless telephone) and still retain the functionality of the invention. As well, it can be configured to be used with a wide array of portable devices of different sizes, shapes, and weights.
But the attachment 80 device does not allow a user to employ the conventional retention mechanisms, which can be useful in certain situations. Accordingly, the attachment device 80 has been modified so that it can be used with the connector 30. Such a configuration allows a portable device containing the connector 30 to be attached both to a conventional retention mechanism and the attachment device.
The attachment device 180 will not, by itself, remain seated on the connector 30 when the opening 85 is mated with the shoulder 36. Thus, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The locking plate 22 of the key 20 is used to hold the key 20 in place to prevent the assembly from accidentally coming apart. As shown in
The key 20 can have any number of configurations that depend on the corresponding configuration of the attachment device 180. The key 20 can be configured so that when the portable device is connected to the object, the key 20 is located in and/or adjacent the desired portion of the attachment device 180. As well, the key 20 could be configured so that it locks on the retention mechanism instead of the connector to secure the key.
The connector 30 allows a portable device to be attached to—and used with—retaining mechanisms configured to accept the connector 30 (including conventional retaining mechanisms) and the modified attachment device. The connector 30 can be connected to the attachment device 180 and then be used to attach a portable device to various objects as depicted in
The connector has several advantages. First, it allows a user to quickly and easily test different retention mechanisms and attachment devices, including different configurations, styles, and colors. Second, it allows a user to replace the retention mechanism and/or the attachment device should it break or should a different configuration or style be needed. Third, it gives the user the option of using different retention mechanisms and/or attachment devices if conditions warrant.
Having described the preferred aspects of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.
Claims
1. A connector for connecting a portable device to an object, comprising:
- a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; and
- a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object.
2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises a male member adapted to fit within a female member of the retaining mechanism.
4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the first portion is located at the distal end of the connector and the base portion is located at the proximal end of the connector.
5. The connector of claim 2, wherein the base portion and the second portion are separated by a spacer.
6. The connector of claim 5, wherein the attachment device comprises a base that engages the second portion of the connector and a hook portion that attaches directly to the object.
7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the base comprises a female connection that matches a male connection in the second portion of the connector.
8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the connector are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and smaller than the second portion.
9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using securing means.
10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the securing means comprises a member that engages the spaced portion.
11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the engaging member has a diameter larger than the first portion and larger than the second portion.
12. A connector for connecting a portable device to an object, comprising:
- a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object;
- a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and
- a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
13. The connector of claim 12, wherein the attachment device comprises a base that engages the second portion of the connector and a hook portion that attaches directly to the object.
14. The connector of claim 13, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion.
15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using a member with a diameter larger than the first portion and the second portion.
16. A system for connecting a portable device to an object, the system containing a connector comprising:
- a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object;
- a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and
- a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first portion and the second portion for the connector are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion, and the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using a member with an inner diameter larger than the first and second portions.
18. A method for making a connector for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising:
- providing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object;
- providing a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and
- providing a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
19. The method of claim 18, including providing a spaced portion for separating the first portion and the second portion, the spaced portion having a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion.
20. A method for connecting a connector to a portable device, the method comprising:
- providing a connector containing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object, a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object, and a base portion; and
- connecting the base portion to a portable device.
21. A method for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising:
- providing a connector containing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object, a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object, and a base portion;
- connecting the base portion to a portable device; and
- retaining the first portion to an object by using the retaining mechanism.
22. A method for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising:
- providing a connector containing: a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object;
- a spaced portion for separating the first portion and the second portion of the connector, the spaced portion having a diameter smaller than the first and second portions; and a base portion;
- connecting the base portion to a portable device;
- holding the attachment device on the second portion of the connector by using a member with an inner diameter larger than the first and second portions; and
- attaching the attachment device to an object.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 17, 2006
Publication Date: Sep 20, 2007
Inventors: Christopher Knapp (Murray, UT), Jon McBride (Kaysville, UT)
Application Number: 11/384,083
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101);