ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOLSTER

Abstract

An adjustable holster for a mobile communication device including a housing that stores the mobile communication device received through an opening in the housing, the housing being adjustable in size so that the housing can store one of a plurality of different sized mobile communication devices, and an adjustable clip disposed on the housing and that is capable of attaching to one of a plurality of different sized objects.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to holsters for mobile communication devices, and in particular to a holster that can accommodate mobile communication devices of various sizes and form factors.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/023888, filed Nov. 13, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable holster for a mobile communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing that stores the mobile communication device received through an opening in the housing, the housing being adjustable in size so that the housing can store one of a plurality of different sized mobile communication devices; and an adjustable clip disposed on the housing and that is capable of attaching to one of a plurality of different sized objects.

In at least one embodiment, the housing further comprises at least one side wall made up of releasably attached side wall components so that the at least one side wall can be adjusted in width by attaching the side wall components to one another at different locations.

In at least one embodiment, the side wall components are releasably attached to one another using a hook-and-loop fastening system.

In at least one embodiment, the housing further comprises at least one side wall made of an elastic material.

In at least one embodiment, the adjustable holster further comprises a clip mount attached to the housing, the clip being pivotally attached to the clip mount.

In at least one embodiment, the clip is lockable into one of a plurality of pivoted positions relative to the clip mount.

In at least one embodiment, the housing comprises a front cover made of a substantially transparent material.

In at least one embodiment, the housing is made of a material selected from the following material types: leather, plastic, metal, rubber and cloth.

An adjustable holster for a mobile communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a front cover comprising a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge; a back cover comprising an outer surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge; an elastic member that connects the first side edge of the front cover with the first side edge of the back cover, the elastic member forming a first side cover of the holster; a first fastener member extending laterally from the second edge of the front cover, the first fastener member comprising one of a male and female fastener element of a first fastening system; a second fastener member extending laterally from the second edge of the back cover, the second fastener member comprising the other of the male and female fastener element of the first fastening system, the first and second fastener members being fastened together to form a second side cover of the holster; a bottom cover extending longitudinally from one of the bottom edge of the front cover and the bottom edge of the back cover, the bottom cover comprising one of a male and female fastener element of a second fastening system, the other of the male and female fastener element of the second fastening system disposed adjacent to the other of the bottom edge of the front cover and the bottom edge of the back cover; a top cover extending longitudinally from one of the top edge of the front cover and the top edge of the back cover, the top cover comprising a first fastener element that connects to a second fastener element disposed adjacent to the other of the top edge of the front cover and top edge of the bottom cover; and an adjustable clip disposed on the outer surface of the back cover.

In at least one embodiment, the front cover further comprises an outer surface, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the front cover is made of a substantially transparent material.

In at least one embodiment, the first fastening system is a hook-and-loop fastening system.

In at least one embodiment, the second fastening system is a hook-and-loop fastening system.

In at least one embodiment, the first and second fastener elements are magnetic fastener elements.

In at least one embodiment, the adjustable holster further comprises a clip mount disposed on the outer surface of the back cover.

In at least one embodiment, the clip is pivotally attached to the clip mount.

In at least one embodiment, the front cover, back cover, first side cover, second side cover, top cover and bottom cover are each made of a material selected from the following material types: leather, plastic, metal, rubber and cloth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a holster according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an opened holster according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a back plan view of the holster shown in FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a clip mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a back plan view of the holster shown in FIG. 2 showing the clip support member adjustably attached to the clip mount according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A family or individual may have more than one mobile communication device of different sizes and form factors, such as, for example, a cell phone, such as a Razr™ or iphone™, and a pager, such as a BlackBerry® or Treo™, each requiring its own holster for attachment to a user's belt or other object. Thus, not only does one need to often carry more than one mobile communication device, but also the corresponding holsters that fit the communication devices. This need to carry excess items is not only cumbersome to the individual but also wasteful of storage space, particularly in small areas, such as in a cockpit of a vehicle.

Further, laws have gone into effect that mandate hands-free talking on cell phones and similar devices for drivers in vehicles. Although Bluetooth™ has provided a means for hands-free communication, this is not always an affordable solution. Thus, people may turn to other options, such as, for example, ear plugs, head sets, phone holders that attach to dashboards and clip-on ear phones. However, these alternatives also have disadvantages in that head phones and ear plugs are uncomfortable and difficult to hold in place, phone holders can not be easily fixed in place at an optimal clarity distance, and clip-on ear phones may trouble those concerned about the potential negative effects of electromagnetic radiation.

The present invention is directed to a holster for a mobile communication device, such as, for example, a cell phone or a pager. In various exemplary embodiments, the holster is capable of being adjusted in size so as to accommodate a variety of mobile communication devices. In this regard, the inventive holster may include various separable elements that may be attached to one another in different positions and/or may include elastic elements that can stretch to accommodate a variety of mobile communication devices. The holster according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may also be capable of being clipped on to various objects and adjusted relative to the user while being clipped on to such objects, to allow the user to operate the mobile communication device in a “hands-free” mode.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a holster, generally designated by reference number 1, according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The holster 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 includes a front cover 20, a back cover 30, a top cover 40, a bottom cover 50, a first side cover 60 and a second side cover 70. Each of the front, back, top, bottom and side covers 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, leather, plastic, metal, rubber and cloth. Further, the front cover 20 may include a substantially transparent material portion 22 through which a mobile communication device held by the holster 1 may be viewed. As explained in further detail below, at least one of the first and second side covers 60, 70 and at least one of the top and bottom covers 40, 50 may form adjustable fastener systems that allow for adjustment of the thickness, width and length of the housing 10 so as to accommodate different sized mobile communication devices. Further, at least one of the first and second side covers 60, 70 may be made of an elastic material so that the holster 1 may house a mobile communication device with a snug fit. The housing 10 may have top openings 11 and bottom openings 13 that allow components, such as an antenna, of a mobile communication device held within the housing 10 to protrude outwards.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an opened holster 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the view shown in FIG. 2, the holster 1 is laid out flat, with the inner surface 12 of the housing 10 facing upwards and the outer surface 14 of the housing 10 facing downwards. The front cover 20 includes a first side edge 23, a second side edge 24, a top edge 25 and a bottom edge 26, and the back cover 30 includes a first side edge 33, a second side edge 34, a top edge 35 and a bottom edge 36. The top cover 40 may extend longitudinally from the top edge 35 of the back cover 30. The top cover 40 may include a first top cover fastener element 42 that connects to a second top cover fastener element 44 disposed adjacent to the top edge 25 of the front cover 20. The first top cover fastener element 42 and second top cover fastener element 44 may be embedded magnets having opposed faces of opposite polarity so that the first and second top cover fastener elements 42, 44 are magnetically attracted to one another and form a magnetic fastener system. It should be appreciated that the first and second top cover fastener elements 42, 44 are not limited to magnetic elements, and may instead be, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners or any other type of fastener elements. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the width of the top cover 40 is narrower than the widths of the front and back covers 20, 30 so as to form the top openings 11 when the housing 10 is assembled. The top cover 40 may also include a top cover opening 43 through which components of the stored mobile communication device may protrude.

The bottom cover 50 may extend longitudinally from the bottom edge 26 of the front cover 20. The bottom cover 50 may include a first bottom cover fastener element 52 disposed on the inner surface 12 of the housing 10 that connects to a second bottom cover fastener element 54 disposed adjacent to the bottom edge 36 of the back cover 30 on the outer surface 14 of the housing 10. The first bottom cover fastener element 52 may be a hook fastener element and the second bottom cover fastener element 54 may be a loop fastener element so that the first and second bottom cover fastener elements 52, 54 form a hook-and-loop fastener system. It should be appreciated that the first and second bottom cover fastener elements 52, 54 are not limited to hook and loop fastener elements, and may instead be, for example, magnetic fastener elements or any other type of fastener elements. Also, the width of the bottom cover 50 is narrower than the widths of the front and back covers 20, 30 so as to form the bottom openings 13 when the housing 10 is assembled. The bottom cover 50 may also include a bottom cover opening 53 through which components of the stored mobile communication device may protrude.

A first fastener member 62 extends laterally from the second side edge 24 of the front cover 20. The first fastener member 62 may include a male fastener element 64 disposed on the inner surface 12 of the housing 10. A second fastener member 66 extends laterally from the first side edge 33 of the back cover 30. The second fastener member 66 may include a female fastener element 68 disposed on the outer surface 14 of the housing 10. The male fastener element 64 and the female fastener element 68 can be mated with one another so that the first and second fastener members 62, 66 form the first side cover 60. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the male fastener element 64 includes a hook-type fastener and the female fastener element 68 is a loop-type fastener, so that the male and female fastener elements 64, 68 form a hook-and-loop fastener system. Thus, the width of the first side cover 60 may be adjusted by attaching the male fastener element 64 to various portions of the female fastener element 68. For example, in order to adjust the holster 10 to accommodate a relatively large mobile communication device, only the outer lateral end portions of the male and female elements 64, 68 may be mated with one another.

The second side cover 70 extends between the first side edge 23 of the front cover 20 and the second side edge 34 of the back cover 30. The second side cover 70 is preferably made of an elastic material, such as, for example, rubber or vinyl so that the second side cover 70 can stretch around and accommodate mobile communication devices of various sizes.

The holster 1 may also include a clip-on device, generally designated by reference number 100, attached to the outer surface 14 of the housing 10 at the back cover 30. FIG. 3 is a back plan view of the holster 1, showing the clip-on mechanism 100 attached to the back cover 30. The clip-on device 100 may include a clip mount 110 attached to the back cover 30 by, for example, a rivet, and a clip 120 mounted on the clip mount 110. As explained in further detail below, the clip 120 may be attached to an object, such as, for example, an automobile seat belt, so that the holster 1 may be clipped to the object close to a user's mouth, and the clip 120 may be adjusted to set angular positions so that the holster 1 may be angled to desired positions relative to the user while clipped on the object.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a clip 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The clip 120 includes a clip support member 122, a pin 124, a clip member 126 having a displacement end 128 and an engagement end 130, spring 132 and a cap 134. One end of the clip support member 122 preferably includes an opening 123 with a plurality of grooves 125 arranged in a circular array to mate with the clip mount 110. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, the clip mount 110 includes a plurality of fixed protrusions 112, at least one side of each protrusion 112 having a rounded shape and the top side of each protrusion 112 including a cavity 113. Preferably, the protrusions are arranged such that the perimeter of the protrusions 112 form a substantially circular shape. The area between the protrusions 112 may form a substantially T-shape opening to allow a T-shaped ratchet spring 114 to be disposed therein and substantially held in place. Integrally formed on the underside of the cap 134 are a plurality of prongs (not shown) for mating with the cavities 113 of the protrusions 112.

Integrally formed on the other end of the clip support member 122 is a plurality of clip pivot ears 127 having holes therethrough for connection using pin 124 through mating holes of pivot support members 129 integrally formed on clip member 126. The spring 132 is disposed between the clip member 126 and the clip support member 122 to allow pivotal movement of the clip member 126 in relation to clip support member 122. The spring 132 allows the clip 120 to be easily placed onto and removed from the user's belt or other object, such as an automobile seatbelt.

The opening 123 of the clip support member 122 accepts the protrusions 112 of the clip mount 110. The longest leg of the T-shaped spring 114 disposed inside the protrusions 112 fits into one of the grooves 125 of the opening 123, thereby locking the housing 10 in position relative to the clip 120. The position of the housing 10 relative to the clip 120 may be adjusted by rotating the T-shaped spring 114 from one of the plurality of grooves 125 of opening 123 into an adjacent one of the grooves 125. Thus, the user may move the housing 10 into a plurality of angular positions and lock the housing 10 in place while maintaining the holster 1 securely mounted on an object, such as an automobile seatbelt.

It should be appreciated that the above-described clip mechanism is merely exemplary, and any other known or later designed clip mechanism may be used with the present invention. For example, in various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the housing 10 may be removable from the clip 120 so that the housing 120 can be used separately.

While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art from a reading of the disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable holster for a mobile communication device, comprising:

a housing that stores the mobile communication device received through an opening in the housing, the housing being adjustable in size so that the housing can store one of a plurality of different sized mobile communication devices; and

an adjustable clip disposed on the housing and that is capable of attaching to one of a plurality of different sized objects.

2. The adjustable holster of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises at least one side wall made up of releasably attached side wall components so that the at least one side wall can be adjusted in width by attaching the side wall components to one another at different locations.

3. The adjustable holster of claim 1, wherein the side wall components are releasably attached to one another using a hook-and-loop fastening system.

4. The adjustable holster of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises at least one side wall made of an elastic material.

5. The adjustable holster of claim 1, further comprising a clip mount attached to the housing, the clip being pivotally attached to the clip mount.

6. The adjustable holster of claim 5, wherein the clip is lockable into one of a plurality of pivoted positions relative to the clip mount.

7. The adjustable holster of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a front cover made of a substantially transparent material.

8. The adjustable holster of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a material selected from the following material types: leather, plastic, metal, rubber and cloth.

9. An adjustable holster for a mobile communication device, comprising:

a front cover comprising a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge;

a back cover comprising an outer surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge;

an elastic member that connects the first side edge of the front cover with the first side edge of the back cover, the elastic member forming a first side cover of the holster;

a first fastener member extending laterally from the second edge of the front cover, the first fastener member comprising one of a male and female fastener element of a first fastening system;

a second fastener member extending laterally from the second edge of the back cover, the second fastener member comprising the other of the male and female fastener element of the first fastening system, the first and second fastener members being fastened together to form a second side cover of the holster;

a bottom cover extending longitudinally from one of the bottom edge of the front cover and the bottom edge of the back cover, the bottom cover comprising one of a male and female fastener element of a second fastening system, the other of the male and female fastener element of the second fastening system disposed adjacent to the other of the bottom edge of the front cover and the bottom edge of the back cover;

a top cover extending longitudinally from one of the top edge of the front cover and the top edge of the back cover, the top cover comprising a first fastener element that connects to a second fastener element disposed adjacent to the other of the top edge of the front cover and top edge of the back cover; and

an adjustable clip disposed on the outer surface of the back cover.

10. The adjustable holster of claim 9, wherein the front cover further comprises an outer surface, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the front cover is made of a substantially transparent material.

11. The adjustable holster of claim 9, wherein the first fastening system is a hook-and-loop fastening system.

12. The adjustable holster of claim 9, wherein the second fastening system is a hook-and-loop fastening system.

13. The adjustable holster of claim 9, wherein the first and second fastener elements are magnetic fastener elements.

14. The adjustable holster of claim 9, further comprising a clip mount disposed on the outer surface of the back cover.

15. The adjustable holster of claim 14, wherein the clip is pivotally attached to the clip mount.

16. The adjustable holster of claim 9, wherein the front cover, back cover, first side cover, second side cover, top cover and bottom cover are each made of a material selected from the following material types: leather, plastic, metal, rubber and cloth.