Adjustable Clip

- Tedder Industries, LLC

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an adjustable clip that may be adjusted in overall length. The adjustable clip includes an upper clip portion and a lower clip portion, which are moveably coupled to each other. An actuator is included to set the overall length of the adjustable clip, and to prevent the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion from moving with respect to each other unintentionally, when the length is set. The clip length can be user-adjusted in the field if desired.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/359,301, filed Jul. 7, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Implements, such as tools, weapons, and the like, may be encased in a holster for protection of the implement and/or the user, while providing access to the implement. For example, a holster may allow a user to conveniently carry the implement, safely retaining the implement until needed. When the implement is to be used, the user may withdraw the implement from the holster, and then return it to the holster when finished. In some cases, such as with a handgun for example, the holster may allow the user to conceal the implement, or to conceal the fact that the user is carrying the implement.

Holsters or other cases may be worn on a user (attached to an article or garment of the user) for convenience of carrying the tool or implement. In various examples, a holster can be worn on a belt or strap, for instance, either in public view or concealed from view. In some cases, the holster is temporarily or permanently attached to the belt or strap using an attachment device, such as a clip, strap, loop, or the like. However, in many situations it may be desirable for the user to be able to determine the ride height and orientation of the holster, including the cant angle of the holster, for convenience of withdrawing the implement and for comfort or utility while wearing the holster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

For this discussion, the devices and systems illustrated in the figures are shown as having a multiplicity of components. Various implementations of devices and/or systems, as described herein, may include fewer components and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Alternately, other implementations of devices and/or systems may include additional components, or various combinations of the described components, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the illustrations of the figures are for example, and other shapes and or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure, unless specified otherwise.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show two views of an example adjustable clip, according to a first implementation. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the adjustable clip in an extended configuration. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the adjustable clip in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded view of the example adjustable clip of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 3A-3F show six views of an example adjustable clip, according to a second implementation. FIGS. 3A-3C show the adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in a retracted configuration. FIGS. 3D-3F show the adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in an extended configuration.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show two views of an example adjustable clip, according to a third implementation. FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the adjustable clip in a retracted configuration. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the adjustable clip in an extended configuration.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show two views of an example adjustable clip, according to a fourth implementation. FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the adjustable clip in a retracted configuration. FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the adjustable clip in an extended configuration.

FIGS. 6A-6C show three views of an example adjustable clip, according to a fifth implementation. FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the adjustable clip in a semi-extended configuration. FIG. 6B shows a top perspective view of the adjustable clip in the semi-extended configuration. FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the adjustable clip.

FIGS. 7A-7F show six views of an example adjustable clip, according to a sixth implementation. FIGS. 7A-7C show the adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in a retracted configuration. FIGS. 7D-7F show the adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in an extended configuration.

FIGS. 8A-8F show six views of an example adjustable clip, according to a seventh implementation. FIGS. 8A-8C show the adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in a retracted configuration. FIGS. 8D-8F show the adjustable clip in front, side and perspective views, respectively, while in an extended configuration.

FIG. 9 shows an example of two adjustable clips mounted to an implement holster. In the illustration, one adjustable clip is in an extended configuration and the other is in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for adjusting an adjustable clip, according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Introduction

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an adjustable clip that may be adjusted in overall length. In various embodiments, the adjustable clip may be used to temporarily or permanently attach an item (such as a handgun holster, for example) to a support location (such as a belt of a user, for example). While hanging from or attached to the support, the clip can hold the holster, or any other type of load. In alternate implementations, the adjustable clip may be used to attach various items to varying locations as desired.

The clip is configured to be easily adjusted in overall length (or effective length) for adjusting a distance of the load item from the support location. For example, the clip may be mounted to a holster (see FIG. 9), and may be user-adjustable to provide a desired ride height or angle (when used at one or more attachment points) for the holster. Adjusting the ride height and cant angle of the holster can improve comfort when wearing the holster, or can provide a better orientation for withdrawing and re-holstering a handgun out of and into the holster.

In various implementations, a user can adjust the adjustable clip while the clip is mounted to the item, via an actuator on the clip, or by other techniques. For instance, the actuator may be any mechanism that allows the adjustable clip to increase or decrease in overall length (or effective length) when actuated and prevents the adjustable clip from changing in overall length (or effective length) when not actuated (at rest). In some implementations, the clip may have multiple discrete length adjustment positions. In other implementations, the clip may be adjusted in length in an infinitely variable sense.

Techniques and devices are discussed with reference to example handgun holsters illustrated in the figures. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and is for ease of discussion and illustrative convenience. The techniques and devices discussed may be applied to a holster or to any of various cases, case designs, combinations, and the like, (e.g., holsters, sheaths, covers, cases, carriers, scabbards, etc.) for encasing tools, weapons, or other implements, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Further, the techniques and devices are illustrated generally with reference to an inside waistband (IWB) holster. This is also not intended to be limiting. In various implementations, the techniques and devices may be employed with inside waistband (IWB) holsters, outside waistband (OWB) holsters, as well as holsters or cases that may be worn in various ways using a belt, strap, or other article. In alternate implementations, the techniques and devices may be employed in other ways or with other devices, systems, instruments, or the like.

Implementations are explained in more detail below using a plurality of examples. Although various implementations and examples are discussed here and below, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.

Example Adjustable Clips

An example clip 100, as shown in FIGS. 1A-9, includes an upper clip portion (i.e., component) 102 and a lower clip portion (i.e., component) 104. In various implementations, the upper clip portion 102 can have a generally hooked shape, looped shape, “C” shape, “J” shape, etc., and is arranged to clip onto or around a support object, such as a belt or strap worn by a user. In some embodiments, the upper clip portion 102 includes a catch, a barb, or other mechanism for holding onto the support object. In alternate implementations, the upper clip portion 102 can be clipped to any sort of support that fits within the looped shape of the upper clip portion 102. Accordingly, the upper clip portion 102 may be formed to have any dimensions desired for an intended use (or a general use).

In various embodiments, the lower clip portion 104 is moveably coupled to the upper clip portion 102 and is arranged to extend away from the upper clip portion 102 or to retract towards the upper clip portion 102 to adjust an overall length (or an effective length) of the adjustable clip 100. For example, in some embodiments, the lower clip portion 104 is slideably coupled to the upper clip portion 102. In various embodiments, the upper clip portion 102 includes one or more interface features (e.g., cavity, channel, rail, slot, tab, guide, etc.) for interfacing with the lower clip portion 104 and for adjusting an overall length (or an effective length) of the adjustable clip 100.

In an implementation, the lower clip portion 104 is arranged to fit within a cavity 106 in the upper clip portion 102. The lower clip portion 104 can travel (e.g., slide, screw, etc.) within the cavity 106 to extend out of the upper clip portion 102 to increase the overall length of the clip 100, or to retract into the upper clip portion 102 to decrease the overall length of the clip 100. In another implementation, the upper clip portion 102 is arranged to fit within a cavity 106 in the lower clip portion 104. The lower clip portion 104 can travel (e.g., slide, screw, etc.) with respect to the upper clip portion 102 to extend from the upper clip portion 102 to increase the overall length (or an effective length) of the clip 100, or to retract toward the upper clip portion 102 to decrease the overall length (or an effective length) of the clip 100.

In an embodiment, the lower clip portion 104 includes a beveled end 116 (see FIGS. 1A and 2) for inserting the lower clip portion 104 into the cavity 106 of the upper clip portion 102. For example, the beveled end 116 makes it easier to insert the lower clip portion 104 into the cavity 106 when it is removed intentionally or inadvertently.

In various embodiments, the lower clip portion 104 includes at least one mounting hole 108 for coupling the lower clip portion 104 to the load object (e.g., a holster, etc.). For example, a mounting hole 108 may be disposed at an end of the lower clip portion 104 to allow for minimum and maximum overall lengths of the adjustable clip 100. The load object may be coupled at the mounting hole 108 using a fastener that allows the lower clip portion 104 to pivot with respect to the load object, if desired.

In various embodiments, an actuator 110 may be coupled to a portion of the clip 100 to control movement of the lower clip portion 104 with respect to the upper clip portion 102, and thus, control the overall length of the clip 100. For example, the actuator 110 may be coupled to or integral with the lower clip portion 104 or the upper clip portion 102, and user-activated to control the movement. In an embodiment, the actuator 110 allows the lower clip portion 104 to travel (i.e., extend or retract) with respect to the upper clip portion 102 when the actuator 110 is in a first position (i.e., actuated), and prevents the lower clip portion 104 from travelling with respect to the upper clip portion 102 when the actuator 110 is in a second position (i.e., at rest, not actuated). The actuator may be spring loaded (either with a discrete or an integral spring-type device) such that the spring is unloaded when the actuator 110 is in the first or second position, as desired.

In an implementation, when the upper clip portion 102 includes a cavity 106 and the lower clip portion 104 is inserted into the cavity 106 (see FIGS. 1A-3F), the actuator 110 allows the lower clip portion 104 to travel within the cavity 106 when the actuator 110 is in a first position (e.g., the actuator 110 is in tension) and prevents the lower clip portion 104 from travelling within the cavity 106 when the actuator 110 is in a second position (e.g., the actuator 110 is at rest). Alternately, when the lower clip portion 104 includes a cavity 106 and the upper clip portion 102 is inserted into the cavity 106 (see FIGS. 4A-7F), the actuator 110 allows the upper clip portion 102 to travel within the cavity 106 when the actuator is in a first position (e.g., the actuator 110 is in tension) and prevents the upper clip portion 102 from travelling within the cavity 106 when the actuator 110 is in a second position (e.g., the actuator 110 is at rest).

In several example embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3F and 7A-7F, the actuator 110 may be integral to the upper clip portion 102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, the actuator 110 comprises a spring-like tang that is integral to the upper clip portion 102, and holds the lower clip portion 104 in place while the actuator 110 is at rest. Bending the tang actuator 110 allows the lower clip portion 104 to move with respect to the upper clip portion 102. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, the upper clip portion 102 may have several tang-type actuators 110, where at least one of the actuators 110 holds the lower clip portion 104 in place until bent (i.e., actuated) by the user.

In the example of FIGS. 7A-7F, the tang-type actuators 110 can include a button portion 702 that protrudes through an opening 704 in the lower clip portion 104. The actuator 110 is actuated by pressing the button portion 702, which bends the tang portion of the actuator 110, releasing the button portion 702 from the lower clip portion 104. This allows the lower clip portion 104 to move with respect to the upper clip portion 102. The quantity and location of the tang-type actuators 110 can define discrete length adjustments for the clip 100.

In an implementation, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lower clip portion 104 includes a plurality of openings 402, and the actuator 110 protrudes from at least one of the plurality of openings 402 to determine an overall length of the adjustable clip 100 when the actuator 110 is in the second position (e.g., at rest). For example, in an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, there are one or more actuators 110 that can be engaged (e.g., pushed) by a user to slide the upper clip portion 102 into several positions (corresponding to the openings 402) relative to the lower clip portion 104. In an embodiment, the actuator(s) 110 are spring loaded, such that when moving the upper clip portion 102 with respect to the lower clip portion 104, the actuator(s) 110 can snap into one of the openings 402. The quantity and location of the openings 402 defines discrete length adjustments for the clip 100.

In another example embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the actuator 110 may be integral to the lower clip portion 104. In various embodiments, one or more actuators 110 comprise one or more spring-tensioned tang-type components, or the like. In the example of FIGS. 5A-5B, the tang-type actuators 110 can include a button portion 502 that protrudes through an opening 504 in the upper clip portion 102. The actuator 110 is actuated by pressing the button portion 502, which bends the tang portion of the actuator 110, releasing the button portion 502 from the upper clip portion 102. This allows the lower clip portion 104 to slide with respect to the upper clip portion 102, to adjust the overall length of the clip 100. When the user does not press on the push button 502, the actuator 110 holds the push button 502 in a rest position, which holds the lower clip portion 104 in position relative to the upper clip portion 102. The quantity and location of the actuators 110 and the push buttons 502 defines discrete length adjustments for the clip 100.

In various implementations, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the lower clip portion 104 includes a channel 112 along a length of the lower clip portion 104 (also see FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, and 6A-6C). In various embodiments, the channel 112 cuts partially or entirely through the lower clip portion 104. In some embodiments, the channel 112 includes a plurality of detents 114, protrusions 502, or openings 602 (or a combination of detents 114, protrusions 502, and openings 602) disposed along a length of the channel 112. The detents 114, protrusions 502, and openings 602 determine a plurality of stops for the lower clip portion 104 relative to the upper clip portion 102. For example, the detents 114, protrusions 502, and openings 602 determine discrete distances that the lower clip portion 104 may be extended from the upper clip portion 102. When actuated, the actuator 110 bypasses the stops, allowing the lower clip portion 104 to travel with respect to the upper clip portion 102. When not actuated (i.e., at rest), the actuator 110 catches the stops, preventing the lower clip portion 104 from travelling with respect to the upper clip portion 102.

In some embodiments, such as the example shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the actuator 110 is a discrete component, separable from the upper 102 and lower 104 clip portions. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the actuator 110 is inserted into an opening 602 in the upper clip portion 102 and then into one of a plurality of openings 604 in the lower clip portion 104 to determine the overall length of the adjustable clip 100. In various embodiments, the actuator 110 may be partly or entirely removable from the adjustable clip 100. The quantity and location of the openings 604 can define discrete length adjustments for the clip 100.

In alternate implementations, the detents 114, protrusions 502, and openings 604 may be disposed along one or both side edges of the lower clip portion 104. Further, in some variations, the detents 114, protrusions 502, and openings 604 (e.g., stops) may comprise fine or coarse pitch teeth, slots, or the like, or tabs and the like. In one variation (not shown), the channel 112 and/or edges of the lower clip portion 104 and/or upper clip portion 102 include a textured surface that provides friction to the actuator 110. In the variation, the lower clip portion 104 has unlimited stop positions along its length.

In an implementation, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, the upper clip portion 102 and the lower clip portion 104 may be coupled together via a screw-type mechanism 802. In various embodiments, the screw-type mechanism 802 may be one or more separate components, or may be integral to the upper clip portion 102 (as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8F) or the lower clip portion 104 (or both). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, the upper clip portion 102 is inserted and screwed into the cavity 106 of the lower clip portion 104 a quantity of turns. The length of the adjustable clip 100 is modified by adjusting the quantity of turns.

As shown in FIG. 9, one or more adjustable clips 100 may be used with a holster for an implement such as a handgun, for example. The illustration is not intended to be limiting, as the clip 100 may be used with various other types of holsters, as well as with countless other items. For this disclosure, the use of the term “holster” also applies to the various other items that may be temporarily or permanently mounted to a support location with one or more clips. Further, the shape and design of the adjustable clip 100 illustrated in FIG. 9 may vary to accommodate various uses or styles (including the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-8F, as well as other clip 100 designs).

As shown in the example of FIG. 9, the clips 100 may be attached to the holster using fasteners 902 with or without spacers 904. The clips 100 may be attached to the holster such that the clips 100 are stationary or such that the clips 100 may pivot with respect to the holster. In various embodiments, adjustable clips 100 can be attached to the holster in various locations and configurations.

The example shown in FIG. 9 shows one clip 100 (at “A”) in an extended configuration and another clip 100 (at “B”) in a retracted configuration. Extending and retracting one or more of the clips 100 allows a user to fine-tune the ride height and cant (angle) of the holster. Further, the user can make adjustments to the clips 100 in the field and as desired while the holster is worn by the user. If the holster includes a plurality of mounting locations 906, additional adjustments are also possible.

In various implementations, the adjustable clip 100 is comprised of various plastics, composites, metals, combinations of the same, or the like. For example, the clip 100 may be comprised of a polyamide, or similar material. In various embodiments, the clip 100 has rigidity and stability properties based on a particular material selected for the clip 100. For example, some materials that may be used include styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), polyolefin blends (TPE-o), elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), Thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, various metals and alloys, fiber composites, combinations of the same, and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the stability properties are also based on a thickness of the clip 100.

Representative Process

FIG. 10 illustrates a representative process 1000 for implementing techniques and/or devices relative to an adjustable clip (such as adjustable clip 100, for example). The process 1000 may include extending and/or retracting portions of the adjustable clip relative to each other to adjust an overall length (or an effective length) of the adjustable clip. One or more actuators may be actuated to allow the components to be moved relative to each other. The example process 1000 is described with reference to FIGS. 1A-10.

The order in which the process is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described process blocks can be combined in any order to implement the process, or alternate processes. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the process without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the process can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

At block 1002, the process includes moveably coupling an upper clip portion (such as upper clip portion 102, for example) to a lower clip portion (such as lower clip portion 104, for example). In an embodiment, the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion include one or more interface features arranged to adjust a relative position of the upper clip portion to the lower clip portion. The relative position determines an overall length of the adjustable clip comprising the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion.

In some embodiments, the process includes slideably coupling the lower clip portion to the upper clip portion. In other embodiments, the process includes moveably coupling the lower clip portion to the upper clip portion via a screw-type mechanism. Alternately, other moveable coupling techniques may be used with the lower clip portion and the upper clip portion.

At block 1004, the process includes moving an actuator (such as actuator 110, for example) into a first position to allow the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion. In various implementations, the adjustable clip may include more than one actuator. In the implementations, the multiple actuators may be operable independently or in groups. For example, just one of a plurality of the actuators may be used at a time in some cases, and in other cases multiple actuators may be used together.

In some embodiments, moving the actuator into the first position includes putting the actuator into a state of tension. This can include bending a portion of the actuator, compressing or stretching a spring component associated with the actuator, or the like. For instance, in some examples, the actuator includes a button to be pressed by a user to actuate the actuator.

In another implementation, moving the actuator into the first position comprises removing the actuator from its locked position. In the implementation, the actuator may be a discrete component, separable from the upper and lower clip portions, or an integral or coupled component to one or both of the upper and lower clip portions. Removing the actuator from its locked position allows the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion.

At block 1006, the process includes extending the lower clip portion from the upper clip portion while the actuator is in the first position to increase an overall length of the adjustable clip.

At block 1008, the process includes retracting the lower clip portion towards the upper clip portion while the actuator is in the first position to decrease the overall length of the adjustable clip.

At block 1010, the process includes moving the actuator into a second position to prevent the lower clip portion from moving relative to the upper clip portion. For instance, the lower clip portion can be locked into position once moved to a desirable position relative to the upper clip portion. In one example, moving the actuator into a second position comprises releasing the actuator, so that it returns to a state of rest from a state of tension. In another example, moving the actuator into a second position comprises placing the actuator into a locked position. Placing the actuator into the locked position may include inserting the actuator into an opening, a slot, a detent, or the like.

In an implementation, the process includes coupling the adjustable clip (or a plurality of the adjustable clips) to an implement holster, or the like. In one example, the process includes fine tuning a ride height and a cant angle of the implement holster by extending or retracting the lower clip portion relative to the upper clip portion while the adjustable clip is coupled to the implement holster.

In alternate implementations, other techniques may be included in the process in various combinations, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

The techniques, components, and devices described herein with respect to the implementations are not limited to the illustrations of FIGS. 1A-10, and may be applied to various holsters, cases, devices, and designs, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In some cases, additional or alternative components, techniques, sequences, or processes may be used to implement the techniques described herein. Further, the components and/or techniques may be arranged and/or combined in various combinations, while resulting in similar or approximately identical results. It is to be understood that an adjustable clip 100 may be implemented as a stand-alone device or as part of another system (e.g., integrated with other components). In various implementations, additional or alternative components may be used to accomplish the disclosed techniques and arrangements.

Although various implementations and examples are discussed herein, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.

Conclusion

Although the implementations of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable clip, comprising:

an upper clip portion arranged to clip onto or around a support object and including one or more interface features arranged to interface with a lower clip portion and to adjust an overall length of the adjustable clip;
a lower clip portion moveably coupled to the upper clip portion and arranged to extend from the upper clip portion or retract towards the upper clip portion to adjust an overall length of the adjustable clip, the lower clip portion including at least one mounting hole for mounting the adjustable clip to a load object; and
an actuator coupled to or integral to the upper clip portion or the lower clip portion, the actuator configured to allow the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion when the actuator is in a first position and to prevent the lower clip portion from moving relative to the upper clip portion when the actuator is in a second position.

2. The adjustable clip of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of actuators coupled to or integral to the upper clip portion, the lower clip portion, or the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion, one or more of the plurality of actuators configured to lock a position of the lower clip portion relative to the upper clip portion while the one or more of the plurality of actuators is at rest and configured to release the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion while the one or more of the plurality of actuators is actuated.

3. The adjustable clip of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of actuators includes a tang component, and wherein each of the plurality of actuators is configured to be actuated by bending the tang component from a rest position.

4. The adjustable clip of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of actuators includes a button portion configured to protrude through an opening in the upper clip portion or the lower clip portion to lock the position of the lower clip portion relative to the upper clip portion while the one or more of the plurality of actuators is at rest.

5. The adjustable clip of claim 2, wherein a quantity and a location of the plurality of actuators determines a plurality of discrete length adjustments for the adjustable clip.

6. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the upper clip portion includes a cavity wherein the lower clip portion may be inserted, the actuator configured to allow the lower clip portion to travel within the cavity when the actuator is in the first position and configured to prevent the lower clip portion from travelling within the cavity when the actuator is in the second position.

7. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion includes a cavity wherein the upper clip portion may be inserted, the actuator configured to allow the upper clip portion to travel within the cavity when the actuator is in the first position and configured to prevent the upper clip portion from travelling within the cavity when the actuator is in the second position.

8. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the actuator is coupled to or integral to the upper clip portion and wherein the lower clip portion includes a plurality of openings, and wherein the actuator is configured to protrude from at least one of the plurality of openings to determine an overall length of the adjustable clip when the actuator is in the second position.

9. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion includes a channel along a length of the lower clip portion having a plurality of detents, protrusions, or openings disposed along a length of the channel, the plurality of detents, protrusions, or openings determining a plurality of stops for the lower clip portion relative to the upper clip portion.

10. The adjustable clip of claim 9, wherein a quantity and a location of the plurality of stops determines a plurality of discrete length adjustments for the adjustable clip.

11. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion includes a plurality of stops along a length of the lower clip portion, the actuator configured to bypass the stops when actuated, allowing the lower clip portion to travel with respect to the upper portion, and configured to catch the stops when not actuated, preventing the lower clip portion from travelling with respect to the upper portion.

12. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises one or more spring-tensioned push buttons.

13. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion is slideably coupled to the upper clip portion.

14. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion is moveably coupled to the upper clip portion via a screw mechanism.

15. The adjustable clip of claim 14, wherein an overall length of the adjustable clip is determined by a quantity of turns of the screw mechanism.

16. The adjustable clip of claim 1, wherein the lower clip portion is extended from the upper clip portion to increase an overall length of the adjustable clip and wherein the lower clip portion is retracted toward the upper clip portion to decrease an overall length of the adjustable clip.

17. An implement holster, comprising:

a pocket for receiving an implement;
a backing portion coupled to the pocket to support a load of the pocket and the implement; and
one or more adjustable clips coupled to the backing portion or to the pocket, each adjustable clip having: an upper clip portion arranged to clip onto or around a support object, and including one or more interface features arranged to interface with a lower clip portion and to adjust an overall length of the adjustable clip; a lower clip portion moveably coupled to the upper clip portion and arranged to extend from the upper clip portion or retract towards the upper clip portion to adjust an overall length of the adjustable clip, the lower clip portion including at least one mounting hole for mounting the adjustable clip to the backing portion or to the pocket; and an actuator coupled to or integral to the upper clip portion or the lower clip portion, the actuator configured to allow the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion when the actuator is in a first position and to prevent the lower clip portion from moving relative to the upper clip portion when the actuator is in a second position.

18. A method, comprising:

moveably coupling an upper clip portion to a lower clip portion, the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion including one or more interface features arranged to adjust a relative position of the upper clip portion to the lower clip portion, the relative position determining an overall length of an adjustable clip comprising the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion;
moving an actuator into a first position to allow the lower clip portion to move relative to the upper clip portion;
extending the lower clip portion from the upper clip portion while the actuator is in the first position to increase an overall length of the adjustable clip;
retracting the lower clip portion towards the upper clip portion while the actuator is in the first position to decrease the overall length of the adjustable clip; and
moving the actuator into a second position to prevent the lower clip portion from moving relative to the upper clip portion.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising slideably coupling the lower clip portion to the upper clip portion or moveably coupling the lower clip portion to the upper clip portion via a screw-type mechanism.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising fine tuning a ride height and a cant angle of an implement holster by extending or retracting the lower clip portion relative to the upper clip portion while the adjustable clip is coupled to the implement holster.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180010885
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 6, 2017
Publication Date: Jan 11, 2018
Applicant: Tedder Industries, LLC (Post Falls, ID)
Inventors: Thomas Tedder (Post Falls, ID), Christopher Weber (Coeur d'Alene, ID), Drew Stephens (Coeur d'Alene, ID), Jacob Shearer (Post Falls, ID), Taylor Vold (Valleyford, WA)
Application Number: 15/642,674
Classifications
International Classification: F41C 33/04 (20060101); F41C 33/02 (20060101);