US20120055822A1

US20120055822A1 - Mobile device holster

Info

Publication number: US20120055822A1
Application number: US12/493,153
Authority: US
Inventors: Howard Bullock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-27
Filing date: 2009-06-26
Publication date: 2012-03-08

Abstract

An adaptable mobile device holster is disclosed, the holster including a shell having a top, a bottom, a front side, a back side, and a cavity provided therein with an opening at the top adapted to receive a mobile device within the cavity. The holster also includes a height adjustment device disposed at the bottom adapted for vertically positioning and supporting a mobile device within the cavity. The holster also includes at least one horizontal positioning device disposed within the cavity, and adapted for applying horizontal force for horizontally aligning and for applying horizontal gripping pressure on a mobile device within the cavity for ensuring that the mobile device stays removable and secure within the holster.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/133,380 filed Jun. 27, 2008, and entitled “Mobile device Quick Draw Holster”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to mobile devices, and more particularly to mobile device accessories.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices such as cellular mobile devices, PDA's, GPS's, and the like, have provided great convenience in communications, personal organization and computing, and are now commonplace and widely popular. The added convenience provided by such mobile devices has led to many people becoming dependent upon the devices. Such dependence has placed an obligation on many mobile device users to keep the device with them, within earshot, nearby, or on their person, at all times. There are many ways to store the devices on or near the user, such as placing them in pockets, pocket books, purses, etc. Many of these storage methods however, can cause damage due to such things as other articles coming in contact with them or by being crushed. Damage can also occur if the device unintentionally falls or slips out of its storage location.
Holsters have been devised to store mobile devices to prevent such damage. These holsters, however, are custom-designed for one particular type of mobile device, thereby making them unsuitable for use with devices other than the device for which the holster was designed. Furthermore, some prior holsters are designed to be worn on a belt, having a belt clip in addition to a gripping mechanism to grip the mobile device. However, two hands are often required to release the gripping mechanism when the belt clip is not well-anchored.

SUMMARY

An adaptable mobile device holster is disclosed which is adaptable to a variety of mobile devices, and securely holds the mobile device while also allowing for quick and efficient release of the mobile device from the holster. The holster includes a shell having a top, a bottom, a front side, a back side, and a cavity provided therein with an opening at the top adapted to receive a mobile device within the cavity. The holster also includes a height adjustment device disposed at the bottom adapted for vertically positioning and supporting a mobile device within the cavity. The holster also includes at least one horizontal positioning device disposed within the cavity, and adapted for applying horizontal force for horizontally aligning and for applying horizontal gripping pressure on a mobile device within the cavity for ensuring that the mobile device stays removable and secure within the holster.
In one general embodiment, the invention is an adaptable mobile device holster, comprising a shell having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, which together define a cavity with an opening at the top, the cavity being adapted to receive a mobile device; a height adjustment device disposed at the bottom, the height adjustment device being adapted for vertically positioning a mobile device within the cavity; and at least one horizontal positioning device disposed within the cavity, the at least one horizontal positioning device being adapted for applying force for horizontally aligning and applying vertical stabilization on a mobile device within the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the height adjustment device includes a replaceable insert. In other preferred embodiments, the height adjustment device comprises a frame; a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile device rests on; and an adjustment system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf.
In some other preferred embodiments, the height adjustment device comprises a frame having a plurality positional holes provided therein, and a shelf for attachment to the frame upon which a mobile device rests, the shelf having at least one pin for insertion into the positional holes, wherein the position of the attachment of the shelf to the frame is adjustable by changing which of the plurality of positional holes the at least one pin is inserted into. In still other preferred embodiments, the height adjustment device comprises a frame, a shelf for attachment to the frame upon which a mobile device rests, and an adjustment system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf.
In some preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs. In other preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and at least one of the opposing springs is tapered. In still other preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and at least one of the opposing springs has a substantially constant width. In other preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and wherein at least one of the opposing springs has a downwardly sloped shape to facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device into the cavity.
In some preferred embodiments, the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a spring has a downwardly sloped shape to facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device into the cavity, and a surface opposite of the spring which provides a horizontal force on a mobile device opposing the spring and a vertical stabilization force to facilitate prevention of vertical movement of a mobile device. In other preferred embodiments, the back side is substantially flat and the front side is substantially elliptical in shape. In some preferred embodiments, the invention further comprises at least one attachment mechanism for attaching the shell to a garment. In some preferred embodiments, the cavity is about 30 to 300 percent larger in volume than the mobile device to be inserted. In some preferred embodiments, the back side and front side are substantially flat.
In another general embodiment, the invention is a shell having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, which together define a cavity with an opening at the top, the cavity being adapted to receive a mobile device; and a first insert for insertion into the cavity for providing height adjustment of a mobile device, the insert having a pair of opposite downwardly sloped shaped surfaces to facilitate a vertical insertion force on a mobile device and to facilitate vertical and horizontal restraint on the mobile device.
In some preferred embodiments, the invention further comprises a second insert having a downwardly sloped shaped surface for facilitating vertical restraint in addition to vertical restraint provided by the first insert. In some preferred embodiments, the first insert is removable. In some preferred embodiments, the second insert is removable. In some preferred embodiments, the exterior surface is made from a material that facilitates resistance to an attempt of removal of the mobile device holster from a pocket. In some preferred embodiments, the invention further comprises an attachment device disposed on the shell that facilitates resistance to an attempt of removal of the mobile device holster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile device holster.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mobile device holster.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mobile device holster.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mobile device holster.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mobile device holster.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary horizontal positioning device of the mobile device holster of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 7A-7G are three dimensional illustrations of exemplary mobile device holsters.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the embodiment of a mobile device holster of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the embodiment of a mobile device holster of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mobile device holster.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an exemplary horizontal positioning device of a mobile device holster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment wherein a mobile device holster 2 includes a shell or housing 10 which has a cavity 12 with an opening to accommodate a mobile device 14 which is placed or inserted therein. The shell 10 can be curved outward in a convex configuration. An exemplary shape for the shell 10 can be a split ellipse configuration, wherein the back side of the shell is flat and the front side of the shell is elliptically shaped.
The shell can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes such as rounded, tapered, thinned, or substantially box-shaped with sides substantially vertical, etc. The shell can be substantially thin walled, with external and internal contours adapted for easy insertion into an article of clothing, such as a shirt or jacket pocket and can be comprised or composed of a structurally appropriate material, such as plastic, nylon, leather, cloth, etc.
The shell can be manufactured by mass production techniques or processes such as injection molding, casting, forming by thermal or other means, sonic welding of plastic sheets, adhesive bonding, or other method such as impregnation of leather or cloth with resins to cause the materials to become semi rigid, etc.
The shell can be substantially designed in elongated three-dimensional rectangles shaped to closely fit the mobile device housed therein, or the cavity can be volumetrically larger than the mobile device. For example, the mobile device holster cavity can be 30 to 300% larger in volume than the mobile device.
An exemplary plastic, leather or molded shell of selected sizes can be produced by injection molding or bonding two flat plastic sheets to one another. The back of the shell can be approximately flat with a front that is arched or elliptical to make a cavity for the mobile device. Such a cavity can facilitate the holster being less cumbersome in function and appearance. The shell can be covered or molded using an appropriate material to implement slight adhesion within the pocket or to provide color coordination or customer style preference. The shell can be comprised of water proof or resistant material.
The shell can be painted, decorated, coated, wrapped with cloth, festooned, emblazoned, affixed with lettering, corporate symbols, logos, trimmed with baubles, stylized, color coordinated or other decoration technique. It can be clear, opaque, frosted, polished, etc. The shell can be covered in a variety of materials and fabrics or trimmed with soft injection molded rubber or plastic that is appropriate for functional requirements and customer preferences. It can be patterned, printed, festooned or accessorized.
Exemplary mobile device holsters can be placed in a garment, such as a shirt, suit or sport coat pocket, a holding container such as a purse, or attached to an outer garment by an attachment device such as spring clips, pins, or hook and loop material. The attachment device can be disposed on the shell. An exemplary mobile device holster can be built into a garment or purse.
An exemplary mobile device holster can be comprised of a specific material or dimensioned such that the mobile device is largely un-shrouded for easy hearing of the sound emitted from the mobile device, such as ring or message tones.
A positional depth or vertical height adjustment device 16, such as a replaceable insert, is provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the opening of the cavity 12. The insert can be dimensioned or shaped such that when the mobile device rests on the insert 16, the mobile device can protrude a distance X above the opening of the cavity. The depth adjustment device 16 can be any material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered, re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened, lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded, shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally, etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can be determined and maintained as preferred by the user.
If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the height adjustment device 16. In another example, a height adjustment device is replaceable and can be replaced with a different one which provides the mobile device with the desired vertical position. In another example, a user can adjust the height of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots provided in the shell, centering device frame, or adjustment component.
The holster also includes at least one horizontal positioning adjustment device for adjusting the horizontal positioning of a mobile device within the holster. One or more horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment devices 50 can be provided and disposed within the shell to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device. The horizontal positioning device can be adapted so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 50 can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
The horizontal positioning device 50 can be designed or contoured in such a way as to provide a spring or tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile device. This force can be in both the horizontal and/or vertical axis of the holster. An exemplary device 50 can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 52 having one or more pads 18 attached thereon or part and parcel with the device frame 52 which hold and/or position the mobile device. Pads 18 can be designed of a material which prevents damage to the mobile device. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being accidentally released from the holster.
Exemplary horizontal positioning devices 50 can be comprised of molded components, which can be formed of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device centered in the holster.
The horizontal positioning device 50 can be configured to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing horizontal positioning devices the opposing curvatures can present a relatively wide opening to the mobile device wherein the mobile device, during its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 13. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side can be readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces counterbalancing each other.
An exemplary horizontal positioning device 50 can be configured with a width W that varies such that the device tapers to have a greater width in the center than the width on each ends. This shape used within a split ellipse configuration shell facilitates the spring to tuck into the reducing width corners, thereby permitting a wider range of mobile device sizes to be accommodated. The horizontal positioning device 50 facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position and keeping the mobile device within the holster.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein a mobile device holster 2′ similar to FIG. 1 is wider and includes a shell or housing 10′ which has a cavity 12′ with an opening to accommodate mobile device 14′ which is placed or inserted therein. An exemplary shape can be a split ellipse configuration, wherein the back side of the shell is flat and the front side of the shell is elliptically shaped.
A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an insert 16′ can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the opening of the cavity 12′. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such that the mobile device rests on the insert 16′ and protrudes a distance X above the opening of the cavity when the mobile device is placed in the shell. The depth adjustment device can be any material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered, re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened, lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded, shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally, etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can be determined and maintained as preferred by the user.
If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the height adjustment device 16′. In another example, a height adjustment device is replaceable and can be replaced with a different one which provides the mobile device with the desired vertical position. In another example, a user can adjust the height of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots provided in the shell.
One or more horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment device 50′ can be provided to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device which it is adapted to so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 50′ can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
The horizontal positioning device can be designed or contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 50′ can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 52′and have pads 18′ attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being accidentally released from the holster.
Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of molded components comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device centered in the holster.
The horizontal positioning device 50′ can be configured in shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing horizontal positioning devices the opposing pad curvatures can present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device, during its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 13′. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces counterbalancing each other.
An exemplary horizontal positioning device 50′ can be configured with a width W that varies such that the device tapers to have a wider surface in the center that the width on each ends. When this shape is used within the split ellipse configuration shell, this shaped pad allows the spring to tuck into the reducing width corners, permitting a wider range of mobile device sizes to be accommodated. The horizontal positioning device 50′ facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein a mobile device holster 4 includes a shell or housing 20 which has a cavity 22 with an opening to accommodate mobile device which is placed or inserted therein. An exemplary shape can be a rectangular type configuration, wherein the back and front side of the shell are substantially flat and parallel to each other. The front side of the shell can have a surface at the bottom which curves towards and meets the back side which can facilitate easy insertion of the holster into an article of clothing.
A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an insert 26 can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the opening of the cavity 22. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such that the mobile device rests on the insert 26 and protrudes above the opening of the cavity when the mobile device is placed in the shell. The depth adjustment device can be any material that can provide a support for the mobile device thusly inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered, re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened, lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded, shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally, etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can be determined and maintained as preferred by the user.
If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the height adjustment device 26. In another example, a height adjustment device can be replaced with a different one until the desired height is determined. This can be inside the shell opening. In another example, a user can adjust the height of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots.
One or more horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment device 54 can be provided to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device which it is adapted to so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 54 can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
The horizontal positioning device can be designed or contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 54 can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 56 and have pads 28 attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device from either being damaged or twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being accidentally released from the holster.
Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of molded components which can be formed of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device centered in the holster.
The horizontal positioning device 54 can be configured in shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing horizontal positioning devices the opposing pad curvatures can present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device, during its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 29. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces counterbalancing each other.
An exemplary horizontal positioning device 54 can be configured with a width W which is approximately or substantially constant along the length of the device. The horizontal positioning device 54 facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned, secure upright position.
FIGS. 4 and 9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 3 wherein a mobile device holster 6 includes a shell or housing 30 which has a cavity 32 with an opening to accommodate a mobile device which is placed or inserted therein. An exemplary shape can be a rectangular type configuration, wherein the back and front side of the shell are substantially flat and parallel to each other. The front side of the shell can have a surface at the bottom which curves towards and meets the back side which can facilitate easy insertion of the holster into an article of clothing. The front side of the shell has a tab or extension 39 which extends above the back side.
A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an insert 36 can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the opening of the cavity 32. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such that the mobile device rests on the insert 36 and protrudes above the opening of the cavity when the mobile device is placed in the shell.
If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the height adjustment device 36. In another example, a height adjustment device can be replaced with a different one until the desired height is determined. In another example, a user can adjust the height of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots.
One or more horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment device 58 can be provided to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device which it is adapted to so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 58 can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
The horizontal positioning device 58 can be designed or contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 58 can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 59 and have pads 38 attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being unintentionally released from the holster.
Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of molded components comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device centered in the holster.
The horizontal positioning device 58 can be configured in shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing horizontal positioning devices the opposing pad curvatures can present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device, during its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 39. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces counterbalancing each other.
Exemplary horizontal positioning device pads 38 can be configured with a width W which is approximately or substantially constant along the length of the device. The horizontal positioning device 38 facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position and preventing unintentional extraction from the holster.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 3 wherein a mobile device holster 8 includes a shell or housing 40 which has a cavity 42 with an opening to accommodate a mobile device which is placed or inserted therein. An exemplary shape can be a rectangular type configuration, wherein the back and front side of the shell are substantially flat and parallel to each other. The front side of the shell can have a surface at the bottom which curves towards and meets the back side which can facilitate easy insertion of the holster into an article of clothing.
A positional depth or height adjustment device, such as an insert 46 can be provided in the bottom of the shell opposite the opening of the cavity 42. The insert is dimensioned or shaped such that the mobile device rests on the insert 46 and protrudes above the opening of the cavity when the mobile device is placed in the shell.
If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the height adjustment device 46. In another example, a height adjustment device can be replaced with a different one until the desired height is determined. In another example, a user can adjust the height of the height adjustment device by using pins, holes, or slots.
A horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment device 47 can be provided to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device which it is adapted to so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur. The horizontal positioning device 47 can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
The horizontal positioning device 47 can be designed or contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can be in the horizontal axis of the holster. An exemplary device 47 can be comprised of a steel wire spring frame 49 and have pads 48 attached thereon to prevent damage to the mobile device. The mobile device can be gently held by such pads. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being unintentionally released or extracted from the holster.
Horizontal positioning device 47 can act opposite an internal surface 52 to provide a friction grip to restrain the mobile device, and keep it secure within the shell. Surface 49 can be comprised of or coated with a friction generating material.
Exemplary horizontal positioning devices can be comprised of molded components can be formed of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device. The sides of the frame 52 can be springs that bow outward slightly to retain the centering device within the holster, which then allow the curved pads to apply inward pressure upon the mobile device which hold the device centered in the holster.
The horizontal positioning device pad 48 can be configured in shape to have a curved surface for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. The holster can present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device and during its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 51. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle.
An exemplary horizontal positioning device pad 48 can be configured with a width W which is approximately or substantially constant along the length of the device. The horizontal positioning device pad 48 facilitates holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position.
FIG. 6 illustrates a horizontal positioning device 54 as illustrated in FIG. 3 comprising a frame which can have spring type qualities and can be comprised of an exemplary steel spring frame. Pads 28 can be part and parcel with or attached to a frame 56 to hold the horizontal positioning device in proper placement in the shell.
In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 a, a mobile device holster 62 similar to FIG. 1 can be adapted to slip into a garment in order for the mobile device to be readily heard and accessible with one hand.
In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 b, a mobile device holster 62 is provided with a hook and loop material 63 which facilitates placement of the holster in or on a purse or other container for accessibility by the owner.
In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 c, a mobile device holster 64 can be adapted to slip into a garment, purse or other container. One or more clips 65 can be adapted to keep the holster in a location where the mobile device is accessible and readily heard.
In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 d, a decorative mobile device holster 66 can be adapted to facilitate attachment of the holster on a garment. A hook and loop type backing or other attachment mechanism can accommodate this.
In exemplary embodiments of FIG. 7 d-7 f, a mobile device holster 66, 68, 70 can be designed to be children's mobile device carriers which can include a contoured lip 67, 69, 71 that projects upward in the center of the shell front surface, and is a part thereof to provide impact resistance. The lip can increase protection for the portion of the mobile device that extends above the normal confines of the shell and can be gripped during the removal and/or insertion process.
In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 g, a mobile device holster 72 similar to FIG. 3 can be adapted to slip into a garment such as a shirt pocket to facilitate the mobile device being readily accessible with one hand.
FIG. 10 is an exemplary mobile device holster 80 comprising a shell or housing 82 which has a cavity 84 with an opening to accommodate a mobile device which is placed or inserted therein. An exemplary shape for shell 10 can be a split ellipse configuration, wherein the back side of the shell is flat and the front side of the shell is elliptically shaped.
The shell can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes such as rounded, tapered, thinned, radiused, or substantially box shaped with sides substantially vertical, etc. The shell can be substantially thin walled, with external and internal contours adapted for easy insertion into an article of clothing, such as a shirt or jacket pocket and can be comprised or composed of a structurally appropriate material, such as plastic, nylon, leather, cloth, etc.
The shell can be manufactured by mass production techniques or processes such as injection molding, casting, forming by thermal or other means, sonic welding of plastic sheets, adhesive bonding, or other method such as impregnation of leather or cloth with resins to cause the materials to become semi rigid, etc.
The shell can be substantially designed in elongated three-dimensional rectangles shaped to closely fit the mobile device housed therein, or the cavity can be volumetrically larger than the mobile device. For example, the mobile device holster cavity can be 30 to 300% larger in volume than the mobile device.
An exemplary plastic, leather or molded shell of selected sizes can be produced by injection molding or bonding two flat plastic sheets to one another. The back of the shell can be approximately flat with a front that is arched or elliptical to make a cavity for the mobile device which can facilitate the holster being less cumbersome in function and appearance. The shell can be covered or molded using an appropriate material to implement slight adhesion within the pocket or to provide color coordination or customer style preference. The shell can be comprised of water proof or resistant material.
The shell can be decorated through a variety of different techniques. For example, the shell can be painted, coated, wrapped with cloth, festooned, emblazoned, affixed with lettering, corporate symbols, logos, trimmed with baubles, stylized, color coordinated or other decoration technique. It can be clear, opaque, frosted, polished, etc. The shell can be covered in a variety of materials and fabrics or trimmed with soft injection molded rubber or plastic that is appropriate for functional requirements and customer preferences. It can be patterned, printed, festooned or accessorized.
Exemplary mobile device holsters can be placed in a garment, such as a shirt, suit or sport coat pocket, a holding container such as a purse, or attached to an outer garment by spring clips, pins, or hook and loop material. An exemplary mobile device holster can be built into a garment or purse.
An exemplary mobile device holster can be comprised of a specific material or dimensioned such that the mobile device is not shrouded by the holster. The holster can be configured for easy hearing of the sound emitted from the mobile device, such as ring or message tones.
In FIG. 10, an insert 88 can be disposed into the cavity 84 and can provide positional depth or vertical height adjustment device and horizontal adjustment for a mobile device provided therein. Insert 88 can be removable or replaceable to accommodate different shaped mobile devices. An opening 90 is adapted to receive the mobile device and is dimensioned or shaped such that the mobile device rests at the bottom of the opening such that the mobile device can protrude above the opening of the cavity 84 when the mobile device is placed in the shell. Insert 88 can be any material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered, re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened, lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded, shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally, etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can be determined and maintained as preferred by the user. Insert 88 can be provided and disposed within the shell to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device. The horizontal positioning device can be adapted so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur and can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
Insert 88 can be designed or contoured in such a way as to provide a tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile device. This force can be in both the horizontal and/or vertical axis of the holster. Insert 88 can be comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being accidentally released from the holster. It can be comprised of molded components, comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device.
Insert 88 can be configured to have one or more sloped surfaces 92 for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing horizontal positioning devices the opposing curvatures can present a relatively wide opening to the mobile device and wherein the mobile device, during its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 92. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side can be readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces counterbalancing each other.
An exemplary insert 94 can be received within the shell 82 to exert a force on the mobile device. Insert 94 can be any material that can provide support for a mobile device thusly inserted. For example, it can be a material that can be altered, re-positioned, re-inserted, adjusted, raised, lowered, shortened, lengthened, trimmed, cut, reshaped, rearranged, moved, expanded, shrunk, locked or clipped into position, internally or externally, etc., such as a shaped sheet of plastic. The insert provides an adjustment for the positional height of the mobile device carried therein so that an appropriate position for one hand extraction can be determined and maintained as preferred by the user. Insert 94 can be provided and disposed within the shell to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device. The horizontal positioning device can be adapted so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur and can be adapted to keep the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes.
FIG. 11 is an exemplary centering and vertical positioning device for insertion to a mobile device holster shell and facilitates both vertical and horizontal positioning. An exemplary device 100 can be comprised of a metal or plastic frame 102 and have pads 104 attached thereon or part and parcel with the frame 102 that exert a force on the mobile device to hold the device and prevent damage thereto. Exemplary pads can be comprised of soft material such as soft plastic which assists in preventing the mobile device from either twisting away from coaxial alignment with the shell or being unintentionally released from the holster. The horizontal positioning or opening width adjustment system can be provided to facilitate positional side restraint for the mobile device which is adapted to so that tipping, rocking, marginal movements and falling out of the shell does not occur and maintaining the mobile device approximately centered coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the holster or centering the mobile device within the cavity, which can be desirable for, amongst other things, aesthetic purposes. Device 100 can be designed or contoured in such a way to provide a spring or tension type force on one or more sides of the mobile device. Part of this force can be in the horizontal axis of the holster.
Exemplary positioning devices 102 can be comprised of molded components comprised of materials such as nylon, Teflon, urethane, reinforced plastics, or materials of other construction, or combinations thereof which are appropriately adapted to provide adequate strength and versatility for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the mobile device.
The positioning device pads 104 can be configured in shape to have a sloped surface 108 for contacting or engagement with the mobile device. If the holster is configured with two opposing pads 104 the opposing pad curvatures can present a relatively wide opening wherein the mobile device, during its initial insertion contact, can engage a downwardly sloped surface 108. This sloped surface can be combined with a positioning device spring force of a magnitude which facilitates a minimal amount of required downward force to accomplish penetration or insertion of the mobile device into the cavity of the holster. As the mobile device is more deeply inserted, the horizontal positioning device on each side is readily moved aside due to a progressively increasing slope angle, yet the mobile device remains essentially centered during insertion due to the spring forces counterbalancing each other thereby facilitating holding the mobile device in an aligned, upright position and preventing unintentional extraction from the holster.
A positional depth or height adjustment system can be provided as part and parcel to the positioning device 100. The height adjustment system can be comprised of a platform or shelf 112 on which a mobile device is rested on. The platform can have one or more pins 116 which mate with receiving holes 118 provided in the frame 102.
If an exemplary mobile device is placed in the holster and if the owner wants the mobile device to ride higher or lower in the holster, an adjustment can be made by adjusting the height of the height adjustment device by changing which holes 118 the pins 116 are inserted in.
What is described herein is an exemplary mobile device holster having a shell having a top, bottom, front side, back side and cavity provided therein with an opening at the top adapted to receive a mobile device within the cavity; a height adjustment device disposed at the bottom adapted for vertically positioning a mobile device within the cavity; at least one horizontal positioning device disposed within the cavity adapted for applying force for horizontally aligning and applying vertical tension on a mobile device within the cavity. The height adjustment device can be a replaceable insert. The height adjustment device can have a frame; a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile device rests on; and, an adjustment system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf. The height adjustment device can have a frame having a plurality positional holes provided therein; and, a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile device rests on, the shelf having at least one pin for insertion into the positional holes, wherein the position of the attachment of the shelf to the frame is adjustable by changing which of the plurality of positional holes the at least one pin is inserted into. The height adjustment device can have a frame; a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile device rests on; and, an adjustment system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf,
wherein the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs which are part of the frame. The horizontal positioning device can be a pair of opposing springs. The horizontal positioning device can be a pair of opposing springs and wherein at least one of the opposing springs is tapered. The horizontal positioning device can be a pair of opposing springs and wherein at least one of the opposing springs has a substantially constant width. The horizontal positioning device can be a pair of opposing springs and wherein at least one of the opposing springs has a downwardly sloped shaped to facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device into the cavity. The horizontal positioning device can be a tapered spring. The horizontal positioning device can be a spring with a substantially constant width. The horizontal positioning device can be a spring having a downwardly sloped shaped to facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device into the cavity and a surface opposite of the spring which provides a horizontal force on a mobile device opposing the spring and a vertical force to facilitate prevention of vertical movement of a mobile device.
An exemplary mobile device holster can have a shell having a top, bottom, front side, back side and cavity provided therein with an opening at the top adapted to receive a mobile device within the cavity; and a first insert for insertion into the cavity for supporting providing height adjustment of a mobile device, the insert having a pair of opposite downwardly sloped shaped surfaces to facilitate a vertical insertion force on a mobile device and to facilitate vertical and horizontal restraint on the mobile device. The mobile device holster can have a second insert having a downwardly sloped shaped surface for facilitating vertical restraint additional to the first insert. One or both inserts can be removable.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adaptable mobile device holster, comprising:

a shell having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, which together define a cavity with an opening at the top, the cavity being adapted to receive a mobile device;

a height adjustment device disposed at the bottom, the height adjustment device being adapted for vertically positioning a mobile device within the cavity; and

at least one horizontal positioning device disposed within the cavity, the at least one horizontal positioning device being adapted for applying force for horizontally aligning and applying vertical stabilization on a mobile device within the cavity.

2. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the height adjustment device includes a replaceable insert.

3. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the height adjustment device comprises:

a frame;

a shelf for attachment to the frame onto which a mobile device rests on; and

an adjustment system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf.

4. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the height adjustment device comprises:

a frame having a plurality positional holes provided therein; and

a shelf for attachment to the frame upon which a mobile device rests, the shelf having at least one pin for insertion into the positional holes,

wherein the position of the attachment of the shelf to the frame is adjustable by changing which of the plurality of positional holes the at least one pin is inserted into.

5. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the height adjustment device comprises:

a frame;

a shelf for attachment to the frame upon which a mobile device rests; and

an adjustment system for adjusting the attachment position of the shelf.

6. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs.

7. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and wherein at least one of the opposing springs is tapered.

8. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and wherein at least one of the opposing springs has a substantially constant width.

9. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a pair of opposing springs, and wherein at least one of the opposing springs has a downwardly sloped shape to facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device into the cavity.

10. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one horizontal positioning device comprises a spring having a downwardly sloped shape to facilitate a low insertion force for inserting a mobile device into the cavity, and a surface opposite of the spring which provides a horizontal force on a mobile device opposing the spring and a vertical stabilization force to facilitate prevention of vertical movement of a mobile device.

11. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the back side is substantially flat and the front side is substantially elliptical in shape.

12. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment mechanism for attaching the shell to a garment.

13. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the cavity is about 30 to 300 percent larger in volume than the mobile device to be inserted.

14. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the back side and front side are substantially flat.

15. An adjustable mobile device holster comprising:

a shell having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, which together define a cavity with an opening at the top, the cavity being adapted to receive a mobile device; and,

a first insert for insertion into the cavity for providing height adjustment of a mobile device, the insert having a pair of opposite downwardly sloped shaped surfaces to facilitate a vertical insertion force on a mobile device and to facilitate vertical and horizontal restraint on the mobile device.

16. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 15, further comprising a second insert having a downwardly sloped shaped surface for facilitating vertical restraint in addition to vertical restraint provided by the first insert.

17. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 15, wherein the first insert is removable.

18. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 16, wherein the second insert is removable.

19. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface is made from a material that facilitates resistance of removal of the mobile device holster from a pocket.

20. The adaptable mobile device holster of claim 1, further comprising an attachment device disposed on the shell that facilitates resistance of removal of the mobile device holster.