Belt clip and locking fastener for selectively securing an electronic device
First Claim
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1. A two-piece fastening apparatus adapted for removable interconnection, comprising:
- a locking portion comprising an upper end, a lower end and lateral edges extending therebetween;
a receiving pocket positioned within said locking portion and comprising at least one outwardly extending lip on a first end and an upper surface having a restricted diameter in at least one location;
a button for selective interconnection into said receiving pocket having;
a) a first surface defined by an edge;
b) a second surface defined by an edge separated by a predetermined distance from said first surface;
c) a bevel extending around a portion of said edge of said first surface, wherein the thickness of said button is reduced; and
d) a locking relief extending around a portion of said edge of said second surface generally opposite said bevel, wherein the thickness of said button is reduced; and
wherein said receiving pocket is sized to receive and secure said button in a first secured position wherein said button cannot be withdrawn from said receiving pocket until said bevel is positioned substantially adjacent to said outwardly extending lip as a result of a rotation of said button.
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Abstract
A selectively lockable fastener is provided that includes a beveled button for removable interconnection to a locking portion based on a rotational movement. The button of one embodiment of the present invention also includes a locking relief, generally a second bevel, for engagement with a cavity of the locking portion. This secondary locking feature reduces the occurrences of unintentional disengagement of the fastener that often occurs as a result of normal wear and tear.
40 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A two-piece fastening apparatus adapted for removable interconnection, comprising:
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a locking portion comprising an upper end, a lower end and lateral edges extending therebetween;
a receiving pocket positioned within said locking portion and comprising at least one outwardly extending lip on a first end and an upper surface having a restricted diameter in at least one location;
a button for selective interconnection into said receiving pocket having;
a) a first surface defined by an edge;
b) a second surface defined by an edge separated by a predetermined distance from said first surface;
c) a bevel extending around a portion of said edge of said first surface, wherein the thickness of said button is reduced; and
d) a locking relief extending around a portion of said edge of said second surface generally opposite said bevel, wherein the thickness of said button is reduced; and
wherein said receiving pocket is sized to receive and secure said button in a first secured position wherein said button cannot be withdrawn from said receiving pocket until said bevel is positioned substantially adjacent to said outwardly extending lip as a result of a rotation of said button. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A fastening apparatus, comprising:
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a locking means;
a receiving pocket integrally positioned within said locking means and comprising a deflectable tab with an engagement means positioned thereon adjacent to an upper surface of said receiving pocket; and
a locking button operably sized to fit in said receiving pocket upon insertion in a first direction, wherein said locking button becomes secured by said engagement means, said locking button further comprising;
a) a beveled edge on an outer surface of said locking button; and
b) a locking relief on an inner surface of said locking button; and
wherein said locking button is selectively released from said receiving pocket by rotating said locking button to an angle distinct from said first direction to facilitate release from said receiving pocket. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for one-handed interconnection and removal of a multi-piece fastening apparatus, comprising:
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providing a button with a first bevel and a locking relief;
providing a locking pocket;
providing an engagement means positioned within said locking pocket that retains said button in said locking pocket when said button is oriented in a first position, and allows said button to be released from said engagement means when said button is rotated at least about 30 degrees from said first position; and
wherein said button is selectively secured and removed from said locking pocket with one hand based on a rotational movement of said button. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A two-piece fastening apparatus adapted for selective interconnection, comprising:
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a first locking portion having;
a) an upper end, a lower end and lateral edges extending therebetween;
b) a receiving pocket positioned within said locking portion and comprising a lip extending along said lower end and along at least a portion of said lateral edges, said receiving pocket also including an opened surface interconnected to said lip to provide a slot; and
c) a locking tab capable of resilient defection about an axis substantially parallel to said lower end, said locking tab having a protrusion with a cavity;
a second locking portion for selective interconnection into said first locking portion having;
a) a cylindrical button with a first surface and a second surface that is separated a predetermined distance from said first surface;
b) a bevel extending around a portion of an edge of said first surface, wherein the thickness of said cylindrical button is reduced;
c) a locking relief extending around a portion of an edge of said second surface, generally opposite said bevel, wherein the thickness of said cylindrical button is reduced; and
d) a stem interconnected to said second surface of said cylindrical button; and
wherein said receiving pocket is sized to receive and secure said cylindrical button such that said locking relief is positioned within said cavity of said protrusion when said first locking portion and said second locking portion are in a first locked position, and wherein said button is withdrawn from said receiving pocket when said first locking portion and said second portion are rotated relative to each other such that said bevel is positioned substantially adjacent to said protrusion of said locking tab.
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Specification