Removable retaining clip assembly

• US 6,405,910 B1
• Filed: 03/06/2001
• Issued: 06/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Research In Motion Limited (Blackberry Limited)
• Inventors: Infanti, James C., Griffin, Jason
• Primary Examiner(s): Garbe, Stephen P.
• Application Number:
  US09/799,649
• Time in Patent Office: 469 Days
• Field of Search: 224/668, 224/269, 224/912, 224/930, 224/669, 224/271, 224/272, 24/37, 24/38, 24/39, 361/814, 455/100
• US Class Current: 224/668
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0516 Portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/02 Fastening articles to the garment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 224/93 Attached to animate bearer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/1382 Receptacle type holder

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for use with a handheld device. The apparatus includes a panel configured to provide support for the handheld device, defining an aperture and having a mating structure located in the aperture. The apparatus further includes a clip assembly operative to engage an article of clothing and configured to releasably attach to the mating structure, and thereby to impart a first configuration to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a replacement insert configured to releaseably attach to the mating structure in place of the clip assembly, and thereby to impart a second configuration to the apparatus.

Claims

1. A method for use with a handheld device of attaching a clip assembly to a panel comprising:

a) providing a clip assembly having a recess, and the recess having a tab;

b) providing a panel defining an aperture, and having a tongue located in the aperture and having a slot configured to mate with the tab; and

c) directing the clip assembly into the aperture so that the tongue mates with the recess and the tab mates with the slot, thereby to attach the clip assembly to the panel.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising providing a ridge inside the aperture and side grooves on the clip assembly and directing the ridge into the side grooves simultaneously.

3. A method for use with a handheld device for detaching a clip assembly from a panel having an aperture, comprising:

a) providing a clip assembly having a recess and a panel having an aperture with a tongue located in the aperture, the tongue having a slot and the recess having a tab, the clip assembly being mated to the aperture, the tongue being mated with the recess and the tab being mated with the slot, thereby to secure the clip assembly to the panel;

b) directing the tongue away from the recess, thereby to disengage the slot from the tab; and

c) directing the clip assembly out of the aperture, thereby to detach the clip assembly from the panel.

4. A method for use with a handheld device for attaching a replacement insert to a panel having an aperture, comprising:

a) providing a replacement insert having a recess and a panel having an aperture with a tongue located in the aperture, the tongue having a slot and the recess having a tab; and

b) directing the replacement insert into the aperture so that the tongue mates with the recess and the tab mates with the slot, thereby attaching the replacement insert to the panel.

5. A method as defined in claim 4 further comprising providing a ridge inside the aperture and side grooves on the replacement insert and directing the ridge into the side grooves simultaneously.

6. A method for use with a handheld device for detaching a replacement insert from a panel having an aperture, comprising:

a) providing a replacement insert having a recess, and a panel having an aperture with a tongue located in the aperture, the tongue having a slot and the recess having a tab, the replacement insert being mated to the aperture, the tongue being mated with the recess and the tab being mated with the slot, thereby to secure the replacement insert to the panel;

b) directing the tongue away from the recess, thereby to disengage the slot from the tab; and

c) directing the replacement insert out of the aperture, thereby to detach the replacement insert from the panel.

7. A support assembly for a handheld device comprising:

a clip assembly comprising a base portion having a recess defined therein, with a tab positioned in the recess; and

a panel having an aperture with a tongue positioned in the aperture, the tongue having a slot for mating with the tab,

wherein the clip assembly is coupled to the panel by positioning the tongue in the recess such that the tab mates with the slot.

8. The support assembly of claim 7, wherein the tongue is rectangular and the slot in the tongue is rectangular, and the tab extends outwardly from a surface of the recess and is rectangular.

9. The support assembly of claim 7, further comprising a clip coupled to the base portion of the clip assembly.

10. The support assembly of claim 7, wherein the clip is elongated and is coupled to the base portion by a spring.

11. The support assembly of claim 9, wherein the clip is coupled to the rear side of the base portion opposite the recess side.

12. The support assembly of claim 9, wherein the base portion includes two protrusions on the rear side of the base portion, said protrusions including openings, and said clip includes two posts for mating with the openings in the protrusions to attach the clip to the base portion.

13. The support assembly of claim 7, wherein the panel comprises a narrowed portion around the periphery of the aperture and the clip assembly base portion includes a groove position around at least a portion of the outer periphery thereof, said groove configured to mate with the narrowed portion of the panel to seat the clip assembly base portion on the panel.

14. The support assembly of claim 7, further comprising a pair of crimps, each of which is mounted to one side of the panel around the edge of the aperture, said crimps having a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the aperture.

15. The support assembly of claim 14, wherein the crimps are mounted to the panel over the base portion of the clip assembly.