Belt buckle with compartment for portable device

• US 8,056,780 B1
• Filed: 01/08/2008
• Issued: 11/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Judi L. Bruns
• Original Assignee: Judi L. Bruns
• Inventors: Bruns, Judi L.
• Primary Examiner(s): LARSON, JUSTIN MATTHEW
• Application Number:
  US11/970,873
• Time in Patent Office: 1,407 Days
• Field of Search: 224/163, 224/930, 241/63.K, 406/40
• US Class Current: 224/163
• CPC Class Codes: A44B 11/005 Buckles combined with other articles, e.g. with receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 224/93 Attached to animate bearer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/4098 Ornamental and/or object supported

Abstract

Apparatus for securing a compact portable device which includes a viewing screen to a wearer. A base is attachable to a belt and configured to serve as a belt buckle. A panel has a decorative side and a device side, and an attachment for securing the compact portable device to the device side of the panel, with the viewing screen exposed. A swivel joint connects the panel to the base in a manner such that the panel can selectively be oriented, with reference to the base, with the panel and the base generally parallel and the decorative side of the panel visible, with the panel and the base generally parallel and the viewing screen visible, or with the panel extending outwardly and turned for viewing the viewing screen.

Claims

1. Apparatus for securing a compact portable device including a viewing screen to a wearer, said apparatus comprising:

a base attachable to a belt and configured to serve as a belt buckle, said base having a top side and an underside;

a panel having a decorative side and a device side;

an attachment for securing the compact portable device to said device side of said panel, with the viewing screen exposed; and

a swivel joint in the form of a ball and socket connecting said panel to said base in a manner such that said panel can selectively be oriented, with reference to said base, with said panel and said base generally parallel with said device side of said panel facing said top side of said base and said decorative side of said panel visible, or with said panel extending outwardly and turned for viewing the viewing screen.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said swivel joint connects said panel to said base in a manner such that said panel can selectively further be oriented, with reference to said base, with said panel and said base generally parallel with said decorative side of said panel facing said top side of said base and the viewing screen visible.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said device side of said panel has a device-receiving recess within which the device is at least partially received.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said device side of said panel has a device-receiving recess within which the device is at least partially received.

5. Apparatus for securing a compact portable device including a viewing screen to a wearer, said apparatus comprising:

a base attachable to a belt and configured to serve as a belt buckle;

a panel having a decorative side and a device side;

an attachment for securing the compact portable device to said device side of said panel, with the viewing screen exposed; and

a swivel joint in the form of a ball and socket connecting said panel to said base in a manner such that said panel can selectively be oriented, with reference to said base, with said panel and said base generally parallel with said decorative side of said panel facing said top side of said base and the viewing screen visible, or with said panel extending outwardly and turned for viewing the viewing screen.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said device side of said panel has a device-receiving recess within which the device is at least partially received.