GB2360696A

GB2360696A - Strap mountable holder

Info

Publication number: GB2360696A
Application number: GB0007420A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joe Orenstein
Original assignee: James & Alden PLC
Current assignee: James & Alden PLC
Priority date: 2000-03-27
Filing date: 2000-03-27
Publication date: 2001-10-03
Also published as: GB0007420D0

Abstract

A strap mountable holder 10 for an elongate article 17, such as a mobile phone or electronic organiser, comprises a mounting means attachable to a strap worn by a user, and a holding means which co-operates with the mounting means to mount the longitudinal axis of the article substantially parallel to the ground. The mounting means may be a loop of material or a clip, and may extend at least 25% of the length of the article. The holding means may comprise portions which may be joined by a hook and loop fastener to form a closed loop, and may include resilient portions to aid in the gripping of the article. Further resilient straps may be provided around the ends of the article. The holding means may include a puller tag to assist in releasing the article from the holder.

Description

2360696 STRAP MOUNTABLE HOLDER FOR SLIM ARTICLES The present invention

relates to strap mountable holder for mounting personal electronic devices to a person. For example, the electronic device can comprise mobile telephones, electronic organisers, palm organisers and the like.

The recent expansion in the use of hand held electrical/electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, has lead to many people preferring to carry such devices on their person and particularly carried in such a way that they can have easy access to them. Since these devices are relatively bulky, fragile and expensive there is a need for them to be comfortably and securely retained with a person.

A common method of carrying such electronic devices is within a coat pocket. However, this method of carriage does not allow very quick access to the device and can be uncomfortable.

Mobile phone holders are known that have a case so that they can be clipped to a belt worn by a user whereby the weight of the phone is parallel to the clip. Thus, the mobile phone is held upright with easy access on ringing. However, the mobile phone can lead to discomfort for the wearer when, for example, they choose to bend over. Further, although the weight of the phone is parallel to the clip, there is a danger that bending over or other physical exertions can displace or dislodge the phone from the belt or the holder.

Existing mobile telephone holders take the form of a pouch which is tailored to a specific phone in order to secure that telephone. Thus, this pouch is suited only to one particular 2 make or size. If the user changes telephones or wishes to carry a different device this may require the purchase of a different sized pouch or carrier.

As an alternative, a pouch may be clipped to a handbag strap or to a chest strap of a rucksack. This requires the user to wear either a handbag or rucksack. This method of carriage is slightly more comfortable than the methods described above but even then any upper body movement may result in a twisting action which can cause a device held in the pouch to fall out.

An object of the present invention is to provide a holder for slim articles which improves the comfort for the wearer and holds such devices in a more secure manner.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a strap mountable holder for a slim article, the holder comprising:a mounting means attachable to a strap worn or otherwise supported by a user; and a holding means; wherein the mounting means and the holding means cooperate together to mount a lengthwise axis of the article substantially parallel to the ground.

Preferably, said mounting means has a flexible member formed as a loop through which the strap can be threaded to attach the mounting means to the strap.

Preferably, said loop has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

Preferably, said mounting means has a clip to attach the mounting means to the strap.

Preferably, said clip has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

Preferably, said holding means comprises opposing first and second members securable together to hold the article.

Preferably, said members are securable together by a Velcro (RTM) fastening.

Preferably, said first and second securable members include 15 a resilient portion.

Preferably, said first and second members have a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

Preferably, said first and second members have a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 25 to 100% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

Preferably, said first and second members have a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 30 to 40% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

Preferably, said holding means comprises a band which together with the mounting means forms a closed loop into which said article can be inserted, at least a portion of said band being formed from resilient material whereby a positive hugging force is applied to hold the article. Use of a closed loop reduces the actions required of the wearer. In this respect; an article may simply be slid/pushed into and pulled out of 5 the holder in one movement.

Preferably, said band includes a generally planar portion interposed between two portions of said resilient material.

Preferably, said planar portion comprises a front member located at a position remote from the strap. The front member provides a degree of protection for an article secured within the holder against external knocks. This cover may have the dual function of protecting the keypad and display unit and, prevents keys being pressed accidentally which could lead to battery drainage.

Preferably, a puller is provided on said holding means for a user to pull to thereby stretch said resilient material.

Preferably, said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

Preferably, said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 25 to 100% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

Preferably, said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 30 to 40% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

Preferably, the holding portion further comprises one or more straps of resilient material to extend from opposing edges of said band and generally parallel to said lengthwise axis. These straps act to further secure an article within the 5 holder.

Preferably, said holder comprises a mobile phone holder.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a strap mountable holder for a slim article, the holder comprising:- a mounting means attachable to a strap worn or otherwise supported by a user; and a holding means; wherein said holding means comprises a band which together with the mounting means forms a closed loop into which said article can be inserted, at least a portion of said band being formed from resilient material whereby a positive hugging force is applied to hold the article. 20 The use of resilient material acts to provide a gripping force which ensures that an article is secured within the holder. Further, the flexible nature of the resilient material permits different-sized articles to be gripped by the holder. For example, the holder can accommodate different shapes and sizes of mobile phones, cameras, personal organisers or similar articles.

Preferably, said planar portion comprises a front member located at a position remote from the strap.

- 6 Preferably, a puller is provided on said holding means for a user to pull to thereby stretch said resilient material.

Preferably, the holding portion further comprises one or more straps of resilient material to extend from opposing edges of said band and generally parallel to said lengthwise axis.

Preferably, the mounting means and the holding means cooperate together to mount a lengthwise axis of the article substantially parallel to the ground.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein;- Figure 1 shows an oblique perspective view of one embodiment of a strap mountable holder of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows the holder shown in figure 1 when used with a mobile phone; Figure 4 shows an oblique perspective view of a further embodiment of a strap mountable holder of the present invention; and Figure 5 shows an oblique perspective view of a still further embodiment of a strap mountable holder of the present invention.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a strap mountable holder 10 of a first embodiment of the present invention. The holder 10 has a semi-rigid backpiece 11 having a loop structure 15 so that it can be attached to a belt 16 by threading the belt through the structure as shown in figure 2. A holding means in the form of two sections of elasticated material 12, 121 are attached along a top and bottom edge respectively of the back piece 11 and which terminate in relatively more rigid portions 13, 13'. The rigid portions have attached thereto Velcro 14 (RTM) such that they can be releasably attached to each other. Generally, the backpiece 11 and more rigid portions 13, 131 are made of leather with the elasticated material of the two sections 12, 12' being made of nylon webbing or another suitable material.

Figure 3 illustrates the holder 10 in use. A slim elongate article 17, shown by way of example as a mobile phone, is located against the back piece 11 and the sections 12, 12' and portions 13,13' are wrapped around the waist of the phone and secured together by means of the Velcro 14. The sections 12, 12' and the loop structure are angled so that in combination they mount the mobile phone such that the longitudinal or lengthwise axis of the phone is parallel to the ground when mounted to the belt 16.

Consequently, when a person bends over, the mobile phone does not dig into the person and lies parallel to the bending axis of the body. This improves the comfort for the user and moreover by reducing the interaction between the body and the mobile phone reduces the likelihood that the mobile phone will be dislodged from the holder. Thus, the mobile phone is more securely held.

It will be appreciated that the loop structure 15 can be replaced by a known resilient clip. In addition, the relative angles of the positioning of the sections 12, 12' and the loop structure 15 are selected so that the phone is parallel to the ground. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to a holder for the strap of a bag subject to the mounting means and holding means cooperating together to mount the mobile phone with the lengthwise axis thereof substantially parallel to the ground.

In this respect, the present invention refers to articles which are slim. This term includes articles where the length of the longitudinal axis is at least twice the length of the transverse axis.

In view of the nature of the slim articles to be held by the holder of the present invention, the width of the loop structure 15 or an equivalent clip is selected to be at least 25% of the length of the article. It has been found that if the length is less than this, the lengthwise torque of the article on the structure can lead to instability in the attachment to the strap. Moreover, it has been found that with the present embodiment, the width dimension of the sections 12, 12' in the lengthwise of the article should be in the range of 25 to 100% of the perimeter around a cross section of the phone at the held position, i. e. the waist at the position of the phone that is held. In this way, the phone can be reliably and securely held. A range of 30 to 40% has been found to be optimum.

Figure 4 illustrates a strap mountable holder 20 of a second embodiment of the present invention. The holder 20 comprises a mounting means the same as that shown in figures 1 and 2 and the alternative clip structure mentioned above. This is attached to a back portion generally identified by the reference numeral 21. The holder illustrated in Figure 4 has a band of material comprising two pieces of elasticated material 22 fixed to the back portion 21 with a connecting portion 23 interposed there between which is made of a suitable material such as leather. Thus, a closed loop is defined by the back portion 21 and the material 22 and the connecting portion 23.

In use, a mobile phone (not shown) is inserted into the aforesaid closed loop and the dimensions of the closed loop are selected such that when the phone is inserted into the closed loop and positive hugging force is applied to the phone so that the phone is positively gripped and can not simply slip out. Accordingly, by use of one hand only, the mobile phone can be inserted or removed from this closed loop whilst the phone is securely held therein. This is particularly useful when the lengthwise axis of the article, the phone, is not parallel to the ground.

It has been found that the width dimension of the elasticated material 22 in the lengthwise axis direction of the article should be in the range of 25 to 100% of the perimeter around a cross section of the phone at the held position, i.e. the waist at the position of the phone that is held. In this way, the phone can be reliably and securely held. A range of 30 to 40% has been found to be optimum.

Figure 5 illustrates a strap mountable holder 30 of a third embodiment of the present invention. The holder 30 is similar to the holder of Figure 4 and comprises a mounting means the same as that shown in figures 1 and 2 and the alternative clip structure mentioned above. This is attached to a back portion generally identified by the reference numeral 31. The holder illustrated in Figure 5 has a band of material comprising two pieces of elasticated material 32 fixed to the back portion 31 with a connecting portion 33 interposed there between which is made of a suitable material such as leather. Thus, a closed loop is def ined by the back portion 31 and the material 32 and the connecting portion 33. A pair of elasticated straps 34 are provided on opposing sides of the material 32. In addition, a loop of material 35 as a puller is attached to the connecting portion 33.

In use, a mobile phone (not shown) is inserted into the aforesaid closed loop and between the straps 34. The dimensions of the closed loop and straps are selected such that when the phone is inserted into the closed loop and positive hugging force is applied to the phone on each edge so that the phone is positively gripped and is held even more securely than in the embodiment of figure 4. This is particularly useful when the lengthwise axis of the article, the phone, is not parallel to the ground and the user is traversing rugged ground. The puller 35, which can be applied to the embodiment of figure 4, assists with the removal of the phone from the holder.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can take 5 many configurations, the detailed embodiments of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. By way of example only, in the embodiment of the holder illustrated in figure 5, the back piece 31 has a lengthwise dimension of around 50 mm and a dimension transverse thereto of approximately 80 mm. Similarly, the lengthwise widths of the connecting member 33 and the elasticated portions are 50mm, with the transverse dimension of the connecting member being of the order of 40 mm. The transverse dimension of the elasticated straps 34 is of the order of 25 mm.

Whilst the present invention has been specifically described with reference to mobile phones, it will be appreciated that the holder can be used for holding personal organisers and other similar personal electronic equipment. The holder offers a solution to holding such articles which is simple, cost effective to produce, and can be applied in many situations. Moreover, the term strap includes at least a belt or strap of an article which is carried by a person in use.

Claims

1 A strap mountable holder for a slim article, the holder comprising:

a mounting means attachable to a strap worn or otherwise supported by a user; and a holding means; wherein the mounting means and the holding means cooperate together to mount a lengthwise axis of the article substantially parallel to the ground.

2. A holder according to claim 1 wherein said mounting means has a flexible member formed as a loop through which the strap can be threaded to attach the mounting means to the strap.

3. A holder according to claim 2 wherein said loop has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25 % of the length of the article.

4. A holder according to claim 1 wherein said mounting means has a clip to attach the mounting means to the strap.

5. A holder according to claim 4 wherein said clip has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

6. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein said holding means comprises opposing first and second members securable together to hold the article.

7. A holder according to claim 6 wherein said members are securable together by a Velcro (RTM) fastening.

8. A holder according to claim 6 wherein said first and second securable members include a resilient portion.

9. A holder according to claim 6 or 7 wherein said first and second members have a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

10. A holder according to claim 6 or 7 wherein said first and second members have a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 25 to 100% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

11. A holder according to claim 10 wherein said first and second members have a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 30 to 40% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position. 20

12. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said holding means comprises a band which together with the mounting means forms a closed loop into which said article can be inserted, at least a portion of said band being formed from resilient material whereby a positive hugging force is applied to hold the article.

13. A holder according to claim 12 wherein said band includes a generally planar portion interposed between two portions of said resilient material.

14. A holder according to claim 13 wherein said planar portion comprises a front member located at a position remote 14 from the strap.

15. A holder according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein a puller is provided on said holding means for a user 5 to pull to thereby stretch said resilient material.

16. A holder according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

17. A holder according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 25 to 100% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

18. A holder according to claim 17 wherein said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 30 to 40% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

19. A holder according to any one of claims 12 to 18 wherein the holding portion further comprises one or more straps of resilient material to extend from opposing edges of said band and generally parallel to said lengthwise axis.

20. A holder according to any preceding claim comprising a mobile phone holder.

21. A strap mountable holder for a slim article, the holder comprising:- a mounting means attachable to a strap worn or otherwise supported by a user; and a holding means; wherein said holding means comprises a band which together with the mounting means forms a closed loop into which said article can be inserted, at least a portion of said band being formed from resilient material whereby a positive hugging force is applied to hold the article.

22. A holder according to claim 21 wherein said band includes a generally planar portion interposed between two portions of said resilient material.

23. A holder according to claim 22 wherein said planar portion comprises a front member located at a position remote from the strap.

24. A holder according to any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein a puller is provided on said holding means for a user to pull to thereby stretch said resilient material.

25. A holder according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is at least 25% of the length of the article.

26. A holder according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 25 to 100% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

27. A holder according to claim 26 wherein said band has a width dimension in said lengthwise axis direction which is in the range of 30 to 40% of the perimeter around a cross section of the article at the held position.

28. A holder according to any one of claims 21 to 27 wherein the holding portion further comprises one or more straps of resilient material to extend from opposing edges of said band and generally parallel to said lengthwise axis.

29. A holder according to any preceding claim 10 comprising a mobile phone holder.

30. A holder according to claims 20 to 28 wherein the mounting means and the holding means cooperate together to mount a lengthwise axis of the article substantially parallel 15 to the ground.

31. A strap mountable holder for a slim article substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.