GB2608407A

GB2608407A - Retention device, system and methods

Info

Publication number: GB2608407A
Application number: GB2109444.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Devany David; Harvey Adam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2021-06-30
Publication date: 2023-01-04
Also published as: GB202109444D0

Abstract

The retention device 100 is for use in a retention system (1000, Figure 9) for retaining equipment to be carried about the body of a person. The retention device, for attachment to an item of clothing (10, Figure 1) of the person, includes a body 110 extending in a first direction 112 and a second direction 114, the two directions being perpendicular. A slot 130 extends into the body and is arranged to receive and retain a connection element 200. The slot includes a first slot portion 132, a second slot portion 134, and a third slot portion 136. The second slot portion is provided between the first and third slot portions. The slot defines a loading direction in which the connection element is loadable by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion into the retention device, and an unloading direction in which the connection element is unloadable by movement from the third slot portion to the first slot portion from the retention device. The second slot portion is non-linear to inhibit movement of the connection element in the unloading direction from the third slot portion to the first slot portion, to retain the connection element.

Description

RETENTION DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHODS [0001] The present disclosure relates to a retention device for use in a retention system for retaining equipment to be carried about the body of a person. The present disclosure further relates to a retention system, and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Typically, users of hand-held tools, such as scaffolders and other tradespeople, require frequent and repeated access to their tools. When a tool is not in use, the user must decide what to do with the tool. The user may decide to place the tool on the ground, or upon a working surface. This creates a trip hazard, or a risk of the tool falling from height where the user is working at height.

[0003] Attempts to solve these problems have led to the development of retention devices for use in retaining equipment. One example of a retention device is a tool holster. Tool holsters can be used to retain equipment to allow said equipment to be carried about the body of a person. Many tool holsters are attachable to an item of clothing of the person, such as a belt or tool belt. Various types of tool holsters are commercially available.

[0004] A known tool holster design provides a hook in which to holster a cordless drill. The drill handle rests in the hook, and the base of the drill and the drill motor prevent the drill from being removed from the hook, as a result of the bulk of the drill base and motor. Despite this, the drill handle can be moved relatively freely through the hook. As a result, the drill is not securely held in the holster. Movement of the user, for example from a standing (i.e. upright) position to a prone (i.e. lying horizontally facing downward) or a supine (i.e. lying horizontally facing upward) position, causes the drill to move in the holster. This can result in damage to the drill. Over time, the holster may weaken and break due to the movement of the drill, leading to a risk of the tool being inadvertently released from the holster. Such holsters are also cumbersome.

[0005] A further known tool holster design provides a retention device having a slot comprising a cam mechanism. A connection element is provided on a tool, such as a cordless drill, and the connection element is slid into the slot where it is retained by the cam mechanism, thereby to holster the tool. Operation of the retention device requires dexterity; the user must simultaneously operate the cam mechanism to release the tool from retention and remove the tool from the slot. This can be difficult where the user is using their non-dominant hand. Moreover, failure of the cam mechanism presents a hazard, as the tool may fall from the holster if the user moves from a standing position to a prone or supine position. Such holsters are also more complex and expensive to manufacture as they require a mechanism. The mechanism can also fail.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system and/or method thereof and/or address one or more of the problems discussed above, or discussed elsewhere, or to at least provide an alternative system and/or method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a retention device, retention system and methods as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a retention device for use in a retention system for retaining equipment to be carried about the body of a person, the retention device being for attachment to an item of clothing of the person, the retention device comprising: a body, the body extending in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and second direction being substantially perpendicular; and a slot extending into the body, the slot being arranged to receive and retain a connection element, the slot comprising: a first slot portion; a second slot portion; and a third slot portion, wherein the second slot portion is provided between the first slot portion and the third slot portion; wherein the slot defines: a loading direction in which the connection element is loadable by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion into the retention device; and an unloading direction in which the connection element is unloadable by movement from the third slot portion to the first slot portion from the retention device, wherein the second slot portion is nonlinear, thereby to inhibit movement of the connection element in the unloading direction from the third slot portion to the first slot portion to retain the connection element.

[0009] In one example, the second slot portion has a greater maximum extent in the first direction than the first slot portion.

[0010] In one example, the second slot portion has a greater maximum extent in the second direction than the first slot portion.

[0011] In one example, the second slot portion extends in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0012] In one example, the first slot portion extends substantially in the first direction. [0013] In one example, the third slot portion extends substantially in the second direction.

[0014] In one example, a terminal end portion of the third slot portion extends substantially in the second direction [0015] In one example, the third slot portion has a greater maximum extent in the second direction than the first slot portion and/or second slot portion.

[0016] In one example, in use, the first direction is substantially horizontal, and the second direction is substantially vertical.

[0017] In one example, the first slot portion is arranged to receive the connection element into the slot, preferably wherein the first slot portion extends from a side surface of the body.

[0018] In one example, the first and/or third slot portions are substantially linear, preferably wherein the first and third slot portions are substantially perpendicular, preferably wherein the first slot portion is substantially horizontal and the third slot portion is substantially vertical when the first direction is horizontal and the second direction is vertical.

[0019] In one example, the slot extends through two opposite surfaces of the device, such that the connection element is loadable into the slot at the opposite surfaces of the retention device.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a retention system for retaining equipment to be carried about the body of a person, the retention system comprising: a retention device according to the first aspect; and a connection element for connection to a piece of equipment.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using the retention system of the second aspect, the method comprising: loading the connection element into the retention device by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion, optionally wherein the loading the connection element into the retention device comprises: allowing the connection element to fall under the influence of gravity through the second slot portion and/or the third slot portion.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a retention device comprising: providing: a body, the body extending in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and second direction being substantially perpendicular; and a slot extending into the body, the slot being arranged to receive and retain a connection element, the slot comprising: a first slot portion; a second slot portion between the first slot portion and a third slot portion; and a third slot portion, wherein the slot defines: a loading direction in which the connection element is loadable by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion into the retention device; and an unloading direction in which the connection element is unloadable by movement from the third slot portion to the first slot portion from the retention device, wherein the second slot portion is non-linear, thereby to inhibit movement of the connection element in the unloading direction from the third slot portion to the first slot portion to retain the connection element.

[0023] Features of the first, second, third and fourth aspects may be combined, as necessary or as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a retention device attached to a belt; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a retention device; Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the retention device of Figure 2; Fig. 4 shows a side view of the retention device of Figure 2; Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the retention device of Figure 2; Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the body of the retention device of Figure 2; Fig. 7 shows schematic views of slots provided in the retention device; Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a retention system having a connection element received in the first slot portion of the retention device; Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a retention system having a connection element received in the second slot portion of the retention device; Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a retention system having a connection element received in the third slot portion of the retention device; Fig. 11 shows a method of using a retention system; and Fig. 12 shows a method of manufacturing a retention device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a retention device 100 is shown. The retention device is for use in a retention system for retaining equipment to be carried about the body of a person. The retention device 100 is for attachment to an item of clothing of the person. In this exemplary embodiment, the retention device 100 comprises an attachment element for attachment to an item of clothing. Here, the attachment element is an aperture 102 shaped to receive a belt 10, and through which the belt 10 may be inserted to attach the retention device 100 to the belt 10. The skilled person will appreciate that other forms of attachment elements would be suitable for this purpose, for example clip-type structures. In this exemplary embodiment, the retention device 100 is formed from injection moulded plastic.

[0026] The retention device 100 comprises a body 110 (shown in isolation in Figure 6 to 10, but also shown in detail in Figures 1 to 5). The body 110 extends in a first direction 112. The body 110 also extends in a second direction 114. The first direction 112 and second direction 114 are substantially perpendicular. When the retention device is attached to a user's belt and the user of the retention device is in a standing (i.e. upright) position, the first direction 112 is a substantially horizontal (anterior, or toward the front of the user's body) direction, and the second direction 114 is a substantially vertical (downward) direction. In other words, the body 110 has a first extent along a first axis, which in use is a horizontal axis, and the body 110 has a first extent along a second axis, which in use is a vertical axis. The first direction 112 may be referred to as a "first axis" and the second direction 114 may be referred to as a "second axis", the first axis and second axis being perpendicular axes. Interchangeably, the first direction 112 may be referred to as the "width" of the body 110 and the second direction 114 may be referred to as the "length" of the body 110.

[0027] The body 110 is generally cuboidal. The body 110 has a first surface 116, a second surface 117 and side surfaces 118. The first surface 116 is a front surface -that is, facing away from the user's body when in use. The second surface 117 is a rear surface -that is, facing toward the users body when in use.

[0028] The body 110 is mounted on a base 120. The base 120 comprises a first surface 126, a second surface 127 and side surfaces 128. The first surface 126 is a front surface -that is, facing away from the user's body when in use. The second surface 127 is a rear surface -that is, facing toward the user's body when in use. The body 110 is mounted on the first surface 126 of the base 120. The base 120 is generally cuboidal and is dimensioned similarly to the body 110. In this exemplary embodiment, the base 120 comprises the aforementioned attachment element in the form of an aperture 102 extending through the base 120. The person skilled in the art will nevertheless appreciate that the attachment element may be provided on or in the body 110.

[0029] The retention device 100 comprises a slot 130 extending into the body 110. The slot 130 extends into the body 110 from the first surface 116. That is, the slot 130 extends into the thickness 113 of the body 110. The slot 130 is arranged to receive and retain a connection element 200 (as shown in Figure 6 -8). The slot 130 receiving the connection element 200 means that at least part of the connection element 200 is received in or through the slot 130. The slot 130 retaining the connection element 200 means that at least part of the connection element 200 is retained in the slot 130, by abutment and/or due to shaping of the slot 130 and/or connection element 200, thereby preventing movement of the connection element 200 to some degree or extent.

[0030] The slot 130 extends into the body 110 to a cavity 140 (or opening) in the body 110. Here, the cavity 140 is a channel which is corresponds with the form of the slot 130. As will be described in greater detail herein, the cavity 140 receives a part of the connection element 200.

[0031] In a side profile, such as that shown in Figure 4, the slot 130 and cavity 140 define an opening 142 in the side surface 118 of the body 110. The connection element 200 is inserted into (that is, engaged with) the retention device by moving the connection element 200 through the opening 142 and into the slot 130.

[0032] The slot 130 comprises a first slot portion 132, a second slot portion 134 and a third slot portion 136. The second slot portion 134 is provided between the first slot portion 132 and the third slot portion 136. The first slot portion 132 is substantially linear. The third slot portion 136 is substantially linear. In this exemplary embodiment, the first slot portion 132 and third slot portion 134 are perpendicular. The first slot portion 132 extends in the first direction 112. So, the first slot portion 132 extends in a horizontal direction. The third slot portion 136 extends in the second direction 114. So, the third slot portion extends in a vertical direction.

[0033] The slot 130 defines a loading direction 140. The loading direction 140 is a direction in which the connection element 200 is loadable into the retention device 100. The connection element 200 is loadable by movement from the first slot portion 132 to the third slot portion 136. The loading direction 140 may also be referred to as a "loading path" along which the connection element 200 is loadable into the retention device 100.

[0034] The slot 130 defines an unloading direction 150. The unloading direction 150 is a direction in which the connection element 200 is unloadable from the retention device 100. The connection element 200 is unloadable by movement from the third slot portion 136 to the first slot portion 132. The unloading direction 140 may also be referred to as an "unloading path" along which the connection element 200 is unloadable from the retention device 100. Here, the unloading direction 150 (or unloading path) is opposite to the loading direction 140 (or loading path).

[0035] The second slot portion 134 is non-linear The non-linear second slot portion 134 inhibits movement of the connection element 200 in the unloading direction 150 (or along the unloading path) from the third slot portion 136 to the first slot portion 132. Inhibiting the movement retains the connection element 200. Further detail of the non-linear second slot portion 134 is provided below.

[0036] Referring to Figure 5, the retention device 100 is shown in an exploded view. The body 110 comprises a first body part 110a and a second body part 110b. The first body part 110a is a front (or outer) part. The second body part 110b is a rear (or inner) part. Forming the body 110 from first body part 110a and second body part 110b advantageously simplifies manufacture of the body 110, particularly where injection moulding techniques are employed. The base 120 is also shown. The base 120 is a rearmost (or innermost) part.

[0037] The base 120 comprises a plurality of threaded holes 125. The first body part 110a and the second body part 110b comprise corresponding holes 115, which align such that the holes 115 extend through the thickness of the body 110. Bolts (not shown) are insertable through the holes 115 in the first body part 110a and second body part 110b, and into the holes 125 in the base 125. In this way, the body 110 is attached to, and releasably mounted on, the base 120 [0038] The body 110 is releasable from attachment to the base 120 and can be rotated to provide the opposite body part 110a, 110b as the front (or outer) part. That is, in this exemplary embodiment, rotating (or flipping or reversing) the body 110 over provides the second body part 110b as the front (or outer) part, and the first body part 110a as the rear (or inner) part, which is adjacent to and in contact with the base 120. As shown in the Figures, the slot 130 extends through the opposite first surface 116 and second surface 117. The connection element 200 is thereby loadable into the slot 130 at opposite surfaces of the retention device 100. In this way, and as will be understood from the description which follows, the retention device 100 can thereby be modified for use as a "right-handed" or "left-handed" device, to allow tools to be carried on the right-or left-hand side of the user [0039] The first slot portion 132 extends from a side surface 118 of the body 110. This may also be described as extending from an "edge" of the body 110, or from the opening 142 in the side surface 118 of the body. The first slot portion 132 is arranged to receive the connection element 200 into the slot 130. That is, the first slot portion 132 provides a point of entry (and, here, exit) of the connection element 200 from the slot 130. A groove 160 is formed in a side surface 118 of the body 110. The groove 160 assists in guiding the connection element 200 into the slot 130, specifically into the first slot portion 132.The groove 160 is formed in the same side surface 118 from which the first slot portion 132 extends.

[0040] As mentioned above, the second slot portion 134 is non-linear. As will be explained in greater detail in the description of the loading and unloading of the connection element 200 provided below, the non-linearity of the second slot portion 134 facilitates retention of the connection element 200. Advantageously, the second slot portion 134 being non-linear provides a kink, or change in direction of the slot 130. That is, the second portion does not extend in a single, continuous, straight line. In examples, this is such that in at least one non-vertical orientation of the retention device 100, the non-linear second slot portion 134 inhibits movement of a connection element 200 in the third slot portion 136 to the first slot portion 132.

[0041] The second slot portion 134 is non-linear in that the second slot portion 134 extends in the first direction 112 and second direction 114 in a non-linear manner. As shown in the figures, the second slot portion 134 has a form which extends from substantially parallel to the first direction 112 to substantially parallel to the second direction 114, in the loading direction 140.

[0042] The skilled person will appreciate that the disclosure is not limited to the shape or form of the non-linear second slot portion 134 shown in the figures. Other second slot portion 134 shapes or forms are possible, with varying degrees of effectiveness in inhibiting movement of the connection element 200. Referring to Figures 7(a) -(e), some such possible shapes are shown. All second slot portions 134 are non-linear. Some non-linear slot portions 134 are arcuate -that is, they do not comprise discontinuities, that is, all transitions are smooth. In some examples, the non-linear second slot portion 134 comprises an angle of over 90 degrees. In some examples, the slot 130 forms a "7" shape, or an "S" shape".

[0043] Referring to Figures 8 to 10 a retention system 1000 is shown comprising a retention device 100 and a connection element 200. For avoidance of doubt, in Figure 8 to 10, the base 120 of the retention device 100 is not shown but is as described above.

[0044] The connection element 200 comprises a head 210, a neck 220, and a shaft 230. The head 210 is shaped to correspond with the shape of the cavity 140. In this exemplary embodiment, the cavity 140 has a substantially circular cross section and the head is substantially spherical. In other exemplary embodiments, the head 210 is hemi-spherical or elliptical. The head 210 is dimensioned such that it cannot be extracted from the slot 130 when the connection element 200 is received in the slot 130. The neck 220 projects from the head 210. That is, the connection element 200 is connectable to the retention device to locate the head in the cavtly 140 and the shaft 230 extending through a thickness of the slot 130 to project therefrom. The width of the neck 210 is such that the neck 220 may project through the slot 130. The shaft 230 is a threaded shaft to engage a corresponding threaded hole in a piece of equipment (e.g. a tool), thereby to connect the connection element 200 to the piece of equipment. That is, a cordless drill, impact driver, or other tool comprises a threaded hole and the connection element 200 is engaged with the threaded hole to attach the connection element 200 to the tool. The connection element 200 is thereby firmly attached to the tool and the weight of the tool can be supported by the connection element 200. In other exemplary embodiments, the connection element 200 may be provided on a strap or band, which can be wrapped around or otherwise secured to a piece of equipment. In this way, a threaded hole need not be provided in the piece of equipment. In this way, a variety of tools or other pieces of equipment can be used with the retention system 1000.

[0045] Referring to Figure 8, the connection element 200 is shown inserted into and received in the first slot portion 132. Specifically, the head 210 of the connection element 200 is inserted into the cavity 140 and the neck 220 extends through the first slot portion 132 to provide the shaft 230 projecting away from the first surface 116 of the body 110. To insert the connection element 200 into the first slot portion 132, the connection element 200 is moved through the opening 142 and into the first slot portion 132 and corresponding portion of the cavity 140.

[0046] In use, where the connection element 200 is connected to a tool, the user moves the tool to realise movement of the connection element 200 in the loading direction 140 into and through the slot 130. In the in-use orientation of the retention device 100 as described above, movement through the first slot portion 132 is realised by a horizontal movement of the tool, which ultimately results in a horizontal movement of the connection element 200 through the first slot portion 132.

[0047] Referring to Figure 9, the connection element 200 is shown received in the second slot portion 134. Specifically, the head 210 of the connection element 200 is inserted into the cavity 140 and the neck 220 extends through the second slot portion 134 to provide the shaft 230 projecting away from the first surface 116 of the body 110.

[0048] In use, where the connection element is connected to a tool, the user moves the tool to realise movement of the connection element 200 in the loading direction 140 from the first slot portion 132 to the second slot portion 134 by movement of the tool along the non-linear form of the second slot portion 134. It the in-use orientation of the retention device 100 as described above, movement through the second slot portion 134 is realised by a horizontal and downward movement of the tool, which ultimately results in the same movement of the connection element 200 through the second slot portion 134.

[0049] It will be understood that in the in-use orientation, movement through the second slot portion 134 may be partially gravity assisted or even wholly caused by the influence of gravity.

That is, once the user has moved the connection element 200 to the second slot portion 134, releasing the tool (and thus allowing the connection element to fall freely through the slot 130), the connection element 200 slides through the second slot portion 134 and to the third slot portion 136. This is highly advantageous in ensuring safe holstering of tools, as beyond a certain point in the slot 130, the connection element 200 is biased under the influence of gravity into the slot 130. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 7(c), movement through all slot portions may be gravity assisted or caused by the influence of gravity, which may be due to all slot portions having an extent in the second direction 114 (i.e. downwards).

[0050] Referring to Figure 10, the connection element 200 is shown received in the third slot portion 136. Specifically, the head 210 of the connection element 200 is inserted into the cavity 140 and the neck 220 extends through the third slot portion 136 to provide the shaft 230 projecting away from the first surface 116 of the body 110. Here, the connection element 200 resides at a terminal end portion 137 of the third slot portion 136. The terminal end portion 137 extends substantially in the second direction 114. Thus, the terminal end portion 137 ensures that the connection element 200 is biased in the slot 130 under the influence of gravity when the user is in a standing position.

[0051] With the connection element 200 received and retained in the third slot portion 136, the connection element 200 is not readily removable from the slot 130 by movement of the user. Movement of the user from a standing position to a prone position results in the connection element 200 moving from the third slot portion 136 to the second slot portion 134 along the unloading direction 150 but being unable to exit the slot 130 due to the orientation of the first slot portion 132, which is oriented vertically upwards. That is, the second slot portion 134 defines a local minimum, in which the connection element resides unless a user moves the connection element 200 upward through the first slot portion 132. Movement of the user from a standing position to a supine position results in the connection element 200 moving from the third slot portion 136 to the second slot portion 134 along the unloading direction 150, but being similarly unable to exit the slot 130 due to the curvature of the second slot portion 134 in the first direction 112 defining a vertically upwards slot portion. This may be viewed as the second slot portion 134 defining a "barrier" in this orientation, over which the connection element 200 must be moved against the influence of gravity in order to remove the connection element 200 from the slot 130. It will be appreciated that some benefit of the invention is obtained even where the retention device only operates to inhibit movement when the user is in either a prone or supine position, and the second slot portion 134 may be shaped accordingly. It will be understood that unlike a device comprising a linear slot, the slot 130 having a non-linear slot portion 130 results in removal of the connection element 200 without action of the user being made more difficult. That is, the connection element 200 is highly unlikely to inadvertently be released from the slot 130 without action of the user, due to the non-linear character of the slot 130. The action of the non-linear second slot portion 134 may be described as "biasing" connection element 200 in the slot 130.

[0052] The connection element 200 may be removed from the slot 130 by the user by guiding the connection element along the unloading direction 150 through the third slot portion 136, the non-linear second slot portion 134 and finally through the first slot portion 132. The connection element is brought through the opening 142 and the connection element 200 is released by the retention device 100. It will be understood that in use, the connection element 200 must be moved against gravity in order to cause movement along the unloading direction 150, or at least some of the unloading direction. In this exemplary embodiment, where the user is in a standing orientation, movement along the third slot portion 136 and the second slot portion 134 is against gravity, as those portions have an extent in the second direction (i.e. vertically downwards). In the exemplary embodiment, movement along the first slot portion 132 requires a horizontal force to be provided by the user to remove the connection element 200 from the first slot portion 132 and out through the opening.

[0053] Referring back to Figures 1 to 6, particularly advantageous features of the slot 130 will be described.

[0054] The second slot portion 134 has a greater maximum extent in the first direction 112 than the first slot portion 132. That is, the second slot portion 134 extends further across the width of the body 110 than the first slot portion 132. In accordance with the description above of the movement of the user from a standing position to a prone position, movement of the connection element 200 is inhibited by the second slot portion 134 extending in this direction.

[0055] The second slot portion 134 has a greater maximum extent in the second direction 114 than the first slot portion 132. That is, the second slot portion 134 extends further down the length of the body 110 than the first slot portion 132. In accordance with the description above of the movement of the connection element 200 under the influence of gravity, the second slot portion 134 extending in this way ensures that the connection element 200 is biased into the slot 130. Furthermore, this allows holstering the tool to be simplified, as at least some of the movement of the connection element 200 through the second slot portion 134 is gravity assisted, or may be entirely under the influence of gravity requiring no force from the user.

[0056] The second slot portion 134 extends in a direction opposite to the first direction 112. That is, in some embodiments, the second slot portion 134 extends in the first direction 112 and curves back to extend in a direction opposite to the first direction 112. This will be understood to have benefits in inhibiting movement of the connection element 200 through the second slot portion 134 when the user is in a prone or supine position, as the curvature inhibits movement of the connection element 200 due to a required force to reach the first slot portion 132. That is, the connection element 200 will not be able to reach the first slot portion 132 without the action of the user.

[0057] The first slot portion 132 extends substantially in the first direction 112. In this way, the user holsters the tool by movement in a horizontal direction, which has been found to be intuitive to the user. Moreover, the first slot portion extending substantially in the first direction 112 assists in retaining the connection element 200 as will be understood from the description above.

[0058] The third slot portion 136 extends substantially in the second direction 114. In this way, in moving the connection element 200 through the third slot portion 136, this movement can be gravity assisted, or may be entirely under the influence of gravity requiring no force from the user. Such a construction also aids safety, as in the standing position, the connection element 200 is biased into the third slot portion 136 due to gravity, and so the tool remains securely retained by the retention device 100. It is therefore highly advantageous that the third slot portion 136 has a greater maximum extent in the second direction 114 than the first slot portion 132 and/or second slot portion 134. That is, the third slot portion 136 is lower (i.e. closer to the ground when the user is in a standing position) than the first and second slot portions 132, 134, as this helps to ensure that the connection element 200 returns to the third slot portion 136 even after small displacements of the connection element 200 along the unloading direction 150. Safety and security is thereby improved.

[0059] Referring to Figure 11, a method of using a retention system 1000 is shown. Step 1100 comprises loading the connection element into the retention device by movement of the connection element from the first slot portion to the third slot portion. Optional Step 1110 comprises allowing the connection element to fall under the influence of gravity through the second slot portion and/or the third slot portion. A further step comprises unloading the connection element from the retention device by movement of the connection element from the third slot portion to the first slot portion and out of the opening.

[0060] Referring to Figure 12, a method manufacturing a retention device is shown. Step 1200 comprises providing: a body, the body extending in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and second direction being substantially perpendicular; and a slot extending into the body, the slot being arranged to receive and retain a connection element, the slot comprising: a first slot portion; a second slot portion between the first slot portion and a third slot portion; and a third slot portion, wherein the slot defines: a loading direction in which the connection element is loadable by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion into the retention device; and an unloading direction in which the connection element is unloadable by movement from the third slot portion to the first slot portion from the retention device, wherein the second slot portion is non-linear, thereby to inhibit movement of the connection element in the unloading direction from the third slot portion to the first slot portion to retain the connection element.

[0061] In summary and in simple terms, a retention system 1000 has a connection element 200 which can be connected to a tool. A retention device 100 is attached to the user. The user can engage the connection element 200 with a slot 130 provided in the retention device, and by appropriate movement through the slot 130, the tool can be carried about the body of the user. In a standing position, the connection element 200 is retained in the slot 130, and the tool remains secure. Moving to a prone position, the connection element 200 remains retained in the slot 130, as a non-linear slot portion 134 inhibits movement of the connection element out of the slot 130. Moving to a supine position, the connection element 200 remains retained in the slot 130, as the non-linear slot portion again inhibits movement of the connection element 200 out of the slot. So, the tool remains securely retained in the retention device and thus securely carried about the body of the user. Highly advantageously, the retention device 100 is absent any mechanical means or aspect, such as a cam mechanism. The provision of a non-linear slot portion 134 inhibits movement of the connection element 200 without the need for such a mechanism.

[0062] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0063] The preceding description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0064] The terms and words used in the preceding description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0065] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "front", "rear", "side", "upper", "lower", "over", "under', "inner', "outer" and like terms are used to refer to the apparatus and its components in the orientation in which it is illustrated, which is the orientation in which it is intended to be used but should not be taken as otherwise limiting. Like reference numerals are used to denote like features throughout the figures, which are not to scale.

[0066] Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[0067] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0069] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0070] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A retention device for use in a retention system for retaining equipment to be carried about the body of a person, the retention device being for attachment to an item of clothing of the person, the retention device comprising: a body, the body extending in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and second direction being substantially perpendicular; and a slot extending into the body, the slot being arranged to receive and retain a connection element, the slot comprising: a first slot portion; a second slot portion; and a third slot portion, wherein the second slot portion is provided between the first slot portion and the third slot portion; wherein the slot defines: a loading direction in which the connection element is loadable by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion into the retention device; and an unloading direction in which the connection element is unloadable by movement from the third slot portion to the first slot portion from the retention device, wherein the second slot portion is non-linear, thereby to inhibit movement of the connection element in the unloading direction from the third slot portion to the first slot portion to retain the connection element.
2. A retention device according to claim 1 wherein the second slot portion has a greater maximum extent in the first direction than the first slot portion.
3. A retention device according to either of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second slot portion has a greater maximum extent in the second direction than the first slot portion.
4. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein the second slot portion extends in a direction opposite to the first direction.
5. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein the first slot portion extends substantially in the first direction.
6. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein the third slot portion extends substantially in the second direction.
7. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein a terminal end portion of the third slot portion extends substantially in the second direction
8. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein the third slot portion has a greater maximum extent in the second direction than the first slot portion and/or second slot portion.
9. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein, in use, the first direction is substantially horizontal and the second direction is substantially vertical.
10. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein the first slot portion is arranged to receive the connection element into the slot, preferably wherein the first slot portion extends from a side surface of the body.
11. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and/or third slot portions are substantially linear, preferably wherein the first and third slot portions are substantially perpendicular, preferably wherein the first slot portion is substantially horizontal and the third slot portion is substantially vertical when the first direction is horizontal and the second direction is vertical.
12. A retention device according to any preceding claim wherein the slot extends through two opposite surfaces of the device, such that the connection element is loadable into the slot at the opposite surfaces of the retention device.
13. A retention system for retaining equipment to be carried about the body of a person, the retention system comprising: a retention device according to any preceding claim; and a connection element for connection to a piece of equipment.
14. A method of using the retention system of claim 13, the method comprising: loading the connection element into the retention device by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion, optionally wherein the loading the connection element into the retention device comprises: allowing the connection element to fall under the influence of gravity through the second slot portion and/or the third slot portion.
15. A method of manufacturing a retention device comprising: providing: a body, the body extending in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and second direction being substantially perpendicular; and a slot extending into the body, the slot being arranged to receive and retain a connection element, the slot comprising: a first slot portion; a second slot portion between the first slot portion and a third slot portion; and a third slot portion, wherein the slot defines: a loading direction in which the connection element is loadable by movement from the first slot portion to the third slot portion into the retention device; and an unloading direction in which the connection element is unloadable by movement from the third slot portion to the first slot portion from the retention device, wherein the second slot portion is non-linear, thereby to inhibit movement of the connection element in the unloading direction from the third slot portion to the first slot portion to retain the connection element.