US20230263291A1

US20230263291A1 - Retention device and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20230263291A1
Application number: US18/113,170
Authority: US
Inventors: Damon Macdonald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-02-24
Filing date: 2023-02-23
Publication date: 2023-08-24
Also published as: AU2023201016A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a retention assembly and method of use thereof for releasably retaining objects relative to articles of clothing and/or straps of material, especially for use with releasably retaining objects relative to pockets. In one form, the retention assembly includes: a retention tag operatively associated with the object; and a retention device. The retention device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface; a clip operatively associated with the first surface of the body for mounting the body to an article of clothing or a strip of material; and at least one magnetic mount operatively associated with the second surface of the body and configured to magnetically mount the retention tag relative to the body for releasably retaining the object relative to the retention device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a retention device and method of use thereof for releasably retaining objects relative to articles of clothing and/or straps of material, especially for use with releasably retaining objects relative to pockets.

BACKGROUND

It is a frequent problem for personal items, such as, e.g., mobile telephones, wallets, purses and keys, to fall out of an individual's pocket, particularly when the individual is sitting for a prolonged time or actively moving.
The loss of such personal items can be stressful and arduous, particularly when the personal item is a mobile phone, key, wallet or purse.
For example, when the lost personal item is a key, a replacement key may need to be obtained and/or a corresponding lock may need to be re-keyed.
Conversely, when the personal item is a wallet or purse, identity, bank and/or credit cards may need to be cancelled and/or replaced.
Moreover, when the personal item is a mobile telephone, the falling of the telephone out of a pocket often leads to damage to the mobile telephone. For example, it is common for the screens of such mobile telephones to crack when dropped on a solid surface. As such, the simple accident of a mobile telephone falling out of a pocket of an individual, may lead to an expensive repair bill.
Mobile telephone belt carriers and similar mounts are known. Such carriers typically include a pouch for containing the mobile telephone and a clip for attachment to a belt. However, such carriers are limited in their use and cumbersome to use. For example, such carriers are typically limited to particularly shaped telephones and for use with a belt and require a user to free the mobile telephone from the pouch when accessing the mobile telephone.
Additional, and more recently, magnetic mounts have become popular, such as, e.g., Apple's MagSafe™ mount accessories. However, such mounts are limited in use to Apple iPhones™ having integrated magnets and are therefore not intended for use with other items. Further, such magnetic mounts are not intended for retaining such personal items relative to an individual.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a retention device, assembly and method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retention device for releasably retaining an object relative to the retention device, said device including:
a body having a first surface and a second surface;
a clip operatively associated with the first surface of the body for mounting the body to an article of clothing or a strip of material; and
at least one magnetic mount operatively associated with the second surface of the body and configured to magnetically mount the object relative to the body for releasably retaining the object relative to the retention device.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retention assembly for releasably retaining at least one object, said assembly including:
at least one retention tag operatively associated with the at least one object; and
a retention device including:

- a body having a first surface and a second surface;
- a clip operatively associated with the first surface of the body for mounting the body to an article of clothing or a strip of material; and
- at least one magnetic mount operatively associated with the second surface of the body and configured to magnetically mount the at least one retention tag relative to the body for releasably retaining the at least one object relative to the retention device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pocket retention assembly for releasably retaining at least one object relative to a pocket, said assembly including:
at least one retention tag operatively associated with the at least one object; and
a retention device including:

- a body having a first surface and a second surface;
- a clip operatively associated with the first surface of the body for mounting the body to at least an edge of the pocket; and
- at least one magnetic mount operatively associated with the second surface of the body and configured to magnetically mount the at least one retention tag relative to the body for releasably retaining the at least one object relative to the retention device.

Advantageously, the retention assembly of the present invention provides a convenient and reliable means for releasably retaining personal items in an individual's pockets. Unlike existing mounts, the assembly is capable of being used with a wide range of personal items. Indeed, a single retention device may be used with a plurality of retention tags associated with a range of personal items, such as, e.g., a mobile telephone, a set of keys or a wallet.
As indicated, the retention device and/or assembly of the present invention is for use with an article of clothing or strip of material, especially a pocket of an article of clothing. It will therefore be convenient to hereinafter describe the retention device and/or assembly with reference to this preferred example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the retention device and/or assembly is capable of broader applications and may be used to retain an object relative to another object that the retention device may be mounted relative thereto, such as, e.g., a belt or a strap of a bag, satchel or bumbag.
As indicated, the retention device is for use with an article of clothing or strip of material.
The article of clothing may include any garment for personal ware. The article of clothing may include a fabric body or part thereof having at least one edge portion, such as, e.g., a sleeve, a hem, a cuff, a placket, an opening, a collar or a pocket.
The strip of material may include a strap, belt or the like formed from fabric, leather, plastic or metal material or materials.
In preferred embodiments, the retention device may be for use with a pocket of a garment, preferably an inside of the pocket of the garment.
As used herein, the term “object” may refer to any personal item ordinarily carried in a pocket of an individual. The object may include a key or set of keys, a mobile telephone, a tablet, a wallet, a purse, a card holder, a money clip, a cheque book, an e-reader, an ear phone holder/case or the like. Typically, the object may include a mobile telephone, a wallet or a key or set of keys, preferably a mobile telephone.
The retention tag may be of any suitable size, shape and form to be magnetically attracted to the at least one magnetic mount and may be associated with the object in any suitable way.
Generally, the retention tag may be formed from material or materials configured to be magnetically attracted to the at least one magnetic mount. Typically, the retention tag may be formed from one or more ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic metals, such as, e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt and some alloys of rare earth metals.
In some embodiments, the retention tag may include one or more magnets, such as, e.g., permanent magnets, rare earth magnets and neodymium magnets. Usually, in such embodiments, the one or more magnets forming the retention tag or part thereof may be arranged so as to be in a state of attraction with the at least one magnetic mount.
Suitably, the retention tag may be of a size and shape to complement the at least one magnetic mount.
In some embodiments, the retention tag may have a substantially planar body.
The body may be in the shape of a circle, oval, triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon, preferably circular.
The planar body may be defined by a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to each other and interconnected by opposing edges.
The opposed surfaces may include a mounting surface and an opposed non-mounting surface.
The opposing edges may include at least one edge.
The retention tag may preferably be fastened to the object.
In some embodiments, the planar body of the retention tag may be fastened to the object with one or more fasteners, such as, e.g., one or more chemical fasteners.
In some such embodiments, the one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double sided adhesive tape extending between the object and the non-mounting surface of the planar body of the retention tag.
In other embodiments, the planar body of the retention tag may be fastened to the object by a connecting mechanism or part thereof. The connecting mechanism or part thereof may be of integral formation with the planar body of the retention tag.
The connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the planar body and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the object.
The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female formations that couple together, such as, e.g., an interference (snap-fit) type connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.
In some such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the non-mounting surface of the planar body may include a male formation configured to be at least partially inserted into, or coupled with, a female formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with a corresponding part or portion of the object.
Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the non-mounting surface of the planar body of the retention tag may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive, or be coupled with, a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with a corresponding part or portion of the object.
In other embodiments, the retention tag may be fastened to the object by a hook-and-loop fastening system including at least one hook fastener portion and at least one loop fastener portion configured to be fastened together.
The hook-and-loop fastener system may include one of the hook fastener portion and the loop fastener portion associated with the non-mounting surface of the planar body of the retention tag and the other of the hook fastener portion and the loop fastener portion associated with a corresponding part or portion of the object.
In other embodiments, the retention tag may be fastened to the object by way of a loop, strap, band or ring. In such embodiments, the loop, strap, band or ring may extend through an opening defined in the planar body of the retention tag and may be fastened to or about the object.
As indicated, the retention device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface. The body may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.
Typically, the body may be substantially planar. The first and second surfaces may preferably be opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to each other. The opposed surfaces may be interconnected by opposing walls.
The body may be circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal in shape, for example.
In preferred embodiments, the body may have a substantially rectangular shape defined by the first surface and the opposed second surface interconnected by the opposing walls. The opposing walls may include a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending longitudinally between the opposed end walls. The opposed end walls may include an upper end wall and an opposed lower end wall.
The body may include rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls and end walls. Similarly, the body may include rounded edges between the opposed surfaces and adjacent walls.
Generally, the body may have a substantially rigid structure. Typically, the body may be formed from metal and/or plastics material or materials, preferably plastic material or materials.
The body may have any suitable length as defined between the opposed end walls. For example, the body may have a length of about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100 mm, about 110 mm, about 120 mm, about 130 mm, about 140 mm, about 150 mm, about 160 mm, about 170 mm, about 180 mm, about 190 mm, or about 200 mm or more. Typically, the body may have a length of between about 70 mm and about 150 mm.
Likewise, the body may have any suitable width as defined between the opposed sidewalls. For example, the body may have a width of about 20 mm, about 30 mm, about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm or about 100 mm or more. Typically, the body may have a width of between about 40 mm and about 80 mm.
Furthermore, the body may have any suitable thickness as defined between the first surface and the opposed second surface. For example, the body may have a thickness of about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm or about 20 mm or more. Typically, the body may have a thickness of between about 10 mm and about 15 mm.
As indicated, the retention device further includes a clip associated with the first surface of the body for mounting the body to an article of clothing or a strip of material, preferably to at least an edge of a pocket, more preferably to at least an edge of an inside of a pocket.
The clip may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. The clip and the body may be of unitary or separate construction.
Typically, the clip may include a proximal end, an opposed distal end and an elongate body extending therebetween, preferably in a curved orientation such that at least the distal end is biased towards the first surface of the body to thereby clamp the article of clothing or strip of material received therebetween.
The proximal end may preferably extend from the first surface of body at a location at or near the upper end wall. The distal end may extend at least along the first surface at least partially towards the lower end wall.
In some embodiments, the elongate body may curve out and away from the proximal end towards the distal end so as to function as a biasing member for biasing the distal end towards the first surface of the body. In preferred such embodiments, a curvature of a proximal portion of the elongate body may function as the biasing member. In such embodiments, the sliding of an edge of the article of clothing or strip of material beneath the distal end may cause the distal end to move away from the first surface against a biasing force of the elongate body.
In other embodiments, the distal end of the clip may include a protruding lip configured to protrude at least partially towards the first surface of the body, and preferably abut with the first surface. The protruding lip may function as a retaining member for at least partially retaining an edge of the article of clothing or strip of material received between the first surface of the body and the elongate body of the clip.
In some embodiments, the body may further include a recessed portion defined on the first surface at least immediately beneath the distal end of the clip, preferably beneath the distal end and at least partially extending towards the proximal end of the clip. In such embodiments, at least the distal end of the clip may preferably at least partially protrude into the recessed portion.
The recessed portion may be any suitable size and shape.
Typically, the recessed portion may be shaped to match the overextending or overlying clip. For example, when the clip is rectangular, the recessed portion may also be rectangular.
In some such embodiments, the recessed portion may include a shallow depression defined on the first surface of the body at least immediately beneath the distal end of the clip, preferably beneath the distal end and at least partially extending towards the proximal end of the clip.
In other such embodiments, the recessed portion may extend entirely through the body (i.e., a cut out through both the first and opposed second surfaces). The recessed portion, or cut out, may extend from immediately beneath the distal end of the clip at least partially towards the proximal end of the clip.
Advantageously, the recessed portion may enhance a clamping effect of the clip by enabling the clip to extend past the first surface of the body and thereby provide a greater clamping force.
As indicated, the retention device includes at least one magnetic mount operatively associated with the second surface of the body.
The at least one magnetic mount may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be associated with the second surface in any suitable way so as to magnetically attract the object, optionally via the retention tag.
Typically, the at least one magnetic mount may include one or more magnetic elements associated with the second surface and configured to create a magnetic field for mounting the object to the retention device, preferably via the retention tag.
The one or more magnetic elements may be capable of producing a substantially uniform magnetic field.
In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic elements may be permanent magnets.
The magnets may be of any suitable size and shape and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the one or more magnets may be formed from a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, a composite material with magnetic powder, a ceramic or ferrite magnet, an alnico magnet or a rare-earth magnet (e.g., a samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron magnet). The one or more magnets may be formed from neodymium alloy.
The one or more magnetic elements may be located on the second surface of the body, typically at or near the lower end wall.
In some embodiments, the second surface of the body may include a recessed portion for at least partially receiving the one or more magnetic elements forming the at least one magnetic mount.
The recessed portion may be centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the body at or near the lower end wall. In preferred such embodiments, the recessed portion may be sized and shaped to entirely receive the one or more magnetic elements such that the one or more magnetic elements sit flush or slightly recessed relative to the second surface.
In other embodiments, the body may include a protruding portion protruding from the first surface of the body at or near the lower end wall for enclosing the one or more magnetic elements forming the at least one magnetic mount, preferably such that the at least one magnetic mount may lie flush with the opposed second surface of the body.
Again, the protruding portion may be centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the body at or near the lower end wall. The protruding portion may be sized and shaped to entirely enclose the one or more magnetic elements.
Typically, the protruding portion may have a cuboidal shape.
The at least one magnetic mount may include any suitable number of magnetic elements. For example, the at least one magnetic mount may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or 10 or more magnetic elements. Preferably, the mount may include a plurality of magnetic elements.
The magnetic elements may be arranged in any suitable arrangement within the recessed portion. For example, the magnetic elements may be arranged to form any suitable shape, such as, e.g., a ring, a circle, a rectangle, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon or a line. Usually, the elements may be arranged in an aligned arrangement, preferably in an array.
In some embodiments, the recessed or protruding portion may be shaped to define the shaped arrangement of the magnetic elements, e.g., circular, rectangular or ring-shaped.
Each magnetic element of the at least one magnetic mount may be associated with the body of the device in any suitable way.
In some embodiments, each magnetic element may be fastened to the body with one or more fasteners, such as, e.g., one or more chemical fasteners.
In such embodiments, the one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double sided adhesive tape extending between a base surface of the recessed portion of the body and each magnetic element.
In some embodiments, the retention device may further include a coating configured to enclose the magnetic elements within the recessed or protruding portion. In some such embodiments, the coating may only coat the recessed or protruding portion for enclosing the magnetic elements therein. In other such embodiments, the coating may enclose the entire body. Suitably, the coating may snugly enclose the elements so that they are fixed in position within the recessed or protruding portion.
The coating may be formed from any suitable material, such as, e.g., fabric, plastic, leather or rubber material or materials, preferably a silicone material.
The coating may be provided in varying colours to make the retention device aesthetically pleasing.
In some embodiments, the at least one magnetic mount may simultaneously mount more than one retention tag at a time. For example, in such embodiments, a single retention device may be simultaneously used to releasably secure multiple personal items via each personal item's associated retention tag, e.g., a wallet and a set of keys.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting an object relative to an article of clothing or strip of material, said method including:
providing a retention device in accordance with any one of the first to third aspects mounted to the article of clothing or strip of material;
aligning the object relative to the at least one magnetic mount of the retention device; and
bringing the object into proximity with the at least one magnetic mount such that the object is magnetically mounted to the at least one magnetic mount and releasably retained relative thereto.
The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the retention device as hereinbefore described.
Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.
The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a pocket retention assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded siew view of a retention device of the assembly as shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show assembly of the retention device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

FIG. 4 is an environmental view showing the pocket retention assembly as shown in FIG. 1 being used to retain a mobile telephone within a pocket;

FIG. 5 is an environmental view showing the pocket retention assembly as shown in FIG. 1 being used to retain a set of keys within a pocket;

FIG. 6 is an environmental view showing the pocket retention assembly as shown in FIG. 1 being used to retain a wallet within a pocket;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a retention device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a section side view of the device as shown in FIG. 7 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B show a pocket retention assembly (100) and parts thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention for releasably retaining an object (shown as a mobile telephone (700) in FIG. 1 ) relative to a pocket (600; not shown).
FIGS. 4 to 6 show different applications of the pocket retention assembly (100) in releasably retaining a mobile phone (700), a set of keys (800) and a wallet (900) relative to a pocket (600).
Referring to FIG. 1 , the pocket retention assembly (100) is for use with a pocket (600; not shown) of a clothing article for releasably retaining personal items, such as, e.g., a mobile telephone (700), relative to the pocket (600; not shown) and preventing the mobile telephone (700) inadvertently falling out of the pocket (600; not shown) and being damaged or worse yet lost.
The assembly (100) includes a retention tag (110) operatively associated with the object being the mobile telephone (700) and a retention device (120) configured to be attached to the pocket (600; not shown).
The retention device (120) includes: a body (130) having a first surface (132) and an opposed second surface (134); a clip (140) operatively associated with the first surface (132) of the body (130) for mounting the body (130) to an edge of the pocket (600; not shown); and a magnetic mount (150) operatively associated with the second surface (134) of the body (130) and configured to magnetically mount the retention tag (110) relative to the body (130) for releasably retaining the object relative to the retention device (120).
The retention tag (110) is formed from metal and configured to be magnetically attracted to the magnetic mount (150). Typically, the retention tag (110) is formed from one or more ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic metals, such as, e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt and some alloys of rare earth metals.
Likewise, the retention tag (110) is sized and shaped to complement the magnetic mount (150). The retention tag (110) has a substantially planar body (112).
The body (112) is in the shape of a circular disc defined by a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to each other and interconnected by an edge.
The opposed surfaces include a mounting surface (114) and an opposed non-mounting surface (116).
As shown, the planar body (112) of the retention tag (110) is fastened via its non-mounting surface (116) to a rear surface of the mobile telephone (700) such that the mobile telephone (700) can be releasably mounted to the retention device (120).
The planar body (112) is fastened by one or more chemical fasteners, such as, e.g., wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double sided adhesive tape extending between the mobile telephone (700) and the non-mounting surface (116) of the planar body (112) of the retention tag (110).
As indicated, the retention device (120) includes a body (130) having a first surface (132) and an opposed second surface (134).
The body (130) is substantially planar having a substantially rectangular shape.
The first and second surfaces (132, 134) extend substantially parallel to each other.
The opposed surfaces (132, 134) are interconnected by opposing walls, including a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed sidewalls (135) extending longitudinally between the opposed end walls. The opposed end walls include an upper end wall (136) and an opposed lower end wall (138).
The body (130) further includes rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls (135) and end walls (136, 138) so as to comfortably fit within the pocket (600; not shown). Similarly, the body (130) includes rounded edges between the opposed surfaces (132, 134) and adjacent walls (135, 136, 138).
The body (130) has a substantially rigid structure and is formed from plastic material or materials.
As indicated, the retention device (120) further includes a clip (140) associated with the first surface (132) of the body (130) for mounting the body (130) to an edge of a pocket (600; not shown).
The clip (140) is of separate construction to the body (130).
The clip (140) includes a proximal end (142) fastened to the first surface (132) of the body (130) at or near the upper end wall (136), an opposed distal end (144) and an elongate body (146) extending therebetween in a curved orientation such that at least the distal end (144) is biased towards the first surface (132) of the body (130) to thereby clamp, or clip over, an edge of the pocket (600; not visible) received therebetween.
The distal end (144) extends along the first surface (132) at least partially towards the lower end wall (138).
As shown, the elongate body (146) curves out and away from the proximal end (142) towards the distal end (144) so as to function as a biasing member for biasing the distal end (144) towards the first surface (132) of the body (130). Specifically, a curvature of a proximal portion of the elongate body (146) functions as the biasing member. In use, the sliding of an edge of pocket (600; not shown) beneath the distal end (144) causes the distal end (144) to move away from the first surface (132) against a biasing force of the elongate body (146).
Referring to FIG. 2 , and as indicated, the retention device (120) includes a magnetic mount (150) operatively associated with the second surface (134) of the body (130).
The magnetic mount (150) includes a plurality of magnetic elements (152) configured to create a magnetic field for mounting an object to the retention device (120) via the retention tag (110; not shown).
The magnetic elements (152) are permanent magnets capable of producing a substantially uniform magnetic field.
As shown, the magnetic elements (152) are located in a recessed portion (139) defined on the second surface (132) of the body (130) at or near the lower end wall (138).
The recessed portion (139) is centrally aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of the body (130) and is sized and shaped to entirely receive the magnetic elements (152) such that the magnetic elements (152) sit substantially flush relative to the second surface (134).
The magnetic elements (152) are enclosed within the recessed portion (139) by a silicone coating (154) configured to coat the recessed portion (130) and snugly enclose the elements (152) in fixed positions within the recessed portion (139).
Referring to FIG. 3A, the magnetic elements (152) are arranged within the recessed portion (139) in an array.
Referring to FIG. 3B, the silicone coating (154) is substantially rectangular shaped so as to entirely cover the array of elements (152) located beneath.
As indicated, FIGS. 4 to 6 show various applications of the retention assembly (100) for releasably retaining an object relative to a pocket (600).
Referring to FIG. 4 , in this application a mobile telephone (700) is releasably retained relative to the pocket (600) by the retention device (120).
The mobile telephone (700) has a retention tag (110) fastened to its rear surface and enabling the mobile telephone to be magnetically mounted to the magnetic mount (150) of the retention device (120) within the pocket (600). The retention device (120) is clipped to an edge of the pocket (600) via the clip (140) located on the first surface (132) of the body (130).
Referring to FIG. 5 , in this application a set of keys (800) is releasably retained relative to the pocket (600) by the retention device (120).
The set of keys (800) is fastened to a retention tag (110) via a key ring (810) extending through an opening defined in the retention tag (110) thereby enabling the set of keys (800) to be magnetically mounted to the magnetic mount (150) of the retention device (120) within the pocket (600). Again, the retention device (120) is clipped to an edge of the pocket (600) via the clip (140) located on the first surface (132) of the body (130).
Referring to FIG. 6 , in this application a wallet (900) is releasably retained relative to the pocket (600) by the retention device (120).
The wallet (900) has a retention tag (110) fastened to it thereby enabling the wallet (900) to be magnetically mounted to the magnetic mount (150) of the retention device (120) within the pocket (600). Again, the retention device (120) is clipped to an edge of the pocket (600) via the clip (140) located on the first surface (132) of the body (130).
FIGS. 7 and 8 show a retention device (120) according to another embodiment. For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the embodiment as hereinbefore described will again be referenced with the same reference numerals.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , like before, the retention device (120) includes a body (130) having a first surface (132) and an opposed second surface (134).
Like before, the device (120) includes a magnetic mount (150) operatively associated with the second surface (134) of the body (130) and a clip (140) associated with the first surface (132) of the body (130) for mounting the body (130) to an edge of a pocket (600; not shown).
The body (130) is substantially planar having a substantially rectangular shape.
The first and second surfaces (132, 134) extend substantially parallel to each other with the exception of a protruding portion (180; shown in FIG. 8 only) partially protruding from the first surface (132) of the body (130) at or near the lower end wall (138) for defining the magnetic mount (150) on the second surface (134) and enclosing one or more magnetic elements (152).
The opposed surfaces (132, 134) are interconnected by opposing walls, including a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed sidewalls (135) extending longitudinally between the opposed end walls. The opposed end walls include an upper end wall (136) and an opposed lower end wall (138).
The body (130) further includes rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls (135) and end walls (136, 138) so as to comfortably fit within the pocket (600; not shown). Similarly, the body (130) includes rounded edges between the opposed surfaces (132, 134) and adjacent walls (135, 136, 138).
The body (130) has a substantially rigid structure and is formed from plastic material or materials.
As indicated, the magnetic mount (150) includes one or more magnetic elements (152; shown in FIG. 7 only) configured to create a magnetic field for mounting an object to the retention device (120) via a retention tag (110; not shown).
Like before, the magnetic elements (152; shown in FIG. 7 only) are permanent magnets capable of producing a substantially unform magnetic field.
The magnetic elements (152; shown in FIG. 7 only) are entirely enclosed within the protruding portion (180; shown in FIG. 8 only) such that they define the magnetic mount (150) on the second surface (134) that lies substantially flush with the second surface (134).
The retention device (120) further includes a clip (140) associated with the first surface (132) of the body (130) for mounting the body (130) to an edge of a pocket (600; not shown).
Referring to FIG. 8 , the clip (140) is of unitary construction with the body (130).
The clip (140) includes a proximal end (142) extending from the first surface (132) of the body (130) at or near the upper end wall (136), an opposed distal end (144) and an elongate body (146) extending therebetween in a curvilinear orientation such that at least the distal end (144) is biased towards the first surface (132) of the body (130) to thereby clamp, or clip over, an edge of the pocket (600; not visible) received therebetween.
The distal end (144) extends along the first surface (132) at least partially towards the lower end wall (138).
As shown, the elongate body (146) curves out and away from the proximal end (142) towards the distal end (144) so as to function as a biasing member for biasing the distal end (144) towards the first surface (132) of the body (130). Specifically, a curvature of a proximal portion of the elongate body (146) functions as the biasing member. In use, the sliding of an edge of pocket (600; not shown) beneath the distal end (144) causes the distal end (144) to move away from the first surface (132) against a biasing force of the elongate body (146).
Additionally, the body (130) includes a cut out portion (190; i.e., a recessed portion) that extends from immediately beneath the distal end (144) of the clip (140) at least partially towards the proximal end (142). The cut out portion (190) has a rectangular shape and extends entirely through the body (130) and the first and second surfaces (132, 134).
As shown in FIG. 8 , the distal end (144) of the clip (140) extends at least partially into the cut out portion (190) to thereby enhance the clamping effect of the clip (140).
In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A retention assembly for releasably retaining at least one object, said assembly comprising:

at least one retention tag operatively associated with the at least one object; and

a retention device comprising:

a body having a first surface and a second surface;

a clip operatively associated with the first surface of the body for mounting the body to an article of clothing or a strip of material; and

at least one magnetic mount operatively associated with the second surface of the body and configured to magnetically mount the at least one retention tag relative to the body for releasably retaining the at least one object relative to the retention device.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one object is selected from a mobile telephone, a wallet, a key and a set of keys.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention tag has a substantially planar body formed from one or more ferrimagnetic metals and is configured to be fastened to the at least one object.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the body of the retention device has a substantially rectangular shape defined by the first surface and an opposed said second surface and interconnected by opposing walls.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clip is configured for mounting the retention device to at least an edge of an inside of a pocket.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clip includes a proximal end, an opposed distal end and an elongate body extending therebetween in a curved orientation such that at least the distal end is biased towards the first surface of the body to thereby clamp the article of clothing or strip of material received therebetween.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the proximal end extends from the first surface at a location at or near an upper end wall of the body, the distal end extends at least along the first surface at least partially towards an opposed lower end wall of the body.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the elongate body functions as a biasing member for biasing the distal end towards the first surface of the body.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein a curvature of a proximal portion of the elongate body functions as the biasing member.

10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the distal end of the clip includes a protruding lip configured to protrude at least partially towards, and abut, with the first surface of the body.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the protruding lip functions as a retaining member for at least partially retaining an edge of the article of clothing or strip of material received between the first surface of the body and the elongate body of the clip.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first surface of the body comprises a recessed portion immediately beneath the distal end of the clip and extending at least partially towards the proximal end of the clip and wherein at least the distal end of the clip at least partially protrudes into the recessed portion to thereby enhance a clamping effect of the clip.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic mount includes a plurality of magnetic elements associated with the second surface and configured to create a magnetic field for mounting the at least one object to the retention device via the retention tag.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are capable of producing a substantially uniform magnetic field.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one magnetic mount is located on the second surface of the body at or near the lower end wall.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the second surface of the body comprises a recessed portion for at least partially receiving the plurality of magnetic elements forming the at least one magnetic mount.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the body comprises a protruding portion protruding from the first surface for enclosing the plurality of magnetic elements forming the at least one magnetic mount on the second surface of the body such that the at least one magnetic mount sits flush with the opposed second surface of the body.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in an array in the recessed portion.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the retention device further includes a coating configured to snugly enclose and seal the plurality of magnetic elements within the recessed portion.

20. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention device is configured to mount more than one retention tag at a time.