ZA200706460B

ZA200706460B - Removable mounting post assembly for a carrying case

Info

Publication number: ZA200706460B
Application number: ZA200706460A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Arney Michel; Hennen Alexandre; Gilreath Jason; Bodkin Patrick; Remm Tom
Original assignee: Fellowes Inc
Priority date: 2005-01-03
Filing date: 2007-08-02
Publication date: 2008-06-25
Also published as: USRE45179E1; GB0715146D0; CN101132715A; WO2006074327A2; CN101132715B; GB2439849B; WO2006074327A3; GB2439849A; US20060175370A1

Description

REMOVABLE MOUNTING POST ASSEMBLY FOR A CARRYING CASE

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application 60/641,204 filed on January 3, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION ]

This invention relates to carrying cases for portable electronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to cases including a detachable mounting post.

Further, the invention relates to a case for a clamshell type cellular phone. The invention also relates to methods for producing the case using a co-molding process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cell phones, pagers, PDA’s, MP3 players, and other portable electronic devices have become increasingly popular. Users of the devices like to keep the devices readily accessible on their person. Due to their portable nature, the devices are also subject to being dropped and otherwise roughly handled, which can result in damage to the electronics inside, or to the plastic housing of the device. To address the above concerns, cases have been developed to both carry and protect the portable electronic devices. These cases often include a clip or other retaining structure to allow the case to be removably attached to the user’s clothing, such as a belt.

The clips or retainers commonly used are removeably attached to the case by fastening to a plastic post, which itself is attached to the case. The plastic post can be an integral part of the case, being formed of the same material as the case. In other prior art embodiments, the post is a separate piece, sewn into or otherwise permanently attached to the case. While this provides a secure attachment post for the clip, the post becomes a cumbersome and unwanted protrusion when the clip is removed. The case disclosed herein is provided with a detachable post, thereby providing a case unburdened with unnecessary protrusions. The case disclosed herein also provides an attachment point for other accessories such as a light, velcro, keychain or magnets.

The portable electronic cases of the prior art are generally constructed of leather, nylon, or other material provided in sheets. The material is cut to predetermine sizes to form panels, which are then sewn or otherwise attached to form a pocket for holding the portable electronic device. With this type of construction, if

PCT/US2006/000397 ® one desires parts of a panel to have different physical properties, such as elasticity, texture, color or clarity, different pieces of material must be physically joined to one another to create a panel having the desired characteristics. Typically, the materials are joined by stitching, heat weld, or adhesive. The seams created at the joints add unwanted bulk and add to the cost of construction. It is therefore desirable to produce a case that includes different physical properties, but does not require pieces to be mechanically joined. To that end, the case disclosed herein is constructed of a co- molded material.

For cases designed for clamshell devices, such as cellular phones, the prior art teaches cases having two detachable pocket sections. Each pocket section fits over a section of the clamshell phone and are then connected by a snap, zipper, or velcro.

Because of the nature of the case materials, if the pocket sections were not detachable, there would be no way to place the case on the phone, as leather and nylon do not stretch sufficiently to allow one pocket to be placed on the phone and then have the other pocket placed on the phone. By use of the co-molded material described herein, sufficient elasticity may be incorporated into the case to allow the case to be constructed as a single unit. In other words, the twa pockets do not have to be separable. Further, the elasticity of the material allows the case to give and fit the contours of the phone in a superior fashions when compared to the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure describes an improved portable electronics case and a method of constructing the same. The cell phone case is formed of a co-molded material produced by pouring a first liquid plastic into a mold, and then pouring a second liquid plastic into the mold, the second plastic having physical characteristics different from the first. Once set, the material is removed from the mold and sewn to form pockets for the electronic device.

If the case is to be used for a clamshell type cellular phone, two pockets are formed, the pockets sharing a common or continuous panel Further, the disclosure describes a unitary case for clamshell phones, allowing for both donning and removal of the case onto the phone as a unit.

Further, the disclosure describes a case including a removable post or attachment point for a clip. The retainer used to hold the removable post, may be used to house other devices, such as a light, keychain, velcro, magnets, or other useful items. 2

AMENDED SHEET

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective of a case for a clamshell phone, the case having a removable post.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a case for a clamshell phone, showing a clip. s .

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a clip and post interface.

Figure 4 is a cutaway drawing showing removal of the post from the retainer.

Figure § is a sectional view of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the donning of the case onto a clamshell phone.

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the insertion of the phone into the second pocket.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the case on a clamshell phone.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the case ona closed clamshell phone

Figure 10 is a top view of a mold for a case panel having a first texture portion, piping, and two non-texture portions.

Figure 10 a is a cross sectional view of the mold.

Figure 10 b is a second cross sectional view of the mold.

Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of the mold showing a first substance or layer in the non-textured area of the mold.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a second substance located in the textured area of the mold.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional of the mold showing third substance poured over the previous two substances.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the mold, including areas of piping, and showing a first substance poured into the piping.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a second material layered over the piping in the first non-textured area of the mold.

Figure 16 shows a third substance layered over the previous two substances and overlaying the entire panel area of the mold.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a first substance poured into the non-textured area of the mold showing a scrim located on top of the first substance.

PCT/US2006/000397 ® Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the mold showing a reinforcement member placed into the mold about the perimeter.

Figure 19 shows a cross sectional view of a mold.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a base. b] Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment retainer and base with a rectangular aperture.

Figure 22 shows a post including a lug with a non-circular portion.

Figure 23 is a side view of a post and retainer ina secured relationship.

Figure 24 is an alternate base without a post.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a bayonet mount post and retainer.

Figure 26 is a bottom perspective view of a bayonet mount post and retainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Shown herein as the preferred embodiment is a case for a clamshell cellular phone. One skilled in the art will recognize the construction, materials, and methods can be applied to other cases for portabie electronic devices, and need not be limited to the clamshell design shown in the figures. With reference to the figures, the case 10 includes a first pocket 15 and a second pocket 20 for receiving a portion of the cell phone 11. The case 10 includes a backbone panel 25. The backbone panel 25 forms part of both the first pocket 15 and the second pocket 20. The first pocket 15 includes a face sheet 30, made of a clear material allowing a user to see the display 31 of the cell phone 11, when the cell phone 11 is inserted into the first pocket 15. The face sheet 30 is attached to the backbone panel 25 about part of its perimeter to form the first pocket 15. In an alternate embodiment, intermediate side panels 35 and 36 (as used on the second pocket 20) are used to attach the backbone panel 25 to the face sheet 30. The various components forming the first pocket 15 are attached to one another using heat welding, adhesive, stitching 21, or any other construction method to join two materials known in the art. One skilled in the art will recognize that the pockets of the case 10 can be formed of any number of panels, so as to suit the shape of the phone 11 or other portable device.

As shown in Figure 3, the panels may include a stress relief notch 39 or notches in alternate embodiments. The stress relief notch is a small cut out located in the perimeter of the panel immediately adjacent to areas where panels are joined or otherwise connected or stitched together. The stress relief notches allow the panel to stretch without overly stressing or stretching the stitched area. One skilled in the art 4

AMENDED SHEET o PCT/US2006/000397 will recognize the stress relief notches are optional, and may take on many different shapes. As shown in Figure 3, the stress relief notch 39 is located adjacent the area where the backbone panel 25 and an intermediate side panel 36 are joined. Itis preferred that the stress relief notches are approximately 2 to 4 millimeters wide and 2

S to 4 millimeters deep. It is preferred the stress relief notches have a generally curved shape, so as to prevent formation of a stress riser as might be the case if the contours of the stress relief notch were angular. For instance, if the stress relief notch were shaped such that it included a vertex, when stressed or stretched, a tear in the panel material could begin at the vertex of the notch. 10 The backbone panel 25 can include a window 45 to allow a user to see the outside display of the cell phone 11. The window 45 is formed of a clear material.

The window 45 is joined to the backbone panel 25 by heat welding, adhesive, or stitching 21, or any other construction know in the art. With a judicious selection of materials, the window 45 may be co-melded into the backbone panel 25 during the 15 manufacture of the backbone panel 25, as described herein for other structures.

The second pocket 20 is formed in a similar fashion, by attaching the backbone panel 25 to a front panel 37 about portions of its perimeter. As shown in the drawings, the second pocket 20 includes side panels 35 and 36. One skilled in the art will recognize that many different configurations, panels, and places to attach the 20 pieces together may be used to produce the first pocket 15 and second pocket 20.

The first pocket 15 and second pocket 20 are to be joined by a continuous piece of material; that is the first 15 and second 20 pocket are not attached by velcro, snaps, buttons, zippers, or any other structure which allows easy detachment and reattachment from and to one another. With the single or continuous panel forming 25 part of both pockets, a backbone panel 25 is formed linking the two pockets.

In use, the case 10 is placed onto the phone 11 by inserting part of the opened phone into one or the other of the first pocket 15 or the second pocket 20. Since the face sheet 30 is typically longer than the front panel 37, thereby creating a first pocket 15 that is deeper than the pocket formed by the front panel 37, when donning, itis - 30 preferable to insert the phone 11 into the first pocket 15 before inserting the phone into the second pocket 20, as shown in Figure 6. The shorter length of the front panel 37 allows for easier insertion as the backbone panel 25 need not be stretched as far when compared to inserting the phone into the shorter pocket first. Unlike the prior art, which required the case to be separated into two pieces in order to be placed on

AMENDED SHEET

® PCT/US2006/000397 the phone, the elasticity of the backbone panel 25 allows the case to be stretched far enough to allow both the first 15 and second 20 pockets to be placed on the cell phone 11 without the need to separate one pocket from the other. Thus, once the cover portion 40 of the cell phone 11 is inserted into the first pocket 15, the user stretches the backbone panel 25 until the edge 46 of the front panel 37 clears the body portion 47 of the cell phone 11, thereby allowing the body portion 47 to be inserted into the second pocket 20, as shown in Figure 7. The user then releases the tension on the backbone panel 25, allowing the center portion 45 to contract, and draw the second pocket 20 over the body portion 47 of the phone 11, as shown in Figure 8.

Although the backbone panel 25 forms part of both the first 15 and second 20 pockets, and is one continuous piece, it need notbe a uniform or homogenous piece.

In other words, the backbone panel 25 may be formed of a plurality of pieces or materials attached to each other by stitching, heat welding, adhesive, or other sermanent attachment. For instance, the center portion 43 can be formed of an elastic material, while the portions forming the pockets 15, 20 can be of a less elastic material.

In the preferred embodiment, the backbone panel 25 is formed by co-molding.

Other parts of the case may also be formed by this process. Co-molding allows the part or panel being manufactured to easily incorporate different properties, colors, textures, shapes or other characteristics, while allowing for efficient construction. To construct the backbone panel 25 or other part, a mold 100 is constructed. As shownin

Figure 10, the mold 100 is a negative mold, typically machined from a metal, such as brass. One skilled in the art will recognize the mold 100 may be created in other ways. The mold 100 may include regions of texturing 101 such as cross hashing to improve grip, piping 111, or other physical treatment to produce and create different features upon the surface of the panel being manufactured. In some embodiments, the mold is deeper in some regions to create a thicker material in that region.

As shown in Figures 11-13, the panel is created in layers. To make the panel, a first substance 120 is poured into the mold 100. In some instances the first substance 120 is the only substance used, but may be poured multiple times to cover and retain other structures such as a scrim, window, or reinforcement between the layers created.

The first substance 120 and any other substance poured thereafter, may be a material such as silicone, thermosets and thermoplastics, including PVC, EPE, or any other material used in the polymer co-molding art. The first substance 120 may be poured 6

AMENDED SHEET

® PCT/US2006/000397 to cover the entire mold 100 or only certain regions as shown in Figure 11, depending upon the desired characteristics of the corresponding region of the panel.

For instance, the first substance 120 is placed in the mold 110 only in the area for piping 111, as shown in Figure 14. In other embodiments, the first substance is placed only in the area for texture. One skilled in the art will recognize the variations are unlimited. The first substance 120 is poured to a depth to cover the piping 111, or other desired area but does not extend into the other areas where the substance is not desired. In this fashion, the first substance’s 120 characteristics, such as color, will be applied only to the piping of the case or other article.

In the instance of the first substance 120 being EPE, the liquid EPE is placed in the desired area of the mold 100 at room temperature. The EPE is then spread out and forced into the desired areas, such as piping 111 or textured areas, where air voids are likely. The mold 110 containing the EPE is then heated, and then cooled to room temperature.

The second material 140 is then poured. The second material 140 may have different properties than the first material 120. For instance, the second material 140 may be of a different color or texture. In some embodiments, the area of the mold 100 into which the second material 140 is poured may have a surface treatment or texture 101 to produce a surface texture on the finished product.

In a similar fashion, other pours may be made of either the same material, or different ones, until the pancl having the desired characteristics is complete.

Figures 10 through 18 show sample configurations for panels manufactured using the co-molding process. As one skilled in the art will recognize, these are merely examples, other configurations are possible. Figure 10 generally depicts a mold having a textured area 101 including a textured surface, which will inpart a textured surface to the panel made in the mold. The textured area 101 is delineated from the : non-textured area 103 by walls 104. Walls 104 prevent the material poured into the textured area 101 from flowing into the non-textured area 103, until the height of the walls is exceeded. In the preferred embodiment, a first layer of material occupy the textured area 101 up to the height of the walls 104. As one skilled in the art will recognize, multiple layers could occupy the textured area 101.

Shown in Figure 11, a first material having a first characteristic is poured into the non-textured area 103 to form a first layer of material. Subsequent to the pour of the first material 120, a second material 122 is poured into the textured area to form a first 7

AMENDED SHEET

® PCT/US2006/000397 layer of the second material 122. The layers of material both first and second, are generally co-planar, although it is not necessary. Subsequently, a third material 123 is poured over the entire mold, thus overlaying the first material 120 and the second material 122 in such a fashion, a layered panel is produced, as previously discussed, each layer of material or each pour of material can have different characteristics.

When layered as to described in a mold for a backbone panel 25 as shown in Figure 10, the result is a central portion of the panel having a first physical characteristic, such as texturing, and the remaining portions of the panel having no texturing. As previously discussed, variations are endless.

With reference to the mold shown in Figure 11, a particularly useful layup of material may be used to create the backbone panel for a clamshell phone case. For the first layer, a material having a first elastic characteristic is poured in the textured area 101. A second material having a second elastic characteristic is poured into a non-textured area 103. A third pour of the second material is then poured to cover both of the previous layers of material, thereby connecting them. One skilled in the art will recognize a third material, or the first material, can be used for the third pour.

Additionally, the characteristic need not be elasticity, but may be selected from the group of color, texture, additive suspended in the material, heat resistance or melting : point.

Once the desired materials are poured and cured, the co-molded panel is removed from the mold and sewn or otherwise attached to other panels to produce the case.

In other embodiments, the co-molding process allows other structures to be placed or integrated into the panel. For instance, once the first substance 120 is poured, additional materials can be placed into the mold, to create a panel having areas with different characteristics. The materials may be the same substance, or : include a second substance 122 for co-molding, or may include other materials or structures, such as scrims, reinforcements, or windows, judiciously placed within the mold to create areas having particular structural characteristics.

For instance, a scrim 130 or other woven or non-woven reinforcement may be placed in areas where there will be stitching during the assembly of the case. Such scrims are placed where the panel will be stitched to lesson the likelihood of the stitching pulling through the case material. Similarly, a scrim can be placed in the area of the aperture for the clip post, thereby reinforcing that area. In other 8

AMENDED SHEET

PCT/US2006/000397 ® embodiments, the window 35 is placed in the mold prior to the second material pour, thereby eliminating the need to stitch the window 43 in place, as the window will be co-molded between the first material and the second material, and thereby retained.

In another example shown in Figure 18, reinforcement patches 132 are placed in areas of high wear, such as edges, prior to the first pour. In other embodiments, an elastic panel is placed to connect the two pocket portions, thereby forming a portion of the continuous or backbone pane} 25. These advantages can result in significant economies during manufacture which are not possible if the material is created as a sheet, and then cut to size to form the case. If such additional structures are to be included, it is preferable that the structures are placed in the mold 110 after at least one pour has taken place, and the structure is placed over at least part of the pour, so that the structure is retained between the first and later layers of materials. However, such placement depends on the structure. The reinforcement patches 132, may be exposed on the exterior of the panel, and hence should be in the mold prior to the first pour.

In other embodiments, and as a direct result of co-molding process, portions of a panel can be thicker or thinner than other sections. For instance, areas where the finished product will include stitching can easily be made thicker to prevent pull through. Other areas, such as the textured area of the mold in Figure 11, or areas where the panel fits over an edge of the phone, may be thinner to provide less bulk.

In other embodiments, portions of the case that fit edges of the phone may be thicker to provide impact protection.

In additional to the layers shown in the figures, a final lining material such as rayon, may be applied either by spraying or laminating, onto the last poured layer.

The lining material allows the cellular phone, or other portable device, to easily slide into and out of the case.

The case 10, no matter how produced, can include a detachable clip 200. With reference to Figures 1-5, the detachable clip 200 is affixed to the case 10 by a post 210. Indeed, the detachable clip 200 and post 210 can be incorporated into many different cases, not just the clamshell case 10 depicted in the Figures. This arrangement of clip and post is well known in the prior art. The post 210 includes a base 212 and an outwardly extending lug 214. The detachable clip 200 attaches to the lug 214, allowing the user to securely attach the case to his clothing. 9

AMENDED SHEET

[ PCT/US2006/000397

The post 210 is removably attached to the case 10. The case 10 includes an aperture 216 sized to allow the lug 214 to fit through yet is not large enough to allow the base 212 to pass. The post 210 is positioned so that the lug 214 extends outwardly away from the case 10, and the base 212 remains in the case 10, the base 212 being

S too large to fit through the aperture 216. The base 212 is retained in position by a retainer 220, the retainer 220 limiting movement and securing the base 212 when engaged. When disengaged, the retainer 220 allows the post 210 to be removed from the case 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the base 212 is a generally thin, flat member," having 4 perimeter including two parallel straight portions 222 and two curved portions 230. The retainer 220 is slightly thicker than the base 212, and includes a recess 225 to receive the base 212. The recess 225 may go entirely through the retainer 220 as an aperture. The perimeter of the recess 225 is generally concentric with the perimeter of the base 212. The retainer 220 includes tabs 226 which extend over the base 212, to keep the base 212 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the base 212. In the preferred embodiment, the tabs 226 are located to extend over the curved portions 230 of the base 212. The retainer 220 is attached to the inside of the case 10 so that it is located about the aperture 216. The retainer 220 is attached to the case by any means known in the art, including stitching, heat weld, and adhesive. The retainer 220 could also be co-molded into the case 10, or formed as part of the case.

In use, the post 210 is attached to the case 10 by inserting the lug 214 into the aperture 216 from the inside of the case. The retainer 220 is convexly flexed to allow the curved portion 223 of the base 212 to be inserted under a tab 226. Once positioned, the retainer 220 is unflexed and the opposite curved portion 223 is allowed to snap under the remaining tab 226, thereby securing the base 212 between the case 10 material and the tabs 226. : To remove the post, the retainer 220 is again convexly flexed to snap base 212 over the tab 226, allowing the base to be disengaged from the retainer 220 and the lug 214 to be pushed through the aperture 216, thereby removing the post 210 from the case 10. In such a fashion, the post 210 may be selectively attached to the case, or removed, as desired by the user.

One skilled in the art will recognize other structures could be used to connect a post to a retaining structure on the case. An example of such an embodiment includes 10

AMENDED SHEET

9 PCT/US2006/000397 a retainer 240 and base 250 that include mating structures that allow the base 250 to be separated and reconnected to the retainer 240.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the base 250 includes a plurality of shafts 260 and 261 extending from the base 250 on the same side of the base 250 as

S the lug 270. The shafts 260 and 261 are preferably positioned on either side of the lug 270 at a distance sufficient to allow of a mating structure on the retainer 240 to secure the shafts 260 and 261. In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the shafts include a recessed portion 262 and 263 for interacting with complimentary structure on the retainer 240, to allow the post 310 to be attached and unattached from the retainer 240.

The retainer 240 includes an aperture 280 sized to allow the lug 270 to pass through. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the aperture 280 is round. The aperture 280 may be any shape so long as the lug 270 can pass through as shown in Figures 22 and 23. Although it is preferred that the aperture 280 take a perimeter shape similarly shaped and sized to the lug 270, such correspondence is not necessary. The outer perimeters of the base 250 and the retainer 240 are generally co-extensive, although either structure may be larger or smaller than the other. In instances where the base 250 perimeter extends beyond the perimeter of the retainer 240, the portion of the . base 250 extending is raised so as to form a lip about portions of or about the entire perimeter of the retainer 240.

The base 250 can also include separation recesses 320 and 321 at its perimeter.

The separation recesses are areas exposed to the perimeter that are of reduced thickness. When the base 250 and retainer 240 are mated, the separation recesses allow space between the two structures to allow a fingernail or other object to lever the two structures apart.

The retainer 240 includes a plurality of receivers 290, 291 for receiving and : engaging the shafts 260 and 261. In the embodiment shown in Figures 20 and 21, the receivers 290 and 291 include members or tabs 294 aand b and 295 a and b to engage the recessed portions 263 and 262 of shafts 260 and 261 when the shafts 260 and 261 are inserted into the receivers 290 and 791. In the embodiment shown, the tabs 254 a and b and 295 a and b include a resilient portions 300 a-d attached to the retainer 240. The resilient portions 300 a-d flex to allow arc portions 311 a-d to slide over the distal end of the shafts 260 and 261 and seat in the recesses 262 and 263. One 11

AMENDED SHEET skilled in the art will recognize that other types of arranged could be used to secure the posts 260 and 261 to the retainer 240.

In an alternate embodiment shown in Figure 22, the aperture 280 in the retainer 240 is rectangular. Additionally, the lug 270 includes a portion 330, which is shaped to compliment and fit inside of aperture 280. Such engagement prevents or reduces relative movement between the retainer 240 and base 250 in a direction parallel to the major plane of the retainer 240, thus reducing forces applied to the * receiver 291 and 290, which might cause undesired separation of the base 250 from the retainer 240. One skilled in the art will recognize other non-circular shapes will also accomplish the same stability and prevent rotation of the lug 270 in the aperature.

Figures 23 also shows a retainer 240 with a perimeter flange 299. :

As shown in Figure 24, an alternate base 400 includes a raised portion 410,.but does not include a lug or post for attachment of a clip. Such a base 400 is used to occupy or otherwise obstruct the aperture 280 when the base with the lug is removed.

Use of the alternate base 400 thus renders a case without the projecting lug or post, resulting in a generally smooth case. The portion of the base 400 visible through the . aperture 280 can include indicia 420 such as advertising, logos, or other indications of sponsorship.

One skilled in the art will recognize that other types of constructions may be utilized in attaching the post to the case. One such constructive is a bayonet mount, as shown in Figures 25 and 26. The post 500 is attached to a mounting base 510. The mounting base 510 includes an aperture 520 having a plurality of notches 522 a-d about its perimeter. The notches 522 a-d are sized and spaced so as to accept projections 525 a-d position about the base of the post 500. The bottom 530 mounting base 510 is attached to the outside surface of the case by stitching adhesive, rivets, or other means of mechanical attachment. When attached to the outside of the case, the use of the bayonet mount allows the post 500 to be inserted and removed from the outside of the case. Thus, the case does not need an aperture.

In use, the post 500 is inserted into aperture 520 base end 540 first, such that projections 525 a-d are inserted into notches 522 a-d. Adjacent notches 525 a-d are flanges 535 a-d. The flanges are generally arcuate in shape and form part of the aperture 520 perimeter, thus restraining the post 500 from side to side movement. The flanges 535 a-d are of a thickness less than the thickness of the base 510, so as to accommodate the projections 525 a-d when the post 500. The base 510 also includes stops 545 a-b on the flanges 535 a-b so that rotation of the post is stopped, preventing over rotation of the post 500.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

PCT/US2006/000397 _ What is claimed:

1. A case for a portable device, the case having a removable post, the case including: at least one panel of material forming the case, the panel having an aperture, and a retainer attached to a first side of the panel, the retainer removably securing a post having a lug extending through the aperture.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the post includes a base, and the retainer includes a recess for receiving the base and tabs extending over the base for securing the base in the recess.

3. The case of claim 2, wherein the post and retainer are disengaged by flexing the retainer to allow base to pass over the tabs.

4. The case of claim 2, wherein the base perimeter includes curved portions and the tabs are located tc extend over the curved portions.

5. A case for a portable device, the case having a removable post, the case including: at least one panel of material forming the case, the panel having an aperture, and a retainer attached to a first side of the panel, the retainer removably securing a post having a lug extending through the aperture wherein the post includes a base, a lug, and at least one shaft and the retainer includes at least one receiver, the receiver securing the shaft when the post is attached to the retainer.

6. The case of claim 5, wherein the at least one shaft includes a recessed portion and the at least one receiver includes a tab to engage the recessed portion of the shaft.

7. The case of claim 5, wherein the post includes two shafts, the shafts located on either side of the lug and extending from the base in the same direction as the lug, the retainer including two receivers, each receiver including an engaging member, each engaging member attached to the retainer by a resilient member.

8. An assembly for retaining a mounting post to an article, the assembly including: a post having a base and a lug; and a retainer to retain the base in position, the retainer having an aperture to accept the lug, and having a tab to removably engage and retain the post.

9. An assembly for retaining a mounting post to an article, the assembly including: a post having a base and a lug; and a retainer to retain the base in position, the retainer having an aperture to accept the lug, and having a tab to removably engage and retain the post, 14 AMENDED SHEET

PCT/US2006/000397 ® wherein the article is a case having panels defining a pocket, the retainer being attached to a panel and located within the pocket.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the post includes a pair of shafts, the shafts each having a recessed area to engage tabs on the retainer when the retainer and the post are secured together.

11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the post includes a pair of shafts extending from the same side of the base of the post as the lug, the shafts each including a recess to engage tabs on the retainer to secure the post and retainer together, the base including an area of reduced thickness at the perimeter.

12. A case for carrying a portable electronic device, case having a retainer for securing accessories to the case, the case including panels assembled to form a pocket and an aperture on a panel, a retainer mounted inside the pocket on a panel, the retainer including an aperture aligned with the aperture in the panel, the retainer including tabs to retain accessories.

13. The case of claim 12, wherein the accessory is a post having a base and a lug, the lug size to fit through the aperture, the base including at least one shaft extending from the base, the shaft including a recess, the recess engaging the tabs when the lug is inserted into the aperture in the retainer.

14. The case of claim 13, wherein the base has an area of reduced thickness along its perimeter.

15. The case of claim 13, wherein the lug and aperture in the retainer are non- circular.

16. The case of claim 12, including: a plurality of panels of material assembled to form a first pocket and a second pocket, the first pocket for receiving the first section of the phone, the second pocket for receiving the second section of the phone, the first pocket and second pocket including a continuous panel of material connecting the two pockets.

17. The case of claim 16, wherein the continuous panel is made from an elastic material.

18. The case of claim 16, wherein the continuous panel is made from a material from the group including silicone, thermoplastic, thermosets, PVC, and EPE.

19. The case of claim 18, wherein the continuous panel includes an aperture and further includes a removable post, the post including a base and lug, the lug occupying the aperture in the retainer when the post and retainer are secured together, the post including AMENDED SHEET

PCT/US2006/000397 ® a shaft with a recess to engages a tab on the retainer when the post and retainer are secured together. The case of any one of claims 1 to 7, substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated by any of the figures.

21. The assembly of any one of claims 8 to 11, substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated by any of the figures.

22. The case of any one of claims 12 to 19, substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated by any of the figures. 16 AMENDED SHEET