Retention device and method of use thereof

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.

Claims

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0104] 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:

[0105] FIG. 1 is a side view of a pocket retention assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] FIG. 2 is an exploded siew view of a retention device of the assembly as shown in FIG. 1;

[0107] FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show assembly of the retention device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0108] 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;

[0109] 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;

[0110] 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;

[0111] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a retention device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0112] FIG. 8 is a section side view of the device as shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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.

[0121] The opposed surfaces include a mounting surface (114) and an opposed non-mounting surface (116).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] As indicated, the retention device (120) includes a body (130) having a first surface (132) and an opposed second surface (134).

[0125] The body (130) is substantially planar having a substantially rectangular shape.

[0126] The first and second surfaces (132, 134) extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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).

[0129] The body (130) has a substantially rigid structure and is formed from plastic material or materials.

[0130] 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).

[0131] The clip (140) is of separate construction to the body (130).

[0132] 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.

[0133] The distal end (144) extends along the first surface (132) at least partially towards the lower end wall (138).

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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).

[0137] The magnetic elements (152) are permanent magnets capable of producing a substantially uniform magnetic field.

[0138] 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).

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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).

[0141] Referring to FIG. 3A, the magnetic elements (152) are arranged within the recessed portion (139) in an array.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 3B, the silicone coating (154) is substantially rectangular shaped so as to entirely cover the array of elements (152) located beneath.

[0143] As indicated, FIGS. 4 to 6 show various applications of the retention assembly (100) for releasably retaining an object relative to a pocket (600).

[0144] Referring to FIG. 4, in this application a mobile telephone (700) is releasably retained relative to the pocket (600) by the retention device (120).

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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).

[0147] 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).

[0148] Referring to FIG. 6, in this application a wallet (900) is releasably retained relative to the pocket (600) by the retention device (120).

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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).

[0152] 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).

[0153] The body (130) is substantially planar having a substantially rectangular shape.

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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).

[0157] The body (130) has a substantially rigid structure and is formed from plastic material or materials.

[0158] 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).

[0159] Like before, the magnetic elements (152; shown in FIG. 7 only) are permanent magnets capable of producing a substantially unform magnetic field.

[0160] 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).

[0161] 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).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 8, the clip (140) is of unitary construction with the body (130).

[0163] 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.

[0164] The distal end (144) extends along the first surface (132) at least partially towards the lower end wall (138).

[0165] 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).

[0166] 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).

[0167] 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).

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.