Mounting assembly and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

Mounting assembly used to secure an object in a desired location, and also allow for the quick and efficient relocation of the object to a new location is provided as a two-piece assembly comprising a clip and corresponding fastener. The fastener is coupled to an object (such as a gun holster), and the clip is provided at a desired location. The fastener and the clip can be releasably coupled together, providing a support for the object attached to the fastener. The mounting assembly can be decoupled by activating a pair of tabs configured on the fastener. The fastener and associated object (e.g., gun holster) can therefore be quickly and easily moved from a first location to a second location, such as from a belt attachment to a carrier or other device.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly comprising: a fastener defined by: a base comprising a top face and a bottom face; an extension positioned at a first end of the top face of the base, the extension comprising a central aperture; a ridge positioned at a second end of the top face of the base, the ridge comprising a central opening and a pair of opposing side faces, wherein each side face comprises a tab, and wherein the tabs are joined by a mounting pin that extends through the central opening, wherein the tabs are moveable towards the first end of the fastener, and are configured such that when the tabs are moved, the mounting pin is correspondingly moved; a clip defined by: a main body comprising a top face and a bottom face; an arm positioned at a first end of the bottom face of the clip, wherein the arm is configured to fit within an aperture on the fastener; a tapered segment positioned at a second end of the bottom face of the clip, wherein the tapered segment comprises a lip that is configured to cooperate with the mounting pin.

2. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein an item is removably attached to the fastener.

3. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein an extension of the fastener, a ridge of the fastener, or both extend perpendicularly away from the top face of the base.

4. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the base, the main body, or both comprise one or more through holes.

5. The mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein the through holes comprise screw threads.

6. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the base and the main body are configured to have about the same size, shape, or both size and shape.

7. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the tabs comprise one or more gripping elements.

8. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener and the clip are constructed from one or more rigid materials.

9. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly is configured in an about rectangular shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all) embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(2) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a mounting assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(3) FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1A.

(4) FIG. 1C is a side plan view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1A.

(5) FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective view of a top side of a mounting assembly fastener in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(6) FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the fastener of FIG. 2A.

(7) FIG. 2D is a side plan view of the fastener of FIG. 2A.

(8) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a mounting assembly clip in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(9) FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the clip of FIG. 3A.

(10) FIG. 3C is a side plan view of the clip of FIG. 3A.

(11) FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a fastener in use in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(12) FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a clip in use in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(13) FIG. 5A is a perspective view of one way to couple the clip and fastener wherein the clip is about to be coupled with the fastener in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(14) FIG. 5B is a side plan view of one way to couple the clip and fastener wherein the clip is about to be coupled with the fastener in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(15) FIG. 5C is a side plan view of one way to couple the clip and fastener wherein the clip has been coupled with the fastener in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(16) FIG. 5D is a side plan view of one way uncoupling the clip and fastener wherein the clip is about to be uncoupled in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

(18) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

(19) Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms a, an, and the refer to one or more when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to an object can include a plurality of such objects, and so forth.

(20) Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

(21) As used herein, the term about, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/20%, in some embodiments +/10%, in some embodiments +/5%, in some embodiments +/1%, in some embodiments +/0.5%, and in some embodiments +/0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

(22) FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate one embodiment of mounting assembly 5 that can be used to secure an object in a desired location; mounting assembly 5 can also allow for the quick and efficient relocation of the object to a new location. As illustrated, the mounting assembly is provided as a two-piece assembly comprising clip 10 and fastener 15. In the subject disclosure, fastener 15 is coupled to an object (such as a gun holster), and clip 10 is provided at a desired location. The fastener and the clip can be releasably coupled together, providing a support for the object attached to fastener 15. As set forth in detail herein below, mounting assembly 5 can be decoupled by activating tabs 20, which release the clip from the fastener. The fastener 15 and associated object (e.g., a gun holster) can therefore be quickly and easily moved from a first location to a second location, such as from a belt attachment to a carrier or other device.

(23) FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top perspective views of one embodiment of fastener 15. As shown, fastener 15 comprises top face 30 that faces and directly contacts clip 10 when the mounting assembly is in a coupled orientation (i.e., when the clip and the fastener are coupled together). Fastener 15 further comprises an opposed bottom face configured as a relatively flat and smooth surface that faces the external environment when the clip is coupled with the fastener.

(24) The top face includes recessed base 35 that is sized and shaped to abut the body of clip 10, as described below. In some embodiments, base 35 can be constructed as a square or rectangle, although it should be appreciated that it can be configured in any desired shape (e.g., oval, round, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, abstract, and the like) so long as it cooperates with the corresponding body of the clip; accordingly, the clip can be configured in any desired corresponding shape. In some embodiments, base 35 can have about the same length and/or width as the clip body.

(25) Top face 30 of fastener 15 comprises extension 40 that extends from an edge at first end 50 of the fastener in an upward direction (e.g., towards the clip when the mounting assembly is coupled together). As illustrated in FIG. 2B, for example, extension 40 comprises aperture 45. In some embodiments, the aperture can be configured in a rectangular shape, although any desired shape can be used. Aperture 45 is sized and shaped to cooperate with a corresponding arm 120 on clip 10, as set forth in more detail below.

(26) The top face of fastener 15 further comprises ridge 60 configured at second end 55 that extends in an upward direction (i.e., towards the clip when the mounting assembly is coupled together). In some embodiments, the ridge can have about the same height as extension 40. Ridge 60 comprises opening 70 that can be configured in any desired shape (e.g., rectangular or square).

(27) Ridge 60 includes tabs 20 positioned on fastener side faces 80, as shown in FIG. 2C. The tabs can be maneuvered between a first position and a second position by sliding forward and backward, as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 2D. Pin 85 spans the two tabs, passing through opening 70. The pin is therefore visible in the opening and is accessible to clip 10 during coupling. The mounting pin can be constructed from any desired rigid material, including (but not limited to) metal, plastic, wood, and the like. Because pin 85 is held between the two tabs, it slides forward and backwards with the tabs. In this way, clip 10 is held and released from the fastener, as described in more detail below.

(28) In some embodiments, tabs 20 can include one or more gripping elements 75 to allow the user to easily handle the tabs when locking or releasing clip 10. For example, the gripping elements can include one or more raised ridges, rubber grips, textured regions, and the like.

(29) Base 35 of the fastener can include one or more holes 95, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C. Holes 95 allow one or more mechanical elements (e.g., screws, rivets) to pass therethrough, to attach fastener 15 to a desired item, such as a plate, a gun holster, a knife, a tool, a device, etc. In some embodiments, the holes can be threaded. In addition, holes 95 operate to reduce the overall weight of the fastener and thus add a lightweight quality, allowing for increased ease of use.

(30) FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate one embodiment of clip 10. The clip includes top face 100 that faces and directly contacts the fastener when the mounting assembly is coupled together. The clip further includes a substantially flat bottom face that faces the exterior environment when attached to fastener 15.

(31) As shown, clip 10 includes body 110 that is sized and shaped to abut and directly contact base 35 of the fastener. First end 115 of the clip body includes arm 120 that is sized and shaped to fit into aperture 45 on first end 50 of the fastener. In this way, the first ends of the fastener and clip are coupled together when arm 120 is fit into aperture 45.

(32) Second end 130 of the clip body includes tapered segment 125 comprising lip 135 that is sized and shaped to fit into opening 70 of the fastener. Specifically, the lip is configured to grasp pin 85. In some embodiments, lip 135 can be configured in a J or C shape in order that it matingly engages the pin. The lip attaches to the pin and maintains second ends 130, 55 of the clip and fastener in a coupled configuration. To release the fastener from the clip, the user simply grips tabs 20 and moves them forward (towards first end 50 of the fastener). The lip of the clip can then be easily unhooked from pin 85. FIG. 3C illustrates a side plan view of the clip, illustrating one embodiment of lip 135.

(33) Similar to the fastener, clip 10 can include one or more holes 96, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Holes 96 allow one or more mechanical elements (e.g., screws, rivets) to pass therethrough and attach the clip to a desired item, such as a plate, belt, bag, etc.

(34) Clip 10 and fastener 15 can be constructed from any desired rigid material. The term rigid as used herein refers to material that is substantially non-pliable and retains its shape when subjected to stress. Suitable rigid materials can include, but are not limited to, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized metal), plastic (polyethylene, PVC), wood, or combinations thereof. The clip and fastener can be constructed using any known method. For example, suitable extrusion, stamping, machining, and/or injection molding techniques can be used to manufacture the clip and fastener.

(35) It should be appreciated that the disclosed mounting assembly can be configured in any desired size, depending on the size of the item to be moved. For example, when used with a gun holster, the assembly can have a length and/or height of about 3-6 inches (e.g., 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, or 6 inches). However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and can be configured to be larger or smaller than the range given above.

(36) In use, fastener 15 is attached to a particular object that is to be moved from a first to a second location. In one example, the fastener can be attached to a gun holster, thereby allowing the associated gun to be moved between locations (e.g., between a hunting bag and a user's belt). The object can be attached to the fastener using any known attachment mechanism, including (but not limited to) the use of one or more adhesives, mechanical closures (e.g., clips, screws, bolts, etc.), hook-and-loop closures, and the like.

(37) FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of fastener 15 attached to object 16 (a gun holster). As shown, the fastener can be attached to object 16 through the use of one or more adaptors (e.g., bracket 17) and/or screws 18. As would be known in the art, the screws can be removed to detach the fastener from the plate at any desired time. Alternatively, the fastener can be directly attached to the object.

(38) FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of clip 10 attached to item 11 (e.g., a hunting bag). As illustrated, the clip can be removably attached to the bag through the use of an adaptor, configured as bracket 17 and/or screws 18.

(39) In terms of operating the mounting assembly, to couple the clip and fastener together, arm 120 of the clip is inserted into aperture 45 of the fastener, as shown in FIG. 5A. The arm is sized and shaped to closely fit into the aperture, thereby maintaining the first ends of the clip and fastener in a joined or coupled configuration. As discussed above, lip 135 of the clip is adapted to engage pin 85 accessible in opening 70 of the fastener to thereby join second end 130 of the clip with the second end of the fastener. Particularly, the lip is advanced towards opening 70, as shown in FIG. 5B. The pin is advanced towards lip 135 by the sliding action of the tabs (e.g., the tabs are maneuvered towards the lip). The lip then latches the pin and keeps the fastener and clip closely attached together, such that the top faces of each are in direct contact, as shown in FIG. 5C. In one embodiment, the tabs and/or the pin can be subjected to biasing by a biasing mechanism. For example, in one embodiment, pin 85 may be positioned as shown in FIG. 5C at all times by the biasing mechanism such as, for example, a spring mechanism, whereby the lip latches to the pin by the lip pushing the pin towards the position shown in FIG. 5B by working against the biasing mechanism; accordingly, after the lip latches to the pin, the biasing force pushes the pin right back within the groove formed by the lip to thereby prevent the unintended or accidental unlatching of the lip from the pin.

(40) In one embodiment, when the user desires to uncouple the clip and fastener, the user simply applies pressure to tabs 20, sliding them forward (towards first end 50 of the fastener), as shown in FIG. 5D. Pin 85 is also slid forward through the action of the tabs, thereby releasing the pin from lip 135 of the fastener. In an embodiment where the pin and/or the tab are under the influence of a biasing force, the pin is slid forward against the biasing force. The user then raises the second end 130 of clip 10 away from second end 55 of the fastener, reversing the action shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. Arm 120 can be removed from aperture 45 to fully uncouple the clip and fastener. The fastener (attached to object 16) can then be coupled to a clip positioned at a second location.

(41) Advantageously, the disclosed mounting assembly can be used to easily and quickly move an object from a first location to a second location. The user simply detaches the fastener from a corresponding clip by sliding tabs 20 forward to release lip 135 from pin 85. The user can then reattach the fastener to a clip positioned at a new location by coupling the fastener pin and the lip 135 of the fastener. The assembly is therefore quick and easy to use.

(42) In addition, it should be appreciated that the disclosed mounting assembly is relatively simple and includes only two distinct parts that are used together to provide a releasable connection. Accordingly, there are fewer parts that can be lost compared to prior art attachment mechanisms.

(43) As set forth in detail above, the disclosed assembly allows a use to quickly and easily secure an object (e.g., a gun holster) without necessarily requiring the use of a screwdriver, pliers, or other tools. In addition, the clip and/or fastener can be conveniently removed from an object or location without the use of tools.

(44) The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

(45) The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

(46) These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.