Personal device fastening system

Abstract

The invention relates to a clip (300) for capturing at least one capture member (401) within a capture zone (311). A gate (320) blocks an opening (310a) of the capture zone to thereby capture the capture member(s). The clip may be attached to a person by way of an attachment member (350), such as an attachment hook. A personal device such as a mobile phone (10) may be secured to the clip via a capture member locatable within the capture zone. Accordingly, the personal device is attachable to the person via the clip when worn by the person. The invention also relates to a clasp (500) that is capable of capturing a detention member (403) within a detention zone (530).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a fastening system for safeguarding personal devices and articles. The invention is described with reference to its use with mobile phones. However, it should be appreciated that the fastening system may be used for safeguarding a variety of articles such as keys, security cards, cameras, hand held video recorders, electronic organisers or personal digital assistants (PDA), global positioning systems (GPS) and like articles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Mobiles phones are expensive items that have become an essential tool of business and common means for personal communication. Accordingly, they are transported with a user when they travel from one location to another. [0003] One way in which a mobile phone is carried is within a pocket of a user. To use the phone, the user must retrieve the phone from the pocket, which may cumbersome and is relatively insecure. The mobile phone can be accidentally dislodged from the pock...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0043] Preferably, the capture member when located in the capture zone allows the device to hang at least partially below the clip.

[0045] The device when attached to the clip via the capture member may allow viewing of a display, screen, keypad or the like of the device in a correct orientation without disconnecting the device from the clip.

[0061] It will be appreciated that the clip may allow a phone (or other suitable device), to be attached to the user via a capture member so that the phone hangs at least partially below the clip, thereby reducing an outwardly extending profile of the phone. This may reduce damage to the phone by accidental contact by a passing object and may also lead to improved comfort to the user wearing the phone. The phone may also be viewed in a correct orientation, i.e. so that the screen and numbers are right-side up while attached to the user.

[0062] Further, in one form of the invention the features of the clip allow for convenient attachment and release of the phone to the clip by moving a capture member, (eg. a plug) attached to the phone in a single direction through the capture zone. It will also be appreciate that the clip and clasp as described above and herein may be used in any suitable combination and in combination with other suitable devices, eg. a retractor. These and other advantages will be more apparent in light of the description provided herein.

Problems solved by technology

Mobiles phones are expensive items that have become an essential tool of business and common means for personal communication.

To use the phone, the user must retrieve the phone from the pocket, which may cumbersome and is relatively insecure.

The mobile phone can be accidentally dislodged from the pocket.

This may cause the mobile phone to be lost and / or damaged.

Further, pickpockets can easily steal the mobile phone.

Again, the mobile phone is readily accessible, but is bulky and provides only limited movement of the phone when attached to the user.

A typical known belt clip with the phone attached is often uncomfortable as the limited movement may cause the mobile phone to dig into the user's leg and / or the phone may inadvertently unclip due to the user's movement.

Such an arrangement leads to the phone being more exposed for possible damage by hitting objects when worn.

This increases the security of the mobile phone, but reduces its accessibility.

Often phone calls are missed due to the time taken for a person to locate the mobile phone.

This is inconvenient and increases a risk of dropping or losing the phone.

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