ACCESSORY HOLDER

Abstract

A holder for a portable item example mobile phone, comprising an attachment device and a holding device linked by a resilient member. The holder comprises non-slip material and is shaped to securely retain the portable item in the holder whilst allowing the item to remain operable.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an accessory holder and more specifically to a holder for use with mobile phone devices.

[0002] Holders designed for carrying portable accessories, such as for example mobile phones, music players and electronic organisers are widely available in a range of styles that traditionally, attach to a user's belt or waistband.

[0003] Typically, such holders are relatively rigid structures that are designed to accommodate a specific device, therefore if a user required a holder for a mobile phone for example, a specific holder would need to be purchased to suit the shape and configuration of the particular phone.

[0004] Accordingly, if the holder was required to accommodate an alternative device, said alternative device may not suit the original holder, thus requiring the user to purchase a further holder to accommodate the new device.

[0005] It will be appreciated that this not only is inconvenient, but also results in additional costs being incurred each time a new device is purchased as well as the original holder being made redundant.

[0006] Furthermore, it may not always be preferable or practical for a user to affix a holder onto their belt or waistband, therefore an alternative fixing method may be more appropriate.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a versatile holder that is capable of accommodating a variety of portable accessories, including but not limited to mobile phones, music players and electronic organisers, of varying shapes and sizes.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a secure means of attaching the holder to, including but not limited to an item of clothing or a further accessory such as for example a bag.

[0009] It is a further still object of the present invention for the holder to be configured so as not to interfere with the working of the portable accessory, such that it need not be necessary for the user to remove the accessory from the holder in order to use said accessory.

[0010] Thus and in accordance with the present invention there is provided a holder for a small item example mobile phone comprising an attachment device and a holding device linked by a resilient member, said item being securely mounted in said holding device whereby said holding device is formed from a non-slip material and is shaped so as to maximise the security of the holding device.

[0011] Preferably, the holder comprises silicone or other such suitable material that provides a resilient, non-slip contact surface that when in contact with an accessory, prevents movement of the accessory within the device.

[0012] The silicone or other such suitable material is most preferably capable of sufficient elastic stretching to allow the material comprising the device to be stretched to accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes of accessory, whilst retaining the integrity of the structure and thus grip feature once the holder is in position around said accessory.

[0013] It is further preferred that the silicone or other such suitable material possess minimal deformation of structure when the accessory is unloaded from the holder, such that said device may be reused whilst still retaining the gripping properties of the device.

[0014] Most preferably, the holder comprises a band that wraps around the accessory whilst not interfering with its functionality, such that the accessory may be used whilst being retained by the holder.

[0015] The holder may also comprise an additional component in addition to said band, said component preferably comprising silicone or other such suitable materials to further increase the grip properties of the holder.

[0016] Most preferably, said additional component is located on the back aspect of the holder, such that when said device is in use, said additional component does not interfere with the operation of the accessory.

[0017] The holder may further comprise a means of attachment for securing the holder to a user's clothing, bag or other suitable item. Said means of attachment may include but not be limited to a cord, a coiled cord arrangement or spring, or other such suitable means.

[0018] Preferably, said means of attachment will have high tensile strength, such that it can fully support the weight of the accessory without undue distortion of the resilient member.

[0019] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of the rear aspect of the holder illustrating the band that wraps around the accessory and the additional supporting component together comprising the holding device for the item to be carried and;

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a view of the rear aspect of the holder principally illustrating the shape and configuration of the additional supporting component of the device in one embodiment and;

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a view of the front aspect of the holder illustrating the band that wraps around the accessory and the internal view of the additional supporting component and;

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of the front aspect of the holder illustrating the band that wraps around the accessory and an internal view of the additional supporting component and;

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the holder illustrating the arrangement of the band that wraps around the accessory and the additional supporting component and;

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the band that wraps around the accessory and;

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a view of the rear aspect of the holder as applied to an accessory, illustrating the arrangement of the rear of the holder in relation to said accessory and;

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a view of the front aspect of the holder as applied to an accessory, illustrating the arrangement of the band that wraps around the accessory in relation to said accessory.

[0028] It will of course be understood that the term "accessory" may relate to any item to be carried by the holder and is not intended to be restricted to any particular item or group of items.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown an oblique view of the rear aspect of the holder 5.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the device 5 comprises a band 1 that is attached to an additional supporting component 2. Said band 1 in the present embodiment comprises silicone to allow it to be stretched slightly in order that it can be placed around an accessory (not shown) including but not limited to a mobile phone.

[0031] Once the band 1 has been located around the periphery of the accessory (not shown) the band 1 compresses slightly thus retaining the accessory (not shown) within the confines of the holder 5.

[0032] The accessory (not shown) is further supported within the holder 5 by an additional supporting component 2 that is directly attached to the band 1. Said supporting component 2 is in direct communication with the accessory (not shown) when the holder is in use.

[0033] The band 1 and additional supporting component 2 together comprise the holding device into which the item to be carried may be fitted.

[0034] The silicone comprising the device 5 in the present embodiment provides additional grip potential by virtue of its low friction surface, thus enabling the device 5 to further hold the accessory (not shown) more securely.

[0035] The additional supporting component 2 is shaped so as to provide maximum support for the accessory (not shown) whilst said accessory is being retained in the holder 5. This will be further described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown a view of the rear aspect of the holder 5 illustrating the shape and configuration of the additional supporting component 2 of the device 5 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The additional supporting component 2 comprises a substantially shield shaped arrangement that provides a large surface area for locating in direct contact with the rear of the mobile phone or other accessory (not shown).

[0038] Furthermore, the substantially shield shape configuration facilitates and increases the gripping properties of the device 5 in the event that the accessory (not shown) being held starts to bias within the confines of the device 5.

[0039] As illustrated in the present figure, the substantially shield shaped supporting component 2 is directly attached to the band 1 that wraps around the periphery of the mobile phone or other accessory.

[0040] This relative shape and configuration of the band 1 and additional supporting component 2 acts to secure the accessory (not shown) within the holder 5, and also acts to significantly counteract any bias of the accessory in relation to the device 5.

[0041] The additional supporting component 2 extends downwards from the substantial shield shape and terminates in a tapered feature that, in the present embodiment, incorporates a fixing point 3 that is principally designed to allow a means of attachment (not shown), said means of attachment hereinafter referred to as the resilient member to be connected to the device 5. This allows the holder 5 to be attached to a garment or other such suitable item and will be described further with reference to FIG. 7.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown a front aspect of the holder 5 illustrating the arrangement of the band 1 and additional supporting component 2.

[0043] The internal aspect of the additional supporting component 2 as shown in the present figure is placed in direct communication with the rear aspect of the mobile phone or other accessory. As illustrated, the surface area of the additional supporting component 2 is sufficient to allow for maximum grip and support of the accessory (not shown) in the device 5, whilst still remaining discreet whilst the device 5 is in use.

[0044] The fixing point 3 of the supporting component 2 is also shown, which as previously described facilitates connection of the device 5 with a garment or accessory via a resilient member (not shown).

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown an oblique view of the front aspect of the holder 5 illustrating the band 1 and internal view of the additional supporting component 2.

[0046] As described with reference to previous figures, the band 1 wraps around the periphery of the phone whilst the supporting component 2 becomes located on the rear aspect of the mobile phone or other accessory (not shown), so as to provide maximum grip and security of the accessory (not shown) whilst it is retained in the holder 5.

[0047] The present figure illustrates the shape and configuration of the band 1 and supporting component 2 and shows the space between these 2 respective components into which the accessory (not shown) is designed to fit.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a side view of the holder 5 in one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, further illustrating the relative shape and configuration of the band 1 and additional supporting component 2 as described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0049] FIG. 5 further illustrates the space into which the mobile phone or other accessory (not shown) is designed to fit between the band 1 and supporting component 2.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 6 the band 1 is shown. As described with reference to previous figures, the band 1 is designed to wrap around the periphery of an accessory (not shown). In the present Figure, the band 1 is in an unstretched state although it will be appreciated that in use, the relative shape and configuration of the band is flexible such that it can fit a variety of shapes and sizes of component.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the band 1 comprises silicone which after stretching around an accessory (not shown), will attempt to substantially regain the shape and configuration as illustrated. It will be appreciated that this further facilitates gripping of the band 1 around the accessory (not shown).

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 7 there is shown a view of the rear aspect of the holder 5 in use with a mobile phone 6. It will of course be appreciated that the accessory may be any accessory and not be specifically limited to a mobile phone.

[0053] The band 1 is shown wrapped around the periphery of the upper portion of the mobile phone 6. Further illustrated is the additional supporting component 2 located in adjacent communication with the rear of the mobile phone 6.

[0054] It will be appreciated from the present illustration that the relative shape and configuration of the band 1 and additional supporting component 2 provide maximum support for the mobile phone 6 and minimises the potential for movement of the mobile phone 6 within the holder 5.

[0055] As previously described, the holder 5 in the present and preferred embodiments, comprises silicone which further grips the mobile phone 6 within the holder 5.

[0056] Also illustrated is the resilient member 4 that facilitates connection of the holder 5 to a garment or other accessory such as for example a bag. The resilient member 4 is connected to the holder 5 at a fixing point 3 located towards the end of the tapered portion of the additional supporting component 2.

[0057] The resilient member 4 provides further security for the mobile phone 6 or other such accessory by connecting it securely to, for example, an item of clothing or a bag.

[0058] It will further be appreciated that this resilient member attachment feature may also dispense with the requirement of carrying a separate bag or other such means of transporting the accessory around and is also particularly useful if it is not possible to store the mobile phone 6 or accessory in a pocket.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 8 there is shown a view of the front aspect of the holder 5 as applied to a mobile phone 6.

[0060] The band 1 is shown in use, being located towards the top portion of the mobile phone 6 and wrapping around the periphery of said phone 6.

[0061] As illustrated, this relative configuration of the band 1 and mobile phone 6 allows the phone 6 to be carried securely whilst still retaining full functionality as the band 1 does not interfere with the operation of the phone or obstruct the screen 7.

[0062] It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the embodiments described above which are described by way of example only.

Claims

1. A holder for a small item example mobile phone, comprising an attachment device and a holding device linked by a resilient member, said item being securely mounted in said holding device wherein said holding device is formed from a non-slip material and is shaped so as to maximise the security of the holding device.

2. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the holding device comprises a body capable of remaining in contact with a surface of an item and a band capable of resiliently contacting the periphery of an item to hold it securely.

3. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the holding device comprises a substantially shield-shaped body of non-slip material for contacting with a portion of a small item to be held and further comprises a band of non-slip material for wrapping around a portion of a small item to be held so that said small item is securely retained.

4. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the holder comprises non-slip and resilient material which is capable of holding a variety of shapes and sizes of item by temporarily distorting to receive an item and subsequently reverting to a substantially original configuration to securely hold said item.

5. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the configuration of the holding device counteracts bias of the item within the holder by gripping the periphery of the item with the resilient non-slip band and providing further stabilisation and grip by the non-slip surface area of the shield-shaped body remaining contactable with a surface of the item.

6. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the holding device further comprises an additional supporting component extending from the shield-shaped body, for contacting a portion of the item being held to further counteract bias of the item within the holder by providing an elongated non-slip surface capable of contacting a surface of the item and extending the contact surface area of non-slip material available for contacting with an item.

7. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the holder is configured to allow an item to be securely retained whilst still allowing for the item to be operable within the confines of the holder.

8. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the attachment device comprises a clip for attaching the holder to an item of clothing, a bag or other suitable item.

9. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the resilient member comprises a coil.

10. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein the resilient member comprises a cord.

11. A holder in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the holder comprises silicone.

12. (canceled)

13. A holder in accordance with claim 2 wherein the holding device comprises a substantially shield-shaped body of non-slip material for contacting with a portion of a small item to be held and further comprises a band of non-slip material for wrapping around a portion of a small item to be held so that said small item is securely retained.

14. A holder in accordance with claim 2 wherein the holder comprises non-slip and resilient material which is capable of holding a variety of shapes and sizes of item by temporarily distorting to receive an item and subsequently reverting to a substantially original configuration to securely hold said item.

15. A holder in accordance with claim 3 wherein the holder comprises non-slip and resilient material which is capable of holding a variety of shapes and sizes of item by temporarily distorting to receive an item and subsequently reverting to a substantially original configuration to securely hold said item.

16. A holder in accordance with claim 2 wherein the configuration of the holding device counteracts bias of the item within the holder by gripping the periphery of the item with the resilient non-slip band and providing further stabilisation and grip by the non-slip surface area of the shield-shaped body remaining contactable with a surface of the item.

17. A holder in accordance with claim 3 wherein the configuration of the holding device counteracts bias of the item within the holder by gripping the periphery of the item with the resilient non-slip band and providing further stabilisation and grip by the non-slip surface area of the shield-shaped body remaining contactable with a surface of the item.

18. A holder in accordance with claim 4 wherein the configuration of the holding device counteracts bias of the item within the holder by gripping the periphery of the item with the resilient non-slip band and providing further stabilisation and grip by the non-slip surface area of the shield-shaped body remaining contactable with a surface of the item.

19. A holder in accordance with claim 2 wherein the holding device further comprises an additional supporting component extending from the shield-shaped body, for contacting a portion of the item being held to further counteract bias of the item within the holder by providing an elongated non-slip surface capable of contacting a surface of the item and extending the contact surface area of non-slip material available for contacting with an item.

20. A holder in accordance with claim 3 wherein the holding device further comprises an additional supporting component extending from the shield-shaped body, for contacting a portion of the item being held to further counteract bias of the item within the holder by providing an elongated non-slip surface capable of contacting a surface of the item and extending the contact surface area of non-slip material available for contacting with an item.

21. A holder in accordance with claim 4 wherein the holding device further comprises an additional supporting component extending from the shield-shaped body, for contacting a portion of the item being held to further counteract bias of the item within the holder by providing an elongated non-slip surface capable of contacting a surface of the item and extending the contact surface area of non-slip material available for contacting with an item.

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