Belt clip and locking fastener for selectively securing an electronic device

Abstract

A selectively lockable fastener is provided that includes a beveled button for removable interconnection to a locking portion based on a rotational movement. The button of one embodiment of the present invention also includes a locking relief, generally a second bevel, for engagement with a cavity of the locking portion. This secondary locking feature reduces the occurrences of unintentional disengagement of the fastener that often occurs as a result of normal wear and tear.

1 . A two-piece fastening apparatus adapted for removable interconnection, comprising: 
 a locking portion comprising an upper end, a lower end and lateral edges extending therebetween;    a receiving pocket positioned within said locking portion and comprising at least one outwardly extending lip on a first end and an upper surface having a restricted diameter in at least one location;    a button for selective interconnection into said receiving pocket having: 
 a) a first surface defined by an edge;  
 b) a second surface defined by an edge separated by a predetermined distance from said first surface;  
 c) a bevel extending around a portion of said edge of said first surface, wherein the thickness of said button is reduced; and  
 d) a locking relief extending around a portion of said edge of said second surface generally opposite said bevel, wherein the thickness of said button is reduced; and  
   wherein said receiving pocket is sized to receive and secure said button in a first secured position wherein said button cannot be withdrawn from said receiving pocket until said bevel is positioned substantially adjacent to said outwardly extending lip as a result of a rotation of said button.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said outwardly extending lip further includes a locking cavity for engagement with said locking relief.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said button further comprises an attachment means for interconnection to an electronic device.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one outwardly extending lip is interconnected to a tab portion operably interconnected to said locking portion, wherein displacement of said tab provides sufficient spacing to allow said button to seat in said receiving pocket.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein when said button is selectively interconnected to said locking portion it is capable of substantially free rotation.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein alignment of said bevel of said button with said outwardly extending lip requires rotation of said button in said receiving pocket.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said rotation of said button to facilitate disengagement of said button from said outwardly extending lip is between about 150 and 210 degrees.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said locking portion is interconnected to a clip for selective interconnection to a belt, a pocket, or other article of clothing.  
   
   
       9 . A fastening apparatus, comprising: 
 a locking means;    a receiving pocket integrally positioned within said locking means and comprising a deflectable tab with an engagement means positioned thereon adjacent to an upper surface of said receiving pocket; and    a locking button operably sized to fit in said receiving pocket upon insertion in a first direction, wherein said locking button becomes secured by said engagement means, said locking button further comprising: 
 a) a beveled edge on an outer surface of said locking button; and  
 b) a locking relief on an inner surface of said locking button; and  
   wherein said locking button is selectively released from said receiving pocket by rotating said locking button to an angle distinct from said first direction to facilitate release from said receiving pocket.    
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said engagement means further includes a locking cavity for engagement with said locking relief.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said engagement means comprises an upwardly extending lip.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said receiving pocket is shrouded with a restricted diameter portion to substantially prevent said locking button from inadvertent disengagement from said pocket.  
   
   
       13 . A method for one-handed interconnection and removal of a multi-piece fastening apparatus, comprising: 
 providing a button with a first bevel and a locking relief;    providing a locking pocket;    providing an engagement means positioned within said locking pocket that retains said button in said locking pocket when said button is oriented in a first position, and allows said button to be released from said engagement means when said button is rotated at least about 30 degrees from said first position; and    wherein said button is selectively secured and removed from said locking pocket with one hand based on a rotational movement of said button.    
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said engagement means further includes a locking cavity for engagement with said locking relief.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said engagement means comprises a receiving pocket with an upwardly extending lip and a reduced diameter cap portion sized to retain said button.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said first bevel allows movement over said upwardly extending lip when said first bevel and said upwardly extending lip are rotationally aligned.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said engagement means further comprises a tab that allows said button to be slidingly positioned in said receiving pocket when said tab is deflected.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said button and said locking pocket are interconnected to a protuberance for interconnection to a strap, a belt, a rope, or a leash.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said button is interconnected to an electronic device.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said locking relief of said button has at least a second bevel that is oriented at least about 30 degrees from said first bevel.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein in said first position said second bevel is retained within said locking relief.  
   
   
       22 . A two-piece fastening apparatus adapted for selective interconnection, comprising: 
 a first locking portion having: 
 a) an upper end, a lower end and lateral edges extending therebetween;  
 b) a receiving pocket positioned within said locking portion and comprising a lip extending along said lower end and along at least a portion of said lateral edges, said receiving pocket also including an opened surface interconnected to said lip to provide a slot; and  
 c) a locking tab capable of resilient defection about an axis substantially parallel to said lower end, said locking tab having a protrusion with a cavity;  
   a second locking portion for selective interconnection into said first locking portion having: 
 a) a cylindrical button with a first surface and a second surface that is separated a predetermined distance from said first surface;  
 b) a bevel extending around a portion of an edge of said first surface, wherein the thickness of said cylindrical button is reduced;  
 c) a locking relief extending around a portion of an edge of said second surface, generally opposite said bevel, wherein the thickness of said cylindrical button is reduced; and  
 d) a stem interconnected to said second surface of said cylindrical button; and  
   wherein said receiving pocket is sized to receive and secure said cylindrical button such that said locking relief is positioned within said cavity of said protrusion when said first locking portion and said second locking portion are in a first locked position, and wherein said button is withdrawn from said receiving pocket when said first locking portion and said second portion are rotated relative to each other such that said bevel is positioned substantially adjacent to said protrusion of said locking tab.