Clip for an electronic case

Abstract

The present invention is generally a clip that is adapted for interconnection to a case for electronic devices. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a clip that includes a portion for selective interconnection to a user's belt and a portion for interconnection to the case. In addition, the present invention provides an improved method of inserting the clip into a traditional case, wherein manufacturing steps and tools are omitted, thus decreasing costs and time of production.

1 . A retention device adapted for interconnection to a storage case, comprising: 
 a case portion that includes a protrusion extending above a first surface, said protrusion also comprising a ramp that is adapted to deflect a webbed area on the storage case to allow said storage case portion to be interconnected to the case, and an engagement ledge located adjacent to said ramp that retains said case portion by preventing removal thereof from the storage case; and    a belt portion operably interconnected to said case portion to define a retention device that is adapted for resilient deflection for selective interconnection to a user's belt or other article of clothing.    
   
   
       2 . The retention device of  claim 1 , further including a storage case with a webbed area, said storage case is adapted to secure at least one of a cellular phone, a flash light, a PDA, a pager, a writing instrument, and a media playing device.  
   
   
       3 . The retention device of  claim 1 , wherein said case portion is generally rectangular with said first surface and a second surface spaced therefrom, said surfaces being defined by a lateral edge, wherein said lateral edge includes an arcuate portion positioned on an end opposite from the edge that is interconnected to said belt portion.  
   
   
       4 . The retention device of  claim 3 , wherein said lateral edge includes an inclined section located on an end opposite from the edge that is interconnected to said belt portion.  
   
   
       5 . A retention device adapted for interconnection to a storage case having a sufficient volume to hold a device, comprising: 
 a substantially planar case retention portion with a first surface and a second surface that are both defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, with two lateral edges therebetween;    a protrusion emanating from said first surface that includes a ramp and an engagement ledge;    wherein said protrusion of said case portion allows for one-way insertion of said case portion between the storage case and a webbing thereon such that said ramp deflects the webbing sufficiently to allow for complete insertion of the case retention portion without the requirement of additional tools, and wherein said engagement ledge prevents removal of said case portion by contacting the webbing; and    a substantially planar belt portion with a first surface and a second surface, which are both defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, with two lateral edges therebetween, wherein said top edge of said case portion is operably interconnected to said upper edge of said belt portion to define a retention device that is adapted to resiliently deflect for selective interconnection to a user's belt or other article of clothing.    
   
   
       6 . The retention device of  claim 5 , further including a storage case with a webbed area, said storage case adapted to secure at least one of a cellular phone, a flash light, a PDA, a pager, a writing instrument, and a media playing device.  
   
   
       7 . The retention device of  claim 5 , wherein said lateral edge includes an arcuate portion positioned on an end opposite from the edge that is interconnected to said belt portion.  
   
   
       8 . The retention device of  claim 7 , wherein said lateral edge includes an inclined section located on an end opposite from the edge that is interconnected to said belt portion.  
   
   
       9 . A method of assembling a storage case to a retention clip, comprising: 
 providing a case retention portion that includes a ramp extending above a first surface and a ledge located adjacent to said ramp, and a belt portion operably interconnected to said case retention portion:    inserting an edge of said case retention portion between said storage case and s web portion of the storage case;    contacting said web with said ramp thereby defecting the web away from the storage case; and    engaging said ledge adjacent to said web, wherein said retention device is substantially prevented from being removed from said storage case.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising: stitching said web to said case adjacent to said case portion.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising: riveting said case portion of said retention device to at least one of said web and said case.  
   
   
       12 . A retention device adapted for interconnection to a storage case having a sufficient volume to hold a device, comprising: 
 a substantially planar case retention portion with a first surface and a second surface that are both defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, with two lateral edges therebetween;    a deflection means emanating from said first surface;    a retention means emanating from said first surface adjacent to said deflection means;    wherein said deflection means of said case retention portion allows for one-way insertion between the storage case and a webbing thereon such that said deflection means moves the webbing sufficiently to allow for complete insertion of the case retention portion without the requirement of additional tools, and wherein said retention means prevents removal of said case retention portion by contacting the webbing; and    a substantially planar belt portion with a first surface and a second surface, which are both defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, with two lateral edges therebetween, wherein said top edge of said case retention portion is operably interconnected to said upper edge of said belt portion to define a retention device that is adapted to resiliently deflect for selective interconnection to a user's belt or other article of clothing.    
   
   
       13 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said case retention portion is operably interconnected to said upper edge of said belt portion by a U-shaped member.  
   
   
       14 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said deflection means is an inclined plane.  
   
   
       15 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said retention means is an edge adjacent to said deflection means.  
   
   
       16 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said case retention portion and said belt portion are constructed of plastic.  
   
   
       17 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said case retention portion is longer than said belt portion.  
   
   
       18 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said belt portion has an hourglass shape.  
   
   
       19 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said belt portion has a bottom edge is spaced a predetermined distance from said retention means.  
   
   
       20 . The retention device of  claim 12 , wherein said case retention portion has a bottom edge is rounded.