Holsters

Abstract

A holster for securing an accessory device to a user includes a receiving body defining an interior space adapted to receive the device, and having two opposing open ends along an axis thereof, each allowing insertion and withdrawal of the device. Retaining means disposed in the body retain the device within the interior space, permitting withdrawal only upon application of an external force of a predetermined magnitude and in a direction along the axis of the receiving body. Attachment means on the body may detachably secure the receiving body to a user. In one embodiment, an elongate, flexible panel includes ends configured to releasably mate to form the body, and an attachment strap on the panel also includes mating ends, which, when mated, prevent the mated ends of the panel from disengaging. A magnet mounted on the panel magnetically engages and thereby retains the device held in the body.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A holster for securing an accessory device to a user, comprising:
 a receiving body defining an interior space and being adapted to receive the device substantially within the interior space, the body having a longitudinal axis and including two opposing open ends disposed therealong, each open end configured to allow insertion and withdrawal of the device;   retaining means disposed in the body and adapted to retain the device substantially within the interior space when inserted therein, permitting withdrawal of the retained device only upon the application of an external force greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude and in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the receiving body; and   attachment means disposed on the body and adapted to detachably secure the receiving body to a user.   
     
     
         2 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving body is configured to conform the interior space to the size and/or shape of the device. 
     
     
         3 . The holster of  claim 2 , wherein the receiving body is at least partially formed of an elastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The holster of  claim 2 , wherein the receiving body is of adjustable size. 
     
     
         5 . The holster of  claim 4 , wherein the receiving body comprises an elongate and at least partially flexible panel having first and second ends configured to releasably mate at any of a range of relative positions, to thereby define the interior space. 
     
     
         6 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining means includes magnetic means. 
     
     
         7 . The holster of  claim 6 , wherein the retaining means comprises a magnet mounted on a portion of the body defining the interior space, such that the magnet is disposed to magnetically engage and thereby retain the device when received substantially within the interior space. 
     
     
         8 . The holster of  claim 7 , wherein the magnet is mounted on a portion of the body substantially opposing the portion of the body upon which the attachment means is disposed. 
     
     
         9 . A holster kit for securing an accessory device to a user, comprising:
 the holster of  claim 6 ; and   a magnetic component adapted to be magnetically attracted to the magnetic means of the holster, and configured to be mounted to the device.   
     
     
         10 . The holster of  claim 6 , wherein the magnetic means is configured to magnetically engage and disengage the device substantially soundlessly. 
     
     
         11 . The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means includes a strap assembly that includes at least one strap connected at one end to the receiving body. 
     
     
         12 . The holster of  claim 11 , wherein the strap assembly comprises two straps each connected at a first end to the receiving body, and wherein the second ends of the straps are configured to releasably mate with each other. 
     
     
         13 . The holster of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment means is dimensioned to securely hold the receiving body against a user's belt. 
     
     
         14 . The holster of  claim 13 , wherein the attachment means is oriented relative to the receiving body so that the longitudinal axis of the receiving body is substantially perpendicular to the user's belt when the receiving body is secured thereto by the attachment means. 
     
     
         15 . A holster for securing a device to an object, comprising:
 an elongate and at least partially flexible panel configured to substantially encompass the device, and having first and second ends configured to releasably mate in first range of mating positions;   an attachment strap disposed on the panel, the attachment strap also having first and second ends configured to encircle the object and releasably mate in a second range of mating positions;   wherein the attachment strap is oriented in a direction transverse to the elongate panel; and   wherein the attachment strap is disposed relative to the first range of mating positions such that when the ends of the elongate panel and the ends of the attachment strap, respectively, are mated, the attachment strap prevent the mated ends of the elongate panel from disengaging.   
     
     
         16 . The holster of  claim 15 , wherein the second range of relative positions substantially overlaps the first range of relative positions, such that the mated ends of the attachment strap prevent the mated ends of the elongate panel from disengaging. 
     
     
         17 . The holster of  claim 15 , wherein the ends of the elongate panel are configured to releasably mate by means of a press fit engagement. 
     
     
         18 . The holster of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment strap is configured such that when it encircles an object with the ends of the attachment strap mated, the object is held against the mated ends of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         19 . The holster of  claim 15 , further including retaining means mounted on the elongate panel and configured to engage and retain the device encompassed thereby. 
     
     
         20 . A holster for securing a device to a user, comprising:
 an elongate and at least partially flexible panel configured to substantially encircle the device, the panel including:
 first and second ends configured to releasably mate in a first range of mating  positions, and 
 retaining means mounted intermediate the first and second ends and configured to engage the device when encircled, to thereby restrict lateral movement thereof except upon application of an external force greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude in a lateral direction; 
   an attachment strap assembly mounted to the elongate panel and configured to detachably secure the holster to a user, the strap assembly including two straps each projecting to either side of the elongate panel from the first end thereof, each strap including a distal end configured to releasably mate with the other in a second range of mating positions;   wherein the second range of positions at least partially overlaps the first range of positions, such that the distal ends of the straps, when mated, prevent disengagement of the mated first and second ends of the elongate panel.