Retaining device for securing an article in a pocket

Abstract

The present invention provides a retaining device for securing an article such as a mobile computing device or the like, in a pocket of a garment or bag, and methods of using the same. The retaining device may have a pocket post, a hook, and a clip, and may be operable to be easily inserted into the pocket via the leading member, attach to the pocket via the clip, and hold the article in the pocket via the hook.

1 . An retainer device for securing an article in a pocket, the retaining device comprising:
 a. a pocket post operable to be inserted into a pocket of a garment;   b. a clip having a proximal end mechanically connected to a proximal end of said pocket post, wherein said clip is substantially parallel to said pocket post and spaced apart by a pre-determined distance,   c. at least one clamping element narrowing a distance between said pocket post and said clip for pinching and holding said pocket between said pocket post and said clip; and   d. a rigid retainer structure connected to a proximal portion of said pocket post for retaining a smart phone and protruding about orthogonally from said pocket post, such that the retainer structure faces toward the interior of the pocket when said at least one clamping element is engaged with an exterior surface of said pocket, said rigid retainer having a length that is greater than a width of a smart phone and a shallow hook structure at its distal end for engaging a back or front side of said smart phone.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pocket post comprises a first end having a leading edge, and a second end mechanically connected to said retaining structure. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said leading edge comprises at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said hook structure has an extension and a curved distal end. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said clip comprises a distal end having at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said at least one clamping element pinches the fabric of said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said retainer device further comprises a second clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said second clamping element pinches said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. 
     
     
         9 . A retaining device for securing a mobile computing device in a pocket of a garment, said retaining device comprising a clip and at least one clamping element for providing clamping pressure against an exterior surface of pocket of said pocket and securing said device in said pocket, and rigid retainer structure having a rigid protruding extension and a hook for engaging an edge of said mobile computing device in order to prevent said mobile computing device from falling out of said pocket. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said retaining device further includes a receiver for connecting to an elongate structure, wherein said clip is operable to compress said pocket facing between said at least one clamping element and said elongate structure. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9 , further comprising a pocket post having a distal end for inserting into said pocket. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one clamping element protrudes from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said at least one clamping element pinches the fabric of said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 9 , further comprises a second clamping element operable to pinch said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, further preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method for securing an article in a pocket, the method comprising the steps of:
 a. providing a retaining device having
 i. a pocket post having a distal end for inserting into said pocket, 
 ii. at least one clamping element for providing clamping pressure against pocket facing of said pocket and securing said device in said pocket, and 
 iii. a rigid retainer structure for engaging and retaining an edge of a smart phone in order to prevent said article from falling out of said pocket, wherein said rigid retainer structure protrudes about orthogonally from said pocket post, and said rigid retainer has a length that is greater than a width of a smart phone and a shallow hook structure at its distal end for engaging a back or front side of said smart phone; 
   b. inserting said pocket post into said pocket and positioning such that said at least one clamping element applies pressure on an exterior surface of said pocket, such that the retaining device is secured to said pocket; and   c. engaging said retainer structure with said smart phone, said smart phone being located within said pocket.   
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the step of engaging said retainer structure with said article comprises placing said retainer structure over an upper edge of the smart phone. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said distal edge of said pocket post comprises at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said hook structure has a curved distal end. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said retaining device includes a clip having a distal end having at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel, and said at least one clamping element forms a portion of said clip. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising a clip and said at least one clamping element protrudes from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said at least one clamping element pinches the fabric of said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said retaining device further comprises a second clamping element, such that said second clamping element pinches said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said shallow hook is rigid and has a soft curving structure. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said hook is rigid and has a soft curving structure. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said elongate device is a pen, stylus, or pencil.