MOBILE DEVICE ACCESSORIES

Abstract

A mobile computing device and cradle holster comprises a body formed of a unitary material that is constructed and arranged to surround both a mobile computing device and a cradling apparatus coupled to the mobile computing device. The body includes an opening for receiving the mobile computing device and cradling apparatus and for exposing a top region of both the mobile computing device and cradling apparatus. The opening further has a width configured to receive and hold in place both the cradling apparatus and the mobile computing device coupled to the cradling apparatus, and the cradling apparatus comprising a mating interface for conformably positioning in an interior of the holster. At least one clip extends from a rear surface of the body for removably coupling to a belt of a wearer, the clip including a mounting element for coupling to the rear surface of the body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for holding a handheld mobile computing device; and in particular, to a mobile device cradle holster that holds a handheld mobile device cradle, which in turn holds a handheld mobile computing device so that both the mobile computing device and the cradle are removably positioned in the holster.

BACKGROUND

Due to the cost and necessity of modern mobile devices, ranging from personal smartphones to handheld scanning devices to data collection devices with touchscreens for performing job-related functions, various enclosures such as cradles, rugged covers, and so on may be coupled to a mobile device for protection, an extension of features, or other purpose. These enclosures are generally constructed for permanent or semi-permanent coupling about the mobile device, and not designed for frequent removal of the mobile device.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a mobile computing device and cradle holster comprises a body formed of a unitary material that is constructed and arranged to surround both a mobile computing device and a cradling apparatus coupled to the mobile computing device. The body includes an opening for receiving the mobile computing device and cradling apparatus and for exposing a top region of both the mobile computing device and cradling apparatus. The opening further has a width configured to receive and hold in place both the cradling apparatus and the mobile computing device coupled to the cradling apparatus, and the cradling apparatus comprising a mating interface for conformably positioning in an interior of the holster. A front region of the body is constructed and arranged for directly abutting the mobile computing device and including a parabolic top portion that exposes a top portion of the mobile computing device. A rear region of the body is constructed and arranged for directly abutting the cradling apparatus and to permit a wireless communication between the mobile computing device and an electronic device of a retail garden facility. At least one clip extends from a rear surface of the body for removably coupling to a belt of a wearer, the clip including a mounting element for coupling to the rear surface of the body.

In other embodiments, an apparatus for holding a handheld mobile computer, comprises a cradle for holding a handheld mobile computer and a pouch for receiving and holding the cradle, including: at least one clip for removably coupling to a belt of a wearer, the clip including a mounting element for coupling to the pouch; and an opening having a width configured to receive and hold in place both the cradle and the mobile computer insider the cradle, and the cradle comprising a mating interface for conformably positioning in the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a network diagram of an environment in which embodiments of the present inventive concept can be practiced.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a mobile device attached to a cradle, both of which are external to a mobile device cradle holster in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a mobile device attached to a cradle, both of which are external to a mobile device cradle holster in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the mobile device and cradle of FIG. 2A positioned in the mobile device cradle holster in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a mobile device and cradle separate from each other.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a mobile device having a touch screen display and coupled to a cradle in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a mobile device having a set of buttons and coupled to a cradle in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of a mobile device cradle holster in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a holster clip, in accordance some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a holster clip, in accordance other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concepts is a separate holster that is constructed and arranged for removably attaching to a user's belt or other elongated object and for receiving a combination of a mobile device and its attached enclosure, e.g., cradle, in order to allow the user to operate some tasks in a handsfree manner, while also allowing the user to gain immediate and simple access to the combined mobile device and attached cradle to perform other tasks.

FIG. 1 is a network diagram of an environment in which embodiments of the present inventive concept can be practiced.

A user 11 such as a store employee may be present in a garden center 10 or other landscape-related store or region of the store where lawn and garden-related items are offered. At the store 10, a kiosk, checkout computer, data storage, printer, and so on, which may communicate with each other and/or other electronic devices via network 16 may be available for use by the user 11 which are in electrical communication with a network 16. The network 16 may be a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a mobile communications network, a data network, such as a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof, or other communication network known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Such electronic devices in the store 10 may communicate with a handheld mobile device 20 such as a smartphone, handheld scanning device, terminal-based data collection device, payment device, credit card reader, or the like that is used by the user 11. In some embodiments, the mobile device 20 is configured for processing data related to tasks performed by the user 11 at the store 10. As shown in FIG. 1, such tasks may relate to a garden center or the like. To perform such task, in some embodiments, the mobile device 20 includes on its front surface a display screen, a set of function keys, and a set of character keys or the like, for example, shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A-3C. In some embodiments, the mobile device 20 operates as an electronic payment device and may also include a scanning button, card reader or the like on its side surface. The mobile device 20 may also include but not be limited to a power button, charging port, USB connector, wireless, and/or other interface-related connector or the like is displayed for access by a user when inserted in the holder 10. In some embodiments, the mobile device 20 may be a Zebra™ TC51 handheld mobile computer and the cradle 22 is a TC51 cradle. However, mobile devices offered by other vendors such as Verifone, Ingenico, Motorla and so on may equally apply that perform mobile point of sale (POS) operations in lieu of or in addition to a checkout counter, for example, an Ingenico® iSMP payment device. As described herein, the holster 100 is constructed and arranged for universal use by many different mobile devices and their associated cradles, enclosures, covers, battery packs, and/or other accessories coupled to the body of the mobile device.

The environment shown in FIG. 1 may include a store computer 14 that may be located in the region of the store 10 where the user 11 performs job-related functions using the mobile device 20. Alternatively, the store computer 14 may be located elsewhere in the store, such as a computer room, warehouse, back office location, and so on. The store computer 14 may operate to perform point of sale, data storage, and/or other operations required in order for the store computer 14 to interact with the mobile device 20 and/or local computers in the garden center 10 via the network 16.

Similarly, a remote computer 12 may operate to perform data storage, for example, customer account data, and/or other operations required in order for the store computer 14 to interact with the store computer 14, mobile device 20 and/or local computers in the garden center 10 via the network 16.

In some embodiments, the holster 100 is constructed and arranged to receive and temporarily hold the mobile device 20 so that the user 11 is not required to use a hand to hold the mobile device and to permit both hands to be available to perform other tasks while working in a garden area of the store 10, for example, moving bags of mulch to a different area of the garden center.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a mobile device 20 attached to a cradle 22, both of which are external to a mobile device cradle holster 100 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 of FIG. 2A positioned in the mobile device cradle holster 100 in accordance with some embodiments.

Embodiments of the mobile device 20 are described with reference to FIG. 1 and not repeated for brevity.

The cradle 22 when positioned about the mobile device 20 requires and results in a greater width than the standalone mobile device 20. Therefore, the holster 100 must include an opening 103 that is constructed and arranged for receiving both the cradle 22 and mobile device 20, and/or other attachments to the mobile device 20. In some embodiments, the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 may each be coupled to an intermediary device, referred to as a sled. Here, the mobile device 20, cradle 22, and intermediary device are positioned can be positioned in the holster 100. In particular, the holster 100 is constructed to receive both the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 and/or the intermediary device in combination and coupled to each other, despite the combined thicknesses of these two or three devices. In some embodiments, the width of the interior of the holster can be expanded, for example, by stretching or otherwise configuring the holster 100 to accommodate both the mobile device 20 and cradle 22.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the opening 103 of the holster 100 is constructed and arranged so that the mobile device 20/cradle 22 combination can be easily inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the corners 111 of the holster 100 have a height that is greater than a central region 104, 112 so that a portion of the mobile device 20/cradle 22 combination is exposed and can be grasped by a pair of fingers to remove the combination from the holster 100. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the body 108 of the holster 100 permit various mobile device 20/cradle 22 combinations, with or without an intermediate sled or related apparatus, for example, having a length of 3.25 inches, a width, thickness, or depth of 2 inches, and a height of 4 inches, but not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, one side 104 of the central region has a different configuration than the other side 112, for example, a different curved shape as shown. In some embodiments, the bottom region of the holster 100 has openings 116 so that a force from a user's finger or other object can be directly applied to the mobile device 20 and/or cradle 22 to push the combination from the bottom out through the opening 103. In some embodiments, the holster body 108 preferably has a general rectangular shape, with rounded, tapered, or beveled corners as shown, so that the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 are both at least partially enclosed or otherwise surrounded by an interior wall of the holster 100 forming the opening and interior. In some embodiments, the interior may have an addition liner to reduce a width, length, surface area, and/or other dimension, for example, to accommodate a smaller mobile device. In some embodiments, the body 108 and/or interior may include front, rear, and side surfaces include a common source of biodegradable and self-sterilizing polymer material. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the front surface may have a different configuration than the rear surface. For example, the front surface may have a parabolic contour 114, or depression or the like, that exposes a top region of the mobile device 20, which may include a camera or other sensitive electronic components which may be exposed to damage unless the holster body 108 provides an open region for the top portion. In some embodiments, the front surface is constructed and arranged to directly and conformably receive a Zebra™ TC51 handheld mobile computer. The rear surface of the body 108, on the other hand, may have a butterfly-shape or related contour for accommodating the upper surface of the cradle 22 in order to comply with the dimensions or configuration of the cradle 22. In some embodiments, the front surface is constructed and arranged to directly and conformably receive a TC51 cradle. The body 108 is configured to hold both the Zebra™ TC51 handheld mobile computer and cradle in the holster 100 even if the holster 100 is in an upside-down position so that the top regions of the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 are directed at the ground in this position.

In some embodiments, the holster 100 is constructed and arranged to display or otherwise render accessible for a user one or more of a display screen, function keys, character keys, side scanning buttons or card readers. For example, the holster body 108 may include one or more openings, windows, or the like (not shown) for provide access to a user. In another example, one or more openings (not shown) provide for a power button, charging port, USB connector, and/or other interface-related connector or the like is displayed for access by a user when the mobile device 20/cradle 22 combination is positioned in the holder 100, so that the user can operate the mobile device 20 when the holster 100 is positioned about a belt or other region of the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, the holster 100 is constructed and arranged as a protective external case for the mobile device 20 and cradle 22. Here, the holster 100 can be formed of plastics or related composites to provide for the holster body 108 a rugged or hardened shell. In other embodiments, the holster 100 may provide protection but be formed of materials such as nylon, which permit the opening 103 to stretch or otherwise expand and contract for compliance with accepting mobile device/cradle combinations of various configurations and sizes. Other materials may equally apply, such as multiple materials comprising polystyrene, metal, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and/or related injection molded and/or thermoplastic materials such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). Other materials may include a biodegradable and self-sterilizing polymer material, which includes elastic properties allowing the region of separation to be widened for inserting or removing the one of the mobile devices into an interior region, and returning to its original state after the insertion or removal of the one of the mobile devices. In some embodiments, a material may include silicone, for example, to provide a covering, coating, the like to protect the holster 100 and/or its contents such as the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 from rain.

As shown in FIG. 3, the holster 100 includes a clip 120 that is constructed and arranged for removably coupling the holster 100 to a user's belt, waistband, or other elongated object that allows the user to insert the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 into the holster 100 and/or remove the mobile device 20 and cradle 22 from the holster.

In some embodiments, the clip 120 is a machined, molded, or otherwise formed from a single piece of material such as metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the clip 120A include a height of 2.75 inches and a width of 2 inches or other width less than the length of the body 108 to which the clip 120A is attached, but not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, a clip 120A has a single body 124.

A top region of the body 124 includes an offset portion 129 including at least one hole 129, and preferably two holes 129. Each hole 129 is constructed and arranged for alignment with the rear surface 113 of the holster body 108, which may include a threaded opening or other location for receiving a coupling device 122 such as a screw or the like that secures the clip 102A to the holster body 108. In some embodiments, screws are replaced with a different form of fastener or coupler. Any type of fastener or coupler can be used to secure clip 120A to the holster body 108. In some embodiments, instead of holes, a rear surface of the clip 120A includes an adhesive backing or other coupling mechanism for directly attaching the clip 120A to the holster body 108. In some embodiments, the rear surface 113 include a mount 118 or the like for directly abutting the offset portion 129 of the clip 120A. The mount 118 and the offset between the top region and main body 124 of the clip 120A forms a gap or width between the clip 120A and the holster body 108 sufficient for receiving and positioning about a belt or the like. In some embodiments, a bottom region of the clip 120A is offset from the top region so that that bottom region is at a greater distance from a rear surface 113 of the holster body 108 than the top region 129 so that the bottom region is positioned about the belt.

In some embodiments, the bottom region including an opening 141. The clip 120A may include a protrusion 128 or hook or related element extending from the bottom region at an angle extending in a direction toward the rear surface 113 of the holster body 108. The protrusion 128 may be formed from a portion of the main body 124, wherein an opening 126 is formed when the protrusion 128 is formed, i.e., bent or otherwise pulled away from the main body 124 in a direction toward the offset portion 129 and/or holster body 108. The protrusion 128 may be positioned under a belt or the like to secure the clip 120A about the belt. In some embodiments, the offset region of the clip 120A may be sufficiently flexible to bend so as to increase a width of the gap 142 to allow for the release or separation of the clip 120A from the belt. The width must be increased so that a width from an outermost end of the protrusion 128 and the rear surface 113 of the holster body 108 is at least as wide as a thickness of the belt to allow the belt to be removed via the opening 141 between the clip 120A and the holster 100.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, a clip 120B has a dual-body configuration, where a first body 154A and second body 154B each extend from a common top region 152. The top region 152 including at least one hole 159, and preferably two holes 159, for example, at least one hole 159 directly above each body portion 154A, 15B, respectively. Each hole 159 is constructed and arranged for alignment with the rear surface 113 of the holster body 108, which may include a threaded opening or other location for receiving a coupling device 122 such as a screw or the like that secures the clip 102B to the holster body 108. In some embodiments, the rear surface 113 include a holster mount 118 or the like (for example, show in FIG. 2B) for directly abutting an offset portion 155 of the clip 120B. In some embodiments, the offset extension portion 155 extends between the top region 152 and each body 154A, 154B. The mount 118 and the offset between the top region and each main body 144 of the clip 120B forms a gap or width between the clip 120B and the holster body 108 sufficient for receiving and positioning about a belt or the like, for example, shown in FIG. 2 which illustrates either the clip 120A of FIG. 5 or the clip 120B of FIG. 6. In some embodiments, a bottom region of the clip 120B is offset from the top region so that that bottom region is at a greater distance from a rear surface 113 of the holster body 108 than the top region 152 so that both body portions 154A, 154B are positioned about a belt or other elongated object.

In some embodiments, one or both body portions 154A, 154B may include a protrusion 158A, 158B, respectively, similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 6. A protrusion 128 may be formed from a portion of a body portion, for example, similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 5. Other details of the clip 120B may be similar to or the same as clip 120A and are therefore not repeated for brevity.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for of coupling a combination of coupled devices to a user's belt. Steps may include but not limited to coupling a mobile device to a cradle, or coupling both a mobile device and a cradle to an intermediary sled or related common coupling device. One or more of the mobile device, cradle, and intermediary sled may contain electronics for generating or receiving power or for charging the mobile computing device. The method may further include slidingly positioning a combination of the mobile device, cradle, and intermediary sled into an interior of a special-purpose mobile device cradle holster, for example, similar to or the same as holster 100 described herein. The holster 100 is constructed and arranged to accommodate each and every device, including the mobile device and cradle, and optional intermediary sled. Another step includes coupling the holster to a belt, for example, by inserting the holster clip over a region of the belt. The method can include many other acts. In some embodiments, once inserted, the mobile device in the holster can communicate electronically with other computer devices so that the user can operate the mobile device in a hands-free manner.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination.

Claims

1. A mobile computing device and cradle holster, comprising: a body formed of a unitary material that is constructed and arranged to surround both a mobile computing device and a cradling apparatus coupled to the mobile computing device, the body including an opening for receiving the mobile computing device and cradling apparatus and for exposing a top region of both the mobile computing device and cradling apparatus, the opening further having a width configured to receive and hold in place both the cradling apparatus and the mobile computing device coupled to the cradling apparatus, and the cradling apparatus comprising a mating interface for conformably positioning in an interior of the holster, a front region of the body constructed and arranged for directly abutting the mobile computing device and including a parabolic top portion that exposes a top portion of the mobile computing device, and a rear region of the body constructed and arranged for directly abutting the cradling apparatus and to permit a wireless communication between the mobile computing device and an electronic device of a retail garden facility;at least one clip extending from a rear surface of the body for removably coupling to a belt of a wearer, the clip including a mounting element for coupling to the rear surface of the body.

2. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, wherein the body is constructed and arranged for temporarily holding a Zebra™ TC51 handheld mobile computer and cradle.

3. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip comprises: a top region that includes two holes, each hole aligned with the pouch for receiving a coupling device that secures the clip to the body:a bottom region that is offset from the top region so that that bottom region is at a greater distance from a sidewall of the pouch than the top region so that the bottom region is positioned about the belt, the bottom region including an opening; anda protrusion extending from the bottom region at an angle extending from a bottom of the opening in a direction toward the sidewall of the body and over the opening.

4. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip comprises a dual-body configuration, including a first body and a second body each extending from a common top region, wherein the top region includes at least one hole for receiving a coupling mechanism that directly attaches the at least one clip to the rear surface of the body.

5. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip includes an offset to form a gap between the at least one clip and the rear surface of the body.

6. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, wherein the body is constructed and arranged to surround an intermediate device or sled between the mobile computing device and the cradling apparatus.

7. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, wherein the opening of the body is constructed and arranged to expand and contract for receiving the mobile computing device and the cradling apparatus.

8. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, further comprising a mount extending from the rear surface of the body for directly abutting an offset portion of the at least one clip.

9. The mobile computing device and cradle holster of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip includes an element that extends from a bottom region of the at least one clip at an angle extending in a direction toward the rear surface of the body.

10. An apparatus for holding a handheld mobile computer, comprising: a cradle for holding a handheld mobile computer; anda pouch for receiving and holding the cradle, including: at least one clip for removably coupling to a belt of a wearer, the clip including a mounting element for coupling to the pouch; andan opening having a width configured to receive and hold in place both the cradle and the mobile computer insider the cradle, and the cradle comprising a mating interface for conformably positioning in the pouch.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one clip comprises: a top region that includes two holes, each hole aligned with the pouch for receiving a coupling device that secures the clip to the pouch:a bottom region that is offset from the top region so that that bottom region is at a greater distance from a sidewall of the pouch than the top region so that the bottom region is positioned about the belt, the bottom region including an opening; anda protrusion extending from the bottom region at an angle extending from a bottom of the opening in a direction toward the sidewall of the pouch and over the opening.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one clip comprises a dual-body configuration, including a first body and a second body each extending from a common top region, wherein the top region includes at least one hole for receiving a coupling mechanism that directly attaches the at least one clip to the rear surface of the pouch.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one clip includes an offset to form a gap between the at least one clip and the pouch.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pouch is constructed and arranged to surround an intermediate device or sled between the mobile computing device and the cradle.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the opening of the pouch is constructed and arranged to expand and contract for receiving the mobile computing device and the cradle.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a mount extending from the rear surface of the pouch for directly abutting an offset portion of the at least one clip.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one clip includes an element that extends from a bottom region of the at least one clip at an angle extending in a direction toward the rear surface of the pouch.