GB2456884A

GB2456884A - Device for securing an object to a user

Info

Publication number: GB2456884A
Application number: GB0814717A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Godfrey Rowland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-01-31
Filing date: 2008-08-12
Publication date: 2009-08-05
Also published as: GB0801771D0; GB0814717D0; GB2445293B; GB2445293A

Abstract

A device 3 for securing an object to a user's clothing or the like comprises first 10A and second 10B arms which are pivotally 17 connected and biased together at one end, the device being mountable on a body portion of an item of apparatus such as a pair of binoculars 1. Preferably, the second arm has first 36 and second 34 parts with the second part being located on the other side of the hinge portion from the first such that as the second part is moved away from the plane in which the first arm lies the first part is brought towards the first arm. The tips of the arms may have rubberized portions 11 on their innermost faces. The device is especially suited for use with apparatus adapted to be otherwise attached to a user by a strap or lanyard, the device being operable to hold the apparatus to a user's clothing. This allows a camera, binoculars etc. to be prevented from excessive movement when the user moves.

Description

Device and Apparatus Attached to a User by a Strap or Lanyard

Description

This invention relates to a device mountable or mounted on apparatus adapted to be attached to a user by a strap or lanyard. The invention relates also to apparatus including a body and a strap or lanyard for attaching the apparatus to a user.

It is common for equipment such as binoculars and cameras to be hung by a strap or lanyard from a user's neck. It is well known that this makes ihem readily available for instant use, for instance when bird spotting or when sightseeing. It is well known also that hanging binoculars, cameras etc. from a neck by a strap or lanyard typically results in their swinging as the user walks, and in an uncontrolled swing when turning or leaning forward. This can result in striking of the user's chest, which can be uncomfortable or painful. Even without this, swinging is inconvenIent. Thus it is common for users to support neck hung cameras etc. with one hand when walking. Therefore, this creates a problem that only one hand then remains free, and the problem is worsened if the user requires to carry a stick or dog lead in the other hand.

It is an aim of the invention is to ameliorate these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention a device is provided, the device comprising arms which are pivotally connected and biased together at one end, the device being mountable on a body portion of apparatus adapted to be attached to a user by a strap or lanyard, the device being operable to hold the apparatus to a user's clothing.

The device may be mounted on an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mountable on the body portion of the apparatus and substantially conforming to a shape of a portion of the surface of the body portion of the apparatus. The intermediary member may be arrangeable to partially surround a portion of an exterior surface of the body portion of the apparatus.

The intermediary member may be a first part of a two-part fastener, wherein the first part of the two-part fastener may be affixed to the body and the second part of the two-part fastener may be affixed to the means operable to hold the body to a user's clothing.

Alternatively, the device may be mountable on the intermediary member by a two-part fastener in which one part of the two-part fastener is affixed to the device and the other part is affixed to the intermediary member. The intermediary member may be resiliently biased towards a predetermined shape. The intermediary member may comprise a length of resilient material having a substantially circular shape.

Both of the above may allow the apparatus to be detached from the device as required and without the use of tools. It may also allow the device to be reversed, ic. to allow operation with different clothes or operation by the user's other hand.

According to a second aspect of the invention a device is provided, the device being mountable on apparatus adapted to be attached to a user by a strap or lanyard, the device comprising means operable to hold the apparatus to a user's clothing comprising first and second arms which are pivotally connected at a hinge position, a first end of the first arm being biased towards a first end of the second arm, the first arm lying generally in a first plane and comprising a first part of a two-part fastener, the two part fastener being operable to resist forces applied between the first part of the fastener and a second part of the fastener in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the second arm having a second part located to a side of the hinge position opposite to the first end of the second arm, and in which the first part of the second arm is moved away from the first plane as the second part of the second arm is moved towards the first plane.

The second part of the two-part fastener may be directly affixable to a body portion of the apparatus.

Alternatively, the second part of the two-part fastener may be directly affixed to an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mountable on a body portion of the apparatus. The intermediary member may be arrangeable to partially surround a portion of an exterior surface of the body portion of the apparatus.

The intermediary member may be resiliently biased towards a predetermined shape.

The intermediary member may comprise a length of resilient material having a substantially circular shape.

According to a third aspect of the invention apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a body, a strap or lanyard for attaching the apparatus to a user and a device comprising arms which are pivotally connected and biased together at one end, the device being mounted on the body, the device being operable to hold the body to a user's clothing.

The device may be inseparably mounted on the body.

Alternatively, the device may be mounted on an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mountable on the body portion of the apparatus and substantially conforming to a shape of a portion of the surface of the body portion of the apparatus.

The intermediary member may be a first part of a two-part fastener, the first part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the body and the second part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the means operable to hold the body to a user's clothing.

Alternatively, the device may be mountable on the intermediary member via a two-part fastener in which one part of the two-part fastener is affixed to the device and the other part is affixed to the intermediary member. The intermediary member may be arrangeable to partially surround a portion of an exterior surface of the body portion of the apparatus. The intermediary member may resiliently biased towards a predetermined shape. The intermediary member may comprise a length of resilient material having a substantially circular shape.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a body, a strap or lanyard for attaching the apparatus to a user and a device mounted on the body, the device comprising means operable to hold the apparatus to a user's clothing comprising first and second arms which are pivotaily connected at a hinge position, a first end of the first arm being biased towards a first end of the second arm, the first arm lying generally in a first plane, the first arm being affixed to the body, the second arm having a second part located to a side of the hinge position opposite to the first end of the second arm, and in which the first part of the second arm is moved away from the first plane as the second part of the second arm is moved towards the first plane.

The device may be inseparably mounted on the body.

Alternatively, the first arm may be affixed to the body by a two-part fastener, one part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the device and the other part being directly affixed to the body portion of the apparatus.

The first arm may be affixed to an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mounted on the body portion of the apparatus and substantially conforming to a shape of a portion of the surface of the body portion of the apparatus.

Alternatively, the first arm may be affixed to the intermediary member by a two-part fastener in which one part of the two-part fastener is affixed to the device and the other part is affixed to the intermediary member. The intermediary member may be arrangeable to partially surround a portion of an exterior surface of the body portion of the apparatus. The intermediary member may be resiliently biased towards a predetermined shape. The intermediary member may comprise a length of resilient material having a substantially circular shape.

The two-part fastener described with reference to any of the above aspects of the invention may be a hook and loop fastener. This provides a particularly effective, yet relatively low cost, solution.

According to any of the first to fourth aspects, the ends of the arms which are biased together may include rubberised portions on their innermost faces. This can reduce the possibility of damage to the user's clothing, compared to the use of teeth for instance.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pair of binoculars including a clipmate according to aspects of the Invention for holding the binoculars to a user's clothing; and Figure 2 is an end view of the binoculars and clipmate of Figure 1.

Figures 3A and 3B show an intermediary member with which to attach a clipmate to the binoculars.

Figures 1 and 2 show a pair of binoculars I including means 3 for holding the binoculars to a user's clothing.

The binoculars I are conventional. The binoculars I comprise right and left body portions 4, an objective 6, an eye-piece 7, and a hinge 8. The hinge 8 connects the right and left body portions 4. A strap or lanyard 5 is connected to the right and left body portions 4. The strap or lanyard 5 is connected at the parts of the right and left body portions 4 which are on the outermost sides of the binoculars, i.e. on the sides of the body portions which are opposite the hinges. The strap or lanyard is connected to the binoculars at a position closer to the eye piece 7 than to the objective 6, so that the binoculars naturally hang with the objective 6 pointing downwards.

On each of the body portions 4, close to the objective 6 is provided one part of a two part fastener 2. In the embodiments, the two-part fastener is a touch fastener, for instance a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro (RTM). It will be understood, however, that other two-part fasters may also be suitable, for example, snap fasteners and magnetic fasteners. The touch fastener pads 2 are curved so as to fit the outer surface of the body portions 4.

The means 3 for holding the binoculars to a user's clothing is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The means 3 for holding the binoculars to a user's clothing is hereafter referred to as a clipmatc 3.

The clipmate 3 comprises a clip having a pair of elongate arms IOA, lOB which are pivotally coupled together by a hinge 17. The arms 1OA, lOB are biased so as to be forced together at the gripping pad end by a spring (not shown). The spring may be of any suitable type. The hinge 17 may be constituted by the spring. The arms IOA, lOB are generally straight. The arms IOA, lOB are connected together by the hinge 17. The arms IDA, lOB are rotatable with respect to one another about the hinge 17. The hinge l7is approximately halfway along the length of the arms IDA, lOB.

The arms IOA, lOB are separated by a distance at the location of the hinge 17. In this way, the gripping pads II can be moved apart against the bias of the spring by forcing together the ends of the arms 1OA, lOB opposite the gripping pad end. The clip thus operates in much the same way as a spring-type clothes peg. Gripping pads 11 project inwardly from the inner surface of one end of each of the arms 1OA, 1 OB.

The clip is inseparably and permanently affixed to an outer surface 13 of an base component 12. The base component 12 has approximately the same shape as, but is slightly larger than, the arms 1OA, lOB. The base component 12 has two ends 15 and 16. On the surface of the mounting ends 15 and 16 opposite the clip the base component 12 is provided with touch fastener pads, for instance looped Velcro (RTM) pads. These pads arc low profile so are not visible in the Figures. Through the pads (not shown), the mounting ends of the base component 12 can be firmly adhered to different ones of the corresponding hooked Velcro (RTM) pads 2. This thereby attaches the clip to the binoculars 1. The length of the base component 12 is selected so as to suit the distance between parts of the right and left body portions 4 that are contacted by the base portion when it is in position. The base component 12 needs to be at least as long as the relevant distance, although it can also be longer.

To operate the clipmate 3, a user merely needs to press the end 34 of the arm lOB Opposite the grip pad 11 against the other arm IOA, insert some of their clothing between the grip pads II and release the arm lOB. This results in the clipmate 3, and thus the binoculars I, being held against the user's clothing. By attaching the dipmate 3 to clothing in the area of the user's chest, for instance a jacket lapel, to fabric adjacent a button fastening or to a vertically formed pleat, the binoculars I can be attached to the user in such a way that swing and bouncing is avoided or ameliorated as the user moves. The gripper pads 11 are rubberised. In this way, damaging the fabric of the user's clothing can be avoided.

By virtue of the features of the cipmate 3 and its attachment to the binoculars 1, attachment and release can be straightforward procedures. In particular, to attach the binoculars to the user's clothing, the user can simply operate the arm I OB with their thumb whilst their fingers press against the opposite side of the binoculars, slide the binoculars I across their chest until fabric is taken between the gripping pads 11, and then release the arm lOB, thereby allowing the clip to attach to the clothing. This simple procedure can be achieved with one hand in a very short period of time. To release, a user can simply grasp the binoculars I and the arm lOB in the same way, force them together to separate the gripping pads 11, move the binoculars away from their clothing and release, thereby allowing gripping pads 11 to meet one another. Release can be achieved with one hand in a very short period of time.

The cipmnate 3 is mounted either directly or indirectly on the body portions 4 of the binoculars I. Consequently, force applied to the arm lOB is transferred through the body portions 4 and can be opposed by an Opposite force applied to an opposite side of the body portions 4 to that which the c]ipmate 3 is mounted. This results in the clipmate 3 being operable using just one hand.

The cipmate is mountable on the binoculars such that a first I OA of the pair of arms (the bottom arm in Figure 2) lies in a first plane, the first plane being substantially parallel the plane in which the binoculars lie. A force applied to the open end 34 of the second I OB of the pair of arms (the upper arm in Figure 2) in a direction substantially towards the plane of the first arm, causes the end 36 of the second arm lOB that is biased against the first arm IOA (the closed end) to move away from the closed end 38 of the first arm. Consequently, the open end 34 of the second arm lOB moves towards the open end 40 of the first arm IOA. The clipmate 3 is prevented from rotational movement by the two-part fastener, in particular a first part of the two-part fastener 2 provided on an outer surface of the closed end 38 of the first arm, and a second part of the two-part fastener 2 provided directly or indirectly on the body of the binoculars 1.

Since the base component 2 is attached to the right and left body portions 4 by a two-part fastener 20, the cipmate 3 can easily be reversed by releasing the fastening, rotating the base component 12 through 180° and then reattaching the fastening.

This allows the dipmate 3 to suit the user's preferences. Reversing the clipmate 3 results in the clipmate 3 being more suitable for operation by the user's other (right or left) hand. Reversing the dipmate 3 may also make it easier to attach the binoculars to a particular item of clothing, depending on whether an edge of fabric faces to the user's left or the user's right.

The dimensions of the chpmate 3 are such that it fits between the right and left body portions 4 of the binoculars I when rotated 90° from its operational position.

In this way, the cipmate 3 can be stored in a case with the binoculars I when the binoculars are not in use without requiring any modifications to the case.

It will be appreciated that, in the use of a hook and loop arrangement to affix the clip to the binoculars 1, it may not be important whether the hook part is affixed to the binoculars I or to the clipinate 3. Providing the loop part on the binoculars 1, instead of on the cipmate 3, may be advantageous in that it decreases the possibility of the hooks of the fastener interacting with user's clothing when the binoculars are worn with a strap or lanyard without the cipmate 3. Providing the loop part on the clipmate 3, instead of on the binoculars, may be advantageous in that it decreases the possibility of the hooks of the fastener becoming clogged when the cipmate 3 is stored in a user's pocket or the like.

Existing binoculars can easily be modified to allow use of the invention, as follows.

A user is provided with the clipmate 3 and with two pads each of which has a touch fastener face and an adhesive face. The adhesive face may for instance be a contact adhesive temporarily protected by a releasable backing member, for instance silicone paper. The user can then adapt their existing binoculars by using the adhesive faces of the pads to attach them to their binoculars at an appropriate location and by attaching the base component 12 of the clipmate 3 to the binoculars 1 using the corresponding touch fastener pads on the binoculars and the clipmate 3. This allows all of the above-stated advantages to be achieved without requiring specially adapted binoculars. This stems in part from the fact that the clipmate 3 includes one part of a touch fastener.

As an alternative to applying one part of the two-part fastener directly to the binoculars, the touch faster instead may be applied to an intermediary member or members which is/are attached to or mounted on the binoculars. Figures 3A and 3B show an example of such intermediary members in the form of clips 20. The clips 20 comprise lengths of resilient material. The lengths of resilient material are shaped to have substantially the same shape as a portion of the exterior surface of one of the body portions 4 of the binoculars 1. The clips 20 have a generally circular shape so as to match the circular cross section of the body portions 4 of the binoculars I in Figure 3B. The diameter of the clip 20 is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the body portions 4. The intermediary members 20 comprise an opening 22 between a first end 24 and a second end 26 of the intermediary member 20.

The clips 20 may be made from any suitably resilient material, for instance types of resilient plastic or metal. The opening of the clip 20 can be temporarily enlarged by applying a generally radially outward force to either side of the intermediary member 20. When the forces are removed the intermediary member 20 returns to its original shape. The distance between the ends 24 and 26 is less than the diameter of the intermediary members 20.

By temporarily enlarging the opening 22 of the clip 20, a body portion 4 of the binoculars can be inserted into the clip 20 such that the intermediary member 20 partially surrounds the body portion 4. When the clip 20 is suitably positioned, the clip 20 is allowed to return to its original shape. Because the diameter of the clip 20 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the body portion 20, the interior surface 28 of the clip 20 is resiliently biased against the portion of the body portion 4. The interior surface 28 of the clip 20 may be provided with a layer of soft material (not shown), for example foam rubber or felt. The layer of soft material protects the surface of the apparatus I from damage resulting from contact with the clip 20.

On the outer surface 30 of the clip 20, generally opposite the opening 22, is provided one part of a touch fastener 32. The touch fastener pad 32 may be attached to the clip 20 via an adhesive applied to the reverse of the part of the touch fastener 32. It should be understood that the touch fastener pad 32 may be attached to the clip 20 using another suitable method.

When one clip 20 is applied to each body portion 4 (as can be seen in Figure 3B) the touch fastener pads on the clipmate 3 may be affixed to the touch fastener pads provided on the clips 20. Thus the dlipmate 3 is mounted on the body 4 of the binoculars 1.

It will be understood that other types of clip 20 also may be appropriate. For instance, the member may comprise a single member, similar to the members of Figures 3, but which partially surrounds portions of both body portions 4.

Alternatively, a length of elastic fabric or the like having fasteners at both ends which, when fastened to one another, allow the elastic fabric to enclose both body portions 4 of the binoculars I may also be suitable. Instead, two lengths of elastic fabric or the like may be used, each length encircling and pressing against just one of the body portions 4. The fasteners provided to the ends of the length(s) of fabric may be, for example, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, button and button hole, and the like. -11 -

The use of intermediary members such as those described above means that no permanent or semi-permanent modifications of the binoculars I are required so as to enable the incorporation of a c]ipmate 3.

s In an alternative embodiment, the chpmatc 3 is inseparably affixed to the body portions 4 of the binoculars 1. In this case, the hooked Velcro (RTM) pads 2 and the corresponding looped Velcro (RTM) pads are omitted.

Although the above has been described in relation to a pair of binoculars, it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to other apparatus including cameras, media players (such as MP3 players), compasses, mobile telephones, navigation devices, surveying equipment, calculators and such like which are conventionally worn or carried using a strap or lanyard. The invention is applicable to any apparatus which is adapted to be attached to a user by a strap or lanyard and which is of sufficient weight that its swinging or bouncing as a user moves is inconvenient to the user.

Various modifications to the above are within the scope of the present invention, the extent of which is defined only by the appended claims. For instance, the base component 12 could be omitted if the lowermost arm 10 is suitably dimensioned.

Also, some other type of clip could be used. It is most advantageous if the clip can be operated one-handedly, but that may not be essential.

Claims

-12 -Claims 1. A device comprising arms which are pivotally connected and biased together atone end, the device being mountable on a body portion of apparatus adapted to be attached to a user by a strap or lanyard, the device being operable to hold the apparatus to a user's clothing.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is mounted on an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mountable on the body portion of the apparatus and substantially conforming to a shape of a portion of the surface of the body portion of the apparatus
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the intermediary member is a first part of a two-part fastener, the first part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the body and the second part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the means operable to hold the body to a user's clothing.
4. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device is mountable on the intermediary member by a two-part fastener in which one part of the two-part fastener is affixed to the device and the other part is affixed to the intermediary member.
5. A device mountable on apparatus adapted to be attached to a user by a strap or lanyard, the device comprising means operable to hold the apparatus to a user's clothing comprising first and second arms which are pivotally connected at a hinge position, a first end of the first arm being biased towards a first end of the second arm, the first arm lying generally in a first plane and comprising a first part of a two-part fastener, the two part fastener being operable to resist forces applied between the first part of the fastener and a second part of the fastener in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, the second arm having a second part located to a side of the hinge position opposite to the first end of the second arm, and in which the first part of the second arm is moved away from the first plane as the second part of the second arm is moved towards the first plane.

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6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second part of the two-part fastener is directly affixable to a body portion of the apparatus.
7. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second part of the two-part fastener is directly affixed to an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mountable on a body portion of the apparatus.
8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 and 7, wherein the intermediary member is arrangeable to partially surround a portion of an exterior surface of the body portion of the apparatus.
9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 and 7 and 8, wherein the intermediary member is resiliently biased towards a predetermined shape.
10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 and 7 to 9, wherein the intermediary member comprises a length of resilient material having a substantially circular shape.
11. A device as claimed in any one of claims 3, 4 and 5 to 7 or any of claims 8 to 10 unless dependent on claim 2, wherein the two-part fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
12. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein ends of the arms which are biased together include rubberised portions on their Innermost faces.
13. Apparatus including a body, a strap or lanyard for attaching the apparatus to a user and a device comprising arms which are pivotally connected and biased together at one end, the device being mounted on the body, the device being operable to hold the body to a user's clothing.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the device is mounted on an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mountable on the body portion of the apparatus and substantially conforming to a shape of a portion of the surface of the body portion of the apparatus.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the intermediary member is a first part of a two-part fastener, the first part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the body and the second part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the means operable to hold the body to a user's clothing.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the device is mountable on the intermediary member via a two-part fastener in which one part of the two-part fastener is affixed to the device and the other part is affixed to the intermediary member.
17. Apparatus including a body, a strap or lanyard for attaching the apparatus to a user and a device mounted on the body, the device comprising means operable to hold the apparatus to a user's clothing comprising first and second arms which are pivotally connected at a hinge position, a first end of the first arm being biased towards a first end of the second arm, the first arm lying generally in a first plane, the first arm being affixed to the body, the second arm having a second part located to a side of the hinge position opposite to the first end of the second arm, and in which the first part of the second arm is mowed away from the first plane as the second part of the second arm is moved towards the first plane.
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first arm is affixed to the body by a two-part fastener, one part of the two-part fastener being affixed to the device and the other part being directly affixed to the body portion of the apparatus.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein first arm is affixed to an intermediary member, the intermediary member being mounted on the body portion of the apparatus and substantially conforming to a shape of a portion of the surface of the body portion of the apparatus. -15-
20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first arm is affixed to the intermediary member by a two-part fastener in which one part of the two-part fastener is affixed to the device and the other part is affixed to the intermediary member.
21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14, 16, 19 and 20, wherein the intermediary member is arrangeable to partially surround a portion of an exterior surface of the body portion of the apparatus.
22. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14, 16 and 19 to 21, wherein the intermediary member is resiliently biased towards a predetermined shape.
23. Apparatus as device as claimed in any one of claims 14, 16 and 19 to 22, wherein the intermediary member comprises a length of resilient material having a substantially circular shape.
24. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15, 16, 18 and 20 or any one of claims 21 to 23 unless dependent on claim 14, wherein the two-part fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or claim 18, wherein the device is inseparably mounted on the body.
26. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein ends of the arms which are biased together include rubberised portions on their innermost faces.