CLIP FOR ATTACHING DEVICE TO WEARABLE ITEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/728,605 filed on Dec. 5, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to attachment mechanisms for securing devices to wearable items. More particularly, it relates to clips incorporating spring-actuated retention features.

BACKGROUND

Clips are commonly used to secure or attach items together, including attaching a device to an item worn by a user. For example, a clip may be used to attach a handheld tool such as a tape measure to a tool bag, or to secure a two-way radio to a belt worn by a user. A wide range of wearable-mounted clips exist in the marketplace, including spring clips, metal belt clips, molded plastic clips, and friction-based retention mechanisms, all intended to hold tools, communication devices, portable instruments, and other equipment that must remain accessible during use.

Existing clip designs frequently suffer from limitations that make them unreliable during active use. Many conventional clips lack a dedicated locking or retention feature, which can cause devices to become dislodged when a user bends, twists, or accidentally bumps into surrounding objects. In environments such as construction sites, industrial facilities, or outdoor field operations, accidental detachment can result in equipment damage, loss of tools, or safety hazards.

In addition, many clips are designed for a single type of device or require specific geometries or mounting patterns, limiting compatibility with devices of different sizes, weights, or attachment configurations. Some clips also require two-handed operation, making them inconvenient when users need to quickly access or return a tool while working. Durability concerns also arise with clips made from materials that fatigue over time, reducing the retention force needed to keep devices secure. Therefore, there is a need for improved attachment clips that provide more reliable retention, reduce accidental detachment, accommodate a variety of devices, and allow convenient operation during use. There is a need in the art for ongoing research and development in this field.

SUMMARY

The disclosed subject matter relates to an attachment clip and a method for securing a device to a wearable item using the attachment clip. The attachment clip is configured to provide a reliable, selectively releasable connection between the device and the wearable item by incorporating a spring-actuated retention mechanism. The configuration enables a user to transition the attachment clip between locked and unlocked states through a simple downward actuation motion. This improves ease of use while maintaining secure engagement during normal activity.

The attachment clip comprises a clip body, a spring clip including a tongue, and a post supported by the clip body. Downward actuation of the spring clip collapses the tongue into a position between the post and the clip body. This transitions the clip to the unlocked state, allowing for the insertion or removal of the wearable item. Releasing the actuation force allows the spring clip to return the tongue to the locked state, maintaining the wearable item securely within the clip body.

In embodiments, the clip body may include opposing sidewalls with aligned openings configured to receive the post, a top portion having a slot through which a portion of the spring clip extends, and one or more screw holes enabling attachment of the clip to a device.

In certain embodiments, a cylindrical rod pin is incorporated as the post. This is positioned such that the tongue is captured between the rod pin and an interior surface of the clip body when the clip is in the unlocked state. The spring clip may further comprise wing-shaped side portions or a flexural bend region that facilitates controlled collapse of the tongue beneath the post during actuation. The materials of the clip body and spring clip may differ to provide desired stiffness and elasticity, with the spring clip biased to automatically return the device to the locked state when the downward force is released.

The disclosed method includes positioning a portion of a wearable item within an insertion region of the clip body, applying downward actuation to the spring clip, collapsing the tongue into a position between the post and the clip body to transition the clip to the unlocked state, moving the wearable item into or out of the insertion region, and releasing the actuation force to return the clip to the locked state. The method enables secure retention of the wearable item while allowing single-handed operation and controlled release.

The disclosed attachment clip and method address the limitations of traditional clips, which lack reliable locking features or require complex manipulation to release. By combining a spring-biased tongue, a structural post, and intuitive downward actuation, the system provides improved reliability, compatibility with various devices, and enhanced operational convenience.

The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the disclosed subject matter. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various ones of the appended drawings merely illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting its scope.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an attachment clip assembly comprising a spring clip, a clip body, and a post.

FIG. 2 illustrates enlarged partial views of the spring clip in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment showing an assembly of a spring clip and a clip body.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the installation of a post into a clip body in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled clip in both locked and unlocked states in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate additional perspective views of both the locked and unlocked states in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 illustrates an attachment clip as attached to a device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate another example embodiment in which the attachment clip is secured to a device.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for a process of securing a wearable item using an attachment clip in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter relates to an attachment clip designed to secure a handheld device, tool, or similar object to a wearable item. The wearable item may be a belt, strap, holster, or tool bag. The attachment clip operates using a push-to-release mechanism that transitions between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to user actuation. This design allows one-handed operation while providing strong retention under movement, vibration, or incidental contact conditions that commonly cause unintentional detachment with conventional clips.

In embodiments, the attachment clip comprises three primary components, including a clip body, a spring clip, and a post. The clip body forms the structural frame of the clip and defines an insertion region into which a portion of a wearable item may be placed. The clip body includes a top portion with an elongated slot and opposing sidewalls with aligned openings configured to receive the post. The top portion of the clip body may include a bent or angled region, such as a U-shaped bend. This structure is designed to improve ergonomics and alignment of the clip relative to the device to which it is mounted. The clip body further includes one or more screw holes configured to receive a mounting fastener. These screw holes may include a front access opening, a spring-clip opening aligned with the front access opening, and a rear mounting opening that allows a screw to pass through the clip body and the spring clip during attachment to a device.

In embodiments, the clip body is constructed from a relatively rigid material, for example, a hardened metal such as steel or a similar static structural material. In some embodiments, the material may comprise steel alloys such as 65Mn or SK7, as well as nickel plating or similar surface treatments to improve corrosion resistance and durability. The body includes dimensional constraints, hole patterns, and tolerance specifications appropriate for consistent fit and function in production environments.

The spring clip is positioned within the clip body and provides a flexible, resilient mechanism enabling the transition between the locked and unlocked states. The spring clip includes an upper actuation portion that extends through the slot at the top of the clip body. This upper portion may include serrations or a surface configured to accept a rubberized or plastic thumb pad. This provides improved tactile grip and enables downward actuation using a user's finger. The spring clip further includes wing-shaped lateral portions positioned between the opposing sidewalls of the clip body to maintain alignment and prevent rotational movement during operation.

In some embodiments, a key structure of the spring clip is its tongue, which extends downward from the body of the spring clip into the insertion region. The tongue includes a flexural bend region configured to collapse when downward force is applied to the upper portion of the spring clip. When collapsed, the tongue bends such that a portion of it moves beneath the post and between the post and the lower interior surface of the clip body. This collapse permits the wearable item to move freely into or out of the insertion region. When the downward actuation force is removed, the elastic properties of the spring clip cause the tongue to return automatically to the locked state, where it again obstructs the insertion region and retains the wearable item in place.

In an exemplary embodiment, the spring clip is formed from a resilient metal such as spring steel capable of providing consistent flexing and recovery over extensive repeated use. In one example, the spring clip may have a thickness of about 0.30 mm. Surface treatments such as black matte electrophoretic coating may be applied for corrosion resistance and aesthetics. The spring clip includes an opening aligned with the screw holes of the clip body to permit passage of a fastener during device mounting.

The post is inserted through the aligned openings in the opposing sidewalls of the clip body. In an embodiment, the post may take the form of a cylindrical rod pin. The post acts as a stationary retention element that interacts with the tongue of the spring clip. In the locked state, the tongue rests above or adjacent to the post, preventing removal of the wearable item. When the spring clip is depressed, and the tongue collapses, the tongue is directed to a position between the post and a lower interior surface of the clip body, clearing the insertion region and enabling freedom of movement for the wearable item. The post also serves as a mechanical stop and reference surface that defines the range of permissible tongue motion.

In operation, the attachment clip normally resides in the locked state, secured by the natural bias of the spring clip. A user transitions the clip to the unlocked state by applying downward actuation to the upper portion of the spring clip. This downward force drives the tongue to collapse at its flexural bend region and move beneath the post. With the tongue collapsed, the wearable item can be inserted or removed. When the user releases pressure, the spring clip automatically returns the tongue to the locked state, blocking the insertion region and preventing unintended disengagement of the wearable item.

In assembly, the tongue of the spring clip may first collapse manually to prepare it for insertion into the clip body. The spring clip is then inserted upward through the bottom of the clip body until the serrated upper portion extends through the slot in the top portion. The rod pin is then inserted through the aligned openings in the clip body to secure the spring clip in place. Finally, a fastener may be inserted through the aligned screw holes to mount the clip to the external device.

Various embodiments of the attachment clip may include modifications to the shape, dimensions, materials, or surface features of the clip body or spring clip without altering the essential functionality of a tongue that collapses beneath a post when actuated. For example, the post may take different geometries, the clip body may include alternative slot or screw-hole configurations, or the spring clip may incorporate additional ergonomic contours. The material composition of the clip body and spring clip may also vary, provided the clip body remains relatively rigid and the spring clip retains elastic flexibility suitable for repeated actuation. All such variations remain within the scope of the disclosed attachment clip mechanism.

In various embodiments, the dimensions, thicknesses, and geometric proportions of the attachment clip components may vary depending on manufacturing requirements, intended load capacity, and the type of wearable item with which the clip is used. In a non-limiting example, the clip body may have a material thickness of about 0.75 mm to 1.20 mm, while the spring clip may be formed from spring steel stock having a thickness of about 0.28 mm to 0.33 mm. The cylindrical rod pin may exhibit a diameter of about 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm and a corresponding length sufficient to extend through both sidewall openings while maintaining a secure press-fit or interference-fit engagement. Other dimensional attributes, including the width of the insertion region, the height of the upper actuation portion, and the spacing between the sidewalls, may be scaled proportionally to accommodate different device factors. These values are exemplary only, and it should be understood that the disclosed attachment clip mechanism remains fully functional across a broad range of dimensional and tolerance variations. This enables the spring clip to flex reliably, and the tongue to transition beneath the post during actuation.

Representative embodiments according to the disclosed subject matter are shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. The specific embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limited to the scope of the disclosed subject matter and the various ways it may be embodied.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an attachment clip assembly 100 comprising a spring clip 102, a clip body 104, and a post 106. The spring clip 102 corresponds to the resilient component of the attachment clip and includes structures that facilitate downward actuation and tongue collapse. The clip body 104 forms the rigid structural housing into which the spring clip 102 is positioned. The post 106, which may be implemented as a cylindrical rod pin, is configured to be inserted through aligned openings of the clip body to retain the spring clip and serve as a collapse interface for the tongue.

In various embodiments, the spring clip 102 may be formed from an elastic or spring-grade metal such as spring steel, stainless steel, or a tempered alloy. The clip body 104 may be formed from a more static, rigid material such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, or a reinforced polymer. The post 106 may be formed from a hardened metal rod such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or tool steel. In some embodiments, combinations of metals, plastics, carbon fibers, or glass fibers may be used to achieve desired strength and environmental resistance.

The spring clip 102 comprises an upper portion 112, which may be serrated to receive a finger tab or provide improved tactile engagement during downward actuation. The upper portion 112 is configured to extend through the slot 122 of the clip body 104 when assembled. The spring clip 102 further comprises wing-shaped side portions 114, which maintain lateral alignment within the clip body and guide vertical motion during actuation. The spring clip 102 may be fabricated, for example, from spring steel, a heat-treated stainless steel, or another elastically deformable material appropriate for repeated flexing.

In some embodiments, an access opening 116 is formed through the spring clip 102 and may align with screw holes of the clip body to facilitate mounting the attachment clip to an external device. The spring clip 102 additionally includes a tongue 118, which has a flexural bend region enabling the tongue to collapse beneath the post 106 when downward force is applied to the upper portion 112. Upon release of the downward force, the inherent elasticity of the spring clip material returns the tongue 118 to the locked state.

The clip body 104 includes opposing sidewalls 128, which define the structural frame and support the insertion region for receiving a wearable item in use. A slot 122 is disposed along the top portion 124 of the clip body. The slot 122 receives the upper portion 112 of the spring clip and allows the user to apply downward actuation. The top portion 124 may include a curved or U-shaped contour to improve ergonomics and alignment with the spring clip during operation.

Each of the opposing sidewalls 128 comprises aligned openings 126, configured to receive the post 106. The alignment of these openings ensures that the cylindrical rod pin extends through both sidewalls in a manner that creates the necessary interface for tongue collapse.

The clip body 104 further includes a front access opening 132, which aligns with the spring clip opening to allow passage of a fastener for securing the attachment clip to an external device. The sidewalls 128 additionally include one or more mounting holes 130, which may be positioned toward the rear portion of the clip body to support secure attachment using a multi-hole mounting arrangement. The overall geometry of the clip body, including the contour of the sidewalls 128, the placement of the front access opening 132 and the mounting holes 130, and the formation of the top slot 122, allows the spring clip 102 to move between locked and unlocked positions while maintaining structural rigidity during operation.

The post 106 is depicted as an elongated rod configured for insertion through the mounting holes 130 formed in the sidewalls 128 of the clip body. When the attachment clip is assembled, the post 106 serves as a structural stop or interference element for the tongue 118. In the locked state, the tongue remains above or adjacent to the post. In response to downward actuation, the tongue 118 collapses beneath the post 106 into a position between the post and an interior surface of the clip body 10. This allows the clip to transition to the unlocked state. Upon release, the spring clip 102 returns the tongue to the locked position, securing the wearable item.

When assembled, the spring clip 102 is positioned within the clip body 104 such that the upper portion 112 extends through the slot 122, allowing a user to apply downward actuation. The wing-shaped side portions 114 are located between the sidewalls 128 to maintain lateral alignment and guide the vertical movement of the spring clip during operation. The mounting holes 130 of the sidewalls receive the post 106 or a cylindrical rod pin, which serves as the structural post against which the tongue 118 collapses. The tongue 118 is thus situated to selectively engage or disengage the post 106 depending on whether the spring clip is in a relaxed or actuated state.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates enlarged partial views of the spring clip in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. For instance, this figure depicts a first view 202 and a second view 204 of the spring clip 102, focusing on the behavior of the tongue 118 during actuation. Both views show the tongue 118 extending from the spring clip 102 and positioned relative to the wing-shaped side portion 114 of the spring clip, which serves as a lateral guide structure. The first view 202 depicts the tongue 118 in a relaxed, pre-actuation state, while the second view 204 depicts the tongue 118 in a collapsed state occurring during downward actuation.

In the first view 202, the tongue 118 is shown extending outward and downward from the spring clip 102 prior to actuation. In this relaxed configuration, the tongue remains free from compression against the post 106 (not shown in this view), maintaining the attachment clip in its locked state. The curvature illustrated in first view 202 reflects the natural flexural geometry of the tongue 118, which includes a bend region configured to deform when a downward actuation force is applied to the upper portion 112 of the spring clip. Although the tip of the tongue is shown as visible in this figure for clarity, in actual physical operation the extreme end of the tongue 118 would be concealed behind the wing-shaped side portion 114 when the spring clip is viewed laterally from the outside.

In the second view 204, the tongue 118 is illustrated in a collapsed configuration corresponding to the unlocked state of the attachment clip. When downward force is applied to the spring clip via the upper portion 112 extending through the slot 122 of the clip body, the tongue 118 flexes and collapses inward. This movement directs the flexural bend region beneath the post 106 so that the tongue moves into a position between the post and the clip body. This transitions the attachment clip to the unlocked state. As with the relaxed configuration, the end of the tongue 118 is shown in the second view 204 for illustrative purposes, but during normal operation, it would not be externally visible because it resides behind the wing-shaped side portion 114.

Together, these views illustrate the functional motion of the tongue 118 as it moves between a natural, relaxed configuration and a collapsed configuration under actuation. This flexural behavior enables the spring clip 102 to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked states while maintaining alignment within the clip body and controlled interaction with the post 106.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment showing an assembly 300 of a spring clip and a clip body. This figure depicts the assembly process in which the spring clip 102 is inserted into the clip body 104. The figure highlights how the structural features of both components cooperate to ensure proper alignment during assembly and correct functionality once assembled. As shown, the spring clip 102 is oriented such that its upper portion is directed toward the top portion 124 of the clip body 104, while the tongue 118 and wing-shaped side portions 114 are positioned for guided insertion.

The clip body 104 includes a bottom region or a lower opening 302 through which the spring clip 102 is initially introduced. This lower opening 302 provides the insertion path into the interior cavity of the clip body formed by the opposing sidewalls 128. During this step, the wing-shaped side portions 114 of the spring clip 102 are received between the sidewalls 128 so that the spring clip remains laterally constrained and properly centered within the clip body. The geometry of the sidewalls 128, including their spacing, thickness, and interior surfaces, is configured to direct the spring clip upward without twisting or misalignment, so that the spring clip seats correctly relative to the slot 122 and mounting holes 130.

As the spring clip 102 approaches its fully inserted position, the tongue 118 becomes aligned with the interior space proximate the mounting holes 130 of the clip body 104. When alignment is achieved, the mounting holes 130 of the sidewalls 128 are positioned to receive the post 106, which in one embodiment is a cylindrical rod pin.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the installation of a post into a clip body in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. This figure illustrates an embodiment 400 showing the installation of the post 106 into the clip body 104 after the spring clip 102 has been properly seated inside the clip body.

A third view 402 represents the state prior to insertion of the post 106. In this state, the spring clip 102 is already positioned within the clip body 104 such that its upper portion extends through the slot at the top portion of the clip body 104 and its wing-shaped side portions lie between the sidewalls 128. The mounting holes 130 located on the opposing sidewalls are exposed and aligned with the corresponding opening of the spring clip, preparing the assembly for insertion of the post.

As shown in the third view 402, the post 106, implemented in one embodiment as a cylindrical rod pin, is oriented adjacent to one of the mounting holes 130, ready for insertion. The rod pin may be constructed from metal, such as stainless steel or hardened steel, to provide the rigidity required for repeated engagement with the tongue during operation. The figure illustrates the post 106 approaching one of the mounting holes 130, indicating its path of entry into the clip body.

A fourth view 404 illustrates the assembly after the post 106 has been fully inserted through the mounting holes 130 of the clip body 104. In this completed state, the post 106 extends laterally through both sidewalls, with each end of the post seated securely within the corresponding mounting hole. This placement creates the structural interface that the spring clip 102 interacts with during operation. Specifically, the tongue of the spring clip is positioned relative to the post such that, in the locked state, the tongue rests above or adjacent to the post, and during downward actuation, the tongue collapses beneath the post and moves into a position between the post and the interior surface of the clip body, transitioning the clip to the unlocked state. After insertion of the post 106 as shown in view 404, the attachment clip assembly according to this embodiment is fully assembled and structurally prepared for securing a device to a wearable item.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled clip in both locked and unlocked states in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In a locked state 502, the spring clip 102 remains in its relaxed configuration, with the tongue 118 extending across the interior opening of the clip body 104. In this position, the tongue rests above or adjacent to the post 106 and prevents a wearable item from exiting the insertion region to secure the attached device. The wing-shaped side portions 114 of the spring clip are positioned between the sidewalls 128 of the clip body 104, maintaining proper alignment and ensuring that the spring clip remains centrally guided during operation.

An unlocked state 504 is achieved by applying downward force to the upper portion 506 of the spring clip. The upper portion 506 may include, for example, a serrated region or a finger tab to enhance user grip. When pressed downward, the spring clip flexes inward, causing the tongue 118 to bend at its flexural region and collapse beneath the post 106 into a space between the post and the interior surface of the clip body 104. This action opens the insertion region, allowing the wearable item to be removed or inserted. This push-to-release mechanism enables quick, intuitive operation using a single-handed press.

For illustrative clarity, FIG. 5 shows the entire tongue exposed. In practical use, portions of the tongue located behind the wing-shaped portions side 114 of the spring clip and the sidewalls 128 of the clip body would not be visible from a side view. These overlapping structures demonstrate how the spring clip sits within the clip body and how the tongue moves internally relative to the post 106. When the downward actuation force is released, the inherent elasticity of the spring clip returns the tongue to its position above the post, thereby re-establishing the locked state.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, these figures illustrate additional perspective views of both the locked and unlocked states in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

In a view 602, the clip is shown in the locked state with the tongue 118 of the spring clip extending across the interior opening of the clip body, positioned above or adjacent to the post 106 to prevent removal of the wearable item. This perspective highlights how the tongue occupies the securing position while the spring clip remains in its relaxed configuration. In another view 604, the clip is shown in the unlocked state, where downward actuation of the upper portion of the spring clip (not visible from this angle) causes the tongue to collapse beneath the post 106, creating a clearance path for inserting or removing the wearable item.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 illustrates an attachment clip as attached to a device according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the attachment clip is secured to a device 706, shown here as a measuring tape, and demonstrates both a locked state 702 and an unlocked state 704 of the clip during use.

In the locked state 702, the spring clip 102 is in its relaxed configuration, with its tongue positioned above or adjacent to the post within the clip body, preventing the device 706 from disengaging. The clip body is fastened to the measuring tape through the mounting openings described earlier (not shown in this view). A plastic tab 708 is placed over and held by the upper portion 112 of the spring clip, such as, for example, the serrated end, to provide a comfortable surface for user interaction and to enhance grip during operation. This view highlights how the attachment clip securely retains the device while remaining compact and accessible on a wearable item such as a belt or pocket edge.

In the unlocked state 704, a user applies downward actuation to the plastic tab 708, as illustrated by a directional force 710. Pressing downward on the tab forces the spring clip 102 to deflect inward, causing the tongue to collapse beneath the post and creating a clearance path that allows the measuring tape or the device 706 to be inserted or removed from the clip. Once the user releases the applied pressure, the inherent elasticity of the spring clip returns it to the locked state, repositioning the tongue above the post and re-securing the device.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 illustrates another example embodiment in which the attachment clip is secured to a device. In this embodiment, an attachment clip 802 is secured to a device 706, shown here as a tool bag or similar wearable item. In this view, the overall relationship between the clip body, the spring clip, and the wearable device is visible from a different perspective than the earlier figures. The attachment clip 802 is mounted to the device using the mounting holes of the clip body (not directly visible from this angle), with the post 106 extending through the sidewalls to retain the spring clip within the clip body. This figure demonstrates how the attachment clip sits flush against the surface of the tool bag, maintaining a compact and low-profile configuration suitable for repeated attachment and detachment operations during use.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes the plastic tab 708 positioned over the upper portion of the spring clip. In this example, the plastic tab 708 exhibits a different shape than the tab illustrated in earlier figures, highlighting that various tab geometries may be used to enhance grip, comfort, or accessibility depending on the application. When a user presses downward on the plastic tab 708, the spring clip deflects inward, causing the tongue of the spring clip (not visible from this angle) to collapse beneath the post 106, transitioning the clip to the unlocked state. When released, the spring clip returns to the locked state due to its inherent biasing force. FIG. 8 therefore, demonstrates both the adaptability of the attachment clip to various device types, such as tool bags and the variability in tab design while maintaining the same fundamental locking and release mechanics.

Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 illustrates another example embodiment in which an attachment clip 902 is shown secured to a device 904. The device 904 is depicted here as a measuring tape, with the spring clip in an unlocked state. The figure demonstrates how the clip body and spring clip assembly are mounted to the device through the strategically positioned openings formed in the clip body and spring clip. In the illustrated configuration, a fastener 906, such as a screw, is inserted through a front access opening of the clip body and then through a corresponding access opening formed in the spring clip. These aligned openings enable the fastener 906 to pass through the assembly and reach the rear mounting hole of the clip body, where it engages a preexisting hole in the measuring tape. This fastening arrangement secures the attachment clip to the device while maintaining the internal movement of the spring clip necessary for locked and unlocked actuation.

In embodiments, this configuration highlights the adaptability of the attachment clip to a variety of devices with different mounting hole patterns. The multiple openings, such as front access, spring-clip access, and rear mounting holes, are arranged to accommodate fasteners passing along a straight path through the clip body and spring clip. This enables attachment to numerous tool types without requiring device-specific modifications. The attachment clip 902 remains fully functional when secured to the measuring tape. The upper portion of the spring clip remains exposed for downward actuation, and the tongue can still collapse beneath the post during unlocking. This flexibility in mounting design supports wide compatibility with devices of various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing the versatility and utility of the attachment clip system.

Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for a process 1000 of securing a wearable item using an attachment clip in an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. The process 1000 of the flow diagram may be implemented to transition an attachment clip between locked and unlocked states, facilitate insertion or removal of a wearable item from the clip body, and restore the securing mechanism through the spring-biased return of the tongue for reliable, repeatable operation.

At step 1005, the process positions a portion of the wearable item within an insertion region of the attachment clip. The insertion region is generally defined by the interior space of the clip body and the resting position of the tongue in the locked state. Examples of wearable items include belts, backpack straps, tool bag edges, or any article capable of being received within the clip opening. Positioning the wearable item at this stage sets the foundation for locking or unlocking the attachment clip during subsequent steps of the process.

At step 1010, the process applies a downward actuation force to a spring clip of the attachment clip. For instance, this force is applied to the upper portion of the spring clip, which may include, for example, a serrated region or a plastic tab for enhanced grip. Depressing the upper portion initiates deflection of the spring clip toward the clip body, activating the mechanism that transitions the clip from the locked state toward the unlocked state.

At step 1015, the process collapses a tongue of the spring clip into a position between a post and a clip body of the attachment clip. The downward actuation force causes the tongue of the spring clip to collapse into a position between the post and an interior surface of the clip body. The tongue, supported at its flexural bend region, moves beneath the post as the spring clip deflects downward. This movement opens the insertion region by temporarily removing the tongue's obstruction, by placing the attachment clip in the unlocked state. This collapse mechanism is central to the clip's push-to-release operation.

At step 1020, the process moves the portion of the wearable item into or out of the insertion region while the attachment clip is in the unlocked state. As the tongue has collapsed beneath the post, the wearable item can freely pass across the site where the tongue normally rests in the locked state. This step enables quick attachment or detachment of the device secured to the clip body, providing seamless interaction during use.

At step 1025, the process releases the downward actuation force to allow the spring clip to return the tongue to the locked state. Once the applied pressure is removed, the inherent resilience of the spring clip biases the tongue upward, moving it back above or adjacent to the post. This upward return reestablishes the locked state of the attachment clip, securing the wearable item within the insertion region until the next actuation cycle. This self-resetting behavior provides reliable, repeated operation without requiring manual repositioning of any component.

An attachment clip for securing a device to a wearable item comprises a clip body, a spring clip comprising a tongue, and a post, the attachment clip comprising an unlocked and a locked state, the attachment clip configured to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to downward actuation of the spring clip, and the downward actuation of the spring clip collapsing the tongue into a position between the post and the clip body. The clip body comprises a first material and the spring clip comprises a second material, the first material being more static than the second material. The clip body further comprises opposing sidewalls, each sidewall comprising an aligned opening configured to receive the post, and a top portion having a slot through which an upper portion of the spring clip extends, the top portion comprising a U-shaped bend. In the locked state, the spring clip is in a relaxed position. The clip body comprises one or more screw holes configured to receive a fastener for attaching the clip to the device, the one or more screw holes comprising a front access opening, a spring-clip opening aligned with the front access opening, and a rear mounting opening. The spring clip comprises a first opening through which a fastener passes when attaching the clip to the device. The post comprises a cylindrical rod pin inserted through aligned openings of the clip body, the rod pin positioned such that, in the unlocked state, the tongue is captured between the rod pin and a lower interior surface of the clip body. The spring clip returns automatically to the locked state upon release of the downward actuation, and comprises wing-shaped side portions positioned between the opposing sidewalls of the clip body. The tongue comprises a flexural bend region configured to collapse beneath the post when actuated.

A method for securing a wearable item using an attachment clip comprises positioning a portion of the wearable item within an insertion region of the attachment clip, applying a downward actuation force to a spring clip of the attachment clip, and collapsing, in response to the downward actuation force, a tongue of the spring clip into a position between a post and a clip body of the attachment clip to transition the attachment clip from a locked state to an unlocked state. The method further comprises moving the portion of the wearable item into or out of the insertion region while the attachment clip is in the unlocked state, and releasing the downward actuation force to allow the spring clip to return the tongue to the locked state by securing the wearable item relative to the clip body. Releasing the downward actuation force causes the spring clip to automatically return the tongue to the locked state due to a biasing force of the spring clip. Collapsing the tongue comprises directing a flexural bend region of the tongue beneath the post to create a clearance path for the wearable item. Applying the downward actuation force comprises depressing an upper portion of the spring clip that extends through a slot in the clip body. Applying the downward actuation force is performed to transition the attachment clip between the locked and unlocked states.

An attachment clip for securing a device to a wearable item comprises a clip body comprising opposing sidewalls and a top portion with a slot, and a spring clip positioned within the clip body, the spring clip comprising an upper portion extending through the slot and a tongue having a flexural bend region. The attachment clip further comprises a cylindrical rod pin inserted through one or more aligned openings of the opposing sidewalls. The attachment clip is configured to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to downward actuation of the spring clip, and the downward actuation of the spring clip collapses the tongue into a position between the cylindrical rod pin and the clip body.

Many variations may be made to the embodiments described herein. All variations, including combinations of embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The description of the embodiments herein can be practiced in many ways. Any terminology used herein should not be construed as restricting the features or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. The scope should instead be construed in accordance with the appended claims.