Securing device and methods of use

Abstract

A security device for removably securing a portable carrying case or other items such as a wallet, pocketbook, toy, or decorative item to a pocket or item of clothing receptacle and methods of its use are disclosed herein. The security device is composed of a fastener comprising a first component that is reversibly engagable with the second component, wherein the first component is fixed to at least one surface of a portable carrying case and the second component is fixed to a coupling structure or simply coupling two components together. The coupling structure is composed of a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion and the second portion are reversibly engagable with one another. The first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure may be configured such that a portion of an individual's article of clothing such as a pocket lining or pocket wall is reversibly securable between the first portion and second portion of the coupling structure. Accordingly, the security device releasably secures the portable carrying case, toy, or decorative item within the pocket or to any other part of the clothing without violating the integrity or damaging the pocket or clothing.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A security device for a portable carrying case, comprising: 
 a fastener comprising a first component reversibly engagable with a second component, wherein the first component is fixed to the at least one surface of a portable carrying case and the second component is fixed to a coupling structure; and    the coupling structure comprising a first portion reversibly engagable with a second portion, wherein a portion of an individual's article of clothing is reversibly securable between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure.    
     
     
         2 . The security device of  claim 1  wherein the first component of the fastener is a male snap button.  
     
     
         3 . The security device of  claim 2  wherein the second component of the fastener is a female snap button.  
     
     
         4 . The security device of  claim 1  wherein the second portion of the coupling structure includes a through-hole having an inner bore.  
     
     
         5 . The security device of  claim 4  wherein an outer portion the first portion of the coupling structure and the inner bore of the second portion of the coupling structure include threads.  
     
     
         6 . The security device of  claim 5  wherein the threads are flexible.  
     
     
         7 . The security device of  claim 4  wherein an outer portion the first portion includes at least one protuberance and an outer portion of the inner bore of the second portion includes a groove.  
     
     
         8 . The security device of  claim 1  further comprising a stabilizing plate at a base of the coupling structure.  
     
     
         9 . An individualized portable carry case, comprising: 
 at least one surface defining a body which is capable of holding one or more items, wherein the body is sized to be held within a portion of an individual's article of clothing; and    a means for reversibly coupling the body to a portion of the individual's article of clothing.    
     
     
         10 . The security device of  claim 9  wherein the means comprises: 
 a fastener comprising a first component reversibly engagable with a second component, wherein the first component is fixed to the at least one surface of a portable carrying case and the second component is fixed to a coupling structure; and  
 the coupling structure comprising a first portion reversibly engagable with a second portion, wherein the portion of an individual's article of clothing is reversibly securable between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure.  
 
     
     
         11 . The security device of  claim 10  wherein the first component is a male snap button.  
     
     
         12 . The security device of  claim 10  wherein the second component is a female snap button.  
     
     
         13 . The security device of  claim 10  wherein the second portion of the coupling structure includes a through-hole having an inner bore.  
     
     
         14 . The security device of  claim 13  wherein an outer portion the first portion of the coupling structure and the inner bore of the second portion of the coupling structure include threads.  
     
     
         15 . The security device of  claim 14  wherein the threads are flexible.  
     
     
         16 . The security device of  claim 13  wherein an outer portion the first portion includes at least one protuberance and an outer portion of the inner bore of the second portion includes a groove.  
     
     
         17 . The security device of  claim 9  further comprising a stabilizing plate at a base of the coupling structure.  
     
     
         18 . A method for securing a portable carrying case to an article of clothing, comprising: 
 providing a portable carrying case having a security device of  claim 1;     removing the first portion of the coupling structure from the second portion of the coupling structure;    inserting the portable carrying case within a pocket located on the article of clothing;    placing a portion of the pocket between the first portion of the coupling structure and the second portion of the coupling structure; and    securing the first portion of the coupling structure to the second portion of the coupling structure, wherein the portable carrying case is reversibly secured to the second portion of the coupling structure.    
     
     
         19 . A fastening device, comprising: 
 a coupling structure comprising a first portion reversibly engagable with a second portion, wherein a portion of material is reversibly securable between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling structure, and wherein the first portion of the coupling structure is attached to a fastener;    the fastener comprising a first component reversibly securable to a second component, wherein the first component is fixed to a surface of an item and the second component is attached to the first portion of the coupling structure.    
     
     
         20 . The fastening device of  claim 19  wherein the material is a sheet, blanket, drape, article of clothing, or other substantially planar material, and the item is a wallet, a toy, or a decorative item.