Connector for portable devices and methods for using the same

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for attaching a portable device to an object are described. The apparatus comprises a connector that can be used to connect a portable device (or an accessory thereof) to a retention mechanism that is retained to an object. As well, the connector can be used with a new type of attachment device by modifying that attachment device to accept the connector. Thus, the connector can be used with both the new attachment device and the conventional retention mechanisms.

1 . A connector for connecting a portable device to an object, comprising: 
 a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; and    a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object.    
   
   
       2 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.  
   
   
       3 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein the first portion comprises a male member adapted to fit within a female member of the retaining mechanism.  
   
   
       4 . The connector of  claim 3 , wherein the first portion is located at the distal end of the connector and the base portion is located at the proximal end of the connector.  
   
   
       5 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein the base portion and the second portion are separated by a spacer.  
   
   
       6 . The connector of  claim 5 , wherein the attachment device comprises a base that engages the second portion of the connector and a hook portion that attaches directly to the object.  
   
   
       7 . The connector of  claim 6 , wherein the base comprises a female connection that matches a male connection in the second portion of the connector.  
   
   
       8 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the second portion of the connector are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and smaller than the second portion.  
   
   
       9 . The connector of  claim 8 , wherein the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using securing means.  
   
   
       10 . The connector of  claim 9 , wherein the securing means comprises a member that engages the spaced portion.  
   
   
       11 . The connector of  claim 10 , wherein the engaging member has a diameter larger than the first portion and larger than the second portion.  
   
   
       12 . A connector for connecting a portable device to an object, comprising: 
 a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object;    a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and    a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.    
   
   
       13 . The connector of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment device comprises a base that engages the second portion of the connector and a hook portion that attaches directly to the object.  
   
   
       14 . The connector of  claim 13 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion.  
   
   
       15 . The connector of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using a member with a diameter larger than the first portion and the second portion.  
   
   
       16 . A system for connecting a portable device to an object, the system containing a connector comprising: 
 a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object;    a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and    a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the first portion and the second portion for the connector are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion, and the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using a member with an inner diameter larger than the first and second portions.  
   
   
       18 . A method for making a connector for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising: 
 providing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object;    providing a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and    providing a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , including providing a spaced portion for separating the first portion and the second portion, the spaced portion having a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion.  
   
   
       20 . A method for connecting a connector to a portable device, the method comprising: 
 providing a connector containing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object, a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object, and a base portion; and    connecting the base portion to a portable device.    
   
   
       21 . A method for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising: 
 providing a connector containing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object, a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object, and a base portion;    connecting the base portion to a portable device; and    retaining the first portion to an object by using the retaining mechanism.    
   
   
       22 . A method for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising: 
 providing a connector containing: 
 a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object;  
 a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object;  
   a spaced portion for separating the first portion and the second portion of the connector, the spaced portion having a diameter smaller than the first and second portions; and 
 a base portion;  
   connecting the base portion to a portable device;    holding the attachment device on the second portion of the connector by using a member with an inner diameter larger than the first and second portions; and    attaching the attachment device to an object.