Abstract: Apparatus for deploying decorative wiring upon elevated locations. The apparatus, packaged in kit form, utilizes a pole for installing wiring from a stable ground position. An installation nut screws unto the pole for manipulating accessory tools that deploy the clips and wiring. The nut comprises captivating slots to which a clip controller and wire tool are alternately coupled. A prong projecting from the controller forcibly engages the wiring clips. After clip installation, wires are installed with the wire tool's arms. The controller and wire tool both comprise flexible legs fitted within the nut slots that are snap-fitted by detents. Each clip comprises a baseplate, and an outwardly angled cradle for holding wiring. The gutter clip has a projecting latch terminating in a gutter-engaging barb. The adhesively-backed clip is press fitted to the target. A control region formed between the cradle and the baseplate of each clip receives the controller prong.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 25, 2002
Date of Patent:
December 7, 2004
Assignee:
Micro Plastics, Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas R. Hill, Wesley Due, Dennis Shrable, James Dilday, William Redifer, David S. Burleigh, Raymond Diehl, Hank Tiley, Harry R. Froit
Abstract: A system for hanging objects from conventional suspended ceilings comprises resilient clips snap-fitted to ceiling rails, an installation tool for controlling the clips, and an elongated pole that threadably couples to the tool, enabling clip manipulation. Each clip comprises an upper clasp, an integral, lower hook, and a midportion. Clasp jaws that yieldably deflect apart comprise opposed flanges that forcibly grip the ceiling rails. The installation tool comprises receptacles for temporarily receiving the clips, and an internal, threaded bore mated to the installation pole. Each receptacle comprises a pair of generally planar retaining arms that partially block a captivation slot. The midportions of the clips slidably fit within the installation tool captivation slots. When pushed towards the ceiling rails the jaws snap apart and surmount the horizontal rail portion. When released, the jaws retract, with their flanges firmly gripping the rail.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 16, 2001
Date of Patent:
December 9, 2003
Assignee:
Micro Plastics, Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas R. Hill, Hank Tiley, Wesley Due, Dennis Shrable, James Dilday
Abstract: An ergonomic, pneumatically-powered hand tool for installing hose clamps comprises an elongated barrel projecting from a pistol grip housing which pivotally mounts a locking jaw assembly for securely grasping clamps to be installed. A trigger-controlled valve assembly coupled to a source of high pressure air powers the tool. The jaw assembly comprises a pair of identical jaws pivotally coupled together to define a clamp-receptive mouth. Each jaw comprises a plurality of serially interconnected channels defined along the gripping end of each jaw, adapting the mouth to both accommodate clamps of varying sizes and to restrain clamps as they are compressed during installation. The gripping ends project outwardly beyond the barrel, and are spaced apart from the opposing terminal ends. An integral bearing plate is defined between the terminal end and the gripping end. The terminal ends of the jaws are resiliently biased together by a spring.
Abstract: A plastic tube bundle clamp for securing a plurality of elongated conduit elements such as wires, tubes, or pipes functions without destructive discontinuities in the working surface of the constrictive band. The encircling plastic band terminates in a pair of shoulders, each of which includes an integral, outwardly projecting jaw. When the jaws are compressively forced together, teeth engage one another to lock the clamp. The first jaw comprises spaced apart upper and lower elements which sandwich a first slot and the second jaw comprises an upper element spaced apart from a reduced width, lower element across a second slot. When the jaws are fitted together, the upper element of the second jaw is sandwiched within the first slot, and the lower element of the first jaw is substantially sandwiched within the second slot.
Abstract: Unitary strain relief bushings for axially securing either a flat or round conduit comprised of two distinct but substantially externally similar bushing segments which are operationally hingeably folded together. Each generally "bullet shaped" bushing includes a tapered shank which extends between a narrowed front and an annular, larger diameter rear collar which is adapted to contact the workpiece. For manipulation purposes a major circumferential groove is defined in the collar, and it is adapted to be engaged by the curved tong elements of a conventional installing tool. A smaller diameter "snap fit" groove circumferentially defined upon the bushing between the shank and the annular collar shoulder is adapted to be snap fitted into the workpiece orifice.