Including Pivoted Gripping Member Patents (Class 24/489)
  • Patent number: 7677291
    Abstract: An engaging device is provided which is capable of advantageous switchover from an engaging position to an open position. Also provided is a transfer instrument employing the structure of such an engaging device. The transfer instrument (A) includes the engaging device (X) which is capable of gradually moving an engaging surface (23) widthwise of an engaging surface (13) to retract two engaging components relative to each other by pivotally moving a dangling wall (11) of a transfer instrument body (1) and a sidewall (21) of an arm (2) relative to each other to press a sliding contact edge (24) against a guide edge (14) gradually from a first end portion (14a) toward an opposite second end portion (14b) of the guide edge (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kinya Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20100024176
    Abstract: The clamp comprises two substantially L-shaped members, arranged opposite each other, articulated on an intermediate support on which rest the lateral profile sections of the frames of the panels to be clamped, one of the arms of each of the L-shaped members having an end profile adapted for its coupling to the profile sections to be clamped, while the other arm of each of said L-shaped members receives a displacement action in order to effect its rotation from a mechanism incorporated in the intermediate support, intended to effect the opening and closing of the L-shaped members of the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Sistemas Tecnicos De Encofrados, S.A
    Inventor: José Luis Ubinana Felix
  • Publication number: 20090276987
    Abstract: A clip is provided with two wings pivoting about a common axis and a biasing spring forcing the wings toward a closed position to grab sheets of paper or other articles. The clip can be mounted on a board, a metallic surface, etc. One wing is formed with a large opening or window and a panel with multiple surfaces is rotatably supported within the window. The various surfaces are provided with different images and other information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Randy SELTZER, Matt Dancsecs
  • Publication number: 20090249590
    Abstract: A clamp device adapted in particular to be secured on members of variable section. The device has a pair of jaws articulated with one another at their first end in order to oscillate from and to a closed position in which respective inner surfaces provided on the jaws substantially face one another. An adaptor member is mounted on at least one of the jaws and is hinged on that jaw in order to rotate between a first operating position in which it projects from the inner surface of the jaw and a second operating position in which it is housed within the jaw or in which it projects from the inner surface to a smaller extent than in the first operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: ALU S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luca Maroso
  • Patent number: 7572171
    Abstract: A cutting-tool holder (1) used for grinding includes a holder body (10) including a pair of pinching pieces (11, 11) biased to each other; and a pair of handgrips (30, 30) provided on the holder body (10) which sets the pair of pinching pieces (11, 11) apart from each other by applying force to the handgrips (30, 30). The holder body (10) may further include a connecting portion (12) with a nearly C-shaped cross section which connects base end parts (11c, 11c) of the pinching pieces (11, 11). Each handgrip (30) may be configured so that one end part (30a) is fixed to the pinching piece (11), the middle part penetrates the connecting portion (12), and the other end part extends away from the pinching piece (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Master Cutlery Corporation
    Inventor: Mino Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 7536757
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a versatile clip for jewellery which functions as the link between the necklace and exchangeable pieces of jewellery comprising a front member (4) and a rear member (6) having curved profiles and hinged at one end whilst the respective engaging ends (10A), (10B) of the front and rear members (4), (6) opposing the hinge (8) are capable of being integrally latched to assume a central aperture (12); said engaging end (10A) of the front member (4) opposing the hinge (8) is provided with an indented notch (16A) to accommodate a hook (18) having one end (20) permanently fixed on the outer surface (22) of the front member (4) adjacent to the base (16C) of the indented notch (16A) and one unfixed end (24) freely extending into the indented notch (16A); said engaging end (10B) of the rear member (6) opposing the hinge (8) is also provided with an indented notch (16B) to snugly encompass the free unfixed end (24) of the hook (18) to hold the pendant captive when the engaging e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Amee Philips SDN BHD
    Inventor: Sin Cheo Tan
  • Publication number: 20090070971
    Abstract: A hook 14 causes an attachment device (cartridge), which is mounted into an insertion slot arranged in an electronic apparatus such as a game apparatus, to be engaged with the insertion slot. The hook includes an arm 22, a ring portion 21 and a latch portion 23. The ring portion 21 is connected to one end of the arm 22. The latch portion 23 is connected to the other end of the arm 22, and is latchable onto a predetermined portion of the insertion slot. Further, the ring portion 21 is pivoted by a spindle 31 of the attachment device, and is shaped so as to be deformable when a force from the arm 22 is applied thereto, the force being caused by the attachment device moving so as to be ejected from the insertion slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kamada, Kazuo Yoneyama, Masaki Amano
  • Publication number: 20090070970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clasp for the connection of two components, such as belts, straps or equivalents and comprises a first clasp part and a second clasp part. The first part comprises a bottom plate, and the second part is arranged to partially surround the bottom plate through a cover plate and a cushioning plate. Locking elements are arranged on the fixing plate or the bottom plate and on the cushioning plate for connecting together of the clasp parts in the clasp's locked position. The locking elements preferably comprise one or more hooks that are arranged on the cushioning plate. A fixture for connecting the second part to straps or equivalent is arranged by on one side of the cover plate and directed so that the force that is exercised on the clasp via the fixture has a component on the cover plate's plane that is directed so that the force has a connecting effect on the clasp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Joran Lundh
  • Patent number: 7500301
    Abstract: A method of clamping paper in a paper clip is disclosed where the paper clip has spaced first and second opposed surfaces connected together at a rear edge and a cam member having a tab at one end thereof and a cam surface at another end thereof whereby the tab is moved between an open and closed position. The first and second opposed surfaces comprised of bent metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ergo Industrial Seating Systems Inc
    Inventor: Terry Cassaday
  • Publication number: 20090044385
    Abstract: A universal spring-clip mounting device for attaching an object identifying device, such as RFID tag, bar code label, etc., to one or more objects of interest. Preferably, a device of the present invention is of resilient construction so as to be capable of exerting a retention force on the object of interest. One or more object engaging portions may be provided to engage structure on said object of interest, which may include external structure and/or holes, slots or other apertures thereof. Embodiments of a device of the present invention may be provided with object engaging portions that are designed to engage both substantially horizontally-oriented and substantially vertically-oriented sections of an object of interest, while maintaining substantially the same orientation of an attached object identifying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James P. Naderer, Kristy K. Thompson, Russell D. Bammerlin
  • Publication number: 20080313870
    Abstract: Disclosed is a closure for joining at least two pieces of material, especially layers of material (14, 20). Said closure comprises two closure elements (2, 3) which are spaced apart in some sections. The first closure element (2) is provided with at least one fastening means (7) while the second closure element (3) is fitted with an especially central gap (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Michaela Graf
  • Publication number: 20080141495
    Abstract: A lockable hinge is disclosed, as well as a panel assembly and panel kit including the hinge. The lockable hinge includes first and second extension members. The lockable hinge also includes a hinge assembly pivotally connecting the first and second extension members about an axis. The hinge assembly includes a first sleeve associated with the first extension member and a second sleeve associated with the second extension member. The hinge assembly further includes a hinge pin mechanism, at least partially within the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The first and second extension members are lockable at a plurality of angular positions by axial movement of at least one of the first sleeve, the second sleeve, or the hinge pin mechanism. Panels can be connected at the lockable hinge. Various structures are thereby constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Michael P. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20080096493
    Abstract: A communication device for rock climbers and the like is provided. The communication device comprises an outer casing and a plastic insert mounted within the outer casing. Communication electronics are mounted within the plastic insert. An earbud is connected to the communication electronics and seatable in an opening in the outer casing with the earbud having an easy grab protrusion extending beyond the opening. A retraction mechanism connects the earbud for extending and retracting the earbud into the opening. A releasable closure mechanism is secured to the outer casing for securing the communication device to, and releasing the communication from, an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Kerwood
  • Patent number: 7180744
    Abstract: A mounting device for a heat sink (200) includes a pair of pivot members (10), two joining members (30), and two pairs of spring members (20). Each pivot member includes a clipping portion (11) for clasping the electric unit (300). The joining members pivotably connect with the pivot members. Each joining member includes a pressing portion (310) for resiliently abutting against the heat sink toward the electric unit. The spring members each includes two end catches (21), (22) secured with the joining member and a corresponding member and capable of providing resilient torsions to drive the clipping portions to engage with the electric unit when the clipping portions rotate to one position away from the electric unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Chi Chen, Yi-Qiang Wu, Cheng-Bin Feng
  • Patent number: 7167419
    Abstract: A timer is provided for indicating when a beverage within a beverage container is no longer fresh. The timer includes a timer body and a clip. The timer body contains electronic circuitry adapted to display a time remaining before the beverage is no longer fresh. The timer body further includes two L-shaped lugs spaced apart from one another. The clip includes two timer clamps attached to one another and a central retainer. Each timer clamp has a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the timer clamps is resiliently biased in a direction away from the other. The central retainer further includes a lug adapted to be attached to the L-shaped flanges of the timer body. The second end of the timer clamps is adapted to be easily attached to a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignees: Newco Enterprises, Inc., Marketing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kwan, David S. Felty, Joseph P. Webster
  • Patent number: 7046517
    Abstract: A cooling system hinge mounted to a portion of an enclosure of an electronic system to which a cooling device may be releasably and pivotably attached in at least an open position to permit access to components within the electronic system and a closed position to permit installation of a cover to close the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Long, Paul J. Gwin, Rolf A. Konstad
  • Patent number: 6993986
    Abstract: A clamping element for the transport of a substrate in a predefined transport direction comprises a first and a second leg with a first and second clamping jaw for clamping a substrate. Each of the two clamping jaws has a clamping plate which is movable in transport direction relative to the corresponding leg. A sensor measures the deflection of the first clamping plate relative to the first leg. As soon as the measured deflection exceeds a predefined threshold value, the clamping element is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: ESEC Trading SA
    Inventors: Peter Hess, Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Alexander Greber, Hansjörg Gujer, Nicolino Onda
  • Patent number: 6964085
    Abstract: A storage system having a releasably mounted mounting clip that can be connected to a wall stud or ceiling joist. A variety of storage components can be joined to the mounting clip. The mounting clip can also be used to join boards and panels to construct furniture and stand-alone storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: James C. Boda
  • Patent number: 6761481
    Abstract: A bag including two generally parallel sheets forming the main walls of the bag, complementary closure strips fixed to respective ones of the sheets, and a cursor for actuating the strips for closing and opening purposes. Parallel to the closure strips between the sheets, and level with the mouth of the bag, additional sealing structure in relief disposed on the insides of the closure strips, designed to provide sealing by forming a barrier between the sheets in the closed position of the bag, the additional sealing structure in relief being placed facing the flanks of the cursor to be urged towards their sealing position by the cursor when the cursor is moved towards the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Henri Bois
  • Patent number: 6733178
    Abstract: A bag including two generally parallel sheets forming the main walls of the bag, complementary closure strips fixed to respective ones of the sheets, and a cursor for actuating the strips for closing and opening purposes. Parallel to the closure strips between the sheets, and level with the mouth of the bag, additional sealing structure in relief disposed on the insides of the closure strips, designed to provide sealing by forming a barrier between the sheets in the closed position of the bag, the additional sealing structure in relief being placed facing the flanks of the cursor to be urged towards their sealing position by the cursor when the cursor is moved towards the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Henri Bois
  • Publication number: 20040025605
    Abstract: A clamping element for the transport of a substrate in a predefined transport direction comprises a first and a second leg with a first and second clamping jaw for clamping a substrate. Each of the two clamping jaws has a clamping plate which is movable in transport direction relative to the corresponding leg. A sensor measures the deflection of the first clamping plate relative to the first leg. As soon as the measured deflection exceeds a predefined threshold value, the clamping element is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: ESEC Trading SA, a Swiss Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Hess, Raphael Bernhardsgrueter, Alexander Greber, Hansjorg Gujer, Nicolino Onda
  • Patent number: 6681971
    Abstract: Securement arrangement for mounting articles upon a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes a pair of substantially rigid body members. At least one of the pair of body members has a receiver configured to accept the installation of a fitting member therein. A plurality of resilient fitting members are utilized. Each fitting member is adapted to be installed in the receiver in a plurality of orientations. At least one of the fitting members is configured to present a variable buffering thickness between the rigid body member and a receiving member of a carrying vehicle upon which the securement arrangement shall be installed. The variable buffering thickness is dependent upon an installed orientation of the fitting member in the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: John Laverack, Gregor Weaver, John F. Niedermeyer, Fred Murray, Jeffrey Ransden
  • Patent number: 6681779
    Abstract: The device of the current invention is a multi-layer clip that is preferably configured for securing hair. The clip has at least three body sections and preferably four body sections. Body sections are configured to be coupled with adjacent body sections through hinges, whereby the body sections collectively open in a zig-zag fashion. Preferably, the clip is secured with the body sections in a layered and closed position through two-part snap features, wherein portions of the interlocking snap features are located on adjacent surfaces of adjacent body sections. Preferably, lengths of the body sections are sequentially altered such that body sections collectively close in a layered and cascaded fashion. Adjacent surfaces between adjacent body sections are preferably provided with protruding teeth structures to facilitate the securing of hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Barbara Stachowski
  • Patent number: 6637082
    Abstract: A quick holder includes a bottom housing, a cover, two clamping members, and a tensile spring. The tensile spring is urged between the retaining posts of the two clamping members conveniently, so that the two opposite clamping members may be used to clamp the paper by a single tensile spring, thereby simplifying the whole structure, and thereby decreasing the difficulty of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 6632021
    Abstract: A bag comprising two generally parallel sheets (16, 18) forming the main walls of the bag, complementary closure strips (20, 22) fixed to respective ones of the sheets, and a cursor (50) for actuating the strips (20, 22) for closing and opening purposes, the bag being characterized in that it further C comprises, parallel to the closure strips (20, 22) between said sheets (16, 18), and level with the mouth (12) of the bag, a structure (100) disposed on the insides of the closure strips (20, 22), designed to provide sealing by forming a barrier between the sheets (16, 18) in the closed position of the bag, said structure (100) being placed facing the flanks (52, 54) of the cursor (50) to be urged towards their sealing position by the cursor (50) when the cursor is moved towards the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Henri Bois, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6612000
    Abstract: A clothes clip has a biasing spring that imparts a symmetrical force to each of the gripping members of the clothes clip. The two distal ends of the spring press against the fixed jaw of the clip at point equidistant from the central axis, and a central loop of the spring presses against the movable jaw of the clip along its central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Acotex Far East Limited
    Inventor: David R. Housley
  • Patent number: 6609827
    Abstract: A bag comprising two generally parallel sheets (16, 18) forming the main walls of the bag, complementary closure strips (20, 22) fixed to respective ones of the sheets, and a cursor (50) for actuating the strips (20, 22) for closing and opening purposes, the bag being characterized in that it further comprises, parallel to the closure strips (20, 22) between said sheets (16, 18), and level with the mouth (12) of the bag, a structure (100) disposed on the insides of the closure strips (20, 22), designed to provide sealing by forming a barrier between the sheets (16, 18) in the closed position of the bag, said structure (100) being placed facing the flanks (52, 54) of the cursor (50) to be urged towards their sealing position by the cursor (50) when the cursor is moved towards the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Henri Bois, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6546658
    Abstract: An elongated shell and internal gripper assembly for gripping and supporting sheet-like posters or pictures for display purposes in a readily exchangeable manner. The assembly comprises an elongated, extruded gripper clip has a planar backing base pivotable distal-most poster receiving edge. The assembly includes an elongated, extruded receiving shell with a gripper clip receiving channel centrally arranged therein and an edge slot at a lowermost portion of the shell members. The gripper clip is slidably received within the receiving channel. The gripper clip has its distalmost receiving edge extending distally beyond the edge slot of the shell to permit display and exchange of a poster or picture therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Rose Displays, Ltd.
    Inventors: David E. Pitcher, Thomas P. Burrous
  • Publication number: 20020151930
    Abstract: An acupressure and reflexology clamping apparatus wherein a variety of interchangeable pressure delivery tips enables selection thereof for a variety of applications and body points and a centrally positioned ratcheting hub enables fine incremental adjustment of pressure settings, reproducible selection of such settings and consistent delivery thereof, thereby delivering incrementally variable quantities of pressure to specific body locations and maximizing the effective relief experienced at each such location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Jeremy Mills
  • Patent number: 6302366
    Abstract: An office accessory arrangement including a stationary support rail and a grip clip removably supported thereon. The grip clip includes a pair of opposed grip members joined to one another by a hinge arrangement for enabling relative pivoting of the grip members about a hinge axis. The grip clip has a biasing structure which relatively pivotably biases the grip members in opposite directions towards a closed position in which opposed inner gripping services of the respective grip members engage one another or engage a document therebetween. The support rail has a channel-like part which defines an outwardly opening narrow slot, with one side of the slot being defined by a cantilevered wall of the channel-like part. The grip clip, when engaged with the support rail, is disposed so that the cantilevered wall of the channel-like part projects into a slot defined within the support rail to securely position the grip clip thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Saylor, Sheldon Phillips, Edward Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6125514
    Abstract: A safety clamp, which includes a link for connection to a crane or the like, a steering mechanism, the steering mechanism including a casing, a ratchet wheel mounted in the casing and connected to the link, and steering control means for controlling the direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel, a supporting bar connected to the casing, a movable bar connected to the ratchet wheel and turned with the ratchet wheel and the link relative to the casing and the supporting bar, and a clamping bar connected to the movable bar and worked with the supporting bar to hold an object between the clamping bar and the supporting bar for enabling the object to be lifted with the safety clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Te-Cheng Yu
  • Patent number: 6088889
    Abstract: A manually operable clip operable as a hemostasis valve for use with intravenously inserted catheters. The valve preferably comprises a unitary piece of wire formed to have first and second jaw portions defining front and back ends that preferably include transversely extending arms formed thereon. The valve is further formed such that a spring portion is provided interconnecting the first and second jaw portions that extends intermediate the front and back ends thereof and between said transversely extending arms which is operable to bias the front ends towards each other such that when positioned upon the catheter, such biasing force causes the lumen thereof to assume a closed state. The back ends of the first and second jaw portions may be manually actuated to release the clip from the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Edward Elson
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Edward E. Elson
  • Patent number: 5871194
    Abstract: The invention teaches a hinged clip (10) comprising two arms (22), each arm having a free end (34) and an extension forming the other end, resilient bias means urging the free ends together, the extensions being movable towards one another against the force of the resilient bias means to separate the said free ends characterised in that the resilient bias means is non-removably secured to each arm. An edge protector for an article (14) having sides (16) joined by an edge (12) is also taught, as is the method of manufacture and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Aston Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Corben Morley
  • Patent number: 5775651
    Abstract: A device for holding containers, particularly plastic oil bottles, in the inverted position whereby the container may be completely emptied without the need for someone to hold the container the entire time. The invention comprises a pair of container lock plates, pivotally secured together, and each having an aperture approximately one and five-sixteenths inches in diameter; larger than the approximate one inch diameter of the neck of standard oil bottles. The lock plates further include a spring loaded clamp which is clipped over the edge of an oil funnel placed within the oil inlet tube of the engine to be serviced. After the invention is clipped into place on the oil funnel, the oil container is next inverted with its mouth and neck placed downward through the lock plate apertures. The lock plates are then pivoted in opposite directions, effectively decreasing the size of the opening and locking the oil container in place in an inverted position for emptying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Steven J. Jackovich
  • Patent number: 5752680
    Abstract: A clamp for a line includes a body having a first portion for engaging the line and a keeper having a second portion for engaging the line. A pivoting assembly is coupled to the body and the keeper for pivotally coupling the keeper and the body, and includes a shaft and a shaft support pivotally receiving the shaft. The shaft has a longitudinal axis and pivots about the longitudinal axis. The clamp also includes a torsional spring coupled to the pivoting assembly for biasing the keeper second portion away from the body first portion. Further, the clamp includes a control device in the form of U-bolts, coupled to the body and the keeper, for controlling the angular position of the keeper relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven W. Mann
  • Patent number: 5657518
    Abstract: There is disclosed a clip for a garment hanger on which clothes are hung directly, and which has front and rear gripping plates which are movable one relative to the other. A locking mechanism, preferably in the form of an arm in a fixed one of the two plates interlocks the movable plates for gripping a garment within the clip. A movable pressure device preferably mounted on the movable one of the plates is used to effect release of the locking means and immediately the locking means is released, the pressure device acts directly on the movable plate to force it away from the other plate to thereby quickly and easily release a garment previously held within the clip. In an alternative, a flange extends from the movable plate and has locking tooth thereon engageable with teeth on the release arm. The flange extends across the teeth in use to prevent delicate garments becoming entangled in the locking mechanism between the movable plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Braitrim (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: William Joseph Hunt
  • Patent number: 5542209
    Abstract: A stalk support for flowers comprises generally a roughly R shaped clamp displaceably attached to a cylindrical rod thereon. The clamp is made from a flexible plastic material having a roughly hoop clasp with a pair of spaced legs parallel extended outward at a rear periphery therefrom, a slotted opening formed on an opposing periphery of the hoop clasp, three circular finger contacts formed respectively at the free ends of the two legs and the arcuate arm of the clasp thereon and a cylindrical sleeve connected perpendicularly to the free end of a straight arm of the hoop clasp therewith so as to define a roughly circular space to receive a peduncle of the flower therein. An alterative embodiment provides an openable sleeve that facilitates a ready attachment of the clamp to a rod thereon. Another embodiment provides a sealed sleeve that suitable for attaching to the top of a rod in different diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Shyong-Shyy Sheu
  • Patent number: 5490651
    Abstract: A hanger clip construction adapted for use with overhead members, such as the T-bars of suspended ceilings, includes a first arm having first and second ends and a second arm having first and second ends. A first hinge connects the first arm second end to the second arm first end. A spring member is secured at a first end by a second hinge to the first arm and at a second end by a third hinge to the second arm. The spring maintains the first and second arms in one of two stable end positions of the hanger clip. The spring is in tension only when the first and second arms are between the two stable end positions. In one of the stable end positions, the first arm first end and the second arm second end extend over side edges of the overhead member to secure the hanger clip thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Kump
  • Patent number: 5350092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a garment hanger and a moulded plastic clip that comprises a front leg and a rear leg joined in a spaced relation by an integrally moulded resilient leaf, each leg having object engaging free ends, a portion overlying said leaf and formed with teeth for engagement with a pawl extending inwardly and outwardly from the front leg to provide a ratchet, said leaf having an elastic memory such that said legs are spaced apart in a predetermined neutral position when said ratchet is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5318292
    Abstract: A springingly urged clamp is especially useful with a small towel such as the type used in golfing service and is a palm sized clamp which is both easily manually engageable and easily manually manipulable. The clamp, and its affixed towel, can be attached to the golf bag, or any portion of the clothing to yield maximum easy utilization of the towel. In one embodiment, a golf towel's reinforcing ring is fed into a slot on one side of the clamp of the present invention and onto a post to ensure secure, but interchangeable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Nicholas A. De Marco
  • Patent number: 5072866
    Abstract: A hanger for the hanging of plural garments includes a body portion for hanging a first garment, the body portion having a central opening and a hook portion extending outwardly of the body portion and a cross-member bounding the central opening. A clip unit is provided for securement to the cross-member and for releasably receiving a second garment. The clip unit includes first and second members each having a mid-portion and first and second end portions extending oppositely from the mid-portion, the first end portion of the first member defining a detent for engagement with the cross-member to secure the clip unit thereto, the second end portions of the first and second members being adapted for retentive engagement with the second garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: B & G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Kolton, Stuart S. Spater
  • Patent number: 5052086
    Abstract: A clamp for fixing a plant stem to a support wire includes a movable clamp member, a fixed clamp member, a support shaft and a spring attached to the movable and fixed clamp members. Each of the movable and fixed clamp members has a semicircular beak at its one end and an operating member at its other end. The fixed clamp member has an intermediate body portion provided with a support slot for accommodating an intermediate portion of the movable clamp member. The support shaft pivotally attaches the intermediate portion accommodated in the support slot to the fixed clamp member. The spring applies a biasing force causing the two beaks to close onto each other in the manner of a ring and the two operating members to open in a V-like manner. The body portion is provided with slits extending part way along the floor of the support slot from the beak in the direction of the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Nasuno
  • Patent number: 4987660
    Abstract: A clothespin with a hook adapted to be attached to a clothesline is disclosed. With the present invention it is possible to attach the clothespin to a clothesline with one's hand lower than the clothesline when hanging the laundry for drying. This is advantageous especially for shorter people or children who may have difficulty stretching up when attaching or detaching the clothespin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Esteban N. Sagucio
  • Patent number: 4969492
    Abstract: The method for filling a soft, flexible, thin-walled inflatable bladder with a fluid medium to a predetermined extent that comprises; folding a portion of the soft, flexible, thin-wall of the bladder and engaging the fold in predetermined pressure engagement between opposing clamping surfaces of a clamping device and thereafter introducing fluid medium into the bladder to fill it. The fold slides from engagement between the surfaces when the tensile forces directed onto and through the wall by the fluid medium delivered into the bladder exceed the holding force exerted by the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: George R. Monzo
  • Patent number: 4959892
    Abstract: A shaftless clip for clamping name plate, paper and etc., which is comprised of two pivoted parts with a spring retained therebetween to force the two pivoted parts to constantly clamp up together. The first part of the clip comprises two side pins respectively inserted in two side slots of the two side walls of the second part, and an unitary frame structure for the setting therein of the spring permitting the two legs of the spring to respectively strop against the inner surface of the first and second parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventor: Bor-Jou Wang
  • Patent number: 4884726
    Abstract: A hanger for the hanging of plural garments has a body portion for hanging a first garment, the body portion having a central opening, a hook portion extending outwardly of the body portion and a cross-member cooperative with the body portion to bound the central opening and snap-hinge units, each in the form of an integral body for the hanging of a second garment. Each snap-hinge unit has first and second hinge members for releasable retention of the second garment, a snap-hinge selectively operable for biasing the first and second hinge members into such retention of the second garment in one state thereof and for biasing the first and second hinge members to release the second garment from such retention in a second state thereof, and detent structure for securement of the snap-hinge units to the cross-member, irrespective of the state of the snap-hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: B & G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Kolton, Stuart S. Spater
  • Patent number: 4833759
    Abstract: This invention provides solutions to the problem of fastening a hook (53), such as a garment hanger hook (53), directly to a linear member (7), such as a clothesline (7), to which the hook (53) is hooked in the normal manner. This is accomplished by a discrete openable clasp (64-73, 77) having two jawed fastening members (64, 72), at least one fastening member (64) being bifurcated for accommodating the hook (53) within its two spaced-apart branches (65) so that it can straddle and reach past the hook (53) to clasp the linear member (7), the two fastening members (64, 72) being arranged for conjointly clasping the hook (53) and the linear member (7) together. Most embodiments of the clasp can also fasten two generally linear members (7) together in a crossing relationship. In general, an object can be indirectly fastened to a linear member (7) by being connected to a hook (53) which is fastened to a linear member (7) by the openable clasp (64-73, 77).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Walter Louis Larsen
  • Patent number: 4813107
    Abstract: A non-metallic spring clamp (10). The spring clamp (10) includes a first body member (13) having a jaw end (20) and a handle end (21), and a second body member (14) having a jaw end (20) and a handle end (21). A bridging member (15) is integral with the first body member (13) and second body member (14), and is interposed between the jaw end (20) and handle end (21) of each. A spring (12) is interposed between the respective handle ends (21) so as to engage each handle end (21). Means (27) are provided to retain the spring (12) in engagement with each handle end (21). Means (26), likewise, are provided to laterally support the spring (12) on each handle end (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Warren Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Vincent B. Cetrone
  • Patent number: 4770025
    Abstract: A pulling clamp which can engage an automotive frame member at two points. The pulling clamp includes two elongated bow shaped members (12, 14) each of which is provided with at least one elongated slot (18) for the reception of a bolt (66) which is passed through suitable apertures in the frame member (56) to be pulled the bolt being held in place by a nut (68). The bow shaped members are spread apart by a threaded spreading member (34) to firmly clamp opposed side walls of the frame member between the head of the bolt, the nut, and the outer surfaces (20) of the pulling clamp. In one embodiment a second elongated slot (90) is provided inwardly of the first elongated slot (28) so that box sections of smaller width may be engaged by passing a bolt through a second set of elongated slots. In another embodiment threaded apertures (30, 42) are disposed inwardly of the elongated slots (28), which threaded apertures may receive additional gripping means (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Robert Graf
  • Patent number: 4722120
    Abstract: A spring clip includes bosses and pivot holes on flanges at two opposite sides of each of two clamping members for connecting pivotally the clamping members wherein the flange bearing the boss at each side is sandwiched between two other flanges bearing the pivot holes, thereby preventing the bosses from being released easily from the pivot holes. A torsion spring is mounted conveniently on the clamping members by engaging it with retaining members disposed on the clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: James Lu