Having Specific Handle Structure Patents (Class 24/557)
  • Patent number: 10876555
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening soft surfaced elements to each other comprises a planar top portion and two side portions. The side portions are coupled with the planar portion at one end via an angle portion, and are arranged essentially perpendicularly in relation to said planar top portion and essentially parallel with each other thereby forming a receiving opening for receiving said element between the side portions. In addition the side portions both comprise at least one tooth, which is inclined towards the opening and the element in use and thereby arranged to fasten, such as via friction or via penetration into the surface of the element, and thereby fasten the device to the element. Moreover at least one of the portions comprises a protrusion portion for receiving, focusing and attaching a magnetic member to the device so to allow the device to be fastened to an external member via said magnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: INNVOLVE OY
    Inventor: Mika Korhonen
  • Patent number: 10426207
    Abstract: Clip apparatuses for use in breast feeding allow a user to secure the same on an article of clothing or fabric so that the user can track breastfeeding of an infant. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Elizabeth Dorros
  • Patent number: 10136898
    Abstract: A narrow profile surgical ligation clip has two legs with clamping surfaces joined by a hinge near the proximal ends, allowing the clip to reversibly open and close. A locking mechanism is proximal to the hinge to bias or lock the clip closed, including first and second jaw structures spaced on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the clip thereby defining a locking space therebetween. In one embodiment, a wedge or buttress body moves by application of an external force applied to a proximal end of the clip towards the hinge to move into the locking space such that one or more outer surfaces or projections of portions of the body fit into or abut against complementary surfaces or other parts of the locking mechanism or clip assembly to bias or lock the clip in a closed position and provide additional closing force to the inner clamping surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Philip Schmidt, Dan Monahan, Brad Labarbera, Paul Whiting, Steven Morris, Salvatore Castro, Michael Ramsey, Lynn Willett
  • Patent number: 9468247
    Abstract: A mortar board display holder comprises a board clip portion, a display supporter portion, and a connecting portion joining the board clip portion and the display supporter portion. The board clip portion has a flat upper prong having a first plane, a flat lower prong having a second plane, and a spacing member that holds the upper prong fixably spaced from the lower prong such that the second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane. The display supporter portion has a flat first leg having a third plane, a flat second leg having a fourth plane, and a holding member that holds the first leg and the second leg such that the third plane is substantially parallel to the fourth plane. The display supporter portion may further comprise a neck adjacent to and connected to the holding member, and an elongated arm adjacent to and connected to the neck. The neck may be straight or curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: California State University, Fresno
    Inventors: Ramakrishna Nunna, Walter Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8695800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding and packaging device for a tooth implant, with an elongate cylindrical receiving element (12) which has a cylinder wall (14) and at least one end wall (16), wherein the end wall (16) has an opening (18) for receiving a tooth implant (50), and the cylinder wall has a longitudinal opening (20) in this region. It is proposed that the longitudinal opening (20) extends over the entire length of the cylinder wall (14), that at least two grip elements (22, 24) which are mounted opposite each other on the cylinder wall and extend outward are provided, and that the cylinder wall (14) is manufactured from an elastic material such that, by application of a force, the opening (18) in the end wall (16) can be widened in order to introduce or remove a tooth implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: inpac Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Kaczorowski, Ralph Hermann
  • Patent number: 8567020
    Abstract: A clip having a pair of operating levers slidably interconnected respectively to a pair of jaws joined together by a curved throat, an elongated slot formed on the inner side of each operating lever, a spring pocket formed in the outer surface of each jaw, a spring tab disposed in each pocket with an upstanding resilient stop tab joined to the spring tab and being disposed in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Geraghty, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald M. McGarity, Mark McGarity
  • Patent number: 8181317
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping device which can resiliency clamp an item. The claming device comprises a W-shaped metallic member to impart resilience for clamping an item, and a casing member having the metallic member embedded therein. The casing member is formed of a polymeric material through injection-molding to prevent corrosion of the metallic member while enhancing an appearance of the clamping device. A mold for the clamping device, and a method for manufacturing the same are also disclosed. Since the metallic member for imparting resilience is embedded in the casing member, the clamping device can be easily manufactured as a single component, remarkably reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, the metallic member is prevented from being corroded, whereby the clamping device has a remarkably enhanced endurance as well as a compact structure and a high quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Gye Youl Kim
  • Patent number: 8096340
    Abstract: A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: 3 Day Blinds Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. McCarty, Frank A. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8083188
    Abstract: A sprinkler riser clamp securely engages a spring-retractable riser of a pop-up sprinkler. The riser clamp includes a clamping body and a handle attached thereto. The clamping body is configured to snap onto and securely grip the spring-retractable riser of the pop-up sprinkler. The clamping body exerts a gripping force while the spring-retractable riser exerts a retracing force. The gripping force exerted by the clamping body exceeds the retraction force exerted by the spring-retractable riser. The clamping body includes a resilient first clamp arm and a resilient second clamp arm connected by a joint at one end of each arm. The clamping body includes an opening for receiving the spring-retractable riser. The first clamp arm and second clamp arm of the clamping body each include rounded bottom edges configured to facilitate installation and removal by pivoting motion. The handle is attached to the clamping body by an arm. The handle has blunt ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Dallas Kittle, Jonathan P. Mcvety
  • Publication number: 20110047761
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved money clip for holding and securing a stack of money, credit cards, and business documents. The money clip includes a gripping member 12 having a U shape which includes gripping sections 14, 16, and 18, and a first set of pivot sections formed on the lower edge of gripping section 14, and a second set of pivot sections formed on the lower edge of gripping section 18. The first and second gripping legs 20 and 22 each having pivots members at their upper ends which are pivotally and removably connected to the first and second set of pivot sections formed on the gripping sections 14 and 18. A third gripping leg 24 is provided having pivot members at its upper ends which is interchangeable with the first or second gripping legs 20 or 22. In addition, logo support members are formed on the first, second, or third gripping legs for receiving logos or pictures thereon which have magnetic surfaces for receiving logos thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Charles J. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20110047762
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved money clip for holding and securing a stack of money, credit cards, and business documents. The money clip includes a gripping member 12 having a U shape which includes gripping sections 14, 16, and 18, and a first set of pivot sections formed on the lower edge of gripping section 14, and a second set of pivot sections formed on the lower edge of gripping section 18. The first and second gripping legs 20 and 22 each having pivots members at their upper ends which are pivotally and removably connected to the first and second set of pivot sections formed on the gripping sections 14 and 18. A third gripping leg 24 is provided having pivot members at its upper ends which is interchangeable with the first or second gripping legs 20 or 22. In addition, logo support members are formed on the first, second, or third gripping legs for receiving logos or pictures thereon which have magnetic surfaces for receiving logos thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Charles J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7581292
    Abstract: A clip having structure for detachably interlocking with another clip having substantially equivalent structure. The clip of this invention can be used to secure items, such as gloves, to garments being worn by a user. The instant clips may be made from a resilient material and include a base structure defining an aperture and a gap, which enable the detachable interlinking. One of the clips includes generally opposed arms in mechanical communication with jaw members biased in a contacting relation. The jaw members are forced apart by the user applying opposing forces to each of the arms. The jaw members operably grasp the article when the arms are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Publication number: 20080256763
    Abstract: The clip includes an outer component having an opening in which an inner component is received. The inner component is resiliency biased into a closed position in which its front and back walls are co-planar with the front and back walls, respectively, of the outer component. A force opposed to the bias of the resilient means causes the inner component to pivot away from the outer component thereby enlarging the space between the two components. A pair of socks or mitts may then be inserted into the space. The socks or mitts are retained in the space when the inner component springs back to the closed position. The clip is optionally provided with a panel on which information or illustrations is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Toni Azzopardi
  • Patent number: 7225850
    Abstract: A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: 3 Day Blinds, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McCarty, Frank A. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7213307
    Abstract: A clip having structure for detachably interlocking with another clip and which can be used to secure items to garments being worn by a user. The instant clips may be made from a resilient material and include a base structure defining an aperture and a gap, which enable the detachable interlinking. The jaw members are forced apart by the user applying opposing forces to each of the arms and grasp the article when the arms are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: 6994143
    Abstract: A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: 3 Day Blinds, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McCarty, Frank A. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6484374
    Abstract: A one piece clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container. The device can be deformed to an open position and normally assumes a closed position. While in the closed position, the clamp is in condition to secure a bag to a container. The clamp may be deformed to place it in position on the lid of a container, and to allow release of the bag from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gold Star Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 6397439
    Abstract: A holding device comprising two clamping members (10, 11); a hinge portion (16); and a spring element (24); wherein all the aforesaid parts are integrally molded from a plastics material and the spring element is connected to one of said clamping members by a mounting portion (25) of sufficiently small cross section to enable the spring element to be molded in a position in which apart from said mounting portion it is clear of said clamping members (10, 11), and thereafter can be moved about said mounting portion (25) to an operative position in which it spring biases the clamping members (10, 11) relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ivor Barrie Langford
  • Patent number: 6334403
    Abstract: A page clamp has a pair of outward facing faces and a pair of opposed faces define by a pair of sides which converge adjacent one end of the clamp. A clip is positioned in spaced relation with one of the outward facing faces. The clip has one end connected to one outward facing face and a second end biased by the clip toward the one outward facing face. The outward facing face can include around the periphery thereof a plurality of tabs defining with the outward facing face a plurality of gaps that can receive an edge of a bookmark therein. A rim can extend normal to the outward facing face and substantially therearound. The bookmark and the outward facing face can also include magnetic material for creating a magnetic attraction therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Michael T. Burns
  • Patent number: 6101684
    Abstract: A device for handling or storing bundled items such as electrical cords or cables is provided by using a handcuff-like element having jaws that self-sustain an open position while the bundled item is inserted therein and which traverse a fixed path or trajectory to close on the bundled item. The device may also be used handling or storing key rings, belts, fabrics such as napkins, jewelry, shopping bags, and plantings, among other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Mark H. Ginocchio
  • Patent number: 6003211
    Abstract: A clamp device has a first clamp plate, a second clamp plate, and a connection portion. The connection portion has a first bevel plate, a second bevel plate, and an elastic main body. The first clamp plate has a first upper end and a first lower end. The second clamp plate has a second upper end and a second lower end. The first bevel plate has a first distal end and a first connection end. The first distal end is connected to the first upper end. The second bevel plate has a second distal end and a second connection end. The second distal end is connected to the second upper end. The elastic main body has a first arm connected to the first connection end, a second arm connected to the second connection end, and a lower opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Tsung-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 5966783
    Abstract: A clasp-like device for securing sunglasses or other articles to sunvisors or other acceptable surfaces. This is accomplished by installing the sunglass temples between one of the device jaws and the sunvisor. The device is opened by applying pressure to a lever that is located near the intersection of the device jaws. On the inner surface of a device jaw nubs can be placed, if required, to aid in the securing of sunglasses or other articles in position. The device can also be held in position by a device retainer which can be mounted where there are unacceptable surfaces by using two-faced adhesive or a screw. The device is made of injection molded glass reinforced nylon or similar material for holding tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Carrol H. Genereux, James R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5954385
    Abstract: A holding device adapted to be secured along a side edge of a windshield panel to be releasably secured to a post of a recreational vehicle support frame is provided. The holding device being of a generally U-shaped configuration. This holding device comprises a base wall which defines a lateral direction and a first side wall extending outwardly from the base wall. The first side wall defines an outer end and has a slot formed therein which extends from the outer end inwardly a substantial portion of the distance to the base wall. The slot is sized and configured to receive an edge portion of a windshield panel therein. The holding device further comprises an opposite side wall extending outwardly from the base wall so as to laterally oppose the first side wall and define a post receiving chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Moore, John R. Holzaepfel
  • Patent number: 5881438
    Abstract: A one-piece article having a uniform cross section includes a number of portions that interact to releasably grip a cylindrical object (18). Two jaws (14, 16) extend from a base (12) and are shaped to embrace the cylindrical object. The base (12) and one of the jaws (14) are rigid. A second jaw (16) melds into the base and has a gripping surface that closely follows the contour of the cylindrical object. The distal end (22) of the second jaw diverges from the cylindrical object and reverts back to the base, terminating in a free end (24). This free end serves as an actuator for releasing the cylindrical object. When the free end is pressed by the user in the direction of the first jaw (14), the reverted portion (26) pivots about a fulcrum (30) formed by an extension of the base to draw open the second jaw, thereby releasing the cylindrical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Centurion Safety Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Micael Capanna
  • Patent number: 5791720
    Abstract: A holding device adapted to be secured along a side edge of a windshield panel to be releasably secured to a post of a recreational vehicle support frame is provided. The holding device being of a generally U-shaped configuration. This holding device comprises a base wall which defines a lateral direction and a first side wall extending outwardly from the base wall. The first side wall defines an outer end and has a slot formed therein which extends from the outer end inwardly a substantial portion of the distance to the base wall. The slot is sized and configured to receive an edge portion of a windshield panel therein. The holding device further comprises an opposite side wall extending outwardly from the base wall so as to laterally oppose the first side wall and define a post receiving chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Moore, John R. Holzaepfel
  • Patent number: 5687458
    Abstract: A clip for releasably maintaining articles clipped together has a resilient narrow tether headed at opposite ends with a first resilient clip connected at a rearward end on the headed portion at one end of the tether and a second resilient clip connected at a rearward end on the headed portion at the opposite end in axially opposed relation. The first and second clips each have a pair of longitudinal finger gripping portions extending outwardly from their rearward end in a spaced apart relation and a pair of abutting jaw portions at a forward end thereof. The finger gripping portions are sufficiently resilient such that when pressed together by the fingers of the operator, the jaw portions will open and when released will be urged toward the abutted condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Jo Ellen Coker
  • 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: 5625931
    Abstract: A clamp, such as a resilient clamp, is characterized by a pair of elongated members each having a force applying end and an opposed working end. The members are resiliently interconnected by a plurality of substantially arcuately-shaped bands in a region of the members intermediate the working ends and the force applying ends, defining a bight facing the working ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: Steven C. Visser, Kyle M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5546641
    Abstract: A clip is disclosed which comprises a unitary body having a pair of opposing arms joined by an arcuate portion and each of the arms having an opposed jaw portion at ends opposite the arcuate portion, each of the jaw portions having an exterior surface and an interior surface, each exterior surface having a finger grip and each interior surface having teeth with each finger grip being positioned above each of the teeth, and at least one of the opposing arms having a planar section adjacent the arcuate portion and an offset section between the planar section and the jaw portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Clipps, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Radvin, Steve Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5535970
    Abstract: A universal clamp for supporting external wall mounted piping includes a single structural part having a flexible semicircular collar internally supporting a pair of opposing flexible curved and intersecting jaws. End elements of the jaws are positioned so that their respective concave sections face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Gianfranco Gobbi
  • Patent number: 5473796
    Abstract: A bag closure device for sealing the end of a rolled, plastic produce bag of the type having two or more opposing jaws connected by struts and a flexible hinge for each set of opposed jaws. The hinge is made of flexible material. Teeth are placed on the inside surfaces of the opposing jaws to hold the rolled bag within the jaws. The device seals the bag by gripping the bag with each opposed jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Fusillo
  • Patent number: 5452500
    Abstract: The basic clip enclosed is a one-piece plastic clip formed by an upper and lower jaw element having gripping jaws. The jaw elements are pivoted together by a pedestal-type mount, that interconnects the upper and lower jaw elements together. The pedestal mount has a locking tip which fits into a receptacle formed in the upper jaw element. A U-shaped biasing member biases the jaw elements into their closed, clamping position, which biasing member has a base lying in close proximity to the pedestal mount. A camming finger causes the pedestal mount to bend every time that the rear sections of the jaw elements are squeezed to open the clamping jaws, which bending increases the clamping force of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Arthur N. Revis
  • Patent number: 5439453
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing a hypodermic needle which is adapted to permit the hypodermic needle to be removed and later recapped by relative lateral movement between the apparatus and the needle. The storage apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing which is closed at one end into which the hypodermic needle may be mounted. The hypodermic needle includes an enlarged hub which engages the upper, open end of the housing. The cylindrical wall of the housing is longitudinally severed from the open upper end of the housing to the closed bottom end thereof and extending through the bottom end of the housing. Sheathing tabs are secured to the outer surface of the housing, the sheathing tabs being oriented on opposite sides of the severed slot in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Behnam Kashanchi
  • Patent number: 5417926
    Abstract: A device for the support and protection (1) of a tubular element (2) of very small diameter, particularly of the type of a micropipette, comprising a portion of constant nominal diameter and a drawn out end (3) . The device is a monobloc member, of a material having elasticity, such as a resilient plastic, comprising an elongated body (4) whose dimension in its longitudinal direction is at least equal to the length of the tubular element (2) to be supported and whose transverse cross section has the shape of an inverted U with a base (5) prolonged by two legs (6, 7) , the base f the U comprising on its flat external surface, at least two recesses (9, 10) opening outwardly, disposed in prolongation of each other and being separated by a distance less than the length of the tubular element, so as to receive this latter and to retain it in two spaced regions. Each of these recesses is delimited by two parallel edges (11, 2) extending from the base of the U.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Laboratoire C.C.D.
    Inventor: Patrick Bouveret
  • Patent number: 5414911
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clip that is one piece and is therefore relatively easy to fabricate. A resilient plastic such as polycarbonate is preferred so that fabrication is inexpensive and yet effective repetitive clamping of the clip is achieved. Furthermore, the closure ends of the clip are designed to overlap somewhat so that any semi-permanent deformation of the material or thermal contraction of the clip that would cause the closure ends of the clip to move away from one another will not act to diminish the effectiveness of the present clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Adams Mfg.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 5402558
    Abstract: A resilient clip or spring clip is disclosed which has a pair of jaw members and a generally U-shaped biasing member for connecting the jaws together and for biasing the jaws into a closed position. The biasing member has a pair of legs connected by a curvilinear central portion and a curvilinear support portion interior thereof. The central portion and support portion are connected by a bridge-like member, and define a channel therebetween. The sidewall of each jaw member has a closed sidewall extending along a substantial portion thereof and defines an arcuate surface. During actuation of the clip, the sidewall traverses through the channel in the biasing member, while the support portion defines and serves as a fulcrum for rotation of the jaws between the open and the closed positions, independently of any separate support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Selfix, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Santapa
  • Patent number: 5361463
    Abstract: The basic clip enclosed is a one piece plastic clip formed by an upper and lower face beam having gripping jaws. The face beams are joined together by a shared biasing traverse support member that operates in conjunction with a pivotal locking tip and locking receptacle. Final assembly of the clip is performed by pressing the face beams together which engages the pivotal locking tip with the latching body allowing the jaw elements to lock in a closed position. Continued squeezing of the proximal end portions allows the traverse support member to arc beyond the design angle forcing the jaws into a larger spaced apart position. To prevent stressing and allow shaft mountings, the traverse support member utilizes fingers to provide interference with complete compression. Variations of the transverse support member and clip closure beams are also enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Arthur N. Revis
  • Patent number: 5159730
    Abstract: A clip is disclosed which comprises a body including two opposing members having opposite end portions associated respectively therewith and an arcuate portion joining the two opposing members adjacent one of said opposite end portions at their ends, each of the opposing members having opposed jaw portions at the end portions opposite the arcuate portion, and arms on respective opposing members for locking the opposing members together, the locking means positioned intermediate the opposite end portions of the opposing members. The clip also comprises projections on respective opposing members opposite the arms for urging the arms into engagement and disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Clipps, Inc.
    Inventor: Bill Radvin
  • Patent number: 5083741
    Abstract: A unitarily constructed clamp for selectively occluding a resilient tube includes a curved platen formed with a pair of holes through which the tube is threaded to position and hold the tube against the concave surface of the platen. The platen has a first end and a second end. Additionally, an articulated pressure member having a hinged juncture is pivotally connected to both the first end and the second end of the platen to locate the juncture between the ends of the platen. With this configuration, the articulated pressure member is positioned for movement between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the pressure member is distanced from the platen to leave the tube patent. In the closed configuration, the tube is squeezed between the platen and the pressure member to occlude the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Block Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Sancoff
  • Patent number: 5052081
    Abstract: A reversibly mountable spring clip for use with badges, identification tags or pins which includes a clip which is selectively mounted in either of two directions within a pair of hinge posts which extend from the badge and which clip includes a clamping end which is resiliently biased with respect to the badge in order to engage an article therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Stoffel Seals Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Fuehrer
  • 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: 4947523
    Abstract: A bag closure device includes a handle member, a clasp member connected at one of its ends to the handle member and having an opposite free end capable of being removably coupled to the handle member. Structure is provided which beneficially compresses, and hence closes, a portion of flexible bag therebetween. According to one embodiment, such structure may be in the form of a truncated V-shaped member associated with the handle member which compresses a region of the bag against a V-shaped trough associated with the clasp member. In another embodiment, such structure includes a circumferential boss segment which compresses the bag portion against an interior surface of an axially flexible strap member. In either embodiment, the captured bag is effectively prevented from slipping under its own weight during transport of the bag via the bag closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Edward S. Robbins, III
    Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, III, Theodore J. Onocki
  • Patent number: 4899966
    Abstract: The invention is an improved clip for holding workpieces to racks during alodining, anodizing and/or painting operations. The clip is constructed of a torsion spring having a central coiled portion and laterally extending tines interconnected by the coil. The coil is biased so that the ends of the tines are normally forced toward each other for gripping a workpiece inbetween their ends. A handle is connected to the coil and extends laterally away therefrom. This may be rotated in a manner so as to oppose the coil's bias, thus causing the tines' ends to spread apart for releasing the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas Antos, Jon Rosner, David J. Wirth
  • Patent number: 4876771
    Abstract: A plastic clip particularly useful as a clothes pin for hanging articles of clothing on a clothes line, comprises a strip of an elastic plastic material formed with one or two openings therethrough for receiving the clothes line, and with a slot extending from each opening to an edge to define two or three jaws for gripping the article to be hung from the clothes line. The sides of each slot are formed with a zigzag configuration to define teeth on the edges of the jaws for gripping the article of clothing between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Shakbar Investments Ltd.
    Inventor: Izhak Givati
  • Patent number: 4839947
    Abstract: A clamp formed of a unitary piece of resilient material has a pair of opposed arms pivoted about an integral hinge member located between jaw and finger-grip portions of the arms. An integral biasing element joins the arms at the ends of the finger-grip portion, and is supported such that flex of the biasing element occurs at its central portion, displaced from the arms. The arms may be formed with an internal spine supporting an exterior wall defining the surfaces of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventors: Robert Cohen, Betty J. Charak
  • 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: 4807334
    Abstract: A molded plastic article clamp designed to be supported from a rod has a pair of jaws pivotally joined at the top. One jaw has a pair of integral latch members extending toward the other jaw. The latch members are spaced apart lengthwise of the jaws and are designed to engage spaced keepers on the other jaw. The length and spacing of the latch members is such that when the latch member and keeper furthest from the top are engaged the jaws are held in article clamping position. When the other latch and keeper combination are engaged, the jaws are held in an open position sufficient to release an article but the clamp is still retained on the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Batts, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell O. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 4773132
    Abstract: A hand held holder includes a handle portion which joins two outwardly extending bifurcated legs which form an acute angle from said handle. Sharp-edged ridges on lateral teeth are provided on the inside surface of each of the legs and are arranged to extend at least partially across the width of the legs to provide a contact surface for a food item or object which is to be immersed. The outer ends of the legs terminate in a curved section or backwardly angled surface to guide the object into the teeth of the device. The resiliency of the material which forms the handle and legs of the device is sufficient to create a relatively strong compressive force on the surface of the object when it is gripped by the teeth so that, during the immersion in the liquid, when the object has reached suitable saturation, the compressive energy will be suddenly released, causing actual movement of the legs which creates a tactile or visual signal for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Robert E. Eckels
  • Patent number: 4763390
    Abstract: A one piece plastic clamp has a generally U-shaped outer structure including two outside legs and a thinned and downwardly curved upper bridging region from which the legs integrally depend. The clamp further includes a live hinge toggle joint for spanning the upper outside ends of the legs. The toggle joint has a release position peaking freely above the upper bridging region as the legs move relatively together and apart in the release position, and has a stable snap lock position directly adjacent to the upper bridging region thereby forcing the outer legs together in a clamped position. Two oppositely facing inner clamping jaws are relatively moveable freely with respect to each other and with respect to the outer structure in the release position. The jaws are for clamping an article between opposite faces when the clamp is in its snap lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: William B. Rooz
  • Patent number: 4655000
    Abstract: A one-piece fastener is disclosed for loosely retaining a transversely extending branch with respect to a horizontal support wire. The fastener is molded of resilient plastic material in form of a flexible filament portion with a clip portion integrally formed at its opposite ends. Each of the clip portions have a generally tubular body with a cylindrical-shaped throughbore formed longitudinally and with an elongate slot formed lengthwise of the tubular body in direct communication with the throughbore to define a throat for receiving the support wire into the throughbore. Each end of the filament portion is connected to one of the tubular bodies at a point adjacent to its elongate slot and adjacent to one of its ends which provides an offset relationship between the flexible filament portion and the two tubular bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: E. Grant Swick, Peter K. McCully