Releasable Clamp

Abstract

A novel releasable clamp is disclosed. The releasable clamp has a common member at a first end thereof. A first jaw is coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member. A second jaw is coupled with the common member at the first end and opposite the first jaw and extending to the second end away from the common member. A mouth is formed between the first and second jaws at the second end. Pluralities of protrusions are formed along an inner surface of the first jaw facing the second jaw and an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw. These jaws are either flexibly coupled with the common member or a track is formed within the common member for permitting of sliding one of the jaws with respect to the other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/481,584 filed Oct. 30, 2003.

The invention relates to the field of clamps and more specifically for the field of releasable clamps and more specifically to the field of releasable clamps for being attached to corners of articles or to articles themselves.

There are a lot of products that exist on the market that are used to protect sharp corners of furniture articles, however a majority of these products require adhesion or fastening to the furniture articles. The use of adhesives is a problem because it typically results in damage to furniture to which the protective device is attached. Additionally, many of the products that feature adhesion to tables do not stay adhered to them very well. Furthermore, none of these products are removable and washable and in many cases are choke hazards if they fall off.

Currently no protection is available for sharp corners that fit almost any table shape, that do not damage the table, that are removable, washable, heat resistant and are not a choking hazardA need therefore exits for a releasable clamp for protecting for furniture articles and one that facilitates easy removal and installation. A need therefore also exists for a releasable clamp that provides at least one of corned protection and edge protector.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a releasable clamp for protecting for furniture articles and one that facilitates easy removal and installation. It is also an object of the invention to provide a releasable clamp that provides at least one of corned protection and edge protector. It is a further object of the invention to provide a releasable clamp in the form of a corner protector for at least a portion of the article of furniture that does not utilize adhesion or fastening to the furniture article. It is additionally a further object of the invention to provide a releasable clamp in the form of a corner protector washable. It is finally an object of the invention to provide a releasable clamp in the form of an edge protector that facilitates moving of an article using a wheel disposed on the releasable clamp.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a releasable clamp comprising: a common member at a first end thereof; a first jaw coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member; a second jaw coupled with the common member at the first end and opposite the first jaw and extending to the second end away from the common member; a mouth formed between the first and second jaws at the second end; a first plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the first jaw facing the second jaw; and, a second plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a method comprising: providing a common member at a first end thereof; providing a first jaw flexibly coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member; providing a second jaw coupled with the common member at the first end and opposite the first jaw and extending to the second end away from the common member; providing a mouth formed between the first and second jaws at the second end; inserting at least a portion of an article into the mouth between the first and second jaws; increasing a separation between the first and second jaws; and, frictionally engaging the at least a portion of the article between the first and second jaws.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a method comprising: providing a common member at a first end thereof; providing a first jaw fixedly coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member; providing a track formed within the common member; providing a second jaw having a protrusion for engaging the track formed within the common member; providing a mouth formed between the first and second jaws at the second end; increasing a separation between the first and second jaws; inserting at least a portion of an article into the mouth between the first and second jaws; decreasing the separation between the first and second jaws; and, frictionally engaging the at least a portion of the article between the first and second jaws.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a corner protector for being attached to a sharp corner having upper and lower contacting surfaces comprising: a flexible U shaped member comprising a mouth portion, a common portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, with the upper portion and the lower portion coupled to the common portion and facing each other, the mouth portion being formed between ands of the upper and lower portions opposite the common portion; a first plurality of fins disposed along an inner surface of an upper portion from the mouth portion to proximate the common portion; a second plurality of fins disposed along an inner surface of the lower portion from the mouth portion to proximate the common portion and facing the first plurality of fins, where the first and second plurality of fins are for frictionally engaging the upper and lower contacting surfaces as a result of a clamping force generated by the flexible U shaped member; and, a ball like projection disposed on the common portion of the flexible U shaped member for covering the sharp corner when the first and second plurality of fins are frictionally engaged with the upper and lower contacting surfaces.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a corner protector for being attached to a sharp corner having upper and lower contacting surfaces comprising: a common portion having a track disposed therein; an upper portion coupled with the common portion; a lower portion having a protrusion for sliding within the track and for frictional engagement therewith, the lower portion disposed for facing the upper portion with a mouth portion formed therebetween opposite the common portion; a first plurality of fins disposed along an inner surface of an upper portion from the mouth portion to proximate the common portion; a second plurality of fins disposed along an inner surface of the lower portion from the mouth portion to proximate the common portion and facing the first plurality of fins; and, a ball like projection disposed on the common portion for covering the sharp corner when the first and second plurality of fins are frictionally engaged with the upper and lower contacting surfaces, the frictional engagement of the first and second plurality of fins for resulting in a frictional engagement of the protrusion with the track for resulting in a separation between the upper portion and the lower portion to remain substantially fixed when the corner protector is engaged with the upper and lower contacting surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of the invention, a releasable clamp for being releasably attachable to an article, such as a thin tabletop;

FIG. 1b illustrates a top view of the releasable clamp attached to the tabletop;

FIG. 1c illustrates a side view of the clamp attached to a thick tabletop;

FIG. 1d illustrates a back view of the clamp attached to a thick tabletop;

FIGS. 2a through 2d, illustrate the releasable clamp in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention disposed on table tops for providing corner protection from a plurality of different directions;

FIGS. 3a through 3g illustrate a clamp according to a second embodiment of the invention having a different mounting arrangement than the first embodiment of the invention, for example, for mounting from below a table top and from the side of a table top;

FIGS. 4a through 4d illustrate a clamp according to a third embodiment of the invention for being mounted to a baseboard heater for providing of corner protection from sharp corners;

FIG. 5a illustrates a perspective view of a releasable clamp in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5b illustrates a common member and an outer surface of a second jaw of the releasable clamp in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5c and 5d illustrate the releasable clamp in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention for being releasably attached to a thin article and to a thick article, respectively;

FIG. 5e illustrates a side view of the second jaw;

FIG. 5f illustrates an inner surface view of the second jaw;

FIG. 6 illustrates a releasable clamp in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention with handles protruding therefrom;

FIGS. 7a through 7c illustrate a releasable clamp, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention, used for clamping of an object and having a roller assembly for permitting of rolling of the object; and,

FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate use of the releasable clamp shown in FIGS. 7a through 7c.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1a illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of the invention, a releasable clamp 100 for being releasably attachable to at least a portion of an article 110, such as a tabletop and preferably on a corner thereof. FIGS. 1b and 1d show other than a side view of the releasable clamp 100.

The releasable clamp 100 is preferably formed from a common member 115 at a first end 100b thereof. A first jaw 113 coupled with the common member 115 and extending away from the first end 100b. A second jaw 114 coupled with the common member 115 opposite the first jaw 113. A mouth formed between the first jaw 113 and the second jaw 114 at a second end 100a opposite the common member 115. A first plurality of protrusions 103 formed along an inner surface of the first jaw 113 facing the second jaw 114. A second plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw 113.

The at least a portion of the article 110 is for being inserted into the mouth 100a towards the first end 100b. The at least a portion of the article 110 thereafter is in contact with the first and second pluralities of protrusions, 103 and 104. Flexing of the first and second jaws, 113 and 114, results in the at least a portion of the article 110 to be frictionally engaged between the first and second jaws, 113 and 114.

Preferably, the releasable clamp 100 is formed from a U shaped member 101 that is embedded within a soft exterior 102 that is used for forming of first and second pluralities of protrusions, 103 and 104. Preferably, the first and second pluralities of protrusions, 103 and 104, are of a directional fin structure and formed from a silicone rubber. Preferably, the design of the directional fin structure is such that once the releasable clamp is releasably attached to at least a portion of the article 110 it is more difficult to retract due to the fin geometry. Preferably ball like protrusions 105 and 106 are disposed on the releasable clamp 100 at opposite ends of the releasable clamp 100 proximate the first end 100b. These advantageously round off sharp corners of the releasable clamp. This is for example to prevent kids from hurting themselves on sharp corners of the releasable clamp. FIG. 1b illustrates a top view of the releasable clamp 100 attached to the at least a portion of the article 110, such as a tabletop. In this case the tabletop is approximately half an inch thick.

FIG. 1c illustrates a side view of the releasable clamp 100 attached to at least a portion of a second article 111, such as a corner of a one inch tabletop. Advantageously, because of geometry of the first and second pluralities of protrusions, 103 and 104, the releasable clamp 100 allows for securing to portions of articles having various thicknesses. The first and second pluralities of protrusions, 103 and 104, flatten towards the first and second jaws an increased amount for thicker articles than thinner articles. Referring to FIG. 1c the fin like structures in proximity of the common member 115 are compressed against the first and second jaws an increased amount for thicker tables than for thinner tables, such as the one inch table shown in FIG. 1c.

Referring to FIGS. 2a through 2d, these figures illustrate the releasable clamp 100 for providing child, or other individual, corner impact protection from a plurality of different directions. This advantageously provides parents, or others, peace of mind by providing protection from, for example, underneath the table, such as when the child gets up from under the table. Additionally, it provides protection from the corner when walking into the table and also from falling onto the table.

FIGS. 3a through 3g illustrate a releasable clamp 300 according to a second embodiment of the invention having a different mounting arrangement than the first embodiment of the invention. The releasable clamp 300 is for releasable clamping onto a tabletop 310 as illustrated in FIG. 3a. Referring to FIGS. 3b and 3c, a common member 300b of the releasable clamp 300 extends from the first and second jaws 311 and 312, with the ball like protrusion 306 at an end thereof opposite the first and second jaws 311 and 312. The variation between the releasable clamp 100 and the releasable clamp 300 is that placement of the ball like protrusion 306 with respect to the common member 300b varies, as shown in FIGS. 3a through 3g. Thus, releasable clamping on a piece of furniture in various orientations is facilitated.

FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a releasable clamp 400, in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, for being attached to a baseboard heater 520. FIG. 4a illustrates a front view and FIG. 4b illustrates an end view. Preferably, an outer surface of the releasable clamp 400 is formed from a heat resistant silicone for releasable attaching to corners of baseboard electrical heaters 520 for protection against injury. It is known to parents that these corners pose a big hazard since they are very sharp and until now nothing there has not been a product in the market that would serve as a corner protector 400 for these sharp corners. FIG. 4c illustrates an enlarged side view of the releasable clamp 400, and FIG. 4d illustrates an enlarged end view of the releasable clamp 400.

FIGS. 5a through 5f illustrate various views of a releasable clamp 500 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5a shows an exploded view of the releasable clamp 500. The releasable clamp 500 is formed from first and second jaws, 511 and 512, and a common member 500b. A mouth 500a is formed between the first and second jaws opposite the common member 500b. Disposed along a length of the common member is a T-shaped cavity 513 that function as a track. A T-shaped protrusion 514 is formed on the second jaw 512 at an end thereof opposite the mouth 500a for sliding within the T-shaped cavity 513 for permitting the mouth 500a to open for accepting objects of varying thickness between the first and second jaws, 511 and 512.

A first plurality of protrusions 591 is formed on an inner surface of the first jaw 511 and facing the second jaw 512. A second plurality of protrusions 592 is formed on an inner surface of the second jaw 512 and facing the first jaw 511. These pluralities of protrusions are for interacting and frictionally engaging outer surfaces of objects placed therebetween.

Referring to FIGS. 5c and 5d, prior to mounting of the releasable clamp 500 to an object, such as a tabletop 110, the first jaw 511 is extended from the second jaw 512 so that an opening of the mouth is less than the thickness of the tabletop 110, or 111. The releasable clamp 500 is then pushed onto the tabletop 110, where the tabletop 110 preferably contacts against the common member 500b. The first and second pluralities of protrusions, 591 and 592, frictionally engage the upper and lower surfaces of the tabletop 110 or 111 and frictional engagement of the T-shaped protrusion 514 with respect to the T-shaped cavity 513 holds the releasable clamp 500 releasable fixed in place with the aid of a ratchet mechanism 574 that is disposed as part of the common member 500b for interacting with at least one of the first and second jaws, 511 and 512. A bumper 575 is optionally coupled with the common portion 500b for providing of protection from impact and corners formed on the common portion 500b.

As the first and second pluralities of protrusions, 591 and 592, are compressed against the tabletop 110 they exert an outward force on the first and second jaws, 511 and 512, in an attempt to expand the separation therebetween. This outward force results in the T-shaped protrusion 514 and the T-shaped cavity 513, as well as the ratchet mechanism 574, to frictionally engage each other and to preferably other than permit unintentional separation between the first and second jaws 511 and 512. Thus, when the first and second jaws 511 and 512 of the releasable clamp 500 are engaged with the tabletop 110, preferably unintentional separation between the first and second jaws is preferably obviated. Removal of the releasable clamp 500 is facilitated by pulling the releasable clamp 500 in such a manner to overcome the frictional engagement between the tabletop and frictional engagement between the ratchet mechanism and at least one of the first and second jaws.

FIG. 6 illustrates a releasable clamp 600, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, which is used for releasable clamping of objects 620. This releasable clamp 600 is also provided with first and second jaws, 611 and 612, which have first and second pluralities of protrusions, 613 and 614, disposed on adjacent releasable clamping surfaces thereof. The first and second jaws, 611 and 612, form facing portions of a U shaped member 617 with handles, 615 and 616, extending therefrom and substantially parallel to the facing portions of the U shaped member 617. The U shaped member 617, and preferably the handles, 615 and 616, are covered with a soft outer material 699 that is also preferably used for forming of the first and second pluralities of protrusions, 613 and 614.

Advantageously, the various embodiments of the releasable clamp work with various thickness of objects, such as tables, from thin tables, less than half of an inch, to thick tables of over three inches. Preferably, the releasable clamp is available in various colors to match the tabletop or article to which it is attached.

Advantageously because of the geometry of the various embodiments of the releasable clamp as well as the first and second pluralities of protrusions, the releasable clamp facilitates attachment to tables without taping or gluing. Furthermore, it is preferably formed with a soft exterior, is durable, removable, washable and cheap to manufacture.

Advantageously, the releasable clamps in accordance with the aforementioned embodiments of the invention, offer individuals corner impact protection from a plurality of different directions, which gives parents, or others, peace of mind by providing protection from underneath the table, such as when the child gets up from under the table, protection for children, or others, walking into the table and for the protection for children, or others, when falling onto a table corner. Additional advantages of a further embodiment of the invention are described hereinbelow.

FIGS. 7a through 7c illustrate a releasable clamp 700 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention. The releasable clamp 700 is formed from first and second jaws, 711 and 712, and a common member 700b. A mouth 700a is formed between the first and second jaws opposite the common member 700b. Disposed along a length of the common member is a T-shaped cavity (not visible) that functions as a track, for example similar to the T shaped cavity shown in FIG. 5a. A T-shaped protrusion (not visible), for example similar to the T shaped protrusion shown in FIG. 5a, is formed on the second jaw 712 at an end thereof opposite the mouth 700a for sliding within the T-shaped cavity 713 for permitting the mouth 700a to open for accepting objects of varying thickness between the first and second jaws, 711 and 712.

A first plurality of protrusions 791 is formed on an inner surface of the first jaw 711 and facing the second jaw 712. A second plurality of protrusions 792 is formed on an inner surface of the second jaw 712 and facing the first jaw 711. These pluralities of protrusions, 791 and 792, are for interacting and frictionally engaging outer surfaces of objects placed therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 7a a front view of the releasable clamp 700 is shown, where at least an aperture 782 is formed within the second jaw for receiving of a roller assembly 797 at a outward side thereof and for a portion of the roller assembly 797 penetrating through the at least an aperture 782. On an inner side of the second jaw 712 a mounting assembly 798 engages the portion of the roller assembly 797 penetrating through the at least an aperture 782 and releasably fixes the roller assembly 797 against the outer surface of the second jaw 712. The roller assembly 797 either allows the roller 787 to swivel or to not swivel as a matter of preference. Referring to FIG. 7b, a side view of the releasable clamp 700 is shown, where the roller is shown from the side. Optionally a bumper 775 made from a soft material is disposed about the common member 700b for protecting an outer surface of the common member from impact and for also protecting a surrounding environment from being impacted by the common member 700b. Referring to FIG. 7c, a front view of the releasable clamp 700 is shown where the roller assembly 797 is disposed within at least an aperture 781 formed within the common member 700b.

Referring to FIG. 8a, the releasable clamp 700 is shown in use, where two releasable clamps 700 are releasable clamped onto a piece of material 801. The roller assemblies 777 facilitate rolling of the piece of material 801. In this case the roller assemblies 777 are releasably attached to the common member of the releasable clamp 700, as shown in FIG. 7a. These roller assemblies 777 preferably allow for pivotal movement of the wheel 787 (FIG. 7a). Referring to FIG. 8b, the releasable clamp 700 is shown in use, where two releasable clamps 700 are releasable clamped onto a piece of material 802. The roller assemblies 797 facilitate rolling of the piece of material 802. In this case the roller assemblies 797 are releasably attached to the second jaw 712 (FIG. 7c). For example, the roller assemblies 797 do not allow for pivotal movement of the wheel 787 (FIG. 7a).

Advantageously, the releasable clamp 700 in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the invention provides for a manner in which a roller assembly is releasably attached to an object. This, for example, facilitates moving of large and heavy objects where having a wheel assembly obviates the need for carrying of such heavy items. Additionally, because the roller assembly is reliably coupled to the releasable clamp 700, releasable coupling of roller assemblies of various configurations to the releasable clamp is facilitated. The type of roller assembly is preferably application specific, where, for example, pivotal or non pivotal movement of the wheel is preferred.

Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A releasable clamp comprising:

a common member at a first end thereof;

a first jaw coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member;

a second jaw coupled with the common member at the first end and opposite the first jaw and extending to the second end away from the common member;

a mouth formed between the first and second jaws at the second end;

a first plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the first jaw facing the second jaw; and,

a second plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw.

2. A releasable clamp according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the first plurality of protrusions and second plurality of protrusions are formed from a material that comprises a rubbery substance.

3. A releasable clamp according to claim 1 wherein the at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw are flexibly coupled to the common member for permitting of flexing of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw for varying an opening of the mouth.

4. A releasable clamp according to claim 1 wherein the common member comprises a track and at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw comprise a protrusion for engaging the track and for permitting sliding therebetween, and wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw are fixedly coupled with the track.

5. A releasable clamp according to claim 4 wherein the protrusion and the track comprise a frictional engagement mechanism for releasably locking at least one of the first and second jaws in order to approximately maintain a fixed opening of the mouth.

6. A releasable clamp according to claim 5 wherein the frictional engagement mechanism comprises a ratchet mechanism for facilitating decreasing an opening of the mouth and for other than facilitating increasing an opening of the mouth.

7. A releasable clamp according to claim 1 comprising a roller assembly, wherein at least one of the second jaw and the common member comprise a plurality of apertures for receiving of a portion of the roller assembly for releasably fixing the roller assembly to the releasable clamp.

8. A releasable clamp according to claim 7 wherein the roller assembly comprises a wheel for one of being pivotally mounted and other than pivotally mounted to the at least one of the second jaw and the common member.

9. A releasable clamp according to claim 7 wherein the common member comprises a bumper disposed about at least a whole amount of the common member.

10. A releasable clamp according to claim 9 wherein the bumper comprises a soft material and the common member comprises a harder material.

11. A releasable clamp according to claim 1 wherein the releasable clamp comprises an outer surface material that covers at least a portion of the common member and the first and second jaws, wherein the outer surface material comprises a heat resistant material.

12. A releasable clamp according to claim 1 wherein the releasable clamp comprises:

a first handle extending from the common member opposite the first jaw and coupled with the first jaw; and,

a second handle extending from the common member opposite the second jaw and coupled with the second jaw,

wherein the first and second handles are flexibly coupled to the common member and approximately other than flexibly coupled with each of the first and second jaws, respectively.

13. A method comprising:

providing a common member at a first end thereof;

providing a first jaw flexibly coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member;

providing a second jaw coupled with the common member at the first end and opposite the first jaw and extending to the second end away from the common member;

providing a mouth formed between the first and second jaws at the second end;

inserting at least a portion of an article into the mouth between the first and second jaws;

increasing a separation between the first and second jaws; and,

frictionally engaging the at least a portion of the article between the first and second jaws.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the second jaw is flexibly coupled to the common member and comprising flexing of the second jaw with respect to the first jaw for frictionally engaging the at least a portion of the article.

15. A method according to claim 13 comprising:

providing a first plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the first jaw facing the second jaw; and,

providing a second plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw.

16. A method according to claim 13 wherein the first and second pluralities of protrusions are formed from a rubbery material for facilitating frictional engagement of outer surfaces of the at least a portion of the article.

17. A method comprising:

providing a common member at a first end thereof;

providing a first jaw fixedly coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member;

providing a track formed within the common member;

providing a second jaw having a protrusion for engaging the track formed within the common member;

providing a mouth formed between the first and second jaws at the second end;

increasing a separation between the first and second jaws;

inserting at least a portion of an article into the mouth between the first and second jaws;

decreasing the separation between the first and second jaws; and,

frictionally engaging the at least a portion of the article between the first and second jaws.

18. A method according to claim 17 comprising providing a frictional engagement mechanism disposed between the track and the protrusion for facilitating decreasing a separation between the first and second jaws and for other than facilitating increasing a separation between the first and second jaws.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the first and second jaws are other than flexibly coupled with the common member.

20. A method according to claim 17 comprising:

providing a first plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the first jaw facing the second jaw; and,

providing a second plurality of protrusions formed along an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw.

21. A method according to claim 17 comprising:

providing a roller assembly; and,

releasably coupling the roller assembly to one of the second jaw and the common member.