GRASPING DEVICE FOR RETAINING AN ARTICLE

Abstract

A grasping device for retaining an article includes a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with the carriage defining an opening. A jaw extends from each of the ends and away from the carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between the jaws. The carriage is spring biased such that application of force to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws away from one another to release the article. Likewise, eliminating the force applied to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws toward one another to retain the article. A fastener extends from the grasping device for attaching the grasping device to a surface. The fastener includes a pin for attaching the grasping device to a surface and the fastener is rotatably connected to the carriage for rotating the fastener between an extended and a retracted position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/744,607, filed on Apr. 11, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a grasping device for retaining an article. More specifically, the present invention relates to a grasping device for retaining a tobacco product.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditional grasping devices for retaining tobacco products provide a holder for holding or retaining the tobacco product and a pin for placing the grasping device in the ground or in a golf cart. An example of such a grasping device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,179 to Alcaraz (the '179 patent). The '179 patent discloses a grasping device which includes a holder defining notches for cradling various tobacco products within the notches. The tobacco products rest within these notches such that the holder cradles the tobacco products. Additionally, the '179 patent discloses a pin for placement into holes in a golf cart. The pin is capable of being rotated 90 degrees to allow for vertical as well as horizontal positioning of the holder and the cradled tobacco product.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a grasping device for retaining an article which grasps the article, as opposed to merely cradling the article. Grasping the article prevents the article from becoming accidentally dislodged from the grasping device when the article is merely cradled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a grasping device for retaining an article. The grasping device comprises a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with the carriage defining an opening. A jaw extends from each of the ends and away from the carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between the jaws. The carriage is spring biased such that application of force to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws away from one another to release the article. Likewise, eliminating the force applied to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws toward one another to retain the article. A fastener extends from the grasping device for attaching the grasping device to a surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1D are environmental views illustrating various uses of a grasping device retaining an article;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the grasping device;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the grasping device illustrating movement of a fastener from an extended position to a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the grasping device showing a coupling and a retainer of the fastener connecting to a carriage of the grasping device;

FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of the carriage and a flange extending from the carriage with a post of the coupling aligned within the mounting hole defined by the flange;

FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the carriage and the flange extending from the carriage with the post of the coupling rotated within the mounting hole with respect to the flange such that the post is out of alignment with the mounting hole;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the coupling and the retainer of the fastener connected to the carriage of the grasping device;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the coupling and the retainer of the fastener;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view of the coupling connected to the retainer of FIG. 2A, taken along line 7-7;

FIG. 8A is a front view of the carriage and jaws of the grasping device with the jaws in the closed position;

FIG. 8B is front view of the carriage and the jaws of the grasping device with the jaws in the open position;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the grasping device;

FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the alternative grasping device retaining an article;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the alternative grasping device with the fastener in the stowed position;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the alternative grasping device with the fastener in the extended position;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a coupling connected to a retainer of the fastener for the alternative grasping device;

FIG. 13A is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling connected to the carriage of the alternative grasping device when the fastener is in one of the extended and the retracted positions; and

FIG. 13B is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling connected to the carriage of the alternative grasping device when the fastener is in between the extended and retracted positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a grasping device 20 for retaining an article 22. The device 20 is shown generally at 20 in FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2B. The device 20 includes a carriage 24, a pair of jaws 26 for retaining the article 22 therebetween, and a fastener 28. The grasping device 20 is used to retain such articles 22 as tobacco products, e.g., cigars 22a, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 10, cigarettes 22b, as shown in FIG. 1C, etc. Alternatively, the grasping device 20 is used to retain such articles 22 as a handle 22c of a golf club 30 to keep the handle 22c from touching the ground 32, as shown in FIG. 1D. However, it should be appreciated that the device 20 may be used to retain any other article 22 capable of being grasped by the device 20. Additionally, the fastener 28 is for placement into the ground 32, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, 1D, and 10, preformed holes 34 in a golf cart 36 for holding a golf tee, as shown in FIG.1B, or into any other surface suitable for holding the various articles 22 off of a surface.

The jaws 26 extend 38 from the ends 38 of the carriage 24 to a respective tip 40 for retaining the article 22 between the jaws 26. Preferably, the jaws 26 extend 38 arcuately from the ends 38 of the carriage 24 such that the jaws 26 define a gap 42 therebetween for retaining the article 22. Each of the jaws 26 includes a pad 44 surrounding the gap 42 for cradling the article 22. In one embodiment, each of the jaws 26 define a channel 46 proximate the tip 40 for retaining the article 22 within the channel 46. The channel 46 is smaller than the gap 42 for retaining smaller diameter articles 22, such as cigarettes 22b. The gap 42 is for holding larger diameter articles 22, such as cigars 22a or handles 22c of golf clubs 30.

The carriage 24 extends in a loop between opposing ends 38 to define an opening 48. The carriage 24 therefore extends about the opening 48 with the carriage 24 overlapping upon itself, proximate the ends 38. The carriage 24 is spring biased such that application of a force to the carriage 24 moves the ends 38 and the jaws 26 away from one another, reducing the size of the opening 48, releasing the article 22. Likewise, when the force applied to the carriage 24 is eliminated or reduced, the ends 38 and the jaws 26 move toward one another, increasing the size of the opening 48, and retaining the article 22 therebetween. The carriage 24 is formed from a flexible material. Preferably, the carriage 24 is formed from a thermoplastic material. However, it should be appreciated that any other type of material may be used as long as the carriage 24 remains flexible. The carriage 24 and the jaws 26 are typically formed, or molded, as a single piece. After formation, the jaws 26 and the carriage 24 are twisted such that the carriage 24 overlaps upon itself and the jaws 26 define the gap 42 therebetween. The carriage 24 includes a pair of buttons 50 on opposing sides thereof such that application of the force to the buttons 50 moves the buttons 50 toward one another and moves the ends 38 and the jaws 26 away from one another to release the article 22. Likewise, eliminating the force applied on the buttons 50 moves the buttons 50 away from one another and moves the ends 38 and the jaws 26 toward one another to retain the article 22. The buttons 50 provide a surface for grasping the device 20 and applying the force to the carriage 24.

The fastener 28 extends from the grasping device 20 for attaching the grasping device 20 to the surface. The fastener 28 includes a pin 52 which extends therefrom for inserting the pin 52 into the surface to attach the grasping device 20 to the surface, i.e., the ground 32, the holes 34 of the golf cart 36, etc. The post 68 may be any shape suitable for attaching the device 20 to the surface. Preferably, the post 68 is a tapered rod for inserting the post 68 into the surface. For example, the post 68 is shaped like a golf tee. The fastener 28 is movable from a retracted position 54, for stowing the grasping device 20, to an extended position 56, for attaching the grasping device 20 to the surface. The fastener 28 is rotatably connected to the grasping device 20. Preferably, the fastener 28 is rotatably connected to the carriage 24. This means that the fastener 28 is rotatable 180 degrees about an axis A from the stowed, or retracted position 54, to the use, or extended position 56. It should be appreciated that the fastener 28 is not limited to being rotatable 180 degrees between the two positions 54, 56, but is rotatable 360 degrees about the axis A into the two positions 54, 56.

The carriage 24 defines a mounting hole. In one embodiment, the carriage 24 includes a flange 62 extending into the opening 48 and the flange 62 defines the mounting hole 60 for receiving the fastener 28, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The fastener 28 includes a coupling 64 and a retainer 66. The coupling 64 and the retainer 66 are formed into any desired shape. As an example, the coupling 64 and the retainer 66 each form a half of a golf ball with a space on the golf ball for placing a logo or any other desired feature. The shape of the golf ball provides a knob for a user to grab and rotate the fastener 38 with respect to the carriage 24. It should be appreciated that the coupling 64 and retainer 66 are not limited to this shape, but may be any other desired shape. The coupling 64 includes a post 68. The post 68 of the coupling 64 extends through the mounting hole 60 to rotatably connect the coupling 64 to the carriage 24. The mounting hole 60 has a first span 74 and a second span 76 which is perpendicular to the first span 74, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The post 68 has a first width 78 and a second width 80. The first span 74 is at least equal to the first width 78 and the second span 76 is at least equal to the second width 80 such that the post 68 extends within the mounting hole 60 of said post 68 when the first width 78 is aligned with the first span 74 and the second width 80 is aligned with the second span 76. Preferably, the mounting hole 60 is oblong and the post 68 is also oblong such that the post 68 is complementary to the mounting hole 60 when the fastener 28 is in one of the retracted and extended positions 54, 56. This results in “locking” the fastener into one of the retracted and extended positions 54, 56. Then, the effort must be overcome to move the post 68 out of alignment with the mounting hole 60, such that the first width 78 is not aligned with the first span 74 and the second width 80 is not aligned with the second span 76, as shown in FIG. 4B when rotating the fastener 28 between the retracted and extended positions 54, 56. This extra effort keeps the fastener 28 locked in one of the two intended positions 54, 56 and prevents unwanted rotation of the fastener 28.

The retainer 66 engages the post 68 for retaining the coupling 64 to the carriage 24, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 12. The retainer 66 includes a rod 70 and the post 68 defines a pocket 72. The rod 70 is disposed in the pocket 72 and the post 68 engages the rod 70 to retain the coupling 64 and the retainer 66 to the carriage 24. Preferably, the rod 70 defines a groove 82 and the post 68 includes a ridge 84 extending from the post 68 within the pocket 72. The ridge 84 extends into the groove 82 when the rod 70 is disposed within the pocket 72, locking the retainer 66 to the coupling 64. Referring generally to FIG. 7, there are typically four ridges 84 disposed within the pocket 72 and the rod 70 defines a pair of opposing grooves 82. When there are four ridges 84, the ridges 84 are disposed perpendicular to one another within the pocket 72. Therefore, there are two pairs of opposing ridges 84. One pair of the opposing ridges 84 is closer together than the other pair of opposing ridges 84. The only way the rod 70 can be placed within the pocket 72 is if the grooves 82 of the post 68 are aligned with the pair of opposing ridges 84 which are closest together while the other pair of opposing ridges 84 rest along the outside of post 68. This arrangement helps to align the retainer 66 with the coupling 64 so that the pin 52 of the fastener 28 is oriented correctly with respect to the carriage 24 and the jaws 26. The ridges 84 also assist in retaining or locking the retainer 66 to the coupling 64 and also preventing the coupling 64 from rotating with respect to the retainer 66. The retainer 66 includes at least one tab 86 extending radially from the rod. The post 68 defines at least one detent 88. When the coupling 64 is assembled to the retainer 66, the tab 86 extends into the detent 88. Preferably, there are a plurality of tabs 86 and corresponding detents 88. This helps to align and guide the rod 70 into the pocket 72 during assembly of the fastener 28 to the carriage 24 of the device 20.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A, 11B, 12, 13A, and 13B, the carriage 24 itself defines the mounting hole 60 where the carriage 24 overlaps, proximate the ends 38. The mounting hole 60 and the post 68 are generally round and the post 68 is complementary to the mounting hole 60 throughout the entire rotation of the fastener 28 within the mounting hole 60. The post 68 defines a furrow 90 in an exterior of the post 68. The carriage 24 includes a finger 92 having an L-shape which is cantilevered. The finger 92 flexibly extends from the carriage 24 and extends into the groove 82 of the rod 70 when the fastener 28 is in the retracted or extended position 54, 56 because the furrow 90 is aligned with the finger 92. This results in “locking” the fastener 28 into one of the retracted and extended positions 54, 56. Then, effort must be exerted to move the furrow 90 of the post 68 out of alignment with the finger 92 such that the finger 92 is no longer disposed in the furrow 90. Likewise, the finger 92 is disposed on the exterior of the rod 70 when the fastener 28 is positioned in between the retracted and extended positions 54, 56 because the finger 92 is not aligned with the furrow 90.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A grasping device for retaining an article, said grasping device comprising:

a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with said carriage defining an opening;

a jaw extending from each of said ends and away from said carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between said jaws;

said carriage being spring biased such that application of force to said carriage moves said ends and said jaws away from one another to release the article and eliminating the force applied to said carriage moves said ends and said jaws toward one another to retain the article; and

a fastener extending from said grasping device for attaching said grasping device to a surface.

2. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastener includes a pin extending from said fastener for inserting said pin into the surface to attach said grasping device to the surface.

3. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastener is further defined as being movable from a retracted position for stowing said grasping device and to an extended position for attaching said grasping device to a surface.

4. A grasping device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatably connected to said grasping device.

5. A grasping device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fastener is rotatable about an axis 180 degrees from said retracted position to said extended position.

6. A grasping device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatable about an axis 360 degrees.

7. A grasping device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatably connected to said carriage.

8. A grasping device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said carriage defines a mounting hole and said fastener includes a coupling having a post with said post of said coupling extending through said mounting hole to rotatably connect said coupling to said carriage.

9. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said mounting hole is further defined as being oblong and said post is further defined as being oblong such that said post is complementary to said mounting hole when said fastener is in one of said retracted and extended positions.

10. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said mounting hole is further defined as having a first span and a second span perpendicular to said first span and said post having a first width and a second width and said first span being at least equal to said first width and said second span being at least equal to said second width such that said post extends within said mounting hole of said post.

11. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 further comprising a retainer engaging said post for retaining said coupling to said carriage.

12. A grasping device as set forth in claim 11 wherein said retainer includes a rod and said post defines a pocket with said rod disposed in said pocket and with said post engaging said rod to retain said coupling and said retainer to said carriage.

13. A grasping device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said rod defines a groove and said post includes a ridge extending from said post within said pocket with said ridge extending into said groove when said rod is disposed within said pocket.

14. A grasping device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said post defines a furrow in an exterior of said post and said carriage includes a finger having an L-shape with said finger being cantilevered and flexibly extending into said groove of said rod when said fastener is in one of said retracted and extended positions such that said furrow is aligned with said finger and said finger is disposed on said exterior of said rod when said fastener is in between one of said retracted and extended positions such that said finger is not aligned with said furrow.

15. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said retainer includes at least one tab extending radially from said rod and said post defines at least one detent with said tab extending into said detent.

16. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said carriage includes a flange with said flange defining said mounting hole.

17. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said jaws extend arcuately from said ends of said carriage such that said jaws define a gap therebetween for retaining the article.

18. A grasping device as set forth in claim 17 wherein each of said jaws define a channel proximate said tip for retaining the article within said channel.

19. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said jaws includes a pad surrounding said gap for cradling the article.

20. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carriage includes a pair of buttons on opposing sides of said carriage such that application of the force to said buttons moves said buttons toward one another and moves said ends and said jaws away from one another to release the article and eliminating the force applied on said buttons moves said buttons away from one another and moves said ends and said jaws toward one another to retain the article.