Device for retaining and supporting flexible elongated bodies

Abstract

A device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies includes at list one clip formed from a predetermined resilient material having memory. Such clip has a base having a pair of legs, each with an inwardly facing concave that form in combination an elongated body receiving opening. An access slot is formed in substantial alignment with the elongated body receiving opening by a terminal ends of each leg being spaced from one another a predetermined distance in a normal operating position, whereby each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into the elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom, whereby size of the elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of the access slot. The clip can be mounted to at least one of a surface and an object in a variety of ways.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/979,597 filed on Oct. 12, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to flexible tube, cable or cord supports and, more particularly, this invention relates to such support having a pair of inwardly curved and resilient legs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, electric cords, electric extension cords, wires and flexible tubes are used extensively in industrial and residential environments. It is further well known that special care must be taken in routing and positioning such flexible elongated bodies. A particular problem is associated with use of electric cords and extension cords to connect a device positioned remotely to an electrical outlet. In residential environments, many electric cords and extension cords can make the room look unkempt because the eyes will focus on the cords rather than on something else. Thus, many prefer to route these cords under rugs and carpeting in order to hide them from direct view. However, such routing leads to premature wear of cords as well as to a greater risk of fire. Electric cords that are not tucked behind something or stabilized in some manner could trip people, especially rambunctious youngsters, potentially causing injuries. Pets may also become tangled in the cords, especially when left alone. A similar problem is associated with use of surround stereo system requiring mounting of various speakers remotely from the base unit with the subsequent electrical connection thereto.

Furthermore, having multiple electrical cords joined together through extension cords can cause a person unnecessary wasted effort at a later time. If a person wants to unplug a television, but the television, radio, telephone, gaming system and computer are all plugged in together, it may take greater than desired time to figure out which cord is connected to a specific device. Thus, the person using a computer may also lose valuable information if the wrong plug is pulled, causing unnecessary aggravation and frustration.

Prior to the conception and design of the present invention efforts have been made to alleviate difficulties associated with routing such flexible elongated bodies. U.S. Pat. No. 2,292,140 issued to Lorfgren, U.S. Pat. No. 3,409,257 issued to Elm, U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,960 issued to Tanaka, U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,860 issued to Osterlind, U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,500 issued to Jacobs et al. and U.S. Pat. No. D265,381 issued to Borja disclose various devices for supporting, anchoring or retaining such elongated bodies.

However, there is remaining a need for an expensive and simple to use device capable of at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies, particularly of a flexible type and, more particularly, in a semi-permanent or temporary manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies. The device includes at list one clip formed from a predetermined resilient material having memory. The at least one clip includes a base. The base has a predetermined shape. A first leg is provided and has an inwardly facing first concave inner surface. A second leg is also provided and has an inwardly facing second concave inner surface. There is a generally round elongated body receiving opening centrally formed by a combination of the first and second concave inner surfaces. An access slot is formed in substantial alignment with the elongated body receiving opening by a terminal end of the first leg being spaced a predetermined distance from a terminal end of the second leg in a normal operating position. Each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into the generally round elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom. The size of the elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of the access slot. Finally, means is provided for mounting the at least one clip to at least one of a surface and an object.

In another aspect, the invention provides a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies. The device includes an elongated base member. At list one clip extends from the base member and includes a first leg. The first leg has each of a first outwardly facing convex outer surface, at least one of a tapered and concave transition surface between the first convex surface and the base member, an inwardly facing first concave arcuate inner surface converging toward the outer convex surface at a terminal end of the first leg and diverging from the outer convex surface in a direction toward the base member, and a continuously varying thickness formed by the first inner and outer surfaces, the first leg formed from a predetermined resilient material having memory. There is also a second leg. The second leg has each of a second outwardly facing convex outer surface, at least one of a tapered and concave transition surface between the second convex surface and the base member, a second inwardly facing concave arcuate inner surface converging toward the outer convex surface at a terminal end of the second leg and diverging from the outer convex surface in a direction toward the base member, and a continuously varying thickness formed by the second inner and outer surfaces, the second leg formed from the predetermined resilient material having the memory. A generally round elongated body receiving opening is centrally formed by a combination of the first and second concave arcuate inner surfaces. There is also an access slot that is centrally formed in substantial alignment with the elongated body receiving opening by the terminal end of the first leg being spaced a predetermined distance from the terminal end of the second leg in a normal operating position. Each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into the generally round elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom. The size of the elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of the access slot. Means is also provided for mounting the device to at least one of a surface and an object. Such means being at least one of pair of apertures formed through the base member, slot formed through the device and member disposed on an exposed surface of the base member.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies. The device includes a base. A first clip extends from the base. A second clip also extends from the base along a common axis in a direction opposite to a direction of the first clip. Each clip includes a first leg having an inwardly facing first concave inner surface, a second leg having an inwardly facing second concave inner surface, a generally round elongated body receiving opening centrally formed by a combination of the first and second concave inner surfaces, and an access slot formed in substantial alignment with the elongated body receiving opening by a terminal end of the first leg being spaced a predetermined distance from a terminal end of the second leg in a normal operating position. Each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into the generally round elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom. The size of the elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of the access slot.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring, holding or retaining elongated bodies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring, holding or retaining elongated bodies that can be attached to a variety of surfaces and objects.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring, holding or retaining elongated bodies that can be attached in a semi-permanent, permanent or temporary manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring, holding or retaining elongated bodies that is inexpensive to manufacture.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide device for at least one of supporting, anchoring, holding or retaining elongated bodies that is simple to use.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies that is constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies that is constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3a-3f illustrate various embodiments of attaching the devices of FIGS. 1-2 to a surface or object;

FIG. 4 illustrates a planar view of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies that is constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of a device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies that is constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates one environmental view of using the device of FIGS. 1-2; and

FIG. 9 illustrates another environmental view of using the device of FIGS. 1-2 and 7.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its various embodiments, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 through 9. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only several particular configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

The present invention provides a device, generally designated as 10, for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies 2. Such elongated bodies include but are not limited to electric cord, electric extension cords, flexible tubing, rigid tubing and the like. Now in a particular reference to FIGS. 1, the device 10 includes at list one clip 20 formed from a predetermined resilient material having memory. The clip 20 includes a base 22 having a predetermined shape and an exposed surface 24. The clip 20 further includes a first leg 30 having an inwardly facing first concave inner surface 32. Preferably, such first concave inner surface 32 further has an arcuate shape of a predetermined radius. The first leg 30 is formed from a resilient material having memory. Such material may be one of a rubber and plastic.

There is also a second leg 40 having an inwardly facing second concave inner surface 42. Similar to the first concave inner surface 32, the second concave inner surface 42 has an arcuate shape of a predetermined radius. The second leg 40 is also formed from the resilient material having memory.

An elongated body receiving opening 50 is centrally formed by a combination of the first and second concave inner surfaces 32 and 42, respectively. Preferably, the elongated body receiving opening 50 is substantially round being formed by substantially identical radii of the first and second concave inner surfaces 32 and 42, respectively.

A final essential element of the clip 20 is an access slot 52 centrally formed in substantial alignment with the elongated body receiving opening 50 by a terminal end 34 of the first leg 30 being spaced a predetermined distance from a terminal end 44 of the second leg 40 in a normal operating position. Each terminal end 34, 44 is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies 2 into the generally round elongated body receiving opening 50 and removal of such elongated bodies 2 therefrom through the access slot 52. It would be appreciated that the size of the elongated body receiving opening 50 is greater than size of the access slot 52.

For the reasons to be explained later, each leg 30, 40 includes an outwardly facing convex outer surface 36 and 46 respectively. Furthermore, each inwardly facing concave inner surface 32, 42 converges toward the respective outer convex surface 36, 46 at a terminal end a respective leg 30, 40 and diverging from the outer convex surface 36, 46 in a direction toward the base 20 forming a continuously varying thickness of respective leg 30, 40. Thus, each terminal end 34, 44 is allowed to flex to allow insertion and withdrawal of the elongated body 2.

It is presently preferred to adapt the base 22 with a pair of outwardly extending flanges 26 having bottom surfaces thereof disposed coplanar with the exposed surface 24 of the base 22 so as to form a continuous surface. In this embodiment, each outer convex surface 36, 46 is allowed to transition by one of a straight or concave portion 38, 48 respectively with the respective flange 26 of the base 22. The device 10 of FIG. 2 benefits from minimized amount and cost of the manufacturing material as well as strengthening the base 20 sufficient to withstand the rigors of mounting the device 10 to one of the surface 4 and the object 6.

In the device 10 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the clip 20 may be formed integral with the base 22 of the identical or different material.

The device 10 of FIGS. 1-2 further includes means for mounting the at least one clip 20 to at least one of a surface 4 and an object 6. Now in reference to FIGS. 3a-3f, the present invention contemplates that the clip 20 can be mounted in a variety of different ways. The present invention may employ a mounting member disposed on and affixed to the exposed surface 24 of the base 22. By way of an example of FIG. 3a such mounting member may be a magnet 60a for attachment to any surface 4 or object 6 having magnetic material attracting characteristics. Steel may be one type of such material. By way of another example of FIG. 3b such mounting member may be well known suction cup 60b. By way of yet another example of FIG. 3c such mounting member may be a conventional hook and loop fastener 60c. By way of a further example of FIG. 3d such mounting member 60 may be a clamp 60d having a bias spring 61. By way of another example of FIG. 3e such mounting member 60 may be a conventional pin 60e sized for insertion into a hole (not shown) or a gap. Such pin 60g may be employed, for exampled, for positioning the device 10 between the floor molding 6a and a grout crevice of a brick fireplace (not shown).

By way of yet another example of FIG. 3f, such mounting member may be an adhesive strip 60f that may be further provided with a peelable liner 60h. The adhesive strip 60f may be either of a permanent, semi-permanent or removable type as it is well known in the art. It is not required in the present invention that the various members 60a-60d and 60f are sized exclusively substantially equal to the surface 24 of the base 22. The mounting members 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60f may be affixed to the base 22 in any of the conventional methods, for example such as an adhesive.

The device 10 may be also provided with a flange 60h that may be then used for attachment of the various members 60a-60f thereonto.

Now in reference to FIGS. 4-5, the mounting means may also include a pair of apertures 62, each of the pair of apertures 62 formed through the respective flange 26 for applications requiring a more permanent attachment of the device 10.

Yet another example of the mounting means is illustrated in FIG. 1 by way of a slot 64 formed through the device 10 between the surface 24 of the base 22 and the elongated body receiving opening 50 in a direction substantially parallel to axis 51 thereof. Such slot 64 is advantageous for use with a conventional cable tie 66. The cable tie 66 may be used in two ways. In a first way, the cable tie 66 may secure the elongated body 2 disposed within the elongated body receiving opening 50. In a second way, the cable tie 66 may secure the device 10 to an object 6, for example such as the round conduit or pipe. When the device 10 is secured to such object 6, the surface 22 may be adapted with a curve.

It is further within the scope of the present invention to integrate the cable tie into the device 10, as best shown in FIG. 8. Such integration may be simply achieved by securing a female portion 66a of the cable tie 66 to one side of the clip 20 and secure the male portion 66b to an opposed side of the clip 30.

FIG. 6 illustrates a device, generally designated as 11, for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies that is constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. In addition to having a clip 20, the device 11 also has a second clip 21 which is disposed opposite to the clip 20 along the common central axis 23 and about the common base 25. The second clip 21 may be constructed generally similar or substantially identical to the clip 20 depending on the specific application. An example of such application may be an attachment of the device 11 to the object 6 being of a round conduit or pipe, wherein the second clip 21 is sized to frictionally receive such object 6 while the first clip 20 is sized for receiving the elongated member 2 to be retained or supported. In this example, the elongated member 2 may be a telephone wire routed through a basement of the residential dwelling generally external to and along rigid object 6 such as an electrical conduit or a water supply pipe.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of a device, generally designated as 12, for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies that is constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The device 12 has at least a pair of clips 20 juxtaposed with each other relative to the base 22. The clips 20 may be substantially identical or may be provided in different sizes for use with elongated members 2 of varying sizes to meet specific applications.

The present invention contemplates that the device 12 may be also provided with mounting means as explained above in reference to FIGS. 1-5. The present invention further contemplates that the device 12 may be adapted with the clip 21 of FIG. 6 that extends from the surface 24 in the direction opposite to the directions of clips 20.

FIG. 9 illustrates another environmental view of using the device 10 of FIGS. 1-2 and device 12 of FIG. 7 attached to the surface 4 being a wall surface and containing a phone jack 5.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies, said device comprising:

(a) at list one clip formed from a predetermined resilient material having memory, said at least one clip including: (i) a base having a predetermined shape, (ii) a first leg extending from said base and having an inwardly facing first concave inner surface, (iii) a second leg extending from said base having an inwardly facing second concave inner surface, (iv) a generally round elongated body receiving opening centrally formed by a combination of said first and second concave inner surfaces, and (v) an access slot formed in substantial alignment with said elongated body receiving opening by a terminal end of said first leg being spaced a predetermined distance from a terminal end of said second leg in a normal operating position, whereby each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into said generally round elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom, whereby size of said elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of said access slot; and

(b) means for mounting said at least one clip to at least one of a surface and an object.

2. The device, according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second legs includes an outwardly facing convex outer surface.

3. The device, according to claim 2, wherein each inwardly facing concave inner surface converges toward said outer convex surface at a terminal end of a respective leg and diverges from said outer convex surface in a direction toward said base.

4. The device, according to claim 3, wherein said each of said first and second legs includes a continuously varying thickness formed by respective inner concave and outer convex surfaces.

5. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said base includes a pair of flanges, each of said pair of flanges extending outwardly therefrom substantially planar with a surface thereof and wherein said mounting means includes a pair of apertures, each of said pair of apertures formed through a respective flange.

6. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a slot formed through said device between said base and said elongated body receiving opening in a direction substantially parallel to an axis thereof.

7. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a mounting member disposed on an exposed surface of said base.

8. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said mounting member is at least one of adhesive strip, magnet, spring clamp, suction cup, clip, flange, pin and hook and loop fastener.

9. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a cable tie having a male portion thereof disposed on and secured to an outer surface of one of said first and second legs and a female portion thereof disposed on and secured to an outer surface of an opposed one of said first and second legs.

10. A device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies, said device comprising:

(a) an elongated base member;

(b) at list one clip extending from said base member, said at list one clip including: (i) a first leg having each of a first outwardly facing convex outer surface, at least one of a tapered and concave transition surface between said first convex surface and said base member, an inwardly facing first concave arcuate inner surface converging toward said outer convex surface at a terminal end of said first leg and diverging from said outer convex surface in a direction toward said base member, and a continuously varying thickness formed by said first inner and outer surfaces, said first leg formed from a predetermined resilient material having memory, (ii) a second leg having each of a second outwardly facing convex outer surface, at least one of a tapered and concave transition surface between said second convex surface and said base member, a second inwardly facing concave arcuate inner surface converging toward said outer convex surface at a terminal end of said second leg and diverging from said outer convex surface in a direction toward said base member, and a continuously varying thickness formed by said second inner and outer surfaces, said second leg formed from said predetermined resilient material having said memory, (iii) a generally round elongated body receiving opening centrally formed by a combination of said first and second concave arcuate inner surfaces, and (iv) an access slot centrally formed in substantial alignment with said elongated body receiving opening by said terminal end of said first leg being spaced a predetermined distance from said terminal end of said second leg in a normal operating position, whereby each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into said generally round elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom, whereby size of said elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of said access slot; and

(c) means for mounting said device to at least one of a surface and an object, said means being at least one of pair of apertures formed through said base member, slot formed through said device and member disposed on an exposed surface of said base member.

11. The device, according to claim 10, wherein each of said pair of apertures is formed through said base member in close proximity to and spaced from said respective edge thereof.

12. The device, according to claim 10, wherein said slot is disposed between said exposed surface of said base member and said elongated body receiving opening in a direction substantially parallel to an axis thereof.

13. The device, according to claim 10, wherein said member is at least one of adhesive strip, magnet, spring clamp, suction cup, pin, flange and hook and loop fastener.

14. The device, according to claim 10, wherein said predetermined material is at least one of a rubber and a plastic.

15. The device, according to claim 10, wherein each of said first and second leg is formed integral with said base member.

16. A device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies, said device comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a first clip extending from said base;

(c) a second clip extending from said base along a common axis in a direction opposite to a direction of said first clip; and

(d) each of said first and second clip including: (i) a first leg having an inwardly facing first concave inner surface, (ii) a second leg having an inwardly facing second concave inner surface, (iii) a generally round elongated body receiving opening centrally formed by a combination of said first and second concave inner surfaces, and (iv) an access slot formed in substantial alignment with said elongated body receiving opening by a terminal end of said first leg being spaced a predetermined distance from a terminal end of said second leg in a normal operating position, whereby each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into said generally round elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom, whereby size of said elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of said access slot.

17. The device, according to claim 16, wherein said device includes means for mounting said device to at least one of a surface and an object.

18. The device, according to claim 16, wherein said mounting means includes at least one of a slot formed through said base in a direction substantially perpendicular to said common axis and a pair of apertures, each of said pair of apertures formed through said base in close proximity to and spaced form a respective end thereof.