Flat Or Leaf Spring Patents (Class 24/511)
  • Patent number: 11776517
    Abstract: A holder includes a body defining two prongs joined with each other at proximal ends thereof, each prong from two prongs has a distal end. The holder defines a hollow interior defined by the two prongs and an opening between distal ends, the opening being in an open communication with the hollow interior. A pivot is provided on a distal end of one prong from the two prongs. A protrusion is provided on a distal end of another prong from the two prongs. A rigid retainer may be provided in a pivot connection at the pivot and in a detachable connection at the protrusion. The holder may be designed with a pivot to independently pivot about a mounting member in each of a vertical and a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Anil K. Gupta
  • Patent number: 10527388
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed here is a sling retention device for an object such as a gun worn over a body vest or ballistic vest. The device allows for the user to wear a sling across their body, while preventing the sling from making contact with the user's neck. The device consists of a base, an articulating hook, a spring and an attachment strap. The base is a rigid rectangle that lies flat on the user's shoulder and is attached to the vest by a strap that secures the device. The articulating hook is positioned with the open end facing away from the user's neck, and captures the sling between the hook and the base. When the sling is placed in the device, the device prevents the sling from making contact with the user's neck or head thereby reducing the discomfort to the user. The spring is designed to permit release of the articulating hook and allow rapid removal of the sling from the user's shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Mike Son
  • Patent number: 10193264
    Abstract: A electrical outlet cover has prongs, a cover plate, and a grasping arm that is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the arm is flush with the cover plate. In the open position, the grasping arm extends from the outlet cover and is used to pull the outlet cover out of the outlet. The grasping arm may be curved. To release one end of the grasping arm so that the arm can be pivoted to the open position, a user presses on the arm to straighten the curved arm. The straightening of the arm disengages a free end of the arm from the cover plate and permits pivoting. In embodiments where the pivotable attachment of the arm to the cover plate is spaced vertically higher or lower than the prongs, the cover plate may rotate slightly as the grasping arm is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Elbee Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Marsden
  • Patent number: 9949558
    Abstract: An accessory fastening device can include a first clamping member having a first clamping surface, a second clamping member having a second clamping surface that faces the first clamping surface, and a locking arm that is rotatable between an unlocked state and a locked state. Rotation of the locking arm to transition the locking arm from the unlocked state to the locked state causes the second clamping surface of the second clamping member to advance toward the first clamping surface of the first clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Chums, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott McMurrin Reed
  • Patent number: 9884704
    Abstract: A clip-clamp with top lock device for preferably closing and sealing bags and the like. The clip-clamp with top lock device includes a closure assembly including a pair of lever members spatially arranged and facing one another and also including an interconnector extending between the lever members, and further including at least one biased member connected to the lever members for memory retentiveness and to bias the lever members about and seal an opening of a container such as a bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventors: Ernesto A. Aguero-Hernandez, Adriana M. Amione-Aguero
  • Patent number: 9728364
    Abstract: A fusible link includes a power supply portion provided on a connection terminal that connects to a battery terminal, a circuit terminal that connects to a circuit, a power-supply side upstanding portion standing in an out-of-plane direction of a terminal mounting surface from an edge substantially parallel to an extending direction of the battery terminal out of an outer circumferential edge near the power supply portion of the connection terminal, a circuit-side upstanding portion standing in the same direction as the power-supply side upstanding portion from an edge substantially parallel to the extending direction out of an outer circumferential edge of the circuit terminal, and a bridge portion extending between the power-supply side upstanding portion and the circuit-side upstanding portion. The power-supply side upstanding portion, the circuit-side upstanding portion, and the bridge portion function as a fuse element that fuses when a current greater than a threshold value flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinya Onoda
  • Patent number: 9333979
    Abstract: An auxiliary pusher device for pushing a wheeled cart along a surface, the cart equipped with a handle for pushing the cart. The device includes an adjustable length chassis, a grip element connected to the chassis for engaging and gripping the handle of the cart, a drive wheel connected to the chassis, and a motor engaged with the drive wheel. The motor is operative to apply a drive force to the drive wheel, thereby applying a corresponding drive force to the chassis and via the grip element to the cart. The drive force includes a force component substantially parallel to the surface causing the cart to move on the surface. A hand grip is connected to the chassis allowing a user of the device to guide the direction of the cart. A parking station for the device and a method for use of the device is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: AVI IRON SOLUTIONS LTD.
    Inventor: Avraham Pinchas
  • Patent number: 9326571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a jewelry (100) having decorative elements (90) in the jewelry (100) that are mobile and can be changed allowing the personalization of the jewelry (100). The plurality of decorative elements (90) is mounted and un-mounted into/from the main frame (10) through the lock system (40) provided at the main frame (10). The main frame (10) forms a track for the elements to oscillate freely. The lock system (40) allows the decorative elements (90) to be secured into the main frame (10). A secondary frame (20) provides firmness to jewelry (100). A flip-over safety lock (70) is provided to further secure the decorative elements (90) and at the same time to hide the mechanical arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventors: Shishir B Nevatia, Ron Rosen
  • Patent number: 8595903
    Abstract: A self-locking clip may include a first member configured to attach to an item, the first member having a tongue arranged adjacent the item when the first member is attached to the item, the tongue configured to allow an article to be received between the tongue and the item when the first member is attached to the item; a second member pivotally attached to the first member, the second member having at least one engagement surface for engaging the article, when the first member is attached to the item and the article is received between the tongue and the item; and a bias member arranged to bias the second member to pivot in a direction to urge the at least one engagement surface toward the article to engage the article, when the first member is attached to the item and the article is received between the tongue and the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz Richard Miltner, Julie Lynn Adams
  • 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: 6925689
    Abstract: A clip comprising a pair of jaws connected by a fulcrum for pivotal movement between opposed positions and an arched spring associated with each jaw for biasing the jaws to one position. Each jaw may be molded unitarily with its associated spring and a part of the fulcrum, the fulcrum parts snap fitting together. The arched springs are mounted in back to back relation, and are suitably connected to the jaws by a living hinge. Actuation of the jaws deflects the springs, causing a rolling contact therebetween, with little frictional loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Jan Folkmar
  • Patent number: 6619479
    Abstract: Distinctive, promotional bag dispensing apparatus are provided that include a clamp and a clip configured to retain a plurality of plastic (or other) bags in stacked adjacent relationship. Each clamp includes a base member and a retaining member that is movably secured to the base member via hinges for pivotal movement about an axis thereof. A plurality of spaced-apart posts extend from the front surface adjacent the forward edge portion. Each clip has a U-shaped configuration with adjacent, spaced-apart first and second panels that are configured to receive and retain header portions of a plurality of bags in stacked adjacent relationship positioned therebetween. The first and second panels each comprise a plurality of spaced-apart apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Adstracts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Jones, Jason S. Holland, Brenda S. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030018407
    Abstract: The dynamic mold concept has a manufacture, a process, and an apparatus. The process is that two or more steps (initial processes) be done simultaneously. A blow molding and an injection molding machine can work within the same mold and do their process together at the same time. The dynamic mold allows the mold to be split up into several parts or it has several dies within the structure. It allows the dies to move to allow the part to exit from the mold and move in accordance to do several steps one after the other also. For manufacturing sake for example shear, thermodynamics, temperature demands for quality of product, and for reduced mold design cost, allow two or more processes be done very close together. The dynamic mold is for metal applications as well incorporating a hydroforming, punch and forging etc. application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Devanand Varma
  • Patent number: 6418595
    Abstract: An improved structure of a clothes hanger clasp includes a U-shaped main body that is composed of a lower clasp plate and an upper clasp plate that connects each other on one end. A stop post is disposed on the other end of the lower clasp plate. A curved area that projects outwardly and curls inwardly is arranged on the other end of the upper clasp plate. A plurality of enhanced bar are disposed on the lower clasp plate and the upper clasp plate respectively. The feature of the device is in check-pattern grooves and at least one hole for preventing slipping arranged on the curved area. When being used, if users want to remove the clothes hanger clasp, they just need to put finger on the curved area for applying force, combined with the structure of the hole for preventing slipping and the check-pattern grooves, they can easily take off the clasps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Feng Shih
  • Patent number: 6412152
    Abstract: A clip for connecting to a ring or the like has a resilient bow and first and second hook portions at first and second ends of the bow. The second hook portion has a pair of spaced apart hook parts. A hook is formed in each hook portion. The clip can be opened by squeezing the bow in a transverse direction until the first hook portion extends between the hook parts of the second hook portion with the hooks facing one another. The first hook portion extends far enough that a gap exists between the hook portions through which a ring may be inserted into the hooks. When the clip is released, the bow biases the hook portions outwardly so that the ring is captured in a loop formed by the hooks. The clip may be fabricated from resilient plastic. The clip has many uses anywhere that it is desirable to clip something to a ring or the like. The clip may be made so that it is easy to open while wearing gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Edward Ayliffe, Oliver Steffen
  • Patent number: 6405415
    Abstract: A body towel clip for releasably preventing separation of overlapping portions of a towel wrapped around the torso of a user, includes a pair of pivotally interconnected clamp members having barbed jaw portions interengaging in a clamped position to securely fasten overlapping towel end, the jaw portions including interengaging barbs which resist gravitational separation and activity separation of the towel ends and distribute reactive forces along the jaw to prevent damage to the pivotal connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Susan J. Meeks
  • 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: 6266851
    Abstract: Paper clipping device including a casing and a trigger member. The casing is designed with a configuration of an animal and formed with an internal chamber in which the trigger member is disposed. One end of the trigger member is formed with a tail-like press bar section rearward extending out of the casing and the other end of the trigger member is formed with a toothed section protruding from a mouth section of the casing. A spring is installed between the wall of the chamber and the trigger member, whereby in a natural state, the trigger member is forcedly positioned on one side wall of the chamber to bite and clip a paper. When a user presses the press bar section of the trigger member, the spring is compressed and the toothed section is deflected to release the paper. The paper clipping device can be rested on a plane face to achieve a decorative effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Haur-Wen Lu
  • Patent number: 6254136
    Abstract: A page holder for holding the pages of a book in an open arrangement having an attachment means such as a spring clip for attaching the page holder to the cover or to one or more pages of the book, a holding means adapted to hold, to the cover of the open book, one or more pages on each side of the spine of the open book, and a support member connecting the attachment means to the holding means, the support member being adapted to allow movement of the holding means from a page holding position to a page releasing position, without detaching the page holder from the book, so that one or more pages of the book can be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Quality Improvements Limited
    Inventor: Vijay Jayanti Patel
  • Patent number: 6213190
    Abstract: A device for draping curtains, includes a holder about which curtain fabric may be placed and which is adapted to be mounted on a wall by means of a bracket in spaced relationship to the wall such that the plane defined by the holder extends approximately parallel to the wall. The holder meandering shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: AB A. Svensson & Co.
    Inventor: Christer Hannerstig
  • Patent number: 6189542
    Abstract: An improved hair clip employs a pair of cooperating main members that are pivotally connected and biased into a hair engaging orientation. Each of the main members is contoured and includes a first end spaced apart from a second end by a middle portion. The first end of each main member acts as an articulation tab that allows an individual to apply leverage necessary to place the clip in a hair engaging orientation. A mirror is removably attached to the first end of the first main member, and a cosmetics case is removably attached to the first end of the second main member. Attachment sleeves are removably attached to the main member middle portions. Each storage sleeve may be capped for storage of loose items or may accept one of several interchangeable accessory tubes. An included alarm assembly advantageously indicates unwanted attempts to remove the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Lisa Palmer Shepard
  • Patent number: 6149043
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for an electronic device used in carrying a small electronic device while attaching it to a wearing belt or cloth, the holder having: a base provided with one surface for holding the electronic device and another surface including bearing parts and a flexible springy movable part; and a clip provided with rotation shafts to be fitted into the bearing parts and a concave part to be engaged with a tip of the flexible springy movable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichiro Goto
  • Patent number: 6125513
    Abstract: A portable device having a multi-function belt clip assembly includes a leaf spring 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20; a housing 14 which has a recess 22 to engage the first end 18 of the leaf spring 16; and a belt clip 12 which has a recess 24 which is used to engage the second end 20 of the leaf spring 16, wherein the leaf spring 16 is adapted to hold the belt clip 12 in a closed position. The leaf spring 16 further allows opening the belt clip 12 from the closed position to engage a belt, and to spring closed when the opening of the belt clip 12 is constrained below a predetermined angular displacement 34. The leaf spring 16 enables the belt clip 12 to remain latched in an open position when the opening of the belt clip 12 exceeds the predetermined angular displacement 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola
    Inventors: John Philip Cheraso, Nancy Ann Jackson
  • Patent number: 6058580
    Abstract: A clothes hanger clasp, particularly to a clothes hanger clasp that will not easily fall off but can be loosened in a convenient way, includes a metal plate roughly in a "U" shape, where the metal plate is divided into an upper clasp plate and a lower clasp plate that are somewhat curled inwardly. On the upper clasp plate is a protruding part and a force applying mechanism that is curled inwardly. The protruding will enable stronger elasticity to for clothes hanger clasp, and, acting with the upper and lower metal clasp plates, it will tightly clasp onto the clothes hanger. The force applying mechanism facilitates easy application of force to loosen the hanger clasp, and it is designed so that the hanger clasp will not fall off easily, but it can be loosened in a convenient way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Chin Fon Shih
  • Patent number: 6023818
    Abstract: A clothespin including two hand grip portions provided respectively with a projection for locating a shaft, a retaining slot for retaining a u-shaped spring, and a head portion having a spherical body for retaining a clamping plate in such a manner that the clamping plate is capable of slight motion. The shaft is provided with a round slot facing the head portion of the hard grip portions and is further provided at both longitudinal ends thereof with a flange capable of being retained by a retaining groove of the hand grip portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Chen Shui Shang
  • Patent number: 5983669
    Abstract: An earring clip spring assembly has a strip of spring metal which is bent to have a pair of spring arms connected to each other by a closed U-shaped portion. An opening through the omega shaped portion receives a pin which holds the spring to an earring clip. A method of making the bent earring clip has two sets of dies for bending the clip in separate steps into its final shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: David D. Karmeli
  • Patent number: 5884371
    Abstract: A dressing aid for suspending a lower garment from an upper garment is disclosed herein comprising a band and a pair of clips, with one clip connected to each end of the band. Each clip comprises a pair of arms each having a handle at a first end and a jaw at a second end, a pivoting means, and a means for biasing the jaws to the closed position. One may engage a garment using the clip by squeezing together the handles such that the jaws separate, then releasing the handles to close the jaws about a garment positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Cynthia L. Huggins
  • Patent number: 5855046
    Abstract: A photographic film clip having gripping jaws (3,5) adapted to provide a soft gripping surface arranged to hold an article between the jaws of the clip without damage to the article. The clip has a metal body (1) with operating springs (2). The jaws are covered with a soft material (6) such as silicon rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: David Moreton Patrick Dymott, Clifford Leslie Bean
  • Patent number: 5842482
    Abstract: A hairstyling device includes, according to the invention, two jaws hinged together by hinge means including a hinge pin and a coil spring wound in a spiral around the pin. The spring is contained in an opaque casing attached to the first jaw, and incorporating a slot through which the second end of the spring passes to bear against the second jaw. This facilitates assembly of the hairstyling device, and enhances its esthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: C.S.P. Diffusion, societe anonyme
    Inventor: Christian Potut
  • Patent number: 5802677
    Abstract: A bag closure clip including a pair of opposing T-shaped clip members held in pivotal engagement by a U-shaped metal spring. Each clip member includes a jaw, a handle, and a fulcrum. As the handles are squeezed toward each other, the jaws open to allow a bag, such as for snack food or cereal, to be inserted between the jaws. When the handles are released, the spring forces the jaws towards each other to grip the bag and hold it closed. The U-shaped spring is fitted over the fulcrum and is confined to the space between the clip members so that the outwardly facing surfaces of the clip members are substantially uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Lilly Industries (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Dorman, Gordon Isenga, Russell O. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5774946
    Abstract: A hand operable clip 1 suitable for firmly releasably securing together sheets of, for example, paper. The clip 1 comprises a base 2 and a clip part 3 pivotally mounted with respect to one another. Biassing means are provided for biassing the gripping surfaces 7 and 8 of the clip part 3 and base 2 respectively in contact, comprising a resiliently deformable member 9 integrally moulded with the clip part 3 and a cam member having a cam surface 10 integrally moulded with base 2.The gripping surface 7 of the clip part 3 is serrated to provide a good grip, and a pencil holder 11 is integrally formed with the clip part 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Marks & Clerk
    Inventor: Donald Albert Morgan
  • Patent number: 5678281
    Abstract: A clip assembly for attachment to a body or housing, in particular a portable electronic apparatus, includes an elongated clip member and a leaf spring member for biasing the clip member toward the body or housing. The leaf spring member extends in a longitudinal direction of the clip member, and is attached at a first end to the clip member at a position between a first and second end of the clip member. A second end of the leaf spring member extends in the direction of the second end of the clip member to contact and exert pressure against the body or housing. The clip member is easy to assemble and can be releasably attached to the body or housing by snap fittings or similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Oscar Laurentius Jozef Kamp, Thomas Waldner
  • Patent number: 5621955
    Abstract: A clamp made of plastic for clamping sheet-like objects. To easily clamp objects manually over the longest possible clamping line with the strongest possible clamping force, the present invention provides two mounting sites for two clamping levers. The mounting sites are parallel to the clamping line, are located at spaced locations from one another, and are connected to one another in an articulated manner. A U-shaped spring includes legs which are spring-tensioned against the clamping jaws of the clamping levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventors: Dieter Schmid, Oliver Schmid
  • Patent number: 5598775
    Abstract: A lid is sealed to an integrated circuit package using a spring biased pressure foot that is structurally carried by a secondary loading jig to impose sealant curing load on the lid. The secondary jig attaches to the fabrication boat at a position indexed to apply optimal assembly force at the package center normal of the package lid plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Sutee Vongfuangfoo, Mirek Boruta, Galen Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 5595331
    Abstract: A clamping coat hanger has a main clamping member with an upper and a lower end, wherein the upper end has a hook for suspending the coat hanger and the lower end has first clamping ribs. A first clamping member has an upper and a lower end wherein the lower end has second clamping ribs and the upper end has a first pressure application location. The main clamping member and the first clamping member are pivotably connected to one another in the area between the upper and the lower ends thereof. The main clamping member and the first clamping member have cooperating pivot members. The cooperating pivot members are pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal extension of the clamping ribs. The pivot members engage behind one another by transversely intersecting the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Corinna Leistner
  • Patent number: 5457858
    Abstract: A clip comprising two half bodies of a symmetrical structure, and two inverted U-shaped clasps combined together, each half bodies having two clasp openings spaced apart in an upper lengthwise edge for the two clasps to fit and catch hold of a vertical sloped wall in each clasp opening, the two half bodies being able to be pressed inward at their heads to open a normally closed lower sides and then to be closed by elasticity of the two clasps when the heads are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Mao-Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 5410783
    Abstract: Clamp for clamping one or more sheet shaped products in particular for bundling a small stack of papers. The clamp has a clamp opening (3,9) that by means of an operating member (11, 12, 13) can be brought into a clamping position (FIG. 2), the operating member passing a dead center. An elastic strip (10) bent into a U-shape, with built-up edges, can be inserted into the clamp opening, keeping the clamp opening (3,9) open when in the releasing position and serving as a gripping surface of a small stack of papers, in the position preventing the removal of the operating member (11, 12,13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Enrico Leliveld
    Inventor: Titus A. Stoelinga
  • 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: 5379490
    Abstract: A belt clip assembly (10) comprises a hook shaped feature (18 and 20) having a void (17) and which appends from a housing (12), a latch member (14 and 15) pivotably retained within the void of the hook shaped feature, and a spring (30) for biasing a bottom portion (15 and 16) of the latch member in a closed position against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola
    Inventors: Henry Wandt, Gerald E. Brinkley
  • Patent number: 5325570
    Abstract: An improved clip, includes two interconnected clip bodies which each is a miror image of the other and which are formed integrately, the supporting point for the pressure action is exactly the connection of the two bodies, a groove is formed between the force action arm of each body and each side of the supporting point, the grooves suit a U shaped spring strip which presses the force action arms of the bodies to render the clamping arms on the opposite ends of the bodies capable of clamping an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Hsu Chin-Ho
  • Patent number: 5318292
    Abstract: A springingly urged clamp is especially useful with a small towel such as the type used in golfing service and is a palm sized clamp which is both easily manually engageable and easily manually manipulable. The clamp, and its affixed towel, can be attached to the golf bag, or any portion of the clothing to yield maximum easy utilization of the towel. In one embodiment, a golf towel's reinforcing ring is fed into a slot on one side of the clamp of the present invention and onto a post to ensure secure, but interchangeable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Nicholas A. De Marco
  • Patent number: 5301393
    Abstract: A spring biased clip comprising a pair of clamping elements hingedly connected together in combination with a spring. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping elements have hinge and spring components and are integral male and female snap connection elements which are extruded to form stock materials, which can then be out to length and assembled by a snap connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Dwight C. Brown
  • Patent number: 5241728
    Abstract: A spring clip having a pair of jaws and a spring or biasing member interconnecting the jaws for biasing the jaws to a closed position, the spring including a support ledge defining a fulcrum for rotation of the jaws between the open and closed position independently of any separate support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Selfix, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hunter
  • Patent number: 5185906
    Abstract: A belt clip assembly clamps a device (30) onto thin material. The device has a backcover (31) which includes a first set of ears (32) with a first set of pin holes. The belt clip assembly comprises a belt clip (44), a pin (130), and a spring (100). The belt clip (44) has a second set of ears (24,26) with a second set of pin holes (20,22); the pin (130) passes through the first set of pin holes and the second set of pin holes (20,22) for establishing an axis of rotation (56); and the spring (100) is formed to apply force to maintain the belt clip (44) in a closed position against the back cover (31). The spring (100) has a retaining ring (120) formed integrally therewith. The retaining ring (120) couples to the pin (130) for retaining the pin (130) within the first and second set of pin holes (20,22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight D. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5165147
    Abstract: A clasp is disclosed which includes two mating elongate jaw members that are pivotally connected together about a pivot axis such that the jaws of the members are longitudinally spaced from, but in abutting relationship with, each other. Each jaw member has a longitudinal recess in its inner surface, and is also provided with an inwardly depressed rib that defines a slot between the rib and the inner surface of the member and which mounts the front end of an arcuate elastic member such that the arcuate sections of the members bow outwardly and resiliently engage their respective jaw member in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Hua-Chou Kuo
  • Patent number: 5153969
    Abstract: A cord clasp is disclosed for holding together several loops or folds of an appliance cord in order to keep the cord tidy. The clasp includes two complementary facing jaw members, each having a cord surrounding portion and a handle portion separated by a pivoting ridge. A coil spring or other bias means keep the jaws or cord surrounding portions together. The jaw members are quite wide and taper to a gentle point to one side. The cord surrounding surfaces are generally curvilinear and can be more rounded in the vicinity of the points than otherwise, the roundness encouraging the cords to be grasped or held even though the cords may not come fully together when several thicknesses of cords are enclosed within the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventors: Robert W. Arrendiell, Gwendolyn G. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5148581
    Abstract: A clip device for attaching an article and an adjacently positioned object in a predetermined orientation with respect to each other. A clamp which includes a first and second portion, is releasably maintained in a substantially closed orientation by a biased member. The clamp is pivotally mounted about a securement member. The securement member includes two substantially parallel positioned prongs which are insertable into the adjacently positioned object. The prongs each have an insertion tip, for initial insertion into the object, and an angled section located near the back end of the clamp. Extending at one angle between each prong and a region of the securement member about which the clamp is pivotally mounted is an extension section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Cobbs Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jerome Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5104088
    Abstract: A document holder clip which comprises a right angle support bracket to be secured to the side of a monitor screen, an extending arm pivotably engaged with the support bracket and a document holder clip adaptable for slidable movement on the upper edge of the extending arm, which clip has two generally parallel clip arms and opposing jaw edges and includes a resilient "V"-shaped flat strip biasing element integrally extending from the top of one clip arm and having a free end which fits beneath an inward ridge on the other clip arm, the biasing element resiliently holding the jaw elements at the other end in a biased, closed position and on the application of finger pressure to open the jaws to an open position to permit the insertion of a document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Curtis Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis J. Bakanowsky, III
  • Patent number: 5079808
    Abstract: A paper clip comprising a pair of plate elements having clamping edges, hingedly connected together. A cantilever spring extends from an inner surface of one plate element and engages with the inner surface of the opposite plate element. The cantilever spring can provide increasing clamping force with increasing document thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Dwight C. Brown
  • Patent number: 5075935
    Abstract: A molded plastic hanger and a clip. The clip may be used with the hanger or separately. The hanger includes a body portion and a hook portion. The body portion includes a pair of parallel arms joined together at the ends thereof and an intermediate crossbar. The swivel hook includes a stem which is connected to the body portion at the crossbar. The stem includes an annular locking recess in its periphery which is adapted to be received within a mating socket of the crossbar to thereby connect the hook portion and the body portion to each other while enabling them to be swiveled readily with respect to each other. The clip can be secured to an arm of the hanger, to any other rod-like element, or to a clothesline, for example. The clip is formed of a two-part construction. The clip comprises a pair of plastic, complementary jaws joined together by a bridge-like member. The bridge-like member is joined, at each end, to the middle portion of each of the complementary jaws by means of a living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Abraham M. Abdi