Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching large articles of bedding such as bed sheets, blankets, duvet covers, comforters, and quilts, as well as other machine-washable large items such as sleeping bags, tablecloths, shower curtains, and shower curtain liners, in order to prevent or greatly reduce said articles from twisting, tangling, balling and/or wadding either independently or with each other in either or both the automatic washing machine or automatic clothes dryer. Exemplary fabric securing devices include a rigid base having keyholes and slit-holes, and flexible straps or tongues having a hollow post to engage a base keyhole and a crescent-shaped beveled edge to engage a base slit-hole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching large articles of bedding such as bed sheets, blankets, duvet covers, comforters, and quilts, as well as other machine-washable large items such as sleeping bags, tablecloths, shower curtains, and shower curtain liners, in order to prevent or greatly reduce said articles from twisting, tangling, balling and/or wadding either independently or with each other in either or both the automatic washing machine or automatic clothes dryer. Exemplary fabric securing devices include a rigid base having keyholes and slit-holes, and flexible straps or tongues having a hollow post to engage a base keyhole and a crescent-shaped beveled edge to engage a base slit-hole.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing a light fixture to a static structure. The mounting assembly includes a bar and a securing member which has a bar-gripping portion and an arm portion extending from the bar-gripping portion and attachable to the static structure. The bar is secured with respect to a main body portion of the light fixture. The bar has an axis. The arm portion has an arm axis which is substantially orthogonal to the bar axis. In another aspect of this invention, the mounting assembly includes a fixture-holding portion and an arm portion secured to the fixture-holding portion. The fixture-holding portion is secured with respect to the light fixture. The arm portion configured for selective attachment to a substantially cylindrical static structure and a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A bone fixation clamp includes a first arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of a bone and extending between a first connection end and a first free end, a second arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of the bone, a second connection end of the second clamp member being pivotally attached to the first clamp member, the second clamp member extending between the second connection end and a second free end and a driving member received in the first clamp member passing out of the first clamp member to abut an abutment portion of the second member so that, as the driving member is extended further out of the first member, the driving member pivots the second clamp member relative to the first clamp member to draw the first and second free ends toward one another to apply a radially compressive force to the bone.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a clamp having a lever attached to a clamp body and operable between an open position and a closed position, where the clamp body defines an elongated opening with a narrowed waist portion between a first opening portion and a second opening portion. A fastener has a base, a cap, and a stem extending between and connecting the base and the cap. The base and the cap extend radially outward from the stem. The stem is sized to fit through the narrowed waist portion and the cap is sized to fit through the first opening portion of the through opening. When the lever is in the closed position, a blocking member on the lever occupies the first opening portion of the through opening. When the lever is in the open position, the blocking member is withdrawn from the first opening portion of the through opening.

Abstract: A holding clamp having two clamping jaws, which are located opposite each other in mirror-image fashion relative to a baseplate and can be rotated as a function of each other and at a distance from each other on axle pins arranged on the baseplate, wherein the clamping jaws are connected to axle sleeves, which are mounted on the axle pins such that they can rotate, and a synchronization mechanism for transmitting the pivoting movement from one clamping jaw to the other is formed from at least one toothed gear element, wherein the gear element is formed by a rack which, at each of the two opposite ends thereof, carries a toothed part, which is respectively in toothed engagement with a respective partial toothing system on the outer circumference of the axle sleeve of the clamping jaw.

Abstract: A device clip includes a first jaw member, and a second jaw member having fixed end pivotally connected to one end of the first jaw member and a free end provided with a rod member that is movable along the major axis of the second jaw member by an external force and can return to its former position when the external force disappears. Thus, the other end of the first jaw member is detachably lockable to the rod member at the free end of the second jaw member for enabling the device clip to conveniently and steadily link two objects together, for example, to link a camera bag to a backpack.

Abstract: A snap hook essentially including a main body having an arcuate portion that transition between a spine and a gate latching end, wherein the interior edges of the arcuate portion are radiused. The snap-hook further includes a gate that is pivotally attached to the main body, and a lock that pivotally mounts to the main body and in securing relation to the gate to prevent the gate from opening unless and until the lock is manually, pivotally moved by depressing on its end. The gate latching end of the main body includes a notch for receiving the end of the gate wherein the notch includes an inwardly directed upper, extension piece that will engage the end of the gate if it is inadvertently pushed towards an open position.

Abstract: Intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. The device is passive and does not autonomously change shape, but instead reacts to movement of the stomach to induce satiety. The device includes a series of connected, articulated clips that plicate the stomach wall nondestructively (no puncturing through the gastric wall) such that the overall volume of the stomach is reduced. Cam-shaped clamping surfaces prevent slippage of the stomach tissue from within the clips. Methods of implant are disclosed including delivering the device through a transoral delivery tube and advancing the device through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the device occurs in the reverse.

Abstract: A clamp device is for use with an elastic band and includes first and second clamp components and a coupling unit. The first clamp component has a resiliently deformable clamping arm portion connected to one end of a connecting arm portion, cooperating therewith to define a clearance, and defining a clamping side. The second clamp component has a clamping side disposed to confront that of the first clamp component. The coupling unit couples the two clamp components together in a manner that permits relative movement of the clamp components between a non-clamping state and a clamping state. In the clamping state, the clamping arm portion of the first clamp component deforms to contract the clearance and the clamping sides of the clamp components clamp cooperatively and tightly a portion of the elastic band therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stock mounting device for fixing a stock on a receiver of a small arm that includes a clamping pin, and a clamping cam cooperating with the clamping pin, by which the shank can be mounted on the receiver by generating an axial force.

Abstract: A locking clip assembly includes a clip body with a body clamping end, a rear portion and a body hinge portion between the body clamping end and the rear portion, an elongated arm member having a jaw portion, a lever arm portion and an arm hinge portion pivotally connected to the body hinge portion, and a locking member slidably disposed on the rear portion of the clip body where the locking member is movable between an arm member locked position and an arm member unlocked position.

Abstract: A clamp having a pair of clamping tangs hinged together at one end and connectable together at the other end by means of a screw and nut. The screw has a main threaded section for tightening of the nut onto a seat on a tang. It also has an unthreaded section of shaft, over which the nut can move freely. At the distal end of the screw is a further short threaded section, to retain the nut on the screw, when disconnected from the main threaded section. The nut can be removed totally from the screw by engaging with the short threaded section, and rotating to disengage. The to other end of one tang having a clevis into which a crossbar on the screw connects, the other tang also having a clevis into which the screw pivotally fits, the upper surface of the clevis providing a seat for the nut.

Abstract: A clamp (20) includes a first barrel half (26) and second barrel half (28). A hinge pin (30) pivotally couples a first edge (38) of the first barrel half (26) with a third edge (46) of the second barrel half (28). A spring (96) imposes force on the barrel halves (26, 28) to bias a second edge (40) of the first barrel half (26) away from a fourth edge (48) of the first barrel half (28) to create a gap (34) between edges (40, 48), placing the clamp (20) in an open position (22). A handle (32) includes a base (80) that abuts an outer surface (54) of the barrel halves (26, 28) to compel the second edge (40) of the first barrel half (26) toward the fourth edge (48) of the first barrel half (28) to close the gap (34), placing the clamp (20) in a closed position (22).

Abstract: A device for handling or storing one or more items, has a pair of generally rigid jaw members each having a hinge end and an outer end. The jaw members have a first, open position in which the outer ends are spaced apart to define a receiving space and a plurality of closed positions. The jaw members are self aligned and one of them has an engagement member to engage the other. The engagement member is separate from either jaw member, and may therefore be made of a different material.

Abstract: A device clip includes a first jaw member, and a second jaw member having fixed end pivotally connected to one end of the first jaw member and a free end provided with a rod member that is movable along the major axis of the second jaw member by an external force and can return to its former position when the external force disappears. Thus, the other end of the first jaw member is detachably lockable to the rod member at the free end of the second jaw member for enabling the device clip to conveniently and steadily link two objects together, for example, to link a camera bag to a backpack.

Abstract: A separately operating cargo strap collector for use with a ratchet-buckle assembly of known construction having longer and shorter straps and a ratchet-buckle. The strap collector includes sidewalls connected to upper and lower walls forming a channel through which the longer strap passes with a clamp in the channel for attaching the strap collector to the longer strap. The sidewalls and upper wall forming a magazine for folds of excess longer strap after the longer strap is tightened by the ratchet-buckle. A pair of lever arms are journaled in the sidewalls with a finger for clamping the folds of excess strap against the bottom wall of the magazine.

Abstract: A microphone holder is provided that allows a microphone to be attached and detached by a one-touch operation and to be securely held. A microphone grip G is pressed into between clamp arms 6 and 6 in a state where front ends 6a are opened. This causes the microphone grip G to press rear ends 6b of the clamp arms 6 and 6 to swing the front ends 6a in closing directions. Thus, the microphone can be attached and detached by a one-touch operation without causing collision noise and the like.

Abstract: A clip assembly adapted to engage a male track member. The clip assembly includes a clamshell clamping member including a first leg and a second leg. The clip assembly further includes a female compression member adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamshell clamping member. The female compression member is adapted to compress the first leg towards the second leg.

Abstract: A clamp for sanitary fittings includes a clamp body formed of a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member movable about a hinge assembly from an open configuration to a closed, latched configuration. The hinge assembly detachably couples the first arcuate member to the second arcuate member. The hinge assembly includes an arcuate finger extending from an end of the first arcuate member, a pin-receiving recess formed within the arcuate finger, and a post formed on an end of the second arcuate member. Upon assembly, the arcuate finger cradles around the post and the post fits within the pin-receiving recess.

Abstract: A main body holder has a base wall with a through-hole, a holding portion, and a pivotally attached clip piece. A stopper member is movably disposed within the base wall through-hole for movement between a restricting position and a releasing position. In the restricting position, the stopper member projects from the base wall and is configured to engage and securely hold the main body of a portable apparatus on the holding portion so that the apparatus main body is only partially disposed over the base wall through-hole in a state in which the apparatus main body is fully received by the holding portion. In the releasing position, the stopper member extends into the through-hole and does not project from the base wall so that the apparatus main body is allowed to be slid relative to the holding portion. An urging member urges the clip piece into contact with the holding portion and urges the stopper member to the restricting position.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a body having a base and first and second jaw guides extending outwardly from the base. A trough has first and second ends formed between the first and second jaw guides. First and second jaws are movably received in the trough for receiving a cable therebetween. The first jaw engages the first jaw guide. The second jaw engages the second jaw guide. The first jaw engages the second jaw such that the first and second jaws move together. A pin is disposed in the body proximal the first end of the trough. A spring has a first end connected to the pin and a second end connected to the second jaw to bias the first and second jaws toward the first end of the trough.

Abstract: Hurricane protection screening and system including a length of flexible screening material having a substantially uniform continuous cross-section and being sized in length to substantially exceed a height of a building opening and sized in width to exceed or equal a width of the building opening. A plurality of separate spaced, parallel thickened areas are connected to and extend along the entire length of the screening material and are spaced apart over the width thereof, one of the thickened areas extending along each longitudinal side margin of the screening material. The system includes x-shaped buckles each configured for attachment to an upper or lower end of one of the thickened areas of each screen panel, the buckles themselves connectable to a frame of the building opening.

Abstract: A shaft clamp having a first clamp member and a second clamp member, each having a main body shaped to allow positioning of the clamp member about a shaft and engagement of a shaft by a surface of the main body, is disclosed. The two clamp members are pivotably connected together at adjoining ends and separable at free ends, much like a clam shell configuration. A locking mechanism engagable with the free ends of the first and second clamp members is used to secure and pull the free ends of the clamp members to one another as they are positioned about a shaft. Alternatively, a torque-assisting extension connected to at least one of either the first member or the second member may be included. The extension allows the shaft clamp to be rotated, moved, or otherwise maneuvered more easily as it is secured about a shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to closure mechanisms, such as a closure latch device for clamping a band. The closure latch comprises a first and second latch member engaged to pivot relative to each other. Certain embodiments relate to methods of clamping a band. Certain embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing a clamping device.

Abstract: A clamp may include two clamping members that are pivotally connected at one end.

Abstract: A strap assembly comprises an attachment member structure includes a main body and a plurality of attachment members. A first end portion of the main body is pivotable with respect to a second end portion thereof. Attachment members are connected to the main body at its opposing ends. A clasping device attached to the main body is engagable with one of the attachment members when a control portion of the clasping device is in a first position and selectively disengagable therefrom when a control portion of the clasping device is sufficiently displaced. A control structure is attached to the control portion of the clasping device such that sufficient displacement of the control structure with respect to the clasping device causes sufficient displacement of the control portion. A storage structure integral with the main body includes a passage configured for receiving at least a portion of the control structure therein.

Abstract: A retention clip for hardware may include a support surface having an aperture extending through the support surface. The support surface may surround an entire perimeter of the aperture. The clip may further include at least one anti-rotation surface extending from the support surface in a non-parallel direction, and a plurality of angled tabs extending from the support surface in non-parallel directions towards the aperture. At least a portion of each angled tab may be disposed directly below the aperture. The tabs may be elastic below a preset load placed on the tabs, and the tabs may deform and lose their elasticity above the preset load.

Abstract: A clamp for securement to a cylindrical body such as scaffold tubing has first and second curved body portions hinged to each other to form a generally circular enclosure. A clasp for coupling the first and second curved body portions has a bolt fixed to one curved body portion and a rotatable housing. The housing has a peripheral groove to slidingly receive the bolt and is coupled to the other curved body portion. The housing has an access opening to receive the bolt into the peripheral groove and the bolt is captured in the peripheral groove when the housing is rotated. The housing is rotatable about a post which is fixed to the other curved body portion and has an opening to receive the post that is eccentric to the geometric center of the housing so that a passage formed between the peripheral groove and the post varies in width about the periphery of the housing. This variable width allows the housing to be tightened gradually on the bolt.

Abstract: A clamp device adapted in particular to be secured on members of variable section. The device has a pair of jaws articulated with one another at their first end in order to oscillate from and to a closed position in which respective inner surfaces provided on the jaws substantially face one another. An adaptor member is mounted on at least one of the jaws and is hinged on that jaw in order to rotate between a first operating position in which it projects from the inner surface of the jaw and a second operating position in which it is housed within the jaw or in which it projects from the inner surface to a smaller extent than in the first operating position.

Abstract: A method and device for clamping a support rail (5) at a load carrying tube (7) of a bicycle carrier (17) of a vehicle using a fastening device. The fastening device (1) is arranged initially slidably along the support rail (5) and along the load carrying tube (7). The support rail (5) is displaceable along the load carrying tube (7) and transverse to the load carrying tube (7) to a desired position. A clamping device or fastener (12) of the fastening means (1) is operated to an essential simultaneously contact against the supporting rail and against the load carrying tube (7) to fasten these relative to each other.

Abstract: A magazine type clipping device comprises: clips loaded into a sheath while being engaged with other clips longitudinally connected together; at least one connection ring fitted into the sheath so as to be capable of advancing and retreating, and covering an engagement portion of the clips to maintain the clips in a connected state; and a manipulating wire connected to a rearmost clip and adapted to pull a clip row formed of the plurality of clips, each clip having a pair of openable/closable claw portions and a tail portion, the connection ring having a connection maintaining region retaining a pair of clips engaged with each other, with the pair of claw portions of a succeeding clip being closed while holding the tail portion of a preceding clip.

Abstract: Clip assemblies for securing articles to frames include a clip body having a first end and a second end, the first end having an engagement surface, a clip lever moveably secured to the clip body having a handle and a clip claw rotatably associated with the clip body and moveable to and away from the engagement surface of the clip body, wherein at least a portion of the handle of clip lever is located above the clip claw so that when the clip assembly in an engaged position, the handle is substantially flush with at least a portion of the clip body.

Abstract: There is provided a clamp for concrete forms which has improved durability compared with a conventional P-clamp, and can withstand vibrations necessarily produced by a vibrator when the concrete is placed. This clamp for concrete forms comprises a substantially U-shaped clamp body which rivets end parts of a pair of L-shaped clamp arms to each other so as to be rotatable and holds a connection part of the concrete forms, and a clamp lever body which presses one clamp arm toward the other clamp arm to press both clamp arms against each other by riveting ends of a pair of arm parts with respect to the other clamp arm so as to be rotatable, and rotates them toward the clamp arm, and engages an opening part formed between the pair of arm parts with the L-shaped bent shoulder part of the other clamp arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to restraint systems for cargo on cargo transporting vehicles, such as trucks, having designated cargo-carrying space. In particularly, the present invention relates to a system for restraining cargo in the bed of a truck, such as a pick-up truck, or the like; or the interior load-carrying compartment of a van or station wagon. The restraint system contains clamp having two opposing members that are attached a pivot point to form a pair of jaws at one end and a topside at the opposing end. The topside is attached to a rotatable device that is rotated to close or open the jaws depending on the direction of rotation. The rotatable device closes the jaws by urging the topside of the opposing members apart to pivotably close the jaws.

Abstract: A clip assembly having first and second pivoting gripping members that are locked in gripping engagement to a tarp or other material and attached to a rope or shock cord. The gripping members include jaws and arms that are joined by a pivot connection so that the jaws are forced into engagement when the arms are pressed together. At least one of the arms is formed of a resiliently flexible material so that the arm bends as the jaws are forced into gripping engagement. There is a hook or other attachment portion on one of the arms that the arms are locked in the compressed position when a portion of the cord is passed therethrough. The hook may include a primary opening for receiving a bight of a rope and a secondary opening for receiving a hook on the end of a shock cord.

Abstract: A spring loaded holder with a holder plate which is rotatable between a deactivated zone and an activated zone. When the holder plate is manually moved to the activated zone a cam action will be activated to apply a holding force to the holder plate for firmly holding objects of varied thickness. Such holders can be installed in a picture frame for holding a stack of art sheets. For a vertically mounted art frame a displayed art sheet smaller than the internal size of the art frame can also be held by this holder without shifting. Unused art sheets and associated mat boards can be mounted along with the displayed art sheet. Since all art sheets and mat boards are kept together, the change of art sheet display can be easily achieved any time if desired. Such picture frame can also be used for displaying and storing expired calendar books. The holder can be further modified and used in a variety of holding boards including fun boards, bulletin boards and poster boards.

Abstract: A storage system having a releasably mounted mounting clip that can be connected to a wall stud or ceiling joist. A variety of storage components can be joined to the mounting clip. The mounting clip can also be used to join boards and panels to construct furniture and stand-alone storage units.

Abstract: An unlocking mechanism adopted for use on retention module holder, which have a fastening stand and a locking member pivotally engaged with the fastening stand in a turn able manner. The fastening stand is for holding radiators. The locking member may be located at a latched position and a release position for latching and separating from the radiators respectively under the control of the unlocking mechanism.

Abstract: Assemblies comprising a fastener, which has engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.

Abstract: A grommet is mounted on a panel of an automobile. The grommet includes a tubular body, a fitting portion, a flange portion, projected portions, and a lip. A wire harness is passed through the grommet body. The fitting portion is formed at an end of the grommet body, and is fitted in a hole in the panel. The flange portion includes a pair of straight portions, and a pair of arcuate portions. The pair of straight portions are spaced from each other in parallel. The pair of arcuate portions interconnect the pair of straight portions. The projected portions project outwardly from the straight portions, respectively. The lip is formed at an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion, and when the fitting portion is fitted in the hole, the lip is held in contact with the panel.

Abstract: A binder comprises an operating member supported on a base, a pressing member movable toward and away from the base by the movement of the operating member, and locking means for locking the operating member when the pressing member is set in a binding position. The operating member has a first operating spot and a second operating spot, and the operating member is locked to hold the pressing member at the binding position when the first operating spot is pressed toward the surface of the base, and unlocked to move the pressing member away from the base when the second operating spot is operated similarly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.

Abstract: A clip is disclosed which is capable of applying significant retention force via a rotatable cam arm while being easily removable due to the cam arm and a separate removal arm. A method of using the clip is also disclosed which uses the advantages of the clip, particularly in the context of computer design and construction.

Abstract: A fastener for a heat-radiator is composed of a frame and two strips. The frame has two parallel first sides and two parallel second sides perpendicular to the first sides. Each first side has a bottom part and two bevel parts respectively extending outwards and upwards from two ends of the bottom part. Each second side has at least one aperture defined therethrough. The strips are respectively mounted on the second sides of the frame. By changing the strips, a heat-radiator can be installed on a Pentium® III processor or a Pentium® 4 processor.

Abstract: Securement arrangement for mounting articles upon a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes a pair of substantially rigid body members. At least one of the pair of body members has a receiver configured to accept the installation of a fitting member therein. A plurality of resilient fitting members are utilized. Each fitting member is adapted to be installed in the receiver in a plurality of orientations. At least one of the fitting members is configured to present a variable buffering thickness between the rigid body member and a receiving member of a carrying vehicle upon which the securement arrangement shall be installed. The variable buffering thickness is dependent upon an installed orientation of the fitting member in the receiver.

Abstract: A clip is disclosed which is capable of applying significant retention force via a rotatable cam arm while being easily removable due to the cam arm and a separate removal arm. A method of using the clip is also disclosed which uses the advantages of the clip, particularly in the context of computer design and construction.

Abstract: Prop connecting ring which is fitted and bound on a construction prop, including: two symmetrical half bodies which are substantially semicircular, an inner face of each half body being formed with a semicircular clamping face, a body of each half body being formed with a predetermined number of insertion holes; rear ends of two half bodies being pivotally connected with each other, whereby the two half bodies can be opened or closed; a first detention hole formed on front end of a first half body; a second detention hole formed on front end of a second half body, when the front ends of the two half bodies are closed, the second detention hole being positioned right under the first detention hole, a rear edge of front end of the second half body being formed with an abutting face positioned at a height lower than the first detention hole; and an insertion fastener which is a wedge bar inserted in the detention holes of the two half bodies for latching the front ends of the two half bodies with each other.

Abstract: A securing equipment for a heat dissipator of a CPU includes a middle pressing part, an L-shaped removing part, and a first and a second holed connecting part at two ends of the middle part. The whole body of the equipment is made by punching and pressing a stainless spring steel. The removing part sticks up from a lower end of the second part, and fixedly abuts the second part and has a hole communicating with the hole of same. The. holes of both the first and the second parts engage a respective fixing protrusion of a socket, which a CPU is fitted onto; thus, the middle pressing part presses a heat dissipator disposed on the CPU to fix same in position. The upper portion of the removing part is depressed and pushed towards the middle part to separate the second hole from the corresponding fixing protrusion for removing the securing member from the heat dissipator.

Abstract: Presented is a quick-engaging and quick-release device for securely supporting elongated objects in either a horizontal or vertical attitude on a vertical support structure or surface or overhead on an appropriate support surface. A base member has end and side walls that extend integrally from a bottom wall. Two opposed side walls are correspondingly notched. A resiliently deformable block of foam-like cushioning material may be removably inserted into the hollow shell so that the top surface of the deformable block is substantially flush with the top edges of the end and side walls. A hollow cap member is integrally pivotally attached to the base member and may selectively be pivoted away from the base member into open position wherein the deformable block is exposed to receive an elongated object. When the hollow cap member is pivoted into closed condition, the elongated object is releasably received by and between the base member and the cap member.