Abstract: A self-releasing or break-away coupler that releases in response to experiencing a predetermined load. The self-releasing coupler includes a pair of jaws that form a fastener. Surrounding the jaws is a sleeve housing that deforms in response to the predetermined load when applied to the jaws. That is, as the housing deforms, the jaws are allowed to open so as to release a fastener or connector secured within the jaws.

Abstract: A plastic injection molded adjustable arm assembly includes a base (102) having a detent wheel (104) that includes a plurality of detents (e.g., 106). An adjustable arm (202) includes a snap-in (204) for rotatably attaching the arm to the base. The arm also includes a locking mechanism (214) that includes a lever (218) that is attached to the arm at a fulcrum (216). A pawl (220) is located at one end of the lever (218a) to engage one of the detents in the detent wheel, thereby locking the arm in one of several angular positions. To release the lock and move the arm to a different position, the user pushes on the end of the lever opposite the pawl (218b), thereby causing the pawl to disengage from the detent. The base and the arm are each injection moldable using a single action mold. In one embodiment, the arm can be moved in one direction by the application of direct pressure to the arm, but it cannot be moved in the opposite direction until the locking lever is manually released.

Abstract: A holder for holding collapsed coiled tubing has been invented which, in one aspect, has a first plate, a second plate, securement apparatus for releasably securing the plates together in a spaced-apart relationship about at least one portion of a collapsed tubular, e.g. but not limited to coiled tubing, and at least one gripper or gripping element on one plate for gripping the collapsed tubular between the first plate and second plate. In one aspect such a holder has gripping elements which include a first die device on the first plate and a second die device on the second plate, the first die device disposed opposite the second die device when the holder is installed around a collapsed tubular. In one aspect dies are longitudinally offset with respect to upper and/or lower dies so that gripping is achieved across a wider portion or substantially all of the width of a collapsed tubular. In one aspect such a holder is an elevator with an elevator hook on each plate so the holder serves as an elevator.

Abstract: A serrated thrust element inserted between serrated portions of handles of a clip, forces the jaws of the clip closed by a single unidirectional movement toward the pivot of the clip between the handles and the jaws. The clip may be hung by the thrust element without affecting the jaw spacing.

Abstract: A garment closing apparatus is provided comprising a base having a first clasping surface extending upwardly from a first end and a second clasping surface extending upwardly from a second end. A generally U-shaped spring clasp is rotatably coupled to the base such that it is movable to vary the dosing apparatus between an open mode and a closed mode. A wafer is adapted to support a decorative button thereon and is coupled to a U-shaped clip having a slot formed therein. The slot is adapted to receive a cylindrical post upstandingly secured to the base. The base is attached to an intersection point of a left bodice and right bodice of a blouse, dress, or blazer by configuring the closing apparatus to an open position, inserting the overlapping bodice material between the spring clasp and the first and second clasping surfaces and rotating the spring clasp to a closed position. The wafer is secured to the base by inserting the upstanding cylindrical post into the slot of the U-shaped clip.

Abstract: A channel supporting device includes a support member having two clamps between which trunking is accommodated. The clamps each have an upper projection which defines between them and above the trunking housing for receiving a channel. The channel locks the support member around the trunking.

Abstract: A clamp includes a first half and a second half, which are pivotally connected semi-cylindrical halves, said semi-cylindrical halves each having a first end and a second end, each of the second ends defining a ridge; and a jaw for engaging with said two ridges for assembling the first half and the second half into a cylindrical form, said jaw has a first distal end slidably linking to the second end of the first semi-cylindrical half and a second end for engaging with the ridge of the second end of the second semi-cylindrical half.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp comprising a first C-shaped jaw having first and second limbs and an interconnecting bight portion. A second jaw is mounted pivotably to the second limb, and a releasable ratchet-and-pawl arrangement is provided for locking the second jaw relative to the first jaw in a number of degrees of closure. A finger-actuable tab is provided on the pawl for releasing the pawl from the ratchet and allowing bidirectional pivoting of the second jaw. The first limb is provided with a circular aperture and the second jaw is arranged to urge material to be clamped between the first and second jaws through the cavity, so as to increase the effectiveness of clamping. The material which has passed through the cavity also serves as a cushion. The clamp is particularly suited for use as a diaper clamp.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for mounting a bird bath bowl or other object to a wide variety of base types, shapes and sizes. The adjustable bracket assembly includes components that can be assembled to one another so as to create a variety of embodiments, enabling a bird bath bowl, for example, to be mounted to a wide variety of base types, base shapes and base sizes. Bracket members which attach to a base may be adjustably secured to a center mounting plate, whereby the bracket members may be adjustably extended to various radial lengths. The adjustable bracket members may also be connected together without use of the plate so as to accommodate a variety of other base types, including railings.

Abstract: An invasive line separator comprises first and second plates of translucent plastic, which are hinged together so that they fold against one another in a face-to-face configuration. The first plate has a plurality of spaced apart, parallel channels that are sized and configured to receive and engage respective sections of invasive line, so that when the lines are placed within the channels they lie beneath the planar surface of the plate. This allows the hinged second plate to be folded into abutment with and provide a cover for channels of the first plate, without constricting invasive lines placed in the channels. The first plate also contains one or more slots alongside an edge, to accommodate straps for securing the separator to an adjacent structure, such as a bed rail. With the hinged plates folded together, any sections of invasive line that have been arranged within the grooves are securely retained in the first plate by second plate.

Abstract: A clamp for gripping an elongate member comprises a mounting block having locating structures defining a desired position for the elongate member. Primary and secondary clamping yokes are each movable relative to the mounting block between a closed position, in which the clamping yoke engages an elongate member in the desired position, and an open position. A latch retains the primary clamping yoke in the closed position, and a force-transfer arm is effective between the primary clamping yoke and the secondary clamping yoke for retaining the secondary clamping yoke in its closed position when the primary clamping yoke is in its closed position.

Abstract: A clamp assembly primarily designed for the removable attachment of a load supporting device to a skid or like support structure of a helicopter such that additional load or cargo may be mounted exteriorally of the helicopter body and generally between the supporting skid assembly and the cockpit or other interior cargo space. The clamp assembly is removably secured to the load supporting structure and includes two clamp body segments pivotal relative to one another between an open position and a clamped position, the latter being defined by a gripping or clamping of the clamp segment about the generally tubular structure defining the skid assembly.

Abstract: A clothes hanger (7) mounting apparatus (6) has a housing (12) with a top wall (14), back wall (16) and bottom wall (18) with partial side walls (54, 56) on the upper surfaces of which are secured resilient cushions (66). A cover plate (30) is swingable about the top wall to move a bail (80) with a pair of platens (82, 84) into clamping relationship with the cushions and retain clothes hangers located therebetween.

Abstract: A closure for pliant containers, such as bags and the like, which has an elongated closure body and an elongated closure arm that are pivotally attached to pivot in parallel planes. The body forms a U-shaped slot to receive a portion of the arm so that a pliant container can be sealingly closed between the body and the arm when a portion of the arm is received within the U-shaped slot of the body.

Abstract: A preferred bag cutting and closing clip is described. The clip includes two elongate members and means for directing the elongate members toward one another to close the bag. The clip also includes cutting means such as serrations effectively positioned on the clip for severing bag portions on one side of the clip from bag portions on another side of the clip while the bag remains effectively closed between the elongate members. A preferred clip also includes the feature of extendability, as well as other highly advantageous design features. A method of closing an open flexible plastic or paper bag and for removing excess bag portions therefrom is also described.

Abstract: A clamp for fixing a plant stem to a support wire includes a movable clamp member, a fixed clamp member, a support shaft and a spring attached to the movable and fixed clamp members. Each of the movable and fixed clamp members has a semicircular beak at its one end and an operating member at its other end. The fixed clamp member has an intermediate body portion provided with a support slot for accommodating an intermediate portion of the movable clamp member. The support shaft pivotally attaches the intermediate portion accommodated in the support slot to the fixed clamp member. The spring applies a biasing force causing the two beaks to close onto each other in the manner of a ring and the two operating members to open in a V-like manner. The body portion is provided with slits extending part way along the floor of the support slot from the beak in the direction of the operating member.

Abstract: An improved cable clamp strip for securing wires of a cable bundle in a predetermined orientation comprising: (1) a mounting base formed of a flexible, molded plastic with notches formed in its side edges for increased flexibility in a first direction and with notches formed in its lower surface for increased flexibility in a second direction; (2) closed retaining rings fixedly positioned on the upper surface of the mounting base; (3) apertured mounting projections extending upwardly from the upper surface of the mounting base; and (4) clamping ring halves adjustably secured with respect to the mounting projections. An aperture extends through the lower end of each clamping ring half with an long ring pin positionable through the apertures and the mounting projections to secure the clamping ring halves in a predetermined orientation on the mounting base.

Abstract: This invention provides a hanger supporting device for a garment bag which will accommodate both ordinary hangers and luggage-type hangers. The device includes a plate attachable to a garment bag, a first channel connected to the plate, a second channel carried by the first channel, a third channel pivotally connected to the second channel, and a rail connected to the second channel. The rail is adapted to engage luggage-type hangers. A pad having a notched surface is carried by the third channel and adapted to support ordinary hangers. A latching arrangement releasably holds the third channel adjacent the first channel to retain the hanger in the notches in the pad.

Abstract: A protection barrier is adapted to be placed on an insulator of a high voltage power pole to prevent a workman from contacting components of the pole when working on an energized conductor. A base plate of dielectric material is formed with a V-shaped slot and is placed on the insulator with the apex of the slot being located between adjacent skirts of a post type insulator. A pair of dielectric locking plates are pivotally mounted on the base plate and when in an open position permit the insulator to enter into the V-shaped slot and when in closed position lock the base plate on the insulator. The locking plates have aligned curved notches which form a generally circular-shaped opening when in closed position and which align with the apex of the V-shaped slot. Curved surfaces of the notches engage the insulator when the base plate is placed thereon to positively move the locking plates into clamping position about the insulator.

Abstract: A clip (8) for a hanger has a pair of gripping arms (9,10) pivoted together (11) which have respective free ends (13,14) which are normally biassed together. The free ends (13,14) can be opened up by pressure being applied across the respective upper portions of the gripping arms (9,10). This enables an article of clothing or the like to be inserted therebetween. A tongue (17) can be pivoted (20) on the upper end of one of the gripping arms (9) to engage within a groove in the top edge of the other gripping arm (10). This results in the free ends (13,14) being locked together therefore securing the article of clothing therebetween. An edge (22) of a flange (19) from which the tongue (17) extends, is required to be forced past projections (21) on either side of the groove to locate the tongue (17) within the groove. The edge (22) forces the top end of the arm (10) outwardly which results in the securement of the free ends (13,14) together.

Abstract: A stake for anchoring a beach blanket, towel or other like fabric is disclosed. An elongated body is provided with tapered vanes. A planar upper end is provided with an arcuate slot within which is located a rotatable ring. A vertical slot, a curved edge and a recess provide for engaging the fabric when the fabric is applied thereto and the ring is rotated into the recess. The arcuate slot allows for downward sliding of the ring into a locking location which may be provided with a detent.

Abstract: A duct liner interconnecting device for temporarily interconnecting the ends of sections of duct liner includes a pair of complementary semi-cylindrical elements hinged together along one edge for movement from an open position in which the elements are side by side to a closed position in which the elements form a short tubular member with a longitudinal channel to receive the ends of duct liner sections to be interconnected, a pair of arcuate spring clips pivotally attached to one of the elements releasably latch the elements together in the closed position, and a tapped aperture in one of the elements receives a lubrication fitting to allow the introduction of lubricant into the duct liner to facilitate pulling of lightguide cable through the duct liner.

Abstract: A drink holder to be mounted on a tubular chair leg or other similar substantially vertically oriented rod-like member. The drink holder includes a drink holder housing which is specially configured to have compartments to connect with separate structures such as a beverage container. A bracket composed of two separate leg members is pivotally connected to the housing. The two separate leg members are hingedly connected together and are also pivotally mounted on the housing between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes pivotal reaction members having reaction surfaces formed thereon for cooperation with a rotor in effecting peristaltic pumping action. The pump includes an improved adjustable tube-gripping assembly for securing a fluid flow tube of any size within a predetermined range in a predetermined position relative to the pump with only a minimal decrease of interior cross-sectional area. The preferred tube-gripping assembly includes a fixed gripping member and a movable yoke, each having notches formed therein for receiving the tube. A latch system for maintaining the pivotal reaction members in closed position applies relatively evenly distributed closing force along the joint between the reaction surfaces.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a clamper for holding articles of clothing together, and comprises a front member, a clamp member, and pivot means for connecting the members together and for holding the clamp member at a space from the front member; the members are adapted to be positioned such that portions of the articles of clothing are received in the space; the clamp member is movable on the pivot means between a clamped position and an open position, and the clamp member includes an article engagement part thereon. The engagement part extends into the space when the clamp member is in the clamped position and it is moved out of the space when said clamp member is pivoted to the open position.

Abstract: A buckle intended for use primarily with wide, flat strapping material used in the air cargo transportation industry. The buckle has a body member and an "over-center" handle member journaled on a journal pin attached thereto such that the handle member acts like a lever and the journal pin as a fulcrum in tensioning the strap. With the buckle in the open position, the strap is fed into the buckle and looped around the journal pin. Rotating the handle member to the closed position causes a load pin attached to the handle member to impact the strap and deflect its path in the buckle, thereby pulling the strap taut under considerable torque load. In the prior art buckles, two load pins were required to apportion that torque load between them to keep the strap from slipping as the load pins could rotate at high torque loads. The need for two load pins is eliminated in the present invention by using only one load pin which is attached in such a way that the pin cannot rotate, even under such high torque loads.

Abstract: A releasable compression fastener, such as a clip for use on a garter belt, suspenders, or the like, The fastener has a pair of jaws comprising a base plate designed to be connected to a material, such as a suspender strap, and a flexible clamping plate. An actuating means is attached to the base plate, the latter being adapted to releasably flex the clamping plate against the base plate to close the jaws and clamp a layer of flexible fabric therebetween. The invention involves the use of cooperating, integrating jaws comprising male and female members of specific structure on the base plate and clamping plate to provide integrating locking means for the flexible material clamped therebetween.

Abstract: A clamping system for securely mounting a spray boom assembly for use with an agrichemical applicator airplane. The spray boom is preferably in the cross section of an airfoil, and is adapted to be secured relative to the wing in a suitable, noninterferring position by a jaw mounting system. The system includes an elongated strut secured at a remote end to the airplane wing and an integral, spaced-apart jaw end which cooperates with a moveable jaw member pivotally coupled to it. The jaw members may be locked together about the spray boom by a jaw locking handle pivotally coupled to the jaw member. The handle receives a barrel connecting link within a tracking groove, which is displaced through an over center action by rotation of the jaw handle to releasably secure the spray boom within the jaws.