Abstract: A vegetation attachment device for supporting plant limbs is used in combination with an overhead support member, such as the horizontal support wire of a trellis system used to support grape vines. Embodiments of the device generally comprise an attachment hook configured to engage the overhead support wire, a closing hook, a catch member for engaging the closing hook, a deformable limb containment structure, and biasing means for maintaining the engagement of the closing hook to the catch member. The deformable limb containment structure deforms to accommodate limited lateral deflection or growth in the vine or plant limb. Embodiments of the disclosed apparatus may be used instead of currently known devices, such as wire ties, for supporting vines and branches.

Abstract: An engaging device is provided which is capable of advantageous switchover from an engaging position to an open position. Also provided is a transfer instrument employing the structure of such an engaging device. The transfer instrument (A) includes the engaging device (X) which is capable of gradually moving an engaging surface (23) widthwise of an engaging surface (13) to retract two engaging components relative to each other by pivotally moving a dangling wall (11) of a transfer instrument body (1) and a sidewall (21) of an arm (2) relative to each other to press a sliding contact edge (24) against a guide edge (14) gradually from a first end portion (14a) toward an opposite second end portion (14b) of the guide edge (14).

Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.

Abstract: A hanger for suspending multiple articles, such as automotive floor mats, is injection-molded in one piece from a suitable polymer. The hanger has at least four stationary article gripping members and four mobile article gripping members which are fastenable to respective ones of the stationary gripping members. Article-supporting fingers of the stationary gripping members extend horizontally away from the hanger body, two in one direction and two in another. The stationary gripping members are arranged in pairs, with one member in a pair extending in one direction, and the other member of the pair extending in an opposite direction. In one embodiment, a shared structural plate makes up a portion of the “C” channel for each gripping member in the pair.

Abstract: A device for handling or storing items uses jaw members that hinge to one of several closed positions in which the inner surface of a first jaw is engaged by an engagement device of the second jaw. An external release member in the second jaw is used to move the engagement device between an engaging and a disengaged position. The second jaw also incorporates a retaining surface, positioned opposite the outer surface of the first jaw when the jaws are closed, which opposes outward flexing of said first jaw member, and thus reduces the opportunity for disengagement due to forces from inside the jaws.

Abstract: An adjustable napkin clip assembly which includes a pair of integrally molded one-piece napkin clips adjustably carried at opposite end portions of an elongated elastic cord that extends about a person's neck, wherein each of the napkin clips frictionally engages the cord in slidable relation to facilitate positional adjustment thereon and includes of a pair of hinged jaws that are resiliently biased toward an open position and movable to an interlocking closed position to pinch and hold the napkin in place.

Abstract: A clip which solves a technical problem that the latching of the clip is not easily released by the external force caused by falling, etc., and is easily released when the clip is used. The clip has opposed clipping arms capable of forming an independent and separate space by pressing and holding a clipped object constituted of a flexible hollow member between them. The clip has a latching means on one end of the opposed clipping arm, which has a latching part capable of latching the clipping arms. The clip further has a latching releasing means capable of releasing the latching by an external force headed to an external direction from the clipping arm. The latching means has a supporting point part acting the latching releasing force, added to the latching means by the latching releasing means, to the direction to release the latching of the latching part.

Abstract: A cable clamp comprises an anchor to be fixed to a workpiece, a clamp portion for clamping a cable, and a flexible protection member for protecting the cable. The anchor and the clamp portion are integrally molded. The clamp portion includes a holder having a concavity, and a cover for closing the concavity. The cover has one end connected to one end of the holder by a hinge. The other end of the cover and the other end of the holder have cooperable latch portions adapted to be latched to one another. The protection member includes a holder-side portion fixed to the holder, and a cover-side portion that extends substantially parallel to the cover in its open state and that is pressed by the cover in its closed state to envelop the outer surface of the cable in cooperation with the holder-side portion.

Abstract: A clip comprising a pair of jaws each having an axially extending pressure surface, and resilient hinge arms hinged together from which the jaws are cantilevered for movement between a closed position in which the pressure surfaces are in facing opposition and an open position, and latch means for retaining the jaws closed. When the jaws are moved towards their closed position with a suitably thick object disposed therebetween, they will initially contact the object at a point and then rotate about that point, causing the hinge arms to stretch and thereby increase the spacing between the pressure surfaces, whereby they may be closed with a strong and relatively uniform clamping pressure about the object.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a clamping device with an attached arm in which the act of opening the clamp makes the arm flexible and the act of closing the clamp makes the arm rigid. By operating in this manner, the present invention may allow a worker to position the arm (while flexible) in any number of different and easily attainable positions while also allowing the worker to secure a workpiece and immobilize the arm in a single step. In another embodiment of the present invention the arm can be made flexible independently of opening the clamp.

Abstract: A U-shaped clip seizes a bib napkin to a general region of the user's clothing that includes the chest and the lap, e.g. a shirt, sweater, blouse or suit coat. Optionally, a pair of clips may be utilized: one on each opposite edge or at the top and bottom of the napkin. The clip is molded from plastic and is configured with a pair of jaw pads operable by two pushbuttons: a capture pushbutton that closes the jaw pads and latches them together with a choice of progressive steps of closure to allow for variations in contained cloth thickness, and a release pushbutton that releases the jaw pads for removal. Promotional printing such as a logo or other sponsor identification can be imprinted on exterior surfaces of the clip or one of the pushbuttons, particularly the release pushbutton which has three external facets that can be configured in a special shape and/or fitted with a promotional or decorative overlay part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-part closure device or clip having a first and a second clip body component. The clip has a releasable latch at one end, a rigid connection at an opposite end, and at least one flexible neck disposed between the releasable latch and the rigid connection. The flexible neck hinges one clip body component with respect to the other clip body component while enabling the rigid connection to remain stationary with respect to both clip body components.

Abstract: A clip comprising a pair of jaws each having an axially extending pressure surface, and resilient hinge arms hinged together from which the jaws are cantilevered for movement between a closed position in which the pressure surfaces are in facing opposition and an open position, and latch means for retaining the jaws closed. When the jaws are moved towards their closed position with a suitably thick object disposed therebetween, they will initially contact the object at a point and then rotate about that point, causing the hinge arms to stretch and thereby increase the spacing between the pressure surfaces, whereby they may be closed with a strong and relatively uniform clamping pressure about the object.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a connector holding device to prevent the accidental disconnection of the two halves of a connection device for a fluid connector system.

Abstract: Methods for moving a device from an opened position to a closed position so as to enclose at least two relatively rigid articles. The device may include at least two members pivotally connected together at one end portion thereof for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis and having locking apparatus at the other end portion thereof. Moving the device from the opened position to the closed position may include applying a force to at least one portion of the device.

Abstract: The application describes a closeable bag, pouch or container (1) with an opening (2) which can be closed by means of a lock unit (4) which cooperates with a disposable locking member (6) to close the bag, pouch or container. The opening (2) has first and second opposing sides.

Abstract: A clamping device includes two jaws each having a hinge end pivotally secured together with a pivot shaft. One of the jaws includes a distal attachment end having a number of teeth, and the other jaw includes a distal attachment end having a pivotal pawl which has a catch biased to engage with either of the teeth of the jaw, and to detachably or openably secure the attachment ends of the jaws together. A spring may bias the catch of the pawl to engage with either of the teeth. A housing may further be secured to the jaw to shield the teeth or the pawl, and to prevent the pawl from being disengaged from the teeth inadvertently.

Abstract: A retainer injection-molded from tough plastics for securing two wire meshed/grilled members together, for enabling the two secured members to be turned relative to each other between the operative position and the collapsed position. The retainer has two transverse through holes arranged in parallel, and two peripheral gaps through which the respective wire rods of the first and second wire meshed/grilled members are respectively set into the transverse through holes.

Abstract: Bag closure 100, formed from a single length of pliable, resilient substantially-tubular hose comprises a first “base” section 10 of unmodified hose, a second narrowed “neck” section 20, and a third “clamp” section 30. Clamp section 30 is a trimmed section of hose having a substantially C-shaped cross section, formed by removing a narrow strip of hose material parallel to the hose axis. Hinge 20 is a trimmed section of hose having a substantially parenthesis-shaped cross section, formed by removing a wider strip of hose material parallel to the hose axis. A bag neck may be sealed by laying the flattened bag neck across substantially-cylindrical base 10, folding the closure at its narrowed neck or hinge 20 and forcing clamp section 30 over base 10, trapping the bag neck between base 10 and clamp 30 and forming a tight seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a gas bag in its folded position, the device comprising a hollow receiving body having an outlet opening and provided for accommodating the gas bag. The receiving body has an opening flap connected with it, which in a closed state of the receiving body closes the outlet opening of the receiving body via a detent connection. The detent connection has a ring connected with and formed on one of the receiving body and the opening flap, and has at least one pair of projecting hooks connected with one of the opening flap and the receiving body. The hooks engage on opposite sections of the ring and are orientated facing away from each other. The invention further relates to a side gas bag protective means which is equipped with such a device.

Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.

Abstract: An improved bag clamp and bag cutter is presented that is a non-obvious increase in capability over this inventor's previous bag clamp/cutter invention. The improved clamp possesses a stronger spring, an improved cutting blade with safety guard, a springboard button for pressing the blade firmly against a bag surface, and other improvements.

Abstract: A facility for mounting an electronic component includes a first circuit board having of mounting apertures. A mounting element is associate with each aperture, and includes a boss defining a bore. The boss has a first surface contacting a major surface of the first circuit board, and a second surface opposite the first surface. A pin is received in the bore, and has a lower portion protruding from the first surface of the boss and into one of the apertures. The pins lower portion definves a spece to capture a portion of the first circuit board. A fastener connected to the pin may generate compression between the spece and the boss to secure the board, and a corner-shaped protrusion on the second surface may constrain the corner periphery of a second board resting on the second surface, with the fastener also securing the second board against the boss.

Abstract: An EAS marker containing seal comprises a housing defining an interior recess seating an EAS marker and a latching structure adjacent an end of the housing. The housing has a flexible tail extending outwardly thereof and the tail defines a plurality of latching apertures. The housing defines an opening distal from each of the latching structure and the recess and of dimensions permitting entry of a free end of the tail into the housing members. The housing further defines an interior channel permitting movement of the tail over and beyond the EAS marker into the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A cord clip for fastening a cord attached to e.g. an earphone to an object such as a clothes is disclosed. The cord clip includes a clipping portion for clamping the object and a cord holding portion for holding the cord. The clipping portion is formed by a first annular portion having a discontinuity at a part thereof. The clipping portion is capable of clamping the object at a clamping portion thereof provided by a narrow gap formed by the discontinuity of the first annular portion by means of an elastic resilient force of the first annular portion. The cord holding portion is formed by a second annular portion having a discontinuity at a part thereof. The cord holding portion is capable of holding the cord therein by means of an elastic resilient force of the second annular portion. This elastic resilient force of the second annular portion is independent of that of the first annular portion. The first annular portion and the second annular portion are formed integrally in a single member.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping an object includes a clamp with a first gripping element and a second gripping element that is connected by a pivot rod and includes a resilient element to maintain the clamp in closed position in the absence of applied pressure, and a release mechanism. An arm with a cable encased by a plurality of tubular, cone shaped segments is attached to the release mechanism, which is in turn attached to the clamp and includes either coil springs or bow springs for maintaining tension in the cable when the clamp is in a closed position, and for releasing tension in the cable when the clamp is opened.

Abstract: An encirclement to stabilize, and if desired also to anchor bundles of wires. It includes a base segment and a pair of integral arm segments having interior arcuate surfaces to encircle the bundle when the stiffly flexible arms are brought together. A latch tooth extends from each arm segment. The latch teeth extend across a central plane which all of the segments confront, to engage and latch the arm segments to one another and thereby encircle the bundle to hold it together.

Abstract: A device is provided for securing a flat object to a carrier plate. The device includes a base plate with a pair of spaced apart end sections, and a middle section extending between the end sections. A pair of upwardly protruding extensions each has a lower end attached to the middle section of the base, and an upper end spaced therefrom. The extensions are spaced apart by a distance and are elastic such that the upper ends may be pushed apart. A bridge extends between the upper ends of the extension. The bridge has a pair of spaced apart ends interconnected with the upper ends of the extension and a midportion therebetween. The bridge has a total length greater than the length the distance between the extensions. The bridge has a disengaged position wherein the midportion is spaced from the middle section of the base plate and the upper ends of the extension are not pushed apart.

Abstract: A combined hook and clip includes a mounting housing which can be integrated into a vehicle panel or separately provided and which includes a recess for receiving a pivoted combined hook and clip. The hook and clip includes a mounting collar, which is pivotally mounted within the housing by a pivot pin, a downwardly and inwardly projecting leg extending from the mounting collar to a base. Extending integrally upwardly and outwardly from the base is a second leg which, together with the first leg and base, defines a generally U-shaped hook. Extending downwardly from the second leg and projecting below the base is a third leg with a gripper member facing the housing for defining a clip. A bias member retains the combined hook and clip within the recess of the housing and urges the clip into a gripping position.

Abstract: The fastening device is for releasably engaging a fastening element connected to one of the ends of the shoulder-strap of a handbag. The device comprises an inner plate-like element to be disposed against an inner surface of the handbag, an outer body to be disposed on an outer surface of the handbag in a position corresponding to that of the inner plate-like element, and to be fixed to the inner plate-like element on the handbag, and a slider mounted for sliding on the outer body and defining therewith a fastening seat which can be opened and closed.

Abstract: The new buckle is made of two pieces which work with laminated strap webbing or open weave strap webbing. Web engagements within the buckle prevent the web from sliding through in any direction, or allow the belting to move in only one direction. Bases of side extensions of the inner plate have locking lugs. Moveable rounded side portions of the outer plate have locking tabs which engage the lugs to prevent movement out or into the locking position. Locking and unlocking the buckle requires squeezing rounded sides together while pushing or pulling on the outer plate. Teeth extend inward from the outer locking plate. Angled through-holes in the lower plate receive the teeth and hold the locking teeth in engaged position when the buckle is locked. Locking teeth angularly mounted in recesses in the upper plate are deflected when the webbing strap is pulled in a tightening direction.

Abstract: A hair clip includes a formation defining an elongated base arm having two knobs, an elongated closure arm defining two apertures, and a hinge region connecting the arms for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. Each knob has a stem portion and a free end portion defining an end area with a peripheral acute angle flat-face detent. In a preferred embodiment, the hair clip, when closed, defines a passage for hair having several sharp bends, including acute angle 180° bends.

Abstract: A reusable, flexible positioning and locking clip for garment hangers and other cylindrical objects and the like that proportionally positions, and locks garment hangers or other cylindrical objects into place.

Abstract: A hanger for articles includes a body defining a support element, first and second clamp members supported by the support element for pivotal closing movement onto one another and locking structure releasably retaining the first and second clamp members in mutually closed relation, the body further defining guard structure aside the locking structure for limiting access thereto.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing and mounting elements used in costuming and decoration, includes an upper plate having at least one interior bar for looping the elements onto the upper plate, and having openings on both sides of the interior bar, and a lower plate with a securing mechanism for securing the lower plate to the upper plate, so that when the plates are secured together the looped elements are held into place on the fastening device which is attached to a costume, clothing or other article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hose strangler which considerably reduces the risk of slippage when the strangler is being removed from the hose. The hose strangler includes a clamping member adapted to hold a hose in position. The clamping member has a first arm having a concave portion for receiving the hose and a second arm having a convex portion matching the concave portion of the first arm, the concave and convex portions defining a hose strangling area, where the first and second arms are pivotally secured at a first end so as to permit the clamping member to rotate between a closed position and an opened position. A blocking mechanism to open and close an opening between the first and second arms is also provided, where the blocking mechanism is located in the hose strangling area. A locking mechanism is also provided for securing the clamping member in a closed position.

Abstract: A clamp for closing a polymer bag, including a pair of opposed clamp members wherein said clamp members are movable between a closed and an opened condition, each one of said pair of clamp members having a long axis and an inner and an outer surface. A hinge attaches the pair of clamp members and biases the clamp members into a closed condition. In holding a bag in a closed condition, a blade disposed on the inner surface of one of the clamp members is urged by the hinge against and an opposed recessed anvil, disposed on the inner surface of the other clamp member. In addition, a plurality of ribs disposed parallel to the clamp member long axis and located on the inner surface of each one of said pair of clamp members aid in gripping the bag within the clamp by intercalation of the ribs of one clamp with those of the other clamp. During the bag opening process, the ribs stretch the bag material for effective cutting when the material is moved past the blade.

Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.

Abstract: A vascular dilatation catheter including an elongated catheter shaft having a distal and a proximal end and a first lumen extending therethrough fluid connection with a distally located balloon and a second lumen capable of receiving a guidewire is provided with a clip device attached about a proximal portion of the catheter shaft and adapted to releasibly secure the catheter shaft in a coiled configuration between uses.

Abstract: A combined clip retaining bracket and bag retaining clip. Several channels are formed in the bracket each having a lower opened slot extending the length of the bracket. A clip with two legs pivotally connected together at one of their ends is inserted pivot end first into each of the channels. Along the two facing side surfaces of the clip are a sealing strip and a mating groove used to seal the opened top edge of any bag inserted between them. Any food products, like potato chips, whose bags need resealing may be hung from the clips retained by the bracket's channels. To insure the clips are pressed together properly, the width of the channel is just slightly greater than the total width of the inserted clip. The two legs of the clips are substantially the same length and the channel may have a closed and opened front end.

Abstract: A clamp for mounting a drip tray to a transformer fuse holder has only two connecting members which are a first arm and a second arm. The first arm comprises a proximal end attached to the drip tray and a distal male end. The second arm comprises a proximal end attached to the drip tray and a distal female end. The male end comprises an insertion member, a male mating detent protruding from the insertion member, and a male locking detent protruding from the male end. The female end comprises a receiving member, a female mating detent protruding from the receiving member, and a female locking detent protruding from the receiving member. When the insertion member mates with the receiving member, the male mating detent and the female mating detent align, and the male locking detent and the female locking detent align such that the clamp becomes locked in three perpendicular directions.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a gas bag in its folded position. The device comprises a one-piece hollow body, which has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, a first and a second side wall, a connecting web and a flap section formed on the first side wall. A clip connection is provided by means of which the flap section can be connected with the second side wall having a bracket. Two longitudinal slits are incorporated in the flap section and an elastically flexible closure hook is provided which is separated from the flap section by the two longitudinal slits. The closure hook has a thickened free end which when the body is closed engages behind the bracket formed on the second side wall. Further, the invention relates to a side gas bag module.

Abstract: A shoe fringe clamp comprising a top arm, a bottom arm, a joint that allows the top arm to extend upward away from the bottom arm, and a clasp assembly that secures a smaller extension extending from the top arm to a hollow bottom extension extending from the bottom arm. Rubber strips are positioned along the inner surfaces of the top arm and bottom arm. While in the open position, the bottom arm of the shoe fringe clamp is placed under a layer of fringes found on the top portion of a shoe and the top arm is descended onto the bottom arm, thus fastening the clasp assembly. The fringes are then secured between the top arm and the bottom arm. The rubber strips protect the material of the fringes from damage.

Abstract: A track assembly for supporting fabrics includes first and second tracks each having one-half of a hinge and one-half of a snapping clamp which, when interfaced, become a hinged clamp. When snapped or clamped together, the tracks tighten and securely clamp fabric to be hung on a wall. The track assembly includes a resilient longitudinal edge and a longitudinal flange spaced inward the edge which configuration allows for the facile creation of tight seams between pieces of fabric along longitudinal edges of respective clamps.

Abstract: A base mounting structure which can easily be mounted in a minimal operation space with a minimal protrusion from the underside of a board. The base mounting structure is provided with first and second mounting portions 17 and 27 protruding downwardly and outwardly from opposite ends 14 and 24 of a base 10 having a central hinge portion 11 and resilient engaging members 30a and 30b having engaging portions 33a and 33b protruding outwardly from lower ends thereof. When the first and second mounting portions 17 and 27 and the engaging members 30a and 30b are inserted into holes 51, 52 and 53 in a board 50, the base 10 is firmly mounted to the board 50. An upper portion of the base 10 is provided with an openable/closable cable holding portion 40 and a locking portion 42 for locking the cable holding portion 40.

Abstract: A belt clip for supporting an object on a user's belt includes an inward portion for insertion between the user's belt and body, having a first hinge portion on one edge thereof and including a pair of spaced-apart, flexible wings located at the other edge thereof, wherein each wing has a first locking structure thereon; an outward portion for attaching an object thereto, having a second hinge portion thereon and having a second locking structure thereon; and a hinge pin for joining said first hinge portion and said second hinge portion together in a moveable condition.

Abstract: A line keep includes a substantially flat base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. Positioned on the bottom surface is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Extending through the base between the top surface and opposing bottom surface are a pair of spaced apart apertures. A first prong upwardly projects from the top surface of the base and terminates in a horizontally disposed first finger disposed over the first aperture. A second prong projects from the top surface of the base adjacent to the second aperture and terminates at a second finger horizontally disposed over the second aperture. The first finger and second finger face in opposing directions and are configured to project through opposing sides of a vertical reference plane extending through the base between the first and second prong. The prongs can be selectively moved between an upstanding position and a folded position wherein the fingers are positioned adjacent to the line.

Abstract: The lockable tamper-evident device is suitable for securing a closure member in its closed position to an article. The device comprises a pair of arms (1,1') which are movable between an open position in which the arms (1,1') are engagable with an article and/or a closure member, and a locked-closed position in which disengagement of the arms from the article and/or the closure member is prevented by engagement of a cooperable locking means.Preferably, the arms (1,1') are engagable with a projection 7,7' extending either from the article and through an opening in the closure member or from the closure member and through an opening in the article.Preferably, the cooperable locking means (8,10,11,12) is carried by the arms (1,1'), activation of the locking means (8,10,11,12) being brought about by movement of the arms (1,1') to the locked-closed position. In the locked-closed position removal of the closure member is prevented by engagement of the arms (1,1') with the article and/or the closure member.

Abstract: An improved bag clamp and bag cutter is presented that is a non-obvious increase in capability over this inventor's previous bag clamp/cutter invention. The improved clamp possesses a stronger spring, an improved cutting blade with safety guard, a springboard button for pressing the blade firmly against a bag surface, and other improvements.