Corrugated Or Toothed Face Patents (Class 24/562)
  • Patent number: 11771115
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include devices adaptable to dehydrate articles, including foods. Embodiments are shown which can be compacted for reduced storage, and/or shipping requirements and/or for other purposes. Embodiments include simple, inexpensive means for controlling dehydrating conditions, including airflow. Various article holding devices, including devices to hold foods being dehydrated, are also shown. Such devices include vertical, diagonal, and horizontal panels to secure articles. Embodiments shown have variations which include the use of non-motorized convection airflow, as well as devices which incorporate motor driven air movement means. Embodiments are shown which may be used for preparing articles, including foods, for dehydration, including slicing such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Iulius Marici
  • Patent number: 10914624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scoop (1) comprising a bowl (2) and a handle connected to the bowl (2) and comprising a clip (6). The clip (6) can be used for re-closing a bag containing a product to be dosed by the bowl (2). The clip (6) is delimited by a free edge (9), and there is a gap (12) between the free edge (9) of the clip (6) and handle edges (10) of regions of the handle (3) surrounding the clip (6). At least a part of the clip edge (9) and at least a part of the handle edges (10) delimiting the gap (12) are provided with teeth (13) in the form of teeth-shaped protrusions. The teeth (13) at the clip edge (9) and the teeth (13) at a proximate handle edge (10), respectively, are arranged at alternating positions along a longitudinal extension of the gap (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Rik Nuijen, Angela Schoenmakers, Rafael Schraml
  • Patent number: 9375248
    Abstract: An electrosurgical high frequency (HF) generator comprising a generator circuit that produces an HF current between an active electrode and at least one neutral electrode. During the cutting or coagulating of biological tissue, unwanted tissue heating due to the HF current can be reduced because the electrosurgical HF generator comprises at least one further auxiliary neutral electrode connected in parallel to the neutral electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Beller, Ralf Klein
  • Patent number: 8840010
    Abstract: A box closure device engages and holds the flaps of a box in their downward closed position. The device is constructed in a general “I” shape such that the top member is parallel and connected to a bottom member by a vertical member. It slides inward between the opposing flaps of a box from one (or either) side of the box with the “I-beam” connecting member of the device fitting in the space between the flaps. The top and bottom members are of sufficient length, width and depth to hold the box closed. The device gains further operative value when promotional or box content labels, business cards, displays, signage, décor, pictures or the like are applied to the surface of the top and/or bottom members of the said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Eco-Latch Systems LLC
    Inventor: Jack D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8181317
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping device which can resiliency clamp an item. The claming device comprises a W-shaped metallic member to impart resilience for clamping an item, and a casing member having the metallic member embedded therein. The casing member is formed of a polymeric material through injection-molding to prevent corrosion of the metallic member while enhancing an appearance of the clamping device. A mold for the clamping device, and a method for manufacturing the same are also disclosed. Since the metallic member for imparting resilience is embedded in the casing member, the clamping device can be easily manufactured as a single component, remarkably reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, the metallic member is prevented from being corroded, whereby the clamping device has a remarkably enhanced endurance as well as a compact structure and a high quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Gye Youl Kim
  • Patent number: 8167252
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for securing a portion of a medical device. The system includes a first arm, where the first arm includes a gripper. The system also includes a second arm. The second arm is attached to the first arm, can move relative to the first arm and includes a gripper. The gripper of the first arm and the gripper of the second arm are configured to grip an external object. The system further includes a fastener, where the fastener is configured to releasably attach the first arm to the second arm, and a holder, where the holder is configured to hold at least a portion of a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Component Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Nitsche, William Woods, Bader Munir, Amy Young
  • Patent number: 8151808
    Abstract: An elastic hair clip includes a clip frame composed of a first clip frame and a second clip frame, and a joint member. The first and the second clip frame respectively have one end integrally forming a joined end and another end forming an open end, respectively. A clipping strip is disposed between the first and the second clip frame, a little shorter than the first and the second clip frame and having one end formed integrally with the joined end of the first and the second clip frame. When the hair clip is used, the open ends of the first and the second clip frame are combined together by the joint member to make the first and the second clip frame properly curved for clipping hair with the help of the clipping strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jui-Ming Tu
  • Patent number: 8061070
    Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Chamandy
  • Patent number: 7877916
    Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations. A label strip with respective indicia and with an RFID transponder and/or a machine-readable code can be adhesively adhered either directly to a garment across a fold or to the marking clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Chamandy
  • Patent number: 7562421
    Abstract: There is provided a connecting clasp for joining adjacing modular units of a solar collector mounted on roofs or other surfaces, including two substantially upright walls defining between them a space of a width capable of accommodating the end portions of spacer bars of the solar collector and a plurality of catches with inwards and downwards inclined top faces projecting from inside faces of the two upright walls. By application of force to a spacer bar seatable on the upper edges of the top faces of the catches, the upright walls are spread apart, letting the spacer bars enter the space until the catches snap into recesses provided in the spacer bars, thereby locking the clasp into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Magen Eco Energy A.C.S. Ltd.
    Inventor: Micha Plaschkes
  • Patent number: 7308739
    Abstract: An adjustable clip for gripping a tarp or the like. There are first and second jaw portions having first ends that are joined by a hinge and second ends that are spread apart to form a receiving area. A finger-operated screw or threaded knob is mounted to the jaw portions at a location between the first and second ends, so that the jaw portions are urged together in response to tightening of the screw or knob. The hinge may be a live hinge for resiliently biasing the jaw portions apart, and the jaw portions and live hinge may be formed as a unitarily molded structure. An attachment portion extends from the hinge and has at least one opening for receiving a rope or other cord therein. The jaw portions are provided with surface contouring for securely gripping the sheet material of the tarp while minimizing damage thereto. The grip force of the assembly can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the threaded knob or screw as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventors: Todd D Andersen, Robert M Cameron
  • Patent number: 7146691
    Abstract: A fabric-retaining structure includes: a body; and a fabric-gripping jaw arrangement coupled to the body. The jaw arrangement includes: a crenated jaw having crenated teeth and a serrated jaw having serrated teeth. The crenated jaw is arranged in opposition to the serrated jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Kintzing, Christof M. Kintzing
  • Patent number: 6678921
    Abstract: A tie component comprising first and second pre-crimped portions. Each pre-crimped portion has a plurality of alternating indentations and projections. The pre-crimped portions are joined by alignment and relative movement with respect to one another such that at least one of the first portion projections engages at least one of the second portion indentations and at least one of the second portion projections engages at least one of the first portion indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: AstenJohnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc P. Despault, James Harrison
  • Patent number: 6405414
    Abstract: The clip of the present invention is a one-piece plastic clip having a plurality of substantially “C” shaped socket members, for example two, wherein the interior surface is not smooth. Rather, the interior is designed to enhance the grip on the protective tube. In one preferred embodiment, the interior surface has a plurality of spaced projections extending therefrom. Other textured surfaces can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Contech Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Byrnes, Robert A. DiPetrillo
  • Patent number: 6378175
    Abstract: A resilient fastening clip (10) for attaching a plant member (22) to a portion of a support structure includes a clip wall (24) that creates a first enclosure (12) and a second enclosure (14) which are integrally fashioned from the clip wall (24). The first enclosure (12) has a first enclosure entry mouth (16), and the second enclosure (14) has a second enclosure entry mouth (18). The first enclosure entry mouth (16) may lie either within the second enclosure (14), or may be external to it. A flexible arm (34) is optionally provided to help capture the support wire (20). The clip (10) may also have a number of gripper protrusions (46) which prevent rotation of the plant member (22) within the second enclosure (14). An alternative preferred embodiment of a resilient clip (110) has a transverse wire channel (58) formed in the first enclosure region (12), into which a support wire (20) may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Doorframer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Vanderpan
  • Patent number: 6224137
    Abstract: An auxiliary sun shield for use on a motor vehicle's windshield visor effectively blocks out sun rays which the visor itself is not capable of blocking. The auxiliary sun shield comprises a clip member and a glare reducing polymeric sheet element rotatably mounted on the clip member. The clip member has two elongated legs joined at lower terminuses by a connecting leg. The connecting leg has two opposed side wall recesses. The glare reducing polymeric sheet element is generally rectangular-shaped with a notch in an approximately centered upper edge. The notch is shaped to have two inwardly extending opposed ears. The notch and the opposed ears are dimensioned to fit over the connecting leg of the clip member and extend into the recesses of the connecting leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Richard E. Hunker
  • Patent number: 5987795
    Abstract: A file card for a paper slip holder and dispensing unit comprises a substantially flat stiff support panel having a generally rectangular configuration, a front face, a back face, a top edge and a bottom edge, a mounting attachment at the bottom edge for mounting on a support shaft, and a coupon clip on the front and back faces, the clip formed of a substantially rectangular sheet of semi-rigid material having a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end secured to the support panel adjacent an edge thereof, the sheet formed with a rounded fold along a transverse line forming a long panel and a short panel having a common edge, the short panel having the free end, the short panel disposed adjacent the face of the support panel, and the free edge of the short panel curved toward the face of the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Paul A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5970669
    Abstract: The molding strip includes a base, first and second walls each having a non-gripping section and a gripping section on the side of the non-gripping section remote from the base. The gripping section includes a plurality of teeth having long and short sides. The long sides face outwardly of the molding strip to facilitate insertion of the fabric between the teeth and into the collection cavity defined by the non-gripping sections and base. In a preferred form, one of the walls inclines toward the opposing wall, with the gripping sections lying parallel to one another, whereby a single bevel cut on the core panel may be made to facilitate installation of the molding strip onto the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Bryan K. Livingston
  • Patent number: 5966783
    Abstract: A clasp-like device for securing sunglasses or other articles to sunvisors or other acceptable surfaces. This is accomplished by installing the sunglass temples between one of the device jaws and the sunvisor. The device is opened by applying pressure to a lever that is located near the intersection of the device jaws. On the inner surface of a device jaw nubs can be placed, if required, to aid in the securing of sunglasses or other articles in position. The device can also be held in position by a device retainer which can be mounted where there are unacceptable surfaces by using two-faced adhesive or a screw. The device is made of injection molded glass reinforced nylon or similar material for holding tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Carrol H. Genereux, James R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5884372
    Abstract: A clip, for example attachable to both a refreshment tube of a reservoir-based hydration system and to, for example, an article of clothing. The tube clip includes a tube attachment section to attach the tube clip to the refreshment tube, and a clip section and locking arm to releasably attach the tube clip to the article of clothing. A person engaged in an activity may thus affix the refreshment tube to a location on clothing by engaging the locking area while a portion of the clothing fabric is within a clipping area. The location of attachment on clothing can be selected to provide easy, quick, or "no-hands" access to the refreshment tube. The clip may be formed from molded plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Anscher, Gary Fraze
  • Patent number: 5836097
    Abstract: A shelf divider, label and sign holder system comprising an elongated universal support element formed with a relatively rigid channel-shaped shell adapted to be adhesively mounted on a vertically or horizontally extending surface. The support element includes an extended cover portion with flexible fingers co-extruded therewith and adapted to engage the mounting surface itself to removably capture therebetween portions of an item to be supported by the support element. When used as a vertical surface sign holder system, the support element is generally horizontally secured to the vertical surface, with the channel opening downwardly and a paper, cardboard or plastic indicia-containing label or sign securely held at its upper edges between the flexible fingers and the vertical mounting surface. The same support element may be adhesively secured to the undersurface of a shelf juxtapositioned to the front edge thereof, for reception of a perpendicular mounting flange of an adhesive or non-adhesive label holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: FEMC Ltd.
    Inventors: Kirk Lewis, John Gebka, Michael Brinkman, Neil Speed
  • Patent number: 5819381
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus, and more specifically a gripping apparatus that can be used with a shirttail retaining harness to grip garments and secure them in place without damaging the garments. The gripping apparatus 30 comprises an upper member 34 having a substantially flat, elastic upper surface 32 and a lower member 38 having a substantially non-flat, rigid lower surface 36. When the gripping apparatus is in a closed position to grip a garment, the lower member 38 is urged into contact with the upper member 34, such that the lower surface 36 elastically deforms the upper surface 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Robert C. Bosack
    Inventor: Micheal D. Lake
  • Patent number: 5813786
    Abstract: A writing instrument that may be secured or attached to an article, such as a credit card. The inventive writing instrument is configured in the form of a cylindrical casing having at least two opposingly biased resilient jaws or projections extending therefrom, a writing element disposed within said casing and a cap for covering the writing point of the writing element. A credit card or similar article can be easily and conveniently inserted between the resilient jaws or projections and will be securely retained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Amir Fraenkel
  • Patent number: 5787556
    Abstract: A strap take-up device for a fashion accessory that includes an elongated strap of a purse or similar bag. The take-up device receives a strap in a looped form and selectively retains the strap in a plurality of desired positions. The retaining member receives and retains the strap in its desired position without slippage by providing a unitary body defining a spring clip formed of an elongated sheet folded, at least twice, back onto itself to form at least two strap retaining passages. The spring clip is elastically deformable to allow each of the passages to expand to an open position to allow a strap to be disposed therein and contract to a closed position to frictionally retain the strap. The spring clip is spring biased to contract to the closed position. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the spring clip takes the forms of a W-shaped or S-shaped design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Pacific Connections of California, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Terzian
  • Patent number: 5546641
    Abstract: A clip is disclosed which comprises a unitary body having a pair of opposing arms joined by an arcuate portion and each of the arms having an opposed jaw portion at ends opposite the arcuate portion, each of the jaw portions having an exterior surface and an interior surface, each exterior surface having a finger grip and each interior surface having teeth with each finger grip being positioned above each of the teeth, and at least one of the opposing arms having a planar section adjacent the arcuate portion and an offset section between the planar section and the jaw portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Clipps, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Radvin, Steve Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5546638
    Abstract: A clamp, particularly suitable for tidily restraining a set of sheets, documents and the like, appropriately grouped together in a form suitable for easy consultation thereof, preventing individual sheets from falling out or becoming lost. The clamp includes two clamping jaws longitudinally extending and provided on one side with opposite clamping edges for gripping the set of sheets to be clamped; the two jaws are hinged at one of their ends and are provided with a snap-engaging device which can be manually disengaged to allow the insertion or removal of the sheets. The clamp is particularly suitable for gripping a set of individual paper sheets, magazines, newspapers or for other similar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: I.M.L. Industria Meccanica Lombarda S.R.L.
    Inventor: Michelangelo Chiodaroli
  • Patent number: 5537724
    Abstract: An ornamental clip comprises generally a flat conical base and an elastic plate coupled on their corresponding ends thereof. The base has an intermediate corrugated rectangular plate in different curvature disposed into a longitudinal recess along the length of its center line and a square socket formed at the flat end thereof including a horizontal slot and a pair of rectangular recesses on upper portion. The elastic plate has a elongate elliptical recess formed along its longitudinal center line, a pair of three-point elastic centers respectively pressed adjacent the two ends of the elliptical recess and a rectangular plug formed at the flat end having a pair of spaced rectangular spring snap catches formed on longitudinal center line for a readily connection of the rectangular plug with the square socket in a snap fitting. There are several modified examples and an interlocking structure based on this ornament clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Kuo-Hua Chou
  • Patent number: 5509168
    Abstract: A dental oral hygiene device for extending the useful lifetime of a toothbrush having a handle and a plurality of longitudinal bristles, the bristles having a defined length and being attached generally normal to the handle and forming a generally rectilinear array, each of the bristles having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end forming a tip, the device including a structure for applying pressure to the bristles at at least two points along the bristle length, preferably approximately at the bristle tip and at a point between the bristle tip and the proximal end of the bristle, a receptacle structure supporting the structure for applying pressure and for containing at least a portion of the toothbrush including the bristles, wherein the bristles are forced generally inwardly such that the rectilinear array is generally maintained and the bristles are prevented from splaying outwardly relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventors: C. P. Butler, F. M. Butler
  • Patent number: 5487690
    Abstract: An assortment of clamps, for use by a child to clamp panels of scrap corrugated panel, to make free standing play structures. The clamps are extrusions of high density polysterene, incorporating flexible legs, that form a U-shaped panel receiving section. Each clamp has a panel insertion guide, an elastic deformation gripping section, and a crush deformation gripping section. The clamps are designed to be easy for a child to insert a corrugated panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventors: Thomas N. Stoffle, Linda M. Stoffle
  • Patent number: 5440791
    Abstract: A clip preferably monolithically formed of a single piece of resilient and pliable material (e.g., plastic), provides for the securing together of individual units of stocking, socks, and hose and the like, into their proper pairs for ease of sorting for laundry and storage. The clip provides a gripping force biasing the jaws shut, by means of a spring action in the handle portion or by alternative latching means between the two handle portions, while the jaws are relatively wide to distribute the clamping or gripping forces so as to preclude crushing of the fabric or other pliable material gripped therein. The clip may be provided in a variety of colors, in order that they and any articles gripped therein may be recognized readily, and a storage container which is easily attachable in the laundry area (e.g., to the side of a laundry hamper) may be provided for the storage of the clips when they are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Robert R. Guio
  • Patent number: 5423831
    Abstract: A plastics umbilical cord clamp is disclosed. This clamp has a pair of arms having their inner ends joined by a hinge and their outer ends connected by a locking device. The device comprises one member having a body with a transverse groove therein and a second member comprising a tongue with hook which engages in the groove. The first mentioned member further comprises a cross-bar spaced away from and above the groove and the tongue is capable of being inserted between the cross-bar and the body. The tongue also has a projection to engage the cross-bar when the hook engages in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Colin Nates
  • Patent number: 5214892
    Abstract: A molding strip for use in a molding strip assembly supports flexible materials on a surface with insulation provided between the flexible materials and the surface. The molding strip has an elongated base having a backside, a front side and first and second side edges that extend in the direction of elongation of the base. A first gripper wall extends perpendicularly from the front side of the base. A second gripper wall includes a first wall portion that extends from the base at a position on the base spaced from the first gripper wall, a second wall portion extending from the first wall portion toward the first gripper wall so that a space is defined by the base, the first gripper wall, the first wall portion of the second gripper wall and the second wall portion of the second gripper wall, and a third wall portion that extends from the second wall portion parallel to the first gripper wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventors: Bryan K. Livingston, Douglas M. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5199140
    Abstract: A clip for holding merchandise near the forward end portion of either a single-armed display hanger or a loop-type hanger and for maintaining a predetermined vertically spaced relationship between the hanger and the overlying arm of a label holder. The clip may be adjusted to different vertical positions on the hanger to allow changing of the vertical spacing between the label holder arm and the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley C. Valiulis, Randy D. Long
  • Patent number: 5175913
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed which is useful as an element of a toy construction set, or in constructing various structures which can be easily disassembled. The connector includes a mutual connection portion for use in mutually connecting a plurality of connectors and which includes a female connecting portion formed by a recess with an octagonal inner cross section and a male connecting portions formed by a projection with an octagonal outer cross section. A clip member is preferably unitarily formed with the mutual connection portion and extends away therefrom for gripping a planar object and securing the planar object relative to the mutual connection portion. The clip member includes a pair of substantially parallel horizontally elongated legs fixed to the mutual connection portion and extending therefrom. The elongated legs are resilient and closely adjacent one another, such that they are adapted to grip the planar object by way of a biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventors: Wayne H. Mackie, Christopher L. Finding
  • Patent number: 5159731
    Abstract: An adjustable unitary clothespin which is molded from a resilient material and ready to use in the "as molded" condition. The clothespin is comprised of an arcuate upper portion and a pair of downward extending leg portions. The leg portions are movable from positions of adjacent non-interlocking relationship to positions of abutting interlocking relationship. When the legs are interlocked, surfaces of the legs are resiliently urged together by the upper arcuate portion to clamp an article of clothing between the leg portions. Extending outwardly from opposite sides of the upper arcuate portions is a pair of handles for displacing the interlocking leg portions to receive the article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Tod H. Dereadt
  • Patent number: 5117598
    Abstract: Molding strips are provided for use in frame assemblies for supporting and securing fabric or material sheets on substrates such as walls for decorative and acoustic purposes. An outside corner molding strip is provided, as well as molding strips for use as panel edges. Each panel edge molding strip has an elongated base portion having a back side to be disposed against a surface to which the base portion is to be attached. First and second gripper walls extend substantially perpendicularly from the front side of the base portion. These walls define a space therebetween for receiving fabric material therein. The first and second gripper walls have respective confronting portions having a gripping arrangement therebetween. A fabric material is stuffed between the confronting portions and gripped therebetween, the fabric being accumulated in the space between the gripper walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Bryan K. Livingston, Douglas M. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5113554
    Abstract: There is disclosed a clip which is molded of plastic and which has a design particularly adapted to retain fabrics on the crossbar of a conventional clothes hanger. The clip has a C-shaped body having opposite, coincident legs dependent from a central bight section, an integrally formed prong dependent from the bight section and an upright base leg projecting out of the plane of the clip body with a first reverse bend adjacent the base leg and a return prong section which is inclined towards the plane of the clip, and a second reverse bend in the prong to provide an upwardly curled tip which also projects out of the plane of the clip. The height of the base of the prong and the first reverse bend are sized to provide sufficient clearance from the body of the clip to permit snap-over retention of the clip on the cross bar of a hanger. Preferably, the body legs and the prong have textured or roughened opposing surfaces to enhance their gripping properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventors: Christine A. Gallo, Bianca M. Giglio
  • Patent number: 5063645
    Abstract: A clip consists of two symmetrical jaw parts each of which, in its central portion, has a set of teeth so that when the jaw parts are placed together, the teeth of one jaw part mesh with the teeth of the other jaw part. The ends of each jaw part are tapered so that when either end of the clip is pressed together the teeth act as a pivot causing the other end to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Agustin G. Crespo
  • Patent number: 5016559
    Abstract: The combination bookmark and writing instrument holder includes a generally planar marking strip and an integrally molded retaining clip at one end of the marking strip. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining clip includes a pair of generally symmetrical, outwardly jaws that together present a writing instrument retaining channel. The channel includes a writing instrument retaining portion, and an outwardly flared mouth portion for guiding the writing instrument into the retaining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignees: Vada J. Larson, Roger L. Larson
    Inventors: Vada J. Larson, Roger L. Larson, Walter I. Bieger
  • Patent number: 4858408
    Abstract: A hold-down clip for holding panels on inverted T-shaped members in a suspended ceiling characterized by a U-shaped one-piece member having a bight portion interconnecting two leg portions. Each of the leg portions, along an edge, has an inwardly bent flange with a plurality of teeth aligned with the teeth in the opposite leg portion and each of the leg portions has a foot portion adjacent the free end for engaging and holding the panel on the flanges of the T-shaped member. To increase the rigidity of the bight portion, it is preferably provided with two spaced embossments that extend into adjacent portions of each of the leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4839947
    Abstract: A clamp formed of a unitary piece of resilient material has a pair of opposed arms pivoted about an integral hinge member located between jaw and finger-grip portions of the arms. An integral biasing element joins the arms at the ends of the finger-grip portion, and is supported such that flex of the biasing element occurs at its central portion, displaced from the arms. The arms may be formed with an internal spine supporting an exterior wall defining the surfaces of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventors: Robert Cohen, Betty J. Charak
  • Patent number: 4835824
    Abstract: A medical clamp (14) formed from a unitary, molded plastic strip (10) folded at its midpoint (12) into a generally "C" shape. Each leg (16, 18) has a base portion (20, 24) and an angled jaws portion (22, 26). A bar (42) extends from one base portion toward the other base portion (24), where, in the assembled clamp, it interengages another bar (44). Pincer members (28, 29) at the ends of the jaw portions have teeth (30) for securing the clamp to a sheet (35) or similar support surface on the operating table. One of the pincer members includes at its rear portion facing the midpoint of the strip, a wedge-like member (84), projecting substantially transverse to the leg. The other pincer member includes a ledge portion (86) acting as a stop surface adapted to received the wedge member in sliding interference fit as the jaws are closed. The interferece fit of the ledge portion and the wedge member limits the movement of one jaw relative to the other in a direction parallel to the legs, as the jaws are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventors: Vaughn L. Durham, Jeffrey S. Goldblatt
  • Patent number: 4787591
    Abstract: The present invention relates a simple, inexpensive clamp comprised of a flexible "C"-shaped, fixed-diameter clamping means, a rigid support member, and a "C"-shaped anchoring means whose overall design and construction allows the user to fasten, secure, and release objects quickly and easily with a minimum level of dexterity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Gilberto M. Villacorta
  • Patent number: 4773132
    Abstract: A hand held holder includes a handle portion which joins two outwardly extending bifurcated legs which form an acute angle from said handle. Sharp-edged ridges on lateral teeth are provided on the inside surface of each of the legs and are arranged to extend at least partially across the width of the legs to provide a contact surface for a food item or object which is to be immersed. The outer ends of the legs terminate in a curved section or backwardly angled surface to guide the object into the teeth of the device. The resiliency of the material which forms the handle and legs of the device is sufficient to create a relatively strong compressive force on the surface of the object when it is gripped by the teeth so that, during the immersion in the liquid, when the object has reached suitable saturation, the compressive energy will be suddenly released, causing actual movement of the legs which creates a tactile or visual signal for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Robert E. Eckels
  • Patent number: 4763390
    Abstract: A one piece plastic clamp has a generally U-shaped outer structure including two outside legs and a thinned and downwardly curved upper bridging region from which the legs integrally depend. The clamp further includes a live hinge toggle joint for spanning the upper outside ends of the legs. The toggle joint has a release position peaking freely above the upper bridging region as the legs move relatively together and apart in the release position, and has a stable snap lock position directly adjacent to the upper bridging region thereby forcing the outer legs together in a clamped position. Two oppositely facing inner clamping jaws are relatively moveable freely with respect to each other and with respect to the outer structure in the release position. The jaws are for clamping an article between opposite faces when the clamp is in its snap lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: William B. Rooz
  • Patent number: 4745661
    Abstract: The device described herein comprises a cord or chain, preferably an elastic cord, with means for fastening one end to a cigarette lighter and means such as a clip, at the other end for attaching the cord to a portion of a lady's purse or to an article of a man's clothing. This device facilitates the finding and retrieval of the cigarette lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Creative Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor E. Wainscott
  • Patent number: 4669152
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved closure for ESD bags which provides an effective closure without causing the generation of additional charges nor blocking of the visibility of the component in the bag. More significantly, the present invention provides an effective yet easy to use closure which does not cause injury or irritation to the fingertips or fingernails of the ESD worker. The invention includes a pair of elongate rails which are substantially parallel when in a closed position. Support means are provided between the rails and a hinge for permitting the rails to move from the closed position to an open position. A latch slideable between a first closed position and a second open position maintains the rails in close relation when the invention is in use. The sliding motion of the latch obviates the necessity to pry open a snap as was necessary with the snap-stick of the prior art. In a particular embodiment, the supports are notched to assist in the maintenance of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Inventor: Jack P. Alexander
  • Patent number: 4662039
    Abstract: Presented is a gripping device incorporating a "live" and integral resilient blade for normally retaining the two elongated levers of the gripping device spaced apart at one end and in gripping relationship at the opposite end. The gripping device also incorporates an auxiliary holding device to which an element may be secured for relative rotation in relation to the gripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventor: Brian E. Richardson
  • Patent number: 4658996
    Abstract: A hanger assembly comprising an elongated cross-bar having a hook member and clip members integrally formed at end portions of the cross-bar intermediate the hook member. The clip members include cooperating jaw members and an intermediate hinge member shaped to facilitate a positioning of a spring member in the clip member to spring bias the jaw members thereof against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: John G. Warmath
  • Patent number: D382592
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: William L. Maruchi