SPRING CLIP DEVICE
United States Patent 3756550
A spring clip device having a main body and a spring-biased, pivotal body member held in a close relationship with each other by a spring means which is forcibly engaged against a bail integrally formed to the main body, the forward end of both bodies being in biased contact with each other, the opposite, free ends thereof being spaced apart to provide for a pivotal movement of the bodies about a fulcrum point located substantially below the spring means.
US Patent References:
Clasp
Kulp et al. - June 1935 - 2005841
Curl setting device
Solomon et al. - March 1949 - 2464739
Clothespin
Saunders - April 1952 - 2593201
Hair clip for use in giving permanent waves
Reiter - May 1953 - 2637329
Synthetic resin clothes pin
Rose - April 1960 - 2931086
Clasp
Kulp et al. - June 1935 - 2005841
Curl setting device
Solomon et al. - March 1949 - 2464739
Clothespin
Saunders - April 1952 - 2593201
Hair clip for use in giving permanent waves
Reiter - May 1953 - 2637329
Synthetic resin clothes pin
Rose - April 1960 - 2931086
Application Number:
05/278170
Publication Date:
09/04/1973
Filing Date:
08/04/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
24/457, 24/511, 24/303, 24/67.500
International Classes:
B42F1/00; B42F1/02; B42F9/00; D06F55/00; A44B21/00; F16B47/00
Field of Search:
24/49P,137R,137A,243P,243GC,248R,248SB,252R,252CP,252GC,252HC 248/26A
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Gelak, Bernard A.
Assistant Examiner:
Dorner, Kenneth J.
Claims:
I claim
1. A spring clip device comprising:
2. A spring clip device as recited in claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises a leaf spring having a forwardly-bent, free end and a base portion mounted to said second body member, and wherein said fulcrum means comprises a channel transversely disposed within said second body member, and a complimentary rib member integrally formed as part of said main body, said channel and said rib located substantially in alignment and under said base of said leaf spring, thereby simultaneously causing a downwardly and forwardly clamping action of said jaws.
3. A spring clip device as recited in claim 2 wherein said leaf spring is an integral part of said second body member, and wherein the base of said spring is enlarged and thinly tapered at its outer, free end.
4. A spring clip device as recited in claim 2 wherein said leaf spring is a flat, resilient, metal piece and said second body member is provided with a recess for receiving said leaf spring therein.
5. A spring clip device as recited in claim 4 including a support means disposed in said main body, wherein said device can be mounted thereby.
6. A spring clip device as recited in claim 5 wherein said main body includes a recess having support means disposed therein, said means comprising a magnet.
7. A spring clip device as recited in claim 5 wherein said support means comprises a plurality of holes disposed in said main body.
8. A spring clip device as recited in claim 5 wherein said second body member includes mounting means integrally formed as part of said body, whereby a writing instrument can be held in place.
1. A spring clip device comprising:
2. A spring clip device as recited in claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises a leaf spring having a forwardly-bent, free end and a base portion mounted to said second body member, and wherein said fulcrum means comprises a channel transversely disposed within said second body member, and a complimentary rib member integrally formed as part of said main body, said channel and said rib located substantially in alignment and under said base of said leaf spring, thereby simultaneously causing a downwardly and forwardly clamping action of said jaws.
3. A spring clip device as recited in claim 2 wherein said leaf spring is an integral part of said second body member, and wherein the base of said spring is enlarged and thinly tapered at its outer, free end.
4. A spring clip device as recited in claim 2 wherein said leaf spring is a flat, resilient, metal piece and said second body member is provided with a recess for receiving said leaf spring therein.
5. A spring clip device as recited in claim 4 including a support means disposed in said main body, wherein said device can be mounted thereby.
6. A spring clip device as recited in claim 5 wherein said main body includes a recess having support means disposed therein, said means comprising a magnet.
7. A spring clip device as recited in claim 5 wherein said support means comprises a plurality of holes disposed in said main body.
8. A spring clip device as recited in claim 5 wherein said second body member includes mounting means integrally formed as part of said body, whereby a writing instrument can be held in place.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a spring-loaded clip device and, more particularly, to a spring-loaded clip device having its fulcrum point positioned substantially below the spring thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As is well known in the art, various problems and difficulties have been encountered in providing a spring clip device having suitable, simple biasing means together with reliable working action under various conditions.
To the applicant's knowledge, a diversity of clips have been marketed with limited use potential. Various patents have also issued relating to spring-loaded clip devices and these, too, have limited applications, as well as manufacturing difficulties. As an example of limited applications, U.S. Pat. No. 3,030,681 is the closest device found to the present invention. This device provides a leaf spring which is directly engaged against the under face of one of the lever members and located rearwardly of the fulcrum means, thereby creating an enlarged spacing between the oppositely disposed members. Because of the relative position of the fulcrum means and the leaf spring to each other, the application of this arrangement is limited in use.
The applicant has overcome the above problems and this will be readily understood in the description of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a spring-loaded clip device including a main body to which there is juxtaposed a second body, and having disposed therebetween a fulcrum means. The second body is adapted with a biasing means, such as a leaf spring, attached to the upper side of the second body which forcibly engages the main body on the underside thereof. The leaf spring directly engages a bail member which is integrally formed as a part of the main body, the spring being bent forwardly, creating a downward and forward action, bringing the forward jaws of the clips into firm engagement, thereby providing the necessary gripping power required of the present invention. This downward and forward force is enhanced by the specific location of the pivot point of the fulcrum with respect to the leaf spring. That is, the fulcrum means comprises a channel or groove transversely disposed in the underside of the second body member and is adapted to receive a transversely arranged rib or shoulder having a complimentary configuration to that of the groove. These elements are positioned substantially below the base of the leaf spring, thereby allowing the predominant force of the spring to cause a forward thrust of the pivot point of the fulcrum means. To open the jaws, the rearward end portion of each body is arranged with inclined under surfaces, providing the necessary open space, whereby each end portion is allowed to be squeezed inwardly, rotating about the pivot point. Various other embodiments are herein shown to illustrate some of the many applications and uses that can be derived from this uniquely arranged, spring-loaded clip.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has for an important object a provision whereby a spring-loaded clip can be adapted to a multiplicity of uses without the basic configuration thereof being changed.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring-loaded clip having a positive, forward, holding thrust due to the alignment between the leaf spring and the fulcrum means.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a spring-clip device that is easily assembled and disassembled.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a device of this character that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a device of this character that is simple and rugged in construction.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a device of this character that has few moving parts.
Other characteristics, advantages and objects of this invention can be more readily appreciated from the following description and appended claims. When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this description forms a part of the specification wherein like references and characters designate corresponding parts in several views.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:
FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front-end view, illustrating the overlapping bail member which is an integral part of the lower, main body;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top-plan view of an alternative embodiment of the clip device;
FIG. 5 is a rear-end view of that shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4, showing a magnetic element disposed therein; and
FIG. 7 is a partial, perspective view of another arrangement of the clip device, wherein the main body is a support board and the upper body includes a means for holding a writing instrument.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown a spring-loaded clip device, generally indicated at 10. Due to the fact that various configurations may be employed using the present invention, the above-mentioned figures are illustrated as a clip, generally used as a clothespin. Therefore, this device comprises a main body 12 having a front end formed in a jaw-like manner, indicated at 14. Said main body is adapted to removably accommodate a second body member 16, said second body member also being provided with a jaw 18 at its front end for direct, forcible engagement with said lower jaw 14. Each of the body members is held in a juxtaposed position to the other by a biasing means, indicated generally by 20, a bail member 22 and a fulcrum means, generally indicated at 24. The combination of the three elements 20, 22 and 24 provides a unique method of incorporating a spring-loaded clip, heretofore unobtainable.
Referring now to FIG. 3 in which the device is shown in cross section along its length, said biasing means comprises a leaf spring 26 integrally molded to the upper surface 28 of body member 16 at a point rearward of the center portion of said body. Leaf spring 26 is provided with an enlarged base at the point where it interconnects to said surface 28 and extends upwardly therefrom, tapering to a thin, flat leaf at its outer end. To provide the necessary forward and downward thrust of body member 16, said main body includes a bail member integrally formed thereon, to which leaf spring 26 is forcibly engaged. Said bail member has oppositely upstanding sides 30, each being integrally attached at its lower end to the sides of the main body 12 and interconnected at its upper end by bridge member 32. Said bridge member is stationary with respect to said main body and is, therefore, used as the means by which leaf spring 26 is forcibly bent in a forward inclination, to provide the proper biasing force whereby the jaws 14 and 18 are held in firm engagement with each other.
Interposed between the main body 12 and the second body member 16 is the fulcrum means 24. The means is positioned so that it lies substantially under the base of the leaf spring 26, as seen in FIG. 3. Said fulcrum means comprises a channeled or grooved under surface 33 disposed transversely within the lower surface 34 of the second body member at a point on said under surface where the rear, tapered section 36 begins, and includes a rib member 38 transversely disposed on the upper surface 40 of said main body 12 as an integral part thereof and formed complimentary to the groove of the channel 33 in which it is movably received. Here too, the rib 38 is located at the junction where the upper, flat surface 40 tapers downwardly and outwardly, as indicated at 42. The placement of the fulcrum means 24 is essential to the proper working force necessary to operate the clip device, the maximum biasing pressure at the jaw-contact area together with a very nominal force required to squeeze the rear, tapered area together, allowing the jaws 14 and 18 to separate.
The bodies 12 and 16 are very readily taken apart or assembled. To assemble the spring clip, all that is required is to force the tapered, rear section 36 through the forward opening of the bail 22, at which time the leaf spring makes an engaging contact with the bridge member 32, forcing a downward movement of body 16, whereby tapered surface 36 rides over rib 38, allowing said rib to snap into channel 33, thereby holding said bodies in a contiguous relationship. Thus, to disassemble one body from the other, all that is needed is a slight upward force at 36 to disengage rib 38 from channel 33 and push forward on body 16, thereby permitting said body 16 to pass under bail 22.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
The following is a description of two alternative arrangements of spring-loaded clips, previously mentioned as being capable of having various forms and configurations, but using the basic spring and aligned fulcrum point.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a clip, indicated generally at 50, having an enlarged main body 52 which can be of any suitable form; however, it is illustrated as substantially triangular, whereby the leading edge 54 thereof forms the triangular base while the opposite edge 56 thereof is reduced somewhat to form the apex. Centrally positioned and integrally formed to the outer surface 58 of body 52 is a bail 60 similar to that of bail member 22, having a second body member 62 removably received thereunder and juxtaposed to that of the main body 52. Said second body 62 comprises a forward, enlarged end 64 having a width substantially equal to that of the width of edge 54, whereby clamping jaws are formed to hold various articles therein. Extending rearwardly from the enlarged end is a neck member 66, said member being interposed between body 52 and bail 60, as shown in FIG. 6. To provide the necessary biasing spring force, there is disposed between the body 62 and bridge 68 of bail 60 a spring means, illustrated as a leaf spring 70. Said spring in this arrangement is formed from a flat, resilient, metal piece, the lower end of which is received in a recess 72 in the body member 62. The outer, free end of spring 70 is bent forwardly and engages the bridge of bail 60. The biasing forces then are identical to those described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the body 62 is held in place and fulcrums about rib 74 of the main body 52, the rib being movably received in channel 76 of body 62.
The clip 50 can be fixed or supported to other objects, as the operator so desires, and this is accomplished by a plurality of support means incorporated therein. First, the main body 52 is provided with a recess 78 in which there is fixedly disposed a magnet 80. Thus, clip 50 can be positioned on any magnetic related materials and removed at will. In addition, various openings are included such as oppositely-disposed holes 82 disposed on each side of the main body 52, thereby permitting the clip to be affixed to any object by fastening means such as nails, screws and the like, not shown. An enlarged hole 84 is also shown disposed in the reduced end portion 56, thus allowing the clip to be hung in any suitable, known manner.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated another arrangement for the present invention. This arrangement includes an enlarged platform 90 for holding large sheets of paper 91 or the like, wherein the second body member 92 is operably supported thereon by either spring means as shown and previously described. However, there is additionally shown integrally mounted to said body 92 a holding fixture 94 for holding a writing instrument such as a pencil 96.
The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, or sacrificing its material advantages, the arrangements hereinbefore described being merely by way of example, and I do not wish to be restricted to the spcific forms shown or uses mentioned, except as defined in the accompanying claims.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a spring-loaded clip device and, more particularly, to a spring-loaded clip device having its fulcrum point positioned substantially below the spring thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As is well known in the art, various problems and difficulties have been encountered in providing a spring clip device having suitable, simple biasing means together with reliable working action under various conditions.
To the applicant's knowledge, a diversity of clips have been marketed with limited use potential. Various patents have also issued relating to spring-loaded clip devices and these, too, have limited applications, as well as manufacturing difficulties. As an example of limited applications, U.S. Pat. No. 3,030,681 is the closest device found to the present invention. This device provides a leaf spring which is directly engaged against the under face of one of the lever members and located rearwardly of the fulcrum means, thereby creating an enlarged spacing between the oppositely disposed members. Because of the relative position of the fulcrum means and the leaf spring to each other, the application of this arrangement is limited in use.
The applicant has overcome the above problems and this will be readily understood in the description of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a spring-loaded clip device including a main body to which there is juxtaposed a second body, and having disposed therebetween a fulcrum means. The second body is adapted with a biasing means, such as a leaf spring, attached to the upper side of the second body which forcibly engages the main body on the underside thereof. The leaf spring directly engages a bail member which is integrally formed as a part of the main body, the spring being bent forwardly, creating a downward and forward action, bringing the forward jaws of the clips into firm engagement, thereby providing the necessary gripping power required of the present invention. This downward and forward force is enhanced by the specific location of the pivot point of the fulcrum with respect to the leaf spring. That is, the fulcrum means comprises a channel or groove transversely disposed in the underside of the second body member and is adapted to receive a transversely arranged rib or shoulder having a complimentary configuration to that of the groove. These elements are positioned substantially below the base of the leaf spring, thereby allowing the predominant force of the spring to cause a forward thrust of the pivot point of the fulcrum means. To open the jaws, the rearward end portion of each body is arranged with inclined under surfaces, providing the necessary open space, whereby each end portion is allowed to be squeezed inwardly, rotating about the pivot point. Various other embodiments are herein shown to illustrate some of the many applications and uses that can be derived from this uniquely arranged, spring-loaded clip.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has for an important object a provision whereby a spring-loaded clip can be adapted to a multiplicity of uses without the basic configuration thereof being changed.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring-loaded clip having a positive, forward, holding thrust due to the alignment between the leaf spring and the fulcrum means.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a spring-clip device that is easily assembled and disassembled.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a device of this character that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a device of this character that is simple and rugged in construction.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a device of this character that has few moving parts.
Other characteristics, advantages and objects of this invention can be more readily appreciated from the following description and appended claims. When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this description forms a part of the specification wherein like references and characters designate corresponding parts in several views.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:
FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front-end view, illustrating the overlapping bail member which is an integral part of the lower, main body;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top-plan view of an alternative embodiment of the clip device;
FIG. 5 is a rear-end view of that shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4, showing a magnetic element disposed therein; and
FIG. 7 is a partial, perspective view of another arrangement of the clip device, wherein the main body is a support board and the upper body includes a means for holding a writing instrument.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown a spring-loaded clip device, generally indicated at 10. Due to the fact that various configurations may be employed using the present invention, the above-mentioned figures are illustrated as a clip, generally used as a clothespin. Therefore, this device comprises a main body 12 having a front end formed in a jaw-like manner, indicated at 14. Said main body is adapted to removably accommodate a second body member 16, said second body member also being provided with a jaw 18 at its front end for direct, forcible engagement with said lower jaw 14. Each of the body members is held in a juxtaposed position to the other by a biasing means, indicated generally by 20, a bail member 22 and a fulcrum means, generally indicated at 24. The combination of the three elements 20, 22 and 24 provides a unique method of incorporating a spring-loaded clip, heretofore unobtainable.
Referring now to FIG. 3 in which the device is shown in cross section along its length, said biasing means comprises a leaf spring 26 integrally molded to the upper surface 28 of body member 16 at a point rearward of the center portion of said body. Leaf spring 26 is provided with an enlarged base at the point where it interconnects to said surface 28 and extends upwardly therefrom, tapering to a thin, flat leaf at its outer end. To provide the necessary forward and downward thrust of body member 16, said main body includes a bail member integrally formed thereon, to which leaf spring 26 is forcibly engaged. Said bail member has oppositely upstanding sides 30, each being integrally attached at its lower end to the sides of the main body 12 and interconnected at its upper end by bridge member 32. Said bridge member is stationary with respect to said main body and is, therefore, used as the means by which leaf spring 26 is forcibly bent in a forward inclination, to provide the proper biasing force whereby the jaws 14 and 18 are held in firm engagement with each other.
Interposed between the main body 12 and the second body member 16 is the fulcrum means 24. The means is positioned so that it lies substantially under the base of the leaf spring 26, as seen in FIG. 3. Said fulcrum means comprises a channeled or grooved under surface 33 disposed transversely within the lower surface 34 of the second body member at a point on said under surface where the rear, tapered section 36 begins, and includes a rib member 38 transversely disposed on the upper surface 40 of said main body 12 as an integral part thereof and formed complimentary to the groove of the channel 33 in which it is movably received. Here too, the rib 38 is located at the junction where the upper, flat surface 40 tapers downwardly and outwardly, as indicated at 42. The placement of the fulcrum means 24 is essential to the proper working force necessary to operate the clip device, the maximum biasing pressure at the jaw-contact area together with a very nominal force required to squeeze the rear, tapered area together, allowing the jaws 14 and 18 to separate.
The bodies 12 and 16 are very readily taken apart or assembled. To assemble the spring clip, all that is required is to force the tapered, rear section 36 through the forward opening of the bail 22, at which time the leaf spring makes an engaging contact with the bridge member 32, forcing a downward movement of body 16, whereby tapered surface 36 rides over rib 38, allowing said rib to snap into channel 33, thereby holding said bodies in a contiguous relationship. Thus, to disassemble one body from the other, all that is needed is a slight upward force at 36 to disengage rib 38 from channel 33 and push forward on body 16, thereby permitting said body 16 to pass under bail 22.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
The following is a description of two alternative arrangements of spring-loaded clips, previously mentioned as being capable of having various forms and configurations, but using the basic spring and aligned fulcrum point.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a clip, indicated generally at 50, having an enlarged main body 52 which can be of any suitable form; however, it is illustrated as substantially triangular, whereby the leading edge 54 thereof forms the triangular base while the opposite edge 56 thereof is reduced somewhat to form the apex. Centrally positioned and integrally formed to the outer surface 58 of body 52 is a bail 60 similar to that of bail member 22, having a second body member 62 removably received thereunder and juxtaposed to that of the main body 52. Said second body 62 comprises a forward, enlarged end 64 having a width substantially equal to that of the width of edge 54, whereby clamping jaws are formed to hold various articles therein. Extending rearwardly from the enlarged end is a neck member 66, said member being interposed between body 52 and bail 60, as shown in FIG. 6. To provide the necessary biasing spring force, there is disposed between the body 62 and bridge 68 of bail 60 a spring means, illustrated as a leaf spring 70. Said spring in this arrangement is formed from a flat, resilient, metal piece, the lower end of which is received in a recess 72 in the body member 62. The outer, free end of spring 70 is bent forwardly and engages the bridge of bail 60. The biasing forces then are identical to those described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the body 62 is held in place and fulcrums about rib 74 of the main body 52, the rib being movably received in channel 76 of body 62.
The clip 50 can be fixed or supported to other objects, as the operator so desires, and this is accomplished by a plurality of support means incorporated therein. First, the main body 52 is provided with a recess 78 in which there is fixedly disposed a magnet 80. Thus, clip 50 can be positioned on any magnetic related materials and removed at will. In addition, various openings are included such as oppositely-disposed holes 82 disposed on each side of the main body 52, thereby permitting the clip to be affixed to any object by fastening means such as nails, screws and the like, not shown. An enlarged hole 84 is also shown disposed in the reduced end portion 56, thus allowing the clip to be hung in any suitable, known manner.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated another arrangement for the present invention. This arrangement includes an enlarged platform 90 for holding large sheets of paper 91 or the like, wherein the second body member 92 is operably supported thereon by either spring means as shown and previously described. However, there is additionally shown integrally mounted to said body 92 a holding fixture 94 for holding a writing instrument such as a pencil 96.
The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, or sacrificing its material advantages, the arrangements hereinbefore described being merely by way of example, and I do not wish to be restricted to the spcific forms shown or uses mentioned, except as defined in the accompanying claims.