U.S. patent application number 12/408845 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for cap clip.
Invention is credited to MICHAEL A. GRECO.
Application Number | 20100077573 12/408845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42055847 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100077573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GRECO; MICHAEL A. |
April 1, 2010 |
CAP CLIP
Abstract
A cap clip for fastening caps together is realized employing
pressure type pincer snaps, allowing complex geometrical shapes to
be formed while reducing the use of fasteners. In one embodiment,
the cap clip includes a generally triangular base and three pincer
snaps formed integrally with the base along the outer perimeter.
Preferably, each pincer snap is comprised of a pair of convex walls
and a shared clasping section lying along a radius of curvature
path that are co-centric. In another embodiment, each pincer snap
includes a single convex plate and concave walls of a twin clasping
section consisting of two triangular sections with a spacing
centrally disposed therebetween. Each triangular section has two
outer concave walls extending vertically upward away from the base,
and joined laterally to each other along a corresponding rounded
edge. Alternatively, concave plates may be used, with a recessed
channel formed between each of concave plate and corresponding
concave walls of said clasping section for securing the cap
therebetween.
Inventors: |
GRECO; MICHAEL A.;
(Brooklyn, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF JOHN DE LA ROSA
375 UPPER MOUNTAIN AVE
MONTCLAIR
NJ
07043
US
|
Family ID: |
42055847 |
Appl. No.: |
12/408845 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12137031 |
Jun 11, 2008 |
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12408845 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44017 20150115;
B44C 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/457 |
International
Class: |
A44B 99/00 20100101
A44B099/00 |
Claims
1. A cap clip for fastening together caps, comprising: a base; and
at least two pincer snaps extending from and generally
perpendicular to said base, said pincer snap including plates, and
a portion of a clasping section disposed on said base having two or
more walls, with a recessed channel formed between each plate and
at least a corresponding wall of said clasping section for securing
the cap therebetween.
2. The cap clip of claim 1 wherein the plates of the pincer snap
are convex.
3. The cap clip of claim 1 wherein the plates of the pincer snap
are concave.
4. The cap clip of claim 1 wherein the walls of the clasping
section are concave.
5. A cap clip for fastening together caps, comprising: a base; and
two pincer snaps extending vertically from and generally
perpendicular to said base, each of said pincer snap including a
concave plate, and a portion of a clasping section disposed on said
base, said clasping section consisting of two spaced apart
sections, each section having two outer concave walls extending
vertically upward away from said base and joined laterally to each
other along a corresponding edge, with a recessed channel formed
between each of said concave plate and corresponding concave walls
of said clasping section for securing the cap therebetween.
6. The clip of claim 5 wherein said base has a generally square
shape.
7. The clip of claim 5 wherein said pincer snap is formed
integrally with said base.
8. The clip of claim 5 wherein said pincer snaps are positioned
180.degree. radially apart.
9. The clip of claim 5 wherein said base includes a recessed
concave opening.
10. The cap clip of claim 9 wherein said recessed concave opening
includes a protruding concave corner.
11. The cap clip of claim 9 wherein said recessed concave opening
includes button holes located around the perimeter.
11. The cap clip of claim 5 wherein said concave plates each
includes at it distal end tabs substantially perpendicular to a
corresponding concave wall of said clasping section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 12/137,031 filed Jun. 11, 2008 entitled "Cap Clip," which
is commonly assigned with the present invention, and incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a cap clip and,
more particularly, a cap clip for fastening bottle caps together in
different geometrical shapes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bottle caps are often used to create pop art. For example,
decorative art, such as pictures, charms, glitter, or plastic
jewels, may be sized to fit inside the bottle cap. Or, the design
elements of the caps themselves can be assembled in a mosaic to
create pictures through the use of color and texture sequins. Such
examples of pop art, however, typically require each bottle cap to
be glued or nailed, which is time consuming and somewhat
inconvenient. In some cases, this type of fastening also often
limits the type of art created.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is a cap clip for fastening caps
together employing pressure type pincer snaps. Advantageously, caps
can be snapped onto either one or more cap clips, allowing complex
geometrical shapes to be formed, while reducing the use of
fasteners. The design elements of the caps themselves can be
assembled in a mosaic to create pictures using color and texture
sequins.
[0005] In one embodiment, the cap clip includes a generally
triangular base and three pincer snaps formed integrally with the
base near the outer perimeter and radially positioned 120.degree.
apart. Each pincer snap is comprised of a pair of convex plates and
a portion of a shared clasping section having a generally
triangular shape centrally disposed on the base. The clasping
section consists of three outer concave walls extending vertically
upward away from the base, and joined laterally to each other along
a corresponding edge. Each convex plate extends upward away from
the base and lies along a radius of curvature path co-centric with
a corresponding concave wall of the clasping section.
[0006] In another embodiment, the cap clip has a generally square
base with two integral pincer snaps positioned 180.degree. radially
apart. Each pincer snap includes a single convex plate and concave
walls of a twin clasping section consisting of two triangular
sections with a spacing centrally disposed therebetween. Each
triangular section has two outer concave walls extending vertically
upward away from the base, and joined laterally to each other along
a corresponding rounded edge. Each convex plate lies along a radius
of curvature path co-centric with corresponding concave walls of
the clasping section.
[0007] In a third embodiment, each pincer snap includes a single
concave plate and concave walls of a twin clasping section
consisting of two triangular sections with a spacing centrally
disposed therebetween. Again, each triangular section has two outer
concave walls extending vertically upward away from the base, and
joined laterally to each other along a corresponding rounded edge.
A recessed channel is formed between each of concave plate and
corresponding concave walls of said clasping section for securing
the cap therebetween.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more complete understanding of the invention may be
obtained by reading the following description in conjunction with
the appended drawings in which like elements are labeled similarly,
and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
cap clip constructed in accordance with the principles of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cap clip of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is side view of the cap clip of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the cap clip of FIG. 2
along section A-A;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the cap clip of FIG. 2
along section B-B;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cap clip with bottle
caps inserted therein;
[0015] FIG. 7 is perspective view of interconnected cap clips, and
bottle caps;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
cap clip constructed in accordance with the principles of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the cap clip of FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 10 is side view of the cap clip of FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross section view of the cap clip of FIG. 9
along section A-A;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross section view of the cap clip of FIG. 9
along section B-B;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
the cap clip constructed in accordance with the principles of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the cap clip of FIG. 13;
[0023] FIG. 15 is side view of the cap clip of FIG. 13;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a cross section view of the cap clip of FIG. 13
along section A-A; and
[0025] FIG. 17 is a cross section view of the cap clip of FIG. 13
along section B-B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] A cap clip for fastening caps together is realized by
employing pressure type pincer snaps near the outer perimeter of
the cap clip. Advantageously, caps can be snapped onto either one
or more cap clips, allowing complex geometrical shapes to be
formed, while reducing the use of fasteners. The design elements of
the caps themselves can be assembled in a mosaic to create pictures
using color and texture sequins. Although such mosaic patterns and
pictures have specific applications in advertising and pop art, its
applications are limitless.
[0027] Without any loss of generality or applicability for the
principles of the invention, the preferred embodiment of the cap
clip is described with respect to its application for bottle caps.
It should be clearly understood, however, that the present
invention is equally applicable to other cap types.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, there is shown a cap clip,
designated generally by numeral 100, for fastening bottle caps 110
together as shown in FIG. 6. As shown, cap clip 100 has a generally
triangular base 120 and three pincer snaps 130 formed integrally
with triangular base 120 near the outer perimeter of cap clip 100.
Each pincer snap 130 is preferably positioned 120.degree. radially
apart for connecting caps 110 likewise 120.degree. apart.
[0029] The back side of triangular base 120 is substantially planar
with cut-out rectangular openings 135 centrally located below each
pincer snap 130. Triangular base 120 has radius corners for readily
interconnecting cap clips together, as show in FIG. 6.
[0030] Each pincer snap 130 includes twin convex plates 140 and a
concave portion of shared clasping section 150 configured to hold a
cap of appropriate dimensions.
[0031] Shared clasping section 150 having a generally triangular
shape is centrally disposed on triangular base 120. Fastening
devices--not shown--such as screws, nails, tacks, rivets, and the
like are inserted into recessed concave opening 160 to attach base
120 to a structure, such as wall, board or other suitable
structure. Alternatively, adhesive or adhesive tape may be used on
the backside of triangular base 120. Or, the cap clip may be sewed
onto a suitable structure using so-called "button" holes 165
located around the perimeter of concave opening 160. As shown, the
diameter of the button holes is not uniform, but rather narrows
from the base to the top, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0032] Shared clasping section 150 consists of three outer concave
walls 170 of radius R1 extending vertically upward away from base
120, and joined laterally to each other along a corresponding
rounded edge 180 following a curved concave path best shown in FIG.
2. Each pincer snap 130 includes convex plates 140 of radius R2
extending upward away from base 120, with a gap or slot 190 in the
form of an inverted T centrally disposed therebetween.
Alternatively, the convex plates can be contiguous, as described
herein below in another embodiment. Convex plates 140 lie along a
radius of curvature path co-centric with the corresponding concave
wall 170 of shared clasping section 150, and follow nominally the
curvature of the cap. Of course, the radii of curvature R1 and R2
can be chosen to allow cap clip 100 to meet the specifications of
most cap types.
[0033] Convex plates 140 are spaced radially a distance D1 from the
corresponding concave wall 170 of shared clasping section 150 by a
recessed channel 195 of depth D2. The distance D1 is judiciously
chosen to receive the rim of the bottle cap. Gap or slot 190
facilitates the cap to snap into recessed channel 195 as it pushes
convex plates 140 radially outward. At its most distal end, convex
plates 140 are spaced apart a distance D3. Since the convex plates
are elastic, caps are held tightly by friction within recessed
channel 195. That is, each convex plate 140 and the corresponding
concave wall 170 clasp the outer rim of the cap. Once the cap is
removed, the convex plates return to their original position
[0034] Convex plates 140 do not extend beyond the external
dimensions of triangular base 120. The distal section, however, of
the plates preferably have protruding tabs or lips 200 extending
generally inward in a radial direction. The tabs are generally
perpendicular to the corresponding concave wall 170, and increase
the holding friction in the pincer snaps.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, the cap clip of the present invention
can be interconnected by allowing the cap to snap onto more than
one cap clip. As shown, each cap is snapped to three cap clips. As
such, the present invention allows the caps to be assembled into a
mosaic so as to create pictures using color and texture sequins.
The cap clips of the present invention can be readily displayed,
using nails, screws, rivets or glue, on a variety of different
mediums. Advantageously, however, the present invention reduces the
number of fasteners required.
[0036] In this first embodiment, and for typical bottle caps having
about an outer diameter of about 1.264'', thickness of about
0.11'', and a height of about 0.2618'', the nominal diameter of cap
clip of the present invention would be about 1.029'', with a base
height of about 0.125''. The total height is 0.3'' The radii of the
convex plates and concave walls are about 0.747'' and 0.836'',
respectively, The spacing D1, and D3 are about 0.064'', and
0.060'', respectively. And, the tabs or lips are about 0.105''
high, resulting in a recessed channel depth D2 of about 0.20''.
[0037] Shown in FIGS. 8 through 12 is another embodiment of the
inventive cap clip designated generally by numeral 100' with like
elements of the first embodiment labeled using prime notation. As
shown, cap clip 100' has a generally square base 120' with two
integral pincer snaps 130' positioned 180.degree. radially apart.
Square base 120' has radius corners for readily interconnecting cap
clips together.
[0038] Each pincer snap 130' includes a single convex plate 140'
and concave walls of shared twin clasping section 150' configured
to hold a cap of appropriate dimensions. Twin shared clasping
section 150' has two generally triangular shaped sections 155',
each disposed centrally along the outer perimeter of square base
120'. Fastening devices--not shown--such as screws, nails, tacks,
rivets, and the like are inserted into recessed concave openings
160' to attach base 120' to a structure, such as wall, board or
other suitable structure. Alternatively, adhesive or adhesive tape
may be used on the backside of base 120'. Likewise, the cap clip
may be sewed onto a suitable structure using "button" holes 165'
located around the perimeter of concave opening 160'. As shown, the
diameter of the button holes is not uniform, but rather narrows
from the base to the top, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0039] Shared clasping section 150' consists of two triangular
sections 155' with a spacing centrally disposed therebetween. Each
triangular section 155' has two outer concave walls 170' of radius
R1' extending vertically upward away from base 120', and joined
laterally to each other along a corresponding rounded edge 180'.
Each pincer snap 130' consists of a convex plate 140' of radius R2'
extending upward away from base 120'. Convex plate 140' lie along a
radius of curvature path co-centric with the corresponding concave
walls 170' of clasping section 155', and follow nominally the
curvature of the cap. Again, the radii of curvature R1' and R2' can
be chosen to allow cap clip 100' to meet the specifications of most
cap types.
[0040] Convex plates 140' are spaced a distance D1' from the
corresponding concave walls 170' of shared clasping section 150' by
a recessed channel 195' of depth D2'. The distance D1' is
judiciously chosen to receive the rim of the bottle cap. Since the
convex plates are elastic, caps are held tightly by friction within
channel 195'. That is, each convex plate 140' and the corresponding
concave wall clasp the outer rim of the cap. Once the cap is
removed, the concave plates return to their original position
[0041] Convex plates 140' do not extend beyond the external
dimensions of base 120'. The distal section, however, of the plates
preferably have protruding tabs or lips 200' extending generally
inward in a radial direction. The tabs are generally perpendicular
to the corresponding concave walls 170', and increase the holding
friction in the pincer snaps. The back side of base 120' is
substantially planar with cut-out rectangular openings 135'
centrally located below each tab 200'.
[0042] Similarly, cap clip 100' can be interconnected by allowing
the cap to snap onto up to four cap clips. In the latter
embodiment, and for typical bottle caps having about an outer
diameter of about 1.264'', thickness of about 0.11'', and a height
of about 0.2618'', the nominal width of cap clip of the present
invention would be about 1.0'', with a base height of about 0.1''.
The total height is 0.3''. The radii of the convex plates and
concave walls are about 0.747'' and 0.836'', respectively. The
spacing D1', and D2' are about 0.045'', and 0.2'',
respectively.
[0043] Shown in FIGS. 13 through 17 is still yet another embodiment
of the inventive cap clip designated generally by numeral 100''
with like elements of the previous embodiments labeled using double
prime notation. As shown, cap clip 100'' has a generally square
base 120'' with two integral pincer snaps 130'' positioned
180.degree. radially apart. Again, square base 120'' has radius
corners for readily interconnecting cap clips together.
[0044] Dissimilar from the previous embodiments, each pincer snap
130'' includes a single concave (not convex) plate 140'' and
concave walls of shared twin clasping section 150'' configured to
hold a cap of appropriate dimensions. Twin shared clasping section
150'' has two generally triangular shaped sections 155'', each
disposed centrally along the outer perimeter of square base 120''.
Each triangular shaped section 155'' has a protruding concave
corner 156''. Fastening devices--not shown--such as screws, nails,
tacks, rivets, and the like are inserted into recessed concave
openings 160'' to attach base 120'' to a structure, such as wall,
board or other suitable structure. Alternatively, adhesive or
adhesive tape may be used on the backside of base 120''. Likewise,
the cap clip may be sewed onto a suitable structure using "button"
holes 165'' located around the perimeter of concave opening 160''.
As shown, the diameter of the button holes is not uniform, but
rather narrows from the base to the top, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0045] Shared clasping section 150'' consists of two triangular
sections 155'' with a spacing centrally disposed therebetween. Each
triangular section 155'' has two outer concave walls 170'' of
radius R1'' extending vertically upward away from base 120'', and
joined laterally to each other along a corresponding rounded edge
180''. Each pincer snap 130'' includes a concave plate 140'' of
radius R2'' extending upward away from base 120''.
[0046] Concave plates 140'' do not extend beyond the external
dimensions of base 120''. The distal section, however, of the
plates have protruding tabs or lips 200'' extending generally
inward in a radial direction. The tabs are generally perpendicular
to the corresponding concave walls 170'', and provide the holding
friction in the pincer snaps. Unlike the previous embodiments,
concave plate 140'' does not lie along a radius of curvature path
co-centric with the corresponding concave walls 170'' of clasping
section 155''. The back side of base 120'' is substantially planar
with cut-out rectangular openings 135'' centrally located below
each tab 200''. Also, supporting members 136'' are provided
extending generally perpendicular to concave plates 140''.
[0047] Protruding tabs 200'' are spaced a distance D1'' from the
corresponding concave walls 170'' of shared clasping section 150''
by a recessed channel 195'' of depth D2''. The distance D1'' is
judiciously chosen to receive the rim of the bottle cap. Since the
concave plates are elastic, caps are held tightly by friction by
tabs 200'' within channel 195''. That is, each tab 200'' and the
corresponding concave wall clasp the outer rim of the cap.
[0048] The cap clips of the present invention are preferably
unitarily formed of molded plastic, such as Acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS) for manufacturing ease and cost-effectiveness. As
shown, the cut-out rectangular openings 135, 135', 135'' allow the
cap clip to be easily removed from the die mold.
[0049] Similarly, cap clip 100'' can be interconnected by allowing
the cap to snap onto up to four cap clips. In the latter third
embodiment, and for typical bottle caps having about an outer
diameter of about 1.264'', thickness of about 0.11'', and a height
of about 0.2618'', the nominal width of cap clip of the present
invention would be about 1.0'', with a base height of about 0.1''.
The total height is 0.3''. The radii of the concave plates 140''
and concave walls 170'' are 0.845''. The spacing D1'', and D2'''
are about 0.069'', and 0.2'', respectively.
[0050] Those skilled in the art will readily note that the present
invention provides distinct advantages. Because the cap clip can
snap onto more than one cap, each cap need not be individually
fastened to a supporting structure. This reduces the number of
fasteners required and affording greater ease of assembly.
[0051] It should be understood that the embodiments herein are
merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various
modifications may be made by those skilled in the art which will
embody the principles of the invention and fall within the scope
thereof. Although the invention has been illustrated with the use
of two and three pincer snaps, it should be apparent to those
skilled in art that the invention has wider applications and can
use any number, depending on the size of the cap clip relative to
that of the bottle caps. As such, for an appreciation of the true
scope and breadth of the invention, reference should me made to the
following claims.
* * * * *