U.S. patent application number 12/883826 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for self-aligning handling or storing device having side or top actuation and methods of use therefor.
Invention is credited to Mark H. Ginocchio.
Application Number | 20110131769 12/883826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40996890 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110131769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ginocchio; Mark H. |
June 9, 2011 |
Self-Aligning Handling or Storing Device Having Side or Top
Actuation and Methods of Use Therefor
Abstract
A device for handling or storing items uses jaw members that
hinge to one of several closed positions in which the inner surface
of a first jaw is engaged by an engagement device of the second
jaw. An external release member in the second jaw is used to move
the engagement device between an engaging and a disengaged
position. The second jaw also incorporates a retaining surface,
positioned opposite the outer surface of the first jaw when the
jaws are closed, which opposes outward flexing of said first jaw
member, and thus reduces the opportunity for disengagement due to
forces from inside the jaws.
Inventors: |
Ginocchio; Mark H.; (St.
Petersburg Beach, FL) |
Family ID: |
40996890 |
Appl. No.: |
12/883826 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12038514 |
Feb 27, 2008 |
7900324 |
|
|
12883826 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/16R |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44752 20150115;
Y10T 24/15 20150115; Y10T 24/14 20150115; Y10T 24/3936 20150115;
Y10T 24/1422 20150115; Y10T 24/1418 20150115; F16B 2/10 20130101;
Y10T 24/3956 20150115; Y10T 70/404 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/16.R |
International
Class: |
F16B 11/00 20060101
F16B011/00 |
Claims
1. A device for handling or storing one or more items, comprising:
first and second generally rigid jaw members each having a hinge
end and an outer end, each jaw member including an inner surface
and an outer surface, the jaw members being connected together at
their hinge ends, such that the jaw members (i) have a plurality of
open positions in which the outer ends are spaced apart to define a
receiving space, including one fully open position, (ii) have a
plurality of closed positions in which the outer ends are nearer to
one another, and (iii) are self aligned such that the outer ends
automatically meet one another when rotated about their hinge ends,
an engagement device incorporated into an outer end of the first
jaw member, engaging the second jaw member, and a resilient member
coupled between the hinge ends causing a spring action in said jaw
members toward a rest position other than said fully open
position.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein a surface of said second jaw
member comprises a plurality of teeth which are engaged by said
engagement device.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said plurality of closed positions
includes a closed position in which said second jaw member extends
from said inner surface of said first jaw member through said first
jaw member and a plurality of teeth of said second jaw member
extend beyond the outer surface of said first jaw member, on a side
opposite to the remainder of said second jaw member.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the engagement device comprises a
latch member having at least one tooth for engaging a surface of
said second jaw member.
5. The device of claim 3 wherein the latch member comprises a
plurality of teeth for engaging teeth on said surface of said
second jaw member.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the engagement device comprises
first and second movable members, the first movable member
positioned relative to said first jaw member and including a cam
for engaging and moving said second movable member of said
engagement device.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of one said jaw
member includes a handle portion extending from said jaw
member.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said handle portion defines an
aperture therethrough.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein said handle portion comprises a
loop extending from said jaw member.
10. The device of claim 7 wherein said handle portion is
incorporated within said first jaw member.
11. The device of claim 7 wherein said handle portion is
incorporated within said second jaw member.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein said jaw members are integrally
connected at their hinge ends.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein said spring action is caused by a
hinge strap integrally connected to said jaw members.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein said hinge strap is said
resilient member.
15. The device of claim 1 wherein said spring action is caused by a
living hinge integrally connected between said jaw members.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein said living hinge is said
resilient member.
17. The device of claim 1 wherein said spring action is caused by a
spring device.
18. The device of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of one said jaw
member includes a hook member extending from said jaw member.
19. The device of claim 18 wherein said hook member is sized to
engage an item inserted between said jaw members.
20. The device of claim 18 wherein said hook member is
V-shaped.
21. The device of claim 18 wherein said hook portion is
C-shaped.
22. A device for handling or storing one or more items, comprising:
a pair of generally rigid first and second jaw members each having
a hinge end and an outer end, the jaw members being connected
together at their hinge ends to allow relative rotation of the jaws
about an axis of rotation, such that the jaw members (i) have a
first, open position in which the outer ends are spaced apart, (ii)
have a plurality of second, closed positions in which the outer
ends are engaged, and (iii) are self aligned such that the outer
ends automatically engage one another upon movement toward a closed
position, the first jaw member comprising teeth, the second jaw
member defining a passageway into which said teeth of said first
jaw member pass when the jaws are in a closed position, the
passageway not extending through said second jaw member, the second
jaw member further comprising an engagement device engaging to the
teeth of the first jaw member, the engagement device further
comprising a release member that is moveable to move the engagement
device between an engaging and a disengaged position, wherein said
first jaw member comprises a narrower section and a broader
section, the broader section comprising the hinge end of said jaw
and the narrower section comprising the outer end of said first jaw
member, said teeth defined in said narrower section, the width of
the narrower section along said axis of rotation positioned
relatively centrally to the width of the wider section, the width
of said narrow section being substantially one-third the width of
the wider section.
23. The device of claim 22 wherein said teeth are defined on an
inner surface of said first jaw member.
24. The device of claim 22 wherein the engagement device comprises
a latch member having at least one tooth for engaging said first
other jaw member.
25. The device of claim 24 wherein the latch member comprises a
plurality of teeth.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/038,514 filed Feb. 27, 2008, which is related to U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,729,872 and 6,101,684, each naming the same inventor as the
present application, all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to devices for capturing
items, such as for handling or storage of electrical cords or
cables or other applications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Handling and/or storage of items has presented numerous
challenges, and despite the various handling and storage devices
that have been devised, several problems continue to be difficult
to resolve.
[0004] One example is the problem of storage of electrical cords or
cables. Many people tend to leave their cords simply in a pile.
Such an approach is unsightly and can be unsafe. Indeed, without
better organization of the cords, storage can become a nightmare.
One need only consider the PC laptop user trying to untangle the
mess of cables from the briefcase in a busy airport.
[0005] Typically, wire-ties, tie wraps, cable ties, or twist-ties
may be used to store cords in an effort to reduce such problems.
However, such items are very difficult to use and require a great
deal of manual dexterity. In particular, closing these ties around
the bundled cord is quite challenging because the ends are free to
go wherever they are pushed. Some of those items, and particularly
twist-ties such as are used to close garbage bags, are unsightly,
have only a short useful life, and can present a risk of injury due
to the metal wire contained therein. Other cable management devices
have been proposed, but they are usually quite bulky and again
require a great deal of manipulation. By way of example, some cable
management devices are molded into a split ring with the ends
normally urged together. The ends may be temporarily held apart by
the user while a cable is inserted into the device. Such a device
is difficult to load with the bundled wire because the ends are
normally urged together into a closed or nearly-closed position.
The ends may be temporarily held apart by the user while a cable is
inserted into the device. Such a device is difficult to load with
the bundled wire because the ends are normally urged together into
a closed or nearly-closed position.
[0006] When not attached to a cable or wire, a small wire tie or
similar device is easy to lose. Also, such devices are typically
designed for limited use, e.g., they cannot be non-destructively
removed, or will experience substantial wear (e.g., metal fatigue)
if repeatedly opened and closed. Thus, one cannot avoid losing a
twist tie or wire tie by attaching it to the unbundled cable, since
doing so will require destruction or damage to the twist tie or
wire tie. This is a particular drawback in storage of cables which
must be repeatedly bundled and unbundled, e.g., extension cords
used with hand tools, portable computer cabling, and other similar
applications.
[0007] Aside from bundles of wires, in various other situations,
objects must be wrapped and held for storage, handling or other
reasons; often wire ties, twist ties, or lengths of string are used
in such situation, with unsatisfactory results for the same reasons
as those noted above: difficulty in use, likelihood of loss, and
destruction and wear resulting from repeated use.
[0008] Recent patents by the present inventor, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,729,872 and 6,101,684, which are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety, have improved upon the situation described above
by introducing handcuff-like elements having a pair of jaws that
can self-sustain an open position while a bundled item is inserted,
and then the jaws follow a fixed path or trajectory to close and
latch around the bundled item. These devices are unlatched by
generally pulling against a force generated by a living hinge or
spring that keeps the two jaws engaged at their latching ends. This
pulling action can be difficult and inconvenient depending upon the
orientation, size, and location of the bundle. The person using the
existing devices may have to locate and orient their bundles in a
way that can accommodate the needed access for unlatching even
though they would prefer a different orientation or location.
[0009] Recent U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,223 shows an alternative bundling
device having a first jaw with a tooth on its interior surface,
that is matable to a second jaw having a plurality of
outwardly-facing teeth. Spring force tends to pivot the first jaw's
tooth into engagement with the second jaw. This device seeks to
provide an alternate engagement that does not have teeth on the
exterior surface; however, the device has the drawback that
pressure from the interior of the device (such as might occur with
a bundle that is tightly bound, or in the event a bundle is dropped
or manipulated) tends to press the first jaw outwards and may cause
the jaws to release from each other.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can be
released with a different motion and/or direction than is currently
available without suffering the drawbacks noted above.
[0011] There is also a need for a device that is usable on a very
small bundle, such as the wires leading to ear buds for portable
entertainment devices. Ear buds, need only use a very small device
since ear buds use a very thin wire. Devices such as those of U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,729,872 and 6,101,684 could benefit the user of ear
buds if they could be made in very small sizes, but their
unlatching actions tend to limit how small they can go and still be
easily used by the human hand. Therefor, a different unlatching
action, able to be used when incorporated into a small device, is a
desirable improvement.
SUMMARY
[0012] In one aspect, the invention features a device for handling
or storing items using jaw members that hinge to one of several
closed positions, in which the inner surface of one jaw is engaged
by an engagement device of the other, and an external release
member is used to move the engagement device between an engaging
and a disengaged position.
[0013] In another aspect, the invention features a device with
hinged jaws in which the inner surface of a first jaw is engaged by
an engagement device of the second jaw, in which the second jaw
also incorporates a retaining surface, positioned opposite the
outer surface of the first jaw when the jaws are closed, which
opposes outward flexing of said first jaw member, and thus reduces
the opportunity for disengagement due to forces from inside the
jaws.
[0014] The detailed embodiments disclosed herein include a number
of specific features, which although not necessary to the inventive
aspects, may facilitate the implementation thereof. For example,
teeth may be used in the inner engagement surface and the
engagement device. A moveable member and cam may be used in the
engagement device, the moveable member being actuated from the
outside to move internal members of the engagement device and
disengage the jaws. Handles, hooks or wedges of V- or C-shaped
section, other may be incorporated in either jaw to aid in the use
of the device. Also, the device may itself be incorporated into
another device to increase availability. Finally, the jaw members
may be hingedly connected in any number of ways, including the use
of a hinge strap.
[0015] These and other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the
art in view of the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with a general description of the
invention given above, and the detailed description given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of the embodiments of
the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a side view, of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an
unlatched and open condition ready to receive a bundle.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a side view with cutaway, of the embodiment of
FIG. 1 in an unlatched and open condition.
[0021] FIG. 2C is a side view with cutaway, of the embodiment of
FIG. 1 in a latched condition.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a detail cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 2B at
the beginning of the unlatching process.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a side view with a cutaway, of an embodiment of
the invention that is actuated by a central top button, shown in
the latched condition.
[0024] FIG. 3B is a detail side cutaway view of the embodiment of
FIG. 3A at the beginning of the unlatching process.
[0025] FIG. 3C is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS.
3A and 3B.
[0026] FIG. 3D is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3C showing
an embodiment that does not have access to release tabs, in the
latched condition.
[0027] FIG. 3E is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 3D, with the
unlatching process having begun.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention in the latched condition. This embodiment has 2 side
buttons.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in
the unlatched condition.
[0030] FIG. 6A is a cross section as indicated in FIG. 4, with
arrows showing the direction of motion necessary to unlatch.
[0031] FIG. 6B is the cross section of FIG. 6A after the initial
movement for unlatching, as indicated in FIG. 6A, has taken
place.
[0032] FIG. 7 is an elevational side cut away view of the
embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0033] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment having side
teeth.
[0034] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment having
outside teeth.
[0035] FIG. 9A is an elevational view of an embodiment with an open
surface handle.
[0036] FIG. 9B is an elevational view of an embodiment with a
closed surface handle.
[0037] FIG. 9C is an embodiment with a closed surface handle with
side buttons at the handle area.
[0038] FIG. 9D is an elevational view of an embodiment with a hinge
strap, sometimes known as a "living hinge".
[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment clipped to a
set of ear buds and bundling them.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment clipped to an
extension cord, and alternately a blow dryer or another electrical
device.
[0041] FIGS. 12 and 12 are views of two embodiments that are
integrated with a consumer device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, and 2B there is shown a
handcuff-like element 10 having an interior area 11, a cap 12, and
a pair of generally rigid jaw members 14 and 16 each having a
proximal hinge end 18, 20 and a distal attachment end 22, 24. Hinge
ends 18, 20 are directly connected together and held by a screw 26
or a similar fastening device that may act as an axle.
Additionally, or instead of the screw 26 acting as an axle, the
inside cylindrical surface 28 and the outside cylindrical surface
30 along with appropriate snap fit confronting faces or shoulders,
may create an accurate axle system. The axle system causes jaw
members 14 and 16 to self align relative to one another when they
are pivoted between the self sustaining wide open position (FIG.
2A) and the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2C that encloses
the interior area 11. Alternately, as illustrated in FIG. 9D below,
a hinge strap, also known as a "living hinge" may be used in place
of the axle system to similarly cause the jaws to self align when
closed.
[0043] Cap 12 rests on shoulder 32 of jaw member 16 and is held in
place by a pin 34 through holes as shown in cap 12 and jaw member
16, but cap 12 could be attached by other methods, for example
gluing or ultrasonic welding. On each side face of the cap are
apertures 36 that are in line with two release tabs 38 that will be
described below.
[0044] The cap 12 creates a passageway 40 (FIG. 2B) having a
retaining surface 42 for guiding the attachment end 22. Although
jaws 14 and 16 are self aligning, and so retaining surface 42 is
not required to guide attachment end 22 into a closed position, the
retaining surface 42 aids in maintaining a latched condition by its
close proximity to attachment end 22, so that retaining surface 42
opposes flexing of attachment end 22 outwardly, such as might occur
under forces from a bundle retained by jaw 44. The "outwardly
directed forces" would be most prevalent, for instance, if a person
captured an oversized bundle of cord, preventing the device 10 from
closing past just a few teeth of engagement, and thus the bundle
exerts a force against the tooth portion of jaw 14 that may tend to
open the jaws. The details of opening and closing of the jaws will
be explained later. The outwardly directed forces would be a
particular problem, if an oversized bundle were to receive an
additive force such as by bumping or dropping of the bundle and
device 10. This embodiment of the device 10 could function in most
circumstances even if cap 12 were not present, although it may not
remain latched as well under the situations just described.
[0045] Jaw member 14 has a generally smooth retaining surface 44
and fixed teeth 46 on the inner surfaces and an outer press area 48
on the outer surface. Although smooth surfaces are shown in the
FIGS., it will be appreciated that teeth 46 or other non-smooth
features may extend along all of jaw member 14, in other
embodiments, such that there is not a smooth surface 44.
[0046] Jaw member 16 has a generally smooth retaining surface 50
near its hinge end, an outer press area 52 on the outer surface,
and a pawl 54 on its attaching end 24. The pawl has deflecting
teeth 56 and the horizontal release tabs 38 on each side. The fixed
teeth 46 and the deflecting teeth 56 are sized to interlock. Both
sets of teeth 46, 56 may be backward angled as seen most clearly in
FIG. 2D, to enhance their ability to pass over each other in the
closing direction, but resist movement in the opening direction.
Although multiple teeth 56 are shown in the drawings, a single
tooth may perform the desired function satisfactorily. As seen most
clearly in FIG. 2D, the pawl is at the end of a resilient
cantilever portion 58 so that downward force on the top surface of
release tab 38, will cause the deflecting teeth 56 to move towards
the interior of the device 10. It should be noted that there are
two release tabs 38 but a force on just one of them will deflect
the teeth inwardly.
[0047] In operation, as with some other handcuff like devices used
for bundling, the device is put in the fully open position so that
the retaining surfaces 44 and 50 define a bundle receiving space 60
(FIG. 2A). The device will remain in this position without any
assistance, while the bundled item is placed in the space 60. Once
the bundle is positioned, the user presses on outer press surfaces
48 and 52 to close the device. During the closing the attachment
end 22 enters passageway 40 and the teeth 46 make contact with and
pass over the teeth 56 (best seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D) while the
pawl 54 flexes as teeth 46 pass over deflecting teeth 56.
[0048] FIG. 2D demonstrates the initiating actions to open the
device. The exposed (as seen exposed in FIG. 1) release tab portion
38 is pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow toward the
interior of the device, such as with a fingernail, so that the
deflecting teeth 56 disengage from the fixed teeth 46 and then the
jaw member 14 is removed from passageway 40 before the pressure is
removed from tab 38. It is only necessary to use one of the two
release tabs 38, thus, the device is operable even if access to one
of the tabs is blocked, such as by a neighboring wall, a computer
rack, or anything nearby.
[0049] The embodiment of a device 110 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B may
be built with all of the same parts as the previous embodiment,
except for using a different cap. Whereas cap 12 of the previous
figures allowed the device to open only through the use of the two
release tabs 38, cap 112 of this embodiment additionally offers the
user a button or spot 190 resiliently cantilevered as part of the
cap's top surface 191. Inside of the cap (see FIGS. 3C, 3D and 3E),
integral to the push button are two tabs 192 that pass near the
inside wall of the cap 112, so that when the button 190 is
depressed the two tabs 192 make contact with the two release tabs
38 resulting in the same releasing motion that would be provided by
one or both release tabs being depressed directly.
[0050] FIG. 3A shows the device 110 in the latched condition with
the teeth 56 on the pawl 54 in their raised position, interlocked
with teeth 46. The button 190 is approximately flush with the top
surface 191 of the cap 112. The arrow indicates the direction of
movement to press button 190 to initiate unlatching.
[0051] FIG. 3B shows button 190 being pushed toward the interior of
the device 110, and tabs 192 are in contact with release tabs 38.
Pawl 54 is deflected toward the interior of the device under the
pressure from tabs 192, which causes teeth 56 to move toward the
interior of the device, and disengage from teeth 46 so that jaw
member 14 can be removed from passageway 40 to complete
unlatching.
[0052] FIG. 3C is a cross sectional view of the device 110 of FIGS.
3A and 3B. It is latched as in FIG. 3A. This cross sectional view
shows two tabs 192, apertures 36, and release tabs 38 whereas only
one of each is visible in the preceding views. FIG. 3C also shows
the relative thickness of the sidewalls 193 of cap 112, and the
apertures 36 providing space for the release tabs 38. Spaces 194
between tabs 192 and the sidewalls of cap 112 are visible. Teeth 46
and 56 are interlocked since the clamp 10 is shown latched.
[0053] FIG. 3D is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3C but of
an alternative embodiment. Again this figure shows the embodiment
in a latched condition. In this embodiment there is a cap 312 that
does not have any apertures 36 to provide access to release tabs
38, that is, cap 312 fully encloses release tabs 38. The only means
provided for opening the device is the button or spot 190 on the
cap's top surface 191. Release tabs 38 are accommodated inside cap
312 by two vertical channels 195 inside the cap 312 defined by
reduced thickness of the sidewall 193 of the cap 312 in the area of
the release tabs 38. Optionally, changes may also be made to reduce
the extension of release tabs 38, since it is not necessary for a
finger or fingernail to make contact with release tabs 38 in this
embodiment, although changes to the extensions of release tabs 38
are not necessary if channels 195 are provided.
[0054] FIG. 3E illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 3D, with an arrow
showing the directions the button 190 may be pushed to initiate
unlatching. Pawl 54 has been deflected, and teeth 46 and 56 are
disengaged so that the device can be opened in the same way as
previously described for other embodiments.
[0055] Although this embodiment shows the pawl 54 being actuated by
tabs 192 being contacted by tabs 192 integral with and
approximately directly below button 190, other embodiments could be
made that move the tabs 192 and button 190 to different positions.
This change, however, may require that the embodiment of FIGS.
3D-3E would use different jaw members 16, unless jaw member 16 was
made to accommodate multiple positions of tabs 192.
[0056] FIGS. 4, 5, 6A and 6B show another embodiment of device 210
that combines advantageous aspects from two previously described
embodiments. The three digit numbers used in this embodiment with
like ending digits designate similar elements as the numbers in the
previous embodiments. This embodiment has two side pushbuttons 290
cantilevered in the side surface of cap 212 which are actuated for
unlatching by pushing either one, or both, of the two available
buttons on cap 212. Although the appearances of jaw members 214 and
216 look substantially different in this embodiment when compared
to earlier figures having jaw members 14 and 16, many of the visual
differences are a matter of styling or related to the fact that
this embodiment shows how the device would look if it were sized
for a small bundle, such as for a set of ear bud cables as used on
small digital music devices that are currently common.
Functionally, however, jaw member 214 remains the same, whereas jaw
member 216 is changed to accommodate the two side buttons 290.
[0057] FIG. 6A is a cross section showing the device 212 in the
latched position, analogous with FIG. 4. Cap 212 defines a
passageway 240 that defines on its surface a retaining surface 242.
Jaw member 214 has attaching end 222 and teeth 246. Jaw member 216
has pawl 254, deflecting teeth 256, and tabs 238. Teeth 246 are
interlocked with teeth 256. Tabs 238 do not have a top face as did
release tabs 38, but instead have angled side faces 239. The reason
for these angled side faces can best be understood by describing
the unlatching actuation as follows.
[0058] Two arrows in FIG. 6A show the buttons 290 being depressed
towards the pawl 254 so that the device will unlatch. The lower
inner corner 292 of either or both of buttons 290 makes contact
with angled surface 239, causing pawl 254 to deflect toward the
interior of the device as indicated by the arrow.
[0059] FIG. 6B shows the same cross section as FIG. 6A with the
following differences: Buttons 290 have moved towards each other
and the pawl 254 and deflecting teeth 256 have moved inwardly and
disengaged from teeth 246. The device is ready to be opened by
moving the jaw member 214 out of the passageway 240.
[0060] FIG. 7 is shows a side partial sectional view of the device
210 in the latched position.
[0061] FIG. 8A shows yet another embodiment of the invention. A
device 310 is shown having a jaw member 314 that has teeth 346 that
are disposed on the side of the jaw member rather than on the
inward surface as in the other embodiments. A side button 390 is
pushed to begin unlatching the device, using internal structures
such as those shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E.
[0062] FIG. 8B shows yet another embodiment of the invention. A
device 410 is shown having a jaw member 414 that has teeth 446 that
are disposed on the outside of the jaw member rather than on the
inward surface as in the other embodiments. A side button 490 is
pushed to begin unlatching the device, using internal structures
such as those shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0063] FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of a size similar to that of
FIG. 4, but using two side buttons such as those in the embodiment
of FIGS. 4, 5, 6A, 6B and 7. A frame 294 has been added to so that
a person's fingers could pass through or grip the open area 296 and
frame 294 to provide an easy way for a person to carry device 212
and its contents. Frame 294 could be roughened or knurled to assist
in gripping. A handle such as the one formed by frame 294 is
especially convenient when the size of the device 210 is small, in
which case grasping the combination of the device and a bundle
could result in accidentally depressing a button 290, causing the
device 210 to unlatch. The frame 294 and open area 296 also forms a
convenient way to hang a bundle and device combination. For
instance, a coiled extension cord, captured by the device 210,
could be hung on peg on a garage wall by passing open area 296 over
the peg.
[0064] FIG. 9B shows an embodiment with two side buttons as in FIG.
9A, in which, instead of a frame 294 creating an open space 296, a
gripping wall 298 is provided. Wall 298 may be knurled or roughened
to facilitate gripping.
[0065] FIG. 9B further illustrates optional wedges 300a, 300b and
300c incorporated into wall 298, used for mounting the device.
Wedges may mount the device onto the object to be bundled (such as
a headphone or extension cord) or to another cylindrically-shaped
item such as a peg in a pegboard. The device may incorporate wedge
structures of varying sizes thus allowing the user to select the
wedge 300 that is sized to accommodate the particular size of cord
or tubular structure to attach to the device. The use and operation
of wedge structures is disclosed in detail in U.S. Pat. No.
5,774,945, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. By
selecting a wedge 300 that is slightly smaller than the cord or
tubular structure, sufficient friction may be generated to prevent
the cord or tubular structure from sliding in the wedge. On the
other hand, if such sliding is desired, a wedge that is slightly
larger than the cord or tubular structure may be selected.
[0066] FIG. 9C shows an embodiment as in FIG. 9A or 9B except that
in this case there are two optional walls rather than just one as
shown in FIG. 9B. The necessary internal workings for the two
buttons are situated between the two walls. The two walls may
define therein various wedges such as 300d and 300e illustrated in
FIG. 9C. One way of constructing this embodiment is for the jaw
member 216 to be able to accommodate a bigger cap 412. The internal
workings can include structures extending from the buttons that
reach to the pawl, or the pawl can be made larger to extend to the
buttons.
[0067] FIG. 9D shows a further alternate embodiment 510 having jaw
members 514, 516 that are integrally joined by a hinge strap or
"living hinge" 526. This integral resilient hinge 526 performs the
same alignment function as the screw 26 or cylindrical portion 30
disclosed in the embodiments of earlier figures. The contour at 526
can be of many shapes, and it is a function of the materials,
thicknesses and curvatures used for a particular design of clamp
510. Although this hinge strap is only shown in this FIG. 9D, the
concept can be used for any of the device embodiments shown.
[0068] FIG. 10 shows a method of use for any one of the embodiments
such as device 10. Any one of the embodiments can be provided with
one or more hooks 62 that could be of a variety of shapes and at a
variety of locations either in the interior 11 of elsewhere on the
device. This hook could either removably, or permanently, attach
the device 10 to an object 64 suitable for bundling. Other
embodiments might use a wedge as described above to grip the cord
being bundled, or other parts of the device 64. The device 64 shown
in FIG. 10 is a set of ear buds and attached cords, as typically
used for listening to music from portable audio devices.
[0069] FIG. 11 shows another example of an environment of use
similar to that shown in FIG. 10. In this example the device 62 is
an electrical device, such as a power drill, blow dryer, or
extension cord. Any corded device or other device in need of
bundling (such as a piece of rope) could be bundled in the manner
shown in this drawing.
[0070] FIG. 12 shows an example of a device 210 permanently or
removably attached to an object 65 that uses a cord 64 needing
bundling. In this embodiment the device 210 is attached to the
object 65 rather than to the cord 64 that needs bundling.
[0071] FIG. 12A shows a further embodiment, in which an object 66
incorporates into its structure, a device 610 utilizing principles
previously illustrated. Specifically, the device 610 creates a
space 11 in which, for example, a cord 64 may be bundled. Whereas
in previous embodiments, for example the embodiment 210 (FIG. 12)
included two jaw members such as 214 and 216, in the present
embodiment, only one jaw member 614 may be included. The functional
portions, such as the pawl 54 and moving teeth 56 of the jaw member
216 shown in previous embodiments, are incorporated within the body
of the object 66. Button 690 is outwardly visible and leads to
internal moving parts controlling pawl 54 as discussed with
reference to prior embodiments. In FIG. 12A, jaw member 614 has
fixed teeth 646 on the inner surface, and button 690 moves a pawl
into and out of engagement with teeth 646, similar to button 290 of
previous figures. Alternatively, a button such as 190 of FIG. 3A
may be used along with side teeth (such as 346 in FIG. 8A).
Similarly, teeth on the outer surface of jaw 614 (such as teeth 446
in FIG. 8B) could be used on jaw member 614, with appropriate
arrangement of a pawl to interlock with those teeth.
[0072] Although FIGS. 12 and 12A shown a portable music player that
does not have a protective carrying case, in many examples of these
portable players, the user may elect to use an exterior case
surrounding the device for decorative and/or protective reasons.
The principles of this invention, shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A, may be
applied to a carrying case as readily as to the object itself; that
is, the device 210 may be attached to a case and/or a device 610
may be integrated into a case.
[0073] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of one or more embodiments thereof, and while the
embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are
not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The
invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the
specific details, representative apparatus and method and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the general
inventive concept.
* * * * *