EP0943454B1 - Clamping device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for pinch hold for various objects such as sheets of paper or documents, objects textiles such as clothes, tea towels, towels, or basically objects rigid such as tools, utensils in particular culinary, etc.

Pinch hold systems for the most part require the use of two hands, one used to operate the pliers the opening while sliding the object between the jaws of the pliers with the other hand.

In addition or alternatively, the devices known are relatively complex and / or not very effective or still have the disadvantage of damaging more or less seriously maintained object or to maintain it from uncertain way.

GB 2 167 348 A and US 4,563,796 describe sheet holding devices comprising a body with a substantially planar surface and, connected to said body on the one hand, a tongue and on the other hand opposite a stop member intended for come into contact with the tab to create a zone of pinch. In document GB 2 167 348 A, the area of pinch is defined by the end of the organ of stop either curved or folded in order to create a pinch edge. In document US 4,563,796, two pinch zones are created between the stop member and the tongue: the first pinch area is defined by a bead formed at the end of the stop member forming a rounded nipping edge coming into contact with the anterior surface of the tongue and the second pinch area is defined by the end of the tongue coming into contact with the rear face of the stop member.

Document US 2,493,503 describes a clothespin which has two spread blades between which the laundry line is intended to be introduced. The gap of the two blades beyond their rest position creates the force of return and pinching of the washing line.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a very ergonomic holding device, almost always usable with one hand, efficient, little expensive and / or compatible with many applications.

• un corps ;
• une languette de butée ayant une zone de raccordement avec le corps ;
• une languette mobile ayant une zone de raccordement avec le corps et une zone de pincement située entre une face antérieure du corps et une face postérieure de la languette de butée ; et
• des moyens de rappel élastique reliés fonctionnellement à la languette mobile et tendant à appuyer au moins indirectement la zone de pincement contre la face postérieure de la languette de butée ;

   la languette mobile possédant en outre une zone de pression sur laquelle un utilisateur peut appuyer pour écarter la zone de pincement relativement à la languette de butée et glisser entre celles-ci un objet à maintenir ou l'en enlever,
   caractérisé en ce que la languette de butée comporte sur sa face postérieure une région de butée convexe au-delà de laquelle la languette de butée s'écarte de la languette mobile en formant avec celle-ci une fente d'introduction en forme de coin. According to the invention, the holding device comprises:

• a body ;
• a stop tab having a connection zone with the body;
• a movable tongue having a connection zone with the body and a nip located between a front face of the body and a rear face of the stop tongue; and
• elastic return means functionally connected to the movable tongue and tending to press at least indirectly the nip against the rear face of the stop tongue;

the movable tongue also having a pressure zone on which a user can press to spread the pinch zone relative to the stop tab and slide between them an object to be held or removed,
characterized in that the abutment tab has on its rear face a convex abutment region beyond which the abutment tab deviates from the movable tab, thereby forming a wedge-shaped insertion slot.

This wedge-shaped slot promotes the introduction of the object between the two tabs of the clamp. The introduction can if necessary, thanks to the corner effect, producing a complementary opening by the push that the user exerts on the object in the sense of the introduction.

Typically, to engage an object in the clamp, we press the object on the pressure zone of the movable tongue. This moves the movable tab away from the stop tab. Then while maintaining this pressure, we push the object along the tongue movable to engage it in the slot between the tongue mobile and the stop tab. Then just release the pressure on the object so that it finds pinched, under the action of the return means elastic, between the movable tongue and the tongue of stop. One hand can therefore cause both the opening of the holding device and the engagement of the object between the two pinch faces of the device.

It is beneficial that the body and both tongues are formed by the same strip of material curved at the junction between the body and each of the tabs, respectively.

The strip of material can be a simple strip of elastic metal, for example stainless steel, or of plastic. This band thus constitutes the most or all of the device in one single piece.

In some applications, the body wears means for fixing to a support, for example means adhesive adhesives.

The support can typically be a wall vertical. Such support promotes easy introduction of the object between the two tabs of the device. In particular, the support constitutes a reaction support for the pressure force exerted by the user on the pressure zone of the movable tongue.

The body can be attached to a structure variable geometry carrier part of the device, for example a deformable arm which can be fixed itself to a fixed support, to a device or a machine.

For example, one end of a geometry arm variable can be attached to a hardware box computing while the body and the two tabs, located at the other end of the arm deformable, can support documents to be taken in consideration for working on the computer, for example a text to be entered by word processor.

The movable tongue is advantageously more as long as the stop tab.

This is appropriate because the movable tab must present said pressure zone between the zone of pinch and connection area. In addition, in the aforementioned case where the elastic means consist of a elasticity of the movable tongue, and that simultaneously the movable tab, the body and the stop tab are made from a single strip of the same material, the most high elastic flexibility of the movable tongue and its mobility in relation to the body and the tongue of stop result from the greater length of the movable tongue.

Adhesion means can be provided on the rear face of the stop tab and / or on the anterior side of the tongue pinch area movable to increase the coefficient of friction with the object retained between these faces.

One of the device's favorite apps according to the invention is the suspension of documents, sheets of paper and the like.

The device according to the invention is also applicable to the suspension of objects which typically may be rigid, such as tools or utensils. Depending on the size of the objects to maintain, the travel of the movable tongue can vary. Depending on the weight of the objects to remember, the elastic force applied to the movable tongue can also vary depending on the achievements. We can by example consider suspending a set of keys for nuts or screws of different sizes, a series of screwdriver, or in the kitchen, a saucepan or a series of pans by their handles, one or several utensils such as spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, etc.

The device according to the invention is also applicable to the suspension of textile objects. he can then replace a coat rack to support a coat, it can also be used to hang a cloth in a kitchen, a towel in a bathroom baths, etc.

In a particular application, the device is used as a clothespin for hanging clothes for drying. The junction area between the body and the stop tab then forms a handle passage of a drying wire, to which the device is then finds suspended. Other particularities and advantages of the invention will further emerge from the description below, relating to examples Non-limiting.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de maintien selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue en élévation du dispositif de la figure 1 lors de l'insertion d'une feuille de papier;
• la figure 3 est une vue à plus petite échelle après insertion de la feuille de papier;
• la figure 4 est une vue de la bande de matière constitutive du corps et des languettes à un stade intermédiaire de fabrication;
• la figure 5 est une vue en élévation d'un autre mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention;
• la figure 6 est une vue de face d'un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention;
• la figure 7 est une vue de profil d'un badge selon l'invention, en service;
• la figure 8 est une vue du dispositif selon l'invention appliqué à la suspension d'une casserolle; et
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective illustrant une application du dispositif selon l'invention en tant que pince à linge.

In the accompanying drawings:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a holding device according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is an elevational view of the device of Figure 1 when inserting a sheet of paper;
• Figure 3 is a view on a smaller scale after insertion of the sheet of paper;
• Figure 4 is a view of the strip of material of the body and the tongues at an intermediate stage of manufacture;
• Figure 5 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 7 is a side view of a badge according to the invention, in service;
• Figure 8 is a view of the device according to the invention applied to the suspension of a pan; and
• Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating an application of the device according to the invention as a clothespin.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the device comprises a flat body 1 at one end which is connected a stop tab 2. A the opposite end of the body 1 is connected a movable tongue 3.

The body 1 and the tongues 2 and 3 are made from a single strip of material elastically flexible, for example a strip of stainless steel or a flexible plastic strip.

Connection zones 23 and 33 of the body 1 with the stopper tab 2 and with the tab mobile 3 are each produced by a curvature substantially 180 ° from the flexible material strip.

Tabs 2 and 3 are located every two opposite an anterior face 11 of the body 1 and extend towards each other from their area of respective connection 23, 33 with the body 1.

In the vicinity of its free end 31, the movable tongue 3 has a pinching area 32 which is engaged between the front face 11 of the body 1 and the rear face 22 of a stop zone 21 of the stop tab 2.

The stop zone 21 of the tongue 2 is located opposite the anterior face 11 of the body 1 at a certain distance from connection area 23.

The movable tongue 3 presents between the area of pinch 32 and the connection zone 33 with the body 1, a pressure zone 34. As illustrated in the Figure 3, the apparent length L2 of the tongue of stop 2 is significantly shorter than the length apparent L1 from body 1, so that the area of pressure 34 of the movable tongue 3 is uncovered beyond the free end of the stopper tab 2.

The apparent length L ₃ of the movable tongue 3 is clearly greater, for example three times greater, than the apparent length L2 of the stop tongue 2.

As shown in Figure 4, to achieve the holding device, we give the strip of material elastic an initial shape such as the tongue mobile 3 tends, in the absence of any constraint elastic, to move away from the body 1 beyond the position defined by the stop tab 2. To go from the intermediate state resulting from forming, shown in Figure 4 in the state corresponding to device finished (Figures 1 to 3) just flex the body 1 so that the front face 11 is convex to be able to engage the movable tongue 3 behind the stopper tab 2.

Thus, in the holding device in operating configuration (Figures 1 to 3), the nip area 32 of the movable tongue 3 is permanently, elastically recalled to the position rest resting against the stop tab 2, under the effect of his tendency to return to the relaxed position visible in Figure 4.

As the contact point 5 which is established between tabs 2 and 3 (Figure 1) is much closer of the connection area 23 of the stop tab 2 only from the connection area 33 of the tongue movable 3, the stop tab 2 provides resistance at much greater flexion. This allows the stop tab 2 to hold the movable tab 3 in the rest position shown in Figure 1 without the movable tongue 3 bending significantly the stop tab 2 or the body 1.

In addition, by pressure exerted on the area of pressure 34, the movable tongue 3 and in particular the pinch area 32 can be moved away from the stop tab 2. This pressure can be exerted by a user's thumb 6 as shown in the figure 2.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the body 1 is provided with fixing means against a wall vertical 7, for example a wall. The fixing means conveniently consist of a fixed adhesive foam 71 on the posterior face 12 of the body 1.

The holding device of Figures 1 to 3 is used as follows to maintain a sheet of paper 81 in hanging position vertical. The device is fixed against the wall 7 of so that the stop tab 2 is in position upper and the movable tongue 3 in position lower.

Using his thumb 6, the user places the sheet of paper 81 against pressure area 34 of the movable tab 3 then, holding this pressure, engage the upper edge 82 of the sheet 81 in the slot 51 between the stop zone 21 of the stop tab 2 and pinch area 32 of the movable tongue 3.

The movement and the forces exerted by the user are symbolized by the double arrow 61 to Figure 2. Following this, the user removes thumb and pinch area 32 (Figure 3) of the movable tongue 3 elastically pinches the sheet 81 against the stop zone 21 of the tongue stop 2.

The stop tab 2 has beyond the stop zone 21 a terminal zone 24 which deviates gradually moving tongue 3 by defining therewith an insertion slot 51 having a profile in corner.

Figure 1 shows that the rear face 22 of the stop tab 2 can be present in the area abutment 21 a coating 26 promoting adhesion, for example a rubber sheet. So the sheet of paper or other object will be more effectively held between the stop tab 2 and the tab mobile 3.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the body 1 of the holding device is not necessarily provided with fixing means such as the means 71 of Figure 2.

The holding device of FIG. 5 is used to maintain a stack of sheets 83 between the stop tab 2 and the movable tongue 3.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the fixing means comprise a ball joint 72 one of which elements 73 is attached to the top of the body 1 and the other element 74 is integral with the end of a plastically deformable arm 76, the other end of which can rotate about a vertical axis 77 relative to a device 78 which in the example is a screen computer.

Thus, the sheet 81 carrying for example a text to be entered by computer can be positioned by the operator in the way he or she judges most ergonomic when working in front of the computer.

In the example of FIG. 7, the body 1 is attached by any appropriate means to a badge identification 91 which is for example of the kind delivered to visitors entering premises of a business or exhibition. The badge is attached to the pocket 92 of the visitor's jacket or other suit 94 by insertion of the upper edge 93 of the pocket 92 between the stop tab 2 placed in the upper position and the movable tongue 3. The stop tongue 2 penetrates inside the pocket while the movable tab 3 remains pressed against the outside of the pocket. The badge 91 is adjacent to the so-called rear face of the body 1.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the holding device is similar to that of Figures 1 to 4, with its body 1 fixed to a wall 7. However, the fixing, so that it is more robust, is secured by screws 79 which pass through holes (not shown) in body 1 and engage in the wall 7.

The holding device is used to hang a pan 94 by inserting the handle 96 of the pan between the movable tab 3 and the stop tab 2.

The elastic restoring force of the tongue mobile 3 is chosen sufficient for the force of resulting friction on the handle 96 either greater than the weight of the pan 94.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the holding device is used as a clothespin 41 to hang a textile object 42 for sound drying. The drawing wire 43 passes under the area of connection 23 of the stop tab 2, which forms suspension handle. The textile object to hang is engaged between the stop tab 2 and the tab mobile 3 of each clothespin 41.

Of course, the invention is not limited to examples described and shown. Other applications still are conceivable, for example as a bookmark to find a particular page in a book, for hanging tools in a workshop similar to that shown in Figure 8 for a saucepan for hanging tea towels or napkins.

The device could also be used to hold an object in an upright position by placing the stop tab 2 in the lower position and the movable tongue 3 in the upper position.

We could also place the tongue of stop 2 in lateral position relative to the object to maintain.

Claims (15)

1. Holding device comprising:

   a body (1) ;

   a stopping tab (2) having a joining zone (23) with the body (1);

   a mobile tab (3) having a joining zone (33) with the body and a clamping zone (32) located between an anterior face (11) of the body (1) and a posterior face (22) of the stopping tab (2); and

   resilient means connected to the mobile tab (3) for operation and tending to press at least indirectly the clamping zone (32) against the posterior face (22) of the stopping tab (2);

      the mobile tab (3) further having a pressure zone (34) upon which a user (6) can press to space apart the clamping zone (32) with respect to the stopping tab (2) so as to slip between them an article (81, 83, 92, 96, 42) that is to be gripped or removed,
      characterized in that the stopping tab (2) comprises on its posterior face (22) a convex stopping region beyond which the stopping tab (2) separates from the mobile tab (3) by forming with said mobile tab an introduction slit (51) having a corner form.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure zone (34) is located between the clamping zone (32) and the joining zone (33) of the mobile tab (3).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said joining zone (23) of the stopping tab (2) and the joining zone (33) of the mobile tab (3) are located at two opposite ends of the body (1).
4. Device according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the body (1) and the two tabs (2,3) are made from the same material strip bent between the body and each of said tabs, respectively.
5. Device according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the resilient means results from an elasticity of at least a part of the mobile tab (3).
6. Device according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized by adhesion means (26) supported by at least one of the posterior face (22) of the stopping tab (2) and the anterior face of the clamping zone (32) of the mobile tab (3).
7. Device according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mobile tab (3) is longer than the stopping tab (2).
8. Device according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, characterized by means (71 to 74, 76, 77, 79) for fixing the body to a support (7, 78).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixing means comprises a variable geometry structure (72, 76, 77).
10. Device according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a posterior face (12) of the body (1) comprises adhesive fixing means (71).
11. Use of a device according to anyone of claims 1 to 10 for the suspension of documents (81).
12. Use of a device according to anyone of claims 1 to 10 for the suspension of articles such as tools or equipment (94).
13. Use of a device according to anyone of claims 1 to 10 for the suspension of articles such as clothes, kitchen cloth, towels.
14. Clothes pin comprising a device (41) according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, the joining zone (23) of the stopping tab (2) forming a passage loop for a cloth line.
15. Badge comprising a device according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, with the posterior face (12) of the body (1), at the opposite of the tabs, being fixed to the posterior face of the properly speaking badge (91).

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