Self-aligning handling or storing device and methods of use therefor
OwnerMark H. Ginocchioinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for handling or storing bundled items such as electrical cords or cables is provided by using a handcuff-like element having jaws that self-sustain an open position while the bundled item is inserted therein and which traverse a fixed path or trajectory to close on the bundled item. The device may also be used handling or storing key rings, belts, fabrics such as napkins, jewelry, shopping bags, and plantings, among other applications.
Claims38
A device for handling or storing one or more items, comprising:
- a pair of generally rigid jaw members of material selected from a group consisting of polymer and ceramic material, each having a hinge end and an outer end, the jaw members comprising a mechanical latch to maintain said outer ends in an engaged position, each jaw member including an inner retaining surface and an outer press surface extending between the ends of the jaw member,
- the jaw members being connected together at their hinge ends, such that the jaw members (i) have a first, self-sustaining open position in which the outer ends are spaced apart to define a receiving space and the inner retaining surfaces are generally not facing one another whereby the one or more items pass into and between the jaw members without requiring external pressure to maintain the jaw members in the open position, (ii) have a plurality of second, closed positions in which the outer ends are engaged and the inner retaining surfaces are in confronting relationship, and (iii) are self-aligned such that the outer ends automatically engage together upon applying pressure on the outer press surfaces.
A method of using a device for handling or storing one or more items, the device having a pair of generally rigid jaws, each jaw having a hinge end and an outer end with an inner retaining surface and an outer press surface extending between the ends of the jaw, the jaws being connected together at their hinge ends, such that the device (i) has a first, self-sustaining open position in which the outer ends are spaced apart with the inner retaining surfaces generally not facing one another, (ii) has a plurality of second, closed positions in which the outer ends are engaged and the inner retaining surfaces are in confronting relationship, and (iii) jaws are self-aligned such that the outer ends automatically engage together upon applying pressure on the outer press surfaces, the method comprising:
- placing the jaws of the device into the open position whereby that position is sustained without requiring external pressure to the jaws;
- passing the one or more items through a space defined between the outer ends in the open position of the device;
- and
- placing the device into one of the plurality of closed positions with the one or more items therein by applying pressure on the outer press surfaces of the jaws until the inner retaining surfaces surround the one or more items.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.