Page 1 of 15 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990; Patent Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT APPLICANT: David John Harris INVENTION TITLE: A clip connecting a token to a key ring. The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me: Page 2 of 15 A CLIP TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to an innovative clip that, in addition to other uses, can be easily understood as suitable for bearing a token such as an identity tag, a medallion, a medical warning or a memento, such that the token can be attached via the clip to an object such as a key ring. BACKGROUND ART [0002] It is universally accepted that keys and other paraphernalia are contained by a key ring, often a split ring. An additional clip may be attached to the key ring which bears another token such as an identity tag, a medallion, a medical warning or a memento, henceforth to be called a "token", to name a just a few. This clip is designed to bear such a token so that it can be attached to an object such as a key ring. [0003] There are many kinds of clips which are designed to facilitate the engagement, containment and disengagement of an object such as a key ring, henceforth to be referred to as an "object", in order to imply a broader application for this invention. [0004] Throughout the following text, the words "this invention" or "this clip" refers to the clip that is the subject of this innovation patent application.
Page 3 of 15 [0005] Patent: GB 2336105 A (Wilmott) Oct 1999. This invention differs from Wilmott's invention located in background art. In figure 3 of GB 2336105 A, Tips 3 and 4 are observed to angle acutely in a closed position to "help retain keys on the ring" as described in paragraph (57). Further, in the detailed description of figures 1 to 5, the "spurs" are formed by "turning the two ends of the spring steel wire closely parallel to each other and pointing towards the centre of the circle". He elaborates that "Once a key is attached ... the spring steel keeps the two spurs tight together with little or no scope for the key to accidentally pull through between them ... (and that) the tips of the spurs (3 and 4 in Figure 3) are shaped to form a fairly acute angle". [0006] This invention contains, in contrast, spurs that are not parallel and point away from the centre of the clip. The mouth of this clip is designed to touch bilaterally at a point on the curves and then the spurs angle away from each other in order to form an inner mouth such that, when a key ring (not a key) is brought into a position at the inner lips of the mouth in preparation for disengagement, the mouth is able to open in response to an applied force. [0007] Wilmott's "spurs" do not ensure quick and easy disengagement. Wilmott's invention specifies a non-planar twisting action of a key (not a key ring) to open the spurs sufficiently to effect the disengagement of a key, an action elaborated on in the paragraph [0008]. [0008] Wilmott's invention requires the clip body to be twisted into a non-planar shape in order to disengage a key. The essence of his proposed operation requires a key with a flat body (containing the hole) to provide a smooth surface for each spur to "travel across the face of the key" on the opposite sides of the key body. The typical key ring, for which this invention is intended to attach, does not contain a smooth surface like a key. Hence it is not possible to easily disengage a key ring from the confines of Wilmott's clip by a twisting and sliding action in the manner described by Wilmott. [0009] Additionally, Wilmott's claim 1 does not specify the required shape of the spurs such that the disengagement of a key Page 4 of 15 may be executed "quickly and easily". One reason for this is that greater specificity of the spur shape is not required for Wilmott's intended operation, that is, for the spurs to "glide across the key" in a non-planar twisting action. [0010] In contrast, this invention has specific requirements of the spurs so that a key ring may be disengaged whilst maintaining the clip in a planar configuration. Inspection of each of Wilmott's figures 1 to 5 does not provide sufficient confidence that a key ring may be disengaged "quickly and easily" without his intended key twisting action. [0011] The operator of Wilmott's invention may experience considerable frustration locating the exact point to place an object in preparation for disengagement, or if one were to consider his preferred embodiment drawn in Figure 3, impossible, without first opening the clip to provide an observable and efficacious point of exit. [0012] This invention has a similar operation to Wilmott's invention with respect to the manner by which an object is introduced in to the confines of the clip. However, it is evident that in Wilmott's claim 1, the description of "the shape of the two ends" lacks relevance to the operation of engagement. Additionally, his drawings do not provide a functional access point at the outer entrance. The operator may need considerable force to prize apart the spurs in order to engage an object. [0013] This invention addresses this lack of specificity by claiming that the key ring intended for engagement with clip is guided by the shape of the compound curves on the outside of the clip towards the external mouth. Then at the point of resistance, the operator applies a force towards the centre of the clip which, by virtue of the compound curves initiates a lateral vector of force which opens the mouth, thus ensuring that engagement is executed by the application of reasonable pressure on the key ring towards the interior of the clip. [0014] Although Wilmott makes a general reference to the "configuration and shape" of the spurs, he does not sufficiently Page 5 of 15 address the specification that ensures that his key or any other object such as a key ring is "quickly and easily" attached. [0015] This invention, by specifying the actual shape of the outer mouth of the clip, ensures that a key ring may be "quickly and easily attached ..." and hence not subject to shape variations that may be inherently frustrating. [0016] Wilmott's specification refers to round cross-section wire. This invention specifies square cross-section material with inherent spring characterisics. The reason this invention specifies square cross-section material is that the faces of the clip mouth which are in contact with each other are sprung closed. This force requires a stable flat face to prevent the two faces from slipping beside each other. Wilmott's specification also require the mouth to be sprung closed ("spring steel keeps the two spurs tight together") but he does not address the attendant problem of slip. [0017] Patent: US 3758923 A (Maude) September 1973. Maude's invention is a circlip which has superficial similarities to this invention. In each of his drawings, figures 1 to 4, he identifies a clip which contains features that function according to the requirements of a circlip, that is, it is intended to be inserted into a machine part and held in compression by the spring action of the material from which the circlip is made. [0018] Essential to the circlip's operation is a gap (4) in Figure 1, which enables the circlip to compress sufficiently to achieve the intended function. This gap is evident in all three drawings. The gap is of such magnitude as to be entirely un functional if it were employed in this invention. [0019] Secondly, the legs which protrude in the specified manner into the confines of the clip are required to achieve the intended function of Maude's invention. They occupy a large part of the internal body of his circlip. This invention by contrast requires the internal body of clip to be largely free space and weighted such that the clip, along with a token in the loop, may Page 6 of 15 hang contained within a key ring along with other items such as keys. [0020] Maude's invention contains a "rolling pivotal contact" that has some similarity to this invention. However it is not specified as intending to open, but to pivot in a closed position when the circlip is compressed. [0021] This invention specifies a mouth with a particular shape that facilitates intentional disengagement and discourages unintended disengagement. It does this by specifying both by the shape of the mouth and the operational function of opening the mouth. There is no indication in the abstract, description or the claims that Maude's invention would achieve the intended function of this invention. [0022] He also specifies in Claim 1 that the legs have "complementary curved faces in butt contact with one another so that the said leg ends provide rolling pivotal contact when the body is compressed .. ". In this invention, the clip is not intended to be compressed. Hence there is no rolling pivotal action in the intended function of this clip. In contrast, the contact point of the legs must be specified as able to be opened to allow passage of a key ring. [0023] Lastly, Maude's clip does not contain a loop. The loop in this clip is intended to keep the token separate from the body of the clip. [0024] Patent: Australian Registered Design 155689 (Wilson) December 2003. This design representation indicates a non-planar clip which may be interpreted as able to accept and contain undisclosed items. The operation, although not described, appears to depend on the inherent spring action of the material from which the clip is made to achieve this end. [0025] From inspection, the clip is constructed in three dimensions. An object being introduced to the clip may act against the inherent spring action of the material in a non planar direction. It also appears to mimic the use of a standard Page 7 of 15 paper clip rather than that of a clip intended to contain an item such as a key ring within its confines. There is no identifiable feature that obviates against unintended disengagement of an object such as a key ring. [0026] This invention is planar in construction and operation. The claims for this invention specify mouth design that obviates against unintended disconnection and facilitates ease of intentional connection and disconnection. [0027] Unlike Wilson's clip, this invention specifies a loop to hold tokens separate from the clip body. [0028] Patent: Australian Design Registration AU 91553 S (Woodfast Machinery Co) September 1983. This registered design appears to be closely related to Wilmott's patent described above. An analysis of the design and comparisons with this invention has been addressed above. [0029] Patent: US 4226105 A (Wehrman) October 1980. Wehrman's invention in primarily that of a loop designed to carry a set or sets of keys from a waist belt via a spring hook that has a depressible spring latch, the later which is generic in design and not of itself the subject of Wehrman's claims. However his mention of the spring hook in the abstract and its image in Figures 1 to 4 serve as a point of comparison with respect to this invention. [0030] Wehrman states: "The spring hook preferably has a depressible spring latch which is wider than the other elements of the hook to facilitate ready manipulation thereof to latch open position to permit quick detachment of the key ring from the holder by the user." [0031] From an inspection of the images, it is obvious that the latch bears little resemblance to this invention. Notably, it is not bilateral in construction. It requires digital manipulation of a lever in order to disengage an object. The manner by which Page 8 of 15 an object is introduced to the latch is by sliding the item along the lever and simultaneously depressing the lever. The loop of the latch must be sufficiently open to allow passage of the eye of the belt loop. Any item within the loop of the latch is not constrained from exiting the loop. [0032] In contrast, this invention is bilateral in construction and operation. It does not depend on the digital manipulation of a lever in order to effect the engagement and disengagement of an object. The loop of this invention is closed or substantially closed. This ensures that any token contained within the loop remains in place at opposite end of the clip to the mouth. [0033] There are a number of advantages the current invention has over clips specified in the above review of background art. These advantages can be categorized under the headings of adaptability, simplicity of design, ease of manufacture, cost of manufacture, ease of function and aesthetics. [0034] It can be perceived from the descriptions and drawings herein (FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2) that this invention is formed from bending or molding a material that has spring characteristics into a clip that has no hinges, no material discontinuity, no added components such as springs, pins or swivels requiring assembly, and no parts subject to deterioration. [0035] Inherent in the design of this invention, therefore, is the fact that this clip is able to be manufactured using simple machinery, resulting in low material and labour costs. [0036] One innovative aspect of the design of this clip is its demand for a low level of manual dexterity to perform the Page 9 of 15 operation of engaging and disengaging an object. This feature overcomes the problem inherent in some clips in background art that require higher levels of dexterity to perform the operation of engagement and disengagement of an object. [0037] Although it is a personal judgment, aesthetics may be intuitively linked to simplicity. It is asserted that the clip under examination may be regarded as presenting a pleasing aesthetic simplicity, equal to or better than those alluded to in background art. [0038] In addition to paragraph [0037], the number of shapes that may be generated, that incorporate the substance of the claims herein, are many. The clip may be formed into simple, pleasing and aesthetic shapes, such as an oval, a ring, a heart or any other iconic form, provided such shapes permit and enable the clip to perform the function that is required defined by the claims herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0039] This invention is designed to function as a clip having the purpose of bearing a token such as an identity tag, a medallion, a medical warning or a momento through a loop (2), such that the token can be connected via the clip, to an object such as a key ring. The preferred embodiments for this function are drafted in FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2. [0040] This invention provides a means of containing an object within the confines of the clip (3), utilizing an innovative Page 10 of 15 mouth design (4) and (7), that facilitates the intentional engagement of an object and discourages the unintentional disengagement of an object. [0041] Integral to the function of the clip is the ease by which an object may be introduced into the confines of the clip via the external aspect of the mouth (7). The external aspect of the mouth presents in such a manner that an object is guided by the bilateral compound curves (6), to move towards the centre of the opening of the said mouth in preparation for the engagement of the object within the confines of the clip. [0042] Also integral to the function of the clip is the formation of the inner aspect of the mouth (4), fashioned in such a way that an object contained within the clip is guided away from the opening and by so doing, discourages the accidental disengagement of the object. [0043] Conceptually, the clip may be referred to as a Fish Trap Clip. The manner by which an object is captured and contained is similar to the design of a fish trap by virtue of the ease by which intended engagement is facilitated and unintended disengagement is minimized. [0044] The prototype of this invention, drafted as FIGURE 1, was informed by prizing open the legs of a cotter pin (split pin) to form diverging bilateral legs with an acute subtended angle. Then, a pair of pointy nosed pliers was utilizing to rotate the free ends of the legs inwards towards each other creating compound curves until two spring loaded touching semi-circles Page 11 of 15 were formed, whereby the clip took on a shape resembling a heart. [0045] A variant of this invention, drafted as FIGURE 2, maintained the same general clip shape as the prototype, but incorporated a modified mouth formation to achieve the same functional result. In this variant, the ends of the bilateral legs were rotated in the manner described in [0044] but were cut short, whilst maintaining the functional internal opening to the mouth. The wording and substance of the claim herein applies to the shape of the inner and outer mouth, as well as to the position the mouth occupies within the clip. [0046] Referring to FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2, a loop (2) is an important aspect of the preferred embodiment. A loop ensures that the token contained within, remains isolated from the body of the key ring. [0047] Although the prototype clip was made by bending a bright steel cotter pin, the current invention is not limited to fabrication from metal, nor to the action of bending material into the shape of the clip. The clip may be formed from a mould or any other manufacturing process that imbues the clip with a shape, the spring characteristics, the operation and the function for which the patent is granted. [0048] The preferred embodiments of the clip are designed to be manufactured using either of two well documented methods; wire bending and moulding. This invention can be manufactured using techniques other than wire bending and moulding whilst maintaining this patent protection.
Page 12 of 15 [0049] It is anticipated that a cost effective method for the production of the preferred embodiments will be feeding stainless steel, bright steel or non-ferrous alloys of metal wire of suitable cross section, with spring characteristics, into a wire bending machine. The preferred material, shape and size are to be determined by aesthetics, the specific function intended for the clip and the effective incorporation of the substance of the claims herein. [0050] At least as well established and cost effective, is the process of moulding metal, composites, plastics and polymers using injection or extrusion moulding or by the use of a 3D printer. The preferred material, shape and size will be determined by aesthetics, the specific function intended for the clip and the effective incorporation of the substance of the claims herein. [0051] The claims relating to this clip are intended to encompass the manufacture of clips that contain the integers, described in the claims, being utilized on a macro or micro scale for a purpose specifically alluded to herein, as well as any purpose for which the clip proves suitable, and encompass the manufacture of clips from a suitable material and fashioned into a shape that a particular application requires. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0052] Two clip variants representing the preferred embodiments of the claims are drafted in FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2. They describe a clip consisting of an enclosed space (3) defined by Page 13 of 15 material with inherent spring characteristics and incorporates the claim herein. [0053] The variant drafted in FIGURE 1 describes the general shape of the clip body that includes a loop (2) designed to bear a token such that, via the clip, this token may be connected to an object such as a key ring, henceforth to be referred to as an object. [0054] Referring to the preferred embodiment drafted in FIGURE 1, a closed or substantially closed loop (2) is formed, touching or nearly touching on the midline (1), being the inner surface of the material of the clip. The loop is of sufficient size that it will house the token intended to be contained therein, and such that the two ends of material from which the loop is formed are of equal length. [0055] Referring to the preferred clip embodiment drafted in FIGURE 1, the two ends of the material from which the loop is formed, described in [0054], diverge bilaterally and symmetrically from the closed or substantially closed loop (2), at such an angle from the midline (30 degrees more or less), and at a sufficient distance away from the loop, that the angle and the distance combined will form an adequate space within the clip (3) to retain at least one object, such as a key ring, as well as to accommodate the inwardly projecting mouth (4). [0056] Referring to FIGURE 1, the clip material having satisfied the condition set out in [0055], is then fashioned to converge symmetrically in the form of compound curves (6), such that each bilateral element of the clip material touches the other on the Page 14 of 15 outer surface of the material, scribing and then completing the said compound curves (6) in a direction back towards the loop (2), thereby forming the outer aspect of the mouth (7) and attaining closure of the clip. [0057] Referring to the clip variant drafted in FIGURE 1, the external aspect of the mouth (7) presents in such a manner that an object is guided by the said compound curves (6) of the clip material to move towards the centre of the opening of the external mouth (7), in preparation for engagement within the clip. [0058] Referring to the clip variant drafted in FIGURE 1, the inherent spring characteristic of the material from which the clip is made is utilized, such that each bilateral symmetrical element of the material abuts the other on their outer surfaces with mutual inward force, and in so doing, forms a passage between the internal mouth (4) and external mouth (7) of the clip, this passage being held closed by the inherent spring characterisics of the material. [0059] The mutual inward force described in [0058] is integral to the function of the clip by virtue of limiting the possibility of unintended disengagement of an object from the confines of the clip. [0060] The faces of the material forming the clip at the point of abutment are flat to ensure that the mutual inward force referred to in [0058] and [0059] does not distort the planarity clip by causing the material elements to slide past each other.
Page 15 of 15 [0061] The flat abutting face described in [0060] may be achieved by forming the clip from wire or other material that has, for example, a square cross section. [0062] The flat abutting face described in [0060] may also be achieved by machining a flat surface on a material of suitable cross section at the point of abutment. [0063] Referring to the clip variant drafted in FIGURE 1, the bilateral ends, henceforth to be revered to as "spurs" (8), are fashioned to diverge bilaterally at an angle less than 90 degrees and greater than zero degrees from the midline in a direction away from the loop, to form an inner mouth (4), and bilateral spurs (8), the later having the function of guiding an enclosed object away from the inner mouth (4) and hence away from the position where unintended disengagement of an object may occur. [0064] Referring to the clip variant drafted in FIGURE 1, the bilateral ends of the spurs (8) abut, or nearly abut the inner face of the compound curves (6) at a point more or less half way along the curve (5). [0065] Referring to the clip variant drafted in FIGURE 2, the ends of the clip project in the same direction as described in [0063] and [0064], but are cut short whilst retaining the general shape and function of the inner mouth (4), which is to present an optimal visual and mechanical opening for the intentional disengagement of the object from the clip.