GB2037359A - Closure for Garments, Bags and the Like - Google Patents

Abstract

A gripping device for bags and the like comprises a pair of elongated curved members 25, 30 formed from a springy material and having first ends joined together at 22 and second ends provided with latching means 40, 44 for holding them together in a gripping configuration. The curvature of the elongated members is preferably selected to produce a uniform gripping pressure. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Closure for Garments, Bags and the Like Technical Field The present invention relates to the field of devices for gripping articles.

Background of the Prior Art The present invention may be adapted to diverse applications, as for example, sealing food bags to maintain freshness. The most common prior art device is perhaps the wire ties. The ties require the bag to be gathered at some point to allow the tie to be passed around the periphery thereof thereby causing some crushing of the food article contained in the bag, or else leaving a considerable volume of air in the bag, causing hastened staleness of the food article. Another prior art device is the bread bag resealer described in U.S. Patent No. 3,629,905, comprising a pair of flat, straight and rigid jaw members, joined at one end thereof by a resilient spring member.One disadvantage of this device is that the degree of pressure maintained by the device is dependent upon the springiness of the spring member and its ability to exert forces from one end of the device which will apply sufficient closure pressure at the other end. Thus the resealer could fail to exert sufficient pressure to maintain the seal.

Other disadvantages are the bulkiness of the resealer, the relative expense of the assembly, and the fact that it only has a single (closed) stable position, making loading of the device difficult.

In another application, the device may be used as a garment hanger in place of the various types of traditional clothing hangers or the clamping hangers used to hang trousers. These clamping hangers are expensive and generally unattractive.

Another prior art device is the clip described in U.S. Patent No. 3,551,965. This clip has the disadvantage that an unequal pressure will be exerted along the extent of the pressure surfaces. There are many other applications to which the subject invention may be adapted. However, applicant knows of no other device having the unique characteristics of the present invention, and in particular the constant gripping force exerted along the gripping surface when the clip is in the gripping configuration.

U.S. Patent No. 1,870,014 discloses a clasp for lingerie, hair and like purposes. The clasp is made from a strip of resilient sheet metal doubled upon itself to form two complimentary limbs. The junction of the limbs is a curve of small radius to assist the natural resilience of the metal in separating the limbs. It is apparent from the drawing in that patent, that the curve joining the two limbs is intended as a spring hinge member as the limbs are shown at a substantial angle to each other adjacent the curve when the clasp is in the free state.

In addition to the foregoing, U.S. Design Patent No. 234,204 and French Patent No. 1,538,498 both disclose fasteners characterized by tab members having one or more projections for sliding through an opening on an adjacent member so as to be retained thereby.

Brief Summary of the Invention A gripping device is disclosed, comprising a pair of elongated curved members formed from a springy material and having first and second ends, the first ends being joined together and the second ends being provided with latching means for latching together the second ends in a gripping configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated members have facing flat pressure surfaces. The curvature of the elongated members is preferably selected in accordance with a mathematical analysis to determine the curvature which will produce an equal gripping pressure along the pressure surface when the device is in the gripping configuration.

The device may be fabricated such that the first ends of the elongated members define a gap of the approximate thickness of the article to be gripped. The device may be fabricated to grip a wide variety of articles, such as garments, papers, glass, bags and the like. Other features, embodiments and improvements are disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the gripping device in the unlatched configuration.

Figure 2 is a top view of the device in the gripping configuration.

Figure 3 is a top view of the device in the gripping configuration and with a gripped article in place.

Figure 4 is a partial side view of the device, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3 and showing the latching means.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a latching means shown in Figure 4, taken along line 5-5 of that figure.

Figure 6 is a partial side view of an alternative embodiment of the device, showing the latching means.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a partialside view of a second alternative embodiment, showing the latching means.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8, showing the serrated locking tab of the embodiment.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment, shown in the gripping configuration.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment, shown in the gripping configuration.

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the load-deflection characteristics of the model of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a combination pants and skirt hanger.

Figure 14 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1 3 shown in the open position and in phantom at various stages of closure.

Figure 1 5 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1 3 shown in the closed state.

Figure 1 6 is a side view of a portion of Figure 1 5 taken on an expanded scale.

Figure 17 is a view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 1 6.

Figure 18 is the top view of a portion of still another embodiment.

Figure 1 9 is a perspective end view of the embodiment of Figure 1 8 showing the latch mechanism in the open state.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 8 as it may be used for sealing bags, such as potato chip bags and the like.

Figure 21 is an end view of an embodiment similar to that of Figure 1 8 showing an alternate latch in the closed state.

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention comprises a device for gripping articles such as articles of clothing (e.g.

trousers), and sealing bags such as snack food bags and the like, and which may be adapted for a diverse variety of other applications. While the invention is discussed with reference to certain preferred embodiments and applications, other embodiments and applications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to Figure 1, the preferred embodiment for use as a garment hanger is shown in perspective. As shown, the gripping device 20 is an integral unit formed from a resilient springy material, such as DuPont Delrin, Cyanamid Cyrolite and T polymer, series 6 nylon, and certain types of polyethylene or polyurethane, the foregoing materials merely being exemplary of the many materials usable depending on the cost and application objectives. Other materials, such as metals could be used, though the specified materials are preferred for fabrication by injection molding techniques, as they are suitable for the preferred method of fabricatinn the invented devices.

The device of Figure 1 (see also Figure 2) comprises a pair of elongated curved flat members 25 and 30, joined at first ends 26 and 31 by connecting region 22. The facing sides of members 25 and 30 form pressure surfaces 28 and 33, respectively, when in the latched condition as shown in Figure 3.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, connecting region 22 joins the first ends 26 and 31 of the elongated members in a separated relationship. The selected size g of the gap is dependent upon the thickness of the article to be gripped, the preferred gap size being equivalent to the article thickness. Handle 35 is formed in first member 25, and in this embodiment, is a curved hanger member adapted for fitting over a closet bar, similar to those usually found on conventional coat hangers.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, rectangular opening 40 is provided in second end 32 of curved member 30, preferably with the upper portion of the opening near the center of the elongated member to center the latching force. Latch member 44 extends from member 25 adjacent second end 27 thereof, opposite hole 40 in member 30, and has an orthogonally projecting locking tab 46 formed therein. As is best shown in Figure 5, the members 25 and 30 may be manipulated together in order that latch 44 may be passed through opening 40 and locking tab 46 slipped over a portion of the elongated member 30 defining opening 40. Since the second ends of the elongated members will tend to spring apart when the device is in the gripping configuration, the locking tab 46 will be subject to tension which will bias the latching means in the latched state.To release the second ends, the ends are manipulated against the exerted tension to release locking tab 46 and thereby open the device.

The curvature of the elongated members 25 and 30 is selected so that a substantially equal gripping force is exerted along the gripped articles by the elongated members between their adjacent pressure surfaces 28 and 33. For purposes of analysis to determine the appropriate curvature, each elongated member is initially modeled as an elastic beam having two states, the first being a flat, nondeflected beam, the second being the same beam as deflected due to the beam being subjected to the desired loading per unit length.

The premise of the analysis is that if one first determines the deflection curve for the specified loading per unit length (see Figure 12), then a corresponding beam having a free state curvature equal to the calculated deflection curve will deflect to a flat state when loaded in the opposite direction by the same loading per unit length. Further, if two such beams are joined at one end with the desired spacing and with the tangents to the joined ends being parallel, then when an article of a thickness equal to the chosen spacing is placed between the two beams and the free ends are forced together to that same spacing, the beams will again be deflected from their free, curved state to a flat state, clamping the article therebetween with the specified (and uniform) load per unit length.Finally, obviously there is no bending moment in the connection coupling the joined ends when the beams are in the free state.

However, since the joined ends remain parallel as the free ends are forced together to the specified spacing, there is also no bending moment in the connection as and when the free ends are clamped together.

Assume the following parameters: Length of beam b=width of beam cross-section h=height of beam cross-section bH3 Moment of inertia=l= 12 E=modulus of elasticity for the particular beam material The relationships for determining the chacteristics of the deflection curve of the beam are derived from the following textbook equations (e.g. Byers and Snyder, "Engineering Mechanics of Deformable Bodies", 1963, at pp. 214-231), where the nondeflected beam extends along the x coordinate, and the deflection of the beam is measured along the y coordinate:

where M=bending moment and pLx px2 M= (2) 2 2 where force per unit length exerted along the beam (Ib/in).

Substitution for M of equation (1) into equation (2) yields:

Solution of this differential equation with the following boundary conditions and assuming I constant yields equation (3): y (O)=0 y (L)=O (since the ends of the beam are stationary)

It was noted that a device formed with the curvature in accordance with the equation (3) will be subjected to a minimum of stress at connecting region 22, since there is no deflection about an axis at that point, and hence no bending moment when the device is closed. Therefore, the device could be fabricated from two separated elongated members, joined by a hinge allowing free pivoting about the hinge axis, though the unitary construction is preferred from both a cost and asthetic view-piont.The absence of bending moments at the connection lessens the stress to which region 22 is subjected when the device is in use, thereby lessening the possibility of premature failure.

Also as previously noted, the result of forming the elongated members with a curvature in accordance with equation (3), and forming connecting region 22 with a gap of the same size as the thickness of the gripped article, is that the elongated members will be substantially straight when the device is in the gripping configuration, as demonstrated in Figure 3. Of course, deviations from these criteria (curve shape, thickness of article being gripped to) will not render the gripping device unuseable; though, the gripping pressure exerted along the pressure surfaces will not be constant. In many applications this is of no consequence, as substantial deviation can be tolerated before the force per unit length falls below a minimum requirement, or particularly before the force goes to zero anywhere along the length of the device.

It should be noted that the foregoing analysis assumes a uniform I along each of the members 25 and 30, though any varying geometry giving a variable I may be accommodated by making I a variable in the differential equation before integrating. Also one other condition should be noted as a possible and very practical variation in the structures herein disclosed. In particular the clothes hanger of Figure 13, by way of example, is configured so that the flexible members 78 and 80 provide a relatively uniform pressure along the length against the article being gripped thereby. Such configuration, of course, is in accordance with the analytical model of Figure 12. However, in certain instances it may be desired to have the pressure vary somewhat across the gripping length or even be zero in one or more local areas.

By way of specific example, pants normally have a seam on each side thereof so that when a pants hanger such as that shown in Figure 1 or Figure 1 3 is used, the thickened seam region will fall approximately at the mid point of the gripping surface of the hanger. Accordingly, in such instances it may be desired to bow the hanger in this central region to provide clearance for the seams so that the force per unit length in this local region is reduced or even zero.Thus in concept the present invention contemplates that the curvature of the flexible members (or one flexible member operating against a solid member) be selected such that when an article is placed therebetween and the free ends of the flexible members are brought into close separation and latched, the members contact the article along a substantial portion of the length of the members as opposed to being limited to contact along the entire length. Further, even in those regions of contact the pressure does not necessarily need to be uniform.From an analytical standpoint, this means that the force unit length P in the foregoing equations would also be a function of x rather than being a constant P, being bounded by zero in the regions where the device is not to contact the article being gripped and being a positive constant or variable in those areas where the article is to be gripped with a uniform pressure or a varying pressure respectively. Thus in equation form, assuming I is not a constatant but a function of x, such as l(x), and P is not a constant but a function of x, such as P(x), then

subject to same boundary conditions as previously given with respect to the equation (3). Similarly, it is convenient to make members 25 and 30 substantially the same, except for latch and handle, though this is not a necessity.In fact, in an application such as a clip-board, the board itself would form one substantially rigid member, with the second member being coupled thereto at one side of the board and being curved in accordance with the previously stated equations.

Referring now to Figures 6-9, two alternate embodiments of the latch are shown. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the latch is of circular cross-section, instead of the rectangular latch shown for the preferred embodiment. As is best shown in Figure 7, the latch also includes a protruding latching tab 54, which may be positioned over the edge of the opening 52 to latch the elongated members in the gripping position. It is therefore apparent that the cross-sectional configuration of the latch may vary, depending upon the material used and the appearance desired.

Preferably the latches are operative in the direction of the expected load on the device, i.e., downward in the embodiments of Figures 1, 10 and 11 so that the load tends to latch rather than unlatch the device.

Figures 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the latch. This embodiment includes serrations 64 in place of the single latching tab of the previously discussed embodiments. Any one of the serrations may be used to latch the elongated members together, providing means for adjusting the distance between the latched ends of the gripping device. The edge of opening 68 adjacent serrations 64 is also formed with matching serrations to mesh with the tab serration and latch the ends together. Thus, this gripping device may adequateiy accommodate articles of a greater variety of thicknesses. The latch member shown in Figure 9 is also slightly curved, having a radius somewhat less than the distance from region 22 to the latch member.The curvature generally corresponds to the travel arc of the latch from the unlatched, curved state of the device to the latched state, thereby allowing closerfit tolerances for the latch.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1-5 is adapted for use as a garment hanger, specifically for trousers. Region 22 is formed such that the ends 25 and 31 are separated by approximately the thickness of the trousers. Since the gripping force is substantially constant along the pressure surfaces, slippage of portions of the trousers from the hanger is eliminated. The embodiment of the device shown in Figure 10 as device 70 has a finger hole 72 for carrying ana hanging, is adapted for use in sealing bags, such as snack bags and the like. This embodiment is particularly convenient as it allows the sliding of the device along the bag to force air out Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment 74 for carrying heavier articles. The fixed gap for such applications is relatively small corresponding to the thickness of the two sides of the bags. While the device will customarily be used to seal the open bags, it could also be used to facilitate pouring by angular placement on the bag. Figure 11 also illustrates a handle member 76 which is convenient for carrying purposes. Similarly, Figure 10 illustrates the gripping device adapted to handle fiat sheets of material, as for example cardboard, glass, metal or the like.

Now referring to Figure 13, a combination pants and skirt hanger may be seen. This hanger is similar to some embodiments hereinbefore described, being characterized by a pair of curved members 78 and 80 integrally joined at one end by region 82 and provided with cooperative latching means at the other end thereof. An integral hook 84 provides a means for supporting the hanger or conventional closed closet bars. This hanger is specifically characterized, however by the fact that the integral connection 82 as well as the region of the latch means are disposed on upwardly curved regions of the members 78 and 80 so that objects such as skirts which may be wider than the hanger itself may be gripped by the hanger below the latch region and the integral connecting region 82.This feature may also be seen in Figure 1 6 which is a side view of one end of the hanger in the closed position, illustrating among other things the elevated nature of the latch in comparison to the main portions of members 78 and 80.

Details of the specific latch used in this embodiment may be seen in Figures 13 and 1 5 through 17. Member 80 is provided with an approximately triangular-shaped opening 86 in the upwardly curved end thereof, with member 78 having a cooperatively shaped protrusion 88 extending therefrom for passing through the opening 86 during closing of the hanger. The member 88 is provided with a pair of upward extending tabs 90 (see Figure 17) between which member 80 may be retained. As a result of this specific structure, closure of the hanger around the legs of a pair of pants will result in a rather uniform pressure on the pants across the width of the hanger, though because of the upwardly positioned joining region 82 and latch region at the other end of member 78 and 80, there will also be a moment tending to rotate members 78 and 80 about a horizontal axes.The vertical extent of the common region 82, however, will resist a moment, as will the inclination of the slot provided between tabs 90 (Figure 17), as also illustrated in Figure 16.

One important aspect of the present invention is the physical characteristics of its free state previously discussed herein and the characteristics of the invention during closure. It was previously emphasized that in the previously described embodiments, the flexible members corresponding to members 78 and 80 have tangents adjacent the integrally joined ends which are parallel or at least substantially parallel to each other, whether the invented device is in the open position, in the closed position or in any transitional position therebetween. As a result, the bending moment tending to open or close the integrally joined region is substantially zero, obviously in gross contradistinction to the clasp of U.S. Patent No. 1,870,014, which has a zero bending moment while in the open position but a very large bending moment when in the closed position.A second aspect of the invention is the fact that ideally the gap g (see Figures 2 and 3) is selected to be equal to the thickness of the article to be grasped, so that little motion is required in that region between the closed and opened positions. This, however, is not always possible in certain applications such as in the clothes hanger of Figures 1 3 and 17, and accordingly to help accommodate variations in thicknesses of pants legs, skirts, etc., the region 82 (see Figure 14) is purposely enlarged somewhat to provide an appropriate flexibility in the separation between members 78 and 80 in that region to help accommodate reasonable variations in the thickness of the article being grasped.In that regard it has been found desirable in such instances to design the device so that members 78 and 80 initially tend to converge slightly when in the free state rather than being perfectly parallel in the region adjacent the region 82, as this encourages the member 78 and 80 toward an article therebetween which is thinner than the optimum gap g for that specific design. Also the initial slight convergence of members 78 and 80 when in the free state helps avoid an initial divergence of these members when grasping an article which is somewhat thicker than the gap g of the specific design.

Another aspect of the present invention is the fact that the characteristics of the invention during closure are entirely different from that of prior art devices. In particular, as may be seen in Figure 14, particularly in phantom, as the clothes hanger proceeds from the open position to the closed position with an article 92 therebetween, the article is first contacted by members 78 and 80 adjacent region 82, with the extent of such contact proceeding along the article 92 as the hanger is closed. This, of course, is in comparison to the characteristics of the device of U.S. Patent No. 1 870,014. By way of example, in that patent, even the gap at the spring hinge joint changes grossly during closure so that any article therebetween is not grasped until full closure is eminent.The region 82 is intended primarily to provide flexibility to encourage the adjacent end of the members 78 and 80 against the surface of the article being gripped, irrespective of the reasonable variation in possible thickness thereof. It is therefore intended to provide a "closing" force on the adjacent two ends of members 78 and 80 rather than any substantial bending moment. (In the embodiment of Figure 1 8 yet to be described, regions 110 are purposely thinned to form hinge points to still transmit the spring loads of coupling region 112).

Now referring to Figures 1 8 through 20, a still further embodiment may be seen. This embodiment is an alternate form of latch. The specific embodiment shown is a simple clasp suitable for such uses as the sealing of a potato chip bag 94 as shown in Figure 20. In this embodiment the two arms 96 and 98 each have a somewhat enlarged free end 100 complimentary in shape from the facingly opposed regions to provide latching tabs 102 for latching the device closed. While the single latching tab is shown in the embodiment of Figure 19, a saw tooth arrangement may be utilized as shown in the end view of an alternate form shown in Figure 21 effectively providing a plurality of latching tabs for latching at any appropriate position depending on the thickness of the article being grasped.With these configurations, the latch is self-operating during closure due to the tapered entry and the tendency of the members to spring back into alignment.

Other variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, a paper clip-like device could easily be fashioned. For certain applications, it may be desirable to provide the pressure surfaces of the elongated members with a coating for a non-slip material, such as vinyl plastisol, or to texturize, rib or groove the surface, all to provide a better grip. Utilizing injection molding techniques, texturizing and/or interfitting ribs, etc., may be directly molded in providing the desired result in a unitary product fabricated in the single injection molding step. Thus while certain preferred forms of the present invention have been disclosed and described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (26)

Claims

1. A gripping device comprising a first curved elongated member having first and second ends, and a second member, said members having facingly opposed pressure surfaces, said first end of said first member being coupled to said second member so that said members are approximately parallel to each other adjacent said first end of said first member, the curvature of said first member being selected such that when an article is placed between said first and second members and said second end of said first member is brought into close proximity with said second member, said members contact the article along said pressure surfaces and exert gripping pressure thereon.

2. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said second member is a curved elongated member having first and second ends, said first and second members having said facingly opposed pressure surfaces over a substantial portion of their length, the curvature of each of said members being selected such that when an article is placed therebetween and said second ends of said members are brought into close separation, said members contact the article along said pressure surfaces and exert gripping pressure thereon.

3. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said curvature is selected such that said gripping pressure is substantially constant along the extent of said pressure surfaces of said elongated members when gripping an article of a thickness substantially equal to the separation between adjacent ends of said elongated members.

4. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first and second members are integrally formed from a resilient springy material, said first ends being coupled by a connecting region.

5. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, further comprising latching means for latching said second ends of said members adjacent each other when said device is in a gripping configuration, whereby said device grips articles placed between said elongated members when in said gripping configuration.

6. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said means for latching said second ends together includes a latch member extending from said first elongated member adjacent said second end thereof, and a latch opening formed in said second elongated member adjacent said second end thereof, said latch member and said latch opening being cooperatively disposed so that said latch member may be disposed through said opening.

7. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said latch member includes a latching tab protruding from said latch member for latching over a portion of the edge of said opening.

8. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said means for latching said second ends of said elongated members together is adapted for selectively latching said second ends at more than one separation distance.

9. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said latch member has a plurality of serrations extending therefrom, each adapted for latchingly engaging a portion of said second elongated member defining said opening.

10. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said latch member is curved to accommodate the travel of said opening.

11. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said latching means comprises facingly disposed complimentary regions adjacent said second ends of said device for interfitting for latching purposes.

12. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said facingly disposed complimentary regions interfit at a plurality of positions to provide latching at any of a plurality of separations of said second ends.

13. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said curved elongated members are approximately parallel to each other adjacent said first ends when the device is in the open position, is in the closed position and is in intermediate positions therebetween.

14. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said curved elongated members do not diverge adjacent said first ends.

1 5. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said curved elongated members converge slightly adjacent said first ends.

16. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first ends of said elongated member are coupled together such that a gap is defined therebetween, whereby said device is adapted to grip articles having a thickness approximately equivalent to said gap.

17. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said elongated members are curved such that when an article having a thickness equivalent to said gap is placed between said elongated members and said device is in the gripping configuration, said elongated members are substantially straight.

1 8. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said elongated members curve away from each other when in the free state, the curvature of each of said elongated members, as measured from a reference line through said first and second ends of respective said elongated member, being substantially in accordance with the equation

subject to the boundary condition that y(o)=y(L)=0, where y is the deviation of the curve from the reference line, x is the distance measured from one of said first and second ends toward the other, P(g) is the desired force per unit length as a function of x, E is the modulus of elasticity of the material of the device, L is the length of the device and l(x) is the section moment of inertia of the respective said elongated member as a function of x.

1 9. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 18, wherein P and I are substantially independent of x and the curvature of each said elongated member is substantially in accordance with the equation

20. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said latching means is biased in the latched state by the tension exerted by the elongated members when said second ends are brought in close separation.

21. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, further comprising means coupled to one of said elongated members for hanging the device and an article gripped thereby.

22. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said elongated members are shaped so that said first and second ends thereof are displaced vertically away from said pressure-surfaces.

23. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said latching means is self latching when said second ends are encouraged into close proximity.

24. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 23, wherein said latching means, when in the latched state, is biased in the latched state by the elastic tendency of said first and second elongated members to stay in alignment with each other.

25. The gripping device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first and second members are coupled together by a compliant coupling region for yieldably allowing variation in the separation between said first ends of said first and second curved elongated members in accordance with the thickness of the article being gripped by the device.

26. A gripping device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~