GB2379712A

GB2379712A - Retaining clip with torsion bias

Info

Publication number: GB2379712A
Application number: GB0122492A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Michael Woodworth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-18
Filing date: 2001-09-18
Publication date: 2003-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-18
Also published as: GB2379712B; GB0122492D0

Abstract

A retaining clip is disclosed that can particularly be used for gripping flat web-like objects such as paper or textile fabric. The clip may be used as part of a garment hanger (as shown). The clip has first 30 and second 36 gripping members that are relatively movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, an object can be gripped between them. In the open position, the object is released. The first and second gripping members are interconnected by a torsion member 40 that is deflected in torsion upon relative movement of the first and second gripping members. The torsional member acts as a spring to cause a restoring force that urges the first and second gripping members to their closed position.

Description

Retaining clip This invention relates to a retaining clip, especially a retaining clip for thin, flexible articles. In particular, embodiments of the invention relates to a clip for retention of articles of cloth or paper in a device such as a hanger. This invention has a particular application to garment hangers, and will primarily be described with respect to them. However, as will become apparent, the invention has broader application.

Display of garments for sale in retail premises typically requires use of a hanger that can retain the garment securely enough that it will not accidentally become dislodged, yet the hanger must allow a customer to remove the garment for inspection and were without undue effort. Moreover, the hanger must not damage the garment.

Known garment hangers have been proposed that have two retaining clips carried on a common connecting bar, and a hanging portion that can be used to hang the hanger on a display stand. An example of such a hanger is disclosed in my International patent application WO 00/64317. This hanger had been found to perform well and be very effective in use. However, such hangers trade off effectiveness of the clip against ease of manufacture. Typically the clip may have multiple components to enhance its effectiveness, but this complicates manufacture.

Alternatively, a one-piece clip may be used, but these tend to be less effective.

An aim of this invention is to provide a retaining clip that is both effective and easy to manufacture.

From a first aspect, the invention provides a retaining clip that has first and second gripping members, relatively movable between a closed position in which an object can be gripped between them and an open position in which the object is released, in which the first and second gripping members are interconnected by a torsion member that is deflected in torsion upon relative movement of the first and second gripping members, the torsional deflection causing a restoring force that urges the first and second gripping members to their closed position.

Use of a torsional member, it has been found, can allow a wide variety of retaining clips to be produced simply and conveniently.

Clips embodying the invention have particular application to gripping thin, flexible objects, such as textile fabric, paper or other web material.

Most embodiments of the invention include two torsional members for between the first and second gripping members. These are most typically arranged as to be deflectable in torsion (at least approximately) about a common axis. This arrangement can ensure that the first and second gripping members can move with respect to each other about an axis selected by a designer.

While the torsion members will, in many embodiments, be formed in one piece with the gripping members, if additional torque is required, stiffening elements may be included in the torsion members. For instance, such stiffening elements may be of metal, for example, metal strips or bars.

In preferred embodiments, the first gripping member is elongate; for example, it may be a finger-like formation. In such embodiments, the second gripping member may be formed as a loop that surrounds the first gripping member.

From another aspect the invention provides a hanger comprising a hanging portion connected to a clip embodying the first aspect of the invention. Such a hanger can

be hung on a support such as a bar, hook, or so forth. They may, for instance, be used as a hanger for a garment, for sale, storage or other purposes. The hanging portion will typically include a hook or a loop. It may also include other functional parts, such as a region upon which a label can be affixed.

A hanger embodying this aspect of the invention may include two clips, each embodying the first aspect of the invention. These will typically be connected to each other and to the hanging portion.

Advantageously, embodiments of the invention can be constructed as one-piece mouldings of plastic. Such embodiments can be manufactured conveniently and economically in mass production.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 contains several views of a garment hanger being a first embodiment of the invention in third angle projection; Figure 2 is an enlarged end view of a clip region of the hanger of Figure 1; Figure 3 contains a view of a garment hanger being a second embodiment of the invention ; Figure 4 contains a view of a clip region of the hanger of Figure 3; Figures 5a and 5b are side views of the clip region of Figure 3 in a closed and in an open condition; Figure 6 contains a view of a garment hanger being a third embodiment of the invention;

Figures 7a and 7b are side views of the garment hanger of Figure 6 in, respectively, closed and open conditions; Figures 8 and 9 are rear and side views of a garment hanger being a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows various views of an embodiment of the invention intended for use as a paper clip; Figures 13a and 13b show the clip of Figure 12 in a closed and in an open condition; and Figure 14 shows a clip that is a modification of the clip of Figure 12.

With reference first to Figure 1, a garment hanger embodying the invention will now be described.

A hanger for displaying for sale an item of underwear is formed as a one-piece moulding of plastic material. The hanger comprises a hook region 10, and two spaced clip regions 12, each connected to the hook region 10 by an elongate connecting bar 14.

The hook region 10 includes a hook portion 20 that can be hooked onto a support such as a display stand, and a display portion 22 upon which a label can be affixed.

That much is similar to a conventional hanger.

The two clip regions 12 are substantially mirror images of one another, centred about the hook region 10. Each of the clip regions 12 includes a frame portion 30

and a retaining finger 32. In this embodiment, the frame portion 30 is an approximately oval-shaped loop of plastic material that is generally planar.

The retaining finger 32 includes a web portion 34 that is gently curved along its length. A retaining projection 36 is located close to one end of the web portion 34. A flange 38 projects normally from the web portion 34. The retaining finger 32 is located such that it is surrounded by the frame portion 30. The locating finger 32 is supported by a pair of torsion elements 40 that extend between its flange 38 and the frame portion 30. The flange 38 causes the greater part of the web portion 34 to project beyond the plane of the frame portion 30, while the retaining projection 36 is within the plane of the frame portion.

In order to use the hanger, the user presses upon the flange 38 close to its end opposite the retaining projection 36, in a direction towards the plane of the frame portion 30. This causes the retaining finger 32 to pivot about the torsion elements 40. This, in turn, causes the retaining portion to be displaced out of the plane of the frame portion, opening the clip. A piece of fabric can then be inserted between the retaining finger 32 and the frame portion 30. When pressure on the retaining finger 32 is released, the torsional resilience of the torsion elements 40 causes the retaining finger 32 to return towards its original closed position in the plane of the frame portion 30. The retaining projection 36 is urged against the fabric to grip it, so resisting its removal from the hook region.

A simple clip 42 is formed to project from the frame portion 30 adjacent to and just above the connecting bar 14. A further piece of fabric, for example, a strap of a garment, can be retained on the hanger be slipping it between the clip 42 and the connecting bar 14.

The second embodiment is broadly similar to the first embodiment, having a hook region 50, and two spaced clip regions 52, each connected to the hook region 50 by a connecting bar 54.

Each clip region 52 is formed with a frame portion 60, within which a retaining finger 62 is carried on a pair of torsion elements 64. The retaining finger 62 is formed with a relatively enlarged round plate portion 66 upon which the user can press in order to open the clip. The plate region 66, in this case, is labelled to indicate its function to the user.

As will be seen from the drawings, the retaining finger 62 in this embodiment has a T-shaped head 68 that, when the clip is closed, lied next to an inwardly projecting nib 70 of the frame portion 60. Fabric or other material placed in the clip portion is nipped between the head 68 and the nib 70 to grip it securely.

When the user presses on the plate portion 66 of the retaining finger 62, it is displaced from the closed position as shown in Fig 5a, to an open position in Fig 5b. As in the first embodiment, this causes the torsion elements 64 to twist, such that they act as a spring to urge the retaining finger 62 towards the closed position when the user releases the pressure.

A third embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, is intended for a display hanger for an article of underwear.

This embodiment has a hook region 70 that is connected directly to the clip region 72. The clip region has a frame portion 74 that is shaped as an elongate rectangle with rounded comers and with an upward extension. The retaining finger 76, carried on torsion elements 78, has a transverse elongate head 80 that extends within the rectangular frame portion 74 and a bulbous finger pad 82 within the extension of the frame portion 74. When the clip is in the closed condition, as

shown in Fig 7a, the head 80 lies within the plane of the frame portion 74 while the retaining finger extends in a generally C-shaped path to one side of the plane of the frame portion 74.

When the clip is opened by applying pressure to the finger pad 82, it adopts the configuration shown in Fig 7b. An edge of a garment can then be placed under the head 80 of the retaining finger 76. When the pressure is released from the finger pad 82, the torsional elements return the clip to its closed position so retaining the garment between the head 80 and the frame portion 76.

The fourth embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 has, as can be seen, many features equivalent to those of the third embodiment, albeit having a different shape and size. For the ease of understanding, these features are indicated by the same reference numerals used with reference to the third embodiment.

As will be appreciated, the hook region in any embodiment of the invention is designed to cooperate with another article, such as a display stand. An alternative configuration of the hook region 90 is shown in the embodiment of Figure 10. This embodiment is intended to be hung from a loop, and not from a hook. As a further alternative, the hook region may be omitted altogether, as shown in Figure 11. In this case, the hanger can be suspended from its frame portion 92.

Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the invention intended for use as a paper clip that operates according to principles that are similar to those of previous embodiments of the invention.

The clip is formed as a one-piece moulding of resilient plastic material. The clip is formed with a peripheral frame portion 100 in the shape of a flat, elongate loop that tapers towards one of its ends. An elongate retaining finger 102 is located within the frame portion 100 by a torsion element 104 that extends transversely across the

frame portion 100. The retaining finger 102 is connected to the torsion element 104 by a web 106 that causes the retaining finger 102 to be displaced out of the plane of the frame portion 100 when the clip is in its closed condition, as shown in Figure 13a.

At a location next to the torsion element, the retaining finger 102 is out of the plane of the frame portion 100. Application of pressure to the retaining finger 102 at this location in a direction towards the plane of the frame portion 100 causes the retaining finger 102 to pivot about the torsion element 104, causing the clip to open. One or more sheet of paper, fabric or other web material can then be inserted

between the retaining finger 102 and the frame portion 100, as shown by a dashed "Y line in Figure 13b. When pressure is subsequently released, the torsion element 104 causes the retaining finger 102 to spring back towards the closed position, as shown in Figure 13a, to grip the material.

Optionally, as shown in Figure 14, the clip may be provided with a hanging portion 110. The embodiment shown has a hanging potion in the form of a loop, but other configurations, such as a hook, could be provided as an alternative.

As will be appreciated, many possible alternative configurations of clips and hangers can be constructed in accordance with the torsion spring principle provided by this invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A retaining clip that has first and second gripping members, relatively movable between a closed position in which an object can be gripped between them and an open position in which the object is released, in which the first and second gripping members are interconnected by a torsion member that is deflected in torsion upon relative movement of the first and second gripping members, the torsional deflection causing a restoring force that urges the first and second gripping members to their closed position.
2. A retaining clip according to claim 1 that is suitable for gripping thin, flexible objects, such as textile fabric, paper or other web material.
3. A retaining clip according to claim 1 or claim 2 that includes two torsional members for between the first and second gripping members.
4. A retaining clip according to claim 3 in which the first and second gripping members are arranged as to be deflectable in torsion about a common axis.
5. A retaining clip according to any preceding claim in which the torsion members are formed in one piece with the gripping members/
6. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which stiffening elements are included in the torsion members.
7. A retaining clip according to claim 6 in which the stiffening elements are of metal, for example, metal strips or bars.

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8. A retaining clip according to any preceding claim in which the first gripping member is elongate.
9. A retaining clip according to claim 8 in which the second gripping member is formed as a loop that surrounds the first gripping member.
10. A retaining clip substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. A hanger comprising a hanging portion connected to a retaining clip according to any preceding claim.
12. A hanger according to claim 11 for hanging a garment.
13. A hanger according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which the hanging portion typically includes a hook.
14. A hanger according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which the hanging portion typically includes a loop.
15. A hanger according to any one of claims 11 to 14 that includes two clips, each according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
16. A hanger according to claim 15 in which the two clips are spaced apart and connected to the hanging portion by a connecting member.
17. A hanger substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a hanger according to any one of claims 11 to 17 constructed as one-piece mouldings of plastic.

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19. A clip according to claim 18 in which the flat, flexible elements are sheets of paper.

19. A retaining clip or a hanger according to claim 18 that incorporates metal stiffening elements in a torsion member.

20. A clip according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for securing together a plurality of flat, flexible elements.

21. A clip according to claim 20 in which the flat, flexible elements are sheets of paper.

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Claims 1. A retaining clip that has first and second gripping members, relatively

movable between a closed position in which an object can be gripped between I-p them and an open position in which the object is released, the first and second gripping members being interconnected by one torsion member or by two torsion members in a common axis that deflect in torsion upon relative movement of the first and second gripping members, the torsional deflection causing a restoring force that urges the first and second gripping members to their closed position, in which the second gripping member includes a frame portion that surrounds the first gripping member and the torsion element or elements extend continuously across the frame portion to locate the first gripping member within the frame portion.

2. A retaining clip according to claim 1 that is suitable for gripping thin, flexible objects, such as textile fabric, paper or other web material.

3. A retaining clip according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the torsion member or members are formed in one piece with the gripping members.

4. A retaining clip according to any preceding claim in which stiffening elements are included in the torsion members.

5. A retaining clip according to claim 4 in which the stiffening elements are of metal, for example, metal strips or bars.

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6. A retaining clip according to any preceding claim in which the first gripping member is elongate.

7. A retaining clip according to claim 6 in which the second gripping member 0 z : is formed as a loop that surrounds the first gripping member.

8. A retaining clip substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A hanger comprising a hanging portion connected to a retaining clip according to any preceding claim.

10. A hanger according to claim 9 for hanging a garment.

11. A hanger according to claim 9 or claim 10 in which the hanging portion typically includes a hook.

12. A hanger according to claim 9 or claim 10 in which the hanging portion typically includes a loop.

13. A hanger according to any one of claims 9 to 12 that includes two clips, each according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A hanger according to claim 13 in which the two clips are spaced apart and connected to the hanging portion by a connecting member.

15. A hanger substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A retaining clip according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or a hanger according to any one of claims 9 to 15 constructed as one-piece mouldings of plastic.

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17. A retaining clip or a hanger according to claim 16 that incorporates metal stiffening elements in a torsion member.

18. A clip according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for securing together a plurality of flat, flexible elements.