GB2626997A

GB2626997A - Clip

Info

Publication number: GB2626997A
Application number: GB2301993.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Marsh Jonathan; Jessica Stockinger Britta; Tung Chow Wai; Aizat Farid Hasan Mohd
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-13
Filing date: 2023-02-13
Publication date: 2024-08-14
Also published as: WO2024170989A1; GB202301993D0

Abstract

A clip 100 comprises a body 104 with a first opening or aperture 106 and a retaining member such as a strap 108 extending from the body 104. The retaining member 108 has a second opening or aperture 110 distal to the body 104. A locking mechanism allows a distal portion of the retaining member 108 to be locked the body 104 so as to define an item-retaining aperture through the clip 100. When the distal portion of the retaining member 108 is locked to the body 104 by the locking mechanism, the first opening 106 and the second opening 110 at least partly overlap, thereby to allow an external locking device to be locked within the first and second openings 106, 110.

Description

CLIP

BACKGROUND

It can be desirable to lock an item to an anchor point for the purpose of, for example, making it more difficult to steal or otherwise move the item too far from the anchor point.

For example, a security cable can include a lock at one end for locking to a locking feature on an item such as a laptop, and a loop at the other end for attachment to an anchor point.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, there is provided a clip comprising: a body including a first opening; a retaining member extending from the body, the retaining member including a second opening distal to the body; and a locking mechanism for locking a distal portion of the retaining member to the body so as to define an item-retaining aperture through the clip; the clip being configured such that, when the distal portion of the retaining member is locked to the body by the locking mechanism, the first opening and the second opening at least partly overlap, thereby to allow an external locking device to be locked at least partly within the first and second openings.

Allowing an external locking device to be locked at least partly within the first and second openings may make unlocking of the locking mechanism more difficult without unlocking the external locking device.

In use, the clip may be configured such that the external locking device locked within the first and second openings may prevent the locking mechanism from being unlocked without unlocking the external locking device.

The body may comprise one or more retaining features that, in use, prevent withdrawal of 30 the external locking device from the first and second openings when the external locking device is locked.

The retaining member may comprise a strap, the distal portion of the retaining member being a distal portion of the strap, the distal portion of the strap being configured to wrap around and overlay a portion of an outer surface of the body when the locking mechanism is locked.

The first opening may be formed through the distal portion of the strap and the second opening may formed through the portion of the outer surface of the body. This configuration may assist with the external locking device preventing the locking mechanism from being unlocked without unlocking the external locking device.

The clip may be configured such that at least some of the distal portion of the strap is biased towards the body when the locking mechanism is locked. This may make unlocking of the locking mechanism more difficult even when no external locking device is locked to the clip.

The locking mechanism may comprise: a ridge disposed on the distal portion of the retaining member and a groove in the body for retaining the ridge; and/or a ridge disposed on the body and a groove in the retaining member for retaining the ridge.

The groove may extend along the bottom of a recessed channel formed on an outer portion of the body, to impede unlocking of the locking mechanism with a prying tool.

The clip may comprise: a first alignment feature on the distal portion of the retaining member; and a second alignment feature on the body; the first and second alignment features being configured to interact with each other when the locking mechanism is locked, thereby to resist sliding of the ridge within the 30 groove. This may make unlocking of the locking mechanism more difficult even when no external locking device is locked to the clip.

The first alignment feature may be a blade and the second alignment feature may be a slot configured to receive the blade.

The retaining member may comprise a flexible portion and a rigid portion, the flexible portion being proximal to the body relative to the rigid portion.

The clip may be configured for locking a cable within the item-retaining aperture.

The clip may comprise one or more locking and/or gripping features configured to engage an outer surface of an item to be retained by the clip. For example, the one or more locking and/or gripping features may be arranged and configured to abut the outer surface of the item in use, or optionally to accurately retain the item at a particular position within the item-retaining aperture.

The one or more locking and/or gripping features comprise one or more blades and/or teeth extending from a surface of the body and/or a surface of the retaining member. The use of such blades and/or teeth may reduce or prevent, in use, sliding of the clip relative to the item retained within the item-retaining aperture.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a clip arrangement comprising: the clip of the preceding aspect; and an item to which the clip is configured to be clipped, the item comprising one of more item formations on its outer surface, the item formations being configured to interact with one or more blades or other clip formations on a surface of the clip within the recess, so as to impede or prevent relative movement between the clip and the item when the clip is clipped to the item and item formations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a side view of a clip in an open configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the clip of Figure 1, in the open configuration; Figure 3 is a side view of the clip of Figures 1 and 2 in a closed configuration; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the clip of Figure 1-3, in the closed configuration; Figure 5 is a side view of the clip of Figures 1-4 in the open configuration, with a cable positioned within the clip; Figure 6 is a side view of the clip of Figures 1-5 in the closed configuration, attached to the cable; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the clip of Figures 1-6 in the closed configuration, attached to the cable; Figures 8 and 9 are side view of the clip of Figures 1-8 in the closed configuration, showing the attachment of a security tether to the clip; Figure 10 is a side view of a further clip in an open configuration; Figure 11 is a detailed view of parts of a further clip; Figure 12 is a section through a further clip attached to a cable; and Figure 13 is a side view through the clip of Figures 1-9, clipped to an item having a generally square cross section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figures 1 to 9, there is shown a clip 100. Clip 100 takes the form of a security clip that is configured to be connected to an item, such as a power cable 102 for an appliance for example.

Clip 100 includes a body 104 that in turn includes a first opening in the form of a first aperture 106 extending through body 104. Clip 100 includes a retaining member in the form of a strap 108 extending from body 104. Strap 108 includes a second opening in the form of a second aperture 110 extending through strap 108 at a position distal to body 104.

Clip 100 includes a locking mechanism for locking a distal portion 112 of strap 108 to body 104, so as to define an item-retaining aperture 114 through clip 100. The locking mechanism and item-retaining aperture are described in more detail below.

Strap 108 includes a flexible portion H2 and a rigid portion 134, flexible portion 132 being proximal to body 104 relative to rigid portion 134. Flexible portion 132 is accordion-shaped in longitudinal section, allowing strap 108 to bend along flexible portion 132 so as to form item-retaining aperture 114 when the locking mechanism of clip 100 is locked. In clip 100, flexible portion extends around 25% of the circumference of an item the which clip 100 is to be locked, but this can be more or less in other implementations that employ a flexible portion.

Other implementations may have one or more hinges or articulated sections, such as a live hinge or a mechanical hinge, between the body and retaining member.

First aperture 106 and second aperture 110 are generally the same size and shape as each other, each taking the form of a parallel-sided opening with semicircular ends. Clip 100 is configured such that, when distal portion 112 is locked to body 104 by the locking mechanism as described below, first aperture 106 and second aperture 110 are aligned with each other. This allows an external locking device to be locked at least partly within the first and second apertures 106 and 110, as described in more detail below.

Clip 100 is configured for use with an external locking device 116. Locking device 116 includes a lock body 118, from which extends a pin 120 that is rotatable about an axis 152. Rotatable pin 120 terminates in a T-shaped (in section) portion 122, a crossbar portion of which, in plan, is shaped similarly to, but is slightly smaller than, first aperture 106 and second aperture 110. This allows T-shaped portion 122 to be inserted through first aperture 106 and second aperture 110 as shown in Figure 8.

Locking device 116 includes a key slot (not shown) configured to receive a key (not shown). Although locking device 116 in Figures 8 and 9 is key-operable, a different unlocking mechanism (such as a rotary or push-button code, or a magnetic or electronic lock, for example) may be used in other implementations.

Clip 100 includes a first alignment feature in the form of a blade 126 formed on strap 108. Blade 126 is extends generally inwardly from rigid portion 134 of strap 108, in a plane that is parallel to the general direction that strap 108 extends from body 104.

Clip 100 includes a second alignment feature in the form of a slot 128 extending into body 104. Slot 128 is configured to received blade 126 as clip 100 is closed, as described in more detail below.

Body 104 comprises retaining features in the form of ledges 130 formed adjacent an inside edge of first aperture 106. Ledges 130 engage with T-shaped portion 122 when external locking device 116 is locked to clip 100, as described below. It will be appreciated that any other suitable form of retaining features can be provided. In at least some implementations, retaining features can take the form of existing surfaces of the clip, such as surfaces adjacent to one or more of the apertures.

The locking mechanism of clip 100 comprises a ridge 136 disposed along the far end of distal portion 112 of strap 108. Ridge 136 extends inwardly from strap 108, in the general direction of item-retaining aperture 114. The locking mechanism of clip 100 also comprises a groove 138 formed in body 104. Groove 138 is configured to retain ridge 136 when the locking mechanism is locked.

In the implementation of Figures 1 to 9, groove 138 extends along the bottom of a recessed channel 140 forming an outer portion of body 104. Channel 140 is shaped such that, when ridge 136 is retained by groove 138 when clip 100 is locked, the portion of strap 108 from which ridge 136 extends is recessed below an adjacent outer surface of body 104.

In other implementations, channel 140 can be shaped such that the portion of strap 108 from which ridge 136 extends is flush with, or even slightly proud of, an adjacent outer surface of body 104. In general, the more recessed the portion of strap 108 from which ridge 136 extends is relative to the adjacent outer surface of body 104, the easier it may be to configure clip 100 such that it impedes unlocking of clip 100 without special tools.

In the implementation of Figures 1 to 9, clip 100 is configured for locking a power cable 102 within item-retaining aperture 114. In some applications, it may be sufficient that item-retaining aperture 114 is large enough to hold cable 102 when clip 100 is in the locked position. However, in other implementations, it may be desirable to have portions of clip 100 engage an outer surface of the item to be retained. This may be for the purposes of reducing or eliminating gaps into which a prising tool may be pushed, and/or to prevent or impede sliding of clip 100 along an outer surface of the item when clip 100 is locked.

To this end, clip 100 includes locking and/or gripping features configured to engage an outer surface of an item to be retained by clip 100. Locking/gripping features include an inner edge 142 of blade 126 and an inner edge 144 of a further blade 146 extending from an inner surface of body 104 When clip 100 is in the locked configuration, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6-9, these locking/gripping features define inner contact edges of item-retaining aperture 114. When used with a cable 102 that has a diameter corresponding to that for which clip 100 is designed, the locking/gripping features tightly engage outer surface of cable 102, preventing relative movement of clip 100 along cable 102.

The locking/gripping functionality can be improved by making the diameter of the item-retaining aperture 114, as defined by the locking/gripping features, slightly smaller than that of the cable with which clip 100 is to be used. In that case, the locking/gripping features dig into an outer surface of cable 102 when clip 100 is locked, enhancing the locking/gripping functionality.

In use, clip 100 starts in the open position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Strap 108 is moved away from body 104, exposing the interior of clip 100. Cable 102 is positioned across clip 100 as shown in Figure 5, such that clip 100 is positioned at the desired location along the length of cable 102.

Distal portion 112 of strap 108 is moved towards body 104 by bending strap 108 along flexible portion 132. Initially, ridge 136 engages an outer surface of body 104. Further movement of strap 108 towards body 104 causes ridge 136 to slide along the outer surface of body 104, tightening around cable 102 until ridge 136 drops into groove 138, as shown in Figure 6. Even after ridge H6 has dropped into groove 138, the shape and resilience of the rigid portion 134 of strap 108 biases the distal portion 112 of strap 108 towards body 104 when the locking mechanism of clip 100 is locked, which may impede attempts to unlock clip 100 by, e.g., prising it open with a tool.

As clip 100 moves into the locked configuration, blade 126 is received by slot 128. This prevents relative lateral movement between strap 108 and body 104. Clip 100 therefore resists being unlocked by such relative lateral movement.

In addition, as clip 100 moves into the locked configuration, the locking/gripping features (inner edge 142 of blade 126 and inner edge 144 of further blade 146) initially engage and then dig into an outer surface of cable 102. As described above, this prevents relative sliding movement of clip 100 along cable 102.

In Figure 7, cable 102 includes additional features (compared with cable 102 in earlier Figures) that increases the resistance of clip 100 to sliding along cable 102 when clip 100 is locked into place around cable 102. Cable 102 in Figure 7 includes several flanges 154 spaced along an outer surface of cable 102. The spaces between flanges 154 define circumferential recesses 156, into which blade 126 and further blade 146 can slide as clip is closed around cable 102. Optionally, inner edge 142 of blade 126 and inner edge 144 of further blade 146 engage the base of the recess 156 into which they slide, further reducing movement of clip 100 relative to cable 102.

Flanges 154 and recesses 156 can be added to cable 102 in any suitable manner. For example, flanges 154 and recesses 156 can be moulded or otherwise formed on or as part of cable 102, or can be formed separately and glued, welded, mechanically attached, or otherwise connected to cable 102, either during manufacture or as a separate post-manufacture step.

Optionally, flanges 154 and recesses 156 can form part of a strain relief sleeve.

It will be appreciated that any desired number of flanges 154 and recesses 156 can be provided. Alternatively, any other suitable formations can be provided to help reduce sliding of clip 100 along cable 102. For example, instead of flanges, such formations can take the form of ridges, ribs, or spikes.

Alternatively, or in addition, blades 126 and 146 can be replaced or supplemented with differently shaped gripping/locking formations designed to impede or prevent movement of clip 100 relative to cable 102. Cable 102 can optionally replace flanges 154 and recesses 156 with formations that are configured to interact with such differently shaped formations on cable 102, to impede or prevent movement of clip 100 relative to cable 102.

As best seen in Figures 4, 8, and 9, when the locking mechanism of clip 100 is locked, first aperture 106 and second aperture 110 overlap. External locking device 116 can then be locked to clip 100 by inserting T-shaped portion 102 of external locking device 116 through second aperture 110 and first aperture 106. Turning the key (not shown) of external locking device 116 causes T-shaped portion 122 to rotate about axis 152 of pin 120, moving the ends of T-shaped portion 122 over ledges 130. The key can then be removed from external locking device 116. The interaction of T-shaped portion 122 with ledges 130 prevents removal of external locking device 116 while it remains locked.

Clip 100 is configured such that the external locking device 116 being locked within the first and second apertures 106 and 110 further impedes unlocking of the locking mechanism of clip 100. This is because pin 120 extends through both second aperture 110 and first aperture 106, preventing sliding of strap 108 relative to the portion of body 104 that it overlays, and impeding movement of distal portion 112 of strap 108 away from the portion of body 104 that it overlays.

External locking device 116 can optionally be connected to an anchor point by way of, for example, a security tether 150. In this way, clip 100, and hence the item (such as cable 102) to which clip 100 is attached, can be tethered to prevent theft or unauthorized movement of the item.

Clip 100 can be configured to work with other external locking devices 116. This may involve, for example, changes to the shape, size and/or configuration of first aperture 106, second aperture 110, and ledges 130. For example, another type of external locking device uses a pair of elongate pawls, each having a laterally extending pin at its end. The pins are inserted through the first and second apertures, then the pawls move laterally apart from each other, either under spring tension or due to the locking device being locked. In this configuration, the pins interact with ledges similar to ledges 130, preventing withdrawal of the external locking device while it remains locked.

Figure 10 shows an alternative clip 200. Clip 200 shares several features with clip 100, and such features are indicated with the same reference signs as were used for clip 100. The skilled person will appreciate that minor modifications to individual elements may be required to account for differences in shape and configuration between clip 100 and clip 200.

In clip 200, first aperture 106 is formed on an axial (relative to the longitudinal axis of a cable 100 to which clip 200 is to be locked) face 202 of body 104. Second aperture 110 is formed through blade 126, which in clip 200 extends parallel to the axial face 202.

In use, clip 200 works similarly to clip 100, the main difference being that first aperture 106 and second aperture 110 are aligned at a position that is offset by 90° relative to body 104, as compared with clip 100.

Figure 12 shows an alternative clip 300. Clip 300 shares several features with clips 100 and 200, and such features are indicated with the same reference signs as were used for clips and 200. The skilled person will appreciate that minor modifications to individual elements may be required to account for differences in shape and configuration between clip 300, and clips 100 and 200. Clip 300 also omits some optional features shown and described in relation to clips 200 and 300.

In clip 300 (and in contrast to clips 100 and 200), the retaining member does not include a flexible portion 132. Instead, the retaining member takes the form of a relatively rigid member 302, which is attached to body 104 by a hinge 304.

In use, clip 300 works similarly to clips 100 and 200, the main difference being that clip 300 moves towards the locked configuration by pivoting a rigid retaining member 302 about hinge 304 relative to body 104.

The skilled person will appreciate that the locations of first and second apertures 106 and 110 can be altered in yet other implementations. In addition, although clip 100, 200 and 300 use through apertures, it will be appreciated the in other implementations, one of the apertures (the second through which a locking element of an external locking mechanism passes) can be blind, rather than extending all the way through the elements within which it is disposed.

Also, instead of apertures, either or both of the openings can take the form of a cutout, notch, recess, or other formation that allows retention of an external locking mechanism.

For example, Figure 11 shows a retaining member 402 and a body 404 of an alternative clip (not shown in full). Strap 402 includes an opening in the form of a first notch 406 extending from an edge 408 of strap 402. Body 404 includes an opening in the form of a second notch 410 extending from an opposite edge 412 of body 404.

When clip 400 is in the locked configuration as indicated by reference sign 416, first notch 406 overlays second notch 410 to define a central overlapping region 414. A locking element of an external locking device, such as external locking device 116, can be pushed through central overlapping region 414 to lock the external locking device 116 to clip 400, in a similar manner to that described in relation to clips 100, 200, and 300.

Although clip 100 uses a particular ridge and groove arrangement, it will be appreciated that the locking mechanism of clip 100 can take any other suitable form. For example, multiple ridges and/or multiple grooves can be provided. Optionally, such ridges and/or grooves can be configured and positioned to allow for at least some adjustability of the size of item-retaining aperture 114. In that case, first and second apertures 106 and 110 may need to be elongated (in plan) to ensure they still overlap sufficiently across the different adjustment positions.

Other locking mechanisms can be used. For example, the position of the ridge(s) and groove(s) can be swapped (i.e., ridge(s) on body, groove(s) on strap). A ratchet and pawl mechanism, manual clips such as toggle clips, or other mechanisms can be used to lock the clip in the closed position with the openings overlapping.

Figure 13 shows clip 100 clipped around an item 158 that is square (with rounded corners) in cross section. For example, item 158 can take the form of a strut or other structural member of an appliance to which clip 100 is attached. In this context, the accordion-shaped part of flexible portion 132 includes locking and/or gripping features in the form of recesses 160 on an inner surface that allow flexible portion 132 to bend, interspersed with abutment surfaces 148. These recesses 160 and abutment surfaces 148 can be positioned and configured in such a way that they allow gripping of one or more items (such as item 158) of a particular size and/or configuration.

The clip can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the clip can be formed entirely from one material, such as a polymer.

Alternatively, the clip can be formed from more than one material. For example, different portions of the clip can be formed from polymer material(s), composite material(s) (such as glass-or nylon-reinforced plastic, and/or metallic material(s).

The clip can be manufactured in any suitable manner. For example, the clip can be injection-moulded in one piece, or formed in multiple moulding steps including co-moulding or overmoulding. Additive and/or subtractive manufacturing methods can be used.

The clip can be formed as a single piece or assembled from individual pieces.

Terms such as "rigid" and "flexible" take the ordinary meaning they would be given by the person skilled in the art. One example of interpreting these terms is relative to each other, such that "rigid" simply means "less flexible" (e.g., in at least one plane), and vice versa.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, the skilled person will appreciate that the invention can be implemented in many other ways that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A clip comprising: a body including a first opening; a retaining member extending from the body, the retaining member including a second opening distal to the body; and a locking mechanism for locking a distal portion of the retaining member to the body so as to define an item-retaining aperture through the clip; the clip being configured such that, when the distal portion of the retaining member is locked to the body by the locking mechanism, the first opening and the second opening at least partly overlap, thereby to allow an external locking device to be locked at least partly within the first and second openings.
2. The clip of claim 1, configured such that, in use, the external locking device being locked within the first and second openings prevents the locking mechanism from being 15 unlocked.
3. The clip of claim 1 or 2, wherein the body comprises one or more retaining features that, in use, prevent withdrawal of the external locking device from the first and second openings when the external locking device is locked.
4. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member comprises a strap, the distal portion of the retaining member being a distal portion of the strap, the distal portion of the strap being configured to wrap around and overlay a portion of an outer surface of the body when the locking mechanism is locked.
5. The clip of claim 4, wherein the first opening is formed through the distal portion of the strap and the second opening is formed through the portion of the outer surface of the body.
6. The clip of claim 4 or 5, configured such that at least some of the distal portion of the strap is biased towards the body when the locking mechanism is locked.
7. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a ridge disposed on the distal portion of the retaining member and a groove in the body for retaining the ridge; and/or a ridge disposed on the body and a groove in the retaining member for retaining the ridge.
8. The clip of claim 7, wherein the groove extends along the bottom of a recessed channel formed on an outer portion of the body, to impede unlocking of the locking mechanism with a prying tool.
9. The clip of claim 7 or 8, comprising: a first alignment feature on the distal portion of the retaining member; and a second alignment feature on the body; the first and second alignment features being configured to interact with each other when the locking mechanism is locked, thereby to resist sliding of the ridge within the groove.
10. The clip of claim 9, wherein the first alignment feature is a blade and the second alignment feature is a slot configured to receive the blade.
11. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member comprises a flexible portion and a rigid portion, the flexible portion being proximal to the body relative to the rigid portion.
12. The clip of any preceding claim, configured for locking a cable within the item-retaining aperture.
13. The clip of any preceding claim, comprising one or more locking and/or gripping features configured to engage an outer surface of an item to be retained by the clip.
14. The clip of claim 13, wherein the one or more locking and/or gripping features comprise one or more blades and/or teeth extending from a surface of the body and/or a surface of the retaining member.
15. A clip arrangement comprising: the clip of any preceding claim; and an item to which the clip is configured to be clipped, the item comprising one of more item formations on its outer surface, the item formations being configured to interact with one or more blades or other clip formations on a surface of the clip within the recess, so as to impede or prevent relative movement between the clip and the item when the clip is clipped to the item and item formations.