US20070235047A1 - Grasping device for retaining an article - Google Patents
Grasping device for retaining an article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070235047A1 US20070235047A1 US11/734,210 US73421007A US2007235047A1 US 20070235047 A1 US20070235047 A1 US 20070235047A1 US 73421007 A US73421007 A US 73421007A US 2007235047 A1 US2007235047 A1 US 2007235047A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- grasping device
- carriage
- set forth
- fastener
- post
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F13/00—Appliances for smoking cigars or cigarettes
- A24F13/22—Supports for holding cigars or cigarettes while smoking
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/32—Golf
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B55/00—Bags for golf clubs; Stands for golf clubs for use on the course; Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
- A63B55/10—Stands for golf clubs, e.g. for use on the course ; Golf club holders, racks or presses
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/0036—Accessories for stowing, putting away or transporting exercise apparatus or sports equipment
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a grasping device for retaining an article. More specifically, the present invention relates to a grasping device for retaining a tobacco product.
- a grasping device for retaining an article which grasps the article, as opposed to merely cradling the article. Grasping the article prevents the article from becoming accidentally dislodged from the grasping device when the article is merely cradled.
- the present invention provides a grasping device for retaining an article.
- the grasping device comprises a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with the carriage defining an opening.
- a jaw extends from each of the ends and away from the carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between the jaws.
- the carriage is spring biased such that application of force to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws away from one another to release the article. Likewise, eliminating the force applied to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws toward one another to retain the article.
- a fastener extends from the grasping device for attaching the grasping device to a surface.
- FIGS. 1A-1D are environmental views illustrating various uses of a grasping device retaining an article
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the grasping device
- FIG. 2B is a front view of the grasping device illustrating movement of a fastener from an extended position to a retracted position
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the grasping device showing a coupling and a retainer of the fastener connecting to a carriage of the grasping device;
- FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of the carriage and a flange extending from the carriage with a post of the coupling aligned within the mounting hole defined by the flange;
- FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the carriage and the flange extending from the carriage with the post of the coupling rotated within the mounting hole with respect to the flange such that the post is out of alignment with the mounting hole;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the coupling and the retainer of the fastener connected to the carriage of the grasping device;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the coupling and the retainer of the fastener
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view of the coupling connected to the retainer of FIG. 2A , taken along line 7 - 7 ;
- FIG. 8A is a front view of the carriage and jaws of the grasping device with the jaws in the closed position
- FIG. 8B is front view of the carriage and the jaws of the grasping device with the jaws in the open position
- FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the grasping device.
- FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the alternative grasping device retaining an article
- FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the alternative grasping device with the fastener in the stowed position
- FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the alternative grasping device with the fastener in the extended position
- FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a coupling connected to a retainer of the fastener for the alternative grasping device
- FIG. 13A is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling connected to the carriage of the alternative grasping device when the fastener is in one of the extended and the retracted positions;
- FIG. 13B is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling connected to the carriage of the alternative grasping device when the fastener is in between the extended and retracted positions.
- the present invention is a grasping device 20 for retaining an article 22 .
- the device 20 is shown generally at 20 in FIGS. 1A-1D and 2 A- 2 B.
- the device 20 includes a carriage 24 , a pair of jaws 26 for retaining the article 22 therebetween, and a fastener 28 .
- the grasping device 20 is used to retain such articles 22 as tobacco products, e.g., cigars 22 a , as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B , and 10 , cigarettes 22 b , as shown in FIG. 1C , etc.
- the grasping device 20 is used to retain such articles 22 as a handle 22 c of a golf club 30 to keep the handle 22 c from touching the ground 32 , as shown in FIG. 1D .
- the device 20 may be used to retain any other article 22 capable of being grasped by the device 20 .
- the fastener 28 is for placement into the ground 32 , as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C , 1 D, and 10 , preformed holes 34 in a golf cart 36 for holding a golf tee, as shown in FIG.1B , or into any other surface suitable for holding the various articles 22 off of a surface.
- the jaws 26 extend 38 from the ends 38 of the carriage 24 to a respective tip 40 for retaining the article 22 between the jaws 26 .
- the jaws 26 extend 38 arcuately from the ends 38 of the carriage 24 such that the jaws 26 define a gap 42 therebetween for retaining the article 22 .
- Each of the jaws 26 includes a pad 44 surrounding the gap 42 for cradling the article 22 .
- each of the jaws 26 define a channel 46 proximate the tip 40 for retaining the article 22 within the channel 46 .
- the channel 46 is smaller than the gap 42 for retaining smaller diameter articles 22 , such as cigarettes 22 b .
- the gap 42 is for holding larger diameter articles 22 , such as cigars 22 a or handles 22 c of golf clubs 30 .
- the carriage 24 extends in a loop between opposing ends 38 to define an opening 48 .
- the carriage 24 therefore extends about the opening 48 with the carriage 24 overlapping upon itself, proximate the ends 38 .
- the carriage 24 is spring biased such that application of a force to the carriage 24 moves the ends 38 and the jaws 26 away from one another, reducing the size of the opening 48 , releasing the article 22 .
- the ends 38 and the jaws 26 move toward one another, increasing the size of the opening 48 , and retaining the article 22 therebetween.
- the carriage 24 is formed from a flexible material.
- the carriage 24 is formed from a thermoplastic material.
- the carriage 24 and the jaws 26 are typically formed, or molded, as a single piece. After formation, the jaws 26 and the carriage 24 are twisted such that the carriage 24 overlaps upon itself and the jaws 26 define the gap 42 therebetween.
- the carriage 24 includes a pair of buttons 50 on opposing sides thereof such that application of the force to the buttons 50 moves the buttons 50 toward one another and moves the ends 38 and the jaws 26 away from one another to release the article 22 . Likewise, eliminating the force applied on the buttons 50 moves the buttons 50 away from one another and moves the ends 38 and the jaws 26 toward one another to retain the article 22 .
- the buttons 50 provide a surface for grasping the device 20 and applying the force to the carriage 24 .
- the fastener 28 extends from the grasping device 20 for attaching the grasping device 20 to the surface.
- the fastener 28 includes a pin 52 which extends therefrom for inserting the pin 52 into the surface to attach the grasping device 20 to the surface, i.e., the ground 32 , the holes 34 of the golf cart 36 , etc.
- the post 68 may be any shape suitable for attaching the device 20 to the surface.
- the post 68 is a tapered rod for inserting the post 68 into the surface.
- the post 68 is shaped like a golf tee.
- the fastener 28 is movable from a retracted position 54 , for stowing the grasping device 20 , to an extended position 56 , for attaching the grasping device 20 to the surface.
- the fastener 28 is rotatably connected to the grasping device 20 .
- the fastener 28 is rotatably connected to the carriage 24 . This means that the fastener 28 is rotatable 180 degrees about an axis A from the stowed, or retracted position 54 , to the use, or extended position 56 .
- the fastener 28 is not limited to being rotatable 180 degrees between the two positions 54 , 56 , but is rotatable 360 degrees about the axis A into the two positions 54 , 56 .
- the carriage 24 defines a mounting hole.
- the carriage 24 includes a flange 62 extending into the opening 48 and the flange 62 defines the mounting hole 60 for receiving the fastener 28 , as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- the fastener 28 includes a coupling 64 and a retainer 66 .
- the coupling 64 and the retainer 66 are formed into any desired shape.
- the coupling 64 and the retainer 66 each form a half of a golf ball with a space on the golf ball for placing a logo or any other desired feature.
- the shape of the golf ball provides a knob for a user to grab and rotate the fastener 38 with respect to the carriage 24 .
- the coupling 64 and retainer 66 are not limited to this shape, but may be any other desired shape.
- the coupling 64 includes a post 68 .
- the post 68 of the coupling 64 extends through the mounting hole 60 to rotatably connect the coupling 64 to the carriage 24 .
- the mounting hole 60 has a first span 74 and a second span 76 which is perpendicular to the first span 74 , as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B .
- the post 68 has a first width 78 and a second width 80 .
- the first span 74 is at least equal to the first width 78 and the second span 76 is at least equal to the second width 80 such that the post 68 extends within the mounting hole 60 of said post 68 when the first width 78 is aligned with the first span 74 and the second width 80 is aligned with the second span 76 .
- the mounting hole 60 is oblong and the post 68 is also oblong such that the post 68 is complementary to the mounting hole 60 when the fastener 28 is in one of the retracted and extended positions 54 , 56 . This results in “locking” the fastener into one of the retracted and extended positions 54 , 56 .
- the effort must be overcome to move the post 68 out of alignment with the mounting hole 60 , such that the first width 78 is not aligned with the first span 74 and the second width 80 is not aligned with the second span 76 , as shown in FIG. 4B when rotating the fastener 28 between the retracted and extended positions 54 , 56 .
- This extra effort keeps the fastener 28 locked in one of the two intended positions 54 , 56 and prevents unwanted rotation of the fastener 28 .
- the retainer 66 engages the post 68 for retaining the coupling 64 to the carriage 24 , as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 , and 12 .
- the retainer 66 includes a rod 70 and the post 68 defines a pocket 72 .
- the rod 70 is disposed in the pocket 72 and the post 68 engages the rod 70 to retain the coupling 64 and the retainer 66 to the carriage 24 .
- the rod 70 defines a groove 82 and the post 68 includes a ridge 84 extending from the post 68 within the pocket 72 .
- the ridge 84 extends into the groove 82 when the rod 70 is disposed within the pocket 72 , locking the retainer 66 to the coupling 64 . Referring generally to FIG.
- the rod 70 defines a pair of opposing grooves 82 .
- the ridges 84 are disposed perpendicular to one another within the pocket 72 . Therefore, there are two pairs of opposing ridges 84 .
- One pair of the opposing ridges 84 is closer together than the other pair of opposing ridges 84 .
- the only way the rod 70 can be placed within the pocket 72 is if the grooves 82 of the post 68 are aligned with the pair of opposing ridges 84 which are closest together while the other pair of opposing ridges 84 rest along the outside of post 68 .
- the retainer 66 helps to align the retainer 66 with the coupling 64 so that the pin 52 of the fastener 28 is oriented correctly with respect to the carriage 24 and the jaws 26 .
- the ridges 84 also assist in retaining or locking the retainer 66 to the coupling 64 and also preventing the coupling 64 from rotating with respect to the retainer 66 .
- the retainer 66 includes at least one tab 86 extending radially from the rod.
- the post 68 defines at least one detent 88 . When the coupling 64 is assembled to the retainer 66 , the tab 86 extends into the detent 88 .
- the carriage 24 itself defines the mounting hole 60 where the carriage 24 overlaps, proximate the ends 38 .
- the mounting hole 60 and the post 68 are generally round and the post 68 is complementary to the mounting hole 60 throughout the entire rotation of the fastener 28 within the mounting hole 60 .
- the post 68 defines a furrow 90 in an exterior of the post 68 .
- the carriage 24 includes a finger 92 having an L-shape which is cantilevered.
- the finger 92 flexibly extends from the carriage 24 and extends into the groove 82 of the rod 70 when the fastener 28 is in the retracted or extended position 54 , 56 because the furrow 90 is aligned with the finger 92 . This results in “locking” the fastener 28 into one of the retracted and extended positions 54 , 56 . Then, effort must be exerted to move the furrow 90 of the post 68 out of alignment with the finger 92 such that the finger 92 is no longer disposed in the furrow 90 . Likewise, the finger 92 is disposed on the exterior of the rod 70 when the fastener 28 is positioned in between the retracted and extended positions 54 , 56 because the finger 92 is not aligned with the furrow 90 .
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Abstract
A grasping device for retaining an article includes a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with the carriage defining an opening. A jaw extends from each of the ends and away from the carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between the jaws. The carriage is spring biased such that application of force to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws away from one another to release the article. Likewise, eliminating the force applied to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws toward one another to retain the article. A fastener extends from the grasping device for attaching the grasping device to a surface. The fastener includes a pin for attaching the grasping device to a surface and the fastener is rotatably connected to the carriage for rotating the fastener between an extended and a retracted position.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/744,607, filed on Apr. 11, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a grasping device for retaining an article. More specifically, the present invention relates to a grasping device for retaining a tobacco product.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Traditional grasping devices for retaining tobacco products provide a holder for holding or retaining the tobacco product and a pin for placing the grasping device in the ground or in a golf cart. An example of such a grasping device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,179 to Alcaraz (the '179 patent). The '179 patent discloses a grasping device which includes a holder defining notches for cradling various tobacco products within the notches. The tobacco products rest within these notches such that the holder cradles the tobacco products. Additionally, the '179 patent discloses a pin for placement into holes in a golf cart. The pin is capable of being rotated 90 degrees to allow for vertical as well as horizontal positioning of the holder and the cradled tobacco product.
- Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a grasping device for retaining an article which grasps the article, as opposed to merely cradling the article. Grasping the article prevents the article from becoming accidentally dislodged from the grasping device when the article is merely cradled.
- The present invention provides a grasping device for retaining an article. The grasping device comprises a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with the carriage defining an opening. A jaw extends from each of the ends and away from the carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between the jaws. The carriage is spring biased such that application of force to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws away from one another to release the article. Likewise, eliminating the force applied to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws toward one another to retain the article. A fastener extends from the grasping device for attaching the grasping device to a surface.
- Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIGS. 1A-1D are environmental views illustrating various uses of a grasping device retaining an article; -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the grasping device; -
FIG. 2B is a front view of the grasping device illustrating movement of a fastener from an extended position to a retracted position; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the grasping device showing a coupling and a retainer of the fastener connecting to a carriage of the grasping device; -
FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of the carriage and a flange extending from the carriage with a post of the coupling aligned within the mounting hole defined by the flange; -
FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the carriage and the flange extending from the carriage with the post of the coupling rotated within the mounting hole with respect to the flange such that the post is out of alignment with the mounting hole; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the coupling and the retainer of the fastener connected to the carriage of the grasping device; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the coupling and the retainer of the fastener; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view of the coupling connected to the retainer ofFIG. 2A , taken along line 7-7; -
FIG. 8A is a front view of the carriage and jaws of the grasping device with the jaws in the closed position; -
FIG. 8B is front view of the carriage and the jaws of the grasping device with the jaws in the open position; -
FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the grasping device; -
FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the alternative grasping device retaining an article; -
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the alternative grasping device with the fastener in the stowed position; -
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the alternative grasping device with the fastener in the extended position; -
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a coupling connected to a retainer of the fastener for the alternative grasping device; -
FIG. 13A is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling connected to the carriage of the alternative grasping device when the fastener is in one of the extended and the retracted positions; and -
FIG. 13B is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling connected to the carriage of the alternative grasping device when the fastener is in between the extended and retracted positions. - The present invention is a
grasping device 20 for retaining anarticle 22. Thedevice 20 is shown generally at 20 inFIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2B. Thedevice 20 includes acarriage 24, a pair ofjaws 26 for retaining thearticle 22 therebetween, and afastener 28. Thegrasping device 20 is used to retainsuch articles 22 as tobacco products, e.g.,cigars 22 a, as shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B , and 10,cigarettes 22 b, as shown inFIG. 1C , etc. Alternatively, the graspingdevice 20 is used to retainsuch articles 22 as ahandle 22 c of agolf club 30 to keep thehandle 22 c from touching theground 32, as shown inFIG. 1D . However, it should be appreciated that thedevice 20 may be used to retain anyother article 22 capable of being grasped by thedevice 20. Additionally, thefastener 28 is for placement into theground 32, as shown inFIGS. 1A, 1C , 1D, and 10, preformed holes 34 in agolf cart 36 for holding a golf tee, as shown inFIG.1B , or into any other surface suitable for holding thevarious articles 22 off of a surface. - The
jaws 26 extend 38 from theends 38 of thecarriage 24 to arespective tip 40 for retaining thearticle 22 between thejaws 26. Preferably, thejaws 26 extend 38 arcuately from theends 38 of thecarriage 24 such that thejaws 26 define agap 42 therebetween for retaining thearticle 22. Each of thejaws 26 includes apad 44 surrounding thegap 42 for cradling thearticle 22. In one embodiment, each of thejaws 26 define achannel 46 proximate thetip 40 for retaining thearticle 22 within thechannel 46. Thechannel 46 is smaller than thegap 42 for retainingsmaller diameter articles 22, such ascigarettes 22 b. Thegap 42 is for holdinglarger diameter articles 22, such ascigars 22 a or handles 22 c ofgolf clubs 30. - The
carriage 24 extends in a loop between opposing ends 38 to define anopening 48. Thecarriage 24 therefore extends about theopening 48 with thecarriage 24 overlapping upon itself, proximate the ends 38. Thecarriage 24 is spring biased such that application of a force to thecarriage 24 moves theends 38 and thejaws 26 away from one another, reducing the size of theopening 48, releasing thearticle 22. Likewise, when the force applied to thecarriage 24 is eliminated or reduced, the ends 38 and thejaws 26 move toward one another, increasing the size of theopening 48, and retaining thearticle 22 therebetween. Thecarriage 24 is formed from a flexible material. Preferably, thecarriage 24 is formed from a thermoplastic material. However, it should be appreciated that any other type of material may be used as long as thecarriage 24 remains flexible. Thecarriage 24 and thejaws 26 are typically formed, or molded, as a single piece. After formation, thejaws 26 and thecarriage 24 are twisted such that thecarriage 24 overlaps upon itself and thejaws 26 define thegap 42 therebetween. Thecarriage 24 includes a pair ofbuttons 50 on opposing sides thereof such that application of the force to thebuttons 50 moves thebuttons 50 toward one another and moves theends 38 and thejaws 26 away from one another to release thearticle 22. Likewise, eliminating the force applied on thebuttons 50 moves thebuttons 50 away from one another and moves theends 38 and thejaws 26 toward one another to retain thearticle 22. Thebuttons 50 provide a surface for grasping thedevice 20 and applying the force to thecarriage 24. - The
fastener 28 extends from the graspingdevice 20 for attaching the graspingdevice 20 to the surface. Thefastener 28 includes apin 52 which extends therefrom for inserting thepin 52 into the surface to attach the graspingdevice 20 to the surface, i.e., theground 32, the holes 34 of thegolf cart 36, etc. Thepost 68 may be any shape suitable for attaching thedevice 20 to the surface. Preferably, thepost 68 is a tapered rod for inserting thepost 68 into the surface. For example, thepost 68 is shaped like a golf tee. Thefastener 28 is movable from a retractedposition 54, for stowing the graspingdevice 20, to anextended position 56, for attaching the graspingdevice 20 to the surface. Thefastener 28 is rotatably connected to the graspingdevice 20. Preferably, thefastener 28 is rotatably connected to thecarriage 24. This means that thefastener 28 is rotatable 180 degrees about an axis A from the stowed, or retractedposition 54, to the use, orextended position 56. It should be appreciated that thefastener 28 is not limited to being rotatable 180 degrees between the twopositions positions - The
carriage 24 defines a mounting hole. In one embodiment, thecarriage 24 includes aflange 62 extending into theopening 48 and theflange 62 defines the mountinghole 60 for receiving thefastener 28, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B . Thefastener 28 includes acoupling 64 and aretainer 66. Thecoupling 64 and theretainer 66 are formed into any desired shape. As an example, thecoupling 64 and theretainer 66 each form a half of a golf ball with a space on the golf ball for placing a logo or any other desired feature. The shape of the golf ball provides a knob for a user to grab and rotate thefastener 38 with respect to thecarriage 24. It should be appreciated that thecoupling 64 andretainer 66 are not limited to this shape, but may be any other desired shape. Thecoupling 64 includes apost 68. Thepost 68 of thecoupling 64 extends through the mountinghole 60 to rotatably connect thecoupling 64 to thecarriage 24. The mountinghole 60 has afirst span 74 and asecond span 76 which is perpendicular to thefirst span 74, as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B . Thepost 68 has afirst width 78 and asecond width 80. Thefirst span 74 is at least equal to thefirst width 78 and thesecond span 76 is at least equal to thesecond width 80 such that thepost 68 extends within the mountinghole 60 of saidpost 68 when thefirst width 78 is aligned with thefirst span 74 and thesecond width 80 is aligned with thesecond span 76. Preferably, the mountinghole 60 is oblong and thepost 68 is also oblong such that thepost 68 is complementary to the mountinghole 60 when thefastener 28 is in one of the retracted andextended positions extended positions post 68 out of alignment with the mountinghole 60, such that thefirst width 78 is not aligned with thefirst span 74 and thesecond width 80 is not aligned with thesecond span 76, as shown inFIG. 4B when rotating thefastener 28 between the retracted andextended positions fastener 28 locked in one of the two intendedpositions fastener 28. - The
retainer 66 engages thepost 68 for retaining thecoupling 64 to thecarriage 24, as shown inFIGS. 3, 6 , and 12. Theretainer 66 includes arod 70 and thepost 68 defines apocket 72. Therod 70 is disposed in thepocket 72 and thepost 68 engages therod 70 to retain thecoupling 64 and theretainer 66 to thecarriage 24. Preferably, therod 70 defines agroove 82 and thepost 68 includes aridge 84 extending from thepost 68 within thepocket 72. Theridge 84 extends into thegroove 82 when therod 70 is disposed within thepocket 72, locking theretainer 66 to thecoupling 64. Referring generally toFIG. 7 , there are typically fourridges 84 disposed within thepocket 72 and therod 70 defines a pair of opposinggrooves 82. When there are fourridges 84, theridges 84 are disposed perpendicular to one another within thepocket 72. Therefore, there are two pairs of opposingridges 84. One pair of the opposingridges 84 is closer together than the other pair of opposingridges 84. The only way therod 70 can be placed within thepocket 72 is if thegrooves 82 of thepost 68 are aligned with the pair of opposingridges 84 which are closest together while the other pair of opposingridges 84 rest along the outside ofpost 68. This arrangement helps to align theretainer 66 with thecoupling 64 so that thepin 52 of thefastener 28 is oriented correctly with respect to thecarriage 24 and thejaws 26. Theridges 84 also assist in retaining or locking theretainer 66 to thecoupling 64 and also preventing thecoupling 64 from rotating with respect to theretainer 66. Theretainer 66 includes at least onetab 86 extending radially from the rod. Thepost 68 defines at least onedetent 88. When thecoupling 64 is assembled to theretainer 66, thetab 86 extends into thedetent 88. Preferably, there are a plurality oftabs 86 and correspondingdetents 88. This helps to align and guide therod 70 into thepocket 72 during assembly of thefastener 28 to thecarriage 24 of thedevice 20. - In an alternative embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 9, 10 , 11A, 11B, 12, 13A, and 13B, thecarriage 24 itself defines the mountinghole 60 where thecarriage 24 overlaps, proximate the ends 38. The mountinghole 60 and thepost 68 are generally round and thepost 68 is complementary to the mountinghole 60 throughout the entire rotation of thefastener 28 within the mountinghole 60. Thepost 68 defines afurrow 90 in an exterior of thepost 68. Thecarriage 24 includes afinger 92 having an L-shape which is cantilevered. Thefinger 92 flexibly extends from thecarriage 24 and extends into thegroove 82 of therod 70 when thefastener 28 is in the retracted orextended position furrow 90 is aligned with thefinger 92. This results in “locking” thefastener 28 into one of the retracted andextended positions furrow 90 of thepost 68 out of alignment with thefinger 92 such that thefinger 92 is no longer disposed in thefurrow 90. Likewise, thefinger 92 is disposed on the exterior of therod 70 when thefastener 28 is positioned in between the retracted andextended positions finger 92 is not aligned with thefurrow 90. - The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (20)
1. A grasping device for retaining an article, said grasping device comprising:
a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with said carriage defining an opening;
a jaw extending from each of said ends and away from said carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between said jaws;
said carriage being spring biased such that application of force to said carriage moves said ends and said jaws away from one another to release the article and eliminating the force applied to said carriage moves said ends and said jaws toward one another to retain the article; and
a fastener extending from said grasping device for attaching said grasping device to a surface.
2. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastener includes a pin extending from said fastener for inserting said pin into the surface to attach said grasping device to the surface.
3. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastener is further defined as being movable from a retracted position for stowing said grasping device and to an extended position for attaching said grasping device to a surface.
4. A grasping device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatably connected to said grasping device.
5. A grasping device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fastener is rotatable about an axis 180 degrees from said retracted position to said extended position.
6. A grasping device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatable about an axis 360 degrees.
7. A grasping device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatably connected to said carriage.
8. A grasping device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said carriage defines a mounting hole and said fastener includes a coupling having a post with said post of said coupling extending through said mounting hole to rotatably connect said coupling to said carriage.
9. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said mounting hole is further defined as being oblong and said post is further defined as being oblong such that said post is complementary to said mounting hole when said fastener is in one of said retracted and extended positions.
10. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said mounting hole is further defined as having a first span and a second span perpendicular to said first span and said post having a first width and a second width and said first span being at least equal to said first width and said second span being at least equal to said second width such that said post extends within said mounting hole of said post.
11. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 further comprising a retainer engaging said post for retaining said coupling to said carriage.
12. A grasping device as set forth in claim 11 wherein said retainer includes a rod and said post defines a pocket with said rod disposed in said pocket and with said post engaging said rod to retain said coupling and said retainer to said carriage.
13. A grasping device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said rod defines a groove and said post includes a ridge extending from said post within said pocket with said ridge extending into said groove when said rod is disposed within said pocket.
14. A grasping device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said post defines a furrow in an exterior of said post and said carriage includes a finger having an L-shape with said finger being cantilevered and flexibly extending into said groove of said rod when said fastener is in one of said retracted and extended positions such that said furrow is aligned with said finger and said finger is disposed on said exterior of said rod when said fastener is in between one of said retracted and extended positions such that said finger is not aligned with said furrow.
15. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said retainer includes at least one tab extending radially from said rod and said post defines at least one detent with said tab extending into said detent.
16. A grasping device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said carriage includes a flange with said flange defining said mounting hole.
17. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said jaws extend arcuately from said ends of said carriage such that said jaws define a gap therebetween for retaining the article.
18. A grasping device as set forth in claim 17 wherein each of said jaws define a channel proximate said tip for retaining the article within said channel.
19. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said jaws includes a pad surrounding said gap for cradling the article.
20. A grasping device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carriage includes a pair of buttons on opposing sides of said carriage such that application of the force to said buttons moves said buttons toward one another and moves said ends and said jaws away from one another to release the article and eliminating the force applied on said buttons moves said buttons away from one another and moves said ends and said jaws toward one another to retain the article.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/734,210 US20070235047A1 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2007-04-11 | Grasping device for retaining an article |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US74460706P | 2006-04-11 | 2006-04-11 | |
US11/734,210 US20070235047A1 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2007-04-11 | Grasping device for retaining an article |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070235047A1 true US20070235047A1 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
Family
ID=38573843
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/734,210 Abandoned US20070235047A1 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2007-04-11 | Grasping device for retaining an article |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070235047A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2519585A (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-04-29 | Bagshot Entpr Ltd | Golf apparatus |
USD753876S1 (en) * | 2015-04-01 | 2016-04-12 | Lenord Parayo | Magnetic tobacco article retainer |
USD812291S1 (en) * | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-06 | David P. Victor | Smoking product holding device |
US9943103B1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2018-04-17 | Cigar Companion Concepts, Llc | Hands-free support of elongated hand-held articles method and apparatus |
US10688900B2 (en) | 2016-10-19 | 2020-06-23 | Cigar Riders IP Inc. | High speed cigar holder and ashtray |
US11819057B2 (en) | 2017-10-24 | 2023-11-21 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Aerosol-generating device having holding mechanism |
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US2207197A (en) * | 1938-12-19 | 1940-07-09 | Philip F Havey | Cigarette holder |
US2613100A (en) * | 1951-12-06 | 1952-10-07 | Jr Walter Lee Casey | Article grasping and handling device |
US3343245A (en) * | 1965-02-12 | 1967-09-26 | Hexacon Electric Company | Tool for cleaning electrical leads, etc. |
USD246803S (en) * | 1976-07-02 | 1977-12-27 | Mack Steinberg | Cigarette and cigar holder |
US4709706A (en) * | 1985-09-17 | 1987-12-01 | Turro Juan G | Cigarette holder |
USD379551S (en) * | 1996-04-29 | 1997-05-27 | Golfware, Inc. | Cigar holder |
USD380862S (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1997-07-08 | Hasselgren Golf Associates, L.L.C. | Cigar caddy |
USD395731S (en) * | 1997-06-27 | 1998-06-30 | Kevin Olis | Cigar holder |
US5813414A (en) * | 1997-01-23 | 1998-09-29 | Mci Products Group, Inc. | Golf stand |
USD400298S (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 1998-10-27 | Eugene Vignerot | Cigar holder |
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USD408582S (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 1999-04-20 | Varn Harold T | Cigar holder for golfers |
US6234179B1 (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 2001-05-22 | Vicente Alcaraz | Cigar or cigarette holder for golf cart |
US6363941B1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-04-02 | Donald R. Combs | Cigar holder |
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US2207197A (en) * | 1938-12-19 | 1940-07-09 | Philip F Havey | Cigarette holder |
US2613100A (en) * | 1951-12-06 | 1952-10-07 | Jr Walter Lee Casey | Article grasping and handling device |
US3343245A (en) * | 1965-02-12 | 1967-09-26 | Hexacon Electric Company | Tool for cleaning electrical leads, etc. |
USD246803S (en) * | 1976-07-02 | 1977-12-27 | Mack Steinberg | Cigarette and cigar holder |
US4709706A (en) * | 1985-09-17 | 1987-12-01 | Turro Juan G | Cigarette holder |
USD379551S (en) * | 1996-04-29 | 1997-05-27 | Golfware, Inc. | Cigar holder |
USD380862S (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1997-07-08 | Hasselgren Golf Associates, L.L.C. | Cigar caddy |
US5813414A (en) * | 1997-01-23 | 1998-09-29 | Mci Products Group, Inc. | Golf stand |
USD400298S (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 1998-10-27 | Eugene Vignerot | Cigar holder |
USD395731S (en) * | 1997-06-27 | 1998-06-30 | Kevin Olis | Cigar holder |
US6234179B1 (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 2001-05-22 | Vicente Alcaraz | Cigar or cigarette holder for golf cart |
USD408582S (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 1999-04-20 | Varn Harold T | Cigar holder for golfers |
USD405224S (en) * | 1998-03-19 | 1999-02-02 | Falconio Dino P | Combined golf bag clip and cigar and cigarette holder |
US6363941B1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-04-02 | Donald R. Combs | Cigar holder |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2519585A (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-04-29 | Bagshot Entpr Ltd | Golf apparatus |
USD753876S1 (en) * | 2015-04-01 | 2016-04-12 | Lenord Parayo | Magnetic tobacco article retainer |
US9943103B1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2018-04-17 | Cigar Companion Concepts, Llc | Hands-free support of elongated hand-held articles method and apparatus |
USD812291S1 (en) * | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-06 | David P. Victor | Smoking product holding device |
US10688900B2 (en) | 2016-10-19 | 2020-06-23 | Cigar Riders IP Inc. | High speed cigar holder and ashtray |
US11819057B2 (en) | 2017-10-24 | 2023-11-21 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Aerosol-generating device having holding mechanism |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NEUTECH ASSOCIATES, INC., FLORIDA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LONG, DEAN, MR.;REEL/FRAME:019422/0233 Effective date: 20070604 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |