Patent ID: 6606786
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: E04C,E04G,F24D,Y02B,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for enclosing at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles in a desired relationship comprising:at least two members each having an inner surface, an outer surface and surfaces facing in opposite directions; each of said at least two members being elongated and having a central body portion, an integral pivot portion at one end of said device, an integral locking portion at the other end of said device and an integral abutment portion extending outwardly from a portion of said outer surface of said central body portion; said integral pivot portions having structure for providing a pivotal connection for mounting said at least two members for pivotal movement in substantially parallel planes between an opened position and a locked position and wherein said inner surfaces define an enclosed opening when in said locked position so that, when said device is in said locked position, said at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed within said inner surfaces; and control portions for controlling the movement of said at least two pivotally connected members from said opened position to said locked position; said locking portion on one of said at least two members comprises a flexible end portion forming a recess therein; and said locking portion on the other of said at least two members comprises an end portion having a configuration to mate with said recess; a first guide projecting outwardly from a portion of said flexible end portion adjacent to one side of said recess; a second guide projecting inwardly from another portion of said end portion adjacent to an opposite side of said recess; a slot formed in a portion of said outer surface of said end portion and is located to pass over said first guide and to receive therein at least a portion of said second guide when said at least two members move from said opened position to said locked position; and a recess formed in an adjacent portion of said outer surface next to said slot to receive therein at least a portion of said second guide during movement of said at least two members from said opened position to said locked position.