Abstract:
The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a clamp display system for displaying one or more articles on being removably fastened to a structural element.

Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The apparatus and method disclosed, illustrated and claimed in this document pertains generally to display systems. More particularly, the new and useful clamp display system solves the problem of displaying on a structural member of a structure an individual article or a plurality of interconnected articles by positioning the article or articles on one or more clamps that are removably mountable on a structural member. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Displays, seasonable or substantially permanent, are a recurring need, and are arrayed for others to view as attractive, interesting, entertaining, or informative, among other reasons. Individual and/or interconnected strings of articles such as lights, ornaments, political advertisements, general advertisements, and strings of interconnected letters forming words, are nonexclusive examples of such displays. 
     At least one example of one or more articles and/or interconnected articles that may be detachably secured to the clamp display system for decoration or advertising is a string or cord of interconnected light bulbs, whether fluorescent, incandescent, LED&#39;s, or other luminaries. Another example of articles and/or interconnected articles that may be detachably secured to the clamp display system of this document are individual or connected ornaments, lighted or unlighted, such as Fourth of July ornaments. Yet another nonexclusive example of articles and/or interconnected articles that may be detachably secured to the clamp display system are advertisements, which may range between general commercial advertisements and political advertisements, and may include, for example, a string of individual letters assembled to form one or more words. 
     In the absence of the availability of the clamp display system, such articles and/or interconnected articles might be attached to a structure or to a structural member with cellophane tape, fasteners such as nails and other means that penetrate or mar the structure or structural member, and which degrade the finish of the structure or structural member. 
     Although some effort has been exerted in the past to provide means for displaying such interconnected articles, most have proven too complicated, too costly, and difficult to install. Accordingly, an unsolved problem exists in connection with providing an apparatus and system to fasten to a structural member either individual or interconnected articles. More particularly, a need exists in the industry for a new and useful clamp display system that is capable of fastening to a structural member one or more articles, including articles interconnected to a string, cord and/or electrically activatable string (in this document, individually and collectively, a “cord”) by positioning the article or articles on a plurality of clamps that are slidably and removably mountable on a member of the structure (in this document, a “structural member”). 
     SUMMARY 
     The clamp display system disclosed, illustrated, and claimed in this document addresses the above-stated needs by providing a system that includes one or more clamps. The one or more clamps include opposing jaws that are expandable and contractable. The clamps are removably engageable with and mountable on a structural member without the need for fastening means that affect or mar the structural member. 
     In one aspect, a spring activated paddle assembly is included. The spring activated paddle assembly is rotationally mountable on the one or more clamps. The spring may be mounted on the paddle assembly or on at least one of the opposing jaws of the clamp. In another aspect, a paddle assembly rotationally movable on the one or more clamps by use of an elastic band. The paddle assembly is rotationally mountable in a slot formed in at least one of the opposing jaws. Means for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle assembly is mounted on the paddle assembly and/or formed in or attached to an exterior face of an opposing jaw. 
     It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities. The structure and co-operation of structure of the clamp display system will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, drawing figures, and appended claims. 
     The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better understand the contributions to the art. The clamp display system is not limited in application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description or drawing figures, but is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems. The claims, therefore, include equivalent constructions. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is intended neither to define the clamp display system, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to limit the scope of the claims. The novel features of the clamp display system are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  of the drawing is a perspective view of one aspect of the clamp display system; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates one aspect of the paddle assembly of the clamp display system; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a variety of means for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle of the paddle assembly; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective figure illustrating another aspect of the clamp display system; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates the aspect of the clamp display system in  FIG. 3A  from a reverse perspective; 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective figure illustrating another aspect of the paddle assembly; 
         FIG. 3D  is a side view of a paddle of the clamp display system; 
         FIG. 3E  is a perspective view of one of the opposing jaws of the clamp display system illustrated in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3F  is a perspective view of a paddle of the clamp display system; 
         FIG. 3G  is a side view of a paddle of the clamp display system illustrated in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3H  is a perspective view of another aspect of the clamp display system; 
         FIG. 3I  is a bottom view of the opposing jaws of the clamp display system illustrated in  FIG. 3H ; 
         FIG. 3J  is a perspective view of the void and arm of the aspect of the clamp display system illustrated in  FIG. 3H ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an end view of a structural member on which one clamp of the clamp display system has been installed; and 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of a structural member on which a plurality of clamps of the clamp display system has been installed and on which a plurality of interconnected articles have been positioned. 
     
    
    
     To the extent that the numerical designations in the drawing figures include lower case letters such as “a,b” such designations include multiple references, and the letter “n” in lower case such as “a-n” is intended to express a number of repetitions of the element designated by that numerical reference and subscripts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Definitions 
     As used in this document the terms “expandable and contractable” modifying either the term clamp or the term “opposing jaws” means that the opposing jaws are made of a material capable of removably holding the clamps on a structural member on being formed or molded; the opposing jaws are made of a material allowing the opposing jaws to expand and contract a predetermined distance along an axis substantially perpendicular to the opposing jaws. 
     The term “interconnected articles” means and includes, as non-exclusive examples, a cord, string or comparable means (in this document, individually and collectively, a “cord”) for interconnecting a plurality of articles, such as lights, decorations, and other articles. The term includes, therefore, in addition to lights and decorations on an electrically activatable cord of lights at least letters that may be assembled into words for greetings, signs, announcements and similar articles. 
     The term “means for detachably securing the interconnected sequence of articles” means at least a hook, holder, clasp, slotted member, anchor, and hook-and-loop material, among similar means for placing an article or an interconnected series of articles on the rotationally movable paddle of the paddle assembly of an individual clamp or a plurality of clamps. 
     The term “structure” means a construction, building, bridge, framework, or any other object put together from many different parts; and the term “structural member” means a distinct part of a structure including, but not limited to, a beam, facia, eave, fence member, wall or similar structural unit of a building or other construction. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4B , a clamp display system is provided that in its broadest context includes a plurality of clamps. The plurality of clamps is formed with opposing jaws. At least one of the plurality of opposing jaws is formed with a slot. A paddle assembly is included that is rotationally mountable in the slot. In addition, means for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle is provided. In one aspect a spring is positioned on the clamp display system in such a way as to allow repositionable rotation of the paddle assembly during operation of the clamp display system, and in another aspect an elastic band is positioned on the clamp display system in such a way as to allow repositionable rotation of the paddle assembly during operation of the clamp display system. 
     More specifically, as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1-3J , a clamp display system  10  includes a plurality of clamps  12   a,n  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A- 3 C, and  3 H- 3 J. The plurality of clamps  12   a,n  is formed with opposing jaws  14   a,b  as also illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A- 3 C, and  3 H- 3 J. At least one of the plurality of opposing jaws  14   a,b  is formed with a slot  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A paddle assembly  18  as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A- 3 C, and  3 H- 3 J is included. The paddle assembly  18  is rotationally mountable in the slot  16 . In addition, means  20  for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle is provided as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A- 3 C, and  3 H- 3 J. In one aspect of clamp display system  10  a spring  22   a,b  is positioned on the clamp display system  10  as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  3 A- 3 C in such a way as to allow repositionable rotation of the paddle assembly  18  during operation of the clamp display system  10 . In another aspect of clamp display system  10  an elastic band  74 , as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3H-3J  is positioned on the clamp display system  10  in such a way to as to allow repositionable rotation of the paddle assembly  18  during operation of the clamp display system  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in one aspect the opposing jaws  14   a,b  are made from a material that is expandable and contractible. As a consequence, the opposing jaws  14   a,b  are capable of removably holding one or more clamps  12   a,n  on a structural member  24  of a structure  26  as shown also by cross-reference between  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The opposing jaws  14   a,b  may be separated prior to installation on a structural member  24  in an at-rest position to assist in positioning the one or more  12   a,n  on a structural member  24 , and to avoid marring the finish of structural member  24 . When removed from structural member  24 , opposing jaws  14   a,b  return to a predetermined at-rest position D 1  as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3A-3C , and more specifically in  FIG. 3B . During operation, on installation of the clamp display system  10  on a structural member  24  of a structure  26 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the opposing jaws  14   a,b  expand along an axis A 1 -A 1  substantially perpendicular to the exterior face  28   a,b  of opposing jaws  14   a,b . Such an axis A 1 -A 1  is illustrated in  FIG. 3B  for illustrative purposes. As illustrated, opposing jaws  14   a,b , when removably mounted on a structural member  24 , may expand to a distance D 2  as also illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Thus, opposing jaws  14   a,b  are substantially flexible and expandable, and also contractible, allowing the opposing jaws  14   a,b  to return to an at-rest state when one or more of the plurality of clamps  12   a - n  is removed from a structural member  24 . As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, opposing jaws  14   a,b  may be made either of a single material or of composite materials such as two or more constituent materials. 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a clamp display system  10  may be an apparatus formed monolithically for displaying at least one article  30   a - n  as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 4A-4B . In another aspect of the clamp display system  10 , as shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3A-3C , component parts of a clamp display system  10  may be formed using a variety of molding methods and assembled as shown by cross reference between  FIGS. 3A-3G . A polymer matrix or resin solution may be used to form at least the opposing jaws  14   a,b  of the plurality of clamps  12   a - n  of the clamp display system  10  illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3A-3G . Materials that may be used in the manufacture of all or a portion of a plurality of clamps  12   a - n  include polyester, vinylester, polypropylene, and PEEK, among others. Accordingly, the clamp display system  10 , and in particular the plurality of clamps  12   a - n , may be formed by injection molding from a thermoplastic like Nylon®, polyethylene, and/or polyvinylchloride. Consequently, in operation, opposing jaws  14   a,b  expand to enable inner faces  60   a,b  to exert pressure on a structural member  24  to overcome the force of gravity, and to hold the plurality of clamps  12   a - n  on a structural member  24 . The clamp display system  10  thus adds to the art by providing a system wherein the plurality of clamps  12   a - n  is slidably and removably engageable on a structural member  24  without use or deployment of a fastening means that might alter the structural member, or penetrate the exposed surface  32  of structural member  24  when one or more articles  30   a - n  are removably positioned on one or more clamps  12   a - n.    
     As illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1-3C  and  3 F- 3 J, the clamp display system  10  includes the paddle assembly  18 . Paddle assembly  18  is rotationally mountable in the slot  16 . In one aspect of clamp display system  10 , as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A-2B , paddle assembly  18  includes a tube  34  formed in one end  35   a  of the paddle  36  that is demountably attachable to at least one of the opposing jaws  14   a,b . As also illustrated in  FIG. 2A , in one aspect of the clamp display system  10 , an axle  38  is insertable through tube  34  to provide for rotational movement of the one end  35   a  of the paddle  36  during operation of paddle assembly  18 . In another aspect, however, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , neither a tube  34  nor an axle  38  is provided. Instead, a barrel  40  is formed in one end  35   b  of paddle  36 , and is also demountably attachable to the slot  16  formed in one of the opposing jaws  14   a , by including opposing rims  42   a,b  that are demountably attachable through opposing openings  44   a,b  in opposing barrel receptacles  46   a,b.    
     As illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A- 3 C and  3 H- 3 J, means  20   a - n  for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle  36  or paddle assembly  18  also is provided. Any number of means  20   a - n  for detachably securing one or more articles  30   a - n  to the paddle  36  may be placed in operation. Such means  20   a - n  for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle  36  may be provided in all aspects of the clamp display system  10 . Accordingly, as shown for illustrative purposes in only one drawing figure, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2B , such non-exclusive examples of means  20  for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle  36  include a hook  20   b , slotted member  20   c , and hook-and-loop material  20   d  such as Velcro®. 
     As indicated above, the clamp display system  10  illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 1-3C  includes a spring  22   a  capable of repositionably rotating the paddle  36  of paddle assembly  18  in slot  16 . In one aspect of such a spring, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , a coil spring  22   a  is provided. As illustrated, coil spring  22   a  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable engagement with axle  38  that also is inserted through coil spring  22   a . Coil spring  22   a  includes a coil spring extension  47  as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  to assist in repositioning paddle  36  of paddle assembly  18  in slot  16  one repositionably mounting paddle assembly  18  on opposing jaw  14   a . As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, a coil spring  22   a  is sometimes known as a helical spring, and is a mechanical device typically used to store energy and subsequently to release the stored energy, and/or to maintain a force between contacting surfaces. As a person skilled in the art also will appreciate, coil spring  22   a  also is sometimes referred to as a torsion spring. 
     In another aspect of a spring used to activate rotational motion of paddle  36  in slot  16 , as illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3A and 3C , a plate spring  48  is included with the clamp display system  10  and installed adjacent the slot  16  in such a way as to repositionably rotate the paddle  36  of paddle assembly  18 . As illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3A-3C , plate spring  48  may be formed with a tongue  50 . In operation, plate spring  48  in combination with tongue  50  also permits repositionable rotation of the paddle  36  of paddle assembly  18  during operation. In operation, plate spring  48  and tongue  50 , in combination with the expandable and contractible opposing jaws  14   a,b , contribute to compressively clutching the plurality of clamps  12   a - n  onto a structural member  24  of a structure  26 , as will be evident to a person of skill in the art. As further illustrated by cross reference between  FIGS. 3A-3C , and in particular  FIG. 3C , plate spring  48  is mountable on the exterior face  28   a  of an opposing jaw  14   a  by inserting opposing flanges  52   a,b  of plate spring  48  into plate spring sleeves  54   a,b  of opposing plate spring mounting brackets  56   a,b . As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, a “plate spring” sometimes is referred to as a flat spring, and is made of a variety of materials depending on desired deflection of the plate spring during operation. Such materials include high-carbon spring steel, phosphor-bronze, stainless steel, and others. 
     As illustrated by cross reference between  FIGS. 1 and 3A , to enhance the compressible clutching of the opposing jaws  14   a,b , a plurality of fins  58   a - n  may be formed on the inner face  60   a,b  of opposing jaws  14   a,b.    
     As illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3H-3J , another aspect of clamp display system  10  adapted to display a plurality of articles  30   a - n  attached to a cord  62   a,b  is illustrated. As shown, a plurality of clamps  12   a - n  having opposing jaws  14   a,b  adapted to be removably mounted on a structural member  24  is provided. In addition, a paddle assembly  18  that is rotationably mountable on at least one of the opposing jaws  14   a  is capable of detachably securing the cord  62   a  to the clamp display system  10 . Also included are means  20   e  connectable to the paddle assembly  18  for repositionably rotating the paddle assembly  18  and for detachably securing the plurality of articles  30   a - n  to the clamp display system  10 . 
     As also illustrated by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3H-3J , the paddle assembly  18  includes a paddle  36   n . Paddle  36   n  is rotationally mountable in a slot  16  formed in the first jaw  14   a  of the opposing jaws  14   a,b . The paddle  36   n  further comprises an aperture  64  formed in the paddle  36 . In addition, an elbow  66  is formed in the aperture. In addition, a notch  68  is formed in the first jaw  14   a  of the opposing jaws  14   a,b . The notch  68  is adjacent the aperture  64 . Another structural component is provided as illustrated, a bridge  70 . Bridge  70  is adjacent the notch  68 . The bridge  70  is secured in a hollow lumen  72  on assembly of opposing jaws  14   a,b  of the clamp display system  10 . An elastic band  74  is provided. The elastic band  74  is stretchable and resilient. In one aspect of the elastic band  74 , it is a closed loop such as an o-ring, but neither the shape nor structure of an o-ring is a limitation of this aspect of the clamp display system  10 . Because the elastic band  74  is stretchable and resilient, the elastic band  74  is removably connectable to the bridge  70  and to the elbow  66  as a person skilled in the art will appreciate. In operation, the elastic band  74  allows paddle  36   n  to rotational move and pivot to help mount a clamp  12   a - n  on a structural member  24  and to assist in positioning and repositioning a plurality of article  30   a - n  that are attached to a cord  62   a  on the clamp display system  10 . 
     The paddle  36  of this aspect of the clamp display system  10  includes a ledge  76 . Also included is a rib  78  that extends substantially perpendicular from the ledge  76 . In operation, rib  78  forms a curved shape in cord  62   a  at the point of contact between rib  78  and the point of contact on cord  62   a , which permits a user to snug the cord  62   a  against rib  76 , thus contributing to detachably securing cord  62   a  on clamp display system  10 . In addition, at least one hook  80   a,b  extends substantially vertically from the ledge  76  and is shaped to hold cord  62   a , thus also contributing to detachably securing the cord  62   a  on the clamp display system  10 . As illustrated, the at least one hook  80   a,b  is an S-shaped hook, but neither the shape nor structure of the at least one hook  80   a,b  is a limitation of this aspect of the clamp display system  10 . 
     As also illustrated perhaps best in  FIG. 3J , the clamp display system  10  also includes a void  82  formed in the second jaw  14   b  of the opposing jaws  14   a,b . An arm  84  is formed in the void  82  that extends substantially perpendicular from the exterior face  28   b  of the second jaw  14   b  of the opposing jaws  14   a,b . In operation, the combination of the void  82  and the arm  84  provide another device for holding a plurality of articles  30   a,n . In at least one aspect, the plurality of articles  30   a,n  is a plurality of lights. 
     As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, opposing jaws  14   a,b , which are illustrated in  FIG. 3I  as separated for illustrative purposes, are connected together during operation. Any number of means for connecting together opposing jaws  14   a,b  may be used. Connector receptors  86   a,b  are shown in  FIG. 3I  for illustrative purposes. Connector receptors  86   a,b  may receive screws (not shown) or snap-together extensions mounted on one of the opposing jaws  14   a  (not shown), as a person skilled in the art will appreciate. 
     Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered solely as an aid in understanding the description. The numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as intending to, indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the claims. In addition, the clamp display system  10  shown in drawing  FIGS. 1 through 4B  shows more than one aspect of the clamp display system  10 , none of which is intended to be exclusive, but merely illustrative of the disclosed aspects and embodiments. 
     Means-plus-function clauses in the claims are intended to cover the structures described as performing the recited function that include not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.