Clamp display system

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.

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'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:

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 inFIGS. 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 betweenFIGS. 1-3J, a clamp display system10includes a plurality of clamps12a,nas illustrated inFIGS. 1,3A-3C, and3H-3J. The plurality of clamps12a,nis formed with opposing jaws14a,bas also illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 1,3A-3C, and3H-3J. At least one of the plurality of opposing jaws14a,bis formed with a slot16as illustrated inFIG. 1. A paddle assembly18as illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 1,3A-3C, and3H-3J is included. The paddle assembly18is rotationally mountable in the slot16. In addition, means20for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle is provided as illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 1,3A-3C, and3H-3J. In one aspect of clamp display system10a spring22a,bis positioned on the clamp display system10as illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 1,2A and3A-3C in such a way as to allow repositionable rotation of the paddle assembly18during operation of the clamp display system10. In another aspect of clamp display system10an elastic band74, as illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3H-3Jis positioned on the clamp display system10in such a way to as to allow repositionable rotation of the paddle assembly18during operation of the clamp display system10.

Referring toFIG. 1, in one aspect the opposing jaws14a,bare made from a material that is expandable and contractible. As a consequence, the opposing jaws14a,bare capable of removably holding one or more clamps12a,non a structural member24of a structure26as shown also by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 4A and 4B. The opposing jaws14a,bmay be separated prior to installation on a structural member24in an at-rest position to assist in positioning the one or more12a,non a structural member24, and to avoid marring the finish of structural member24. When removed from structural member24, opposing jaws14a,breturn to a predetermined at-rest position D1as illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3A-3C, and more specifically inFIG. 3B. During operation, on installation of the clamp display system10on a structural member24of a structure26, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4B, the opposing jaws14a,bexpand along an axis A1-A1substantially perpendicular to the exterior face28a,bof opposing jaws14a,b. Such an axis A1-A1is illustrated inFIG. 3Bfor illustrative purposes. As illustrated, opposing jaws14a,b, when removably mounted on a structural member24, may expand to a distance D2as also illustrated inFIG. 3B. Thus, opposing jaws14a,bare substantially flexible and expandable, and also contractible, allowing the opposing jaws14a,bto return to an at-rest state when one or more of the plurality of clamps12a-nis removed from a structural member24. As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, opposing jaws14a,bmay be made either of a single material or of composite materials such as two or more constituent materials.

As also illustrated inFIG. 1, a clamp display system10may be an apparatus formed monolithically for displaying at least one article30a-nas illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 4A-4B. In another aspect of the clamp display system10, as shown by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3A-3C, component parts of a clamp display system10may be formed using a variety of molding methods and assembled as shown by cross reference betweenFIGS. 3A-3G. A polymer matrix or resin solution may be used to form at least the opposing jaws14a,bof the plurality of clamps12a-nof the clamp display system10illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3A-3G. Materials that may be used in the manufacture of all or a portion of a plurality of clamps12a-ninclude polyester, vinylester, polypropylene, and PEEK, among others. Accordingly, the clamp display system10, and in particular the plurality of clamps12a-n, may be formed by injection molding from a thermoplastic like Nylon®, polyethylene, and/or polyvinylchloride. Consequently, in operation, opposing jaws14a,bexpand to enable inner faces60a,bto exert pressure on a structural member24to overcome the force of gravity, and to hold the plurality of clamps12a-non a structural member24. The clamp display system10thus adds to the art by providing a system wherein the plurality of clamps12a-nis slidably and removably engageable on a structural member24without use or deployment of a fastening means that might alter the structural member, or penetrate the exposed surface32of structural member24when one or more articles30a-nare removably positioned on one or more clamps12a-n.

As illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 1-3Cand3F-3J, the clamp display system10includes the paddle assembly18. Paddle assembly18is rotationally mountable in the slot16. In one aspect of clamp display system10, as illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 2A-2B, paddle assembly18includes a tube34formed in one end35aof the paddle36that is demountably attachable to at least one of the opposing jaws14a,b. As also illustrated inFIG. 2A, in one aspect of the clamp display system10, an axle38is insertable through tube34to provide for rotational movement of the one end35aof the paddle36during operation of paddle assembly18. In another aspect, however, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, neither a tube34nor an axle38is provided. Instead, a barrel40is formed in one end35bof paddle36, and is also demountably attachable to the slot16formed in one of the opposing jaws14a, by including opposing rims42a,bthat are demountably attachable through opposing openings44a,bin opposing barrel receptacles46a,b.

As illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 1,3A-3C and3H-3J, means20a-nfor detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle36or paddle assembly18also is provided. Any number of means20a-nfor detachably securing one or more articles30a-nto the paddle36may be placed in operation. Such means20a-nfor detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle36may be provided in all aspects of the clamp display system10. Accordingly, as shown for illustrative purposes in only one drawing figure, as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2B, such non-exclusive examples of means20for detachably securing one or more articles to the paddle36include a hook20b, slotted member20c, and hook-and-loop material20dsuch as Velcro®.

As indicated above, the clamp display system10illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 1-3Cincludes a spring22acapable of repositionably rotating the paddle36of paddle assembly18in slot16. In one aspect of such a spring, as illustrated inFIG. 2A, a coil spring22ais provided. As illustrated, coil spring22ais shaped and dimensioned for slidable engagement with axle38that also is inserted through coil spring22a. Coil spring22aincludes a coil spring extension47as illustrated inFIG. 2Ato assist in repositioning paddle36of paddle assembly18in slot16one repositionably mounting paddle assembly18on opposing jaw14a. As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, a coil spring22ais 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 spring22aalso is sometimes referred to as a torsion spring.

In another aspect of a spring used to activate rotational motion of paddle36in slot16, as illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3A and 3C, a plate spring48is included with the clamp display system10and installed adjacent the slot16in such a way as to repositionably rotate the paddle36of paddle assembly18. As illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3A-3C, plate spring48may be formed with a tongue50. In operation, plate spring48in combination with tongue50also permits repositionable rotation of the paddle36of paddle assembly18during operation. In operation, plate spring48and tongue50, in combination with the expandable and contractible opposing jaws14a,b, contribute to compressively clutching the plurality of clamps12a-nonto a structural member24of a structure26, as will be evident to a person of skill in the art. As further illustrated by cross reference betweenFIGS. 3A-3C, and in particularFIG. 3C, plate spring48is mountable on the exterior face28aof an opposing jaw14aby inserting opposing flanges52a,bof plate spring48into plate spring sleeves54a,bof opposing plate spring mounting brackets56a,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 betweenFIGS. 1 and 3A, to enhance the compressible clutching of the opposing jaws14a,b, a plurality of fins58a-nmay be formed on the inner face60a,bof opposing jaws14a,b.

As illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3H-3J, another aspect of clamp display system10adapted to display a plurality of articles30a-nattached to a cord62a,bis illustrated. As shown, a plurality of clamps12a-nhaving opposing jaws14a,badapted to be removably mounted on a structural member24is provided. In addition, a paddle assembly18that is rotationably mountable on at least one of the opposing jaws14ais capable of detachably securing the cord62ato the clamp display system10. Also included are means20econnectable to the paddle assembly18for repositionably rotating the paddle assembly18and for detachably securing the plurality of articles30a-nto the clamp display system10.

As also illustrated by cross-reference betweenFIGS. 3H-3J, the paddle assembly18includes a paddle36n. Paddle36nis rotationally mountable in a slot16formed in the first jaw14aof the opposing jaws14a,b. The paddle36nfurther comprises an aperture64formed in the paddle36. In addition, an elbow66is formed in the aperture. In addition, a notch68is formed in the first jaw14aof the opposing jaws14a,b. The notch68is adjacent the aperture64. Another structural component is provided as illustrated, a bridge70. Bridge70is adjacent the notch68. The bridge70is secured in a hollow lumen72on assembly of opposing jaws14a,bof the clamp display system10. An elastic band74is provided. The elastic band74is stretchable and resilient. In one aspect of the elastic band74, 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 system10. Because the elastic band74is stretchable and resilient, the elastic band74is removably connectable to the bridge70and to the elbow66as a person skilled in the art will appreciate. In operation, the elastic band74allows paddle36nto rotational move and pivot to help mount a clamp12a-non a structural member24and to assist in positioning and repositioning a plurality of article30a-nthat are attached to a cord62aon the clamp display system10.

The paddle36of this aspect of the clamp display system10includes a ledge76. Also included is a rib78that extends substantially perpendicular from the ledge76. In operation, rib78forms a curved shape in cord62aat the point of contact between rib78and the point of contact on cord62a, which permits a user to snug the cord62aagainst rib76, thus contributing to detachably securing cord62aon clamp display system10. In addition, at least one hook80a,bextends substantially vertically from the ledge76and is shaped to hold cord62a, thus also contributing to detachably securing the cord62aon the clamp display system10. As illustrated, the at least one hook80a,bis an S-shaped hook, but neither the shape nor structure of the at least one hook80a,bis a limitation of this aspect of the clamp display system10.

As also illustrated perhaps best inFIG. 3J, the clamp display system10also includes a void82formed in the second jaw14bof the opposing jaws14a,b. An arm84is formed in the void82that extends substantially perpendicular from the exterior face28bof the second jaw14bof the opposing jaws14a,b. In operation, the combination of the void82and the arm84provide another device for holding a plurality of articles30a,n. In at least one aspect, the plurality of articles30a,nis a plurality of lights.

As a person skilled in the art will appreciate, opposing jaws14a,b, which are illustrated inFIG. 3Ias separated for illustrative purposes, are connected together during operation. Any number of means for connecting together opposing jaws14a,bmay be used. Connector receptors86a,bare shown inFIG. 3Ifor illustrative purposes. Connector receptors86a,bmay receive screws (not shown) or snap-together extensions mounted on one of the opposing jaws14a(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 system10shown in drawingFIGS. 1 through 4Bshows more than one aspect of the clamp display system10, 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.