Patent Publication Number: US-6904647-B2

Title: Clamping devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/697,001 filed Oct. 26, 2000, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,587, which application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/248,362 filed Feb. 10, 1999, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,674. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to containers for retaining articles and, more particularly, to containers with a closure mechanism that allows the containers to be repeatedly opened and closed. The closure mechanisms of the present invention are configured to enable actuation with only one hand. The invention also relates to clamping devices and to numerous apparatus incorporating such clamping devices. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Containers or cases are used to carry many types of articles. For example, there are carrying cases for cellular phones, portable electronic appliances such as compact-disc (CD) players, and sunglasses. In addition, purses and wallets may be thought of as carrying cases for money and credit cards. The purpose of such containers is to conveniently carry a particular article and to protect the article from damage. Other containers are dedicated to carrying articles much different from those mentioned above. For example, chalk bags are used by rock climbers to carry chalk in an easily accessible manner. 
   The conventional containers mentioned above are designed quite specifically to carry a particular article. In addition, each container utilizes a specialized closure mechanism. It follows that the containers do not operate in accordance with a universal closure principle. If a single manufacturer were to fabricate a variety of containers, then each particular container would require a different and dedicated manufacturing process. Accordingly, the cost of manufacturing the containers in this situation would be high. 
   Regarding the closure mechanism itself, many of the closure mechanisms require two hands to operate which is undesirable in most circumstances. In addition, it is the closure mechanism that ordinarily wears out over time and breaks before other elements of the container. It is well known that by reducing the number of moving parts typically increases the reliability of a particular product. 
   In view of the foregoing, there remains a need in the art for a container that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and for a container with a reliable and streamlined closure mechanism. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to the invention, a clamping device in unitary construction may include a flexible portion and a rigid portion with a pair of hinges disposed therebetween. The clamping device may be configured as a closure for a container. 
   Also according to the invention, a clamping device may include a flexible portion and a rigid portion unitary with the flexible portion at a pair of interfaces. The flexible portion is biased to hinge at the interfaces. 
   Further, a clamping device includes a pair of hinges disposed in a spaced relationship and a flexible member unitary with the hinges. The clamping device may include a rigid member disposed between the hinges. 
   Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary container in accordance with the present invention, particularly illustrating the container in an opened position; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  shown in a closed position; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an exemplary closure of the present invention, particularly illustrating the closure in an opened position; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the closure of  FIG. 3 , particularly illustrating the closure in the process of being closed; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the closure of  FIG. 3 , particularly illustrating an alternative closing process; 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic view of the closure of  FIG. 3 , particularly illustrating the closure in a closed position; 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view of the closure of  FIG. 3 , particularly illustrating the closure in the process of being opened; 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the closure of  FIG. 3 , particularly illustrating an alternative opening process; 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic view similar to that of  FIG. 3 , illustrating the closure in the opened position; 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of an exemplary rigid member of a closure of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the rigid member of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of an exemplary flexible member of a closure of the present invention, particularly a flexible member configured to engage with the rigid member of  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic view of a rigid member and a flexible member of a closure of the invention, particularly illustrating a step in a fabrication process; 
       FIG. 14  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 13 , particularly illustrating a further step of a fabrication process; 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of an alternative exemplary rigid member of a closure of the present invention; 
       FIG. 16  is a side view of an alternative exemplary flexible member of a closure of the present invention, particularly a flexible member configured to engage with the rigid member of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17  is an enlarged fragmentary view of pivotal seat of a rigid member of the present invention; 
       FIG. 18  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 17 , particularly illustrating the pivotal seat rotated through more than 90 degrees; 
       FIG. 19  is a schematic view of a socket of the pivotal seat of  FIG. 18 , particularly illustrating retaining structure of the socket; 
       FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary flexible member of the invention including resilient cushioning material; 
       FIG. 21  is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of an edge of the flexible member of  FIG. 20 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary rigid member of the present invention; 
       FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bag of a container of the invention attached to a closure; 
       FIG. 24  is a schematic exploded view of an exemplary bag of the present invention; 
       FIG. 25  is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of a clamping device of the invention; 
       FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  26 — 26  of  FIG. 25 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of a seat and an anchor of a clamping device; 
       FIG. 28  illustrates the elements of  FIG. 27  assembled; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a unitary clamping device of the invention; 
       FIG. 30  is an enlarged view of a hinge of the unitary clamping device; 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the unitary clamping device shown in a closed position; 
       FIG. 32  is an enlarged view of a hinge shown in a closed position; 
       FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of a unitary clamping device; 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of stock for fabricating unitary clamping devices; 
       FIGS. 35A ,  35 B, and  35 C are plan views of a clamping device with a lever; 
       FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a clamping device with a seal; 
       FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view of a clamping device with a seal in a closed position; 
       FIG. 38  is a schematic view of a clamping device with hinges in a spaced relationship; and 
       FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view of a hinge of the clamping device of FIG.  38 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring more particularly to the drawings, an exemplary container  50  of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For purposes of explanation and without limiting the scope of the present invention, exemplary container  50  is illustrated as a chalk bag for rock climbing. However, the principles of the present invention are applicable to other rock-climbing embodiments of the container, such as bags for holding rope and other accessories. Exemplary container  50  may also be configured as a bag for hold electronic or optical equipment, such as bags for holding cellular phones, compact disc (CD) and tape players, microcassette recorders, binoculars, cameras, camera lenses, and sunglasses. Exemplary container  50  may also be configured to as a bag for holding equipment and accessories in varied sporting activities, such as ammunition for hunters, balls and tees for golfers, and bait for fishermen. In addition to sporting activities, exemplary container  50  may be configured for the trades, such as bolt bags for riggers, bags for screws, nails, and fasteners for construction, and bait bags for animal trainers. 
   Exemplary container  50  generally includes a sack  52  and a closure  54  attached to an opening  56  of the sack  52 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the operation of the closure  54  by a user allows the opening  56  of the sack  52  to be opened as shown in  FIG. 1 , thereby providing access to the sack  52 , and to be closed as shown in  FIG. 2 , thereby retaining an article or articles within the sack  52 . 
   With additional reference to  FIG. 3 , exemplary closure  54  generally includes a substantially flexible member  58  and a substantially rigid member  60 . Exemplary flexible member  58  may be made from or may include flexible or resilient material such as, for example, rubber or plastic. Alternatively, exemplary flexible member  58  may be made from or may include, for example, a band of resilient metal. Exemplary rigid member  60  may be made from or may include rigid or nonresilient material, or may be relatively thick so that the rigid member does not substantially flex or bend under forces inflicted during normal use. The flexible and rigid members  58  and  60  will be discussed in more detail below. 
   With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , exemplary flexible member  58  has a pair of anchors  62   a  and  62   b , and exemplary rigid member  60  has a pair of pivotal seats  64   a  and  64   b . For the purposes of this description, a number of elements of the invention are indicated generally with a numeral (e.g., anchors  62 ) and specifically with an alpha suffix (e.g., anchor  62   a  and anchor  62   b ). Each of the pivotal seats  64  of the rigid member  60  is adapted to receive a respective one of the anchors  62  of the flexible member  58 . Details of the anchors  62  and the pivotal seats  64  will be discussed below. Closure  54  is shown in an opened position in  FIG. 3 , defining a generally circular opening  66 , and is biased to remain in the opened position until closed by a user. 
   Referencing  FIGS. 4 and 5 , to close the closure  54 , force is applied on the flexible member  58  at a position preferably between a center  68  thereof and either end  70   a  or end  70   b  thereof. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , an inward force indicated by arrow A (which is shown in phantom line in  FIG. 3 ) may be applied to the flexible member  58  between the center  68  and end  70   a , thereby deflecting the flexible member  58  and causing pivotal seat  64   a  of the rigid member  60  to rotate inwardly. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , an inward force indicated by arrow B (which is also shown in phantom line in  FIG. 3 ) may be applied to the flexible member  58  preferably between the center  68  and end  70   b , thereby deflecting the flexible member  58  and causing pivotal seat  64   b  of the rigid member  60  to rotate inwardly. In either case, the flexible member  58  deflects toward the rigid member  60  through a serpentine shape to a point at which the flexible member snaps against the rigid member  60  to a closed position as shown in FIG.  6 . The forces indicated by arrows A and B may be applied by the user with a single finger. Closure  54  is biased to remain in the closed position until opened by a user. 
   Referencing  FIGS. 7 and 8 , to open the closure  54 , force is applied on the flexible member  58  at a position between the center  68  and either of the ends  70  thereof. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 7 , an outward force indicated by arrow C (which is shown in phantom line in  FIG. 6 ) may be applied to the flexible member  58  preferably between the center  68  and end  70   a , thereby deflecting the flexible member  58  and causing pivotal seat  64   a  of the rigid member  60  to rotate outwardly. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , an outward force indicated by arrow D (which is also shown in phantom line in  FIG. 6 ) may be applied to the flexible member  58  preferably between the center  68  and end  70   b , thereby deflecting the flexible member  58  and causing pivotal seat  64   b  to rotate outwardly. In either case, the flexible member  58  deflects away from the rigid member  60  through a serpentine shape to a point at which the flexible member snaps away from the rigid member  60  to the opened position shown in  FIG. 9  (and in FIG.  3 ). As was the case for the closing process, the forces indicated by arrows C and D may be applied by the user with a single finger. For example, a user may urge a finger between the flexible member  58  and the rigid member  60  to apply the outward force. 
   With continued reference to  FIGS. 3-9 , generally speaking, the closure  54  is positionable between the closed position shown in  FIG. 6  in which the flexible member  58  is substantially proximate to the rigid member  60 , thereby rendering the opening  66  closed, and the opened position shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9  in which the flexible member  58  is substantially separated from the rigid member  60 , thereby rendering the opening  66  opened. The proximity of the flexible member  58  with the rigid member  60  when in the closed position does not necessarily need to be along the substantial length of the flexible member  58  as shown, but may be along only a portion of or a partial length of the flexible member  58 , a partial length which allows the opening  66  to be closed sufficiently to retain articles within the sack  52 . Similarly, the separation of the flexible member  58  from the rigid member  60  when in the opened position does not necessarily need to be along the substantial length of the flexible member  58  as shown, but may be along only a portion of or a partial length of the flexible member, a partial length which allows the opening  66  to be opened sufficiently to allow articles to be put into or retrieved from the sack  52 . 
   As shown in the drawings, the closure  54  has a shape when in the opened position and another shape when in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the closure  54  is substantially circular when in the opened positioned and substantially crescent shaped when in the closed position. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the flexible member  58  may substantially correspond to the shape of the rigid member  60  when in the closed position, with the shape of the rigid member  60  being arcuate or, more specifically, semicircular. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , the flexible member  58  may be substantially a mirror image of the rigid member  60  when in the opened position; that is, the flexible member  58  may be also arcuate or semicircular. 
   With additional reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , exemplary rigid member  60  is shown in more detail. Exemplary rigid member  60  has a pair of terminuses  72   a  and  72   b , with each of the pivotal seats  64   a  and  64   b  being disposed on a respective on of the terminuses  72 . Each of the pivotal seats  64   a  and  64   b  may include a socket  74   a  and  74   b , respectively. More specifically, each of the terminuses  72   a  and  72   b  has an end surface  76   a  and  76   b , with each of the sockets  74  extending within a respective one of the terminuses  72  from the end surface  76  thereof. 
   With additional reference to  FIG. 12 , exemplary flexible member  58  is shown in more detail. Each of the anchors  62   a  and  62   b  of exemplary flexible member  58  may include a tab  78   a  and  78   b , respectively. Each of the sockets  74  is adapted to receive a respective one of the tabs  78  therein. As shown in the drawings, each of the tabs  78  may be substantially planar, so that the tabs  78  are slidably receivable in a respective one of the sockets  74 . 
   This slidable engagement enables the closure  54  to be fabricated easily and inexpensively. More specifically, with additional reference to  FIG. 13 , in the exemplary embodiment shown, with the closure  54  including only two components (i.e., the flexible and rigid members  58  and  60 ), one of the tabs  78  (i.e., tab  78   a  as shown) may be engaged with socket  74  (not shown) of one of the pivotal seats  64  (i.e., pivotal seat  64   a ), preferably by urging or sliding in the direction shown by the arrow. 
   With additional reference to  FIG. 14 , the flexible member  58  may then be deflected from a normal linear configuration thereof, which linear configuration is shown in phantom line, to draw the other tab  78  (i.e., tab  78   b ) toward the socket of the other pivotal seat  64  (i.e., seat  64   b ). The deflection of the flexible member  58  from the normal linear configuration biases the flexible member and stores elastic potential energy. More specifically, when deflected (within the elastic limit of the flexible member), the flexible member  58  acts as a spring applying elastic potential energy equal to the work performed in deflecting the flexible member. This streamlined fabrication process for exemplary closure  54  reduces production costs over conventional fabrication techniques. The process may be done manually or, more preferably, with automated machinery. 
   With additional reference to exemplary rigid member  60  shown in  FIG. 11 , the sockets  74  have a height h soc , and the terminuses  72  have a height h ter , with the portion between the terminuses  72  having a height h rmem . With additional reference to exemplary flexible member  58  shown  FIG. 12 , the tabs  78  have a height h tab , the ends  70  have a height h end , with the portion between the ends  70  having a height h fmem . For exemplary rigid member  60  shown in  FIG. 11 , the height of the sockets h soc  is less than the height of the terminuses h ter , with the height of the terminuses h ter  being substantially equal to the height between the terminuses h rmem . For exemplary flexible member  58  shown in  FIG. 12 , the height of the tabs h tab  is less than the height of the ends h end , with the height of the ends h end  being substantially equal to the height between the ends h fmem . For engagement between the anchors  62  and the seats  64 , the height h soc , of the sockets  74  is greater than or equal to the height h tab  of the tabs  78 . Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the height h ter  of the terminuses  72  and the height h rmem  the portion therebetween of the rigid member  60  are substantially equal to the height h end  of the ends  70  and the height h fmem  the portion therebetween of the flexible member  58  so that the rigid member  60  is substantially continuous with a respective one of the ends of the flexible member when the sockets respectively receive the tabs. 
   Alternative embodiments of the rigid and flexible members are respectively shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , which are indicated by like reference numerals with the addition of a prime (′). For exemplary rigid member  60 ′ shown in  FIG. 15 , the height h soc  of the sockets  74 ′ is less than the height h ter  of the terminuses  72 ′, with the height of the terminuses h ter  being greater than the height between the terminuses h rmem . For exemplary flexible member  58 ′ shown in  FIG. 12 , the height h tab  of the tabs  78 ′ is substantially equal to the height h end  of the ends  70 ′, with the height of the ends h end  also being substantially equal to the height between the ends h fmem . Further alternative embodiments of the rigid and flexible members of the invention are possible, not only by varying the heights of the various elements as described above but also by varying the shape and configuration of the elements. Regardless of a particular embodiment, exemplary flexible member  58  (and  58 ′) may be made relatively inexpensively, for example, by stamping or die cutting the flexible member from a sheet or a roll of metal, for example, 0.010-inch tempered steel such as 1090 carbon steel. 
   Details of the pivotal seats  64  of the rigid member  60  are shown in more detail in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . Each of the pivotal seats  64  includes a hinge  80  disposed proximate to the socket  74 . Each hinge  80  includes a strip  82  connecting the seat  64  to the remainder of the rigid member  60 . In addition, each hinge  80  has a notch  84  defined between the seat  64  and the remainder of the rigid member  60  when the flexible member  58  (not shown) is in the opened position. Accordingly, each hinge  80  is pivotal through at least about 90 degrees and, more particularly, through about 180 degrees. Each of the hinges  80  is preferably a living hinge. That is, each hinge  80  may be biased to be either opened, as shown in  FIG. 17 , or closed, as shown in FIG.  18 . 
   The hinges  80  are preferably integral features of the rigid member  60  and, accordingly, made from the same material as the rigid member  60 . Such construction enables the rigid member  60  to have a unitary construction and to be manufactured economically with minimal manual labor. For example, the rigid member  60  including the hinges  80  and the pivotal seats  64  may be formed by injection molding, for example, with polypropylene. 
   With continued reference to FIG.  17  and additional reference to  FIG. 19 , each of the sockets  74  may include retaining structure  86  for securing or retaining in the socket a respective one of the tabs  78  of the flexible member  58  (not shown). Preferably, the retaining structure  86  secure the ends  70  of the flexible member  58  through the use of friction. More specifically, the retaining structure  86  may be in the form of protrusions  88  disposed on opposing walls  90  of the socket  74 . An inner slot  92  is defined between the protrusions  88 , which inner slot  92  has a width w. The width w of each inner slot  92  is less than the thickness of the flexible member  58  or, more particularly, than the thickness of the tabs  78  so that the tabs  78  need to be urged into the sockets  74  against the frictional forces applied by the protrusions  88  thereon. 
   As shown in  FIG. 19 , the protrusions  88  may alternate with each along a respective wall  90  of the socket  74 , thereby defining gaps  94 . The protrusions  88  along one wall  90  are positioned opposite to the gaps  94  along the other wall. Accordingly, when the tabs  78  are received in the sockets  74 , each protrusion  88  causes the tab  78  to flex toward an opposing gap  94 . As the protrusions  88  and the gaps  94  alternate, the frictional forces applied on the tabs  78  in opposite (normal) directions securely retains the tabs  78  within the sockets  74 . 
   With particularly reference to  FIG. 17 , to facilitate the insertion of the tabs  78  into the sockets  74 , each of the end surfaces  76  of the terminuses  72  of the rigid member  60  may be funnel shaped, that is, tapered toward the inner slot  92 . Accordingly, when fabricating the closure  54 , it is not necessary to precisely align the tabs  78  with the inner slots  92 . Rather, the tabs  78  only need to be approximately aligned with the end surfaces  76 , which then guide the tabs  78  into the inner slots  92  as the tabs  78  are urged into the sockets  74 . 
   Referencing  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the flexible member  58  may include resilient material  96  disposed at least at edges  98  thereof, as shown in detail in FIG.  21 . More specifically, the flexible member  58  may be encased in resilient material  96 , as shown in FIG.  20 . The resilient material  96  forms cushions  100  at the edges  98  of the flexible member  58 . The cushions  100  resiliently prevent the edges  98  from abrading or cutting the material of the sack  52  (see FIG.  1 ), thereby extending the life of the container  50 . The resilient material  96  may be plastic material attached about the flexible member  58 . For example, the resilient material  96  may be heat shrinkable plastic material. Alternatively, resilient material  96  may be a self-adhering tape, hot-dipped plastic, or other analogous material. 
   With reference to  FIG. 22 , the rigid member  60  may include a plurality of notches  102  formed therein. By configuring the rigid member  60  in such a manner, less material is required for forming the rigid member  60 , thereby reducing fabrication costs. In addition to reducing the cost, the notches  102  increase the rigidity of the rigid member  60  while decreasing the weight. 
   Exemplary sack  52  of the container  50  is shown in detail in FIG.  23 . Exemplary sack  52  may include an outer layer  104  and an inner layer  106 , as well as a retaining portion  108  sewn about the flexible member  58 . With additional reference to  FIG. 24 , the outer layer  104  may include a central panel  110  and a pair of side panels  112 . The central panel  110  has a center portion  114  and a pair of tapered end portions  116 . Each of the side panels  112  has a broadened end  118  and a narrowed end  120 . The panels  110  and  112  are connected together such that the tapered end portions  116  of the central panel  110  are sandwiched between the broadened ends  118  of the side panels  112  to define an opening. The opening is indicated by numeral  122  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and is sewn to the retaining portion  108  for attaching the sack  52  to the closure  54 . When connected, the center portion  114  of the central panel  110  is sandwiched between the narrowed ends  120  of the side panels  112  to define a bottom of the sack. The bottom is indicated by numeral  124  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The inner layer  106  of the sack  52  may be formed in a manner analogous to the outer layer  104 . Although a specific exemplary embodiment is shown in the drawings, the sack  52  may be alternatively configured to satisfy a particular holding need, as those skilled in the art will appreciate. 
   The sack  52  (or either of the layers  104  and  106 ) may be made from fibrous material, either natural fiber such as cotton or synthetic fiber such as nylon. Alternatively, the sack  52  or the outer layer  104  thereof may be made from water-resistant material such as rubber or Gortex®. The sack  52  or the outer layer  104  thereof may also be made from animal skins such as leather. In addition, the sack  52  may include floatation material so that the container  50  will float in water. The floatation material may be disposed between the outer and inner layers  104  and  106 . Alternatively, the outer layer  104  may be made from buoyant material. Furthermore, either of the layers  104  and/or  106  may be substantially plush to provide protection for article(s) within the sack  52 . 
   One of the drawbacks of conventional bags with circular openings is that the material of the bags bunches up when the opening is closed, for example, a cloth bag with a drawstring opening. The bunching up of material is not only a nuisance and unsightly but also prevents the bags from sealing effectively, so that articles may dislodge from the bag, thereby limiting the functionality thereof. Exemplary sack  52  of the present invention overcomes this problem with the configuration of the central panel  110  and the pair of side panels  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the container  50  is in the opened position, the sack  52  has the circular opening  122 . When the container  50  is in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 2 , the bottom  124  of the sack  52  is drawn only slightly upward toward the closure, thereby minimizing the bunching of the material of the sack  52  and allowing the sack  52  to close completely and to form a tight seal. 
   With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the container  50  of the present invention may include a component for securing the container  50  to the user, such as a strap  126 . In addition, the container  50  may include an accessory holder  128 . For example, if the container  50  is configured as a chalk bag for rock climbers, the strap  126  may be designed to receive a belt, while the accessory holder  128  may be designed to hold a small brush. Alternatively, if the container  50  is configured to hold a camera, the strap  126  may again be designed to receive a belt, while the accessory holder may be designed to hold a roll of film. Alternatively, the container  50  may include a belt clip. As mentioned above, the container  50  may be configured to retain many different articles, from electronic or optical equipment such as cassette recorders and cameras to sporting equipment such as ammunition and golf balls. In addition, the container  50  may be configured as a collapsible food bowl for animals. The container  50  may be further configured as personal accessories such as make-up cases, purses, and wallets for holding everyday items such as cigarettes, lighters, keys, credit cards, cash, and so on. 
   Referencing  FIGS. 25 and 26 , a closure or clamping device  130  includes a flexible member  132  with a pair of anchors  134  and a rigid member  136  with a pair of pivotal seats  138  for respectively receiving the anchors  134 . According to a number of embodiments, the clamping device  130  includes a coating  140  that encases the flexible and rigid members  132  and  136 . The coating  140  is resilient so that the seats  138  are able to pivot as described above. For example, the coating  140  may include rubber or silicone and may be applied, e.g., by a process known as over-molding. 
   As shown in  FIG. 25 , each seat  138  may include a socket or a recess  142 , and each anchor  134  may include a complementary finger  144  for engaging with a respective recess  142 , thereby connecting the members  132  and  136  together. In those embodiments, the coating  140  may aide in retaining the fingers  144  in the recesses  142 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , each of the seats  138  may include a latch  146  for securing the finger  144  in the recess  142 . The latch  146  may include retaining means such as dowels and sockets  148  for holding the tab  146  shut as shown in FIG.  28 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 25 and 27 , the fingers  144  may be shaped so as to prevent from being pulled out of the recesses  142 . For example, a finger  144  may have an enlarged distal end as shown in  FIG. 25  or may be guitar-shaped as shown in FIG.  27 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications of the shape of the fingers  144  that will inhibit dislodgment. 
   According to a number of embodiments of the invention, such as shown in  FIGS. 29  to  33 , a clamping device  150  includes a flexible portion  152  and a rigid portion  154  with a pair of hinges  156  disposed therebetween. As shown in the cross section of  FIG. 33 , the clamping device  150  is fabricated in unitary construction. That is, the flexible and rigid portions  152  and  154  may be formed as one piece, e.g., by injection molding. 
   The flexibility and the rigidity of the portions  152  and  154  may be controlled by varying the respective thickness of the flexible and rigid portions  152  and  154 . For example, the thickness of the rigid portion  154  may be greater than that of the flexible portion  152  so that the clamping device  150  functions analogously to the closure described above. More specifically, the clamping device  150  may be positioned between an opened positioned as shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30  and a closed positioned as shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 30 and 32 , the hinges  156  are configured to allow the flexible portion  154  to rotate through at least about 90 degrees. In a number of embodiments, the hinges  156  may be configured as living hinges. In other embodiments, the hinges  156  defined a narrowed-thickness interface or transition between the flexible and rigid portions  152  and  154 . In this embodiment, the interfaces  156  are biased to hinge, thereby allowing the flexible portion  152  to pivot. 
   With reference to  FIG. 34 , in certain embodiments the clamping device  150  may be mass produced by cutting individual devices  150  from elongated stock  160  as shown by dashed lines. The stock  160  may be formed by, for example, extrusion, injection molding, etc. 
   In a number of embodiments, the clamping device  150  is configured as a closure for a container, such as that described above. Other containers may include food packages such as for potato chips and snacks, bulk sacks such as for grains, and bags for articles such as groceries, fast-food items, and so on. In other embodiments, the clamping device  150  may be configured to retain cables, wires, or similar elements. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 35A  to  35 C, the clamping device  150  may include a lever  158  attached to the flexible portion (or member)  154 , preferably at or near one of the ends of the flexible portion. Accordingly, the lever  158  may be urged as shown by the arrows in  FIGS. 35A and 35B  to close (and open) the clamping device  150 . This embodiment of the clamping device  150  is particularly useful for handicapped users. Alternatively, in applications where the spring force of the flexible portion  154  is large, the lever  158  may be used to facilitate the opening and closing of the clamping device  150 . 
   Referencing  FIGS. 36 and 37 , in a number of embodiments the clamping device  150  may include a seal  160 . For example, the seal  160  may include a groove  162  disposed on the rigid portion  152  and a complementary tongue  164  disposed on the flexible portion  154 . Accordingly, when closed, the tongue  164  engages with the groove  162  to form a seal, as shown in FIG.  37 . The seal  160  may be configured in any number of ways, including rubber elements, hook and eye features, “zip”-locking elements, and so on. 
   In a number of embodiments in which the flexible portion or member  154  contains ferrous material, the rigid portion or member  152  may include a magnetic strip or element  166  disposed thereon as shown in  FIG. 37  to retain the flexible portion  152  against the rigid portion. 
   Referencing  FIG. 38 , a clamping device  170  according to other embodiments of the invention includes a pair of hinges  172  disposed in a spaced relationship. In the drawings, the hinges  172  are illustrated as fixed to supports  174 . A flexible member  176  is disposed between and unitary with the hinges  172 , with the unitary construction particularly shown in cross section in FIG.  39 . The flexible member  174  may then pivot back and forth between the hinges  172  as shown by the arrow and phantom line in FIG.  38 . The hinges  172  may be fixed between a pair of supports  174  in any manner, include fasteners, adhesives, and so on. Alternatively, a rigid member as described above (not shown) may be disposed between the hinges  172 . 
   The term clamping device used herein refers to a device used to join, grip, support, or compress mechanical or structural parts or a tool with opposing, often adjustable sides or parts for bracing objects or holding them together. In addition, to clamp is defined as to fasten, grip, or support with or as if with a clamp. 
   Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically illustrated in the drawings and described above. Rather, the scope of the present invention is determined by the terms of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.