Patent Abstract:
A clip assembly adapted to engage a male track member. The clip assembly includes a clamshell clamping member including a first leg and a second leg. The clip assembly further includes a female compression member adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamshell clamping member. The female compression member is adapted to compress the first leg towards the second leg.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/037,829 filed Mar. 19, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a clip assembly, and more particularly, to a clip assembly adapted to engage and disengage a male track member or other attachment element disposed at a panel structure. The clip assembly may provide an operative connection between the panel structure and an elongate strap or lanyard. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are many situations in which it may be desirable to secure a strap or other structure to a panel such as a sewn panel of a backpack or the like. One exemplary structure that has been used in the past is a so called “suspender clip” which uses a moveable jaw having projecting teeth that engage the edge portion of the panel. The moveable jaw may be held in place by a clasp member or by a spring. While such structures may be useful for many applications, the use of an engaging tooth structure may cause damage to the panel. This may be particularly true when the panel is formed from a fabric as is typically used in backpacks, luggage and other similar structures. 
         [0004]    It is also known to use clip structures such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,313 to Cameron, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,739 to Andersen et al. the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. While such structures may provide good locking relation to the panel, they also may require relatively complex motions to lock and unlock the clip relative to the panel with a limited range of adjustability. 
         [0005]    It is also known to pre-assemble a clamshell clamp structure about a piping track structure which is then sewn or otherwise adhered to the panel. However, this arrangement prevents removal of the clamp after the track structure is secured in place. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a clip assembly adapted to engage a male track member. The clip assembly includes a clamshell clamping member including a first leg and a second leg. The clip assembly further includes a female compression member adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamshell clamping member. The female compression member is adapted to compress the first leg towards the second leg. 
         [0007]    According to one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a clip assembly including a clamshell clamping member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg and the second leg are normally disposed in spaced relation to one another on opposing sides of a variable width gap. The first leg and the second leg define flexible spring elements moveable towards and away from one another and being normally biased to a predefined, spaced relation relative to one another. The first leg has a first distal end including a first interior surface and a first raised profile exterior surface. The second leg has a second distal end including a second interior surface and a second raised profile exterior surface. The first raised profile exterior surface and the second raised profile exterior surface project generally away from one another. The first interior surface and the second interior surface face generally towards one another. The first interior surface and the second interior surface are adapted to cooperatively surround at least a portion of the male track member. At least a first detent projects away from an outwardly facing surface of at least the first leg at a position rearward from the first distal end. A female compression member is adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamshell clamping member. The female compression member is adapted to compress the first leg towards the second leg. 
         [0008]    According to another exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a clip assembly including a clamshell clamping member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg and the second leg are normally disposed in spaced relation to one another on opposing sides of a variable width gap. The first leg and the second leg define flexible spring elements moveable towards and away from one another and being normally biased to a predefined, spaced relation relative to one another. The first leg has a first distal end including a first interior surface and a first raised profile convex exterior surface. The second leg has a second distal end including a second interior surface and a second raised profile convex exterior surface. The first raised profile convex exterior surface and the second raised profile convex exterior surface project generally away from one another. The first interior surface and the second interior surface face generally towards one another. The first interior surface and the second interior surface are adapted to cooperatively surround at least a portion of the male track member. At least a first detent projects away from an outwardly facing surface of at least the first leg at a position rearward from the first distal end. A female compression member is adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamshell clamping member. The female compression member includes a plurality of slot openings disposed along the female compression member. The slot openings are adapted to receive the first detent within the slot openings. 
         [0009]    According to yet another exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a clip assembly including a clamshell clamping member including a first leg and a second leg. The first leg and the second leg are normally disposed in diverging spaced relation to one another on opposing sides of a variable width gap. The first leg and the second leg define flexible spring elements moveable towards and away from one another and are normally biased to a predefined, spaced relation relative to one another. The first leg has a first distal end including a first interior surface and a first raised profile convex exterior surface. The second leg has a second distal end including a second interior surface and a second raised profile convex exterior surface. The first raised profile convex exterior surface and the second raised profile convex exterior surface projecting generally away from one another. The first interior surface and the second interior surface face generally towards one another and are adapted to cooperatively surround at least a portion of the male track member. An eyelet opening is located at a position rearward of the first distal end and the second distal end. A first plurality of detents projects outwardly in spaced relation along a first outwardly facing surface of the clamping member at positions between the eyelet opening and the first distal end. A second plurality of detents project outwardly in spaced relation along a second outwardly facing surface of the clamshell clamping member at positions between the eyelet opening and the second distal end. A substantially hollow female compression member is adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamping member. The female compression member includes a first plurality of slot openings disposed in stacked relation along a first side and a second plurality of slot openings disposed in stacked relation along a second side. The first plurality of slot openings is adapted to receive members of the first plurality of detents and the second plurality of slot openings is adapted to receive members of the second plurality of detents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary clamshell clip assembly consistent with the present invention and engageable male track member; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the clip assembly of  FIG. 1  in assembled condition engaging the male track member; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cut-away view illustrating the clip assembly of  FIG. 1  in open condition with clamping arms spread relative to the male track member; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  illustrating the clamping arms closed in loose relation about the male track member; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  illustrating the clamping arms in locked relation about the male track member; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary clamshell clip assembly consistent with the present invention and engageable male track member; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the clip assembly of  FIG. 6  in assembled condition engaging the male track member. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein to the extent possible, like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various views. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary clip assembly  10  is illustrated in disassembled condition in opposing relation to a male track member  12  such as piping or the like which may be affixed to a panel such as a fabric panel or the like (not shown). As illustrated, the exemplary track member  12  includes a bulbous edge  14  of enhanced diameter. The track member  12  also includes a generally planar attachment segment  16  extending away from the bulbous edge  14 . As will be appreciated, the attachment segment  16  may be used as a platform for attachment of the track member  12  to a panel  18  such as a fabric panel or the like using sewn stitches, adhesive bonding, or other attachment mechanisms as will be known to those of skill in the art. In the attached relation of the track member  12  to the panel  18 , the bulbous edge  14  defines a free edge which is spaced apart from the panel  18 . By way of example only, and not limitation, the panel  18  may form a portion of an article of clothing, a back pack, luggage, or other structure as may be desired. 
         [0019]    As illustrated, in the exemplary construction the clip assembly  10  includes a clamping member  20  and a compression sleeve  22 . The compression sleeve  22  is substantially hollow and is adapted to slide over the clamping member  20  such that the compression sleeve  22  is disposed in at least partial surrounding relation to the clamping member  20 . 
         [0020]    As illustrated, the exemplary clamping member  20  has a split body construction defining a pair of opposing legs  24  disposed on opposite sides of a variable width gap. As shown, the opposing legs extend in slight diverging relation relative to one another. The opposing legs  24  are adapted to flex in spring-like manner towards and away from one another resulting in changes to the width of the gap. 
         [0021]    In the illustrated exemplary construction, the legs  24  include generally “C” shaped distal end segments  26 . As shown, the distal end segments  26  include convex exterior surfaces disposed in raised profile relative to proximal portions of the legs rearward of the distal end segments. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the distal end segments  26  further include concave interior surfaces adapted to nest about the bulbous edge  14  as shown. 
         [0022]    In the illustrated, exemplary construction, the distal end segments  26  terminate at distal edges  27 . The distal edges  27  of the exemplary construction are angled slightly such that the distal edges cooperatively form an angled opening that increases in width from the interior to the exterior. That is, the opening between the distal edges  27  is slightly wider at the exterior surface than at the interior surface. As will be appreciated, in this arrangement tangents to the distal edges will intersect at a position rearward of the distal edges. Such an outwardly diverging arrangement may aid in urging the distal end segments  26  outwardly as they are pressed against the bulbous edge  14  of the track member  12 . Specifically, the distal edges  27  of angled construction may act as camming surfaces aiding in the spread of the legs  24  to a position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0023]    In the illustrated construction, the concave interior surfaces of the distal end segments  26  cooperatively define a track acceptance channel  28  adapted to receive and hold the bulbous edge  14  of the track member  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated exemplary embodiment the clamping member  20  may also include an integral webbing eyelet opening  30  adapted to receive and hold an associated strap  32 , in a form such as a webbing, lanyard, or other elongate element. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in the exemplary arrangement, the hollow compression sleeve  22  may be removed from surrounding relation to the clamping member  20  while nonetheless being held around the strap  32 , if desired. 
         [0024]    As best illustrated through joint reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in the exemplary construction the compression sleeve  22  is held in place about the clamping member  20  by the cooperative engagement of an arrangement of slot openings  33 ,  34 ,  35  with detents  36 ,  38  projecting outwardly from the opposing surfaces of the clamping member  20 . The cooperative engagement between the compression sleeve  22  and the clamping member  20  providing attachment to the track member  12  is illustrated through joint reference to  FIGS. 3-5 . 
         [0025]    As shown, in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the compression sleeve  22  has been advanced over the clamping member  20  to a position such that the first detents  36  engage a rearward pair of slot openings  33 . In this position, the second detents  38  engage a forward pair of slot openings  35 . In the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the compression sleeve  22  is held in place by cooperative engagement of the slot openings with the first detents  36  and the second detents  38 . However, the legs  24  remain free to flex substantially outwardly. Accordingly, the distal ends  26  of the legs  24  may be pushed around the bulbous edge  14  of the track member  12  in a press-fit relation as previously described. 
         [0026]    Once the distal ends  26  of the clamping member  20  have been positioned relative to the track member  12 , the compression sleeve  22  may be further advanced to the position as illustrated in  FIG. 4  to block the clip assembly against withdrawal from the track member  12 . As shown, in this position the second detents  38  engage an intermediate pair of slot openings  34  and the compression sleeve  22  presses against the exterior surfaces of the legs  24  at positions slightly rearward of the raised profile convex surfaces. In this condition, the compression sleeve prevents substantial outward flexing of the legs  24 . However, the clip assembly  10  may nonetheless slide along the length of track member  12  due to the relatively loose engagement about the bulbous edge  14 . Thus, the clip assembly  10  may be adjusted by sliding to different positions along the length of the track member  12  as may be desired. 
         [0027]    Once the clip assembly  10  has been positioned at a desired position along the length of the track member  12 , the desired position may thereafter be locked in place by further advancement of the compression sleeve  22  to an orientation as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As shown, in this orientation the pair of second detents  38  engages the cooperating rear slot openings  33  and the collar portion  40  of the compression sleeve has been pushed at least partially over the raised profile convex surfaces of the “C” shaped distal end segments  26 . In this condition, the legs  24  are pressed inwardly thereby substantially limiting outward flexing. The compression applied by the collar portion  40  thus clamps the distal end segments  26  securely in place around the track member  12 . With this application of pressure, sliding movement along the track member  12  is substantially restricted. 
         [0028]    In the event that a subsequent adjustment of the clip assembly  10  is desired, the relative position of the clamping member  20  and the compression sleeve  22  may be returned to the position illustrated in  FIG. 4  if a sliding adjustment is desired or to the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 3  if full removal is desired. Such adjustment may be carried out by the application of a relatively modest pressing force in the direction of desired movement. This adjustment may be facilitated by the slight diverging relation of the legs  24  relative to one another. Such a diverging relation provides a slight space between the opposing legs  24  thereby facilitating movement of the legs  24  towards one another as the detents move between the slot openings. 
         [0029]    While the illustrated arrangement may be desirable for a number of uses, it is likewise contemplated that any number of other arrangements may likewise be utilized. By way of example only, and not limitation, one exemplary alternative arrangement is illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , wherein elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by like reference numerals within a 100 series. As illustrated, in this arrangement the slotted compression sleeve has been replaced with a sliding bar structure  122 . The sliding bar structure  122  may pass around the clamping member  120  and engage a series of upstanding rib elements  136 ,  137 ,  138 ,  139 . Of course, a greater or lesser number of rib elements may be used as desired. As the sliding bar structure is advanced over the rib elements, clamping pressure is applied to the legs  124  in the same manner as previously described. Accordingly, the clamping member  120  may engage and lock about the track member  12  as desired. The clip assembly may be subsequently adjusted by partial or complete withdrawal of the sliding bar  122 . 
         [0030]    Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
         [0031]    Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims

Technology Classification (CPC): 8