Patent Description:
The suspension of signage and other articles from wires typically uses devices that are time consuming and difficult to install. Such devices may include a passage through which a wire can extend, and a clamping arrangement comprising a wedge or roller and a compression spring that urges the wedge or roller into clamping engagement with the wire. However, it can often be difficult to uninstall the device after a load has been applied to it for some time.

<CIT> discloses a press for binding together flexible bands. The press has a clamping device consisting of two cams with symmetrical profiles. These cams revolve around the same axis and are housed within the press body passing close to serrations cut into the inner top and bottom body faces. The material, which is of flat section, is fed into the press, where the cams crush it between them and the body. This integrates the fibres of the material. It passes over a tension roller and passes back through the cams at where the process is repeated.

<CIT> discloses a unidirectional locking device, which is primarily composed of a base and a lid. The device is interiorly provided with a roller and an axle base which is provided at two sides with respective barriers, being controlled by a control knob installed outside of the lid. The axle base is resilience-retrievable via a spring connected with the control knob. A rope enters the entrance on the bottom of the locking device, passes by one barrier at one side of the axle base, goes around the roller, and then passes by the other barrier, and finally goes out of the exit. When the rope is drawn clockwise, the barriers at the axle base will clamp the rope, thereby accomplishing a unidirectional locking device.

<CIT> discloses a lace closure for rucksacks, duffel bags and the like. The ends of the closure cord are each passed through channels in a housing and are fixed there in the closed position by a manually operable securing device.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a securing device for securing an elongate article, the securing device comprising: a rotatable clamping member; a support arrangement for supporting the clamping member, the clamping member being rotatably mounted on the support arrangement; the securing device defining a pathway for the elongate article, the clamping member being rotatably movable into the pathway; the support arrangement including an urging formation for urging the clamping member into a clamping position in said pathway, whereby in the clamping position, the clamping member can be in clamping engagement with the elongate article; wherein the support arrangement comprises a rotatable carriage, the clamping member being held on the carriage, whereby rotation of the carriage effects rotation of the clamping member; and the securing device further comprises a housing to house the clamping member, the carriage being rotatably mounted on the housing, and the housing comprising a wall; characterised in that the carriage comprises an outer portion extending around an inner region of the carriage, the wall being received in the inner region of the carriage.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a securing arrangement comprising a securing device as described in the immediately preceding paragraph and an elongate article.

Thus, in one embodiment, when the elongate article extends along the pathway, the urging of the clamping member into the clamping position moves the clamping member into clamping engagement with the elongate article. The clamping member may be urged by the urging formation into clamping engagement with the elongate article when the elongate article extends along the pathway.

The support arrangement may comprise a pivot formation to rotatably mount the clamping member on the support arrangement.

The elongate article may be a monofilament, such as a monofilament formed from a plastics material. The monofilament may be formed from nylon. It will be appreciated that the elongate article may alternatively be a wire, wire rope, cable or the like formed from a metal.

The carriage may be configured for carrying the clamping member. The urging formation may be provided on the carriage. The carriage may be rotatable to move the clamping member away from the clamping position. The rotation of the carriage away from the clamping position may be movement of the carriage to a release position.

The rotation of the carriage to the release position may be rotation of the carriage in a direction opposite to the rotation of the carriage to the clamping position. When the carriage is rotated to the release position, the elongate article may be released, thereby allowing the elongate article to be moved lengthwise relative to the securing device.

The carriage may be formed of a plastics material. The urging formation may be formed of a plastics material. The urging formation may be formed integrally with the carriage. The carriage and the urging formation may be a moulding.

The outer portion may extend around an inner region of the carriage. The carriage may include an inner portion extending across the inner region. The inner portion may extend across the outer portion.

The inner portion and the outer portion may be formed integrally with each other. The inner portion may be elongate. The outer portion may define opposed access formations to allow access to and from the inner region of the carriage by the elongate article. The opposed access formations may be first and second slots.

The inner portion may have first and second carrying surfaces facing in opposite directions. The urging formation may be provided on the first carrying surface. The urging formation may be integral with the inner portion.

The outer portion may extend around the urging formation. The urging formation may extend proud of the outer portion. The urging formation may be provided on the inner portion. The inner portion and the urging formation may be formed integrally with each other.

The carriage may be rotatably urged by the urging formation in a first direction to move the clamping member into said pathway. The carriage may be rotatably moved, for example by a user, in an opposite second direction to move the clamping member out of the pathway. Thus, when the clamping member is in clamping engagement with the elongate article, rotation of the carriage in the second direction, moves the clamping member out of engagement with the elongate article.

The carriage may comprise a handle portion to allow a user to rotate the carriage in the second direction. Desirably, the carriage comprises two of the handle portions. The handle portions may be arranged substantially opposite each other. The handle portions may be provided on the outer portion of the carriage.

The securing device may comprise an engaging surface. The engaging surface may engage the elongate article when the clamping member is urged into clamping engagement with the elongate article.

The elongate article may be clamped by the clamping member against the engaging surface when the clamping member is urged into clamping engagement with the elongate article. The engaging surface may apply a reaction force on the elongate article when the elongate article is clamped against the engaging surface.

The wall may extend around an internal region of the housing. The wall may be cylindrical. The wall may define a pair of opposed openings through which the elongate article can extend. The opposed openings may define a pathway for the elongate article, the pathway extending between the opposed openings in each pair.

Each pair of opposed openings may comprise an entry opening and an exit opening. The elongate article may be inserted into the housing via the entry openings. The elongate article may exit the housing via the exit opening.

The engaging surface may be provided on the housing. The wall may include an engaging member, which may comprise a segment of the wall. The engaging surface may be a surface of the engaging member. The engaging surface may be an inwardly facing surface of the housing. The engaging surface may be substantially planar. The pathway may extend alongside the engaging surface. The housing may be formed from a plastics material.

The housing may additionally include a support portion for supporting the pivot formation. The support portion may comprise a plurality of elongate support members extending from the wall to a central member.

The pivot formation may be provided on the central member. The support portion may include a flange member extending outwardly from the wall. The flange member may extend radially outwardly from the wall. The outer portion of the carriage may be supported by the flange member.

The pivot formation may extend through the internal region of the housing. The pivot formation may comprise a pivot projection.

The carriage may define an aperture to receive the pivot formation. The pivot formation may rotatably mount the carriage on the housing. The aperture defined by the carriage may be a central aperture. The central aperture may be defined by the inner portion of the carriage.

The clamping member may comprise a main part and a clamping surface on the main part, the clamping surface being for effecting the aforesaid clamping engagement with the elongate article. The main part may define an aperture through which the pivot projection extends to rotatably mount the clamping member on the housing. If desired, the aperture defined by the main part may be elongate.

The aperture defined by the main part may be a central aperture of the clamping member. The aperture defined by the clamping member may be aligned with the aperture defined by the carriage.

The pivot portion may extend through the aperture in the carriage and through the aperture in the clamping member. The clamping member may be rotatably mounted on the housing by the carriage.

The urging of the clamping member in the first direction by the urging formation may urge the clamping surface into the pathway. Rotation of the carriage in the second direction may move the clamping surface out of the pathway.

The urging formation may be a resilient urging formation. The urging formation may comprise an urging member. The urging member may be elongate.

The urging formation may comprise a hub portion. The urging member may extend from the hub portion. The urging member may be a spring member. The spring member may be an elongate linear spring member.

The securing device may also include a reaction surface to apply a reaction force to the urging formation, thereby causing the urging formation to urge the clamping member to the clamping position. The securing device may include a reaction member, the reaction member having the reaction surface.

The securing device may include a cover, which may be disposed on the housing to cover the carriage. The reaction surface may be provided on the cover. The cover may be formed of a plastics material.

The housing may have a first fastening formation and the cover may have a corresponding second fastening formations to cooperate with the first fastening formation to secure the housing to the cover. The first fastening formation may be provided on the wall.

The housing may have two of the first fastening formations. The cover may have two of the corresponding second formations, wherein each of the first fastening formations cooperates with a respective one of the second fastening formations to secure the housing to the cover. Both of the first fastening formations may be provided on the wall.

The cover and the housing may comprise cooperating securing means to secure the cover to the housing. The cooperating securing means may comprise a detent member and an aperture to receive the detent member. Desirably, the cooperating securing means may comprise a pair of the detents and a pair of the apertures, each aperture being configured to receive a respective one of the detents.

The detent may be provided on the housing. The wall may define a recess. The detent may be provided in the recess. The aperture may be defined by the cover. The cover may have a projecting portion defining the aperture.

The clamping member may comprise two of the clamping surfaces on the main part. The clamping surfaces may be opposite each other. The clamping surfaces may face from the main part in opposite directions.

The securing device may define two of the aforesaid pathways. The wall may define two pairs of the opposed openings through which the elongate article extends. Each pair of opposed openings may define a respective pathway for each pass of the elongate article. The pathways may extend between the opposed openings in each pair of the opposed openings.

The elongate article may be arranged in two passes of the same elongate article or may be two separate elongate articles.

The urging of the clamping member in the first direction by the urging formation may rotatably urge each clamping surface into a respective one of the pathways. Rotation of the carriage in the second direction may move each clamping surface out of the respective pathway. Each pathway may extend along a respective opposite side of the clamping member.

The rotation of the carriage in the second direction may be movement of the carriage to a release position. When the carriage is rotated to the release position, the elongate article may be released, thereby allowing the elongate article to be moved lengthwise relative to the securing device.

One elongate article may be provided. Alternatively, two elongate articles may be provided. The securing arrangement may comprise two passes of a single elongate article, or two of the elongate articles.

The clamping member may be urged into clamping engagement with both of the elongate articles or both passes of the elongate article. Each clamping surface may be urged by the urging formation into clamping engagement with the elongate article, or a respective one of the elongate articles.

The securing device may comprise two of the engaging surfaces. The engaging surfaces may be opposed engaging surfaces. The engaging surfaces may face each other.

Each of the engaging surfaces may comprise a respective internal surface of a segment of the wall. Each engaging surface may be substantially planar. Each pathway may extend alongside a respective one of the engaging surfaces.

When the clamping member is urged into the clamping position, each of the engaging surfaces may engage a respective pass of the elongate article, or a respective one of the elongate articles. Each pass of the elongate article, or each elongate article, may be clamped by the clamping member against the respective engaging surface when the clamping member is urged into the clamping position.

Each engaging surface may apply a reaction force on the respective pass, or the respective elongate article, when the respective pass, or the respective elongate article, is clamped against the engaging surface.

The clamping member may comprise two of the clamping surfaces on the main part. The urging formation may urge each of the clamping surfaces into a respective one of the pathways. Rotation of the carriage in the second direction may move both clamping surfaces out of the respective pathways.

The urging formation may comprise two of the aforesaid urging members. Each urging member may be a resilient urging member. Each urging member may be elongate.

Each of the urging member may be a spring member. Each spring member may be an elongate linear spring member. The spring members may extend in opposite directions from the hub portion.

The securing device may comprise two of the reaction surfaces to apply a reaction force to the urging formation, thereby causing the urging formation to urge the clamping member to the clamping position. Each reaction surface may be provided on the cover.

The securing device includes two of the reaction members, each reaction member having a respective reaction surface. The reaction surfaces may be opposed reaction surfaces. The reaction surfaces may face each other.

Both urging members may extend from the hub portion. The urging members may extend in opposite directions from the hub portion. Each urging member may have a proximal end attached to the hub portion. Each urging member may have a distal end spaced from the hub portion. The distal end of each urging member may engage the respective reaction surface.

The carriage and the clamping member may comprise cooperating holding formations to hold the clamping member on the carriage, thereby allowing the clamping member and the carriage to rotate together. The clamping member may be held on the second carrying surface. The second carrying surface and the clamping member may be provided with the corresponding holding formations to hold the clamping member on the second carrying surface.

A clearance arrangement may be defined between the carriage and other components of the securing device to allow linear motion of the clamping member. The clearance arrangement may comprise a clearance between the housing and the carriage.

The clearance arrangement may comprise a clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage. Alternatively, or in addition, the clearance arrangement may comprise a clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member. The clearance arrangement may include clearances between the clamping member and the holding formations on the carriage.

The rotation of the clamping member to the clamping position may be in a plane of rotation. The linear motion of the clamping member may also be within the plane of rotation. Thus, the clamping member can move linearly as well as rotatably relative to the carriage in the same plane.

The clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage may be in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing. Desirably, the clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing. Preferably, the clearance be between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing. A more preferred clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage may be substantially <NUM> % of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing.

The outer diameter of the wall of the housing may be substantially <NUM>. The clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Desirably, the clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the clearance be between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. A more preferred clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage may be substantially <NUM>.

The clearance between the clamping member and the holding formations provides the advantage in the embodiment described herein that the clamping member can effect linear motion relative to the carriage to accommodate differences in the diameter of the elongate article or articles. This ensures tight engagement between the clamping member and the, or each, elongate article.

The cooperating holding formations may comprise a lug, and a cavity for receiving the lug. One of the lug and the cavity may be on the carriage. One of the lug and the cavity may be on the aforesaid inner portion of the carriage. The other of the lug and the cavity may be on the clamping member.

The lug may be provided on the carriage. Desirably, the lug is provided on the inner portion. The cavity may be defined by the clamping member.

The aforesaid clearance between the holding formations on the carriage and the clamping member may include a clearance between the lug and the clamping member, thereby allowing linear motion of the clamping member relative to the lug.

The cooperating holding formations may comprise a holding projection to hold the clamping member. The cooperating holding formations may comprise a surface of the clamping member to cooperate with the holding projection.

The holding projection may be provided on the aforesaid inner portion of the carriage.

The cooperating holding formations may comprise two of the holding projections, wherein the clamping member is held between the holding projections. The cooperating holding formations may comprise two surfaces of the clamping member, each surface being arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the holding projections.

Each holding projection may be provided on the aforesaid inner portion of the carriage. The holding projections may be arranged opposite each other on the inner portion. The clamping member may be arranged between the holding projections.

One of the lug and the cavity may be on the holding projection. The other of the lug and the cavity may be on the clamping member.

Where the cooperating holding formations comprise two of the holding projections, one of the lug and the cavity may be on one of the holding projections. The clamping member may have a corner. The other of the holding projections may comprise a receiving element shaped to receive said corner of the clamping member. The receiving element may be substantially V-shaped.

Alternatively, where the cooperating holding formations comprise two of the holding projections, each holding projections may comprise a receiving element shaped to receive said corner of the clamping member. The receiving element may be substantially V-shaped. The clamping member may have two opposite corners. Each of the holding projections may comprise a receiving element shaped to receive a respective corner of the clamping member.

The aforesaid clearance between the holding formations on the carriage and the clamping member may include a clearance between the receiving element of the holding projection and said corner of the clamping member, thereby allowing linear motion of the clamping member relative to the receiving element.

The cooperating holding formations may comprise the pivot formation. The cooperating holding formation may comprise the pivot projection.

The aforesaid clearance between the holding formations on the carriage and the clamping member may be a clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member, thereby allowing linear motion of the clamping member relative to the pivot formation.

The clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member may be in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the diameter of the pivot formation. Desirably, the clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member is in the range of <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the diameter of the pivot formation. Preferably, the clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member is in the range of <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the diameter of the pivot formation. A more preferred clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member is substantially <NUM>% of the diameter of the pivot formation.

The clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Desirably, the clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member is in the range <NUM> and <NUM>. Preferably, the clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member is in the range <NUM> and <NUM>. A more preferred clearance between the pivot formation and the clamping member is substantially <NUM>.

The clamping member, the carriage and the engaging surface together constitute a clamping arrangement.

The securing device may comprise a blocking member over the exit opening. In the embodiment described herein, the blocking member may prevent the elongate article being inserted into housing via the exit opening.

Each blocking member may comprise a tab portion extending over the exit opening. Each blocking member may further include an attachment portion to attach the blocking member to the carriage or the housing. The attaching portion may extend from the tab portion to attach each blocking member to the carriage or housing in a location so that the each tab portion extends over the respective exit opening.

At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The drawings show a securing device <NUM> for securing two elongate articles <NUM> extending through the securing device <NUM>. The two elongate articles <NUM> may be two separate elongate articles or two passes of the same elongate article <NUM>. For the purposes of this specific description, the securing device <NUM> is described in use with a single elongate article <NUM> arranged in two passes through the securing device <NUM>.

The securing device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>, a carriage <NUM> within the housing <NUM> and a cover <NUM> on the housing <NUM>, the cover <NUM> being arranged over the carriage <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the elongate article <NUM> is a monofilament formed from a plastics material, such as nylon.

Referring to <FIG>, an urging formation <NUM> is provided on the carriage <NUM>, and a clamping member <NUM> is held by the carriage <NUM>. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the urging formation <NUM> is formed integrally with the carriage <NUM>. The urging formation <NUM> and the carriage <NUM> are a single moulding formed by a moulding process, such as injection moulding. The clamping member <NUM> is movable relative to the carriage <NUM>, as described in more detail below.

The housing <NUM> is shown in more detail in <FIG>, and comprises a cylindrical wall <NUM> extending around an internal region <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The wall <NUM> defines two pairs of opposed openings <NUM> through which the elongate article <NUM> extends.

Each pair of opposed openings <NUM> comprises an entry opening 28A and an exit opening 28B. The elongate article <NUM> is inserted into the housing <NUM> via the entry openings 28A and exit the housing <NUM> via the exit openings 28B.

Each pair of opposed openings <NUM> defines a respective pathway <NUM> for the elongate article <NUM>. The pathways <NUM> extend between the opposed entry and exit openings 28A, 28B in each pair of openings <NUM>. In <FIG>, the pathways <NUM> are shown in broken lines.

The wall <NUM> also includes two opposed engaging members <NUM> in the form of segments of the cylindrical wall <NUM> (see <FIG>). Each of the engaging members <NUM> has an inwardly facing engaging surface <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The engaging surfaces <NUM> are opposite each other, and face one another. The engaging surfaces <NUM> extend along the pathways <NUM> to provide respective surfaces against which the two passes of a single elongate article <NUM> are clamped by the clamping member <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM>, the clamping member <NUM>, and the engaging surfaces <NUM> together constitute a clamping arrangement. The clamping arrangement clamps the two passes of the elongate article <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> also includes a pivot formation, in the form of a pivot projection <NUM>, to rotatably mount the carriage <NUM> and the clamping member <NUM> on the housing <NUM>. In addition, the housing <NUM> includes a support portion in the form of a plurality of elongate support members <NUM>.

The support members <NUM> extend from the wall <NUM> to a central member <NUM>, thereby supporting the pivot projection <NUM>. The pivot projection <NUM> extends from the central member <NUM>.

The pivot projection <NUM> is provided on the central member <NUM> and extends through the internal region <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In the orientation of the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the pivot projection <NUM> extends upwardly from the central member <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> has a flange member <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the wall <NUM>. The purpose of the flange member <NUM> is explained below.

The wall <NUM> has two first fastening formations <NUM> held in respective recesses <NUM> in the wall <NUM>. The cover <NUM> has two corresponding second fastening formations <NUM> (see <FIG>) to cooperate with the first fastening formations <NUM>. The cooperation of the first fastening formations <NUM> with the second fastening formations <NUM> secures the housing <NUM> to the cover <NUM>. The first and second fastening formations <NUM>, <NUM> are described in more detail below.

The carriage <NUM> is shown in more detail in <FIG>, and comprises a substantially cylindrical outer portion <NUM> and an elongate inner portion <NUM> extending across the outer portion <NUM>. Two opposed elongate slots <NUM> are defined in the outer portion <NUM>. The slots <NUM> allow the two passes of the elongate article <NUM> to extend through the outer portion <NUM>.

The outer portion <NUM> extends around an inner region <NUM> of the carriage, and has an open face <NUM> to allow access to the inner region <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> extends across the inner region <NUM> of the carriage.

The wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is received in the inner region <NUM> of the carriage <NUM>, so that when the securing device <NUM> is assembled, the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> extends around the wall <NUM>. When so received, the opposed entry and exit openings 28A, 28B in the wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are aligned with the opposed elongate slots <NUM> defined by the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM>. The slots <NUM> are elongate to allow the carriage <NUM> to be rotated when the two passes of the elongate article <NUM> extend through the securing device <NUM>.

When the wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is received in the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM>, the wall <NUM> engages the flange member <NUM>, and is supported by the flange member <NUM>.

The elongate inner portion <NUM> has first and second carrying surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> facing in opposite directions. The first carrying surface <NUM> faces away from the inner region <NUM> around which the outer portion <NUM> extends. The second carrying surface <NUM> faces into the inner region <NUM>.

The urging formation <NUM> is provided on the first carrying surface <NUM>, and is integral therewith. The second carrying surface <NUM> and the clamping member <NUM> are provided with corresponding holding formations to hold the clamping member <NUM> on the second carrying surface <NUM>.

The clamping member <NUM> comprises a main part <NUM> and opposite clamping surfaces <NUM> on the main part <NUM> (see <FIG>). The clamping surfaces <NUM> are provided to effect clamping engagement with the two passes of the elongate article <NUM>. Each clamping surface <NUM> may be provided with teeth in the form of serrations to bite against the elongate article <NUM>.

The cooperating holding formations comprise two holding projections <NUM> on the second carrying surface <NUM>. The holding projections project from the second carrying surface <NUM> to hold the clamping member <NUM> therebetween. A lug <NUM> is provided on one of the holding projections <NUM>. The lug <NUM> is received by a cavity <NUM> defined by the clamping member <NUM> at a corner thereof. The other of the holding projections <NUM> comprises a substantially V-shaped receiving element shaped to receive a corner <NUM> of the clamping member <NUM>. Thus, the clamping member <NUM> is held by the carriage <NUM>.

The inner portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> defines a central aperture <NUM> through which the pivot projection <NUM> extends to rotatably mount the carriage <NUM> on the housing <NUM>. The main part <NUM> of the clamping member <NUM> defines a central aperture <NUM>.

When the clamping member <NUM> is held by the holding formations of the carriage <NUM>, the central aperture <NUM> defined by the carriage <NUM> is aligned with the central aperture <NUM> defined by the clamping member <NUM> so that the pivot projection <NUM> extends through both central apertures <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the central aperture <NUM> is circular, to correspond in size and shape with the pivot projection <NUM>.

The urging formation <NUM> comprises a hub portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) and two elongate resilient urging members <NUM> extending from the hub portion <NUM>. Each urging member <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM> attached to the hub portion <NUM>, and a distal end <NUM> spaced from the proximal end <NUM>.

The distal end <NUM> of each urging member <NUM> engages the cover <NUM> to provide a reaction force on each urging member <NUM>, as explained below.

The cover <NUM> is shown in more detail in <FIG>. The cover <NUM> comprises a capping portion <NUM> that extends over the housing <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is secured thereto.

The first fastening formations <NUM> on the wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> comprise detent members. The second fastening formations <NUM> on the cover <NUM> extend from the capping portion <NUM>. Each second fastening formation <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM> to receive the detent members of the first fastening formations <NUM>, thereby securing the housing <NUM> to the cover <NUM>. The two corresponding second fastening formations <NUM> extend from the capping portion <NUM> in the same direction as each other substantially perpendicular to the capping portion <NUM>.

As discussed above, the wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is received by the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM>. In order to engage the first fastening formations <NUM> on the wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the second fastening formations <NUM> are also received by the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM>. Thus, the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> extends around the wall <NUM> and the second fastening formations <NUM>, thereby allowing the second fastening formations <NUM>, <NUM> to cooperate with each other and fasten the cover <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, thereby holding the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> between the flange member <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the capping portion <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> includes a pair of opposed reaction members <NUM>, each reaction member <NUM> having a respective reaction surface <NUM>. The reaction surfaces <NUM> face each other.

In the embodiment shown, the reaction members <NUM> extend from the second fastening formations <NUM>, but it will be appreciated that the reaction members <NUM> could be arranged at other locations around the cover <NUM>.

The reaction members <NUM> extend from the capping portion <NUM> in the same direction and are thereby disposed in an opposed arrangement relative to each other. As a result, the reaction members <NUM> define a space therebetween in which the urging formation <NUM> is received.

The distal end <NUM> of each urging member <NUM> engages a respective one of the reaction surfaces <NUM> and are resiliently deformed by their engagement with the reaction surfaces <NUM>, thereby rotatably urging the carriage <NUM> and the clamping member <NUM> in a first direction, so that the clamping member <NUM> is rotated towards the clamping position. The first direction is shown by the arrows A in <FIG>.

The carriage <NUM> comprises two handle portions <NUM> on the outer portion <NUM> to allow a user to rotate the carriage <NUM> in second direction opposite to the first direction, as shown by the arrow B in <FIG>. This is explained in more detail below.

The handle portions <NUM> are arranged substantially opposite each other on the outer portion <NUM>, and project outwardly from the outer portion <NUM> between the capping portion <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and the flange member <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

When the carriage <NUM> is rotated in the second direction, by twisting the carriage <NUM>, the clamping member <NUM> is moved out of the clamping position, as shown in <FIG>, allowing adjustment of the position of the securing device <NUM> along the elongate article <NUM>.

The operation of the securing device <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a sectional view through the securing device <NUM> so that the clamping member <NUM> is visible. In <FIG>, the clamping member <NUM> is in a clamping position. <FIG> shows another sectional view, in which the urging formation <NUM> is visible. The urging formation <NUM> is shown in <FIG> in the condition it has when the clamping member <NUM> is in the clamping position.

A first end 12A of the elongate article <NUM> is fed into the housing <NUM> through a first of the opposed slots <NUM> in the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> and through one of the opposed entry openings 28A of a first pair of the opposed openings <NUM>.

The elongate article <NUM> is fed into the securing device <NUM> in the direction indicated by the arrow C in <FIG>. The elongate article <NUM> is fed along one of the pathways <NUM> through the securing device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and pushes the clamping member <NUM> so that the clamping member <NUM> and the carriage <NUM> rotate in the second direction, as indicated by the arrow D in <FIG>, to move the clamping member <NUM> away from the clamping position. Such rotation of the clamping member <NUM> is against the force applied by the urging member <NUM> to the carriage <NUM>.

The rotation of the carriage <NUM> in the second direction indicated by the arrow D in <FIG> has the effect of rotating the urging member <NUM> in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrows A in <FIG>, The effect of this is to slide the distal ends <NUM> of each urging member <NUM> across the respective reaction surfaces <NUM>, thereby increasing the urging force applied by the urging members <NUM> to rotate the carriage <NUM> back in the first direction indicated by the arrows A.

Referring to <FIG>, the elongate article <NUM> is fed further through the housing <NUM> to exit from the securing device <NUM> via the exit opening 28B of the first pair of the opposed openings <NUM>. The elongate article <NUM> is then fed, or pulled, through the securing device <NUM> in the direction of the arrow F in <FIG>, until a suitable length of the elongate article <NUM> extends from said exit opening 28B of the first pair of openings <NUM>. Movement of the elongate article <NUM> is then ceased. The urging force applied by the urging formation <NUM> to the carriage <NUM> rotates the carriage <NUM> and the clamping member <NUM> in the first direction shown by the arrow E in <FIG>. As a result, the teeth on the clamping surface <NUM> bite against the elongate article <NUM>.

The first end 12A of the elongate article <NUM> is fed through a hole in an item to be suspended, for example signage. The first end 12A is then fed back into the securing device <NUM> via a second of the opposed slots <NUM> and through the entry opening 28A of the second pair of the opposed openings <NUM>, as shown by the arrows G in <FIG> and <FIG>. A loop <NUM> is thus created in the flexible elongate article <NUM> enabling the elongate article <NUM> to hold the item. <FIG> does not show the item to be suspended, but does show the first end 12A being fed back into the securing device <NUM>.

The elongate article <NUM> is then fed back through the securing device <NUM> along the second pathway <NUM>. The first end 12A of the elongate article <NUM> engages and pushes the clamping member <NUM>. This causes the clamping member <NUM> and the carriage <NUM> to rotate in the second direction so that the clamping member <NUM> is again moved away from the clamping position, as indicated by the arrows H in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the elongate article <NUM> is continued to be fed through the housing <NUM> until the first end 12A exits from the securing device <NUM> via the exit opening 28B of the second pair of openings <NUM>. Thus, two passes of the elongate article <NUM> now extend through the securing device <NUM>.

Movement of the elongate article <NUM> is then ceased. The urging force applied by the urging formation <NUM> to the carriage <NUM> urges the carriage <NUM> and the clamping member <NUM> in the first direction shown by the arrow J in <FIG>. As a result, each clamping surface <NUM> engages a respective one of the passes of the elongate article <NUM>. The teeth on each of the clamping surfaces <NUM> bite against a respective one of the passes of the elongate article <NUM>.

In order to clamp the elongate article <NUM> tightly by the clamping member <NUM>, the two passes of elongate article <NUM> are then pulled in the direction opposite to the direction in which the elongate article <NUM> was fed into the securing device, as shown by the arrows K and L in <FIG> and <FIG>. This pulls the clamping member <NUM> and the carriage <NUM> further in the direction indicated by the arrow M in <FIG>, thereby rotating the clamping member <NUM> so that the clamping surfaces <NUM> are pulled into tight clamping engagement with the respective passes of the elongate article <NUM>. Thus, the clamping member <NUM> clamps the two passes of the elongate article <NUM> against the respective engaging surfaces <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the clamping member <NUM> can be released from clamping engagement with the elongate article <NUM> by moving the handle portions <NUM> in the directions indicated by the arrows N in <FIG>, thereby twisting the carriage <NUM> in the second direction indicated by the arrow B. This rotates the clamping member <NUM> out of clamping engagement with both passes of the elongate article <NUM>. The securing device <NUM> can then be removed from the elongate article <NUM>, or its position adjusted therealong.

In order to prevent insertion of the elongate article <NUM> into the housing <NUM> via the exit openings 28B instead of via the entry openings 28A, each of the exit openings 28B is provided with a blocking member <NUM>. The blocking member <NUM> is shown as part of the securing device <NUM>, shown in <FIG>.

Only one blocking member <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, over one of the exit openings 28B. It will be appreciated that the securing device <NUM> includes a second blocking member <NUM> provided on the opposite side of the carriage <NUM> over the other exit opening 28B.

Each blocking member <NUM> comprises a tab portion <NUM> extending over and around the exit opening 28B. Each blocking member <NUM> further includes an attachment portion <NUM> extending from the tab portion <NUM> to attach each blocking member <NUM> to the carriage <NUM> in a location so that the each tab portion <NUM> extends over the respective exit opening 28B.

When the elongate article <NUM> is inserted correctly into the housing <NUM>, via the entry opening 28A to exit via the exit opening 28B, the elongate article <NUM> pushes the blocking member <NUM> out of the way. However, if the user attempts to insert the elongate article <NUM> into the exit opening 28B, the tab portion <NUM> prevents such insertion.

<FIG> shows the situation when a significant load is applied to the loop formed by the elongate article <NUM>. In such a situation, the movement of the elongate article <NUM> in the direction indicated by the arrows P and R, causes the clamping member <NUM> and the carriage <NUM> to rotate further in the direction indicated by the arrow S. This causes the clamping member <NUM> to be rotated into even tighter engagement with both passes of the elongate article <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, two regions are marked I and II. These regions indicate clearances between components of the securing device <NUM>.

The region marked I indicates a first clearance, namely a clearance between the wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> of the carriage <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the first clearance is substantially <NUM>% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the first clearance is substantially <NUM>.

The region marked II indicates a second clearance, namely a clearance between the clamping member <NUM> and the pivot projection <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the second clearance is substantially <NUM>% of the diameter of the pivot projection <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the second clearance is substantially <NUM>.

The above clearances between the various components indicated above allows linear movement between the carriage <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and between the lug <NUM> on the carriage and the clamping member <NUM> at the cavity <NUM>. This linear motion allows the various components to shift their position in the event of differences the diameter of the elongate article <NUM> in the two passes thereof, thereby assuring that both passes of the elongate article <NUM> are clamped tightly.

In addition to the clearances shown in regions marked I and II, there may also be clearances between the corner <NUM> and the holding projection <NUM>, and between the pivot projection <NUM> and the clamping member <NUM>.

There is thus described a securing device <NUM> that comprises a single rotatable clamping member <NUM> mounted on a single rotatable carriage <NUM> that effects clamping and release of two passes of the elongate article <NUM>. The securing device <NUM> allows the release of both passes of the elongate article <NUM> by a single twist of the rotatable carriage <NUM>. Both passes of the elongate article <NUM> can be clamped and released by a single rotation of one component.

The embodiment described herein provides the advantages that it is lightweight product. The elongate article <NUM> can be formed of a plastics material, which allows it to be transparent/translucent. The product has aesthetic qualities, making it suitable in situations where the hangers need to be highly discreet. The securing device <NUM> allows for fast and easy installation, and is less expensive than prior art devices.

The clamping arrangement is suitable for gripping an elongate article <NUM> in the form of a monofilament.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the clamping surfaces <NUM> may be devoid of teeth. In another modification, the housing <NUM> may be devoid of the pivot projection <NUM>.

A further modification is shown in <FIG>. With the exception of the features discussed below, the securing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> possesses all the features of the securing device <NUM> described above and shown in <FIG>.

The features shown in <FIG>, which are the same as the features shown in <FIG>, have been designated with the same reference numerals as the features in <FIG>.

In the securing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, there is no lug <NUM> on either of the two holding projections <NUM>. In addition, there is no cavity <NUM> defined by the clamping member <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, both of the holding projections <NUM> comprise a substantially V-shaped receiving element shaped to receive a respective corner <NUM> of the clamping member <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, by the clamping member <NUM> defines an elongate central aperture <NUM> is. The elongate central aperture <NUM> shown in <FIG> is of a size to receive the pivot projection <NUM> therethrough.

Claim 1:
A securing device (<NUM>) for securing an elongate article (<NUM>), the securing device (<NUM>) comprising:
a rotatable clamping member (<NUM>);
a support arrangement for supporting the clamping member (<NUM>), the clamping member (<NUM>) being rotatably mounted on the support arrangement;
the securing device (<NUM>) defining a pathway (<NUM>) for the elongate article (<NUM>), the clamping member (<NUM>) being rotatably movable into the pathway (<NUM>);
the support arrangement including an urging formation (<NUM>) for urging the clamping member (<NUM>) into a clamping position in said pathway (<NUM>), whereby in the clamping position, the clamping member (<NUM>) can be in clamping engagement with the elongate article (<NUM>);
wherein the support arrangement comprises a rotatable carriage (<NUM>), the clamping member (<NUM>) being held on the carriage (<NUM>), whereby rotation of the carriage (<NUM>) effects rotation of the clamping member (<NUM>);
and the securing device (<NUM>) further comprises a housing (<NUM>) to house the clamping member (<NUM>), the carriage (<NUM>) being rotatably mounted on the housing (<NUM>), and the housing (<NUM>) comprising a wall (<NUM>);
characterised in that the carriage (<NUM>) comprises an outer portion (<NUM>) extending around an inner region (<NUM>) of the carriage (<NUM>), the wall (<NUM>) being received in the inner region (<NUM>) of the carriage (<NUM>).