Patent ID: 7131977

Claim:
A method for unlatching a clip initially provided in a latched state, the clip comprising first and second legs joined at a hinge region of the clip, the first and second legs having respective distal end members that, in the latched state, are engaged with each other to define an interlocked clip region, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing first and second jaws pivotably connected to each other and movable between an open position and a closed position, the first jaw comprising a first distal jaw end, a first proximal jaw end, and a first inside surface extending between the first distal jaw end and first proximal jaw end, and the second jaw comprising a second distal jaw end, a second proximal jaw end, and a second inside surface extending between the second distal jaw end and second proximal jaw end, wherein at the closed position, the inside surfaces define a jaw gap therebetween, and at least a portion of the jaw gap increases in distance along a direction from the respective distal jaw ends toward the proximal jaw ends; (b) engaging the clip with the first and second jaws by bringing the first jaw into contact with the first leg of the clip and the second jaw into contact with the interlocked clip region and hinge region, with the hinge region disposed near the second proximal jaw end; and (c) compressing the clip by moving the first and second jaws toward their closed position, whereby the respective distal end members of the first and second legs of the clip become separated.