HK1188586A - Self-locking clip systems and methods - Google Patents

Description

Self-locking clamp system and method

Background

In many cases, the ability to quickly and efficiently attach the end of a rope to an object is advantageous. Often, the user must pull the cord taut, which requires knowledge about the effective knot. In this case, the user may not be able to easily apply tension or easily release the knot after tightening the rope. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved stretching and attachment device that does not require any significant steps to be taken by the user.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a self-locking clip includes a clip body and a rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clip body. The self-locking clip further includes a resilient arm integral with the clip body, the resilient arm configured to provide a tensioning force to the rotary cam gripper such that the rotary cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clip body. Optionally, the rotating cam gripper is asymmetrically mounted, the rotating cam gripper being configured such that when the rotating cam gripper is rotated in a first direction, the rotating cam gripper extends towards the resilient arm thereby flexing the resilient arm. In one configuration, the rotary cam gripper has a first groove that contacts the resilient arm. In another configuration, the first groove terminates in a stop configured to prevent over-rotation of the rotating cam holder. In an alternative, the self-locking clip includes a snap lip sized to fit in the groove, the snap lip configured to extend perpendicular to the rotating cam gripper and a direction of rotation of the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper cannot be removed from the clip body without pulling the resilient arm away from the rotating cam gripper. In another alternative, the first side of the clamp body includes a cable guide groove configured to guide the cable over the notch and into a clamping region between the rotating cam clamp and the first clamping surface. Optionally, the notch is provided in an aperture of the clamp body. In one option, the rotary cam gripper has an approximately elliptical shape. Optionally, the approximately elliptical shape has a tapered and narrowed end at the first end of the major axis. In an alternative, the rotary cam gripper includes a shaft-receiving aperture asymmetrically disposed in the rotary cam gripper configured to receive a shaft extending from the clamp body. In another alternative, the shaft-receiving aperture is distal from the tapered and narrowed end. Alternatively, the self-locking clip comprises a hook portion for hooking the self-locking clip to an object. Optionally, the hook comprises a snap-lock flap. In another alternative, the asymmetric mounting prevents the rotary cam gripper from rotating past the first gripping surface by virtue of contact between the rotary cam gripper and the first gripping surface. In another configuration, the rotary cam gripper has a second gripping surface on a portion that interacts with the first gripping surface. Optionally, the rotating cam gripper is oriented such that pulling the cable in a first direction will rotate the rotating cam gripper towards the first gripping surface to provide additional gripping of the cable.

In one embodiment, a method of securing a cable includes providing a self-locking clip comprising: a clamp body; and a rotating cam holder pivotally mounted on the clamp body. The self-locking clamp comprises: a resilient arm integral with the clamp body, the resilient arm configured to provide tension to the rotary cam gripper such that the rotary cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clamp body. The self-locking clip includes a rotating cam gripper asymmetrically mounted, the rotating cam gripper configured such that when the rotating cam gripper is rotated in a first direction, the rotating cam gripper extends toward the resilient arm to flex the resilient arm; and, a notch is disposed in the aperture of the clamp body. The method also includes passing the cable over the notch and through the aperture.

The method also includes passing the cable in a first direction between the rotating cam gripper and the first gripping surface. The method also includes pulling the cable in a second direction opposite the first direction. The method further includes automatically locking the cable in place by rotating the cam gripper and the first gripping surface. By "automatically" is meant that the user does not need to touch the self-locking clamp.

In another embodiment, a self-locking clip includes a clip body and a rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clip body. The self-locking clamp further comprises: a resilient arm integral with the clamp body, the resilient arm configured to provide tension to the rotary cam gripper such that the rotary cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clamp body. The rotating cam gripper is asymmetrically mounted, the rotating cam gripper being configured such that when the rotating cam gripper is rotated in a first direction, the rotating cam gripper extends toward the resilient arm thereby bending the resilient arm; and, a notch is disposed in the aperture of the clamp body. Optionally, the self-locking clip comprises a snap lip sized to fit in the groove, the snap lip configured to extend perpendicular to the rotational cam gripper and the direction of rotation of the rotational cam gripper such that the rotational cam gripper cannot be removed from the clip body without pulling the resilient arm away from the rotational cam gripper. Alternatively, the rotary cam gripper includes a shaft-receiving aperture asymmetrically disposed in the rotary cam gripper configured to receive a shaft extending from the clamp body.

In another embodiment, a self-locking clip includes a clip body and a first rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clip body. The self-locking clip further includes a first resilient arm integral with the clip body, the first resilient arm configured to provide tension to the first rotary cam gripper such that the first rotary cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clip body. The first rotary cam gripper is mounted asymmetrically, the first rotary cam gripper being configured such that: when the first rotating cam gripper rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the rotating cam gripper extends toward the first resilient arm to flex the first resilient arm; and, when the first rotating cam gripper is rotated in the clockwise direction, the first rotating cam gripper presses against the first gripping surface, and the notch is disposed in the aperture of the clamp body. The self-locking clip further comprises a second rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clip body. The self-locking clip further includes a second resilient arm integral with the clip body, the second resilient arm configured to provide tension to the second rotary cam gripper such that the second rotary cam gripper is held against a second gripping surface on the clip body. A second rotary cam gripper asymmetrically mounted, the second rotary cam gripper configured such that when the second rotary cam gripper rotates in a clockwise direction, the second rotary cam gripper extends toward the second resilient arm thereby flexing the second resilient arm; and the second rotating cam gripper pressing against the second gripping surface when the second rotating cam gripper rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the first cam gripper and the second cam gripper being oriented on opposite ends of the clamp body.

Drawings

The drawings are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a self-locking hook for a rope or cable having an integral spring acting on a rotating cam;

fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the self-locking hook for a rope or cable of fig. 1;

fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of a self-locking hook for a rope or cable having a torsion spring between a rotating cam and a body;

FIG. 4 is an elevational side view showing the self-locking hook for a cord or cable of FIG. 1 with the rotating cam biased into a clamping position;

FIG. 5 is an elevational side view showing the self-locking hook for a cord or cable of FIG. 1 with the rotary cam opened into an open position;

fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the self-locking hook for a rope or cable of fig. 1, in which the rope or cable is inserted between a stopper and a rotating cam;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view showing yet another embodiment of a self-locking hook for a cord or cable, wherein the hook has an optional flap;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a self-locking hook for a cord or cable, wherein the hook is replaced by other means for attachment;

fig. 9 illustrates a side view showing an alternative embodiment of the self-locking hook;

FIG. 10 illustrates a view of the opposite side of the self-locking hook of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates the self-locking hook of FIG. 9 with the cam and flapper removed;

fig. 12 illustrates a side view of the cam of the self-locking hook of fig. 9;

FIG. 13 illustrates an opposite side view of the cam of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a self-locking clip;

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the self-locking clip of FIG. 14 in use; and

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a self-locking clip.

Detailed Description

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and should not be used as a limitation on the embodiments of the self-locking clip or hook. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.

The words "right", "left", "front", and "rear" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the self-locking clip and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Throughout the drawings and with particular reference to each of the following figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts.

As shown in fig. 1-13, a self-locking hook for a rope or cable is disclosed. The self-locking hook comprises a hook or other attachment means and bends the rope around the body 1 so that most of the force of the rope is absorbed on the fixed part of the body 1. The cable bent around the body 1 also serves to tension the cable in a direction away from the fastened load. It should be understood that other attachment means besides hooks are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a self-locking clip or hook. The self-locking hook is made up of three main components. The self-locking hook comprises first of all a rotating cam 2 mounted on a boss 7. The boss 7 may also be referred to as a shaft. The rotating cam, when rotated, causes the gap between the fixed stopper 5 and the rotating cam 2 to become smaller or larger. When the rope is positioned in the gap, the gap is made small by pulling the rope 4 through the gap between the fixed stopper 5 and the rotating cam 2, so that the rope is loosely locked in place. The rotating cam 2 may have a plurality of teeth for gripping the rope or cable and further preventing the rope or cable from sliding through the gap. Fig. 2 shows the cam removed from the hook body.

Further, the self-locking hook has an elastic mechanism between the rotating cam 2 and the body 1. The elastic means can be a spring 3 integral with the body 1, or the elastic means can be a metal torsion spring. The elastic means activate the rotating cam 2, forcing the rotating cam 2 into the closed position of the clamping rope. The spring 3 is integral with the body 1 as shown, or a separate spring 6 as shown in figure 3 can be included in the assembly.

In another embodiment, the body 1 of the self-locking hook is constructed by machining or molding metal or plastic. The rotating cam 2 can also be made by extrusion of metal or plastic. Thus, the entire device can be produced by extruding two pieces. Fig. 4 shows the cam 8 in the engaged configuration, and fig. 5 shows the cam 8 in the released configuration, flexing the spring 3 and exposing the lever point 10 and the cable groove 9. The hook 11 is also visible.

Fig. 6 shows the self-locking hook in use pulling the tarpaulin 12 downward, wherein the tarpaulin 12 has an eyelet through which the hook 13 passes. The cable 15 may be pulled by the user in the direction indicated by the arrow. In this case the cam will automatically release and the section 16 of the rope can be reduced and the section 14 increased, increasing the tension. When the cable 15 is released, the cam will automatically lock due to the friction of the rope pulling the cam and the force of the spring.

Fig. 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the self-locking hook. Fig. 7 shows a snap-lock flap (carabineer gate) 17 comprising a cam 8. Fig. 8 shows an alternative to a hook, which comprises a body portion 18 configured to incorporate a strap 19. Instead of a hook or strap mechanism, various attachment means may be incorporated.

Fig. 9 to 13 show another embodiment of the self-locking hook 100. Self-locking hook 100 bears many similarities to the previous embodiments. Self-locking hook 100 includes a hook portion 110, hook portion 110 for hooking on various belts, rings, cords or articles. Hook 110 is closed by wire latch 115 that fits into notch 120. The receiving hole 122 is for receiving the wire latch 115. Wire lock 115 is bent such that wire lock 115 tends to remain closed against notch 120. An aperture 125 is provided for the passage of a cord or cable. Surface 128 is opposite to clamping surface 129 and is used to lock the rope or cable in the cam system of self-locking hook 100. The clamping surface 129 is part of a cam clamp 130. The body of the cam holder includes a recess 145, the recess 145 having a stop 150, the stop 150 interfacing with a spring 140 having a snap lip 155. In the present embodiment, the spring 140 is a straight arm spring. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 140 is integral with the body of the self-locking hook 100 and is molded in the same piece of material. The cam holder 130 is oval in shape and as it rotates, the cam holder 130 presses against the spring 140, flexing the spring 140 away from the body of the self-locking hook 100. The lip 155 slides along the groove 145 until it reaches the stopper 150. The catch lip 155 also functions to prevent the cam holder 130 from being removed or pulled away from the body of the self-locking hook 100. The catch lip 155 extends away from the surface of the spring 140 such that the catch lip 155 prevents the cam holder 130 from being pulled away.

Fig. 10 shows the opposite side of the self-locking hook 100. Here, the contoured cut-out 160 is visible. The cut-out 160 allows for ease of molding and reduces the use of plastic. The groove 165 serves to align the cable as it is fed through the aperture 125 and stretched in place.

Fig. 11 shows the self-locking hook 100 with the cam holder 130 removed. Here, a shaft 210 with a cut-out 220 can be seen. Cam holder 130 fits over the shaft and rotates to provide the holding motion. FIG. 12 shows a close-up view of cam holder 130; and fig. 13 provides a rear view of cam holder 130. Aperture 310 fits around shaft 210 and is used for pivotal movement of cam holder 130. The cut-out 320 serves to save plastic and ease molding.

In use, a cable is fed through the aperture 125 from the side of the self-locking hook 100 not comprising the cam holder 130, and then pushed through the cam holder 130 if the cord is sufficiently stiff; or cam gripper 130 may be actuated by a user to provide space for the cable to travel between surface 128 and gripper surface 129. The long end of the cable should be on the opposite side of cam holder 130. This is because when the cable is pulled, friction will pull cam holder 130 and tend to rotate cam holder 130 toward surface 128 for increased grip. If the cable is otherwise oriented or if the cable does not pass through the aperture 125 first, the pulling tends to be loose, as friction will pull the cam holder 130 open. To release the cam holder 130, the user need only pull back on the spring 140 so that the catch lip 155 does not prevent release of the cam holder 130 by locking onto the groove 145. The aperture 125 may also serve as a pivot point for tightening the cable passing through the aperture 125 and the cam holder 130. The aperture 125 serves as a leverage point and as the user pulls the cable through the cam clamp 130, the aperture 125 will relax the tension. When the user releases the cable, the tension of the cable and the spring will tend to grip the cam gripper 130. The user may use the self-locking hook 100 in a ratcheting manner in this manner by pulling the cable, and releasing the cable, and holding the cable by the cam gripper 130, and then pulling hard again to increase the tension.

Fig. 14 shows another embodiment of a self-locking clip. This variation includes two cams 430A, 430B, one on each side of the device 400. The device 400 includes an outer straight spring 440, the outer straight spring 440 having a catch lip 455 to prevent the cams 430A, 430B from unwinding. In this variation, one of the cams 430A has a release tab 431. The cam may include a groove 445 and a stop 450. In contrast to the cable stop shown previously, more elongated gripping surfaces 432, 433 are included. On one side of the device, cam 430B interacts with orifice 491 and is used for the stretching of the cable described above. The side also includes a notch 490 for additional tensioning or suspension. The cam 430A with the release protrusion 431 on the opposite side is designed to be attached to a piece of cloth, fabric, or tarpaulin. For example, the cam 430A may be used in conjunction with a tent or similar tarpaulin. Body region 493 does not include apertures because the body region is used to grip the fabric. In an alternative embodiment, both sides of the cam, both having the aperture, may be mated. Cam 430A has an opposite configuration to cam 430B. In cam 430B, when the cord is pulled away from the device on the same side as cam 430B, the cam is released. If the cord is pulled away on the opposite side, the cam 430B remains. In other words, clockwise rotation of the cam 430B tends to hold the cable, while counterclockwise rotation tends to release the cable. Conversely, the cam 430A tends to hold with counterclockwise rotation and tends to release with clockwise rotation. Fig. 15 shows the use of the device for holding tarpaulins and ropes in the case of use with draperies. Fig. 16 shows device 400 on a hook supported by aperture 490 and holding a piece of fabric at the opposite end. In this way, the device may be used to hang clothing or other items.

Fig. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of a self-locking hook using a metal spring arm 140A. This metal spring arm may be attached in the same manner as the latch flaps and by applying a force to the cam 130, functions similar to the spring arm 140 above. It will be apparent that various outer arm type springs and inner springs may be used.

Although specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and embodiments disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and all equivalents thereof. Note that although specific embodiments are shown, the features of each attachment may be interchanged between embodiments.

Claims (21)

1. A self-locking clip, comprising:

a clamp body;

a rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clamp body;

a resilient arm integral with the clamp body, the resilient arm configured to provide tension to the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clamp body.

2. The self-locking clip of claim 1 wherein the rotating cam gripper is asymmetrically mounted, the rotating cam gripper configured such that when the rotating cam gripper is rotated in a first direction, the rotating cam gripper extends toward the resilient arm thereby flexing the resilient arm.

3. The self-locking clip of claim 2 wherein the rotating cam gripper has a first groove that contacts the resilient arm.

4. The self-locking clip of claim 3 wherein the first groove terminates in a stop configured to prevent over-rotation of the rotating cam gripper.

5. The self-locking clip of claim 4 wherein the self-locking clip comprises a snap lip sized to fit in the groove, the snap lip configured to extend perpendicular to the rotating cam gripper and a direction of rotation of the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper cannot be removed from the clip body without pulling the resilient arm away from the rotating cam gripper.

6. The self-locking clip of claim 5 wherein the first side of the clip body includes a cable guide groove configured to guide a cable over a notch and into a clamping region between the rotating cam clamp and the first clamping surface.

7. The self-locking clip of claim 6 wherein the notch is disposed in an aperture of the clip body.

8. The self-locking clip of claim 7 wherein the rotating cam gripper has an approximately elliptical shape.

9. The self-locking clip of claim 8 wherein the approximate elliptical shape has a tapered and narrowed end at a first end of the major axis.

10. The self-locking clip of claim 9 wherein the rotating cam gripper includes a shaft receiving aperture asymmetrically disposed in the rotating cam gripper configured to receive a shaft extending from the clip body.

11. The self-locking clip of claim 10 wherein the shaft-receiving aperture is distal from the tapered and narrowed end.

12. The self-locking clip of claim 11 wherein the self-locking clip includes a hook portion for hooking the self-locking clip to an object.

13. The self-locking clip of claim 12 wherein the hook portion comprises a snap-lock flap.

14. The self-locking clip of claim 13 wherein the asymmetric mounting prevents the rotating cam gripper from rotating past the first gripping surface by virtue of contact between the rotating cam gripper and the first gripping surface.

15. The self-locking clip of claim 14 wherein the rotating cam gripper has a second gripping surface on a portion that interacts with the first gripping surface.

16. The self-locking clip of claim 15 wherein the rotating cam gripper is oriented such that pulling a cable in a first direction will rotate the rotating cam gripper toward the first gripping surface, thereby providing additional gripping of the cable.

17. A method for securing a cable, the method comprising:

providing a self-locking clip, the self-locking clip comprising: a clamp body; a rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clamp body; a resilient arm integral with the clamp body, the resilient arm configured to provide tension to the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clamp body, wherein the rotating cam gripper is asymmetrically mounted, the rotating cam gripper configured such that when the rotating cam gripper is rotated in a first direction, the rotating cam gripper extends toward the resilient arm to flex the resilient arm; and a notch disposed in an aperture of the clamp body;

passing the cable over the notch and through the aperture;

passing the cable in a first direction between the rotating cam gripper and the first gripping surface;

pulling the cable in a second direction opposite the first direction; and

the cable is automatically locked in place by the rotating cam gripper and the first gripping surface, wherein "automatically" means that the user does not need to touch the self-locking clamp.

18. A self-locking clip, comprising:

a clamp body;

a rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clamp body;

a resilient arm integral with the clamp body, the resilient arm configured to provide tension to the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clamp body, wherein the rotating cam gripper is asymmetrically mounted, the rotating cam gripper configured such that when the rotating cam gripper is rotated in a first direction, the rotating cam gripper extends toward the resilient arm to flex the resilient arm; and

a notch disposed in an aperture of the clamp body.

19. The self-locking clip of claim 18 wherein the self-locking clip comprises a snap lip sized to fit in a groove, the snap lip configured to extend perpendicular to the rotating cam gripper and a direction of rotation of the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper cannot be removed from the clip body without pulling the resilient arm away from the rotating cam gripper.

20. The self-locking clip of claim 19 wherein the rotating cam gripper includes a shaft receiving aperture asymmetrically disposed in the rotating cam gripper configured to receive a shaft extending from the clip body.

21. A self-locking clip, comprising:

a clamp body;

a first rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the gripper body;

a first resilient arm integral with the clamp body, the first resilient arm configured to provide tension to the first rotary cam gripper such that the first rotary cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clamp body, wherein the first rotary cam gripper is asymmetrically mounted, the first rotary cam gripper configured such that: when the first rotating cam gripper rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the rotating cam gripper extends toward the first resilient arm thereby flexing the first resilient arm; and, when the first cam gripper is rotated in a clockwise direction, the first rotating cam gripper presses against the first gripping surface;

a notch disposed in an aperture of the clamp body;

a second rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clamp body;

a second resilient arm integral with the clamp body, the second resilient arm configured to provide tension to the second rotary cam gripper such that the second rotary cam gripper is held against a second gripping surface on the clamp body, wherein the second rotary cam gripper is asymmetrically mounted, the second rotary cam gripper configured such that: when the second rotary cam gripper is rotated in a clockwise direction, the second rotary cam gripper extends toward the second resilient arm thereby flexing the second resilient arm; and, when the second rotating cam gripper is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the second rotating cam gripper presses against the second gripping surface, the first cam gripper and the second cam gripper being oriented on opposite ends of the clamp body.