Grasping device for retaining an article

Abstract

A grasping device for retaining an article includes a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with the carriage defining an opening. A jaw extends from each of the ends and away from the carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between the jaws. The carriage is spring biased such that application of force to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws away from one another to release the article. Likewise, eliminating the force applied to the carriage moves the ends and the jaws toward one another to retain the article. A fastener extends from the grasping device for attaching the grasping device to a surface. The fastener includes a pin for attaching the grasping device to a surface and the fastener is rotatably connected to the carriage for rotating the fastener between an extended and a retracted position.

1 . A grasping device for retaining an article, said grasping device comprising: 
 a carriage extending in a loop between opposing ends with said carriage defining an opening;    a jaw extending from each of said ends and away from said carriage to a respective tip for retaining the article between said jaws;    said carriage being spring biased such that application of force to said carriage moves said ends and said jaws away from one another to release the article and eliminating the force applied to said carriage moves said ends and said jaws toward one another to retain the article; and    a fastener extending from said grasping device for attaching said grasping device to a surface.    
   
   
       2 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said fastener includes a pin extending from said fastener for inserting said pin into the surface to attach said grasping device to the surface.  
   
   
       3 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said fastener is further defined as being movable from a retracted position for stowing said grasping device and to an extended position for attaching said grasping device to a surface.  
   
   
       4 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatably connected to said grasping device.  
   
   
       5 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said fastener is rotatable about an axis 180 degrees from said retracted position to said extended position.  
   
   
       6 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatable about an axis 360 degrees.  
   
   
       7 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said fastener is further defined as being rotatably connected to said carriage.  
   
   
       8 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said carriage defines a mounting hole and said fastener includes a coupling having a post with said post of said coupling extending through said mounting hole to rotatably connect said coupling to said carriage.  
   
   
       9 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said mounting hole is further defined as being oblong and said post is further defined as being oblong such that said post is complementary to said mounting hole when said fastener is in one of said retracted and extended positions.  
   
   
       10 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said mounting hole is further defined as having a first span and a second span perpendicular to said first span and said post having a first width and a second width and said first span being at least equal to said first width and said second span being at least equal to said second width such that said post extends within said mounting hole of said post.  
   
   
       11 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 8  further comprising a retainer engaging said post for retaining said coupling to said carriage.  
   
   
       12 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said retainer includes a rod and said post defines a pocket with said rod disposed in said pocket and with said post engaging said rod to retain said coupling and said retainer to said carriage.  
   
   
       13 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 12  wherein said rod defines a groove and said post includes a ridge extending from said post within said pocket with said ridge extending into said groove when said rod is disposed within said pocket.  
   
   
       14 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 12  wherein said post defines a furrow in an exterior of said post and said carriage includes a finger having an L-shape with said finger being cantilevered and flexibly extending into said groove of said rod when said fastener is in one of said retracted and extended positions such that said furrow is aligned with said finger and said finger is disposed on said exterior of said rod when said fastener is in between one of said retracted and extended positions such that said finger is not aligned with said furrow.  
   
   
       15 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said retainer includes at least one tab extending radially from said rod and said post defines at least one detent with said tab extending into said detent.  
   
   
       16 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said carriage includes a flange with said flange defining said mounting hole.  
   
   
       17 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said jaws extend arcuately from said ends of said carriage such that said jaws define a gap therebetween for retaining the article.  
   
   
       18 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 17  wherein each of said jaws define a channel proximate said tip for retaining the article within said channel.  
   
   
       19 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein each of said jaws includes a pad surrounding said gap for cradling the article.  
   
   
       20 . A grasping device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said carriage includes a pair of buttons on opposing sides of said carriage such that application of the force to said buttons moves said buttons toward one another and moves said ends and said jaws away from one another to release the article and eliminating the force applied on said buttons moves said buttons away from one another and moves said ends and said jaws toward one another to retain the article.