Clip-type cable management apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first jaw and a second jaw having interleaved tines in a predetermined configuration are coupled by a hinge pin around which a torsion spring is disposed to urge said first jaw and said second jaw pivotally toward a
Clip-type cable management apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first jaw and a second jaw having interleaved tines in a predetermined configuration are coupled by a hinge pin around which a torsion spring is disposed to urge said first jaw and said second jaw pivotally toward a close position so as to securely retain a cable being folded or coiled into a bundle of cable segments. Such cable management is further enhanced with additional features, optimized structures, and operating methods.
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1. A method of managing a cable, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a clip apparatus comprising a first jaw having a first handle and a first tip portion, a second jaw having a second handle and a second tip portion, a hinge means connecting said first jaw and said second jaw, an elastic member
1. A method of managing a cable, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a clip apparatus comprising a first jaw having a first handle and a first tip portion, a second jaw having a second handle and a second tip portion, a hinge means connecting said first jaw and said second jaw, an elastic member interacting with and urging said first jaw and said second jaw pivotally toward a closed position around the axis of said hinge means, said first tip portion and said second tip portion having interleaved tines overlapping substantially when said first jaw and said second jaw are in said closed position, said first jaw and said second jaw having substantially symmetrical profiles, said first jaw having a first curved portion extending from said hinge means toward said first tip portion in approximate shape of an elliptical arc, said first curved portion turning about perpendicularly toward said second jaw and transitioning into said first tip portion, said first tip portion having the shape of a circular arc centered at said hinge means so that said first tip portion and said second tip portion move along the same circular path when opening from said closed position, whereby said clip apparatus has an optimized profile with large holding capacity and compact form factor when managing said cable;(b) folding or coiling said cable into a bundle of cable segments;(c) pinching said first handle and said second handle such that said first jaw and said second jaw are sufficiently open to be able to receive said bundle of cable segments therebetween;(d) placing said bundle of cable segments within the space between said first jaw and said second jaw; and(e) releasing said first handle and said second handle such that said first jaw and said second jaw are urged by said elastic member to substantially surround and securely retain therebetween said bundle of cable segments. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: (f) assessing a proper length of said cable for a predetermined deployment;(g) preparing said cable by folding or coiling a selected portion of said cable into a partial bundle of cable segments such that the span of said cable is adjusted to about said proper length; and(h) securing said partial bundle of cable segments between said first jaw and said second jaw,whereby said cable is optimally managed during said predetermined deployment. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first tip portion has two tines, said second tip portion having one tine, said one tine juxtaposed between said two tines when said first jaw and said second jaw are in said closed position such that said two tines and said one tine press against said second jaw and said first jaw respectively and there is substantially no space between said two tines and said one tine, whereby the strength and rigidity of said clip apparatus are substantially enhanced. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said two tines and said one tine are tapered. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said two tines and said one tine have flat ends substantially perpendicular to the respective longitudinal profiles of said two tines and said one tine so that said cable can be stably retained therebetween in a preferred orientation parallel to said flat ends respectively. 6. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of: (f) pinching said first handle and said second handle to release said bundle of cable segments;(g)releasing said first handle and said second handle to return said clip apparatus to said closed position;(h) deploying said cable for a predetermined purpose;(i)pinching said first handle and said second handle to create a greater opening between said first jaw and said second jaw than the diameter of said cable;(j)positioning said clip apparatus at a predetermined location on said cable such that said cable is received between said two tines; and(k) releasing said first handle and said second handle such that said one tine presses said cable against the area between said two tines,whereby said clip apparatus is conveniently and securely retained at point of use. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said elastic member is selected from the group consisting of a torsion spring, an annular spring, a clip spring, a flat spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, a rubber band, and an elastic part integrated in the combination of said first jaw and said second jaw. 8. A cable management system, comprising: a clip apparatus comprising a first jaw having a first handle and a first tip portion, a second jaw having a second handle and a second tip portion, a hinge means connecting said first jaw and said second jaw, an elastic member interacting with and urging said first jaw and said second jaw pivotally toward a closed position around the axis of said hinge means, said first tip portion and said second tip portion overlapping substantially in the form of interleaved tines when said first jaw and said second jaw are in said closed position, said first jaw and said second jaw having substantially symmetrical profiles, said first jaw having a first curved portion extending from said hinge means toward said first tip portion in approximate shape of an elliptical arc, said first curved portion turning about perpendicularly toward said second jaw and transitioning into said first tip portion, said first tip portion having the shape of a circular arc centered at said hinge means so that said first tip portion and said second tip portion move along the same circular path when opening from said closed position, whereby said clip apparatus has an optimized profile with large holding capacity and compact form factor when managing said cable; anda cable being folded or coiled into a bundle of cable segments, said first jaw and said second jaw urged by said elastic member to substantially surround and securely retain therebetween said bundle of cable segments. 9. The cable management system of claim 8, wherein said first tip portion has two tines, said second tip portion having one tine, said one tine juxtaposed between said two tines when said first jaw and said second jaw are in said closed position such that said two tines and said one tine press against said second jaw and said first jaw respectively and there is substantially no space between said two tines and said one tine, whereby the strength and rigidity of said clip apparatus are substantially enhanced. 10. The cable management system of claim 9, wherein said two tines and said one tine are tapered. 11. The cable management system of claim 9, wherein said two tines and said one tine have flat ends substantially perpendicular to the respective longitudinal profiles of said two tines and said one tine so that said cable can be stably retained therebetween in a preferred orientation parallel to said flat ends respectively. 12. The cable management system of claim 8, wherein said elastic member is selected from the group consisting of a torsion spring, an annular spring, a clip spring, a flat spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, a rubber band, and an elastic part integrated in the combination of said first jaw and said second jaw. 13. An apparatus for managing a cable, comprising: a first jaw having a first handle and a first tip portion;a second jaw having a second handle and a second tip portion;a hinge means connecting said first jaw and said second jaw; andan elastic member interacting with and urging said first jaw and said second jaw pivotally toward a closed position around the axis of said hinge means, said first tip portion and said second tip portion overlapping substantially in the form of interleaved tines when said first jaw and said second jaw are in said closed position, said first jaw and said second jaw having substantially symmetrical profiles, said first jaw having a first curved portion extending from said hinge means toward said first tip portion in approximate shape of an elliptical arc, said first curved portion turning about perpendicularly toward said second jaw and transitioning into said first tip portion, said first tip portion having the shape of a circular arc centered at said hinge means so that said first tip portion and said second tip portion move along the same circular path when opening from said closed position, whereby said apparatus has an optimized profile with large holding capacity and compact form factor when managing said cable. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first tip portion has two tines, said second tip portion having one tine, said one tine juxtaposed between said two tines when said first jaw and said second jaw are in said closed position such that said two tines and said one tine press against said second jaw and said first jaw respectively and there is substantially no space between said two tines and said one tine, whereby the strength and rigidity of said apparatus are substantially enhanced. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said two tines and said one tine are tapered. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said two tines and said one tine have flat ends substantially perpendicular to the respective longitudinal profiles of said two tines and said one tine so that said cable can be stably retained therebetween in a preferred orientation parallel to said flat ends respectively. 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said elastic member is selected from the group consisting of a torsion spring, an annular spring, a clip spring, a flat spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, a rubber band, and an elastic part integrated in the combination of said first jaw and said second jaw.
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Cofer, Carol, Clip having a sheath for holding tubing or cords.
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