Peg for holding articles on a line

Abstract

A peg for holding articles on a line, comprising a first member having a first jaw portion and a first lever portion and a second member having a second jaw portion and a second lever portion. The peg has a pivot means pivotally connecting the first member and the second member at a position between the jaw portion and the lever portion of each member, and also a releasable securing means configured to secure the position of the first member relative to the second member at various positions. Each of said jaw portions defines a jaw, and the peg is configured such that the jaws are pivotable towards each other by pivoting the lever portions towards each other.

1 . A peg for holding articles on a line, comprising: 
 a first member having a first jaw portion and a first lever portion;    a second member having a second jaw portion and a second lever portion;    a pivot means pivotally connecting the first member and the second member at a position between the jaw portion and the lever portion of each member; and    a releasable securing means configured to secure the position of the first member relative to the second member at various positions,    wherein each of said jaw portions defines a jaw, and the peg is configured such that the jaws are pivotable towards each other by pivoting the levers towards each other.    
   
   
       2 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 1 , wherein said securing means comprises a ratchet mechanism.  
   
   
       3 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 2 , wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises a spring means configured to hold interlocking portions of the ratchet mechanism together, and allow the ratchet mechanism to be released by manual force against the spring means.  
   
   
       4 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 2 , wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises a first toothed member extending from the first lever and a second toothed member configured to engage the first toothed member and supported from the second lever.  
   
   
       5 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 3 , wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises a first toothed member extending from the first lever and a second toothed member configured to engage the first toothed member and supported from the second lever.  
   
   
       6 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 4 , wherein the second toothed member is pivotally mounted on the second lever portion such that the second toothed member is configured to be disengaged from the first toothed member by pivoting.  
   
   
       7 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 4 , wherein the second toothed member is a flexible member rigidly mounted on the second lever portion such that the second toothed member is configured to be disengaged from the first toothed member by flexing.  
   
   
       8 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 1 , wherein said peg further comprises a second spring means configured to force the jaws apart when said securing means is released.  
   
   
       9 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 2 , wherein said peg further comprises a second spring means configured to force the jaws apart when said securing means is released.  
   
   
       10 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 9 , wherein said spring means is a helical spring.  
   
   
       11 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 9 , wherein said spring means comprises a spring member extending from one of said first and second members, and configured to press against a part of the other one of said first and second members.  
   
   
       12 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 1 , wherein said first member and said second member are each moulded from a plastics material.  
   
   
       13 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 12 , wherein said pivot means comprises a first hole defined by one of said first and second members, and an integrally moulded pivot pin extending from the other one of said members through said hole.  
   
   
       14 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 13 , wherein said pivot pin is configured to be a snap fit within said hole.  
   
   
       15 . A peg for holding articles on a line according to  claim 1 , wherein said jaw portions have a concave surface configured to receive a line and an article to be held on the line.  
   
   
       16 . A peg for holding articles on a line, comprising: 
 a first member having a first jaw portion and a first lever portion;    a second member having a second jaw portion and a second lever portion;    a pivot means pivotally connecting the first member and the second member at a position between the jaw portion and the lever portion of each member; and    a ratchet mechanism configured to secure the position of the first member relative to the second member at various positions,    wherein each of said jaw portions defines a jaw, and the peg is configured such that the jaws are pivotable towards each other by pivoting the levers towards each other; and    wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises a first toothed member extending from the first lever and a second toothed member configured to engage the first toothed member and supported from the second lever.    
   
   
       17 . A method of assembling a peg for holding articles on a line, comprising the steps of: 
 receiving a first member having a first jaw portion and a first lever portion and a second member having a second jaw portion and a second lever portion;    connecting said first member and said second member by a pivot means between the jaw portion and the lever portion of each member; and    assembling a releasable securing means that secures the position of the first member relative to the second member at various positions, each of said jaw portions defining a jaw, such that    when in use, the jaws are pivotable towards each other by pivoting said levers towards each other.    
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein said step of assembling includes the establishment of a ratchet mechanism.  
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said establishment of a ratchet mechanism comprises configuring a spring means to hold interlocking portions of the ratchet mechanism together, such that in use the ratchet mechanism can be released by manual force against the spring means.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said ratchet mechanism is established such that, in use a first toothed member extending from said first lever engages with a second toothed member supported by from said second lever.