Spring back Plastic? Lend me your brains

[inventor32]

Ok, I have an invention, it's a clip.. and I'd like it to be made out of plastic.

What I need out of the plastic is "spring back" quality. I need it to where one can pry it open, and it'll return back to it's original shape.

This is a small device, and the plastic only needs to be about 1/8 - 1/10 inch thick, and the whole piece is about 2 inches wide, 4 inches long. Approximately. So the whole thing is small.

I need the "tension" (not sure if that's what to call it) to be strong enough to hold in fabric while moving and not let it slip out.

I know you guys are brilliant here, so what do you think? My provisional patent is nearing an end, and I need to figure this out before the end of february. I know I waited til the last minute. =)

Ok, let me know if springback plastic is possible, and if so where in the world I can get it made.

I'm not as smart as you guys, so bear with me please. =)

Thanks for any help.

Nicky

 

[JaredJames]

You mean a plastic paper clip?

You do realize just how many of these products are out there don't you? I'd be surprised if you get a patent through for it unless it is really unique in how it works.

Here are a few:
http://www.clippa.co.uk/plastic_paperclips.html
http://www.officeshopping.co.uk/laurel-plastic-paper-clip-35mm-pak-200-25918
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013DIKWS/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[inventor32]

No, nothing like that lol.. and yes I'm aware of the many plastic paper clips.

This is not a paper clip, and won't be holding paper. It's an extremely unique concept, and I've already had an attorney do a patent search, my provisional patent has already been filed in 2010, and my deadline to file a non-provisional patent is coming up in February.

Thanks

 

[viscousflow]

No one can help you unless you show us exactly what you are designing. A simple diagram with labels would help.

 

[JaredJames]

Youve already got a patent setup so showing us won't hurt. It would certainly help customise a solution.

 

[AlephZero]

If you want a "springy" plastic with a very good fatigue life (millions of cycles), try delrin.

 

[Robot B9]

There are many plastics that could do this, typical glass filled nylon will do fine.

You would first have to an FEA analysis on your part to see what dimensions it would have to have to be as stiff as you need.

 

[MATLABdude]

Are you looking for something that has very good elasticity, and many cycles to fatigue?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deformation_(engineering)#Elastic_deformation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_(material )

(Not a materials engineer)