Band employing bistable compliant scissor linkages and hands-free actuation mechanism

Abstract

A band includes a pair of members moveable between an open position adapted to receive an article in a channel and a closed position adapted to retain the article within the channel. Each of the members includes a plurality of pivotally attached bistable compliant links, such that when the links are pivoted past a threshold position toward the closed position, the links are biased toward the closed position and such that when the links are pivoted past the threshold position toward the open position, the links are biased toward the open position. An actuator linkage is pivotally connected to at least one of the links, the actuator linkage including an engagement end protruding into the channel when the members are in the open position, such that movement of the article into the channel causes the article to contact and exert actuation forces on the engagement end.