Patents Examined by Ruth C. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7363686
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nonmetallic twist tie in which the function inherent to the twist tie is of course available and the twist tie is easily made into a shape of being wound in a bundle with no slipping down of the tie into gap, no torsion of the tie itself, no curl, no twining and tangling of ties and no loosening or disjoining from a reel whereby its drawing-out from the wound shape is able to be carried out smoothly. The nonmetallic twist tie having a core part and a wing part constituted from a non-halogenous material is characterized in that (1) a shape having a total width is 1.5 to 20.0 mm, the average thickness of the wing part is 0.02 to 0.20 mm and the maximum thickness of the core part is 0.04- to 0.30-fold of the total width, (2) a binding property where a torsion strength is 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kyowa Limited
    Inventors: Masaaki Fukuyasu, Yoshinori Kotera, Norio Kashihara, Tomoji Abe
  • Patent number: 7360963
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a triple clamp. The triple clamp includes a body defining a first fork clamp opposite a second fork clamp along a fork centerline. The body defines a center steering pivot. The center steering pivot includes a pivot centerline. An offset is defined by the fork centerline and the pivot centerline. At least one clamp insert has an eccentric form insertable in each of the first fork and the second fork. The clamp insert is configured to shift the offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory Lee Burns
  • Patent number: 7360286
    Abstract: A clip for hanging a skirt that can be attached to an existing hanger. The distance between clips can be freely adjusted to hang, skirts from small children's to large adult sizes without causing creases. The clip neither damages cloth of a skirt nor leaves marks on a skirt while preventing a skirt from slipping off a hanger. Furthermore, the clip for hanging a skirt is very small in volume and of low-cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Maruso Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7356889
    Abstract: A child-safe fastening device comprises a clip, one or more than one padded layer covering one or more surfaces of the clip, and one or more than one cover layer secured to the padded layer. The clip, the padded layer, and the cover layer form a plush device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Adrienne Alitowski
  • Patent number: 7356887
    Abstract: The invention provides a spring body for a slide fastener and a slider having the spring body mounted thereon, comprising: the spring body made of a platy material having an opening window portion at the opposite side of a pawl portion, and entirely formed in a lateral C-shape; a spring piece having a figuration that a longitudinal center portion of the platy material is cut out outward from a side end portion of a main body of the opening window portion to be pulled up at a required height in many steps, disposed between a rear surface of a pull holding body and a pull with elastic contact, and the pawl portion engaged with or released from a portion of a coupling element row by operating the pull through an inside of the slider body. Consequently, it can get the spring body enabling a material and manufacturing cost reduced, a stable and excellent productivity; a slider with an automatic stop function acquiring and realizing inexpensive structure, miniaturization, and simple assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Iwase, Keiichi Keyaki
  • Patent number: 7356954
    Abstract: A main unit includes a slider and a guide groove. A display panel includes a slider engaging portion coupled to the slider being guided by the slider and a guide-groove engaging portion slidably engaged with the guide groove being guided by the guide-groove so that the display panel can be inclined. A pressing lever presses the guide-groove engaging portion with resilient force of a resilient member. The guide-groove includes a parallel groove formed in parallel with a direction of movement of the slider; and a curved groove having a width narrower than that of the parallel groove and being connected to the parallel groove. The guide-groove engaging portion moves in the parallel groove by the movement of the slider and a pressing force of the pressing lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Yukio Shimizu, Shinsuke Yuri
  • Patent number: 7353665
    Abstract: A clasp for releasably fastening two objects is disclosed. The clasp includes a male member and a female member. The female member includes a displaceable member that is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the displaceable member precludes insertion of the male member into or removal of the male member from the female member. In the second position, the male member may be inserted into or removed from the female member. Alternatively, the clasp may include two objects that each contain both male and female parts. Interchangeable jewelry pieces comprising the clasp and a method for removably securing two jewelry pieces are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Spectrum Gems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana Richardson
  • Patent number: 7353572
    Abstract: A snap hook having a hook shank and a gate keeper. The hook shank includes a main body and a hook member. The hook member has a hook bowl and a hook bill with the hook bill and the main body defining a gateway opening therebetween. The gate keeper has an open position and a closed position. When in its closed position the gate keeper encloses the gateway opening and when in its open position the gate keeper allows passage of an object through the gateway opening. The snap hook further includes a first and a second pivot point such that movement of the gate keeper from its closed to its open position requires at least partially rotating the gate keeper about its first pivot point and thereafter at least partially rotating the gate keeper about its second pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Pensafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Claus, John Leavitt, Tim Accursi
  • Patent number: 7350269
    Abstract: An adjustable caster comprising a reversible mounting bracket offering added flexibility in adjusting the height of the caster and configured to removably attach to a structure to be supported by the adjustable caster; an internally threaded sleeve mounted to and extending from the mounting bracket, the sleeve having proximal and distal ends and a sleeve axis extending there between; an externally threaded stem configured to be removably threaded into the sleeve at either the distal or proximal end; a caster wheel assembly attached to the stem; and an adjustment assembly operatively associated with the stem and fully accessible to a user of the caster when the caster is assembled and the mounting bracket is attached to the caster-supported structure, the vertical adjustment assembly configured to adjust the vertical displacement of the stem along the sleeve axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Dennis Paul Dominic, Joe Edwin Lucas
  • Patent number: 7350274
    Abstract: An accessory device that can be removably attached to the button of a hat. The device includes a base with an opening that extends at least partially through the base. The device can be attached to the hat by pushing the button of the hat into the opening of the device. Friction between the inner surface of the opening and the button securely holds the device to the hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Namkung Promotions, Inc.
    Inventor: James Ray Rogers
  • Patent number: 7347015
    Abstract: A marking device for identifying an electrical conductor includes a planar generally annular marker body containing at least one opening for receiving the conductor, and a plurality of coplanar outwardly extending portions containing mutually isolated pockets for receiving planar indicia-bearing tags, respectively. In one embodiment, the body is deformable and contains at least two creased portions that permit adjustment of the size of the opening to correspond with the diametrical size of the conductor that is to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Keeb, Torsten Bett
  • Patent number: 7347066
    Abstract: A jewelry item has dual functions, such as an earring and a ring or bracelet. The item includes a main loop-like main body portion having opposed first and second ends. First and second hinge elements are pivotally joined to the ends, and are independently pivotable. With the first and second hinge elements in a closed position, joining the ends, the jewelry item serves a first function, such as a ring. With the first hinge element in an open position and the second hinge element in the closed position, the item serves a second function, such as an earring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Feuer
  • Patent number: 7343644
    Abstract: A fitting for an all-glass door with an upper bearing which substantially includes a fitting body with a glass receptacle and/or a clamping device for a glass leaf and with a bearing pin for engagement in a counterbearing at an overpanel or in a frame. The bearing pin is displaceable in a pocket hole. To provide a fitting that resists intrusion after the glass door is installed, the bearing pin of the fitting is secured in such a way that the glass leaf is prevented from being lifted out when the all-glass door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Patent number: 7344332
    Abstract: A spacer is disclosed which is made of a metal and interposed between opposed faces of two members having respective bores co-axial with each other and fastened to each other by inserting a fastening member into the bores and tightening the fastening member. The spacer includes a base interposed between the opposed faces of the members and having a through hole co-axial with the bores of the respective members so that the fastening member is inserted through the hole, and a temporarily retaining portion provided on an open edge of the hole of the base for temporarily retaining the overall spacer on one of the members before the members are fastened to each other, the temporarily retaining portion being inserted into the bore of the one member and caught on a wall defining the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Wake, Masahiko Nakajima, Takuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7340803
    Abstract: A buckle for capturing and releasably retaining an end tab of a flexible strap wherein the flexible strap has a substantially uniform width and thickness and an end tab of increased thickness. The buckle includes a base, and parallel side walls, which extend upwardly from and cooperate with the base to define an open-ended receiving channel having an entry end and an exit end. Flanges are spaced vertically from the base and extend inwardly in cantilever fashion from the side walls to define an opening-ended slot communicating with and extending along the length of the receiving channel. The slot is configured and dimensioned to accommodate longitudinal pinching and lateral insertion of the strap into the receiving channel. The flanges have undersides configured to accommodate receipt of the end tab in the receiving channel via the entry end, and to releasably retain and prevent withdrawal of the end tab from the receiving channel via the exit end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 7337497
    Abstract: A magnetic hinge defining a hinge axis includes first and second hinge plates of non-magnetic material and first and second magnets disposed therein, respectively, for movement therewith. The plates are generally parallel and independently pivotable about the hinge axis between a closed orientation, wherein the plates are essentially superposed, and an open orientation, wherein the plates are essentially not superposed. The first and second magnets are essentially superposed, generally coaxial with the hinge axis, and in the same magnetic orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Concept Workshop Worldwide, LLC
    Inventors: David Seidler, Stewart Seidler
  • Patent number: 7328488
    Abstract: A clip and hose clamp for holding the slotted distal portion of the clamp band against the clamp band to prevent harmful contact with the distal end of the clamp band. The clip includes a main panel having side panels orthogonally extending from side margins of the main panel. The side panels are spaced apart a distance equal to a width of the clamp band to receive the clamp band and prevent relative rotational movement therebetween. A locking tab extends inwardly from opposite corners of each of the side panels and spaced parallel to the main panel, the gap therebetween being slightly greater than twice the thickness of the clamp band. The locking tabs are further configured for the clip to be twist locked onto the clamp band and to receive and hold the end portion against the clamp band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas S. Gallo
  • Patent number: 7322768
    Abstract: A cover includes a cover body, a grommet, and a projection. The cover body includes a socket disposed on one of the front and rear opposite surfaces. The grommet is deformable, is held in the socket, and includes a fitting hole. The projection projects from an installation member to which the cover is installed, and is fitted into the fitting hole of the grommet, whereby holding the cover body detachably to the installation member. The grommet further includes convexities disposed on the outer peripheral surface at least, protruding in radial directions, and contacting with the inner peripheral surface of the socket at least. By the elastically deforming convexities, not only the cover is improved in terms of the attachment and detachment operability but also is enhanced in terms of the stability when being installed to the installation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ochiai, Shinji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7322140
    Abstract: A frame assembly for displaying a print is disclosed. The frame assembly comprises a mounting area having a front surface and a back surface and a plurality of sides. Each of the sides have an edge portion and corners disposed between next adjacent sides. The edge portion comprises a first flap foldable about a first crease toward the front surface and a second flap connected to the first flap and foldable about a second crease toward the front surface. A pair of outer tabs is connected to distal ends of each of the second flaps and are foldable about a corner crease such that the outer tabs of the next adjacent second flaps abut when folded. The mounting area defines a plurality of access holes disposed in the mounting area next adjacent the corners for allowing access to the abutting outer tabs from the back surface for securing the outer tabs together to create a beveled appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: James Peery
  • Patent number: 7322074
    Abstract: A cylinder band for immobilizing an air cylinder on a buoyancy regulator includes a belt, a buckle and a coupler adapted to couple the belt and buckle. The buckle has a pair of parallel supporting walls, which have longitudinally opposite first ends and second ends. A pivot extends through the first ends, with end surfaces thereof defining cam surfaces that enhance a tensity of the belt as the second ends swing around the pivot while the end surfaces are in contact with the peripheral surface. The end surfaces each has a pair of convexly curved surface segments spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface, which are adapted to contact the peripheral surface at once. A concavely curved surface segment extends between the convexly curved surface segments and has a curvature radius which is the same as or less than a radius of the peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventors: Minoru Takeuchi, Yuji Kuroda