Patents Examined by Ruth C. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7143481
    Abstract: The object of the present invention that a fixing ring is provided, which has annular ring form made of strip materials and is mounted in a bore or on a outside surface of flexible joints for piping, and not only has compact form and structure but also can be adjusted stepless and fixed through wide range. An inclined plate member, which is positioned on the inner or outer surface of a strip material with a certain tapered space, is fixed at ends of inner surface side or outer surface side of a strip material in order to be fixed in overlapped situation. A roller is disposed in the certain tapered space as it can roll freely along circumferential direction. The other end of the strip material is inserted between the one end of a strip material and the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Miki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomasa Komai, Shigeharu Miki, Wataru Shiota
  • Patent number: 7143486
    Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring device for fastening laces which includes a structure having a supporting base and a pair of overlapping throat members which hold sections of the fastening lace. The bottom throat member forms a reel and includes retention ledges which retain a winding section of the lace that is wrapped about the reel. The upper throat member forms a reel having retention ledges which retain a winding section of the lace that may be wrapped about the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: José Santiago Rolla
  • Patent number: 7137176
    Abstract: Arrangement in a device for identifying counterfeit apparel including a cylindrical button body (1) coupled to a circular base, (2) forming a circular space (4) housing an encapsulated assembly formed by a chip (6) and an antenna (5). The encapsulated assembly forms an opening that receives a plastic plug (7) which has a lower circular flap located in a hole provided on the button base. A locking pin is coupled to the button body. Alternatively, the button body is forms a circular guide (11) which is concentric to the assembly. The button body has a terminal circular flap (12) configuring an opening (10) between the internal walls of the button base (2) and the circular flap (12). The chip (6) stores data through programmed codes in a logical sequence containing a fixed code identifying the apparel article and a flexible code to save complementary information on the apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Global ID South América Ltda.
    Inventor: Milton Flávio de Macedo
  • Patent number: 7134802
    Abstract: A latch assembly to connect a component to a rack. The assembly comprises a latch spring and a lever that are connected to a component. The latch spring is moveable between an engaged and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the latch spring is engaged with a catch that is connected to a rack. In the disengaged position the latch spring is disengaged from the catch. The lever is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a latched position and an unlatched position. The rotation of the lever from the latched position to the unlatched position moves the latch spring from the engaged position to the disengaged position in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventors: Alan B. Doerr, Minh H. Nguyen, Kelly Kennedy Smith
  • Patent number: 7127782
    Abstract: A clasp apparatus to releaseably hold an ornamental object. That ornamental object may have a spherical shape or an irregular shape. A method to releaseably hold an ornamental object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: William Skiles
  • Patent number: 7127781
    Abstract: A safety release device for a kite line has a first fastening member with an attachment point for a first line portion and a second fastening member with an attachment point for a second line portion. In a fastened position the second fastening member engages through an aperture of the first fastening member. A release member is movably positioned on the first fastening member and is movable between a secured position holding hold the release device in the fastened position and a released position in which a line attached to the release device pulls the second fastening member out of engagement through the aperture. A releasable locking member is provided on the release member for locking the release member in the secured position so as to prevent it being moved to the released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Neil Pryde Limited
    Inventors: Ian Ponting, David Starbuck
  • Patent number: 7124476
    Abstract: Buckle for tensioning the straps of fins or the like, having quick and simple fastening and unfastening means, comprising a base part designed to be attached to one side of the shoe of the fin, an intermediate lever hinged at one end by hinge pins to the said base part, and a terminal part which carries at one end the means of connection to the fin attachment strap, while its other end is hinged by the pins at a point on the said lever situated between the end hinged to the base part and its free end, characterized in that the lever possesses on its two flanks, near its free end, two elastically flexible wings, each having a tooth and an outwardly projecting pin, while the base is provided, likewise on each flank, in positions corresponding to the said teeth and to the said pins, with means for engaging with the said teeth, and for housing the said pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: HTM Sport S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Garofalo, Gian Paolo Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 7117566
    Abstract: A manually releasable clip holder for receiving, securely holding and manually releasing a serpentine clip has a substantially flat base-plate. An insert is coupled to the base-plate. The insert has an insert cover with a top edge that forms an insert channel over the base plate. A channel aperture is formed at the insert cover top edge. A flap is pivotally coupled to the base plate and has a bottom edge. A spring is coupled to provide a restoring force to return the flap to a predetermined restored position with the flap bottom edge positioned above and beyond the insert cover top edge and the channel aperture. The separation between the flap bottom edge in the restored position and the insert cover top edge forms a window to the channel aperture. The flap is displaced toward the base-plate in response to a light deflection force from a serpentine clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Stephan C. Ewing
  • Patent number: 7114224
    Abstract: A weld portion produced by heat welding and a non-weld portion which does not undergo heat welding are formed on a contact face between an inside face of a stopper portion made of synthetic resin and a surface of a fastener tape. Preferably, a bottom end face of a rear side of the stopper portion is made substantially flush with a rear surface of the fastener tape by heating with pressure. Consequently, embrittlement of the stopper portion is prevented and its fixing strength is secured, thereby eliminating itchy feeling and feeling of discomfort originating from a configuration of the upper stopper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Kondo, Yoneo Yoshida, Yoshiyuki Toishi, Hideji Maeda
  • Patent number: 7111368
    Abstract: A buckle body formed of a resin has a housing having an insertion port on one end, an opening portion on both sides and an engaged portion in an inner part, an insertion member is provided with a pair of flexible insertion leg portions including an engaging portion on one end, an operating rod extended like a cantilever from a tip is continuously provided on the outside of the insertion leg portion and a mechanism capable of suppressing inward and outward deformations of the leg portion within a constant rage is provided, and the operating rod is provided with an operating portion protruded outward from the opening portion disposed on the buckle body at time of an insertion into the buckle body, and the insertion leg portion is deformed by pressing to disengage the engaging portion from the engaged portion, thereby removing the insertion member from the buckle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Matoba
  • Patent number: 7107654
    Abstract: A tie strap assembly for encircling and securing bundles of articles or discrete items including a looped tie strap or elastic band and a coupler for engaging opposite ends of the strap. The coupler includes an elongated shank having hook shaped arms on one end and an open ring on the opposite end. Protrusions are provided on the ring for capturing one end of the strap and keeper arms protrude from the shank to aid in holding the opposite end of the strap on the hook shaped arms. The ring has an open center for hanging the assembly for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Locan Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Gary L. Byers
  • Patent number: 7108443
    Abstract: A coupling device includes a coupling seat unit connected pivotally to pivot portions of two rod members of a foldable frame such that an engaging end portion of each rod member extends into an accommodating space of the coupling seat unit when the rod members are aligned with each other in an extended position. A spring-loaded latch unit is mounted movably in the accommodating space and is operable from an engaging position for retaining the rod members in the extended position to a releasing position for permitting movement of the rod members to a folded position. An actuating member has a connecting portion extending into the accommodating space and mounted movably on the coupling seat unit, and an actuating portion operably externally of the accommodating space for moving the actuating portion so as to drive the latch unit to move from the engaging position to the releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 7096543
    Abstract: An article clamp (10) of the band type including an elongated flexible band (11) having on one side a plurality of spaced teeth (20) and a head (14) having a chamber (22) for receiving screw (23) for cooperation with the teeth (20) on the band (11), a proximal end (12) of the band (11) being connected to the proximal end (15) only of the head (14) such that the distal end (16) of the head (14) is spaced from and free of the band (11), the head (14) further having a passage (30) therethrough for receiving a distal end (13) of the band (11) to form the band (11) into a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Castellanos
  • Patent number: 7096545
    Abstract: A buckle includes a socket (10), a plug (20) of which tip end part can be inserted into and released from the socket by pressing both sides of the socket by a manual operation. The plug has a base (21) located on a base end of the plug, a pair of lock arms (22) extending to the tip end of the plug from the base, an engaging part (24) provided on the intermediary of the lock arm and engageable with the inside of the socket, a pressing part (25) provided on the intermediary of the lock arm and pressed by the manual operation, and a bridge (30) for connecting the intermediaries of the lock arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Kayo Fujimoto, Yasutaka Nishida
  • Patent number: 7097379
    Abstract: A locking mechanism on a container (1) or a holding device (28), having two interlockable parts (33, 21, 26), wherein one part (2, 21) forms an interlocking recess (9) and the mating part (3, 26) an interlocking tongue (6). In the opening path of the interlocking tongue, a blocking element (8) is provided, as a result of which the interlocking tongue (6) can only be set to the opening position after removing the blocking element by means of a suitable tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Rösler
  • Patent number: 7086123
    Abstract: A cuff clip jewelry device is provided in the form of a spring-biased cuff clamp having a decorative charm adhesively secured thereon and a U-shaped shoe clip connected to the cuff clamp with a detachable length of sterling silver chain. The cuff clamp is attached to the cuff of a baggy pant leg and the shoe clip is slipped onto the upper portion of the back of a shoe. The jewelry device prevents the cuff of the baggy pant leg from dropping below the heel of the shoe and being dragged on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Bobby J. Carter
  • Patent number: 7083356
    Abstract: A ball joint restriction system provides a cylindrical extension in the end of the ball, and also provides an oblong housing in the closing cover of the ball joint to restrict movement of the extension. A positioning member positions the cover with respect to the box so that the oblong opening of the housing is provided in the same direction that the oblong opening in the other end of the ball joint box, through which pin or stem of the ball type pin passes. The ball joint will guarantee the maintenance of the connecting rod, whatever is its curve and weight, perfectly aligned with the other components of the system, as well as it will allow that the ball type pin to be always positioned in its designed geometrical axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Dana Industrial S/A
    Inventor: Enzo Paduano
  • Patent number: 7080429
    Abstract: A container (120) includes a closure device (121). The closure device includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips. The slider includes first and second side portions (140, 142) and a top portion (144). The first side portion (140) includes pivot arms (158, 168). The pivot arms (158, 168) include shoulders (156, 166). The second side portion (142) includes pivot arms (152, 162). The pivot arms (152, 162) include shoulders (150, 160). The pivot arms (152, 158, 162, 168) create a pivot point for the shoulders (150, 156, 160, 166) that prevents the slider (132) from being removed from the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis (106). The shoulders move into the fastening strips when an upward force (180) is applied in the Z axis (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7076843
    Abstract: A fitting portion of a rotational member of a shoestring tying apparatus is fit to a rotational cap serving as an operating member of a fastening member for winding up and fastening a shoestring. The fitting portion serves as a connection between a driving mechanism and the rotational cap. When the user pulls an operating cord serving as a portion of a driving mechanism, a rotational member is rotated, and a spring included in the rotational member is wound. The rotational cap is rotated through the fitting portion due to rotation of the rotational member, thereby quickly rotating the fastening member. Thus, the fastening member can be rotated several dozen times by an operation in which the operating cord is alternately extracted and retracted several times. This provides a shoestring tying apparatus with excellent portability and appearance for easily and quickly fastening a shoestring in a sure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Toshiki Sakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7076845
    Abstract: A mechanical knot apparatus for replacing the use of a conventional knot or fitting for fastening or securing a rope or cable to an object. A spool-like body with a slot or two holes bored crosswise across the middle of the spool perpendicular to its axis is provided. A loop is first formed in the rope by either splicing or by simply creating a loop with the use of a knot. The end of the loop is passed through the slot or holes in the spool and then passed around the object to be secured. The loop is then wrapped back over the flanges of the spool to create a hitch-like configuration. When tension is applied, the rope slips through the device until flanges or body of the spool seats against the object being secured. A secondary tightly fitting flexible ring such as a rubber “O” ring is optionally slipped around the root of the loop and can be slid up against the hitch to act as a “lock” which prevents the loop from bouncing off the flanges of the spool during severe flogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy T. Tylaska, Barry L. Hull