Patents Examined by Ruth C. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7069625
    Abstract: A safety buckle is disclosed to include two female buckle members respectively fastened to the two distal ends of a belt, each buckle member having a receiving open chamber and recessed engagement portions at top and bottom sides inside the receiving open chamber, and a male buckle member for joining the female buckle members, the male buckle member having two plug units for insertion into the receiving open chambers of the female buckle members respectively, each plug unit having raised engagement portions at the top and bottom sides thereof for engaging the recessed engagement portions of the respective female buckle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kim Ging Hui Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun Chien Liu
  • Patent number: 7062823
    Abstract: A theft deterrent device adapted to be connected to an item of merchandise to discourage shoplifting includes a flexible lanyard. In one embodiment, the first end of the lanyard is removably anchored to the holder with the second end of the lanyard being lockable to the holder. The lanyard may thus be replaced if severed by a shoplifter so that the holder may be reused. The invention also provides a lanyard having first and second ends with a latch that holds that ends together so that the ends may be inserted as a unit into the holder before being locked to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank H. Copen, David K. Huehner, Richard E. Corney
  • Patent number: 7055343
    Abstract: A jewelry chain comprising links which are articulated in twos. The chain consists of first links each comprising two semi-links which are interassembled by means of welding and/or soldering, the first links each extending essentially according to a plane (X, Y) and being pivotably linked to adjacent links by means of pivots all of which are parallel to the respective planes (X, Y) of the first links. The chain also comprises second links which are alternatingly disposed with first links, each of the second links forming a continuous ring extending essentially according to a plane which is perpendicular to the adjacent first links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Louis Vuitton Malletier
    Inventor: Francesca Crova
  • Patent number: 7055223
    Abstract: A band clamp comprising a sleeve and a tightening mechanism that includes at least one fastener, such as a nut and bolt, as well as a reaction member which is constructed of a single piece of sheet metal. The reaction member is disposed between the end flanges of the clamp sleeve and can be shaped such that it is forcibly pressed into engagement with the underlying pipe when the clamp is tightened. The reaction member can be a separate component retained between the flanges by engagement of end portions of the reaction member with retainer ears on the flanges. Alternatively, the end flanges and reaction member can all be unitary portions of the clamp sleeve such that the complete band clamp, except for the bolt and nut, is comprised of a unitary piece of sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Cassel, Michael E. Amedure
  • Patent number: 7051410
    Abstract: The snap hook of the invention comprises a snap hook body closed by two closure fingers pivoting in opposite directions. The two closure fingers are separated by an insertion space. The insertion space has a width sufficient to allow the insertion of a loop oriented perpendicularly to the mean direction of the closure fingers. The insertion space becomes progressively narrower in the direction of the second end of the closure fingers. As a result, a loop may be inserted between the closure fingers, around the second end of the snap hook body, and pushing the loop, automatically inserts it into the snap hook, which thereafter remains locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Etablissements Simond
    Inventor: Ludger Simond
  • Patent number: 7047602
    Abstract: A tab mechanism adopted for a zipper slide has a connection member having a hanging portion connecting the zipper slide and a clamping portion downwardly extending from the hanging portion. A locking structure having a top end connects the clamping portion of the connection member and a bottom end for hanging an object. The locking structure includes a male buckle and a female buckle clamping on and detachable from the male buckle for easily hanging an identification card, a toy, a whistle, a cell phone, or similar objects to avoid loss and damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Wallace Wang
  • Patent number: 7043939
    Abstract: An adjustable band ring includes a band formed by threading a thread through a thread hole provided on each of individual jewel or precious metal beads, a chain-like band formed by joining individual sub-chains made of precious metals, or a ring band formed by joining individual sub-rings made of precious metals. The ring further includes a band retainer on the base end of the band for holding the side of a middle portion of the band that has completely been wound around the finger, a hook on the forward end of the band extending beyond the band retainer and adapted to engage the side of the middle portion of the band, and a plurality of individual jewel beads mounted on the side of the band retainer that will be located on the upper face side of the band retainer when the ring is mounted on the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: IMAC Business Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Imahashi
  • Patent number: 7032891
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for fencing and other outdoor structures that allow the structure to be changed or adjusted to modify the function, use or appearance of the structure. The structure can be adjusted into a selected position and releasably secured, or portions can be changed to modify the appearance of the structure. One aspect of the invention provides an accessible compartment in the structure to retain objects such as wires or other conduits, and allows for attaching selected objects to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: On The Fence Technologies, LLC Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Rowley, David Kurth
  • Patent number: 7032277
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a cable management system having a flexible main strap with an upper portion adapted to be secured to a first supporting surface in an electronic device, a middle portion with a plurality of mini straps attached thereon, and a lower portion adapted to be secured to a second supporting surface in the electronic device. The mini straps are capable of forming loops around a cable or cable assembly to restrict movement of the cable or cable assembly. Also disclosed is a method for managing cables in an electronic device. The method contains the steps of: attaching an upper portion of a main strap having a plurality of mini straps attached thereon to a first surface on the electronic device; organizing cables in the electronic device using the mini straps attached to the main strap; and attaching a lower portion of the main strap to a second surface on the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Rolla, Denise M. Masson
  • Patent number: 7028507
    Abstract: An article of jewelry comprising a bracelet having a single framed compartment or a plurality of framed compartments each of which releasably receives a photograph or some similar medium with indicia thereon. Each framed compartment is formed of a rear plate for containing and protecting the back of the photograph(s) and four sidewalls integrally formed therewith. Openings are formed in two of the opposing sidewalls to receive a thin resilient cord or the like employed to connect the framed compartments in a series or a single framed compartment to various other desired objects. A separate opening is formed within the rear plate to receive an implement to facilitate the removal of the photograph. Spacer members are provided to keep the series of framed compartment equally separated from the next and ensure the bracelet's overall flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Broadway Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Abbie Rapport
  • Patent number: 7029197
    Abstract: A quick-release joint for two tubes which includes a first connector having a first inner lip formed on an inner surface of the first connector, a second connector pivotally connected to the first connector and axially offset from the first connector. The second connector has a protrusion formed on an inner surface of the second connector and has an outer groove formed on the protrusion next to a top face of the second connector to correspond to the first flange. A retainer is formed on a side of the first connector and the second connector to move the first connector to axially align with the second connector such that after the first inner lip is received in the outer groove of the protrusion, the first connector and second connector are solidly and rigidly coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Jong-Te Lin, Nelson Lin
  • Patent number: 7017242
    Abstract: A slider (1) for zip fasteners with two tabs (2, 3), comprising a hollow body (4) in which are positioned structure (10, 5, 6) designed in such a way that, when either one of the two tabs (2, 3) is pulled, this causes the disengagement of a pawl (7) from the teeth (Zi) of a fastener, overcoming the resistance of elastic structure (8, 9) which keep the pawl inserted between the teeth (Zi). In the slider (1) a fork (10) is provided with two prongs (5, 6) positioned on opposite sides of the plane (?) of the teeth (Zi) and pivoted at a point (P, Q) of the slider (1) in such a way that it can rotate in a plane (?) perpendicular to the plane (?) of the teeth (Zi) when a force is exerted on at least one (6) of its prongs (5, 6) by the tab (3) connected to it by its ring (3a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Riri S.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Bernasconi
  • Patent number: 7017243
    Abstract: A secure clamping mechanism formed with two spaced apart surfaces; a resiliently compressible biasing member positioned between the two spaced apart surfaces; a clamp having a drive shaft that is structured to be slidingly engaged between the two spaced apart surfaces; and an interference member for engaging the biasing member between the drive portion and at least one of the spaced apart surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7018127
    Abstract: A connector for joining two pieces of sheet metal together end-to-end. A second wall and a first wall define a first channel therebetween, into which a ledge extends, and which lockingly receives one piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the one piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the ledge. A third wall terminates in a free edge that is folded onto itself, and together with the first wall, defines a second channel therebetween that lockingly receives the other piece of sheet metal, by virtue of at least one reverse button lock on a raw free end of the other piece of sheet metal snapingly engaging against the folded free edge of the third wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy E. Walsh, Thomas M. Howard
  • Patent number: 7013534
    Abstract: The invention is characterized in that in order to improve tensile strength and draw operability for a two-loop coiled type claming device and to suppress the amount of slack to the minimum necessary, the arrangement is such that when the bore diameter of a clamp band 11 is forcibly contractively deformed by inserting a draw operating tool (F) between first and second tool engaging teeth (18) and (22) cut up outwardly from the inner and outer overlap portions (11a) and (11b) of the clamp band 11 to engage the tool (F) with the teeth (18) and (22), a first fixing tooth (17) of raised channel shape cut up outwardly from the inner overlap portion (11a) and a second fixing tooth (21) of recessed channel shape cut up reversely or inwardly from the outer overlap portion (11b) seizure-wise engage each other by a fixed amount (L4) through a tool relief reception communication hole (24) in the intermediate overlap portion (11c) interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kenlock
    Inventor: Kenji Nagano
  • Patent number: 7007353
    Abstract: A buckle arrangement for releasably connecting two parts of an object that includes a post which projects out at right angles from one part, and a ring-shaped body which is connected to the other part and which is received by the post. The ring-shaped body carries latching shoulders which engage with a waist in the post and which can be released from the post by applying pressure against two exposed press keys connected to the latch shoulders. The buckle arrangement can be used between a lateral end-part of an upper edge-region of a carrier pouch in a child-supporting harness and a chest strap included in the harness, or for mutually connecting the ends of a belt belonging to a babysitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Baby Bjorn AB
    Inventor: HÃ¥kan Bergkvist
  • Patent number: 7007507
    Abstract: This invention is a necklace or bracelet with provisions to prevent the bunching of baubles, bangles and beads which are strung on the necklace or bracelet. Bunching is prevented by keepers which are removably attached to bands fixed at intervals on the strands of the necklaces or bracelets. Two types of keepers are disclosed, one of which has internal threads which interact with a threaded bands, and one which uses a clamshell structure to secure the keeper on a band. The keepers may have a variety of shapes for decorative effects, such as cylindrical, spherical, cubical, or pyramid-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Pandora Jewelry, LLC
    Inventor: Per A. Enevoldsen
  • Patent number: 7007508
    Abstract: A twisted tennis bracelet or necklace is provided comprising individual elements which have male and female components, the male and female components being angularly offset with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis therethrough such that a jewelry article formed of such elements has a twist or spiral look. The outer edges, tops, and/or bottoms of the individual elements are capable of receiving a jewel stone or other ornamental feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Gold Brands Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Paola Valentini
  • Patent number: 7004669
    Abstract: A system for clamping two tubular members together in an end-to-end relationship uses a split ring with a V-shaped outer rim that can engage a clamping surface on each member. The split ring has a relaxed closed state where the ends of the ring are adjacent and the outside diameter of the split ring is less than the minimum inside diameter of the members at their ends. The members are clamped when the split ring is spread into an elastically stretched position where the ring rim is pressed tightly against the interior surfaces of the members. Mechanisms are provided for removing the spreader so the split ring will return to the relaxed state, releasing the clamped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Vaughn, Everett S. Hafenrichter, Agapito C. Chapa, Steven M. Harris, Marcus J. Martinez, Roy S. Baty
  • Patent number: 7004666
    Abstract: An attachment assembly, useful in quickly attaching an object to a panel, is provided with a base assembly having a shaft member extending therefrom and an expandable member having a plurality of fingers disposed on one side of the panel such that, during installation, the fingers radially outwardly expand to clamp the object to the panel. A process of mounting an object to a panel is also provided. The object is attached to the base of the attachment assembly and the shaft member is positioned in an aperture in a panel. The panel is clamped between the fingers and the base upon installation of the attachment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: A. David Kozlovski