Patents by Inventor Joseph Edward Spataro

Joseph Edward Spataro has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8555470
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic locking carabiner including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The gate is pivotably coupled to the frame including a closed configuration within which the gate and frame form a continuously enclosed inner region, and an open configuration within which the gate is pivotably rotated within the inner region so as to form an opening. The gate locking system includes an engaged state within which the gate is locked in the closed configuration, and a disengaged state within which the gate is pivotably rotatable with respect to the frame. The gate locking system is biased toward the engaged state when the gate is in the closed configuration. The functionality and operation of the gate locking system is independent of the gate biasing system. The engaged state of the gate locking system includes a releasable magnetic coupling between the gate and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Spataro, Ben Walker, William R Belcourt
  • Publication number: 20120297590
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic locking carabiner including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The gate is pivotably coupled to the frame including a closed configuration within which the gate and frame form a continuously enclosed inner region, and an open configuration within which the gate is pivotably rotated within the inner region so as to form an opening. The gate locking system includes an engaged state within which the gate is locked in the closed configuration, and a disengaged state within which the gate is pivotably rotatable with respect to the frame. The gate locking system is biased toward the engaged state when the gate is in the closed configuration. The functionality and operation of the gate locking system is independent of the gate biasing system. The engaged state of the gate locking system includes a releasable magnetic coupling between the gate and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Spataro, Ben Walker, William R. Belcourt