Bitts, Cleats, And Pin Rails Patents (Class 114/218)
  • Patent number: 11603168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a folding cleat. The folding cleat includes a base, a handle component and an elastic component. The base includes a pivot slot and an accommodation space connected with each other. The handle component includes a supporting portion and a handle portion. The supporting portion includes a rotating shaft disposed at an end of the supporting portion and is pivotally connected to the base. The handle portion extends outward from the other end of the supporting portion. The rotating shaft includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element disposed on an outer peripheral edge of the rotating shaft, respectively. The elastic component is fixed to the base and includes a pushing portion. The pushing portion spatially corresponds to the first positioning element and the second positioning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Wen-Fong Jean
  • Patent number: 11572137
    Abstract: Disclosed is a line handling system 10 for a tugboat 1. The line handling system 10 comprises an actuatable coupling mechanism 200 for coupling together a line 13 of the tugboat 1 and a line 20 of the marine vessel 2 by applying a connector 210 to the lines 13, 20 when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Svitzer A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Bangslund
  • Patent number: 11242117
    Abstract: A modular multipurpose offshore operation platform comprises a floating structure having a lower portion submerged below the surface of the sea, and a platform structure provided at an upper surface of the floating structure. An integrated work platform comprises at least two modular multipurpose offshore operation platforms. Framework structures of two adjacent operation platforms are detachably and fixedly connected, and floor boards of the operation platforms collectively form a deck. A transportation method transports goods to the platform by means of a hoist, and a hoist bracket with a rotating roller. The platform can achieve standardized production, and is flexible and has multiple functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: China Construction Steel Structure Corp. Ltd.
    Inventors: Renge Li, Huakun Li, Tiao Yu, Shaoyuan Peng, Fei Zeng, Shenxin Liu, Zhe Hu, Wei Xiong, Yanchen Li, Sixuan Huang
  • Patent number: 11225183
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dual-purpose grab handle and tie-down bracket for a motor vehicle. An example vehicle includes a body panel defining at least a portion of a recess, and a component mounted at least partially in the recess. Further, the component provides a tie-down bracket configured to attach to a tie-down and a grab handle configured to be grasped by a hand of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Joshua Jacob Clement, John Comiez
  • Patent number: 11180228
    Abstract: An apparatus for securely attaching various stowable items on watercraft is provided. The apparatus allows for non-destructively attaching a mount or base to one or both sides of the craft. A number of securing strap configurations can be added to the base, the straps secured to the base so as to limit movement of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventors: Paulette Scheffer, Tamara Evans
  • Patent number: 11100821
    Abstract: A banner unit has a retractable storage position and a display position. The banner unit includes a pair of elongated rigid support posts, and a banner sheet that is comprised of a pair of one and other banner segments that each have opposed one and other side edges. The one side edge of each banner segment is secured to respective elongated rigid support posts. The banner unit also includes an elongated tubular sleeve constructed and arranged to be disposed in parallel with both of the pair of elongated rigid support posts, with the other side edge of each banner segment being secured to the elongated tubular sleeve. Each banner segment is constructed and arranged with a re-coil or retractable characteristic providing a tendency to form into a closed coil configuration when the elongated rigid support posts are brought together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Fourstar Group Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. Peloquin
  • Patent number: 11066129
    Abstract: A grommet has main body fitting in a toerail aperture enabling a fiber lead to run fairly through a bore, the fiber lead contacting a smooth wall surface in both body and a locking plate or member with the main body flange and intermediate portion fitting a toerail being held in place by the locking member or plate, the locking member or plate fitting a boss in the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: David C Brezina
  • Patent number: 10994662
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a tie-down bracket including a latch pivotably coupled to a body. A method includes, among other things, securing a tie-down line to a tie-down bracket of a vehicle. The method further includes monitoring a load applied to the tie-down bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Kevin Berington Johnson
  • Patent number: 10981634
    Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The boat fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A smart phone app may be employed to remind users to deploy boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the boat fenders automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Shmuel Sam Arditi
  • Patent number: 10882722
    Abstract: A tool for lifting open floor gratings and the like provides a solid anchor point on top surface of floor grating to facilitate handling and hoisting the grating. The tool includes a body member having an upwardly biased shaft with a push member with an opening on its upper end and a butterfly hook at its bottom end. During operation, a user pushes down on the push member until it is completely inside the body so that the butterfly hook reaches under the grating. The user then gives a quarter turn to the body member so that the butterfly hook turns and thus becomes wider than the cell of the grating so that it can hook up with two bearing bars as the user releases the push member and the shaft springs back up and the opening gets out of the body. Once this is done, a shackle is installed through the opening, and a steel cable placed therein, ready for lifting and hoisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Steeve Tremblay
  • Patent number: 10876309
    Abstract: A pool cover anchor system, for use on deck boards surrounding the pool, includes first and second anchor parts. The first anchor part includes: a first portion having an opening; a second portion that extends away from the first portion; and an anchor member that extends away from the first portion for a hook of the pool cover to be mounted thereto. The second anchor part includes: a first portion pivotally received in the opening in the first anchor part; and a second portion that extends away from the first portion of the second anchor part. The opening in the first anchor part is positioned a distance away from the second portion of the first anchor part for each of the second portion of the first anchor part and the second, portion of the second anchor part to respectively bear against two different deck boards simultaneously, and distribute loads therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Lewis
  • Patent number: 10814772
    Abstract: A tie-down apparatus is disclosed for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat having a base portion adapted to be attached to the pick-up truck bed and a loop portion defining an opening for receiving an elongated strand threaded through the opening. A neck portion is provided between the base portion and the loop portion that is adapted to be wrapped by the strand. A hook-shaped flange has a first portion extending normal relative to the loop portion and a second portion partially overlying and spaced from the loop portion. Teeth may be provided on the loop portion directly or on two triangular protrusions. A clamping jaw may also be used to positively grip the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Joshua R. Hemphill
  • Patent number: 10809599
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a body mounted camera suspension/stabilizer, utilizing over the shoulder, dual isolated suspension systems via one tension line passing through the fulcrum point of a telescoping boom pole with lift force created by an independent line suspension to stabilize the camera load as well as provide an even lift force from the floor to several feet overhead of the operator in a single move without the need for counterweights. The apparatus provides for an even lift force throughout the vertical range of the camera load that also further dampens vibrations and operator body movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: CINEMA DEVICES, INC
    Inventor: Adam Teichman
  • Patent number: 10648536
    Abstract: A length adjusting device includes: a body having sides extending in spaced relation to one another, the sides defining respective planes; a first cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a first proximal cam end positioned between the sides; a second cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a second proximal cam end positioned between the sides and adjacent to the first proximal cam end; an axle that rotatably attaches the second cam to the body; a channel formed by a space between the cam ends; a handle attached to the body and rotatable from a first position to a second position about a rotation point upon application of a first force; wherein the body is configured to rotate with respect to the second cam to expand the size of the channel upon the application of the first force exerted on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Truesdell, Timothy R. Batty, James J. Rullo
  • Patent number: 10638805
    Abstract: A unitary drawstring accessory configured to be secured to a drawstring, the accessory including a body; and a channel including a first end, a second end, a length from the first end and the second end, at least one inflection point disposed along the length of the channel, wherein the channel is disposed on a portion of the body, wherein the channel is configured to require manipulation of the drawstring such that a portion of the drawstring may be seated in the channel and upon removal of such manipulation, the portion of the drawstring is frictionally secured in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Stefan Fella
  • Patent number: 10633062
    Abstract: A floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by locks for assembling a floating structure according to this invention comprises a floating body being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from a plan view. The floating body comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper and lower surfaces. Said upper surface and said lower surfaces of the floating body comprise at least one upper engaging surface and at least one lower engaging surface respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surfaces are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock, therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Pichit Boonlikitcheva
  • Patent number: 10578392
    Abstract: An arrow retrieval system for retrieving arrows from hard-to-reach locations such as when submerged in water. The arrow retrieval system generally includes a handle adapted to be grasped by an operator. A clamp may be connected to the handle, with the clamp being adapted to selectively and releasably clamp an arrow within the clamp. The clamp may be adjustable between a closed position and an engaged position. A bias member may be connected to the clamp such that the clamp is biased toward the closed position; with the clamp being adapted to adjust into the engaged position when an arrow is inserted into the clamp. In the engaged position the clamp engages with and secures the arrow within the clamp. With the arrow secured within the clamp, the handle may be pulled outwardly to dislodge and retrieve the arrow from any location in which it is stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Monte A. Mounsdon
  • Patent number: 10563815
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a blade configured for extending between adjacent floor panels and having a bottom portion thereof that defines a floor member engaging recess for engaging a bottom side of the floor member and a hook on an end thereof for engaging a vertical side of the floor member. A mount to which the blade is translatable about and engaged with a top surface of the adjacent floor panels when installed on a floor surface is provided. A linear translator is selectively directed to translate the blade relative to the mount such that the distance between a bottom surface of the mount and the floor member engaging recess is varied in order to securely receive the floor member therebetween. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: William Frank Budleski
  • Patent number: 10562457
    Abstract: A cargo management system includes a cargo anchor including a body extending between first and second ends and defining a hook profile along a first plane perpendicular to an axis extending between the first and second ends and a closed loop profile along a second plane parallel to the axis. The system further includes a substrate having an attachment feature with a first portion coupleable with the anchor profile and a second portion coupleable with the loop profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Stakoe, Mahesh Bhattacharyya, William Bauer, Timothy Barr, Ryan Kurrle
  • Patent number: 10538289
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable handle assembly comprises a handle connected to a marine vessel or watercraft. The handle is housed within the profile of the watercraft and is further connected to the watercraft by an elastic cord. The elastic cord is connected to both the handle and the watercraft to provide tension to the handle when extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventors: Luther Cifers, Matthew Montaruli, Hans Nutz
  • Patent number: 10526060
    Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The boat fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A smart phone app may be employed to remind users to deploy boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the boat fenders automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Shmuel Sam Arditi
  • Patent number: 10501154
    Abstract: A horn cleat deflector assembly uses a pair of bodies to engage the horns of a horn cleat top surfaces engaging the ends of horns, flat surfaces engaging the deck and an angled surface deflecting external objects from fouling the cleat, inner surfaces providing clearance to permit a line to be fastened to the cleat with a lanyard adapted to retain the bodies in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: David C Brezina
  • Patent number: 10401713
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a body mounted camera suspension/stabilizer, utilizing over the shoulder, dual isolated suspension systems via one tension line passing through the fulcrum point of a telescoping boom pole with lift force created by an independent line suspension to stabilize the camera load as well as provide an even lift force from the floor to several feet overhead of the operator in a single move without the need for counterweights. The apparatus provides for an even lift force throughout the vertical range of the camera load that also further dampens vibrations and operator body movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Adam Teichman
  • Patent number: 10399641
    Abstract: A cleat for a boat includes a cam mounted to the boat, where the cam has a rotatable toothed surface for pressing against a line. The cleat also includes a guide mounted to the boat adjacent the cam, where the guide has a surface for directing the line above a top of the cam. In addition, the cleat has a slot formed in the surface of the guide, which permits the line to be moved into opposition with the rotatable toothed surface of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Mark Roger Strube
  • Patent number: 10384582
    Abstract: A truck bed handle apparatus including an elongated body, a central stop portion and a top cross portion. The elongated body extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body defines a lower pocket portion and an upper handle portion. The central stop portion is spaced apart from each of the proximal end and distal end. The central stop portion has a lower face that is structurally configured to interface with a pocket opening on a truck upon insertion of the lower pocket portion thereinto, so as to limit further insertion. The top cross portion is positioned between the central stop portion and the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Step-N-Secure, LLC
    Inventors: M. Lawrence Parker, Joseph Brielman
  • Patent number: 10300322
    Abstract: A shuttle training and therapy device including in one example: a floor standing fame having a headward end and a footward end; a carriage slidably attached to the frame; a resistance system of elastic cords attached to the footward end of the frame; the elastic cords selectively attached to the carriage; and a range of motion limiting system comprising a control cord having a first end attached to the carriage, a second end selectively attached to the frame, and an intermediate portion attached to an elastic member attached to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Gary Graham
  • Patent number: 10239585
    Abstract: A rope tender for a recreational watercraft is removably attached to the top of an outboard motor or a transom of the watercraft. The rope tender has a partial labyrinth slot which captively receive one or more anchor or mooring ropes to prevent entanglement of the ropes with the motor or propellers associated therewith. The rope tender may be conveniently removed and stowed when the watercraft is configured in an operational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventors: James Stanly Styke, Terrence Robert Sobo
  • Patent number: 10221048
    Abstract: A crane assembly includes a main body, a boom, a hoist, a sheave, a hook assembly including a hook, a cable, and a projection. The boom extends from the main body and includes a tubular main section and a tubular extension section telescopically nested within the tubular main section. The boom has a first end pivotally coupled to the main body. The hoist is coupled to at least one of the first end of the boom and the main body. The sheave is disposed at an opposing second end of the boom opposite to the main body. The cable extends from the hoist, along the length of the boom, over the sheave, and downward to the hook assembly. The projection extends outward from the boom and toward the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kelvin C. Aus, Bradley G. Ethington
  • Patent number: 10189545
    Abstract: A cleat for a boat includes a cam mounted to the boat, where the cam has a rotatable toothed surface for pressing against a line. The cleat also includes a guide mounted to the boat adjacent the cam, where the guide has a surface for directing the line above a top of the cam. In addition, the cleat has a slot formed in the surface of the guide, which permits the line to be moved into opposition with the rotatable toothed surface of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Mark Roger Strube
  • Patent number: 10183609
    Abstract: A tie-down apparatus is disclosed for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat having a base portion adapted to be attached to the pick-up truck bed and a loop portion defining an opening for receiving an elongated strand threaded through the opening. A neck portion is provided between the base portion and the loop portion that is adapted to be wrapped by the strand. A hook-shaped flange has a first portion extending normal relative to the loop portion and a second portion partially overlying and spaced from the loop portion. Teeth may be provided on the loop portion directly or on two triangular protrusions. A clamping jaw may also be used to positively grip the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Joshua R. Hemphill
  • Patent number: 10093393
    Abstract: A cleat includes two cams (36) comprising mutually opposed convex surfaces rotatable about parallel axes which extend vertically in a rope-trapping position of the cleat, to bring the arcuate surfaces together and apart. The cams (36) are urged towards each other to trap a rope (66) therebetween. Each cam is also mounted to a horizontal cylinder (2) for rotation about an axis of the cylinder, in order to allow the rope (66) to rotate the arcuate surfaces by pulling in a line above this horizontal axis and to free the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Yaxley Yachts Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Thomas David Yates
  • Patent number: 10076322
    Abstract: A tissue button includes a body, a door, and a cross-pin that secures the door to the body. The door pivots relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. A first portion of a suture can be pulled when the door is in the open position, and a second portion of the suture cannot be pulled when the door is in the closed position. A cross-section of the cross-pin taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis is non-circular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Patent number: 10046832
    Abstract: A power cleat system having a cleat assembly, a cleat base assembly, a backer plate assembly, a cylinder assembly, and a guide support assembly. The cleat assembly has a top end, a base, and guide shafts. The cleat base assembly has a drain groove, a base, threaded sections protruding from the base, and linear bearings. The backer plate assembly has a backer plate, backer plate holes, and a backer plate housing hole. The cylinder assembly has a cylinder, exterior and interior threading, a fitting, a spring, a piston, a piston rod, a piston cylinder cap, and a piston screw. The guide support assembly has mounting flanges, a base with a hole, and a base screw. The power cleat system further has a bezel gasket assembly, and an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Donald Brookins
  • Patent number: 9926046
    Abstract: A mooring device for mooring a water craft to a mooring berth. The mooring device includes an engaging element borne by the water craft or the mooring berth, and a lock borne by the mooring berth or the water craft, respectively. The lock includes two catch bars spaced out and extending vertically, at least a part of the engaging element being adapted to engaging between the two bars so as to be held by the lock and enabling the mooring of the water craft to the mooring berth. The catch bars are mobile relative to each other between a locking position in which the catch bars are brought closer to each other and maintain the engaging element and an unlocking position in which the catch bars are moved apart to enable the removal or insertion of the engaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SAVOYE
    Inventor: Remy Jeannin
  • Patent number: 9919768
    Abstract: A power cleat system having a cleat assembly, a cleat base assembly, a backer plate assembly, a guide assembly, and an actuating system to elevate and retract the cleat assembly from the cleat base assembly. The cleat assembly has a top end, a base, and guide shafts. The guide shafts have flat sides and ends. The cleat base assembly has a drain groove, a base, threaded sections protruding from the base, and linear bearings. The backer plate assembly has a backer plate, backer plate holes, and a backer plate housing hole. The actuating system has a bladder assembly, which includes a bladder cradle, a coupler bolt, a base with a hole, and a fill/discharge stem. The power cleat system further has a bezel gasket assembly, and an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Donald Brookins
  • Patent number: 9901713
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark Stephen Freas
  • Patent number: 9884578
    Abstract: A tie-down assembly for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat including a base having first and second feet defining first and second fastener receiving holes, a body portion extending from an outer side of the feet, and first and second arms extending from the body portion that are spaced from the feet and define tie-down holes. Fasteners inserted into the first and second fastener holes secure the cleat to the pick-up truck bed. A method of making a tie-down cleat for a pick-up truck bed by extruding an elongated bar having a pair of feet portions connected by a body portion to a pair of arm portions. The elongated bar is cut into a plurality of planar cleat blanks and the cleat blanks are drilled to form fastener holes in the feet portions and tie-down holes in the arm portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Joshua R. Hemphill
  • Patent number: 9809280
    Abstract: A cleat having an adjustable anchoring system configured to suspend a bumper. The cleat has a first horn located opposite a second horn. A support structure is connected to the cleat. A recess of the support structure has a ridge protruding from a wall surface of the recess. The ridge is configured to deform a portion of rope. A bore of the support structure is configured to receive a fastener. A base has a bore configured to receive the fastener. The bore of the support structure is oriented to align with the bore of the base. The base has two ramps that protrude from a wall surface of a recess of the base. The two ramps form a pocket that can have a protrusion configured to bind a portion of the rope when the fastener is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Miller, Timo Pascal Kommerling
  • Patent number: 9789937
    Abstract: A fender hook is disclosed that is formed by a base material carrying a gripping material disposed between sections of hook and loop material. By wrapping the base material over upon itself, the gripping material is brought into frictional engagement with a mounting substrate such as a nautical railing and is held in place by the hook and loop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Ratigan
  • Patent number: 9694878
    Abstract: A mooring device includes a canister, a spool having two side walls with teeth around their perimeters, a mooring cable wrapped around the spool, a lid having a first piece and a second piece, and two pairs of stops extending from the bottom surface of the lid. The two pairs of stops engage the notches of the two side walls of the spool when the first piece of the lid rests in the closed position. The stops disengage from the notches when the first piece of the lid is open. A thumbpad allows a user to move the stops from a lock position to an unlocked position without opening the lid. The device extends and retracts the cable to accommodate tidal and other water action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Miller O. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9669693
    Abstract: A truck body protector apparatus including at least one elongated rectangular mounting plate affixed to a top surface of one of a pair of sidewalls of a pickup truck. An interior surface of a rectangular flexible fabric sheet proximal a top end of the sheet is disposed on an entirety of an upper surface of the at least one mounting plate. A height of the sheet is configured to cover an external surface of one of the pair of sidewalls. A weighted rod is continuously attached to a bottom end of the sheet. A pair of hook and loop cinch straps is secured between the upper surface of the at least one mounting plate and the interior surface of the sheet. The sheet has a rolled position and an alternate unrolled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventors: David Adams, Tammie Adams
  • Patent number: 9527553
    Abstract: A system for rope cleating is disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a cleating component, an anchoring component, and an exterior shell. In practice, the system may facilitate connecting a boat to a dock even if the boater is unfamiliar with proper nautical knots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Vitalz Outdoors, LLC
    Inventors: Russell W. White, Stanley M. Dufek
  • Patent number: 9492270
    Abstract: A medical device and tension member for use in a subject enables fixation of tension members and transmission of force from tissues to energy converters or to natural or prosthetic bones or other prostheses. The medical device includes an anchor block having a knob extending from its surface, such knob configured to engage a looped tension member. The tension member includes a looped portion configured to engage the knob, an intermediate portion, and a tissue engaging portion configured to engage tissue in a subject. The looped portion is connected to the tissue engaging portion via the intermediate portion. A system is provided for use in a subject and includes at least one looped tension member, an operational device, and at least one medical device configured to couple the looped tension member and the operational device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventors: Alan Joel Melvin, Dennis R. Trumble
  • Patent number: 9421618
    Abstract: A cable clamping arrangement for securing one or more cables to a submerged hull surface of a ship. The cable clamping arrangement includes a plurality of powerful magnetic clamping devices for attaching signal carrying cables to a submerged ferrous submerged hull surface. The cable clamping devices each have a low-profile and are dome shaped to reduce hydrodynamic interference when the ship is travelling at operational speeds. The clamps are equipped to grip a cable in a desired path at a desired tension, thereby increasing the ability to maintain the cable in a fixed manner on the surface while the ship is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Keith Brennan, Damien Carl Bretall
  • Patent number: 9376172
    Abstract: A self-aligning roller chock comprises a deck mounting structure which includes a boss member coupled to the deck and a swivel base plate rotationally coupled to the boss member for rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the deck; a pivot assembly coupled to the swivel base plate; a frame coupled to the pivot member and configured to pivot relative to the deck mounting member about the pivot assembly; and a sheave wheel rotationally mounted within the frame adapted to receive rigging line therein. The chock will pivot about two axes providing a self-aligning horizontal and vertical alignment with a resulting force of the rigging line. The self-aligning roller chock may further include a spring coupled to the frame and partially supporting the weight of the frame and the sheave wheel at least when the axis of the sheave wheel is non-parallel to the plane of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: W.W. PATTERSON COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Burkett, Taylor C Grapes
  • Patent number: 9376171
    Abstract: A mooring cleat with open design for restraining a line and for attaching a free end of the line, the mooring cleat having an overlapping horn design with an angled slot that allows a line/rope into the device at any desired position along the line, wherein the cleat restrains the line against static pull in nearly any three-dimensional direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Brandon R. Bagwell
  • Patent number: 9352804
    Abstract: Fall protection structures are disclosed relating to nautical vessels that include a nautical vessel, a precipice, a first and a second kevel adjacent to the precipice, a first post structure connected to the first kevel, a second post structure connected to the second kevel, a top railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure, and a middle railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure such that the top railing and the middle railing limit access to the precipice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Jeremy Todd
  • Patent number: 9295306
    Abstract: A cord lock comprises a basic portion, and a first hook portion and a second hook portion integrated with the basic portion. The first hook portion and the second hook portion are formed at a first side of the basic portion. The first hook portion has a first concave portion for securing a cord. The second hook portion has a second concave portion for securing the cord. The opening direction of the first concave portion is different from that of the second concave portion. The first concave portion and the second concave portion bend the cord between the first hook portion and the second hook portion so as to secure the cord. The cord lock can be assembled on a cord at any time without having to be assembled on a product in advance and can be removed at any time, thereby making the production arrangement more flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Duraflex Hong Kong Limited
    Inventor: Yuen Fu Sparkle Chu
  • Patent number: 9290246
    Abstract: Described herein is an adjustable marine fender holder comprising: a cylindrical body comprising a hole, the hole sized to receive a rope connected to a marine fender; a rope jam coupled angularly to the cylindrical body, the rope jam comprising a channel, the channel comprising a plurality of teeth configured to grip the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Silver Fox Capital LLC
    Inventor: Walter J. Till
  • Patent number: 9278734
    Abstract: A tether device for pool floats includes a float attachment unit having an elongated cord with connectors permanently affixed to each end. A soft sleeve is positioned along the cord and between the connectors. The device also includes an anchor unit having a tether that is interposed between a weighted element and a hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Pennington