Cord And Rope Holders Patents (Class 24/115R)
  • Patent number: 6152060
    Abstract: A mounting connector for suspending articles such as fenders from the life lines and life rails in boats provides a secure attachment while enabling rapid disengagement or adjustment in the position of the fender. The mounting connector includes a hook arrangement which hooks onto the life line or life rail and includes a blocker which can be inserted into the hook to prevent accidental disengagement. The fender line passes through two closely spaced parallel holes in the body portion of the connector and can be readily adjusted lengthwise relative to these holes when the connector is moved to a horizontal position, but which bind with such holes when in normal suspended condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: George Steiner
  • Patent number: 6145443
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a suspension for the running rail of a lifting mechanism at a girder, with a cable connecting the girder and the running rail. The ends of the cable are detachably connected with one another by a connection element. To prevent tearing of the redundant suspension or to prevent the cable clamps from damaging the cables in the event of sudden loading, for example, if the primary running rail fastening system tears or breaks, the connection element formed of two wedge locks connected to one another are arranged in such a way that one wedge lock is rotated by 180 degrees relative to the other wedge lock. Accordingly, the working directions of the wedges clamping the ends of the cable are oppositely directed. The ends of the cable which run in from opposite directions can be guided back in the direction opposite to their running-in direction after deflection around the wedges of the wedge locks such that they can be clamped by the wedges, at least under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Gabriel, Klaus Enners
  • Patent number: 6134754
    Abstract: A line keep includes a substantially flat base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. Positioned on the bottom surface is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Extending through the base between the top surface and opposing bottom surface are a pair of spaced apart apertures. A first prong upwardly projects from the top surface of the base and terminates in a horizontally disposed first finger disposed over the first aperture. A second prong projects from the top surface of the base adjacent to the second aperture and terminates at a second finger horizontally disposed over the second aperture. The first finger and second finger face in opposing directions and are configured to project through opposing sides of a vertical reference plane extending through the base between the first and second prong. The prongs can be selectively moved between an upstanding position and a folded position wherein the fingers are positioned adjacent to the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christer Hansson, Fred P. Lampropoulos, Arlin D. Nelson, William Padilla, Garlyn W. Hendry
  • Patent number: 6115889
    Abstract: A tether device for horses and other animals includes a flat rear mounting plate for fixedly mounting the device to a stall or barn wall, for example. A web plate is formed to protrude perpendicularly forward from the mounting plate. A rope slot is formed between an upwardly extending hook portion of the web plate and the rear mounting plate. A spring clip is hingedly attached to the rear mounting plate in alignment with the hook portion of the web plate, the spring clip being arranged to urge itself into a quiescent position against the inner surface of the hook portion of the web plate. A pawl having a toothed, arcuate peripheral surface facing an inner surface of the web plate, is hingedly mounted to the front surface of the rear mounting plate. A coil spring positioned between the pawl and the rear mounting plate serves to rotate the toothed peripheral surface of the pawl upward into a quiescent position against the inner surface of the web plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Charles E. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 6105218
    Abstract: A fastener comprising first and second separable members, for engaging an elongate element. Each member includes first and second complementary shaped partial-cylindrical portions formed on a facing side thereof. The first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the first member have outside dimensions that are complementarily dimensioned with respect to the inside dimensions of the first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the second member, so that the first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the first member selectively engage and nest within the first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the second member when the facing side of the first and second members are positioned towards each other. The elongate element is engaged between the first and second members of the fastener by an engagement area formed when one of the first and second partial-cylindrical portions are nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George Reekie
  • Patent number: 6100614
    Abstract: A strain relief clip for use on an electric motor including an end frame and an electrical power supply cord having an internal junction end. With the cord extending over the end frame, the clip, which includes a resilient spring tab, is mounted over the cord without feeding or inserting the cord into the clip. The clip is mounted to the end frame without the use of any other common fasteners. The cord is captured between the clip and the end frame such that the resilient spring tab engages the cord to relieve stress or strain on the internal junction end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Chih M. Lin
  • Patent number: 6063106
    Abstract: A surgical spacer 8 is provided which is useful in preventing the formation of granulation tissue or scarring as a result of the suturing of skin tissue in a patient. The spacer comprises a generally disc-shaped body 10 with a top surface 12 and a bottom surface 14. A first pair of spaced apart apertures, 16 through which opposite ends of suture thread passing through a patients skin are threaded are defined in the body 10. A second pair of spaced apart apertures 17 may also be defined in the body 10. A depression is defined in the bottom surface of the body around the apertures to displace them off the surface of the skin when the bottom surface of the spacer is placed in contact with the skin. The suture thread is then knotted against an upper surface of the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: William Frits Stewart Gibson
  • Patent number: 6058574
    Abstract: A wire clamping device including a body, at least one bore through the body for an end of a wire and at least one channel in the body converging at an acute angle and into communication with the bore towards an inlet end of the bore. An abutment is at an end of the channel remote from the inlet end of the bore, and a wedge is movable along the channel between the abutment and a region of communication with the bore. A face of the wedge facing the abutment is provided with an undercut groove, and a hole is provided through the abutment for passage therethrough of a rod-like tool provided with diametrically opposed projections at one end for pulling engagement with the undercut groove by partial rotation of the tool from an insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Gripple Limited
    Inventors: Hugh David Facey, Brian Edward Shawcross
  • Patent number: 6059004
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the length of the lift cord in an architectural covering such as a window blind or shade is preferably positioned on the bottom rail of the shade and includes two component parts. One component part is secured to an end of the lift cord, and the second component part is operatively engaged with the bottom rail and a connector is provided for adjusting the relative position of the parts so as to conveniently regulate the relative positions of the end of the lift cord and the bottom rail. The apparatus, therefore, provides a convenient way for adjusting the bottom rail of the covering so that it is properly positioned relative to the window sill or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventor: Herman Oskam
  • Patent number: 6052874
    Abstract: As a preferred alternative to whipping a boat-line with tape or a wax material to limit wearing and unraveling over time, the apparatus of the invention affords a secure, more attractive appearance through the use of a pair of cylinders, one of which receives the boat-line, and the other of which threads over it, with the effective screwing of the two together additionally producing a force upon a series of compressible fingers that extend inwardly from the outside surface of the first cylinder in clamping onto and holding the boat-line in position. The two cylinders may be capped in providing a finished-off appearance to the construction when the line is thus secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: William P. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 6014989
    Abstract: A device for connecting a heddle of a weaving loom to a harness cord which includes an endpiece adapted to be molded on an upper end of the heddle and which end piece forms an orifice for receiving one of the harness cords. A sheath is provided for surrounding a harness cord passing through the orifice to thereby provide a structure wherein interference between adjacent heddles is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Staubli Lyon
    Inventors: Michel Tachon, Patrick Vessella
  • Patent number: 5971054
    Abstract: A safety cord-pull apparatus has a top portion and a bottom portion which include raised waves to secure control cords from a blind. A razor blade molded into the cord-pull apparatus cuts the control cords in the event a child or small pet becomes entangled within the control cords. An alternate cord-pull apparatus is also provided which has a circular housing through which the control cords are disposed. The control cords are cut by a sharpened edge in a cap on the housing or by a sharpened washer located inside the housing. The cord-pull apparatus also includes a pull cord that hangs below the control cord-pull apparatus to operate a blind. The method for assembling the cord-pull apparatus includes placing control cords into chutes and over raised waves, folding the top portion of the cord-pull apparatus unto the bottom portion of the cord-pull apparatus, adjusting the control cords level with regards to the blind, and cutting the control cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Raphael A. Gobidas
  • Patent number: 5908063
    Abstract: A safety cord-pull apparatus having a top portion and a bottom portion which include raised waves to secure control cords from a blind. A razor blade molded into the cord-pull apparatus cuts the control cords in the event a child or small pet becomes entangled within the control cords. An alternate cord-pull apparatus is also provided which has a circular housing through which the control cords are disposed. The control cords are cut by a sharpened edge in a cap on the housing or by a sharpened washer located inside the housing. The cord-pull apparatus also includes a pull cord that hangs below the control cord-pull apparatus to operate a blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Raphael A. Gobidas
    Inventor: Raphael A. Gobidas
  • Patent number: 5873613
    Abstract: A small flexible device (12) is used in conjunction with various sized elastic bands (18), one of which is attached to a climbing sling (19). The large diameter end (14) of the retrieval device (12) contains an insertion notch (13) to facilitate the entry of a climbing rope. The rope is inserted the length of a longitudinal through hole (16), by use of the retrieval devices' (12) longitudinal slot (15). The retrieval device (12) is constructed with a small diameter end (17) opposite a large diameter end (14). The small diameter end (17) first passes through the large loop (21) of two loops previously formed in a sling (19) using an elastic band (18). The large diameter end (14) of the retrieval device (12) being smaller than the large diameter loop (21) of the sling (19) passes through the loop (21) unimpeded. The small diameter end (17) of retrieval device (12) then enters the small diameter loop (20) in the sling (19), the diameter of this loop (20) having been previously formed with an elastic band (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventors: James C. Bliehall, Cindi M. Bliehall
  • Patent number: 5836061
    Abstract: An anchoring structure for a cable end comprises a securing body having a recess defined therein and having an opening defined through an outer surface thereof and extending into the recess, an anchoring nipple for being fixed to the end of the cable and fitted into the recess of the securing body through the opening for being operatively connected to the securing body. The nipple is a unitary member with a first substantially cylindrical half portion having an opening defined in a side wall thereof for receiving the end of the cable, and a second substantially cylindrical half portion joined side-by-side to the first substantially cylindrical half portion such that the nipple is substantially 8-shaped when viewed towards ends of the half portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Gilbert Castillo, Masahiro Izumi
  • Patent number: 5813790
    Abstract: An improved rope fastener is disclosed having a resilient thermoplastic body with at least one longitudinal passage for receiving a rope therein. The fastener includes one or more nail receiving bores transverse to the rope passage and extending across the rope passage to enable a nail to be driven through the fastener and a rope to retain the rope in the fastener body. To prevent pushing of rope fibers into the nail bore as the nail is being driven through the rope, a closure is provided in the nail bores to prevent rope fibers from entering into the nail bore. The nails pierce through the closure as they enter the opposite side of the fastener body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Leo Goran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5791022
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for locking a cord (2), a wire, a tube or any other bendable member into a locking position with a locking portion. The locking portion (3) has at least one open slits shaped receiving cavity (5) defined at one end of the locking portion, the cavities having an opening that is facing away from a portion (7) of the cord that is under tension and the cavity having a width that is less than a diameter of the cord so that the portion (7) that is under tension and a portion (8) of the cord that is received within the receiving cavity are substantially perpendicular to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Lars Bohman
  • Patent number: 5784762
    Abstract: Trellis wires tieing clips are used with pairs of spaced longitudinal trellis wires which are located to control the direction of growth and support of plant foliage of crops such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes. One wire is the longitudinal reference trellis wire, and the other wire is the longitudinal gathering trellis wire. Each trellis wires tieing clip is made of a molded plastic having: resiliency and a retention of shape memory, and having the integral portions of a transverse elongated top body portion; a transverse elongated trellis wire receiving volume in the top body portion; a centered bottom entry to guide trellis wires into the transverse elongated trellis wire receiving volume; a right side arm depending at a wire guiding angle from the transverse elongated top body portion; and a left side arm depending at a wire guiding angle from the transverse elongated top body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Leonard M. Huntting
  • Patent number: 5671509
    Abstract: A rope lock formed from of a single one-piece unit having a central bore and a groove portion that cooperate with each other in order to frictionly engage a line thereby releasably securing the line in a desired position whereupon no tying of the line is required and quick securement is ultimately achieved, the rope lock including a pliable boot to facilitate being mountable to flexible electronically weldable and heat-sealable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Sunco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Man Fu E. Yeung
  • Patent number: 5669119
    Abstract: A unitary lanyard fixture made of a resilient plastic having a base section, hollow slider section and breakable connection therebetween. A hook for mounting an element to the lanyard fixture are also on the base section. The flexible lanyard cord is secured to an internal recess of the base section and also extends through the hollow slider section. Piercing prongs extend from this recess to lock the cord in the base section. A locking indentation and clamping hook holds the base section in a closed position. The hollow slider section is slidable on the lanyard cord and is connected by a frangible bridge to the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Seron Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Suren V. Seron
  • Patent number: 5655269
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping device for receiving and selectively frictionally engaging an internally disposed inserted member, such as a rope or rod, is disclosed. The clamping device comprises a flexible and readily deformable gripping member of a hollow cylindrical shape, disposed about a generally centrally located first longitudinal axis. The gripping member may comprise a substantially solid sheet of flexible material, or may comprise a mesh material, or may comprise a plurality of flexible strand members. The material for the gripping member may be leather, rubber, synthetic rubber, neoprene, cloth, nylon, rayon, kevlar, or metal, as appropriate. The gripping member is twistably deformable between a straight neutral configuration and a plurality of helically twisted configurations whereat the gripping member reduces in diameter and encloses down onto the inserted member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Dyalem Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Emil S. Sagalovich
  • Patent number: 5596791
    Abstract: A rope clamp is provided in the form of a hook to hang on a rail, ring or other object such as a ledge. The hook may be injection moulded plastics material. Rope is lodged in a channel around the hook. The channel is wider at its mouth than at its base so that rope may be wedged or clamped in the narrow part of the channel. Guides are provided for rope entering the channel and for rope leaving the channel to bias it into the narrow part of the channel. The rope may be easily manually moved into the wider part of the channel to allow adjustment of the rope on the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Llewellyn B. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5579560
    Abstract: A clamp and clamping technique which provides a secure attachment to a wire or cable with minimal damage thereto. The inventive clamp (10)includes an elongate bolt (14). The distal end is threaded and has first, second and third bores (18, 20 and 22) therein. The first bore (18) extends along the longitudinal axis of the bolt (14). The second bore (20) extends through the bolt (14) along a second axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The second bore (20) is in communication with the first bore (18). The third bore (22) extends through the distal end of the bolt (14) parallel to the second bore (20). A nut (16) is provided which is adapted for threaded engagement with the distal end of the bolt (14). In accordance with the novel method, a wire or cable (28) is fed through the nut (16) and the first, second, and third bores (18, 20 and 22) in no particular order. The wire or cable (28) is wrapped around the distal end of the bolt (14) and secured to the bolt (14) by the nut (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventor: Guenter Brueck
  • Patent number: 5517729
    Abstract: Reusable closure for bags including a double cord loop and a cinch member which moves along the double cord with less resistance to close a bag and greater resistance to open same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Roy E. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5504977
    Abstract: A device for releasably holding at least two cords includes an aperture for receiving a first cord and an elongated slot for releasably receiving a second cord. The device further includes an engagement surface below the aperture for contacting and retaining an enlarged region of the first cord. An inclined biasing surface at least partially below the slot contacts an enlarged region of the second cord and urges the second cord into a stable position. The second cord may be released from the device via the slot by sliding the enlarged region of the second cord along the biasing surface in response to a force tending to separate the cords. The aperture and the slot are preferably formed in inclined upper walls meeting in an apex region and the biasing surface is preferably spaced from the upper wall of the device in which the elongated slot is formed. The device may be made, such as by injection molding, as a single piece or as two mating halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Mark H. Weppner, J. Patrick Nugent, Alfred R. VanLandingham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5473797
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a safety device for retaining the cords of a Venetian blind, comprising two integrally molded upper and lower covers in the shape of trapezoid having a long protruding edge at the longer side of each of the trapezoid-shaped covers and a protruding edge at the top side of each thereof. Inside the upper part of both the upper and lower covers are disposed a long protruding post and a splitted column hollowed inside, whereas the lower part of them are an inverted U-shaped square column attached at its bottom to an elastic stop plate amputated at its bottom with serrated teeth and a pressing block slanting sidewardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Te-Tsun Wu
  • Patent number: 5361726
    Abstract: A simple, strong, and durable animal leash is disclosed, comprising two elements. The first element is a lead of woven nylon, with a loop formed in each end, the two loops being equal in size and appropriate for grasping by a person's hand. The second element is a carabiner, which is a relatively large link made of aluminum, one side of which is a gate which can pivot inward so as to open the carabiner and permit its attachment to one or both of the loops and a collar, halter, or harness, thereby providing for simple and convenient attachment of the leash to the animal in a multiplicity of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventors: James A. Harris, Nancy J. Harris
  • Patent number: 5345656
    Abstract: A mechanical cord lock forming a non-slipping loop in an elastic cord such as elastic bungee cord employed in a vehicle restraining net is disclosed. The connector includes two releasably engageable parts one of which has concave sidewalls formed on opposite sides thereof and a central wall formed intermediate the concave sidewalls. The second part has spaced concave sidewalls each with a pair of depending legs formed on opposite end walls which when mated with the first connector part defines two tortuous paths through the connector parts which ensure that the elastic cord lengths that are placed therethrough in a stretched position remain in such position without slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Polytech Netting Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5208950
    Abstract: A mechanical cord lock forming a non-slipping loop in an elastic cord such as elastic bungee cord employed in a vehicle restraining net is disclosed. The connector includes two releasably engageable parts one of which has concave sidewalls formed on opposite sides thereof and a central wall formed intermediate the concave sidewalls. The second part has spaced concave sidewalls each with a pair of depending legs formed on opposite end walls which when mated with the first connector part defines two tortuous paths through the connector parts which ensure that the elastic cord lengths that are placed therethrough in a stretched position remain in such position without slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Polytech Netting Industries, L.P.
    Inventor: Richard C. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5170538
    Abstract: A theater rope connector for terminating a fine fiber rope such as typically used in patron control. The connector comprises two injection molded plastic components, the first being formed to have a hook or other structure for attaching the connector to a suitable fixture and toothed legs for penetrating and thus securing the rope. The other component comprises a sleeve adopted to fit over the first component and thereupon press the toothed legs into the rope, securing them in place. The sleeve also has a flange at one end adapted to mate with a peripheral recess on the first component, thereby maintaining the two components in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Peter J. Zarembo
  • Patent number: 5152241
    Abstract: A split block cable stopper comprises several split blocks (FIG. 1) each defining a bore (3, 3A) whose diameter normal to the split is slightly less than the diameter of the cable being handled. The split blocks are pivotally mounted so that they can be moved away from the cable axis to enable a repeater or joint housing to pass freely through the cable stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Europe Limited
    Inventors: Charles J. Brown, Kenneth Taylor
  • Patent number: 5119607
    Abstract: An improved cover assembly for an object disposed therein, such as a guy wire, is disclosed and includes a tube having inner and outer surfaces. Also, the tube is constructed with a tube hole formed adjacent an end thereof. Disposed within the tube is means for clamping the guy wire. The clamping means includes an actuating means. Coupled to the clamping means and extending outwardly through the hole in the tube, is means for maintaining the clamping means in a preselected position until it is desired to rotate the bolt to tighten or loosen the clamp. Also disclosed is a cover assembly including a plurality of clamping means and maintaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Epic Corp. dba Radar Engineers
    Inventors: Frederick A. Horning, Jerome F. Moshofsky, David L. Prevost, David M. Gray
  • Patent number: 5068949
    Abstract: A rope clamp that quickly joins together ropes and eliminates the need for knots. The clamp has two elongate main parts that are hingedly connected together. Each part has rows of transversely aligned teeth that engage diametrically opposite sides of a pair of ropes held by the clamp when the clamp is brought into sandwiching relation to the ropes. The clamp is held closed by a latch and catch construction having more than one position of engagement, and a push button provides quick release of the latch and catch when it is intended to free the ropes. An insert member, also having transversely disposed teeth, is added to the clamp when ropes of smaller diameter are yoked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Martin J. Horace
  • Patent number: 5020192
    Abstract: A device for use in tying down an object with respect to a fixed reference point is disclosed which has one end fastened to an object such as a tree or a pole, and the other end fastened to a fixed stake or other immovable reference point, with the length of the tie down being adjustable to allow it to be pulled tight between the object and the reference point and quickly and easily secured to act as a support retaining the object in position with respect to the reference point. The tie down of the present invention has a handle which may be pulled to tighten the tie down once it is properly positioned, thereby making the tightening operation both convenient and easy, and allowing greater tension to be placed in the tie down of the present invention without requiring greater effort to do so. The tie down utilizes a locking process which is both easy and simple to accomplish by a single person, and once secured, the tie down will remain solidly locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Al Gerlach
  • Patent number: 5003826
    Abstract: A device for supporting a long cable to permit the ends of the cable, such as swaged end fittings, to be tested by a conventional tension/compression tester. The device includes a drum upon which the cable is wound. The drum is supported by a pair of vertical flanges which in turn are connected to a movable platform of the tension/compression tester. One end of the cable is connected to a fixed base of the tester. A small section of the remaining portion of the cable that is not wound around the drum is engaged by a movable clamp which is fastened to one of the vertical flanges. The cable is tested by movement of the platform away from the base until a predetermined load is reached. A majority of the applied force is absorbed by the portion of the cable that is wound on the drum. The remainder of the applied force is absorbed by the adjustable clamp. Consequently, during the test there is limited slippage of the cable on the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kin Y. Wong, Douglas Thompson
  • Patent number: 4993343
    Abstract: A flush mount ski tow hook is mounted in a hole in the transom of a boat hull and has a sealing cup projecting inwardly of the hole from an externally mounted flange. The flange carries an inwardly and upwardly projecting tow hook. The sealing cup not only seals the opening in the transom but also seals the edges of the opening to protect the latter from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: John Czipri
  • Patent number: 4986023
    Abstract: A line tie including a top portion and a base connected to an attached member, such as a fishing float. The top portion includes a J-shaped axial slot that extends down from the top portion. Three axially spaced annular grooves are formed in the periphery of the top portion. The topmost groove is positioned above the closed end of the J-slot, the next groove is positioned to intersect the upwardly directed leg of the J-slot, and the lowermost groove is positioned below the J-slot. A rubber O-ring is selectively received in one of the annular grooves. To secure a line to the attached member the O-ring is positioned in the lowermost line-loading groove and a section of line is inserted in the J-slot and moved to the upwardly directed leg. The O-ring is then moved up to the intermediate slip groove or to the topmost set groove. To release the line from the line tie, the O-ring is moved to the lowermost groove and the section of line is moved up out of the J-slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Plastilite Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick S. Bucholz
  • Patent number: 4955750
    Abstract: A rope fastener is disclosed comprising a resilient thermoplastic body having at least one longitudinal passage for receiving a rope therein. The fastener includes one or more nail receiving holes transverse to said passage and extending diametrically across the passage in opposite sides of the body to enable a nail to be driven through the rope and the fastener body to retain the rope in the fastener body. The fastener has several uses including connecting two ropes together, forming a loop of the end of a rope, forming a rope ladder, attaching other objects to a rope such as a flag, or attaching hooks or other fastening devices to a rope or elastic cord. Depending on the application, the fastener may have one or more longitudinal passages and the number and size of the nails is dependent on the tensile loads to be carried by the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Leo Goran
  • Patent number: 4945849
    Abstract: A retractable boat cleat which moves alternately between extended and retracted positions upon alternate depressions of the cleat. A pivotal latch with notched ends cooperates with a specially spaced recess in the cleat and a pair of compression springs to provide the alternate extension and retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Bass Pro Shops, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Morris, Robert L. Martin
  • Patent number: 4907521
    Abstract: Locking apparatus for the tiller arm of a small boat having a line in the stern of the boat passing over the tiller arm. A line lock is mounted on the arm through which the line passes. The line lock consists of a base plate mounted on the arm, a pair of side walls and a lock lever through which the line passes, and a lock member to prevent the lever from being lowered from its upper or raised position. When the lever is in its lowered position the holes in the side panels and the lever are aligned thereby permitting the tiller arm to be moved freely. When the arm is raised the line becomes pinched preventing movement of the tiller arm. There is also provided a lock member to prevent the lock lever from dropping from its raised position. All parts are non resilient in construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: John A. Kresse
  • Patent number: 4890566
    Abstract: The device of this invention includes a cleat disposed within a cavity formed by an exterior housing in a manner permitting the cleat to be moved between an extended position where the cleat is accessible to receive a boat line and a retracted position where the cleat is retracted into the cavity. The mechanism that allows the movement of the cleat between a retracted and extended position is within the cavity and includes a spring and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes a latching member that pivotally moves within the latching mechanism between a latching position that holds the cleat in the retracted position and a release position where the latch memebr releases the cleat to the extended position under the influence of the spring. The latching mechanism allows for the cleat to be alternated between the extended and retracted position by successive depressions of the cleat into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: John L. Morris
  • Patent number: 4872666
    Abstract: A skipping rope assembly of a type particularly useful by small children or handicapped people attempting to learn how to coordinate movements required for skipping rope includes a relatively stiff elongate skipping element which carries handles on its opposite ends. The handles are readily removable so they can be opened to permit the ends of the skipping element to be adjusted lengthwise therein, thereby adjusting the length of the exposed portion of the skipping element defined between the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Kristin S. Smith
  • Patent number: 4850084
    Abstract: A structure for anchoring a wire end having a nipple fixed to the wire, comprising a body having a recessed portion, a groove communicated to the recessed portion, a cover plate partially covering the recessed portion at the front side toward which the groove is opened, and a space for serving insertion of the wire end, provided at the rear side of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 4835822
    Abstract: To prepare a split frustoconic jaw intended for the anchoring of a cable, a part is first taken bounded externally by a frustoconic surface and hollowed by a cylindrical axial channel whose inner surface is advantageously striated. This part is sawed into by substantially axial and radial slashes leaving bridges to subsist of small thickness at the bottom of these slashes throughout the central channel. An assembly ring is mounted in an outer annular groove and the whole is subjected to cementation treatment so as to surface harden the jaw while making the bridges fragile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (Stup)
    Inventors: Jose Savall, Claude Parmentier, Bernard Amelot
  • Patent number: 4829999
    Abstract: The guidewire gripping device is usable in connection with guidewires of the type used in medical application, i.e., for guiding catheters. The guidewire gripping device is constructed from a spring loaded, slitted cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: E. R. Squibb and Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Auth
  • Patent number: 4789019
    Abstract: A wind proof table cover is provided and consists of a sheet of material that is secured to a table top by a drawstring so that a person will not be bothered by wind blowing the cover when used outdoors. In a modification the cover can be used for both a square and circular table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventors: Jackie A. Sweetser, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4787660
    Abstract: A device for use in pulling ropes is in the form of an elongated handle having a passage extending between one end and the side thereof. A cleat located in the passage is adapted to grip a rope in the passage and to support a tensional force in a rope emerging from the passage at the side of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Karl F. Mrazek
  • Patent number: 4771812
    Abstract: A connector for joining a wire type body to a machine element which includes a bracket, an insertion member and a connecting bolt. The insertion member is connected to the bracket and couples the bracket to the machine element. The connecting bolt includes a male threaded portion screwed into a female threaded part, one of which is mounted on the bracket and the other of which is connected to the wire type body. The connector is useful in a weaving machine for connecting a setting lever of an actuating device to a wire type body attached to a harness frame. The connector offers the advantages of reduced wear while providing easy replacement of various parts of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Junichi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 4771516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding two ropes or corresponding elongated bodies together in a fixed relation to each other at a right angle or parallel to each other. The device is characterized in that it comprises two essentially identical halves (2, 11), each being provided with a recess (3, 12) into which the rope fits, and that these halves may be pressed together and be locked by means of snap locks (5, 6, 13 14) when pressed together, the axial or turning movement of the ropes in relation to each other being prevented by the force of friction, and according to a preferred embodiment, by pegs (4, 17) on the bottom of the recesses, and the separation of the ropes being prevented by the snap locks, and, according to a modification of the preferred embodiment, by a screw which extends through each of the halves of the device and thereinbetween through each of the ropes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Istvan Foth
  • Patent number: 4752990
    Abstract: A fastening device for connecting a rope to an object includes a shank which contains an aperture through which the rope loops, and in addition a hook at one end of the shank. The hook carries a keeper which pivots on it between closed and open positions, and is urged to its closed position by a coil-type compression spring which encircles the shank. The spring creates rope channels along the sides of the shank, and these channels confine the rope so as to maintain the loop at the aperture. However, the spring may be compressed to expose the aperture so that the rope may be maneuvered through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventor: Gary R. Schutte