Pivoted Part Or Lever Patents (Class 24/170)
  • Patent number: 7010836
    Abstract: A web adjuster for use with a web. A clamping member and a bearing member are mounted to a web adjuster frame and movable relative to the frame about a common axis. The web extends at least partially around the bearing member. Applying tension to the web moves the clamping member toward a web stop on the frame to trap the web between the clamping member and the web stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Acton, W. Patrick Beck
  • Patent number: 7004547
    Abstract: A safety belt positioning device includes a top cover and a bottom cover pin jointed together, wherein a clasp is configured interior of a clasp-eye of the top cover, and the positioning device is fixedly secured directly on a location of the safety belt by means of the clasp, which not only effectuates easy installation, but also convenient adjustment thereof. The present invention is characterized in that the positioning device is moveably disposed on the safety belt, and upon using the safety belt, the clasp of the positioning device is utilized to fixedly secure length of the safety belt in accordance to physique of the passenger, thereby achieving objective of adjusting degree of tightness of the safety belt. Moreover, because of a tensile force of an interior spring, re-pullback on the safety belt will not occur, which thus provides even greater comfort to a passenger when seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 7000263
    Abstract: This invention is directed towards an apparatus for securing and adjusting a strap. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards a buckle assembly having a pivotable member pivotably attached to opposed regions of the buckle frame. In one embodiment, a sport-goggle assembly has a pivotable buckle assembly attached to one end of a strap. In another embodiment, a sport-goggle assembly has a pivotable buckle assembly attached to each of the two straps. In other embodiments, the pivotable buckle assembly can be used in association with a strap-lengthening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Smith Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Ross McNeal
  • Patent number: 6978519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adjusting and locking a strap. The device includes a base portion, the base portion including a base having a first and a second side and a front and a back. A first sidewall extends away from the first side of the base, the first sidewall defining a window. A second sidewall extends away from the second side of the base, the second sidewall defining a further window. A door portion cooperates with the base portion, the door portion having a first and a second edge. The door portion includes a locking bar having a first and a second end, the locking bar extending between the first and second edges of the door portion. The first end of the locking bar defines a first positioning dial. The second end of the locking bar defines a second positioning dial such that in use of the device, the first positioning dial is movably located within the window. Also, the second positioning dial is movably located within the further window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Pontaoe
  • Patent number: 6938925
    Abstract: An apparatus for reversibly locking a lap belt portion of a belt webbing in a three-point, continuous loop seat belt system which includes a tongue assembly having the belt webbing routed therethrough, includes a cinch body adapted to mount to the tongue assembly, and a cam coupled to the cinch body and adapted to urge the belt webbing against the cinch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Lap Belt Cinch, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Mather
  • Patent number: 6898826
    Abstract: A ladder strap (150) is made by joining—for example, by co-molding—a first, relatively supple material, defining a lower strap portion (155) with a second, relatively hard material defining an upper strap portion (165). The teeth (167) of the ladder strap are comprises substantially of the harder, second material. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second materials are thermoplastic urethanes, and the co-molding is done using an injection molding process. The co-molding process may be accomplished with co-injection, wherein the two materials are injected at about the same time, or the first material may be injected into a first mold cavity and allowed to partially set, after which the cavity is modified to accommodate the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander D. Draper, Nigel Bruce Edward Steere, Kenneth Wayne Heinle
  • Patent number: 6877189
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing friction in a cam buckle for tightening a strap. The cam buckle includes a frame, a brake member, a roller member, a biasing element and a webbed strap. The brake member includes a serrated surface and is rotatably coupled to the frame and pivotal about a first axis. The roller member is rotatably coupled to the frame about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel to each other. The biasing element is operable to bias the serrated surface of the brake member toward the roller member. The webbed strap is formed from a polymeric material and is operable to be biased between the serrated surface and the roller member so that the brake member biases the webbed strap against the roller member. With this arrangement, when the webbed strap is placed in tension, such tension is maintained by preventing movement of the webbed strap in one direction and allowing movement in a second direction to increase the tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Eric Simonson, Roger Simonson
  • Patent number: 6868587
    Abstract: An improved strap tensioner that allows a user to manually shorten the strap by applying greater tension on the strap and easily lengthening the strap after being tightened. The tensioner includes a tension lever, an intermediate member, and a brake lever all pivotally mounted on a rigid base. The tension lever and brake member are longitudinally aligned on opposite sides of the rigid base. Formed on the tension lever is a transversely aligned clamping flange that extends under the strap when longitudinally extended through the rigid base. Formed on the intermediate member and disposed above the clamping flange is a first cam surface that forms a slot for the strap to extend through. The brake lever includes a second cam surface that is spaced above the front flange member to form a second slot. During operation, the brake lever is rotated to press the second cam surface against the front flange member to temporarily hold the strap inside the rigid base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Roy Rard
  • Patent number: 6868585
    Abstract: A web adjuster device includes a frame defining a first web engaging surface. A web clamping member is movably mounted to the frame and defines second and third web engaging surfaces. A web is received between the first and second web engaging surfaces, and in one direction of web travel the web engages the third web engaging surface to force the second web engaging surface toward the first web engaging surface to trap the web therebetween. In an opposite direction, the web engages the third web engaging surface to force the second web engaging surface away from the first web engaging surface to allow web travel in this direction. The third web engaging surface may be omitted in favor of a web engaging protrusion extending from the web engaging surface of the frame, wherein the second web engaging surface facilitates trapping of the web against the web engaging protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Anthony, Guy R. Dingman, Nick A. Campbell, Michael A. Wiseman, Gregory L. Woodard, Steven T. Berenyl
  • Patent number: 6842952
    Abstract: A strap system can be retrofit onto the backseat of a motor vehicle to securely mount a child safety seat in the backseat of the motor vehicle. The strap system includes a shoulder strap that is mounted on the back support portion of the backseat and a connector element that couples the shoulder strap to one lap belt portion of the seat belt system of the motor vehicle. The connector element is releasably coupled to the seat belt buckle to releasably couple the shoulder strap to the lap belts of the seat belt system of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin E. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6832394
    Abstract: Swimming goggles has a left frame and a right frame, a nose support connecting the left frame and the right frame together, eyeglasses received respectively in the left frame and the right frame, and a head strap movably received in outward sides of the left frame and the right frame. Engaging blocks are respectively formed on outward sides of the left frame and the right frame. Each engaging block defines a receiving hole through a center thereof and forming a tongue at a lower portion thereof. Adjusting apparatus are received in the receiving holes for adjusting the head strap. Each adjusting apparatus includes a base, a cover assembled with the base for enveloping the engaging block, and a fixing axis mounted on the base and the cover. An axis hole is defined in the base for pivotably receiving the fixing axis. The fixing axis forms a pressure arm substantially on a side thereof for pressuring the tongue, and a stop arm on the other side thereof for engaging with stop slots of the head strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 6826785
    Abstract: This invention is directed towards an apparatus for securing and adjusting a strap. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards a buckle assembly having a pivotable member pivotably attached to opposed regions of the buckle frame. In one embodiment, a sport-goggle assembly has a pivotable buckle assembly attached to one end of a strap. In another embodiment, a sport-goggle assembly has a pivotable buckle assembly attached to each of the two straps. In other embodiments, the pivotable buckle assembly can be used in association with a strap-lengthening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Smith Sport Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Ross McNeal
  • Publication number: 20040187270
    Abstract: A buckle clip with secure lock preventing accidental releasing is provided. The buckle clip includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a fastening member that fastens the first bracket to the second bracket, a lever that is pivotally provided on the first bracket, and a lock that is fixed on the first bracket. The lever is pivoted to move the fastening member. The lock includes a lock spring member that engages with the lever. The lever to has a first end, a second end and a lever hole. The lever is pivotally supported at the first end, and the lever hole is provided near the second end. The lock spring member engages with the lever hole when the buckle clip is in the fastened state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Seung Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20040187271
    Abstract: A sliding buckle for straps with a largely U-shaped base part in which a wing is mounted for, together with the U-shaped base part, encircling an aperture intended for a strap extending through the aperture, where the wing is mounted pivotably about an axis so that pivoting of the wing about the axis reduces or enlarges the aperture, where pull from a strap bearing against the rear wing section of the wing and having a direction with a component perpendicularly to the base part forces the wing to pivot about the axis in order thereby to reduce the aperture for securely locking the strap in the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jens Kristian Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 6789296
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a fixing seat adapted to securely connected an object and having a hoop, a controlling bracket having a roller rotatably mounted therein, a fixing rod securely sandwiched between two side walls and adjacent to the baffle to correspond to the hoop and a pressing plate pivotally received in the controlling bracket. A spring is provided to provide a recovery force to the pressing plate. The second end of a secondary strap is extended through the adjusting ring to enclose the second roller such that when the adjusting ring is pulled, the pressing plate is detached from engagement with the roller to allow the secondary strap to slide on the roller to adjust a distance of the controlling bracket to the second end of the secondary strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Long-Shing Yang
  • Patent number: 6735826
    Abstract: Provided is a buckle which comprises a buckle main body 11 and an engagement member 31. The buckle main body 11 comprises a base part 12, at least two insertion holes 18 and 19 provided on the base part 12 with a space in between, to which a belt 2 is inserted, and an upstanding piece 20 provided therebetween for bending the belt 2 in a direction away from the base part 12. The engagement member 31 can be moved to a first position where the buckle can be moved against the belt 2 and to a second position where the buckle can be fixed to the belt 2. Further, the engagement member 31 comprises a pressurizing part 33 for pressurizing the belt 2 in the second position so as to obtain a further bent state and an adjustor 35 capable of adjusting the length of the other belt 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Shinichiro Kinebuchi, Yoshinobu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6725506
    Abstract: A standardized attachment system for an object holding system or object displaying system which is easily assembled, comprising a base section made of one or more pieces that engages a cord and an attachment section that secures the object to be held or displayed, such as an identification badge, key ring, and so forth. The standardized attachment system has a structure for coupling attachment sections and base sections that rotatably couples the attachment sections to the base sections and accommodates different configurations for base sections and attachment sections, as well as different cords and objects for display. Since different configurations of base sections and attachment sections can be used with the same coupling structure, an attachment system can be provided which is both flexible for use in various situations and easy to assemble. The attachment system may be made from an elastically deformable material such as molded plastic in a lightweight, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 6715449
    Abstract: An adjustable animal collar provides a strap with a housing at one end and a second end connected to an engagement area. The engagement area is formed with a plurality of teeth received into the housing, where a rotating pawl engages the teeth. The pawl, pivotably rotating within the housing and partly covered in one embodiment with a cover plate, has a biasing means, which in one embodiment is a torsion spring, to bias the pawl in favor of engagement with at least one of the teeth. The biasing means can be overcome by manual pressure on a portion of the pawl, causing release of the collar. The collar may have at least one safety device preventing the pawl from being inadvertently disengaged, and a safety indicia area to visually indicate the locked or unlocked status of the collar. The collar is capable of attachment to a variety of accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Jordan Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20040031129
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a fixing seat adapted to securely connected an object and having a hoop, a controlling bracket having a roller rotatably mounted therein, a fixing rod securely sandwiched between two side walls and adjacent to the baffle to correspond to the hoop and a pressing plate pivotally received in the controlling bracket. A spring is provided to provide a recovery force to the pressing plate. The second end of a secondary strap is extended through the adjusting ring to enclose the second roller such that when the adjusting ring is pulled, the pressing plate is detached from engagement with the roller to allow the secondary strap to slide on the roller to adjust a distance of the controlling bracket to the second end of the secondary strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Long-Shing Yang
  • Patent number: 6691378
    Abstract: A buckle includes a body having a pressing portion, a clamping portion, and a bendable connecting portion between the pressing portion and the clamping portion. The pressing portion includes two sidewalls and a post fixed between the sidewalls. The clamping portion includes a clamping hole. The connecting portion is mounted around a mounting peg of a main body of a pair of swimming/diving goggles. An end of a head strap of the pair of swimming/diving goggles extends into the body, winds around the post, and extends out of the body. The end of the head strap is pullable to obtain a desired tightness, exerting a force to the post to press against retaining edges on two lateral sides delimiting the clamping hole, thereby reliably positioning the head strap in place. The pressing portion is manually movable to disengage the post from the retaining edges, allowing loosening of the head strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Chou
  • Patent number: 6691377
    Abstract: A new buckle structure on the two sides of a diving mask, these buckles are used to connect to the strap; the structure includes a frame on each side of the mask frame, a setting hole on the frame, a holder fixed and a fixed cover of the setting hole, a button on fixed cover, the strap goes between holder and a roller, the stopper on the button allows the users to adjust the strap; the structures allows the users to lose the strap by pressing down the button, also the strap can rotate within a small angle due to the holder structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventor: Chen-Lieh Pan
  • Publication number: 20030233737
    Abstract: A new buckle structure on the two sides of a diving mask, these buckles are used to connect to the strap; the structure includes a frame on each side of the mask frame, a setting hole on the frame, a holder fixed and a fixed cover of the setting hole, a button on fixed cover, the strap goes between holder and a roller, the stopper on the button allows the users to adjust the strap; the structures allows the users to lose the strap by pressing down the button, also the strap can rotate within a small angle due to the holder structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: QDS Injection Molding LLC.
    Inventor: Pan Chen-Lieh
  • Patent number: 6665913
    Abstract: An end-fitting buckle having a cam cover that allows webbing to be inserted when the cam cover is in an up position. After inserted, a free end of the webbing is pulled to tighten the webbing while the cover is in an intermediate position. The cover may then be closed to lock both the free end and load end. When the cover is locked, movement of the load end is prevented by teeth in the cam cover. The teeth lock the free end into place, holding the set position of the webbing. The cover design also promotes use of varied thicknesses of webbing, because the cam action of the cover utilizes friction between the two ends of the webbing instead of a pinching action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Bodypoint Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Kosh, John N. Tilden
  • Publication number: 20030172499
    Abstract: Provided is a buckle which comprises a buckle main body 11 and an engagement member 31. The buckle main body 11 comprises a base part 12, at least two insertion holes 18 and 19 provided on the base part 12 with a space in between, to which a belt 2 is inserted, and an upstanding piece 20 provided therebetween for bending the belt 2 in a direction away from the base part 12. The engagement member 31 can be moved to a first position where the buckle can be moved against the belt 2 and to a second position where the buckle can be fixed to the belt 2. Further, the engagement member 31 comprises a pressurizing part 33 for pressurizing the belt 2 in the second position so as to obtain a further bent state and an adjustor 35 capable of adjusting the length of the other belt 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Shinichiro Kinebuchi, Yoshinobu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6578241
    Abstract: An inward-wind type belt buckle in which the rear end portion of a belt is wound between the front end portion of the belt and the clothes is disclosed. With the belt buckle, since the upper marginal portion of the side wall of the lower channel is not exposed forwardly, various types of patterns or designs can be expressed on the front plate of the belt buckle, thereby providing more elegant and refined belt buckle. In addition, since the hinge pin of the fixture for fixing the belt is not exposed outwardly, its stability in use is more improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Hong Tok Tan
  • Patent number: 6571431
    Abstract: An inward-wind type belt buckle in which the rear end portion of a belt is wound between the front end portion of the belt and the clothes is disclosed. A fixing piece for fixing the front end portion of the belt is fixed to the inner side wall of the belt buckle, so that a hinge pin of a fixture for fixing the belt is not exposed outwardly, and thus, its outer appearance is fine as well as improving a stability in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Hong Tok Tan
  • Patent number: 6560825
    Abstract: A webbing length adjustor adapted to clamp webbing when tension is applied to a tension end of the webbing. The adjustor has a webbing guide, a clamp element pivotally mounted on the webbing guide, a locking cam on the clamp element which in a locked position clamps the webbing between the locking cam and the webbing guide to prevent movement of the webbing through the adjustor when tension is applied, a release actuator, and a projection on the clamp element that abuts against the webbing between the locking cam and the tension end thereof so that the webbing exerts a force against the projection which urges the clamp element in a direction that holds or moves the locking cam in or into a locked position. The projection is adapted to always slightly deflect the webbing, even when the clamp element is in its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Britax Child-Care Products Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Wieslaw Maciejczyk
  • Patent number: 6550070
    Abstract: A full face mask with a strap, which is fastened to a mask body (15) by clamping action by means of eyes can be removed from the face of the user of the full face mask in a simple manner. Two holding grips are connected to eyes located adjacent to one another. The holding grips are located on a side area (18) of the full face mask (14). A pulling device (19) brings the holding grips (4, 41) into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Stephan Wiegand
  • Patent number: 6543097
    Abstract: A fastening device for a sports article including two portions adapted to be brought closer together. This device which serves to tighten a foot, a wrist, but also a content can be used on an article of footwear, a garment, a backpack, etc. The device includes a strap, one end of which is connected to a first portion of the sports article, which passes in a return connected to a second portion of the sports article. The strap defines a portion between the end of the strap and the return. The device also includes a blocking mechanism, fixed to a second end of the strap, which cooperates with the portion of the strap for the fastening. The blocking mechanism is slidably mounted on the portion of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Igor Burt, Thomas Goff
  • Patent number: 6543096
    Abstract: A strap for securing cargo on a vehicle includes a strap and a buckle. The buckle has a releasable strap gripping device, and a cushioning material at least partially surrounding the buckle without obstructing accessibility to the gripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Lyle R. Hilk, Duncan G. Robins, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6526629
    Abstract: A snowshoe having a boot harness assembly includes one or more cam lock type buckles through which webbing straps are tightened. The cam lock buckle allows low friction pulling of the tail end of a strap for tightening, while providing a positive lock against slippage in the opposite direction. A particular configuration of cam lock buckle is disclosed by which friction in tightening the strap is reduced further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tubbs Snowshoe Company LLC
    Inventors: Charles Bentley Warner, Daniel T. Emerson
  • Publication number: 20030019080
    Abstract: A web adjuster device includes a frame defining a first web engaging surface. A web clamping member is movably mounted to the frame and defines second and third web engaging surfaces. A web is received between the first and second web engaging surfaces, and in one direction of web travel the web engages the third web engaging surface to force the second web engaging surface toward the first web engaging surface to trap the web therebetween. In an opposite direction, the web engages the third web engaging surface to force the second web engaging surface away from the first web engaging surface to allow web travel in this direction. The third web engaging surface may be omitted in favor of a web engaging protrusion extending from the web engaging surface of the frame, wherein the second web engaging surface facilitates trapping of the web against the web engaging protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: James R. Anthony, Guy R. Dingman, Nick A. Campbell, Michael A. Wiseman, Gergory L. Woodard, Steven T. Berenyl
  • Patent number: 6510592
    Abstract: The clip includes a base hingeably attached to a lid. The lid includes two detent prongs with detent apertures including ledges formed at the distal ends thereof. These ledges engage complementary inverted ledges on detent protrusions on the base. The lid can be released from the base by squeezing the detent prongs toward each other in a direction parallel to the rotational axis between the lid and base thereby releasing the ledges from the inverted ledges. Typically, the base is secured to a first strap which can be further secured to a pouch. A second strap which is typically formed as loops on a backpack or similar structure is then secured between the lid and base in the locked position, thereby allowing a pouch to be securely attached to a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6443787
    Abstract: The improved flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The improved flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert C. Woolley
  • Patent number: 6427291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckle of the belt which is equipped with saw-toothed coupling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Geun-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 6381810
    Abstract: A belt lock includes a casing, the casing having a serrated engagement portion and a bearing portion respectively disposed at a bottom wall thereof at a top side, and two parallel upright side walls at two sides of the bottom wall, and a locking unit pivoted to the upright side walls of the casing and adapted to lock a belt being inserted through the casing, the locking unit including a handle pivoted to the casing and turned between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a sector-like swivel pressure block pivoted to the handle, the handle having two barrels bilaterally disposed at a front side thereof and respectively pivoted to the pivot holes of the upright side walls of the casing, the swivel pressure block having a serrated engagement portion adapted for pressing on the inserted belt against the bearing portion of the casing when the handle is turned to said locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Taiwan Industrial Fastener Corp.
    Inventor: Yun-Mei Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20020035767
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a clasp (4) for assembling first and second flexible strands (1, 2) including a buckle (6) attached to the first (1) of the two strands, while the second strand (2) penetrates the buckle (6), characterised in that the buckle (6) includes fixed catching means (14) which are caught in the second strand (2), and in that it includes an unlocking device (22) able to be actuated manually, this unlocking device (22) allowing the second strand (2) to be raised to release it from the catching means (14) and to slip it out of the buckle (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: THE SWATCH GROUP MANAGEMENT SERVICES AG
    Inventor: David Sekanina
  • Patent number: 6360410
    Abstract: A strap buckle comprises a male element and a female element which can be snap-fitted together and each of which has means for the connection of a respective portion of strap. The connection means include a device for adjusting the tension of the respective portion of strap, the device comprising two crosspieces which extend between two cheeks of the respective buckle element and define two slots which can be engaged by the strap, for which they define a tortuous path. The adjustment device includes a catch which is articulated to the cheeks about an axis parallel to the crosspieces and which can adopt a clamping position in which it interferes with the strap, preventing the strap from sliding in the slots, or a release position in which it is spaced from the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: National Molding Corp.
    Inventor: Attilio Lovato
  • Publication number: 20010054219
    Abstract: A strap for securing cargo on a vehicle includes a strap and a buckle. The buckle has a releasable strap gripping device, and a cushioning material at least partially surrounding the buckle without obstructing accessibility to the gripping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Lyle R. Hilk, Duncan G. Robins, Scott R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20010039696
    Abstract: A webbing length adjustor adapted to clamp webbing when tension is applied to a tension end of the webbing. The adjustor has a webbing guide, a clamp element pivotally mounted on the webbing guide, a locking cam on the clamp element which in a locked position clamps the webbing between the locking cam and the webbing guide to prevent movement of the webbing through the adjustor when tension is applied, a release actuator, and a projection on the clamp element that abuts against the webbing between the locking cam and the tension end thereof so that the webbing exerts a force against the projection which urges the clamp element in a direction that holds or moves the locking cam in or into a locked position. The projection is adapted to always slightly deflect the webbing, even when the clamp element is in its locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Wieslaw Maciejczyk
  • Patent number: 6309024
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant (12) seated in a vehicle seat (14). The apparatus (10) includes first and second shoulder belt portions (30, 32), first and second lap belt portions (74, 85), and a buckle mechanism (49). The first and second shoulder belt portions (30, 32) are connected with the vehicle (16) and extend from an upper portion (20) of the vehicle seat (14) adjacent the shoulders of the occupant (12). A first end portion (62) of the first lap belt portion (74) is connected at a first location (64) with the vehicle (16) adjacent a first side (22) of the vehicle seat (14). A first end portion (66) of the second lap belt portion (85) is connected at a second location (68) with the vehicle (16) adjacent a second side (24) of the vehicle seat (14). Each of the first and second lap belt portions (74, 85) extends from one of the first and second sides (22, 24) of the vehicle seat (14) and partially across the lap of the occupant (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Busch
  • Publication number: 20010022013
    Abstract: A belt lock includes a casing, the casing having a serrated engagement portion and a bearing portion respectively disposed at a bottom wall thereof at a top side, and two parallel upright side walls at two sides of the bottom wall, and a locking unit pivoted to the upright side walls of the casing and adapted to lock a belt being inserted through the casing, the locking unit including a handle pivoted to the casing and turned between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a sector-like swivel pressure block pivoted to the handle, the handle having two barrels bilaterally disposed at a front side thereof and respectively pivoted to the pivot holes of the upright side walls of the casing, the swivel pressure block having a serrated engagement portion adapted for pressing on the inserted belt against the bearing portion of the casing when the handle is turned to said locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Yun-Mei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6237197
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in securing a golf cart buckle lever in a closed position includes a clip having a substantially U-shaped body that can secure the buckle lever in a closed position. The U-shaped body includes a front and a rear member that are disposed in a spaced-apart parallel relationship and a perpendicular top member which is disposed and attached intermediate thereto. An inner member that is parallel to the front member is disposed intermediate the front and rear members and is attached to the front member by a pair of inclined members disposed on opposite ends thereof. A pair of apertures are adapted to receive a locking device and a tether is provided to secure the clip to the golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Cahill Donahue
  • Patent number: 6225542
    Abstract: A handdrum bracket for securing a handdrum to a drum rack or stand. The bracket mechanism receives a webbing strap that is placed around a drum shell. The bracket tightens the strap tightly around the drum. A clamp disposed on the bracket allows the handdrum to be secured to the drum rack or stand. Accordingly, the handdrum can be incorporated into a drumkit without the need to pierce the drum shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Everyone's Drumming
    Inventor: Nathaniel Hall
  • Patent number: 6219889
    Abstract: An adjustable clasp comprises a retainer body having an elongate cavity within which slides a strap having saw teeth. The retainer body includes a main generally non-deformable body from which extends a flexible tongue provided with pawls projecting into the cavity to engage the teeth of the strap, and at least one resilient wing facing the flexible tongue and engagable under pressure to disengage the pawls from the teeth of the strap. The retainer body has guide members on the main portion and second guide members close to the opposite end of the main body, to maintain the strap close to the pawls. The second guide members include a contact portion extending from the resilient wing at its end opposite the main portion of the retainer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignees: National Molding of Europe S.r.L., MET S.p.A.
    Inventors: Attilio Lovato, Filippo Perini
  • Patent number: 6212740
    Abstract: A fastening device for safety belt, including a first longer U-shaped biting plate, a second shorter U-shaped biting plate and an insertion pin. The first and second biting plate are formed with opposite ratchets on inner sides. The biting plates are positioned on two sides of a lower U-shaped suspending section of the safety belt and fitted with each other. The bent sections of the first biting plate cover the bent sections of the second biting plate in a stacked state. The U-shaped suspending section of the safety belt is clamped between the biting plates with the pin holes thereof aligned with each other. The insertion pin is passed through the pin holes and through the U-shaped suspending section of the safety belt. The ends of the insertion pin are enlarged to assemble with the safety belt by riveting, whereby the biting plates can be quickly slid along the suspending section of the safety belt to adjust the size of the fastening loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Wu-Zhi Yang, Bor-Sheng Hwang, Sen-Jung Lai
  • Patent number: 6185794
    Abstract: The buckle (F) consists of a base part (F1), attached to one side of the footpocket of the fin (P) and comprising a movable strap-locking tooth (22), counteracting elastic means (24), associated to said tooth (22) and manual strap-releasing means (17) connected to said tooth, and of a strap-fastening part (F2), which only comprises strap-guiding means (13) for returning the strap (C), and is joined to the base part (F1), in such a way as to be able to slide in the longitudinal direction of the strap (C) between a retracted strap-tightening position, wherein it is automatically hooked to the base part (F1), so as to be manually releasable, and the strap-locking tooth (22) is engaged with the teeth (C1) of the strap (C), and a forward quick strap-loosening position, wherein the strap-locking tooth (22) is disengaged from the teeth (C1) of the strap and allows the latter to slide freely in both senses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Salvas Sub S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renzo Maggi
  • Patent number: 6148486
    Abstract: A belt mounting structure in a buckle which can securely fix a belt in use and allows easy adjustment of an effective belt length and removal of the belt. A belt winding rod freely reciprocates in a direction of fastening the belt and freely rotates at a predetermined angular range within a belt mounting hole. A bulging portion is formed along an upper end edge of the belt mounting hole in the side to which the buckle is connected. A cross-section of a main body of the belt winding rod is formed substantially in a waterdrop shape. A cross-section of each supporting axial portion of the belt winding rod is formed substantially in a shape of an isosceles triangle. When an oblique side portion of the axial portion is mounted and supported on a long side portion of a supporting hole, a tip portion of the main body is pressure contacted to a lower surface of the bulging portion via the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Yoshinobu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6148485
    Abstract: A buckle for a belt includes a frame having two opposite sides formed with two upwardly extending lugs each having a through hole, two arms each extending outwardly from a respective one of the lugs, and a shoulder bridging another sides of the lugs, and a retainer generally including a tubular member, a shaft, and a spring, the tubular member having an elongated opening having an edge formed at an intermediate portion thereof with a hook, each end of the tubular member having a longitudinally and outwardly extending rod member, another edge of the elongated opening having a radial groove close to an end of the tubular member, an L-shaped handle close to the radial groove, the shaft extending longitudinally through both ends of the retainer and supported by the lugs at two ends thereof, the shaft having an intermediate portion formed with a through hole, the spring having a first end engaged with the through hole of the shaft and a second end fitted in the groove, whereby the belt can be easily fastened and r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Chuan-Lin Wu
  • Patent number: 6145169
    Abstract: A belt clip for supporting an object on a user's belt includes an inward portion for insertion between the user's belt and body, having a first hinge portion on one edge thereof and including a pair of spaced-apart, flexible wings located at the other edge thereof, wherein each wing has a first locking structure thereon; an outward portion for attaching an object thereto, having a second hinge portion thereon and having a second locking structure thereon; and a hinge pin for joining said first hinge portion and said second hinge portion together in a moveable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Wegner Design and Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Terzuola, Timothy B. Wegner