Looped Strap Patents (Class 24/196)
  • Patent number: 6530129
    Abstract: A structure is designed to carry a golf bag on the back of a caddie. The structure includes a first shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap, a ratchet buckle, an upper buckle, and a lower buckle. The first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are superimposed in the ratchet buckle such that one end of the first shoulder strap is held by the upper buckle which is fastened to the golf bag, and such that one end of the second shoulder strap is held by the lower buckle which is fastened to the golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Feng Cheng
  • Patent number: 6484369
    Abstract: Positioning devices for improving the fit, comfort and crash protection provided to users, particularly children, of Type II vehicle seat belt assemblies which include webbing connected to a retraction device and extending at a relatively upper end from a force diverter such as a pillar loop and secured to an anchor at a relatively lower end, with a latch plate insertable into a buckle and having a slotted opening through which the webbing slides to define a shoulder belt portion between the upper force diverter and the latch plate, and a lap belt portion between the lower anchor end and the latch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Brian J. Conaway
  • Patent number: 6446272
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a buckle assembly suitable for headgear such as swimming goggles of a type provided in combination with an elastic strap having a set of equally spaced teeth, projections, transverse ridges, arranged along the strap at least on the end portions of the strap, which enables easy adjustment of the length of the elastic strap. The disclosure also relates to a swimming goggle having such a buckle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Bom Kyu Lee
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6230371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adapting a paintball pistol such that effective support via the holders hand to compensate for a forward center of gravity is shifted substantially completely from the holder's trigger finger to the back of the holder's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen Chu
  • Patent number: 6128844
    Abstract: The plastic display device is a device for conveniently displaying cards, photographs, menus, letters and the like. The device is constructed of plastic and comprises an integral rectangular frame, buckle portion having three parallel rods, and clip. The clip is attached to the top edge of the frame and extends parallel to the frame defining a slot, and has a lip projecting rearward towards the frame. The clip flexes to allow the clip to accommodate an edge of a card inserted in the slot. The rods of the buckle portion are configured to allow a flat, flexible strip such as a ribbon to be threaded thereabout. A plurality of display devices may be mounted on a single ribbon. The ribbon may be mounted to a wall or other flat surface to display cards and other like materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: Frederick A. Stermer, Jonathan F. Stermer
  • Patent number: 5997039
    Abstract: A harness for securing a hand to a ski-pole grip, the harness including a thumb hole, a protector element extending from an area between a thumb and a forefinger of the hand to a wrist area, surrounding at least partially a thumb-side outer edge of the hand, and at least one wrist-encircling tightening strap, wherein the protector is provided with at least one adjustment strap, extending in a substantially wrist-encircling direction and fitted with a fastening buckle which is intended for cooperation with the tightening strap and whose position along the adjustment strap is adjustable longitudinally of the adjustment strap according to a size of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Exel Oy
    Inventor: Taisto Manninen
  • Patent number: 5983463
    Abstract: A tongue (30) having multiple modes of operation comprising: a frame (60), a slide, or clamp (15) and manually adjustable knob (200). The tongue frame includes a locking feature (74) for locking engagement with a seat belt buckle (24), a seat belt receiving first aperture (66) positioned apart from the locking feature; the first aperture including a first belt clamping surface (72). The slide or clamp includes a second belt clamping surface (174) generally opposite the first belt engaging surface, the slide being arranged to slide upon the frame in the vicinity of the first aperture from a belt release position in which the seat belt is freely sliding to a belt clamping or cinching position in which the seat belt (32) is clamped or cinched between the first and second belt clamping surfaces, the slide further includes a first belt engaging surface (160) arranged to urge the slide toward its clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Prentkowski, Brian Walter, Trevor Ashline
  • Patent number: 5933923
    Abstract: A cargo strap buckle comprises two sets of pins arranged between opposing plates. One set of pins is fixed to the plates and positioned between the other set of pins. The pins of the other set are separable or capable of disengagement from the plates or buckle to facilitate looping a cargo strap around the pins. In one mode, one pin can be totally disengaged with one pin only being partially disengaged. In another mode, both pins can be partially disengaged and one or both pins can also be longitudinally adjustable with respect to the plates. In one use, the cargo strap is first fed between the fixed pins and the pins are separated from the plates to facilitates strap attachment. In another use, when one or both pins are not totally removable from the buckle, the pin or pins is moved with respect to the plates for strap attachment. In either mode, the strap can then be tensioned for securing cargo or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Tatra Corporation
    Inventors: Peter V. Catlos, Jan Vrto
  • Patent number: 5920963
    Abstract: A ropefastener includes a U-shaped base and a press member. The base has a front bottom and a rear bottom separated by a large opening. An inner lateral side of the front and the rear bottom are formed with a swelled up or down smooth edge so as to give no cutting or hurting function to a rope extending on them, prolonging the service life of the rope and obtaining the real safety of the rope fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: An-Chuan Chou
  • Patent number: 5909851
    Abstract: An attaching equipment consists of a bracket and a spacer which is slidable in bracket. When a band formed of an elastic body is inserted through band inserting slit of bracket and band inserting slit of spacer and the band is let off, spacer moves because of the tension of band, whereby blade-like portions formed at end portions of band inserting slits pinch the band, preventing falling of the band out of the band inserting slits. When a force is applied to spacer so as to align band inserting slits and with each other, band is allowed to freely move in band inserting slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Cat Eye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 5807214
    Abstract: A connector (10) for securing an exercise member (12) to a section of flexible material (18) includes a slide (50) and first (20) and second (22) cinchable loops. First (20) and second (22) cinchable loops are formed in the material (18) and in cooperation with the slide (50) and are connected by a third loop (24). The third loop (24) has a first end (30) and a second end (32) that are restrained by a restraint (40). The restraint (40) prevents the first (20) and second (22) cinchable loops from pulling out of the frame (50). The connector (10) secures an exercise member (12) by holding the exercise member (12) in the two cinchable loops (20,22). The connector (10) may also be used to anchor an exercise member (12) to a door (300), a door hold (16), or a hand hold (14). Multiple connectors (10) may also be used in conjunction with a single section of material (18) to provide additional and varying exercise device configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Hygenic Corporation
    Inventor: John Riazi
  • Patent number: 5806148
    Abstract: A tongue assembly (10) includes a metal plate member (34) having a first portion (36) with a buckle latch receiving first opening (42) and a second portion (46) offset from the first portion. The metal plate member (34) has a second opening (60) between the first and second portions (36 and 46) through which seat belt webbing (16) extends. The first portion (36) of the metal plate member (34) is positionable on one side of the belt webbing (16). The second portion (46) of the metal plate member (34) is positionable on the other side of the belt webbing (16). A seat belt webbing cinch bar (130) is attached to the metal plate member (34) and located on the other side of the belt webbing (16). The cinch bar (130) has a first position in which the belt webbing (16) is located between the first portion (36) of the metal plate member (34) and the cinch bar (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McFalls, John A. Giampalmi, III
  • Patent number: 5797654
    Abstract: A device for use in safely positioning a shoulder belt upon a child seated in a booster set, the strap comprising in combination with a shoulder belt positioning strap, the strap having a first end, a second end and an intermediate extent therebetween means to couple the first end of the belt to a booster seat; a shoulder belt clip secured to the second end of the belt; and the shoulder belt clip having a semicircular recess at a lower extent adapted to receive the second end of the strap, the shoulder belt clip having an opened upper extent, an aperture with diametrically opposed inwardly directed protrusions, the aperture formed intermediate the super and lower extents of the shoulder belt clip, the opened upper extent and the aperture together adapted to removably engage the shoulder belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: David J. Stroud
  • Patent number: 5771544
    Abstract: A belt adjusting device comprises a belt webbing having a free end and a tensioned section. The belt adjusting device further comprises a holding part provided with a through passage for a belt webbing and a contact surface adjacent to the through passage. The contact surface is inclined relatively to a plane in which the through passage extends. The belt adjusting device further comprises an arresting part which is movable relatively to the holding part and comprises a deflection web. The deflection web comprises a clamping surface on its side facing the holding part. The belt webbing runs through the through passage, around the deflection web and back through the through passage. The free end of the belt webbing passes through the through passage between an edge of the through passage adjacent the contact surface and the tensioned section of the belt webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Wier, Peter Haas, Edgar Schneider
  • Patent number: 5729877
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pinch resistant buckle assembly to reduce the potential for pinching the skin of a person when connecting a female receptacle and a male latch of the assembly. The male latch has an outwardly extending engagement portion which is received by a female receptacle. The female receptacle has a body having a chamber adapted to releasably engage the engagement portion of the male latch. The chamber has an opening at the engagement end of the female receptacle body through which the engagement portion of the latch passes to engage the chamber.A guide shield is located adjacent the opening and extends substantially away from the opening in a direction from which the male latch is inserted. Extending the shield outwardly away from the opening effectively enlarges the area of the opening by providing a larger effective area to guide the engagement portion of the male latch into the opening. The guide shield provides an extended surface leading into the chamber through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Kwai Kong, Thomas K. Geraty, Christopher G. Asplin
  • Patent number: 5651166
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for webbing retention and adjustment that includes a body member having opposing side members interconnected by first and second transverse members. A resilient projecting member extends upwardly from a lower portion of the body member and includes a front side portion biased toward the second transverse member and engageable with a portion of the webbing between the second transverse member and the resilient projecting member so as to increase the friction on the webbing and prevent slippage of the webbing in at least one direction with little or no tension on the webbing. The resilient projecting member is flexible away from the second transverse member to at least partially disengage the webbing and ease adjustment of the webbing by reducing the friction on the webbing and reducing the webbing release angle required to adjust the webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt H. Lundstedt
  • Patent number: 5649341
    Abstract: A manually activated seat belt device comprising: a latch plate (20) and cooperating buckle (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Ashline, Jon E. Burrow, James W. Burrum, Alice Dunmire, William Fox, David Prentkowski
  • Patent number: 5644822
    Abstract: A buckle for fastening together the ends of a flat plastic strap, comprising in a unibody construction a pair of parallel ends a pair of parallel side legs disposed between the parallel ends, and a pair of parallel intermediate legs disposed between the parallel side legs with the intermediate legs having a rough top surface and a rough bottom surface, and the side legs have rough bottom surfaces, and constructed in such a manner that one end of the strap is threaded between the two intermediate legs, over the top surface of one intermediate leg and one side leg and under the bottom surface of one side. leg, with the other end of the strap being similarly threaded on the other intermediate leg, whereby the buckle holds tightly the strap after the ends are pulled tightly with the rough surfaces holding the strap and the strap being threaded so as to have four 90.degree. bends at the leg corners to enable better holding by the buckle of the strap in the tightened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Net/Werk/USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Frew
  • Patent number: 5590443
    Abstract: A nonslip slide or buckle has elongated teeth projecting along edges of openings defined between the outer limbs and the central limb and through which straps are looped for lingerie or corsetry, thereby preventing slippage of the buckle relative to the straps or vice versa without allowing snagging of outer garment fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Gerhard Fildan
  • Patent number: 5471714
    Abstract: A device for adjustable attachment of a strap includes an injection moulded element forming an aperture therein. A cross bar forms an integral part of the element and extends across the aperture. An injection moulded plate has an opening and is integral with two spring legs diverging from an edge of the plate. The plate is mounted in the element which forms a cover at one side of the plate, and is displaceable in the element with the free ends of the spring legs engaging the element to bias an edge of the opening, substantially parallel to the cross bar, against a strap passed around the cross bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Broderna Holmbergs Fabriks AB
    Inventor: Ulf Olson
  • Patent number: 5432984
    Abstract: A self-clamping attachment loop of a strap comprises a pair of superposed rings in the form of rectangular frames having two openings of different sizes, and a transverse slot for the strap to pass through. The loop is either in a locked position following application of a clamping force or in an unlocked position due to a voluntary unlocking action causing sliding of the second ring and an increase of the passage zone of the strap in the slot after rocking of the loop. The external edge of the cross-piece of the second ring is located permanently away from the parallel edge of the first ring in order not to hamper the rocking movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventor: Pierre Petzl
  • Patent number: 5426829
    Abstract: A packing strap fastener including a looped locating plate having a trapezoidal block in the middle of the front end thereof, a packing strap having two opposite ends turned backwards to form two loops respectively inserted into the center opening of the looped locating plate, and a key having two parallel key blades respectively inserted through the loops thus formed at the two opposite ends of the packing strap permitting the trapezoidal block of the looped locating plate to be firmly retained between the tips of the key blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Bear Hsiung
  • Patent number: 5417455
    Abstract: A free-falling, self-locking adjustable tip assembly is provided for a safety belt apparatus, which has a seat belt retractor at one belt end and for rewinding the belt and pulling one belt portion into a generally vertical position at belt release. A tip-assembly engagement means contacts the belt and acts on a slide with a first rib on the slide movable across the top of a tongue plate to wedge the belt between a pair of ribs on an insert carried by the tongue plate. The first rib is on a metal slide means and is located above the tongue plate, as are the pair of ribs on the insert. The locking of belt prevents transfer of the belt from the shoulder portion to lap portion is at a location above the tongue plate. When the tip assembly is unbuckled, the grip is released and the tip assembly free falls along the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Takata Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Drinane, Gerald A. Doty
  • Patent number: 5371926
    Abstract: A closed loop fastening system for running and other shoes. The fastening system includes a harness, a strap, guides and a tension lock buckle. The harness includes strap portions which can tightly retain a user's foot inside the shoe. The guides are attached to the harness for guiding the strap. One end of the strap is attached to the harness and the other end of the strap is attached to the buckle. An effective length of the strap can be defined such that a shorter effective length yields a tighter harness and a tighter fit, and a longer effective length yields a looser harness and a looser fit. The tension lock buckle used in the closed loop fastening system is adaptable for use with numerous other products having a strap. The tension lock buckle includes a body, a pivotal locking member and a sliding bar. The sliding bar is mounted within the body for longitudinal movement therein. The pivotal locking member is pivotally attached to the body for relative pivotal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen W. Van Noy, Perry W. Auger
  • Patent number: 5331726
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a band link with a safety device for use in adjusting and fixing a shoulder band or a waist band of various bags or rucksacks wherein after the band is suitably adjusted according to the physique of the user, the locking piece connected at the side of the band link is moved and fixed toward the band-controlling toothed side, so the band is not disengaged and is fixed as it stands even if excessive force or shock is exerted on the band link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Sam Am Suh
  • Patent number: 5311653
    Abstract: A web adjuster for use with a plastic coated web. An adjuster frame includes a pair of slotted upstanding walls which slidably receive a roller bar extending therebetween. A plastic sleeve is rotatably mounted to the bar and includes a plurality of flexible ribs. The web extends around the sleeve which acts as a bearing relative to the bar. A stop edge is contactable by the web as the bar and sleeve move thereto locking the web to the adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Merrick
  • Patent number: 5309606
    Abstract: A tongue assembly for use in a seat belt device is formed of a tongue main body engaging a buckle and a slider slidably disposed over the main body. A first slit is situated in a middle portion of the main body to extend in a direction perpendicular to an inserting direction of the main body relative to the buckle. A first wall portion is fixed to the main body to project upwardly from an upper surface of the main body along the first slit at a side of a rear portion. A second wall portion is formed in an upper side of the slider and has a surface opposing to the first wall portion. A second slit is formed at a lower side of the slider so that a rear edge of the second slit at a side of a rear portion of the main body is situated close to an insertion portion of the main body with respect to the surface of the second wall. A third slit is further formed in the rear portion of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5285555
    Abstract: A buckle for a belt or harness comprising a ring member defining a hollow interior space, a slidable bar, and releasable securable lock. The ring member has a first and a second side section, and a first and a second end section, which are connected to one another. The slidable bar is mounted between the side sections and is movable between a position immediately adjacent the first end section and a position immediately adjacent the second end section. The first end section of the buckle is securable to one portion of a web of the belt or harness. A free end portion of a web of the belt or harness is arranged to extend through the ring's interior space between the first end section and the slidable bar, around the bar, and through the space between the bar and the second end section, from which it exits beyond the second end section of the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Michael Bell
  • Patent number: 5222278
    Abstract: A vehicle safety apparatus for restraining movement of a vehicle occupant or a child seat includes a tongue assembly and belt webbing which is selectively extensible through the tongue assembly along either a first path or a second path. The first path includes first and second webbing openings in the tongue assembly through which the belt webbing is extensible and slidable when the safety apparatus is used to restrain movement of a vehicle occupant. The second path includes the first and second webbing openings and further includes a third webbing opening in the tongue assembly. The belt webbing may selectively be extended through the third webbing opening to block movement of the belt webbing through the tongue assembly when the safety apparatus is used to restrain movement of a child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Keith R. Ball, Phillip H. McCune
  • Patent number: 5170539
    Abstract: A buckle having a sleeve portion including a receiving channel, a web connector member positioned within the channel for cooperation with the sleeve, and a spring member integrally formed with the web connector member for providing a spring bias to the web connector member with respect to the sleeve so that a web can be affixed to the buckle for adjustable cooperation with the web connector member, the sleeve and the spring member with the web connector member being accessible from the exterior of the buckle for manipulation by a user against the force of the spring member so as to adjust or remove the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt H. Lundstedt, Steven C. Keller
  • Patent number: 5138749
    Abstract: A tongue assembly for use in a safety apparatus in which belt webbing restrains movement of an occupant of a vehicle or of a child seat includes a metal base. The base has a passage through which the belt webbing extends. A plastic cover is fixed to the base and has a belt clamping portion. The tongue assembly also includes a slide bar around which the belt webbing extends. The slide bar is movable relative to the base and cover between a first position in which the slide bar clamps the belt webbing against the belt clamping portion of the cover to block movement of the belt webbing through the passage and a second position in which the belt webbing is movable through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip H. McCune, Keith R. Ball
  • Patent number: 5133425
    Abstract: A passive seat belt system includes a seat belt buckle of a receptacle device having a connecting switch member connected to a battery of a vehicle and a tongue of a webbing so that the vehicle can be actuated or not in response to fastening or unfastening of a seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Chong K. Han
  • Patent number: 5123153
    Abstract: A sliding bar buckle is provided with a grip base with an inwardly facing toothed surface. A strap retainer moves within transverse slots on legs formed integrally with said grip base so that a complementary toothed surface on the strap retainer engages the inwardly facing toothed surface so as to engage a variable position strap therebetween. Connecting bars are additionally formed between said arms to engage a fixed position strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: American Cord & Webbing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Krauss
  • Patent number: 5100176
    Abstract: A tongue assembly for use in a safety apparatus in which belt webbing restrains movement of an occupant of a vehicle includes a base, a cover, and a cam. The cover is mounted for sliding movement on the base. The cover has an actuator portion engageable by the belt webbing to slide the cover along the base between a first portion and a second position. The cover engages and pivots a cam when the cover slides from its first position to its second position. The cam has a clamping surface disposed adjacent a clamping surface on the base. A portion of the belt webbing passes between the clamping surfaces on the base and the cam member. The cam is pivoted by sliding movement of the base into a clamping position in which the cam clamps the belt webbing against the base to block movement of the belt webbing through the tongue assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Keith R. Ball, Phillip H. McCune
  • Patent number: 5088160
    Abstract: A seat belt webbing adjuster having a base frame provided with a moveable elongated load bar of unique shape having a substantially planar transverse surface and having multiple transverse rounded edges displaced therefrom and about which seat belt webbing is wrapped, the load bar being adapted to pinch the webbing against the body frame at the planar surface and to frictionally engage the webbing at the rounded edges. Inasmuch as said webbing is pinched only along the planar surface of the load bar, jamming of the webbing as it is adjusted is avoided and the webbing adjuster assembly can be made to loose tolerances, thus decreasing the manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Am-Safe, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Warrick
  • Patent number: 5075932
    Abstract: A strap device for retaining in coiled condition of a coiled length of slender flexible material, such as an electrical extension cord, and for hanging it for storage, comprises a length of flexible strap material attached to a buckle formed to receive opposite end portions of the strap such that a relatively large loop can be provided by one of the end portions of the strap to encircle the coiled length and a relatively small loop can be provided at a doubled back-on-itself part of the other of the end portions of the strap to receive and retain an end portion of the coiled length, a cinch slide member being variously provided for closing the loop tightly about such received end portion of the coiled length, and a suspension-hook-receiving member being provided in preferably the end portion of the strap that provides the relatively small loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventors: Richard C. Hunt, Kenneth P. Kozole
  • Patent number: 5058244
    Abstract: A free falling cinch tongue has a lock bar which is supported to be freely rotatable about a fixed axis to move a belt clamping surface on the lock bar toward and away from a belt clamping surface on the cinch tongue frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Angel Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5050274
    Abstract: A latch plate assembly (10) comprising: a plate (12) having a tongue (14) formed at one end (16) thereof, a back portion (18) opposite the tongue (14) and a first opening formed in the back portion (18); a web guide (40), is positioned about the back portion (18) which includes an elevated member (44) spaced above the back portion (18) and a lower member (42) positioned below the back portion (18). The members (42, 44) cooperate to define a web guide slot (46) which laterally extends relative to the plate (12) to receive the seat belt webbing (36). The elevated member (44), includes a sloped surface (48) extending away from the first opening (34) and a first engagement surface (50) extending laterally positioned across a rear side of first opening (34). The latch plate assembly further includes: a cover (70) slidingly received about plate (12) relative to the web guide ( 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Staniszewski, Surendra D. Narayan
  • Patent number: 5033171
    Abstract: A buckle (10) comprises a plug (11) and a socket (12) releasably engageable with the plug (11). The socket (12) includes a socket body (21) having an opening (28) formed in its front end, and a pair of catch plates (22, 22) pivotally mounted at their respective middles on the opposite sides of the socket body (21) and each having at its front end an engaging prong (37, 37) and its rear end an abutment (38, 38). The plug (11) includes a plug proper (14) having a shank (14'), a plug head (16) formed contiguously to the front end of the shank (14') and having on its opposed sides a pair of engaging shoulders (17, 17) and means (19a, 19b) provided on the front end of the plug head (16) for, when the plug proper (14) is fully forced into the socket body (21), urging the abutments (38, 38) outwardly apart from each other so that the catch plates (22, 22) rotate in the direction to bring their engaging prongs (37, 37) into catching engagement with the engaging shoulders (17, 17) of the plug proper (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Kazumi Kasai
  • Patent number: 5027479
    Abstract: An adjustable chin strap for motorcycle helmets, including two strap portions that are interconnected via a self-clamping, double-acting, retaining roller closure mechanism, with the closure mechanism comprising a frame having at least two retaining rollers, and on one or both short, transversely disposed parts of the frame of the closure mechanism an adjustment flap is connected so as to be pivotable about the frame part, with the span of the adjustment flap in the direction of pulling of the strap corresponding to the desired change in head size of the strap, with the adjustment flap being pivotable into the interior of the frame of the closure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Roswitha Scheffczyk
    Inventor: Werner Scheffczyk
  • Patent number: 5023980
    Abstract: A latch plate assembly (10) comprising: a plate (12) having formed at one end thereof a tongue (14) and at an opposite end a back portion (22), the back portion (22) comprising open ends (112a,b) and an open recess (50; 30), the back portion including radially extending opposing openings (52,54) through which may be received a substantially flat seat belt webbing (60); a lock bar (80) moveable between first and second positions releasing and compressing the webbing (60); a cap (90) for enclosing the open recess (50; 30) and open ends (112a,b) including a sloping surface for positioning the lock bar (80) into compressive engagement with the webbing (60) and for slideably securing the lock bar (80) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Rudy V. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4962572
    Abstract: A tongue assembly for use in a three-point continuous loop seat belt system is freely slidable along the belt to enable use of a light retractor spring. The tongue assembly includes a lock bar slidable along a base. The base has a flat leading end portion, a parallel offset trailing end position, and a connector section extending at an angle between the leading and trailing end portions. Whe the tongue assembly is engaged with the buckle, the belt wraps around the lock bar, and the lock bar is slid along the angled connector portion of the base toward the trailing end portion. The belt is clamped between the lock bar and the trailing end portion, to restrain the vehicle occupant. When the tongue assembly is disengaged from the buckle, the belt extends through the tongue assembly in such a manner that the belt may move freely through the tongue assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: David Prentkowski
  • Patent number: 4963410
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for securing together segments of an elongated member such as an extension cord. The apparatus includes means for engaging at least one segment of the elongated member and a band member for wrapping around additional segments of the elongated member and having surfaces that releasably adhere to maintain the segments of the elongated members in a bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Judson D. Bryant
  • Patent number: 4951365
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved overcenter buckle for tensioning straps used for securing cargo during transport wherein the buckle includes a handle pivotally mounted upon a U-shaped body, and the tension strap is threaded through the handle wherein pivoting thereof between open and closed positions tensions the strap. The improved construction comprises a lock plate slidably mounted on the body displaceable between handle lock and release positions and the lock plate is sufficient spaced from the handle to allow handle clearance during release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Kinedyne Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce L. Loyd
  • Patent number: 4944438
    Abstract: A shoulder strap support apparatus for carrying weaponry on the person. The shoulder strap apparatus includes fastener apparatus for connecting the shoulder strap to a weaponry container positioned at the side beneath the shoulder of a person. The fastener apparatus facilitates the comfortable conforming of the shoulder strap and container to the person's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventor: Richard N. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 4935994
    Abstract: A seat belt latchplate is disclosed for use in association with a three-point seat belt harness wherein the latchplate is mounted at an intermediate point on the belt formed with a tongue portion adapted to be releasably anchored to an associated releasable buckle positioned inboard of the vehicle passenger seat. The latchplate has a trough-shaped depression providing a cross bar defined by a pair of symmetrically disposed belt slots located in each sloped side of the depression. A J-shaped lock bar is supported on the cross bar enabling the belt to be weaved through one slot and over the lock bar for passage through the other slot. With the latchplate in its free running stowed mode the belt is straight allowing the lock bar to float for free sliding travel of the belt through the latchplate slots. In its latched mode the belt is pulled around a hook-shaped portion of the lock bar causing the bar to rock and pinch the belt in its cinching mode releasably locking the passenger in the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Marion C. Boone, Fred Daris, Douglas J. Inch
  • Patent number: 4903378
    Abstract: A strap adjustment assembly generally comprises an open or hollow connector frame integrally molded of synthetic resin and a strap retainer integrally molded of synthetic resin and assembled in the hollow connector frame. The hollow connector frame includes a grip base having a strap bearing surface, a pair of spaced legs extending from the grip base and having a pair of oblong slots, respectively, and a connecting bar joining the legs remotely from the grip base by a distance. The strap retainer includes a central strap engagement portion, and a pair of arms extending from the central strap engagement portion and being non-rotatably loosely fitted in the slots, respectively. The central strap engagement portion has a strap pressing surface for frictionally pressing a strap end portion against the strap bearing surface. The strap pressing surface is transversely spaced from the arms at least by said distance. The connector frame and the strap retainer are simultaneously molded in an assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Nippon Notion Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumi Kasai
  • Patent number: D328044
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Ryukichi Murai
  • Patent number: D328045
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Nippon Notion Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Matoba