Plural Fasteners Having Intermediate Flaccid Connector Patents (Class 24/298)
  • Patent number: 6418594
    Abstract: A device for assisting a user with ingress and egress into and out of automobiles and other modes of transportation that includes an attaching member for attaching the device to the mode of transportation and a connecting member which includes a handle that the user grasps during ingress and egress from the mode of transportation and an adjusting means that allows the device to be strategically located for a user's particular needs or preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 6397865
    Abstract: A tie-downs for a table umbrella for preventing damage to a table umbrella. The tie-downs for a table umbrella include a plurality of rigid elongate members which are essentially made of stiff wire with each having a first hook-like end and a second hook-like end both of which are adapted to attach to a table and an umbrella; and also includes a plurality of coupling members each of which is essentially a flat, rigid strip-like piece having a plurality of holes spaced therealong for coupling a respective pair of elongate members one of which is attached to the table and the other of which is attached to the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Lillian G. Wilson, Arthur H. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6353982
    Abstract: A method and apparatus by which to repair a damaged portion of a net utilized to restrain movement. Attachment hooks or other hardware, constructed of a material, such as aluminum or steel, of a strength equal to or greater than the net material are secured to the ends of an appropriately sized rope or other material, constituting a bridging device. The attachment hooks or other hardware are constructed of a thickness, and with a radius interface, so that cutting of the net will not occur. The damaged area of the net is isolated, and the net repair bridge is affixed in the position of the damaged area, thereby replacing it and preserving the structural and functional capabilities of the containment net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Satron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Looker, Richard McLennan
  • Patent number: 6317938
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a protective device for use in combination with an elastic strap. Such straps commonly have hooks or other fasteners mounted on ends of the strap. When stretched and then released, these fasteners may become dangerous projectiles. In order to limit the rate of retraction or recoil of such elastic straps, the present invention discloses tethering the fastener end to the user's arm and/or retarding the motion of the strap with a sheath. In addition, the disclosure demonstrates a shielding apparatus to prevent direct contact with the fastening device or hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Durette
  • Publication number: 20010025402
    Abstract: A bungee cord with hookless ends includes an elastic body, a first attachment end, and a second attachment end. In a first preferred embodiment, the first and second attachment ends are spade attachment ends. Each spade attachment end includes a lock body, spade end and at least one lock slot. The spade end must be twisted to be inserted into the lock slot. The spade end is then twisted back to its original orientation to lock thereof in the lock slot. In a second embodiment, the first attachment end is a spade attachment end and the second attachment end is a tongue attachment end. The tongue attachment end includes a tongue body, a tongue hole, and a tongue extension. To lock the tongue attachment end, the tongue extension is inserted through a hole in an item until the spade contoured portion prevents further insertion. The tongue extension is then inserted through the tongue hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas J. Haiduk
  • Patent number: 6292984
    Abstract: A load-support system for supporting a load employing an instantaneously adjustable hook which is freely slideable along a tie-down or load-support cord to any selected operative position where the hook is positively latched to the cord by turning or twisting the hook relative to the cord to a position wherein the inboard end of the cord exiting from the hook is disposed at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore in the hook through which the cord extends. Such twisting or turning action serves to bias a latching element in the hook into latched engagement with the cord, preventing loosening—i.e., decrease in tension—of the effective length of the cord yet, at the same time, permitting movement of the cord through the hook in the opposite direction to increase the tension on the effective length of the cord while the hook remains positively latched thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Bradley E. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20010016970
    Abstract: A tether based connector for locating, identifying, inventorying, controlling and helping to ensure the retrieval of one or more items packaged within a container loaded with potentially obscuring packaging materials. The connector is formed from a stratified body having a die-cut upper sheet layer to form one or more extractable tethers, each of which terminates at a fastener at one end for releasably fastening to an item, and at an easily located terminus at the other end. The terminus may be formed as an anchorment for anchoring to the container. A single anchorment may be adapted to serve a plurality of tethers for fastening to a plurality of items. A badge carrying item identifying information can be associated with a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: James Cahill
  • Patent number: 6279205
    Abstract: A frictional cord lock for use in locking one portion of a single length of cord relative to another. A first embodiment includes a cylindrical, barrel-shaped member having a cylindrical wall substantially surrounding a longitudinal axis, has a first cord end fixed in one opening in the cord lock. Second and third tear-drop shaped openings lie along a common axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis and receive a second portion of the cord, the first opening lying vertically between said the second and third openings. The cord slides freely in second and third openings when pulled along their common axis but locks when subjected to non-axial forces. The non-axial forces pull the cord into the v-shaped portion of the openings pinching the cord and securing them in place. A second embodiment employs a generally horizontal v-shaped channel to lock the cord in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Karl T. Steiner
  • Patent number: 6276031
    Abstract: A bungee cord with hookless ends includes an elastic body, a first attachment end, and a second attachment end. In a first preferred embodiment, the first and second attachment ends are spade attachment ends. Each spade attachment end includes a lock body, spade end and a lock slot. The spade end must be twisted to be inserted into the lock slot. The spade end is then twisted back to its original orientation to lock thereof in the lock slot. In a second embodiment, the first attachment end is a spade attachment end and the second attachment end is a tongue attachment end. The tongue attachment end includes a tongue body, a tongue hole, and a tongue extension. To lock the tongue attachment end, the tongue extension is inserted through a hole in an item until the spade contoured portion prevents further insertion. The tongue extension is then inserted through the tongue hole. In a third preferred embodiment, the first attachment end is a tongue attachment end and the second end is a strap attachment end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Tommy Strap, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Haiduk
  • Patent number: 6273020
    Abstract: A restraint for holding fishing poles to the deck of a boat includes an anchor screwed to the deck, a unidirectional snap fastener having its base portion screwed to the deck, and a double strand of bungee cord or other resilient strand extending from the anchor to a cap of the snap fastener. The unidirectional snap fastener is oriented so that no amount of force pulling up on the bungee cord will release the snap fastener, but a slight tug on a side of the snap fastener opposite to the anchor will easily cause it to release. The cap of the snap fastener includes a looped tab to facilitate separating it from the base. The anchor may be secured in the end wall of a hatch cover; the snap fastener may be secured adjacent to a gunwale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: David A. D'Alessandro
  • Patent number: 6273376
    Abstract: A hanger holder provided for being carried on a conventional laundry basket and for carrying a plurality of conventional clothes hangers in such a manner as to not allow any of the hangers to fall therefrom, and such that the hangers retained thereby are prevented from becoming entangled one with another. The hanger holder of the present invention includes at least two loop members secured to each other or to a base. Each loop member is provided with a fastener for fastening the distal end thereof to either the proximal end of one of the loops, or to the base. In one embodiment, a first loop is provided for being mounted on a conventional laundry basket, a wire-type shelving unit, or a clothes rod in a closet. Second and third loops are provided for encircling either side of at least one conventional hanger, with the hook of each hanger being disposed between the second and third loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin D. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6256845
    Abstract: This invention relates to a closable loop keeper strap for securing, storing, and transporting household, garden, and industrial items. By forming a strap from an elongated length of material having a flexible, openable, and closable keeper at one end and a hanger element at the opposite end, one can produce an improved, low-cost, re-useable load-securing strap. By folding the end of the elongated length of material, having the flexible keeper attached thereto, around a load to be secured, a user can form an adjustable and releasable noose around the load. The adjustable and releasable noose is formed when the user wraps the flexible keeper around the unfolded portion of the length of material and fastens the keeper to form a closed keeper loop. The user can then slidably position the keeper loop along the length of the elongated length of material to tighten and loosen the noose. The closable loop keeper strap can accommodate loads of varying size, shape, and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: James J. Tseng
  • Patent number: 6247211
    Abstract: A medical tubing tethering device comprising a tether having a first proximal end and an opposed distal end. A first mechanism is supported adjacent the proximal end of the tether for securing the medical tubing tethering device to a desired object. The distal end of the tether has a second attachment mechanism for coupling a medical tube thereto to facilitate support of the medical tube once the medical tubing tethering device is supported by the desired object. The tether can be substantially helical so as to be capable of wrapping around the medical tube to tether the medical tube to the patient to prevent unwanted movement of the medical tube relative to the patient. The tether may also be a flexible strap with a pressure sensitive adhesive or a hook and loop touch fastener. The medical tubing tethering device can also be used in combination with a stand alone anchor to facilitate use with a wider range of coupling surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: MedCare Medical Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig J. Bell
  • Patent number: 6220562
    Abstract: A furniture tipping restraint for use in helping to prevent furniture such as chests of drawers, bookcase shelves, television carts, etc., from tipping over and away from a building wall. The furniture tipping restraint includes a first anchor which is attached to the wall whereagainst the furniture is located and a second anchor which is attached to the back wall of the furniture. A restraint strap extends through holes in both of the anchors and includes a clamping aperture at one end thereof for receiving the other end of the restraint strap for forming a loop and thereby tying together the anchors and effectively restraining the furniture from tipping away from the wall. In another embodiment, a restraint strap includes a securement portion for attachment directly to either a wall or the furniture. An attachment clamp also includes a securement portion and is attached directly to either the wall or the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: B. Walter & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Konkle
  • Patent number: 6212741
    Abstract: A tether based connector for locating, identifying, inventorying, controlling and helping to ensure the retrieval of one or more items packaged within a container loaded with potentially obscuring packaging materials. The connector terminates at a fastener at one end for releasably fastening to an item, and at an easily located terminus at the other end. The terminus may be formed as an anchorment for anchoring to the container. A single anchorment may be adapted to serve a plurality of tethers for fastening to a plurality of items. A badge carrying item identifying information can be associated with a connector. A dispenser or applicator dispenses multiple connectors. An oblong foam slab is separable into anchorment and fastener portions connected by the tether extendible from at least one of the portions. Also disclosed is an inventive method for packaging items with tethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: James M. Cahill
  • Patent number: 6199246
    Abstract: A tie for fastening the upholstery of a vehicle seat cushion and/or seatback; the tie including a portion of wire, of predetermined length, fitted integrally at opposite ends with respective mutually connectable end heads, and a portion of tape shorter than the portion of wire and folded longitudinally about the portion of wire, between the heads, to enclose the portion of wire inside a tubular sleeve defined by a U-folded intermediate longitudinal portion of the portion of tape and closed by a flat connecting strip defined by superimposed mutually fixed opposite longitudinal lateral portions of the portion of tape; the connecting strip being stitchable to the upholstery in a conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: ITW Fastex-Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Cibin, Manrico Oddenino
  • Patent number: 6145170
    Abstract: A fastener bead removably affixed to a flexible tension element of a cargo holder and used by removably inserting the bead in the wider portion of a keyhole-type slot in a support structure. The bead in use is trapped and held by the margin of the narrow portion of the keyhole slot. The bead has a through-passageway with axially opposite loop-entrance and loop-exit ends thereof located respectively at first and second opposite end surfaces of the bead. In one bead embodiment an external groove in a bead first side surface is sized for retaining a portion of each two runs of a free-end loop of the tension element disposed in side-by-side contacting relationship after exiting the passageway and lead in the groove toward engagement with trailing portions of the runs that trail back out the entrance end of the passageway as they extend back toward cargo holder attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Bernard Mould
    Inventors: Edward Helmut Bernard, Gordon Alan Bernard
  • Patent number: 6138327
    Abstract: The present invention includes an elongated securement strap comprised of a plurality of joined segments. The strap preferably comprises of an elongated first webbed segment of material having a first end and a second end, an elongated second segment of material having a first end and a second end; and an elongated third webbed segment of material having a first end and a second end, wherein the segments are joined in an overlapping relationship to form the elongated strap. The second end of the first segment and the first end of the third segment have securement openings therein. The middle or second segment of the elongated strap is comprised of a stretchable material to permit ease of strapping and holding objects together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Andrew P. Powell, Michael J. Lamontagne
  • Patent number: 6038745
    Abstract: An adjustable strap is comprised of an elastic band generally folded in half with one section slightly longer than the other. The end of longer section is folded back over the shorter section and stitched to the end of the shorter section and an adjacent portion of the longer section. An elongated small loop and an elongated large loop are formed on opposite sides of the stitching. A D-ring is connected to the small loop, and a clip hook is hinged to the D-ring for clipping to a supporting structure. The lateral sections of the large loop are both threaded through at least two slots in a buckle, which is slidable along the large loop to divide it into two variable-size storage loops for strapping and holding items. The buckle is slidable for changing the sizes of the storage loops for tightening around the items. A triangular ring is connected to the storage loop farther away from the clip hook. The strap may be wrapped around a supporting structure by clipping the triangular ring to the clip hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Donita M. Rapp
  • Patent number: 5983760
    Abstract: A skate key assembly for adjusting the wheels of an inline skate comprises an elongated one-piece key member of uniform hexagonal cross section including an intermediate S-shaped gripping member extending in one direction to a generally straight operating portion having a terminal end for insertion into the tightening mechanism of a wheel of the inline skate and extending in an opposite direction to an attachment portion oriented generally transverse of said operating portion. A carrier device in the form of a snap hook releasably attaches the assembly to the clothing of a user. A side release buckle includes a first buckle component attached to the carrier device, a second buckle component attached to the attachment portion of the key member, and an engagement mechanism selectively operable for releasably attaching the first buckle component to the second buckle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Peter B. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5984380
    Abstract: A tether assembly for tethering an object, which tether assembly includes a cable having opposite ends and a connector attached to one of the opposite ends, and a retaining block for securing the cable to a support. The retaining block includes two parallel through-bores which extend through the retaining block and are provided for receiving the cable. The retaining block also includes a stepped bore which has a threaded portion and a non-threaded terminal portion. The non-threaded terminal portion of the stepped bore has a cylindrical portion which terminates at a common intersection with each of the two parallel through-bores, and a tapered end. A spherical element is positionable in the non-threaded portion of the stepped bore. In use, the retaining block is secured to a support structure and the connector is connected to an object to be tethered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Access Denied, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Rice
  • Patent number: 5974632
    Abstract: An improved eyeglasses fastening device has a fastening belt, a pair of decoration attachments, a pair of connecting pieces and two elastic rubber rings. Each decoration attachment having one side provided with an artistic printing has a two-staged engagement through hole in the diametric direction which is a round hole in communication with an oval hole. Each connecting piece has a central extension finger provided with a pointed piercing end. The decoration attachments are movably guided through the ends of the fastening belt respectively and the rubber rings are also secured to the terminals of the fastening belt by way of the connecting pieces respectively so that the decoration attachments can be adjustably engaged with the rubber rings when the rubber rings are attached to the temples of an eye glasses. Such a structure enables the terminals of the fastening belt covered with the connecting pieces to be concealed in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Teng-Yen Chang
  • Patent number: 5956834
    Abstract: A headliner repair system for repairing a sagging headliner in an automobile, comprising a pair of anchors attached with a tether. The anchors comprise a flange having a center, and a screw extending from the center of each flange. The tether is rope-like, has two ends which each have a loop. One of the anchors is secured to the headliner, trapping one of the loops around one of the screws, and between the flange and headliner. The other anchor is pulled across the headliner, to tension the tether against the headliner, and is then secured to the headliner. The headliner between the anchors is thus supported by the tensioned tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Carmine Charles Sardo, Carmine Charles Sardo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5926924
    Abstract: A handle sheath fastened to one end of a twisted handle and adapted to secure it in a face panel of a paper bag, having a cylindrical body mounted around the twisted handle, a longitudinal opening, two longitudinal rows of downward teeth arranged along two longitudinal side edges at two opposite sides of the longitudinal opening and engaged into the twisted handle, a serrated axial front projection longitudinally extended from one end thereof and stopped against the face panel of the paper bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Dao-Long Tsai
  • Patent number: 5913479
    Abstract: Various improved snap hooks having generally S-shaped bodies are used to engage spaced objects. In one embodiment, the snap hook has three sections; an eyelet, hook and hinged gate. The hook has a shank leading to a curved section that terminates in a receiving end. The receiving end has a notch on the lip of an inside surface. A metal wire gate extends from a supporting portion located on the eyelet and is biased closed against the notch. The gate has a long arm and a short arm, each terminating in a stem element. The gate is bowed to conform with the shape of the snap hook. When opened, the gate straddles either side of the shank so as to maximize the size of the aperture created when the gate is opened. In a first embodiment, the supporting portion is two supporting holes. The stem of each the long and short arms are inwardly turned so as to fit into respective supporting holes. In a second embodiment, the supporting portion is a single supporting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel M. Westwood, III
  • Patent number: 5893198
    Abstract: A necklace assembly for holding a pair of eyeglasses includes an elongated flexible necklace for wearing about the neck of a wearer and an eyeglass-holder assembly connected between first and second ends of the necklace. The eyeglass-holder assembly includes an eyeglass-holder loop having a temple-piece-receiver loop opening for receiving a temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses and a first and a second swivel linker. Each swivel linker has a necklace-side connector and a holder-loop-side connector rotatably joined together for full rotation about a swivel axis. The holder-loop-side connectors of the first and the second swivel linker are connected to the eyeglass-holder loop at locations spaced apart from one another about the loop. The necklace assembly also includes necklace/holder-assembly couplers connecting the respective ends of the necklace with the necklace-side connectors of corresponding swivel linkers of the eyeglass-holder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: La Loop
    Inventor: Deborah A. DeCotis
  • Patent number: 5884371
    Abstract: A dressing aid for suspending a lower garment from an upper garment is disclosed herein comprising a band and a pair of clips, with one clip connected to each end of the band. Each clip comprises a pair of arms each having a handle at a first end and a jaw at a second end, a pivoting means, and a means for biasing the jaws to the closed position. One may engage a garment using the clip by squeezing together the handles such that the jaws separate, then releasing the handles to close the jaws about a garment positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Cynthia L. Huggins
  • Patent number: 5868369
    Abstract: A hanger holder provided for being carried on a conventional laundry basket and for carrying a plurality of conventional clothes hangers in such a manner as to not allow any of the hangers to fall therefrom, and such that the hangers retained thereby are prevented from becoming entangled one with another. The hanger holder of the present invention includes at least two loop members secured to each other or to a base. Each loop member is provided with a fastener for fastening the distal end thereof to either the proximal end of one of the loops, or to the base. In one embodiment, a first loop is provided for being mounted on a conventional laundry basket, a wire-type shelving unit, or a clothes rod in a closet. Second and third loops are provided for encircling either side of at least one conventional hanger, with the hook of each hanger being disposed between the second and third loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin D. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5852849
    Abstract: A bib holder particularly suited for holding dental bibs, includes fasteners and a strap between them wherein the strap is made of a flexible material with a central expanded band portion with two flat sides and elongated rod portions extending from the band portion. Bib fasteners are attached to the end terminals of the rod portions. This strap is comfortable when placed on the patient, is easily stored, may be made in bright colors and designer designs, and further may contain words or other designs on the flat sides of the band portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Pinnacle Products of Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Lansing, Phillip E. Mark
  • Patent number: 5819809
    Abstract: Connecting devices for assembling the ends of helical springs with respect to other members wherein each connecting device includes at least two elastic branches adapted to frictionally engage with the end coils of a helical spring to thereby prevent the resonance of the spring when it is subjected to extension and compression. The connecting devices are particularly adapted for use for damping springs associated with the heddles in a weaving loom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Staubli Lyon
    Inventors: Dario Bassi, Patrick Vessella
  • Patent number: 5809620
    Abstract: An article for securing a load on a pallet includes two reusable straps. A hook is mounted at one end of each strap and is designed to be hooked around the runner of a pallet. The article further includes a quick-release mechanism for connecting the straps to one another. The mechanism comprises a buckle, and a yoke pivotally mounted at one end of the buckle. One of the straps is anchored to the yoke at the end of the strap remote from the respective hook. This strap may be anchored to the yoke permanently or by way of a quick-disconnect device. The buckle and the yoke have a relative position in which the second strap can be threaded into the buckle and then pulled to tighten the straps around a load. Relative pivotal movement of the buckle and the yoke to a second relative position locks the second strap to maintain tension in the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: AGM Container Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Crowley, Howard N. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5774950
    Abstract: A tie having a shapeable elongate member with alligator clips affixed to its ends. A jacket on the elongate member is of resilient material. A holder is attachable to a clip and includes tube engaging members to support the tube in place relative the patient. The holder has closure strips for tube retention. A supplemental tie is attachable to the clips on the first mentioned elongate member to assist in supporting articles adjacent the patent. A clip of the tie may be attached to the elongate member to provide an enclosure for confining two or more tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Richard A. Stout
  • Patent number: 5718026
    Abstract: An adjustable attachment has been developed which can be used in combination with an auxiliary backrest to suspend the backrest from a fixed backrest normally found on a chair or wheelchair. The support structure includes an elongate receiver and a hanger. The receiver extends longitudinally and is normally fixed in a vertical position to the auxiliary backrest and defines a plurality of openings spaced apart along the length of the receiver to form a row of openings. The hanger is shaped to fit in any one of the receiver openings and the receiver has an outer part so that in use the hanger can be engaged through a selected one of the openings. The hanger then extends along the length of the receiver and the outer part can be engaged downwardly over an upper edge of a fixed backrest or other support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Special Health Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick N. Harrison, Nenad B. Medjedovic
  • Patent number: 5709012
    Abstract: A receiving section for receiving a chain clap is provided not in a portable terminal unit itself, but in a belt clip to be clamped to a portable terminal unit, and the receiving section is integrated with the belt clip with molded resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Uniden Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Ebashi
  • Patent number: 5653003
    Abstract: A shoulder harness recoil restraint clip comprising a clip member having first and second engagement portions flexibly connected by a flex hinge that allows the first and second engagement portions to rotate in a manner such that a first surface of the first engagement portion covered with a first plurality of gripping ridges is rotatable into a position contacting a second surface of the second engagement portion covered with a second plurality of gripping ridges. The first and second engagement portions are lockable to a section of shoulder harness strap material adjacent the recoil mechanism by a locking tab positionable with a locking tab receiving channel formed through one of the engagement portions. The locking tab is held in place by locking tab ridges positioned on either side of a locking tab receiving channel. The locking tab has an engagement head adapted to seat between adjacent locking ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: William David Freeman
  • Patent number: 5642557
    Abstract: This invention relates to a clip for releasably connecting a panel edge to a rod. The clip comprises a first jaw for releasable connection to the panel edge, and an opposed, substantially arcuate, second jaw for releasable connection to the rod. The first jaw includes a locking means for engaging with a complimentary part of the panel edge. The first and second jaws are integrally formed of a resilient material. The clip may be particularly suitable for joining display panels together about a common connecting rod. The display panels, once connected or joined, are free to move with respect to each other about the common connecting rod which acts as a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: C J Distributors Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Mark Clews
  • Patent number: 5619776
    Abstract: An integrated upholstering element presenting a supporting element made of plastic material and molded onto a lateral edge of a tape and onto a first end of at least one tie presenting, towards a second end opposite the first and in a predetermined axial position, at least one retaining element made of synthetic plastic material and also molded onto the tie. A series of integrated upholstering elements are injection molded one at a time in a system featuring two mating half molds, between which the tape and the ties are stretched between respective feed-off reels and gripping devices; after being molded, each integrated element is translated by a sufficient amount to feed a further free portion of the tape and ties between the half molds and the gripping devices, to perform the next molding operation; and the previously molded integrated element is detached by cutting the tape and ties downstream from the gripping devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: ITW Fastex Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Manrico Oddenino
  • Patent number: 5611118
    Abstract: A device for retaining a visored cap upon a wearer's head under high wind conditions includes a strap member and a pair of clamp members that directly engage the strap member and a portion of a visor on a cap. The direct coupling between the strap member and the visor on the cap, which is maintained by the clamp members, is particularly advantageous for maintaining a cap in a desired position on a wearer's head under high wind conditions. The retaining device of this invention also includes an adjustment member that allows a wearer to vary the effective length of the strap member to ensure a snug fit. Each of the clamp members and the adjustment member include a housing having a cavity and an opening formed therein, a pin member slidable in the cavity and having an opening formed therein and a spring to bias the pin member thereby clamping the strap member in the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: E. Bruce Bibbee
  • Patent number: 5601197
    Abstract: A hanger device comprises a plurality of clip assemblies slidable along a support such as a rope or the like. Each assembly comprises a plurality of clamps rotatable about the central axis of the rope by means of a collar rotatably mounted to a base, the base receiving a portion of the rope in longitudinal extension therethrough. Each clamp is further rotatably mounted about a shaft extending from the collar and through a hub associated with the clamp. Each clamp is further pivotal about a pivot pin extending through first and second arms extending from the hub. The plurality of clamp positions, relative to the rope, allows for various articles, such as ball caps, towels, etc. to be displayed in various positions along and about the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Dean Baxter
  • Patent number: 5489075
    Abstract: A baby bottle holder and feeder including a lightweight, hollow articulating arm having a clamp member affixed at one end for the purpose of holding a baby bottle for feeding and having another clamp member affixed at the opposite end for the purpose of clamping the baby bottle holder and feeder to a nearby object such as a baby's car seat. The articulating arm is generally of plastic composition and permits movement by a child as required to initiate, perform, and terminate self feeding. The clamp member holding the baby bottle is spring actuated and having pads between planar extensions of the jaws of the clamp member for softening impact therebetween subsequent to removal of the bottle should an older child desire such release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Ible
  • Patent number: 5467507
    Abstract: An integral strap assembly comprising a pair of end fasteners molded onto the ends of a nylon cable. The cable is made up of a round bundle of small individual extruded nylon strands enclosed in a sheath of braided nylon. The strap assembly is preferably used to check the motion of automobile glove box doors, station wagon tailgates, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Marsh, Gary L. Schubring
  • Patent number: 5425485
    Abstract: A shoulder strap for carrying and coupling a pair of ski boots. The strap is adjustable in length, and has a cord attached to it that is used to connect the strap to the boots and also to hold the boots together. The strap and cord also use swivel-type connectors that allow the boots to be positioned in the most convenient and comfortable position when being carried by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Doug Carlo
  • Patent number: 5423108
    Abstract: A rope controller constructed without a spring or any other resilient means for controlling movement of a rope having a standing end and a free end. The rope controller is cam actuated and includes a housed cam which is journaled for movement toward and away from a clamping portion of the housing and is responsive to movement of a rope in either direction. The cam is activated to prevent movement of the standing end of the rope by tensioning the standing end of the rope. The cam is deactivated to permit movement of the free end of the rope by tensioning the free end of the rope. The cam is deactivated to permit movement of the rope in either direction by manually depressing an extension of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Daniel F. Brennan
  • Patent number: 5421068
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 20 having a hook 68 for connecting a first article 78 to a continuous cable 70 includes first and second matable members 22,24, each having a body portion 26 at a cable-proximate end thereof, the body portion 26 having a work arm 32 and a cable-proximate arm extending outwardly from a mating face 28 thereof and defining therebetween a recess 48 for receiving the body portion 26 of the other member when the members are mated, and a hook portion 54. The work and cable-proximate arms 32,40 of the first member 22 are in opposite vertical orientation to the work and cable-proximate arms 32,40 of the second member 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Gino Menechella
  • Patent number: 5344107
    Abstract: The tube strap of this invention includes a first end having a hole for accommodating a tube therethrough and a second hook end having a handle extending generally transverse to the hook end. The first and second ends are spaced by a shaft portion. The tube strap is flexible and is preferably formed from a silicone substance which can sustain repeated sterilization without detrimentally effecting its integrity. In use, the tube strap is carried by a support tube or hose passing through the opening in the first end. It is preferred that the strap be slid onto the tube by the supplier of the tubing at the time of manufacturing. The tube strap may be used in three basic variations to bundle or restrain tubes or hoses in a more manageable grouping. The strap could be wrapped around adjacent tubes with the hook engaging the shaft. The strap can be wrapped around adjacent tubes with the hook engaging the support tube which passes through the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Hall Surgical
    Inventor: William R. Lee
  • Patent number: 5117538
    Abstract: A shoulder strap securing device which selectively engages the shoulder straps of suspenders at one end and the shirt collar or necktie at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Jesse Henry
  • Patent number: 5109578
    Abstract: A hand-sized golf club cover retention apparatus or connector is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a connector body to which there is attached golf bag connector means, such as a side clip or snap, and a plurality of flexible cords. The cords include movable loop securement means, such as card locks, which define a loop therein. The size of the loop and its distance from the connector body are both adjustable by means of the loop securement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Carolee M. Cox
  • Patent number: 5077868
    Abstract: A fastener for a baby's diaper is provided which comprises a generally elastic base member having at least thre claw units spaced apart thereon. The base member can be resiliently extended and the claw units engaged with a cloth or fabric diaper to retain the two ends of the part thereof encircling a baby's waist in required relative positions and also to hold a portion passing between the baby's legs in position relative to the former. The claw units are specially designed to properly engage the fabric of a diaper and not to become dislodged therefrom (if properly installed) in use. The fastener obviates the use of conventional safety pins with the associated disadvantages and dangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Snappi Holdings (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Hendrik S. Visser
  • Patent number: 4995329
    Abstract: A tiedown device and system, particularly suited for releasably securing a boat cover to a boat frame, is disclosed. The device has a hook-like end fastening member to whch an end of a flexible, extensible cord of a selected length is secured. The end fastening member has an inturned end portion that forms a restricted opening or passage into the inside of the end fastening member through which the cord extends and is returned to form a first fastening loop. The other free end of the cord is secured so as to apply a selected tension to the cover as by using a knot. A set of tiedown devices in the tiedown system applies uniform tension to a boat cover or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Larry B. Kleine
  • Patent number: 4962571
    Abstract: A fastener for a baby's diaper is provided which comprises a generally elastic base member having at least three claw units spaced apart thereon. The base member can be resiliently extended and the claw units engaged with a cloth or fabric diaper to retain the two ends of the part thereof encircling a baby's waist in required relative positions and also to hold a portion passing between the baby's legs in position relative to the former. The claw units are specially designed to properly engage the fabric of a diaper and not to become dislodged therefrom (if properly installed) in use. The fastener obviates the use of conventional safety pins with the associated disadvantages and dangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Hendrik S. Visser