Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental object (100), having an adhering region (103) for attaching the dental object (100) to a tooth, teeth (105) or the gums, including an array (101) of suction cups (107-1, . . . , 107-n).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning element (1) for tensioning a jumping mat (15) on a frame (16) of a trampoline (19) with the aid of an elastic cable (18), wherein the tensioning element (1) comprises a basic body (2) with a plurality of retaining elements (3a-3c) for retaining the elastic cable (18). In order to allow variable adjustment of the mat tensioning, the invention proposes to provide a plurality of retaining elements (3a-3c) on the same side of the basic body (2), and therefore the elastic cable can be positioned optionally around one or more of the retaining elements (3a-3c).

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic pull-out shelf with at least two runners which are movably guided one on the other so that they can be displaced relative each other in the longitudinal direction. A support on the first runner is resiliently fastened in the direction of movement of the runners.

Abstract: A connection device is operable to hold an object, such as a key, dog tag, and the like. The connection device broadly includes a ring and a body. The ring includes a ring end and is coupled to the body at a connection location spaced from the end. The ring presents a projecting ring portion defined between the connection location and the ring end. The projecting ring portion cooperates with the body to define therebetween a space so as to accommodate the object. The body includes an end-engaging portion spaced from the connection location. The ring end is engageable with the end-engaging portion of the body to secure the object on the projecting ring portion.

Abstract: A bath safety rail for being engaged to and disengaged from a bath surface. The bath safety rail includes a base, a handle on the base, first and second suction cups opposing the handle, cam followers on the suction cups that extend into the base, and cams in the base to engage and draw up the cam followers and suction cups to thereby create suction. The handle is two-piece where the pieces are separated by a handle plane, where each axis of each suction cup is in the handle plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener to engage and hold a first member to a second member. Fastener has a clip member adapted to install into a first aperture on the first member, the clip member having, a main body and a clipping tongue biased away from the body to engage the aperture. The clip also has a mounting portion extending outwardly. A washer can pass over the mounting portion and the washer has an extension to pass between and wedge the main body and the clipping tongue apart. A fastener then engages the mounting portion to secure the clip member, washer, and second member, to the first member.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a receptor portion having an angled through hole extending from a first surface of the receptor portion to a second surface of the receptor portion, wherein the angled through hole has an angled axis. The fastening device further includes a top portion having at least a first flange and a second flange extending generally outwardly from the receptor portion. The flanges generally define a flange plane. The angled axis intersects the flange plane at an intersecting angle between 0 and 90 degrees.

Abstract: Mounting element (3) for fastening a tensioning frame part of a tensioning frame on flat or uneven surfaces. The mounting element (3) has a frame-like fastening section (5), which can be clipped onto the tensioning frame part of the tensioning frame on a first side and has a plurality of support parts (6) variable in length on a second side.

Abstract: A device that includes an insertion member, a shank, and a body having a through-hole and a post. The device can be part of a cellular confinement system. A method of transferring load from an expanded cellular confinement structure to a flexible tendon includes inserting an insertion member of a device through an open slot in the structure, inserting a tendon through a through-hole in the body of the device, and wrapping the tendon around a post of the body. A kit includes a first unitary section of cells, at least one device, and at least one tendon for securing the device and the section to allow transfer of load from the web to the tendon.

Abstract: A silent fastener includes generally flat first and second tuck tabs flexibly connected to a first element to be connected, positionable to form a narrow V-shape or U-shape when viewed from the side, and insertable through at least one slit in an outer surface of a second element to be connected, into internal cavities within first and second portions, respectively, folded or bent in the V- or U-shape, and the second element being unfoldable or bendable to frictionally hold the tuck tabs in the cavities for connecting the elements, and the first element being further securable over one of the portions in a hairpin configuration with the received tuck tab, to further hold the tuck tabs, the tuck tabs being removable by returning the second element to the V- or U-shape. The tuck tabs being tensionable to increase the holding strength and snug the elements about a carried object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative clip that firmly holds a greeting card with ease of removal and replacement. The clip is attached to a ribbon or elongated band by a connector that provides angular, vertical and lateral positioning of the top of the clip with respect to the package to adapt to the shape and size of the package. The present invention also includes a kit of components that can be sold as a unit as well as a method of assembling the components in three ways to provide the optimum versatility of the packaging to fit the size and shape of the package. One such kit is specifically disclosed for wrapping one of the most common gifts of a bottle of wine.

Abstract: A seaming element for seaming an industrial textile, an industrial textile, and a method of seaming. A first region of the seaming element comprises at least one securing member, and a second region is securable to the textile. Spaced-apart protrusions in the securing members are interdigitatable with corresponding protrusions in an opposing element, or the other seamable edge of the textile. Opposing protrusions are interdigitated to define first and second channels for securing means. Where the seaming element has two or more securing members, the protrusions of the outer securing member are aligned with those of an inner securing member of the opposing element, and the protrusions of an inner securing member are aligned with those of the outer securing member of the opposing element. Where the securing means is a pintle, the free ends can be inserted back into the channel to secure the seam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a gripping assembly for gripping a sheet of material and attaching the sheet of material to an object is provided. The gripping assembly has a continuous ring-like member having an opening defined by an interior tapered engagement surface, a disk-like member positionable within the opening. The disk-like member has an exterior tapered engagement surface which cooperates with the tapered surface of the ring-like member. A sheet of material, threaded between the engagement surfaces is gripped by the surfaces. The disk-like member has an attachment means with at least one passageway there through. A flexible tie member extends through at least one passageway of the attachment means and is for attaching the gripping assembly to an object.

Abstract: A fixturing apparatus (100), including a first fixturing surface (230), and a plurality of locking teeth (210) attached to and extending outwardly from that fixturing surface, wherein each locking tooth includes a parallelepiped comprising a rectangular base (310), a first rectangular side (320) attached to a first end of that rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second rectangular side (330) attached to an opposing end of the rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein a first rectangular side distal end (324) is attached to a second rectangular side distal end 336.

Abstract: Flash grip system is used to securely retain a USB flash drive or thumb drive and provide a comfortable, gripping surface. Further, the flash grip system may use an article-fastener such that the USB flash drive may be removably attached to a variety of articles (such as a keychain, a belt loop, a bag strap, etc). The holding surface may further include decorative indicia for decorating the USB flash drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one measured variable. The apparatus includes: at least one measuring unit; and at least one securement unit for holding the measuring unit in contact with an object. The securement unit is embodied in such a manner, that the securement unit has at least two stable shape states, wherein, for transition between the at least two states, application of a mechanical force to the securement unit is required.

Abstract: A portable electronic device holder consisting essentially of a cradle to which a dual-function pivotable clip is mounted. The cradle is structured as a backbone panel with bottom and top bracing sections adapted to receive and retain the respective end of a device to be held, either or both sections incorporating resilient means by which to securely clamp the device once seated therein. The pivotable clip is constructed of resilient wire formed as an open frame with transversely opposite ends, serving as bearing journals that are mounted in axially offset channels of a clip bearing, thereby inflicting elastic structural deformation on the clip. A biasing torque results, urging the clip towards the backbone panel when below a critical angle, thereby to serve as a clasp, and away from it when above the critical angle, thereby to readily assume an orientation at which to serve as a prop.

Abstract: A clamp which is capable of being temporarily fastened relative to a cable is provided. The clamp is for fixing a cable to a vehicle body panel wherein a locking hole is formed. The clamp includes a base member including a groove portion having a bottom portion which can abut against at least one portion of an outer circumferential portion of the cable, and a leg portion which can engage with the locking hole; and a clamping member supported in the base member to be capable of being displaced between a temporarily fastened position and a completely fastened position, and demarcating a housing space, which can house the cable, between the bottom portion. An outer shape of the clamping member is structured such that the clamping member is displaced from the temporarily fastened position to the completely fastened position so as to reduce the housing space.

Abstract: Cable adjusting devices are presented including: a base plate; a pair of walls connected with the base plate along a top surface, where each of the pair of walls includes an outer surface and an inner surface, where the inner surfaces of the pair of walls form a v-groove, and where the inner surfaces include, a number of gripping ridge pairs, and a locking ridge pair disposed alongside one end of the number of gripping ridge pairs at the distal end of the base plate; a keeper bar extending between the pair of walls at the proximal end of the base plate; and an attachment point disposed along the bottom surface of the base plate along at least the distal end or the proximal end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a gripping assembly for gripping a sheet of material and attaching the sheet of material to an object is provided. The gripping assembly has a continuous ring-like member having an opening defined by an interior tapered engagement surface, a disk-like member positionable within the opening. The disk-like member has an exterior tapered engagement surface which cooperates with the tapered surface of the ring-like member. A sheet of material, threaded between the engagement surfaces is gripped by the surfaces. The disk-like member has an attachment means with at least one passageway there through. A flexible tie member extends through at least one passageway of the attachment means and is for attaching the gripping assembly to an object.

Abstract: The present invention is a luggage coupler comprised of a trapezoid-shaped main body piece with two adjustable connecting straps attached to a narrow end of the body where the body is intended to be inserted through and engage the handle of a secondary piece of luggage and the connecting straps are intended to attach to a primary piece of luggage which is pulled by the user. Multiple pieces of wheeled luggage can thus be coupled together in a train arrangement using multiple couplers.

Abstract: For each capture mechanism of a plurality of three capture mechanisms, a necked coupling element received by a corresponding socket slides therealong and engages a corresponding latch lever biased in an open position and rotates the latch lever to a closed position as the necked coupling element is slid within the socket towards a bottom thereof. A latch locked biased against the latch lever engages a notch in the latch lever when the latch lever is closed so as to latch the latch lever in the closed position and thereby capture the necked coupling element within the socket. The latch lever is unlatched by releasing the latch lock from engagement with the latch. Different latch levers incorporate different shaped surfaces that engage different corresponding necked coupling elements captured thereby so as to provide for respectively constraining in one, two and three degrees-of-freedom, respectively.

Abstract: A holder for securing a glove or other article to a bag, hook or other item is provided. The holder comprises a ring, a snap hook type fastener attached to the ring in swivel fashion, and a rigid or semi-rigid tag suspended from the ring by a strap. In one embodiment the tag comprises two members or halves hingedly connected to each other in clamshell fashion so that the two members can be folded together held together via hook and loop type fasteners. The glove may be secured to the holder a via hook and loop type fastening surface located on the glove. The holder can also secure an article not having a hook or loop type fastening surface by draping the article over the hinge.

Abstract: A fixturing apparatus 100, comprising a first fixturing surface 230, and a plurality of locking teeth 210 attached to and extending outwardly from that fixturing surface 230. Each locking tooth comprises a base 310 defined by a proximal end of a first side 320 that extends outwardly from the fixturing surface and a proximal end of a second side 340 that extends outwardly from the fixturing surface. A distal end 324 of the first side and a distal end 336 of the second side intersect at an intersection that does not overlie the base 310.

Abstract: A restraint device features a section of strap, a connection member at a first end of the strap; and a freely flexible stop member of greater thickness at the second end of strap. The strap is placed in a gap between two objects which are then secured in stationary positions relative to one another. The thickness of the stop member prevents withdrawal of the strap through the gap from one side. The connection member on the other side is coupled to a body to be restrained, which is also exceeds the gap size. In use as an adult novelty restraint, the stop member flexibility limits noise if banged against a door or bed frame retaining the strap. As a vehicle rooftop load restraint using a door or window of the vehicle to retain the strap, the flexibility of the stop member limits noise and prevents damage to the window glass.

Abstract: A reusable tamper indicating bag closure for transporting most items in a bag such as documents and portable computing devices including laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, iPods® . . . etc. that would appeal to a broad spectrum of customers including the individual buyer, the business user, and the government user. The tamper-evident bag closure is defined by a lid with multiple hasps and a base with knobs that attach to the bag and is secured by a locking mechanism placed through an opening on the base and inserted within an insertion aperture such that locking the lock mechanism causes the lid to slide into alignment with the base and engages the plurality of hasps with the plurality of knobs thus securing the bag. The bag closure also has several tamper indicating features including the use of tamper indicating markers, wire seals and tamper indicating labels.

Abstract: A cord management system includes a case and a strap. The strap has a first attachment point at a first location on the strap and a second attachment point a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first attachment point is attached to the second attachment point so that a first segment of the strap located between the first attachment point and the second attachment point forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the case. In a second mode of operation, the first attachment point is detached from the second attachment point so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. In some embodiments, the strap is permanently attached to the case, while in other embodiments the strap is semi-permanently attached to the case.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism for temporary structures with a frame with one or more attachment points disposed therein, a rope, a cover configured with one or more sleeves through which the rope may be inserted, one or more fasteners for securing the rope to the attachment points, and a pass-through loop pre-configured in the rope, such that a further loop can be formed by passing a section of the rope through the pass-through loop.

Abstract: An attachment device which includes: a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the attachment device at one end thereof via a loop, the other end of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed around a frame or part thereof to which the bracket is to be attached; a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the length of material and holding the length of material received therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is released; and wherein the looping of the length of material to the body portion positions the length of material between the body portion and the frame or part thereof to which the attachment device is attached in use.

Abstract: A slide fastener assembly and method of attachment allows for simple installation or replacement of molded slider assemblies, metal zipper assemblies, or both or either halves of separating zipper assemblies. A cohesive fastener is attached to the leading edges of surfaces where a slide fastener is connected. A corresponding cohesive fastener is attached to either surface of a zipper tape of a slider assembly. The slider assembly is pressed together with corresponding cohesive surfaces where the slide fastener is to be connected, holding the slide fastener securely in place. In another embodiment, a slide fastener is manufactured with cohesive material that is integral to the zipper tape. In another embodiment, a slide fastener is attached by connection means to a band, which is connected to an outer perimeter of a frame and inner perimeter of a panel.

Abstract: A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, a second member pivotably connected to the first member, and a pusher on the first member. The second member includes a stepped surface configured to be engaged by the pusher to clamp a pedestal directly between the first and second members. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the pedestal.

Abstract: A towel securing apparatus is disclosed. The towel securing apparatus comprises a strip of material that is formed into a loop, and has a label attached to the loop. It is contemplated that the label may be used for advertising and various other types of promotional purposes (e.g. sports teams, etc. . . . ). It is also contemplated that the apparatus may be installed on a chair such that the label is oriented on the back side of the chair. Additional embodiments provide for various ways to attach an item to the apparatus. This serves to keep common items handy (e.g. sunglasses, camera, etc. . . . ) while at an outdoor venue, such as the beach, pool, on a boat, or at a concert, for example.

Abstract: A retractable accessory hook assembly for a vehicle. A housing has a cavity with an opening. A hook is pivotably coupled to the housing and is movable between a stowed position substantially within the cavity and a deployed position at least partially extending from the opening of the cavity. A cover is also pivotably coupled to the housing and is configured to selectably close off at least a portion of the opening of the cavity. The cover is movable from a closed position proximate the housing to an open position away from the housing while the hook is being moved to a stowed or deployed position. The cover is also movable from the open position to the closed position to retain the hook in either the stowed or deployed positions.

Abstract: A lid fastener for a drinking container comprised of a strap that connects to a belt, band or cylindrical sleeve or directly to the drinking container for use in anchoring the lid of a drinking container. The fastener may be fabricated by use of an elastic strap or measured inelastic fixed strap that connects (i) directly to the sides of the drinking container or (ii) to a belt or cylindrical sleeve made of any material of sufficient diameter to fit fast-food, coffee, or other drinking containers produced, which is wrapped around the drinking container. The elastic strap or measured inelastic strap or straps connects to the side of the drinking container or to a belt, band or cylindrical sleeve using an adhesive, hook, staple or fastener or by manufacture as one continuous piece of material. In one embodiment, an elastic strap is connected to a sleeve by an adhesive.

Abstract: An attachment device with a whistle comprises a securing device of a flexible joining strap and a release button, the assembly being housed in a hollow body made from plastic material. The hollow body is injection molded in a single part being subdivided into a first compartment housing the whistle and a second compartment housing the release button and a securing jaw. The latter is composed of a first jamming surface integral to the movable release button and a fixed second jamming surface molded together with the body, said part being open molded by means of a stop valve joined to the body of the compartment by a hinge.

Abstract: A connection element for connecting a sheet pile to a carrier element, with a base strip (16) to be fastened to a carrier element (14), is provided with an interlock profile (20) for engaging the sheet pile (14). The interlock profile (20) exhibits a lock chamber (28) that is defined by the base strip (16), a support strip (24) that protrudes from the base strip (16) and a hook strip (26) that protrudes from the base strip (16), whereby the hook strip (16) exhibits a straight extending transition section (32) protruding from the base strip (16) and a hook section (34) that follows said transition section and points in the direction of the support strip (34).

Abstract: A releasable fastener assembly is affixable through a panel having a front side and a back side and a mounting hole therethrough. The releasable fastener assembly includes a mounting button attachable to the panel back side, the mounting button having a button shaft sized to fit into the mounting hole and a button head with a diameter larger than the mounting hole. A seal may be fit between the mounting button and the panel back side. One part of a releasable fastener is attachable to the panel front side and has an aperture therein in alignment with the mounting hole. A fixing member secures the one part and the mounting button to each other through the panel.

Abstract: A strap with a snap integrated into its design along with an accessory is disclosed. The integrated snap allows for the strap to be attached to another article such as a carabiner with an integrated snap. The addition of the snap allows for the strap to be easily and quickly attached or detached from the other article.

Abstract: A tubing management system for a CPAP system includes a pillow including at least one port through an interior portion thereof. Each port includes an inlet and an outlet that is adapted to be coupled to an air delivery conduit to allow the air delivery conduit to be routed through the interior portion.

Abstract: A closing flap or clip is adapted to cap the edge of a carton in a first position and to free the access to a part of the edge in a second position. The flap passes from the first position to the second position by pivoting around a geometric axis that is perpendicular to the carton edge. The flap is formed from two panels or webs that are configured to fit on each of both sides of the edge when in the first position. First ends of the panels are crossed by the geometric axis. The flap has a hinge linking the two webs and includes means for connecting second ends of the opposing webs to their respective first ends.

Abstract: A pool cover tie down assembly comprising a first strap which defines a loop, the first strap being secured to the pool cover at a location interiorly spaced from the edge of the pool cover, an anchor secured to the pool deck, a spring having a first end secured to the first strap and a second end secured to a second strap that extends from the spring and is coupled to the anchor, the second end of the spring being secured to the second strap at a location interiorly spaced from the edge of the pool cover such that the entire spring is location at a location interiorly spaced from said edge of the pool cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trouser leg retaining device which is used for maintaining one's trouser legs in the proper position in relation to one's shoes. This invention includes an elongated elastic strap with a snap fastener device at one end and either a locking clip or an O-ring at the opposite end. The snap fastens onto one's trouser leg while the O-ring fastens onto one's shoe. The elastic strap has an adjuster positioned on it to adjust the length of the strap.

Abstract: A coat hook assembly (10) includes a hook member (80) for connection with a structure (12). The hook member (80) is supported for pivotal movement from an opening (40) and from a stored position to an operative position. The hook member (80) has a hook portion (82) adapted to support a garment. The hook member (80) has a closure portion (84) fixed for pivotal movement with the hook portion (82), and blocking the opening (40) when the hook member is in the stored position. A latch mechanism (120) releasably hold the hook member (80) in the stored position. The latch mechanism (120) is responsive to a pushing force on the hook member (80) when in the stored position to release the hook member for pivotal movement from the stored position to the operative position.

Abstract: A seal includes a first housing member defining a recess and detent structure and a tail having an end thereof secured with the first housing member and extending outwardly of the first housing member, the tail having a securement structure at a free end thereof, the tail securement structure being receivable in the detent structure, an EAS marker disposed in the recess and a second housing member having a compartment therein for retentively containing the first housing member.

Abstract: A vehicle coat hook assembly is provided with a closeout panel coupled to the coat hook. When the coat hook is moved from a retracted position within a bezel or housing, to an extended use position, the closeout panel moves into and fills the opening in the bezel or housing to provide a finished appearance to the vehicle interior. The closeout panel is rotatably coupled to the coat hook and rotates relative to the hook as the hook is rotated between the retracted position and the extended use position. A guide is also operatively associated with the housing and the closeout panel to guide rotation of the closeout panel as the hook is rotated.

Abstract: A cable tie bandolier for use with automatic tools. The bandolier includes a plurality of interconnected cable ties. The ties are interconnected by a single web positioned between adjacent ties and located closer to the head of the tie than to the tail of the tie.

Abstract: A tug-resistant unit in which the first and second relatively inextensible members overlap one another. A shear-thickening composition having dilatant flow characteristics is disposed between the first and the second inextensible members. The composition provides a variable resistance to linear movement of the second inextensible member relative to the first inextensible member as a function of the shear forces exerted upon the dilatant fluid. The inextensible members may be enclosed within an extensible enclosure to form an elastic strap. Alternatively, one inextensible member may form a portion of the enclosure while the second inextensible member is disposed within the strap so as to overlap the first inextensible portion of the enclosure. The strap provides low resistance to slowly-varying tensile forces and high resistance to rapidly-changing tensile forces, thereby moderating the velocity of relative motion between the ends.

Abstract: The generation of volatiles from liquid or solid materials is enhanced and accelerated by exposure to microwave radiation. Normally the energy transfer is effected preferentially toward the liquid or solid materials over the generated gaseous volatiles. Sufficient energy is provided at a selected rate that enhances the generation of volatiles to effect removal as vapor or to produce a pressurized vapor phase. Flow-through separations from a matrix having a microwave-absorbing liquid component are conducted by exposing to microwave radiation to vaporize this component and processing the vapor either by flowing through a selective permeable membrane, or by enclosing the vapor and matrix in a confined space and flowing matrix through a selected separation medium, and recovering residual matrix. These separations are particularly useful in analysis contexts.

Abstract: A belt assembly has a belt with a retroreflective front side and one or more pairs of clip components snap-fitted thereon to grip the belt. Each clip component presents an integral leaf spring for fitting over a section of the belt.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a printed circuit board to a chassis includes a body portion, legs depending from the body portion, the legs being adapted for removable attachment within holes in the chassis, a hook for slidably engaging a slot on a printed circuit board inserted thereon, and a grounding element for providing an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and a shield on the chassis. The fastener described herein enables one chassis design to accommodate a variety of sizes of printed circuit boards merely by forming holes at particular points on the chassis, thereby avoiding the expense of redesigning a chassis to accommodate a new printed circuit board.