Circular Work Engageable Patents (Class 24/339)
  • Patent number: 9580220
    Abstract: A container having: a bag body including an internal space to accommodate a content; an opening formed in the bag body and communicating the internal space to an outside of the container; and a fastener to open and close the opening, wherein the fastener includes a high engaging-strength portion and a low engaging-strength portion, the engaging strength of the low engaging-strength portion is less than the engaging strength of the high engaging-strength portion, the fastener includes a female track and a male track, and the low engaging-strength portion is a part of the fastener in which at least one of the female track and the male track is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Sasaki, Hideya Kondo
  • Patent number: 9517548
    Abstract: A device and method for holding a bit for a tool. The holding device, which is secured to a support surface, includes a housing having a base, a first leg and a second leg. A slot is defined between the first and second legs and the shank of the bit is received through one of a plurality of differently dimensioned apertures defined along the slot between the first and second legs. An adjustment assembly is engaged with the first and second legs and is movable to a first position to clamp the shank in the selected aperture; and is movable to a second position to release the shank. When the adjustment assembly is moved from the second position to the first position, a free end of the second leg bends toward the first leg, thereby reducing the diameter of the aperture within which the shank is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Sjoerd Anne Van Valkenburg
  • Patent number: 9494258
    Abstract: A clip assembly is configured to securely connect a tubular member to a structure. The clip assembly may include a base connected to first and second lateral walls, and a tube cradle connected to the base and the lateral walls. The tube cradle defines a tube-receiving channel configured to receive the tubular member. First and second tube-retaining locking arms are configured to securely retain the tubular member within the tube-receiving channel. The first and second tube-retaining locking arms are configured to flex toward the first and second lateral walls, respectively, as the tubular member is inserted into the tube-receiving channel. The first and second tube-retaining locking arms securely connect to the first and second lateral walls, respectively, when the tubular member is received within the tube-receiving channel to securely retain the tubular member within the tube-receiving channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Flynn
  • Patent number: 9289052
    Abstract: A hat attachment clip includes a front portion having a first clip member and a second clip member, each having opposed proximal and distal ends. A first bridge member couples proximal ends of the first and second clip members together, respectively. The first and second clip members define an open space therebetween proximate the first bridge member. The distal ends of the first and second clip members are biased toward one another. The hat attachment clip includes a rear portion rotatably coupled to the front portion having a third clip member and a fourth clip member, each having opposed proximal and distal ends. A second bridge member couples proximal ends of the first and second clip members together, respectively. The third and fourth clip members define an open space therebetween proximate the second bridge member. The distal ends of the third and fourth clip members are biased toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: James Stewart Griffith
  • Patent number: 8863746
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastric or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a medical catheter device, removably attachable to an endotracheal tube, for guiding the path of an enteral tube into the esophagus of a patient. The catheter device preferably employs an adjustable clamp to fix the position of the catheter relative to the endotracheal tube. The present invention also pertains to a combination medical intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. The present invention also pertains to a method of intubating a patient using this combination medical intubation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Kim Technology Partners, LP
    Inventor: Kenneth Alan Totz
  • Patent number: 8776328
    Abstract: A rebar clip is provided for joining a larger diameter rebar to a smaller diameter rebar transverse to the larger diameter rebar. In a first embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into upper arches of the clip for engagement with smaller diameter bars crossed on top of larger diameter bars. In a second embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into lower arches of the clip so that the clip may hold larger diameter bars on top of smaller diameter bars. A guide track for a clip applying gun is provided which allows for use with either version of clips and with clips of the same nominal diameter for joining equal size bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kodi Klip Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Kodi
  • Patent number: 8733293
    Abstract: A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. The dual axes swivel connector may comprise first and second parts. The first part may be fabricated from a flexible material compared to the second part, whereas the second part may be fabricated from a more rigid material compared to the first part. The flexibility of the first part allows the first part to have a tighter fit with the wire rods. The second part has a looser fit with the wire rods but the rigidity of the second part compensates for the looser fit. When the first and second parts are interlocked, they create a tight fit which can reliably provide a hinge between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Link, Hongkun Liang
  • Patent number: 8668174
    Abstract: A fastener for securing pipes or wire bundles to a foundation structure includes a body and a separate pipe or wire clamp. The body has a clamp holder for receiving and holding the clamp. The clamp holder receives the clamp with a gap allowing the clamp to vibrate. Leaf springs are formed on the side walls of the clamp holder to resiliently support the side wall of the clamp within the clamp holder. Second leaf springs with anti-release pawls are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and second leaf spring receiving grooves are formed in the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the second leaf springs and anti-release pawls. Third leaf springs are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and third leaf spring receiving grooves are formed on the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the third leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8559782
    Abstract: A conductor assembly, a conductor spacer and an associated method for separating conductors are provided in order to secure conductors to one another and/or to an underlying platform. A conductor assembly includes a spacer body having a prismatic solid shape, first and second conductors that extend alongside the spacer body and first and second ties for securing the conductors to the spacer body. The spacer body includes a pair of end faces and a plurality of side faces extending between the end faces. The spacer body also defines an internal cavity that is accessible via openings defined by the end faces and at least two of the side faces. The spacer body is configured to provide different spacings between the conductors when the ties extend through different ones of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jaures Floyd Cleofe, Norman Bradley Cooper, Lyudmila Hunter, Tracey Anne Johnson, Cole James Kronberg, Lenny Lay, Thomas Taylor, Kenneth Lee Wilson
  • Patent number: 8448306
    Abstract: A tool accessory (10) for clamping a pair of multimeter probes allowing the probes to pivot relative to each other or separate from each other to be used separately for testing electrical components. The tool accessory (10) behaves as a pair tweezers. The tool accessory (10) utilizes a lock (16) that adjusts the angle of the probes. The lock (16) also biases the probes via pushing a pair of legs (12, 14) of the tool accessory (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Ernesto Garcia
  • Patent number: 8272612
    Abstract: A clip for holding an object on a supporting member comprises a holding clamp and an attaching clamp. The holding clamp has a pair of clamping members with oppositely bowed gripping portions and inwardly arched handles. The oppositely bowed gripping portions form together, when engaged, jaws for holding an object such as a cigar. The jaws are connected together for pivotal movement to cooperate with each other for clamping action upon actuation of their handles. At the juncture point of the jaws with the handles, the clamping members are provided with aligned, apertured supports for receipt of an axial binding post or rivet that extends through the apertures and for holding the clamping members together and in axial alignment. A spring, normally biasing the clamping members towards a closed position is looped around the post with its ends locked against the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Brian Thorpe
  • Patent number: 8167252
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for securing a portion of a medical device. The system includes a first arm, where the first arm includes a gripper. The system also includes a second arm. The second arm is attached to the first arm, can move relative to the first arm and includes a gripper. The gripper of the first arm and the gripper of the second arm are configured to grip an external object. The system further includes a fastener, where the fastener is configured to releasably attach the first arm to the second arm, and a holder, where the holder is configured to hold at least a portion of a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Component Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Nitsche, William Woods, Bader Munir, Amy Young
  • Patent number: 8091184
    Abstract: This invention provides a single or multi-ganged clip that can be grouped into a festooned arrangement. That is, a plurality of clips are arranged together into a discrete assembly along a line of extension so that a human or automated handler can retrieve a grouping, separate one-clip-at-a-time from the grouping, and apply the separated clip to a mold cavity or other assembly structure. Each clip can include a base with opposing ends aligned in the direction of extension and transverse to an elongation direction for a connecting segment (if any) between ganged clip members. In an illustrative embodiment, these base ends include opposing male and female connectors. In this embodiment the male connector is a cylinder with an axis that extends transverse to the direction of elongation and the female connector defines a conforming cylindrical inner diameter, which allows it to nest over the male cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hope Global, division of NFA Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Santin, David F. Jones, Pasquale Rossi, Timothy E. T. Scott
  • Patent number: 8020259
    Abstract: A cable clamp has a body, at least one front binding hole, at least one rear binding hole, multiple front connecting elements, multiple rear connecting elements, a first lateral connecting element and a second lateral connecting element. The front and the rear connecting elements are formed on the body, and the rear connecting elements correspond respectively to the front connecting elements. The first lateral and the second lateral connecting elements are formed on the body, and the second lateral connecting element corresponds to the first lateral connecting element. Each cable clamp is capable of attaching to another cable clamp rather with connecting the front connecting element of the cable clamp to the rear connecting element of another cable clamp or with connecting the second lateral connecting element of the cable clamp to the first lateral connecting element of another cable clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Cyber Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsun Ho, Shou-Ting Yeh, Hsiung-Kuei Cheng, Pei-Lun Chiang
  • Patent number: 7997542
    Abstract: A strap with rotatably mounted clip fabricated in a single molding operation. The strap includes a strap retention member and a plurality of teeth. The rotatable clip includes a clip member, a pedestal and a head. The pedestal is retained in a pedestal opening formed through the strap. In fabrication, a top mold insert is slid into a top of first and second mold halves and a bottom mold insert is slid into a bottom of the first and second mold halves. Plastic is then injected into the first and second mold halves to independently and separately form the strap and the clip in a single molding process, wherein the inserts provide a space between the pedestal opening and the pedestal to allow the clip to rotate relative to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Morello
  • Patent number: 7934296
    Abstract: A binding band comprises a band part, a pendant hook part provided at one end of the band part, and an enclosed-wall part provided at the other end of the band part and having a passage through which the band part is vertically passed. The enclosed-wall part has a slit through which the band part is inserted into the passage from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Nichido Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7886406
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a coupler having two substantially C-shaped outer clamp members which are interconnected back-to-back at a juncture and which respectively have open mouths opposite to the juncture, and two substantially cylindrical inner clamp members fitted rotatably and respectively in the outer clamp members. Each inner clamp member has a substantially cylindrical outer surface, and two clamping arms defining an axially extending clamping groove therebetween. The clamping groove has a groove opening alignable with the open mouth of one of the outer clamp members. A hoop assembly having two hoops interconnected hingedly by the hinge device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Chao-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 7882600
    Abstract: A cable organizer having a centerpiece, a first loop portion, and a second loop portion is provided. The first loop portion defines a first bore adapted to receive at least one cable therein. It also includes a first end that abuts a first side of the centerpiece to close the first bore. This first end is deflectable for radial insertion of the at least one cable winding within the first bore. The second loop portion defines a second bore for at least one cable winding. The second loop portion includes a second end that abuts a second side of the centerpiece to close the second bore. This second end is also deflectable for radial insertion of the at least one cable winding within the bore. The first and second sides of the centerpiece oppose each other. The centerpiece prevents torsional opening of the first and second bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Brian T. Judd
  • Patent number: 7823585
    Abstract: A snorkel clip made up of two substantially rigid elements, which are designed to wrap at least half way around a snorkel tube, overmolded with a substantially flexible element to create a simple, aesthetically pleasing device. The snorkel clip also includes a hinge region created as part of the substantially flexible element. This hinge region allows the snorkel clip to flex or bend so that one of the rigid elements may be disengaged and pulled away from the riser tube of the snorkel, so that a mask strap may be attached to and removed from the snorkel, while the other rigid element remains attached to the riser tube in a generally secure manner. The substantially flexible portion may also include several cut out sections to provide visual and tactile access to portions of the substantially rigid elements for utility and aesthetic design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 7819365
    Abstract: A fastening device for cables includes an edge clip part (20) for mounting the fastening device on an edge (10) of a base part, a metal piece (14) which is inserted into the edge clip part (20), a cable band lock (18), and a cable band (16) which is able to be introduced into the cable band lock (18). The metal piece (14) has a tongue (44) projecting into the cable band lock (18). The tongue (44) engages on the cable band (16) when the cable band (16) is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Elsner
  • Patent number: 7678080
    Abstract: An intravenous catheter introducing device includes a needle hub slidably inserted into a barrel and holding a needle cannula, a biasing member disposed to bias the needle hub to a rear position so as to retract the needle cannula in the barrel, and an easy release unit including an engaging wall segment which is attached to an outer surface of the barrel, two flexible squeezed wall segments which extend from the engaging wall segment and which is squeezable so as to move two latch members to steer clear of a retained end of the needle hub through an access hole in the barrel, thereby permitting the biasing member to bias the needle hub towards the rear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ming-Jeng Shue, Deborah Huang, Phillip Shue
  • Patent number: 7670316
    Abstract: Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Windheuser, Jim Yearick, Oscar Carrillo, Gary McAlister, John Holmes, Paul Norton
  • Patent number: 7527012
    Abstract: A paddle clip for a human powered watercraft, comprising a first flexible resilient portion with an opening to fit around the gunwale or cockpit rim of the watercraft. A second portion of the paddle clip includes a flexible portion for removably receiving a cylindrical shaft of an oar or a paddle used for propelling the watercraft. The paddle clip may further comprise at least one accessory clip for receiving an additional cylindrical shaft or an accessory. The paddle clip is configured to be quickly installed, repositioned or removed from the watercraft without tools or hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah Kutny Splaine
  • Patent number: 7462278
    Abstract: An improved hose clasp for supporting a filter bag in a generally upright orientation on a pool cleaner as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The hose clasp includes a generally cylindrical split collar having separable free ends including a pair of radially outwardly extending clasp arms. The clasp arms are springably separable to permit placement of the split collar onto a supply hose or the like coupled to the pool cleaner. The clasp arms are notched to accommodate movement to an interlocked cross-over position, with a boss on one of the clasp arms protruding through a lock port in the other clasp arm. A leash member such as a ported tab carried by the filter bag is fitted over the boss in a position interposed between the interlocked clasp arms to support the filter bag relative to the supply hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Meritt-Powell
  • Patent number: 7434958
    Abstract: A lamp fixing member includes a first body part and a second body part. The first body part includes at least one first lamp fixing portion disposed on an upper surface of the first body part. The second body part is slidably combined with the first body part. The second body part includes a second lamp fixing portion being combined with the first lamp fixing portion and defining a space through which a lamp is inserted to be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Seok Yang, Jung Tae Kang, Sang Hoon Park, Jin Ho Ha, Sang Duk Lee
  • Patent number: 7413153
    Abstract: A removable fastening system comprising a first flexible flat metal spiral for wrapping around a first object and a second flexible flat metal spiral for wrapping around a second object. A non-removable rotating pin engages the first flexible flat metal spiral on a first side opposite the first object, and engages the second flexible flat metal spiral on a second side opposite the second object. The second object tensions the removable fastening system while the removable fastening system is connected to the first object. The first flexible flat metal spiral dissipates a first force along a longitudinal axis of the first object, and the second flexible flat metal spiral dissipates a second force along a longitudinal axis of the second object, enabling the first flexible flat metal spiral to support the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: GAF Innovative Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Bennett Ghormley
  • Patent number: 7380371
    Abstract: A clip includes a body (10) and an opening (14) within the body and in which, in use, a part of a plant can engage. A slot (19), which is of doglegged configuration, extends between the opening (14) and an edge (17) of the body (10). The body (10) can be coupled to a means for providing support to the plant or part of the plant by a second opening (13) for which a slot (18) extends from an opposite edge (17) of the body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Murray Douglas Jones, Mark Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 7318567
    Abstract: A cable management device includes a clamping mechanism (110) suitable for attachment to a surface. The clamping mechanism comprises an annular portion (111) having an outside surface (114), an inside surface (115) that forms a perimeter of a cavity (118) interior to the annular portion, a first terminus (116), and a second terminus (117) disposed opposite the first terminus. The first terminus and the second terminus define a gap (151) between them. In one embodiment, the cable management device further comprises a membrane (120, 220) attached to the clamping mechanism at the inside surface, where the membrane contains a first opening (121). In the same or another embodiment, the cable management device further comprises a slot (140) in the annular portion of the clamping mechanism. Both the membrane and the slot enhance the cable management features of the cable management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Mori, John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7225507
    Abstract: The invention comprises a clip device that will separately hold each of a pair of clothing items, one to each side of the unit, during a mechanical laundry activity or while in storage. The purpose of the product is to prevent loss of either of a pair of small clothing items such as a mated pair of socks. The clip device has a left and a right separately hinged top section, with the hinges near the middle, which permits each top section to be separately raised for the placing of the clothing item. Each top section then is snapped closed using a separate lock and release mechanism on each side. Each side of the clip device has cone shaped grippers protruding in an alternating pattern from both the top and bottom sections to hold the item securely during the mechanical washing and drying of socks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Carroll L. Anderson, Neeta Shahapeti
  • Patent number: 7191989
    Abstract: A holder for storing ribbed vacuum cleaner hoses that includes a pair of support members mounted on a support, each support member having one or more ribs to engage the ribbed surface of the hose. The ribs include a lip that prevents displacement of the hose away from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert C. Berfield
  • Patent number: 7134433
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel clip comprising a first clip member attached to a strap of a face mask for swimming or diving and a second clip member to which a breathing conduit of the snorkel is attached. The first clip member has a guide enabling the second clip member coupled to the first clip member to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the strap. The first and second clip members are formed with stopper means adapted to retain the second clip member at a desired position in the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromasa Sato
  • Patent number: 7100323
    Abstract: A lightweight holding device for releasably attaching a chemiluminescent light stick to a fishing float is disclosed. The device includes a first side for releasably attaching to the fishing float, and a second side for releasably holding a chemiluminescent light stick. The first side typically includes two pairs of gripping arms, one at the top and one at the bottom, which are able to releasably receive a portion of the fishing float. The second side typically includes two pedestals, one at the top and one at the bottom, each of which are able to releasably receive an end of the light stick. The top pedestal typically defines a ceiling pocket, and the bottom pedestal a floor pocket, for one of the ends of the light stick to fit into. The first and second sides are typically integrally formed and oriented to face away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Ricardo D. Bogess
  • Patent number: 6971434
    Abstract: A non-pull cord operated Venetian blind includes a blind embodiment having left/right retaining cords led through both lateral sides thereof and fixed to a windowsill at the bottom ends thereof, and a pair of clamps securely sealed at both ends of a lower beam to clamp tight the retaining cords thereby. The clamp is made up of a movable plate and a fixed plate with a spring element attached there-between. A serrated retaining section and a serrated fixing section are disposed at the corresponding inner side of the movable plate and the fixed plate thereof respectively, tightly engaged via the spring element for holding the left/right retaining cords therein in clamping location, and a step-wise coupling section is disposed at the outer side of the fixed plate thereon to securely fix the clamps thereof onto both ends of the lower beam thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Leslie Nien
  • Patent number: 6783520
    Abstract: This invention utilizes a connector holding device to prevent the accidental disconnection of the two halves of a connection device for a fluid connector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Adolfo M. Candray, Conor Curtin, Steven L. Hull
  • Patent number: 6746081
    Abstract: An anatomically deformable support and, in particular, a lordosis support, is provided for use with seats, couches or the like. The anatomically deformable support includes a frame, and an anatomically deformable supporting part connected to the frame and that can be arched in the reversible manner. The supporting part is connected to the frame by a connection arrangement including elongates cylindrical members, for example, wires, secured to the frame and first and second mounting arrangements provided at first and second end portions of the supporting part for securing the elongate cylindrical members to the supporting part. At least one of the mounting arrangements includes a first common rigid web member, and a pair of elastically flexible web members arranged on opposing sides of the rigid web member to form first mountings in which the elongate cylindrical members are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Schukra Berndorf Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventor: Knud Klingler
  • Patent number: 6691382
    Abstract: A retainer injection-molded from tough plastics for securing two wire meshed/grilled members together, for enabling the two secured members to be turned relative to each other between the operative position and the collapsed position. The retainer has two transverse through holes arranged in parallel, and two peripheral gaps through which the respective wire rods of the first and second wire meshed/grilled members are respectively set into the transverse through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Lien-Cheng Su
  • Patent number: 6663069
    Abstract: A flexible molded hanger for removable placement on the top of masonry walls to support Christmas lights and other displays. The hanger is bowed to facilitate placement and provided with a central pediment to receive a stabilizing member. Retention chips are formed on the hanger at spaced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: John Norberg
  • Patent number: 6643900
    Abstract: A quick-fixing element for fastening guide rails on lattice-like lateral parts includes an upper holding section which reaches at least partially around a first rod of a lateral part, and a lower holding section which reaches at least partially around a second rod of the lateral part which extends essentially parallel to the first rod. A nose is provided between the upper and the lower holding section, which nose rests on the second lower rod or rods of the lateral part. The quick-fixing element is held securely on the lateral part and can also be used for different lattice types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Paul Hettich GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Jährling
  • Patent number: 6594866
    Abstract: A wrist corsage includes a flower corsage mounted on a wrist corsage holder. The holder includes an open bracelet and clamp design to secure the flower corsage to the bracelet. Preferably, the bracelet has a unitary construction, made of a molded plastic. The flower corsage is pressed into the clamp to attach it thereby, and the bracelet with attached corsage is then worn on the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Leslie K. Croyle
  • Patent number: 6553634
    Abstract: A clamp includes a holding section for receiving an elongated member, a mounting section to be attached to a mounting object, and an elastic ring elastically deformed by the elongated member. The elastic ring is disposed between upper engagement portions formed at both sides of the holding section through lower engagement portions formed at positions closer to a bottom portion of the holding recess section. The ring constituting portions inside the holding recess section are bent in advance toward the bottom portion of the holding recess section. When the elongated member is inserted into the holding section, the ring constituting portions situated inside the holding section closely contact the peripheral surface of the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6543100
    Abstract: A test tube retention system for facilitating an efficient and sterile lumbar puncture procedure. The test tube retention system includes a retainer structure having a first clip member, a second clip member, a third clip member and a fourth clip member connected to one another in a straight manner. Each clip member has a front opening formed for receiving and releasing a test tube. A plurality of upper cross members 50 and a plurality of lower cross members preferably extending between each of the clip members. A flange member preferably extends about the outer portion of the clip members for increasing the rigidity of the clip members with respect to one another. The flange member includes four front angled openings that correspond to each of the front openings within the clip members. The clip members preferably each have a tubular structure formed for snugly receiving the test tubes in a parallel manner to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher J. Finley, Armida E. Nunez-Finley
  • Patent number: 6523231
    Abstract: A clip for retaining a power or extension cords for transport and to prevent damage to the cord. The clip has two sleeves (32, 34) that are created when an upper (12) and lower (14) member are coupled together by a spring clip (18). One sleeve (34) is closed and the other sleeve (32) has an opening for insertion of a power cord. A lever (16) is formed in the upper member (12) to allow for opening of the open end of the clip for the insertion of a cord. Within the closed sleeve (34) is a retaining mechanism that aids in the retention and positioning of a power cord. Integrally molded with the open sleeve (32) may be ribs (42, 44) that increase the frictional engagement between the clip and the cord. The clip can be constructed in one or two pieces and can be used with a variety of different tools and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry E. Lassiter
  • Patent number: 6497010
    Abstract: A spring band clamp block formed of a plurality of spring band clamps (1), each of which has a spring band (2) and two projecting tensioning ends (3, 4), and which are detachably joined to one another by means of a fastener. The spring band clamp block can be built especially easily for all types of spring band clamps (1) by the spring band clamps (1) being joined to one another, preferably, by means of at least two adhesive strips (5, 6). The adhesive strips (5, 6) are arranged on the spring bands (2), parallel to the lengthwise axis (7) of the spring band clamps (1), and preferably in the vicinity of the projecting tensioning ends (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventors: Stefan Klör, Hans Neukirch
  • Patent number: 6490768
    Abstract: A towel fastener for a lounge chair for holding beach towels, in particular, firmly in place upon lounge chairs. The towel fastener for a lounge chair includes a clip support member being adapted to be mounted about a portion of a lounge chair and having a main tubular portion and a handle portion extending outwardly from the main tubular portion; and also includes a clip member being pivotally attached to the clip support member and having an curved fastening portion which is pivotally disposed about the main tubular portion and also having a handle portion; and further includes a biasing assembly being connected to the clip support member and to the clip member for biasing the curved fastening portion of the clip member upon the tubular portion of the clip support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Robert M. Goodall
  • Patent number: 6430782
    Abstract: A lighter clip for use with a cigarette pack is inexpensively manufactured from a material such as injection-molded plastic. A generally three-sided clip is sized and shaped to fit across the width and depth of the pack, and contains an arcuate portion, suitable for holding a lighter, on one end. The clip is manufactured from a resilient material, and shaped in a manner that causes it to be lightly biased against the pack, thereby holding the clip in position. The two longer clip arms are sized to have a large enough surface area to be suitable for promotional use, and the clip arms and ends are shaped to securely grip the cigarette pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: David Torres, Martin Moberly
  • Patent number: 6405414
    Abstract: The clip of the present invention is a one-piece plastic clip having a plurality of substantially “C” shaped socket members, for example two, wherein the interior surface is not smooth. Rather, the interior is designed to enhance the grip on the protective tube. In one preferred embodiment, the interior surface has a plurality of spaced projections extending therefrom. Other textured surfaces can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Contech Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Byrnes, Robert A. DiPetrillo
  • Patent number: 6390512
    Abstract: A retainer clip for holding a gasket between the ends of two coupling components includes a first resilient annular member extending circumferentially about two-thirds of a circle, a second resilient annular member having circumferential ends and a discontinuity between the ends, and a bridge connecting the first and second resilient annular members. The bridge has a circumferential extent of less than 45°, and the first resilient annular member is circumferentially expandable without causing the second resilient annular member to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: General Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Corbett
  • Patent number: 6378175
    Abstract: A resilient fastening clip (10) for attaching a plant member (22) to a portion of a support structure includes a clip wall (24) that creates a first enclosure (12) and a second enclosure (14) which are integrally fashioned from the clip wall (24). The first enclosure (12) has a first enclosure entry mouth (16), and the second enclosure (14) has a second enclosure entry mouth (18). The first enclosure entry mouth (16) may lie either within the second enclosure (14), or may be external to it. A flexible arm (34) is optionally provided to help capture the support wire (20). The clip (10) may also have a number of gripper protrusions (46) which prevent rotation of the plant member (22) within the second enclosure (14). An alternative preferred embodiment of a resilient clip (110) has a transverse wire channel (58) formed in the first enclosure region (12), into which a support wire (20) may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Doorframer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Vanderpan
  • Patent number: 6370740
    Abstract: A clamp for cylindrical objects uses a plurality of split-rings, each of which has a first half-ring and a second half-ring. Each first half-ring is hingedly coupled to a corresponding second half-ring at a hinge point. Means, coupled to each first half-ring at a distance from the hinge point, are coupled to a control assembly. The control assembly is operated to apply one of a pulling force to each first half-ring to simultaneously open each of the split-rings, or a pushing force to each first half-ring to simultaneously close each of the split-rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Carl R. Foreman
  • Patent number: 6367118
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose clip is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner hose clip includes a first curvilinear arm adapted to wrap partially around a portion of a vacuum cleaner hose, and a second curvilinear arm adapted to wrap completely around a second portion of a vacuum cleaner hose to hold the vacuum cleaner hose portions together. The clip further includes a locking mechanism to secure the second curvilinear arm in position around the vacuum hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Berfield