Biased By Distinct Spring Patents (Class 24/523)
  • Patent number: 11769141
    Abstract: The disclosed technology provides enhanced financial statements such as credit statements that provide customized payment options to a customer that takes into account the total amount owed by the customer, and past payments made by the customer. The customized payment options are determined with the goal of providing more payment options that encourage financial health, while not overwhelming the customer with too many options or irrelevant options. The customized payment options can be displayed in an interactive user interface for paying a credit statement that can visually inform a user of the benefit of the respective payment options with respect to the impact of the respective payment option on the customer's financial health—at least as it pertains to a credit account for which the statement was issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Melim, Christine A. Franco, Glen W. Steele, Mischa K. McLachlan, Michael Artemiw, Ashish C. Nagre, David T. Haggerty, Fadi S. Obeid, Katie M. McIndoe, Richard W. Heard, Rima Kakarla, Akila Suresh, Jarad M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 11629846
    Abstract: A Light Modifying Device adapted for use for photography. The Light Modifying Device is a generally bendable and durable tear-resistant material comprising of two surface faces comprising a plurality of irregularly shaped openings for receiving light therein. The Light Modifying Device can be positioned in a variety of locations and additionally manipulated by way of bending such that a portion of light may be diffused in one location in a photography set and enhanced or otherwise differently diffused on a different, second particular location of the same photography set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Jena Carlin
  • Patent number: 11480288
    Abstract: A clamping holder configured to arrange a display on a standing board defining a thickness direction is provided. The clamping holder includes a body, a connecting member, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member. The connecting member is disposed on the body and is connected to the display. The first clamping member is disposed on the body. When the body abuts against a side of the standing board and the second clamping member is assembled with the first clamping member, the second clamping member slides relative to the first clamping member in the thickness direction, such that the second clamping member abuts against the other side of the standing board, and the second clamping member and the body clamp the standing board together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 11137107
    Abstract: A support for a multimedia tablet, a screen and an optical member, the support comprising a bearing portion configured to interact with the tablet, the bearing portion extending in a first direction and in a second direction transverse to the first direction, the bearing portion comprising a base configured to be mounted on a mounting surface, an optical reflector element configured to be arranged facing the optical member, and a support portion configured for supporting the tablet, the reflector element and the support portion being carried by the bearing surface such that, considered in the first direction, the support portion is arranged between the base and the reflector element, the support portion being movable in the first direction, and the reflector element being movable in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventor: Etienne Roudaut
  • Patent number: 11039049
    Abstract: A hub and a camera mount configured to support a video camera. The camera mount and hub are detachably mountable with respect to each other in any of at least two different configurations, preferably with adjustability in at least one configuration. In some embodiments, the camera mount includes a first structure including a retainer and camera support, a slide translatably mounted to the first structure, and a foot having a first end pivotably attached to the slide. The retainer is shaped to engage a surface of an object to which the camera mount is to be mounted. Other aspects are a camera mount, and a camera mount alone. Optionally, in one configuration the hub is mountable to a wall or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Michaelian, Christine Anna Livaudais, David Clementson, Carl Stephen Dizon Tubis, Timothy David Burkhard
  • Patent number: 10844630
    Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock that is virtually pick proof comprises a cylinder housing having a single bore and a cylinder key plug arranged in the single bore. The pin tumbler cylinder lock also comprises a cutout having a predetermined shape in a predetermined portion of the housing. The pin tumbler cylinder lock also includes a lockout sleeve arranged over the cylinder key plug wherein the lockout sleeve may rotate within the cutout to create a lockout mode for the pin tumbler cylinder lock when a lock picking attempt is occurring thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Matthew Trupiano
  • Patent number: 10617219
    Abstract: Anchoring apparatus for a bed cover, comprising a base member (10) and a holding member (12, 120), wherein said base member (10) is configured to be affixed to a bed at a lower edge of a mattress (16) and includes a first portion (18) of a clip member, and said holding member (12, 120) comprises a second part of said clip member for enabling said base member (10) and said holding member (12, 120) to be releasably connected together, in use, said holding member further comprising a clamp member for releasably clamping a portion of said bed cover therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: ELOWES LIMITED
    Inventor: Eric Lowe
  • Patent number: 10556179
    Abstract: A video game audio controller includes a headset audio port configured to connect to an audio headset and receive a headset audio signal, a chat audio port configured to receive a chat audio signal from another controller, a game audio port configured to receive a game audio signal from a video game console, and control circuitry configured to sum the headset audio signal and the chat audio signal and to output the combined chat audio signal from the controller. A local chat audio gaming network can include a plurality of such video game audio controllers removably connectable with each other via one or more cables, wherein the combined chat audio signal is communicated in only one direction between the plurality of video game audio controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventors: Ozhan Maker, Kevin Zuccaro, Trevor Lehr
  • Patent number: 10427279
    Abstract: A screw installation aid holds and aligns a screw in an inclined screw axis relative to the component to be screwed. At least one screw guide receives the screw in the inclined screw axis, and a screwing tool advances through an opening to the screw head coaxially to the screw axis, to install the screw in the component in its inclined position. The screw installation aid encompasses a telescopic cross-member including at least two support segments adjustable coaxially to one another, the undersides of which facing the component form a level and, before adaptation to the component, continuous support surface, each of the undersides bearing one of the clamping blocks. The clamping blocks can be positioned from a closing to an opening position against the resistance of a spring device between both support segments and a screw guide is enclosed in at least one of the support segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Markus Rensburg
  • Patent number: 10337210
    Abstract: An interchangeable cylinder lock core with a mechanism for transferring a torque to a lock unit when a key plug is rotated. The interchangeable cylinder lock core includes a shell having an upper part, provided with a central row of locking pins in associated cavities, and a lower part with a cylindrical bore accommodating the rotatable key plug. At least a part of the cylindrical bore extends through a rotatable retainer sleeve. A back region of the key plug has a minimum length with the adjoining front region of the key plug being located in front of the mechanism for transferring torque. The adjoining front region accommodates, in addition to the central row of locking pins, at least one side locking mechanism which is located in its entirety within the front region of the key plug and interacts with at least one recess in a fixed front end sleeve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: WINLOC AG
    Inventor: Bo Widén
  • Patent number: 10179393
    Abstract: Device and methods comprising a clamping device or vise which applies stabilizing force to a workpiece for a machining, operation using an adjustable stock engagement point, the stock engagement point being adjustable by inserting shims or spacers between the stock engagement surface (e.g., a gripper wall and the body of the device).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Carr Lane Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Aaron Hull, Colin Frost, Joshua Herschbach
  • Patent number: 9895792
    Abstract: A workpiece clamp device capable for changing clamp angle is arranged on a base plane and comprises a first and a second movable blocks, a driving block, at least one first and at least one second elastic members, at least one first and at least one second cylinders, and at least one third and at least one fourth elastic members. Since the first and the second cylinders are slightly rotatably and detachably respectively embedded in the first and the second embedding grooves to make the first and the second rough surfaces be exposed and the elasticity of the third and the fourth elastic members is cooperated therewith, the first and the second rough surfaces are slightly fine-tuned based on the shapes and sizes of the workpieces so as to be suitable for clamping and fastening the workpieces with different shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Ju-Tan Chen
  • Patent number: 9638224
    Abstract: A weight-actuated panel holder is disclosed herein. The weight-actuated panel holder includes a first jaw member; a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member, the first and second jaw members cooperating to a form a slot for receiving an end portion of a panel, an opening width of at least a portion of the slot being configured to be reduced when a weight of the panel actuates the first and second jaw members towards a closed position; and a clutch mechanism coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the clutch mechanism configured to bias at least one of the first and second jaw members in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Donald Bruce Westfall, II
  • Patent number: 9381392
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to devices, systems, and methods for the safe and efficient use of exercise equipment and, in particular, weight training equipment. A locking hub for weight training equipment may include a first hub and second hub, the first hub and second hub having a sleeve located therebetween. The first hub and/or second hub may hold one or more pads adjacent the sleeve. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the first hub and/or the second hub may compress the one or more pads to force the pads radially inward against a weight bar, substantially restricting movement of the locking hub relative to the weight bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: S. Tyler Behle
  • Publication number: 20140259568
    Abstract: A foldable clamp suitable for use in a mounting system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the foldable clamp comprises a base member, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is connected to the base member using a first hinge. The second jaw is connected to the base member using a second hinge and a ratchet. A mount for selective interconnection is provided on either the first jaw, the second jaw, or the third jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Trotsky, Jessie Poulin
  • Patent number: 8544154
    Abstract: A clamp assembly selectively grips material. The clamp assembly is connectable to an object, and includes a housing and a gripping assembly. The housing has a first end, a second end, a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions cooperate to define a material receiving slot. The first portion of the housing has an angular disposed channel and an angular disposed recessed portion. The second portion of the housing has a gripping surface. The gripping assembly is slidably disposed within the channel such that the recessed portion cooperates with the channel to define a travel path so that the gripping assembly can be selectively movable between a biased first position and a second position. In the biased first position, the gripping assembly extends into the material receiving slot. In the second position the gripping assembly is withdrawn from the material receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Get a Grip, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130174406
    Abstract: A spring clip that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a base with at least one aperture and a resilient flange portion that extends away from and above the base and faces a first direction. The second portion has at least one tubular extension that extends through the at least one aperture of the first portion beyond the base and engages the first portion. The at least one tubular extension has an aperture such that the at least one aperture in the first portion and the aperture in a second portion have a common axis. In addition, the flange portion can be compressed from a first position to a second position over the base and when the flange portion will move toward the first position when it is released from the second position. An installation tool is provided for inserting the spring clip into a longitudinal cavity of a railing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: AZEK Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gori, Michael A. Dotsey
  • Patent number: 8176603
    Abstract: A universal cradle apparatus having a pair of substantially rigid jaw structures each configured with a flange structure having a substantially planar mounting surface adapted for being secured to respective cooperating male and female portions of a clamping mechanism formed of telescoping male linear drive shaft and mating female linear drive channel. One of the two jaw structures is configured with an inclined interior clamping surface that is projected above the respective flange structure and in resiliently flexible relationship therewith. The jaw structures are mounted on the respective drive shaft and drive channel each having its respective interior clamping surface facing toward the clamping surface of the other jaw. A threaded fastener secures the male drive shaft in the mating female drive channel of the clamping mechanism, thereby permitting linear adjustment of the two jaw structures along a linear drive axis of the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7837166
    Abstract: A monitor clamping device includes a first board having multiple first hooks and a second board having multiple second hooks, the monitor is clamped between the first and second hooks. Multiple first slots are defined in the second board and multiple first guide plates are connected to the first board. The first guide plates movably extend through the first slots. Multiple second guide plates are connected to the second board and engaged with the first guide plates when the first guide plates are moved to a lower end of the first slots. A resilient unit is connected between the first and second board so as to adjust the distance between the first and second hooks. The monitor clamping device can clamp different size monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Winmate Communication Inc.
    Inventors: Hui-Chun Liao, Ku-Ching Lu, Yueh-Tsai Weng, Cheng-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 7647676
    Abstract: A universal cradle apparatus having a telescoping clamping mechanism formed of a drive frame and a cooperating drive shaft that is movable along a common operating axis with first and second mounting surfaces each positioned on a respective one of the drive frame and the drive shaft, and first and second jaw structures each being coupled to a respective one of the drive frame and the drive shaft adjacent to the respective mounting surface thereof, each of the jaw structures having a respective clamping surface thereon and forming mutually opposing interior clamping surfaces arranged adjacent to the mounting surfaces positioned therebetween, and the clamping surface on the second jaw structure being spaced above and inclined toward the respective mounting surface and resiliently flexible relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7597366
    Abstract: A clamp mechanism clamping an electronic device and connecting an object to the electronic device is provided. The mechanism includes a first clamping element, a second clamping element slidably joined to the first clamping element in a joint position to adjust the second clamping element apart from the first clamping element to a clamp distance, a latching element inserted into the joint position to maintain the first clamping element apart from the second clamping element at the clamp distance, and a connecting element joined to the second clamping element and connected to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Rong Yang
  • Patent number: 7571518
    Abstract: A clamp (10) including a housing (11) being a first member having a first passage (16) therethrough providing a first jaw and a first opening to said first passage (21) from one side; a shutter (12) being a second member having a second passage therethrough providing a second jaw and a second opening to said second passage (27) from one side; said second member being engaged with said first member far relative sliding movement between an open position in which said first and second jaws are spaced apart and said first and second openings are at least partially aligned and provide access to said first passage from one side and a closed position in which the first and second jaws cooperate to clamp a portion of a bag to be closed there between. The shutter is biased closed by springs (13) and (14) located within the closed passage end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Brett Davidson
  • Patent number: 7571522
    Abstract: A universal cradle apparatus having a pair of substantially rigid jaw structures each configured with a flange structure having a substantially planar mounting surface adapted for being secured to respective cooperating male and female portions of a spring-return clamping mechanism formed of telescoping male linear drive shaft and mating female linear drive channel. The two jaw structures are each configured with a shallow cup-shaped clamping surface that is projected above the respective flange structure. The jaw structures are mounted on the respective drive shaft and drive channel each having its respective cup-shaped interior clamping surface facing toward the clamping surface of the other jaw. A spring is coupled for biasing the male drive shaft into the mating female drive channel of the clamping mechanism, thereby driving the two jaw structures together along a linear drive axis of the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7559517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping mechanism, and in particular to a clamping mechanism for a computer peripheral device. The clamping mechanism includes a base for receiving a resilient button at one side, and a clamp positioned at the other side of the base. The clamp has a first extension extending into the base, and the button is coupled to first extension and therefore to the clamp. The button is resilient and deformable to generate a restoring force such that an object can be clamped between the clamp and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kye Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Bing-Yu Zhou
  • Patent number: 7523528
    Abstract: A universal cradle apparatus having a pair of substantially rigid jaw structures each configured with a flange structure having a substantially planar mounting surface adapted for being secured to respective cooperating male and female portions of a spring-return clamping mechanism formed of telescoping male linear drive shaft and mating female linear drive channel. One of the two jaw structures is configured with an inclined interior clamping surface that is projected above the respective flange structure and in resiliently flexible relationship therewith. The jaw structures are mounted on the respective drive shaft and drive channel each having its respective interior clamping surface facing toward the clamping surface of the other jaw. A spring is coupled for biasing the male drive shaft into the mating female drive channel of the clamping mechanism, thereby driving the two jaw structures together along a linear drive axis of the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7509713
    Abstract: A clamp assembly selectively grips material. The clamp assembly includes a housing, a gripping assembly and means for connecting the clamp assembly to an object. The housing has a first end, a second end, a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions cooperate to define a material receiving slot. The first portion of the housing has an angular disposed channel and an angular disposed recessed portion. The second portion of the housing has a gripping surface. The gripping assembly is slidably disposed within the channel such that the recessed portion cooperates with the channel to define a travel path so that the gripping assembly can be selectively movable between a biased first position and a second position. In the biased first position, the gripping assembly extends into the material receiving slot. In the second position the gripping assembly is withdrawn from the material receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Get A Grip, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7490387
    Abstract: A rope, cable or other linear tension member is retained along its length by a device 10 having a body 12 with a plunger 18 that is movably located in an internal cavity 14 of the body. The body provides a first surface 16 to engage the tension member and the plunger provides a second surface 24 that is disposed in substantially parallel relationship to the first surface. A biasing means 26 is used to urge the plunger upwardly in the internal cavity, so that the first and second surfaces are urged towards registration. Opposing ends 28, 30 of the body may be shaped in a manner to provide a cleat upon which the tension member may be wound or tied off. Mounting means 32, 34 in the body permit the body to be fixed to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Clyde Hillier
  • Publication number: 20080209696
    Abstract: A clamp assembly selectively grips material. The clamp assembly includes a housing, a gripping assembly and means for connecting the clamp assembly to an object. The housing has a first end, a second end, a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions cooperate to define a material receiving slot. The first portion of the housing has an angular disposed channel and an angular disposed recessed portion. The second portion of the housing has a gripping surface. The gripping assembly is slidably disposed within the channel such that the recessed portion cooperates with the channel to define a travel path so that the gripping assembly can be selectively movable between a biased first position and a second position. In the biased first position, the gripping assembly extends into the material receiving slot. In the second position the gripping assembly is withdrawn from the material receiving slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: John W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7243959
    Abstract: A seal clamp assembly for sealing an opening in a piping system includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a base having a first side, a second side and an aperture extending therethrough from the first side to the second side, and a brace coupled to the base. The brace includes a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of the brace. The seal clamp assembly also includes a spring bridge coupled to the base first side. The bridge includes a substantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extending through the spring bridge frame such that the spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignment with the base aperture. A clamping assembly is coupled to a proximate end portion of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Wensel, Scott S. Duink, Mark P. Allison
  • Patent number: 7017243
    Abstract: A secure clamping mechanism formed with two spaced apart surfaces; a resiliently compressible biasing member positioned between the two spaced apart surfaces; a clamp having a drive shaft that is structured to be slidingly engaged between the two spaced apart surfaces; and an interference member for engaging the biasing member between the drive portion and at least one of the spaced apart surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 6802848
    Abstract: A surgical clip with adjustable bias spring. The surgical clip includes a moveable slide assembly, whereby the positioning of the slide relative to the clip adjusts the relative compression or extension of the biasing spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Novare Surgical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Anderson, Karrie L. Sturtz
  • Patent number: 6637082
    Abstract: A quick holder includes a bottom housing, a cover, two clamping members, and a tensile spring. The tensile spring is urged between the retaining posts of the two clamping members conveniently, so that the two opposite clamping members may be used to clamp the paper by a single tensile spring, thereby simplifying the whole structure, and thereby decreasing the difficulty of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 6564432
    Abstract: A holder for personal articles such as eyeglasses and sunglasses and the like includes: (i) a clamping body with a transparent window for displaying provided inserts, and (ii) a clip portion attached to the clamping body for attaching the holder to clothing, accessories, automobile visors and other areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Gerald Kushner
  • Patent number: 6370741
    Abstract: An improved stationery clamp includes a first clamp member, a second clamp member, an adjustable screw bolt and an elastic member to form an adjustable displacement between the first and second clamp member for engaging with a partition of various thickness. The stationery clamp further has a holding slot located on a top side for engaging and supporting various types of stationery set such as paper clip tray, name card rack, mobile phone dock, tape stand or the like. The stationery clamp has great versatility and applicability to mate with different office partitions and hold various types of stationery sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Haur-Wen Lu
  • Patent number: 6324729
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sliding element (110) for a wrist band, in particular a wrist-watch band, the sliding element extending along the front face of the wrist band and at least in sections along the rear face of the wrist band. The sliding element comprises a substantially cuboid base element (112) which extends along the front face of the wrist band and has guides (142) projecting from the base element for holder elements (114, 116) which are displaceable relative to the base element and the wrist band and each engage about a longitudinal edge of the wrist band. The sliding element (110) further comprise spring elements (126, 128) which extend in the sliding direction of the holder elements (114, 116) and are supported on sections of the base element and the holder elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Andreas Daubenthaler
  • Patent number: 6324732
    Abstract: A fastener for fixing an article on a board via a through-hole formed thereon has a base that has a top face, side faces opposed to each other, and a rear end. An opening having at least two opposing edges is formed in the base. A pair of first elastic stoppers stands upright from the top face of the base and positioned along the edges of the opening. Each of the first elastic stoppers has an inclined projection extending outward. A pair of second elastic stoppers stands upright from the top face of the base next to the first elastic stoppers. Each of the second elastic stoppers has a leg and a wing extending from the leg, the wings spreading outward so as not to be parallel to each other. A cover plate is attached to the rear end of the base in a pivotable manner, so that the cover plate swings between an open position and a closed position. An insertion is attached to and extends from the inner surface of the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc
    Inventors: Oomi Arisaka, Shigeo Okada
  • Patent number: 6263922
    Abstract: A clamping holder for flexible lines, particularly current-carrying lines, has a line holder with at least one device for fixing a line and a device clamping the line in the device. The device and the line holder have at least one mutually aligned passage, respectively. A known type of elastic, longitudinally extendible tension device is pulled into the passages. The tension device has a neck-type cross-sectional contraction and connects the line holder with the device in a ventable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesselschaft mbH
    Inventors: Horst Kerner, Stephan Arndt, Peter Schiller
  • Patent number: 5996190
    Abstract: A retainer to attach a table cover and table skirt to a banquet table. Comprising a series of c-clamp type retainers to grippingly hold the table cover in place and provide a connection for a supporting pin and a supporting loop. The supporting pin mounted on the vertical face of the c-clamp retainer to support the vertical component of weight of an attached table skirt. A supporting loop in the upper leg of the c-clamp retainer to accept wire or string to then bind floral arrangement, etc. to be displayed in front of the table. A spring clip assembly to grippingly engage the supporting pin and hold the skirt in place horizontally. A free surface on the spring clip assembly to exhibit decorative or commercial designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Rita Rae Peterson
  • Patent number: 5689865
    Abstract: An improved damping assembly is provided, comprising a housing, a spring, a pressure plate, and an actuator integral to the pressure plate. The housing is made up of first and second outer plates spaced apart from one another by a plurality of spacers. The pressure plate is positioned inside the housing, and is freely movable within the housing between the inner surface of the first and second outer plates by pressure exerted against the actuator. The spring is positioned between the pressure plate and the inner surface of the first plate, thus urging the pressure plate towards the inner surface of the second plate. An object, inserted into the housing between the pressure plate and the second plate, is held in place between the pressure plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Russell M. Weber, III
  • Patent number: 5685732
    Abstract: An extension cord retaining device for preventing accidental disengagement of male and female extension cord adapters. A first planar shaped member includes a flattened body portion and a first pair of angularly extending and spaced apart gripping members. A second planar shaped member includes a pair of spaced apart and axially extending legs which receive the flattened body portion of the first planar member in a coplanar fashion and a second pair of angularly extending and spaced apart gripping members which are arranged opposite the first pair of gripping members. An upper plate and a lower plate sandwich the first and second planar shaped members and fasteners secure the stacked arrangement together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Invo Marketing & Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Arlo Lane
  • Patent number: 5624443
    Abstract: A clamp for the femoral stem of a total hip replacement. The clamp engages a top surface of the stem and a portion of the femur to urge the stem into the femoral cavity during hardening of the cement. The clamp includes a stem having a ball on one end which is adapted to seat in a depression on the upper surface of the stem. In one embodiment, the depression is disposed on a collar extending from the stem. The other end of the clamp includes spikes or the like for engagement of the femur. Typically, a spring biases the ball toward the spike to urge the stem downwardly into the femoral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis W. Burke
  • Patent number: 5603680
    Abstract: A collar to secure weights on a barbell or dumbbell. Two springs are biased against a pad support on one end and against the partially closed top surfaces of cylindrical tubular casings on the other end. The radially extending legs of a grip bar connect to the pad support through the cylindrical tubular casings, allowing the pad support to raise off the barbell. A grip pad made of compressible material is disposed on the surface of the pad support and grippingly engages the barbell when the springs are fully extended, thereby securing the weights on the barbell. The collar has a substantially cylindrical housing where one end of the cylindrical housing has a greater diameter than the other end, forming a flange to secure the weights on the bar. The end of the cylindrical housing forming a flange has a fluted contact base made of a compressible material to prevent slippage between the contact base and a contiguous weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Laird L. Larsen
  • Patent number: 5582377
    Abstract: A device for hanging articles, such as clothing, athletic equipment, and equipment bags, from a chain link fence or the like, comprises an elongate body having a front side and a rear side. On the rear side is a spring-loaded fence-gripping clasp, dimensioned for releasably grasping the wires of the fence. The fence-gripping clasp comprises a fixed fence-gripping jaw and a movable fence-gripping jaw, spring-biased toward the fixed fence-gripping jaw. On the front side is a spring-loaded hanger clasp, specifically adapted for releasably grasping an article having a strap or handle, but also suitable for hanging an article of clothing. The hanger clasp comprises a fixed hanger jaw and a movable hanger jaw, spring-biased to close against the fixed hanger jaw. In a preferred embodiment, the hanger clasp is disposed near the lower end of the elongate body, and a fixed clothes hook extends from the front of the body, above the hanger clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Genaro E. Quesada
  • Patent number: 5544396
    Abstract: A device for securing and mounting round or angular objects, which are found in households or offices, such as writing utensils, drill bits, tooth brushes, etc. The currently available fastenings, partially mentioned here, all have the disadvantage that they are only intended for a specific measurement and, therefore, offer only a secure hold for this particular size. This problem has been resolved by utilizing a single base plate 4 where at least two opposing and independently movable clamp jaws 2, 3 are under spring tension and located in a guide. Because the clamp jaws 2, 3 are under spring tension, the size of the object no longer is crucial, because when inserting the object in the retracting and contracting clamp jaws, a secure hold is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Erich Mekyska
  • Patent number: 5450659
    Abstract: A safety clamp for mounting on wires of an animal trap to hold the trap against inadvertent actuation comprises a pair of flat plates arranged in spaced parallel position and squeezable together against resistance from a coil spring positioned there between. Each plate carries a hook member with a straight portion having one end welded to the respective squeeze plate and extending therefrom at a right angle through a hole in the other squeeze plates to a hook portion beyond the other squeeze plate. The hook members are parallel and closely spaced so that the coil spring is wrapped around the two hook members in their position between the squeeze plates. Two further hook portions are mounted on one side of the squeeze plates and extend inwardly between the squeeze plates. The hook portions are engaged over wires of the trap and are held in place by the spring action pulling the hook portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Bruce H. Bertram
  • Patent number: 5426825
    Abstract: A flexibly adjustable mounting clip assembly and method for providing the assembly for a pager includes a swivel assembly (104) for raising and rotating the mounting clip (102) approximately 180.degree. to provide a reversibly positioned clip. The clip allows for positioning in an introverted position, i.e., facing the bent section toward the pager and for positioning in an extroverted position, i.e., facing away from the pager. In addition, a transparent portion may be positioned below the clip assembly for allowing observation of the information display of the pager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid Soren, Shrirang Jambhekar, Albert L. Nagele, Joan E. Zocher, Michael W. Frenzer
  • Patent number: 5400478
    Abstract: A clip and method of using same to facilitate the positioning of a cover of the typical rectangular bag-like type over a typical rectangular bedding item such as a blanket, quilt, comforter or the like. The clip is formed with two opposed selectively engageable jaws dimensioned to permit engagement of the corners of the bedding item and cover therebetween. The clip is formed with a padded cover overlying the outside surfaces of the clip. In use, the cover typically formed with a closed end and an open end is turned inside out and positioned so that the closed corners of the inside out bag lie adjacent the corners of the bedding item. These adjacent corners of the cover and bedding item are then clipped together using one clip at each corner. The cover is then drawn over the bedding item to turn the cover right side out and simultaneously enclose the bedding item. The free corners of the cover and bedding item may if desired be clipped together, preferably within the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventors: Adam Levinsohn, David Baron
  • Patent number: 5265929
    Abstract: The present invention is a disc-type sun blocker which is attached to a vehicle's sun visor for blocking the sun. The sun blocker is rotatably attached to an attachment bracket. The attachment bracket slides along the sun visor for adjustment along the horizontal axis and the rotation of the disc provides adjustment along the vertical axis. The disclosed invention provides a low cost, adjustable sun blocker which selectively extends the blocking of the sun's rays of a vehicle's sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Roger H. Pelham
  • Patent number: 5052793
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for rapidly attaching glass to a metal support structure without cracking the glass. The invention consists of a C clamp with a force providing screw threadably engaged through a hole in one leg of the C clamp. The force providing screw has a spindle on one end which rides in a channel in the metal support structure. A spring, Belleville washer or other energy storing device is mounted on the spindle and is compressed against the metal support structure by the spindle base when the force providing screw is tightened. The amount of force that can be applied is limited by the combination of the screw head on the force providing screw and the longer length of the channel in relation to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Roger H. Lapp, Robert R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5042118
    Abstract: A clamping device for releasably clamping an article has a pair of arm members. Each arm member has a clamping jaw at an end thereof. The arm members are arranged with the clamping jaws in opposition and are interconnected kinematically to enable movement relative to each other in a predetermined direction to attain a self-locking relationship. A spring assembly is provided coupled to the arm members for urging the clamping jaws toward each other to grip the article. A loose fit linear guide is arranged parallel to and a predetermined distance from a line along which a clamping force of the clamping jaws is exerted on the article. The spring assembly is pre-stressed and located in close proximity to this slide guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Rubik Studio Muszaki Fejleszto Kisszovetkezet
    Inventor: Erno Rubik