With Operator For Moving Biased Engaging Face Patents (Class 24/535)
  • Patent number: 11696764
    Abstract: A ligation clip includes a frame defining a cavity, a flexible band that is pivotably supported on one end of the frame, and a spring beam supported on the other end of the frame in cantilevered fashion. The flexible band is movable in relation to the frame from an open position to a clamped position to clamp tissue between the flexible band and the spring beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Paul D. Richard
  • Patent number: 10655780
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly is configured to securely couple to a structure. The mounting bracket assembly includes a securing cradle defining a securing chamber, a pivot arm that pivotally couples to the securing cradle through a first hinge, and a locking arm that pivotally couples to the pivot arm through a second hinge. The pivot arm and the locking arm are configured to pivotally move via the first hinge and the second hinge into an over-center securing position within the securing chamber to securely lock the mounting bracket assembly to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Raymond Roeder, Alyssa L. Yap, Wade T. Price, Christopher L. Schwitters, Bruce R. Olsen
  • Patent number: 10599020
    Abstract: A swivel mount locking apparatus is configured to mount a camera system onto a target user, an object, or a surface. The camera system is mounted on a swivel component which can be rotated to a variety of different positions relative to a base component. To fix the camera position, a locking protrusion of a release lever in the base component is compressibly inserted into a detent located on the swivel component. When a new orientation of the camera system is desired, a user may forcibly pivot the release lever away from the swivel component to decouple the locking protrusion from the detent. The user can then rotate the mounted camera system and the swivel component to the new orientation relative to the base component. At the new orientation, the user may recouple the locking protrusion of the release lever into a different detent of the swivel component, thereby fixing the camera system into the desired, new orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Todd Druker, Christopher Aaron Clearman
  • Patent number: 10119655
    Abstract: An item holder includes a hanger and a holder. The hanger includes a hanger body, a protrusion and one or more apertures. The holder includes a holder body, a receiving slot, a securing mechanism, tabs, a holder member and an end-piece. The holder is configured to detachably couple to the hanger. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism includes fingers/wedges which secure the protrusion in place and are released using the tabs. The holder, specifically the holder member, is also configured to hold an item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart
  • Patent number: 9750535
    Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for external fixation systems include a post component having a yaw axis and a clamping system secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis. The clamping system includes a outer jaw and a inner jaw having an inner surface facing the outer jaw. The outer and inner jaws together form an opening for receiving a fixation element of the external fixation system. The inner jaw and outer jaw have a roll axis alignable with a longitudinal axis of the fixation element. The clamping system and post component are rotatable about the roll axis. The inner jaw also includes a cylindrical outer-facing surface. The devices also include a base component having a cylindrical concave surface having a pitch axis. The concave surface of the base component interfaces with the cylindrical outer facing component on the inner jaw. The outer and inner jaws being rotatable relative to the base and the post component about the pitch axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 9492198
    Abstract: A device for detachably clamping fastening elements in a surgical fixing or repositioning device. The device may a rod with a longitudinal axis. A first and second pair of clamping jaws may be operably associated with the rod. Each pair of clamping jaws may have a side surface as well as an inner clamping jaw and an outer clamping jaw, which may have indentations forming a channel. The channels may be opened towards the side surface of the clamping jaws. A fastening means may be positioned in the channels by pushing the fastening means into the openings in the side surface in a direction which may be at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod. An elastic element may be positioned between the inner and outer clamping jaws of at least one pair of clamping jaws so as to resist movement of the inner and outer clamping jaws with respect to each other as a fastening means is inserted therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Brunner, Marcel Fuhrer
  • Patent number: 8905418
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mud flaps has an elongated mounting arm defining an interior elongated chamber with a slot opening at the bottom. The assembly includes a one or more biased clips that attach to the top edge of the mud flap, which is inserted into the chamber with the lower portion of the mud flap extending through the bottom slot and the clips seated within the chamber. The clips include a pair of protrusions that engage the interior of the chamber, and are configured such that sufficient downward force on the mud flap causes the clip to open and release the mud flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fontaine Spray Suppression Company
    Inventor: Ian A. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8764774
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least one clip during a medical procedure. In one embodiment, the system comprises a clip having first and second arms. A locking pin is coupled to the clip and disposed for incremental movement relative to the clip. Further, a tether is coupled to the locking pin, wherein a first tether segment is secured to a distal region of the second arm, and a second tether segment is secured to a distal region of the first arm. In use, proximal retraction of the locking pin causes a proximal retraction of the first and second tether segments to move the clip between open and closed states. Incremental retraction of the locking pin incrementally advances the clip between the open and closed states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John C. Sigmon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8720017
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for joining an elongate member to an assembly may include a frame, clamp, actuator and link between the clamp and actuator. Stop surfaces on the clamp and actuator cooperate to secure the elongate member. A pin and the force transmitted by a compression spring may further be provided for additional security. The link between the clamp and actuator retracts the clamp permitting the elongate member to be detached from the assembly. A linear actuator may be operatively disposed between the frame and the actuator for opening and closing the clamp about the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Jerauld Dunn
  • Publication number: 20130232740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a elastic clip, includes two holding parts side by side, a handle is settled on each of the holding parts, the elastic clip also includes a elastic compressed part which is joined with the holding parts settled between the handles, the elastic compressed part is shaped with bending spring steel wire, and the elastic compressed part makes an sharp angle between the two handles; When the handles are pressed, the two holding parts will form an opening, while the pressure disappear, the opening will close up under the effect of the elastic-restoring force of the elastic compressed part. The elastic compressed part of the elastic clip is shaped with a spring steel wire, which makes the elastic clip is portable, and at the same time, the consumption of the raw material will not increase even if the size of the elastic clip is expanding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hai Wang
  • Publication number: 20130074294
    Abstract: An adjustable jaw table clamp apparatus for quickly and easily attaching table cover and skirting to a table. The disclosed apparatus provides a lightweight, easy to manufacture clamping device that is adjustable. There is disclosed a clamping apparatus that is adjustable and can fit various table thicknesses with a design that is universal and can accommodate the thicknesses of different table top sizes. The apparatus comprises a variably adjusting clamping device that is easy to use and may be reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: James C. Lynch
  • Patent number: 8393059
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for joining an elongate member to an assembly may include a frame, clamp, actuator and link between the clamp and actuator. Stop surfaces on the clamp and actuator cooperate to secure the elongate member. A pin and the force transmitted by a compression spring may further be provided for additional security. The link between the clamp and actuator retracts the clamp permitting the elongate member to be detached from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jerauld Dunn
  • Publication number: 20120324682
    Abstract: A clamp is for clamping a first member to a second member. The clamp comprises a lever that is rotatably coupled to the first member and a plunger. The lever comprises a handle and a cam that rotate together about a rotational axis. Rotation of the lever about the axis in a first direction cams the plunger towards the second member to couple the first and second members together and wherein rotation of the lever about the axis in a second, opposite direction cams the plunger away from the second member to uncouple the first and second members from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: MANIC NOMAD LLC
    Inventor: Trent Ballentine
  • Publication number: 20120324683
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for joining an elongate member to an assembly may include a frame, clamp, actuator and link between the clamp and actuator. Stop surfaces on the clamp and actuator cooperate to secure the elongate member. A pin and the force transmitted by a compression spring may further be provided for additional security. The link between the clamp and actuator retracts the clamp permitting the elongate member to be detached from the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jerauld Dunn
  • Patent number: 8276300
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a display device, which comprises a display body having two opposite sides adjacent to a periphery thereof and each formed with at least one first positioning element respectively, and at least one detachable decorative member made of an elastic material and formed with a second positioning element in two opposite sides adjacent to two end edges thereof respectively. When the second positioning element is inserted into and engaged with the first positioning element corresponding thereto, the elastic deformation force of the decorative member can generate a clamping force for enabling the second positioning element to firmly clamp the first positioning element, protecting the periphery of the display body from being broken due to external impact or abrasion, using the decorative member as an elastic cushioning for packing the display body into a packing box, and reducing the use of packing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hung Huang
  • Publication number: 20120192387
    Abstract: Clamping element and method of forming clamping element. Clamping element includes a spring bracket, which is locked to the clamping element, a polygonal threaded nut, and a tightening screw, which is interacteable with the polygonal threaded nut. The threaded nut is held secured against rotation in the spring bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Manfred KRUEGER
  • Publication number: 20120167358
    Abstract: A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered bore in a housing. The plunger pieces have tapered outer surfaces. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the bore, with the spring located between the plunger pieces and a back plate that closes off part of a wide end of the tapered bore. The plunger pieces have internally threaded surfaces that engage threads on a threaded rod that is inserted into the bore, between the plunger pieces. Once the threaded rod has been inserted between the plunger pieces and released, the plunger pieces are pushed toward the narrow bore end. This causes the plunger pieces to press inward, automatically causing the internal plunger half threads to engage the external threads on the threaded rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Michael H.-S. Oh, Jeffrey K. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7996963
    Abstract: A clip system for use with tarps and other flexible sheet material. The system includes first and second parts that are rotatably mounted so as to be free to twist independently of one another, in response to wind or other forces. The first part may be a clip body having jaws for gripping a tarp or other flexible sheet material, and the second part may be an attachment fitting for engaging an article separate from the tarp. There may be a series of different attachment fittings that are interchangeably mountable to the clip body, such as a hook, a screw-on fitting for attachment to a bottle that forms a weight, or a fitting for attachment of a strap or shock cord, for example. The two pieces may be joined by a male coupler and a female receptacle that receives the coupler in locking engagement. The male coupler may have a plurality of resiliently flexible legs with beveled end surfaces that flex inwardly to pass through the opening of the female receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The Clip Joint LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20110173782
    Abstract: A split arm clip includes first and second arms that are connected to each other at a first end by an end section and which press against one another at a second end opposite the first end. The first arm is split into first and second arm portions that are substantially flush when the clip is a closed, in use state. The first arm portion is integrally connected to the end section and the second arm portion includes a lever that is adjacent the first arm portion and which does not extend past the end section. A hinge is disposed between the first and second arm portions along a pivot axis extending in a transverse direction of the clip parallel the end section. The pivot axis is disposed between the first and second ends inside of the clip such that a force applied to the lever urges apart the first and second arms at the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Alfred English
  • Patent number: 7566038
    Abstract: A clamp for attaching a medical device to an OR table rail, including two closable clamp jaws that close to an extreme position that leaves inadequate room for the rail. A handle actuates the jaws apart, and a spring biases them together through a range of jaw positions. A lock member is biased to swing through a range of lock positions in which it progressively engages and locks the jaw mechanism through its range of jaw positions. A pair of bars carries the medical device on the clamp, and allows it to be adjustably positioned with respect to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Surgical Concept Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Scott, Jason R. Cahayla, Richard A. Modes, John A. Griecci
  • Patent number: 7459196
    Abstract: A shielding device with a shielding component (17) forming a shield surface, a heat shield in particular, has a clamping component (1) formed to be integral with the shielding component (17) by an extension. The clamping component is folded onto itself at a bending point (29). Two clamping legs (31, 33) are positioned side by side and form the clamping surfaces facing each other to delimit a clamping gap (35) with one end closed at the bending point (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventor: Rainer Sturm
  • Patent number: 7308739
    Abstract: An adjustable clip for gripping a tarp or the like. There are first and second jaw portions having first ends that are joined by a hinge and second ends that are spread apart to form a receiving area. A finger-operated screw or threaded knob is mounted to the jaw portions at a location between the first and second ends, so that the jaw portions are urged together in response to tightening of the screw or knob. The hinge may be a live hinge for resiliently biasing the jaw portions apart, and the jaw portions and live hinge may be formed as a unitarily molded structure. An attachment portion extends from the hinge and has at least one opening for receiving a rope or other cord therein. The jaw portions are provided with surface contouring for securely gripping the sheet material of the tarp while minimizing damage thereto. The grip force of the assembly can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the threaded knob or screw as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventors: Todd D Andersen, Robert M Cameron
  • Patent number: 6651752
    Abstract: A support bracket includes a cylindrical portion sized to have a skid inserted therethrough, and a receiving portion sized to receive a handlebar. The cylindrical portion and the receiving portion are formed by bending a single plate in two. The plate includes a groove portion formed centrally thereof, right and left flat plate portions positioned rightwardly and leftwardly of said groove portion, right and left curved portions protruding outwardly from the right and left flat plate portions, respectively, and right and left connection portions protruding outwardly from the right and left curved portions, respectively. The right and left flat plate portions include right and left projecting portions, respectively. The right and left flat plate portions are reinforced by the right and left projecting portions. When the plate is bent in two, the flat plate portions are joined together to form the groove portion into the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Sasaoka
  • Patent number: 6427292
    Abstract: In a connector for the removable connection of an end of a neck strap to a pair of binoculars or similar optical device, to provide for a simple connection and disconnection with a reliable hold, the end of the strap has an attached clip incorporating two legs that can be elastically opened in a V-shape and that have inward facing holding projections on their insides, wherein a holding part with a lug is provided on the binoculars, said lug incorporating snap-in projections that extend laterally toward the outside in a manner so that the legs can be snapped onto the lug in such a way that their holding projections encompass the snap-in projections of the lug, and wherein a retention sleeve is provided, the free interior cross-section of which is dimensioned such that it can be slipped over the legs when they are in their snapped-on position, thus preventing the legs from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Steiner-Optik GmbH
    Inventor: Kuno Seifert
  • Publication number: 20020000027
    Abstract: An adjustable clip for gripping a tarp or the like. There are first and second jaw portions having first ends that are joined by a hinge and second ends that are spread apart to form a receiving area. A finger-operated screw or threaded knob is mounted to the jaw portions at a location between the first and second ends, so that the jaw portions are urged together in response to tightening of the screw or knob. The hinge may be a live hinge for resiliently biasing the jaw portions apart, and the jaw portions and live hinge may be formed as a unitarily molded structure. An attachment portion extends from the hinge and has at least one opening for receiving a rope or other cord therein. The jaw portions are provided with surface contouring for securely gripping the sheet material of the tarp while minimizing damage thereto. The grip force of the assembly can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the threaded knob or screw as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Todd D. Andersen, Robert M. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6253426
    Abstract: Many automotive radiators are now made with a metallic heat exchanger core and plastic top and bottom portions. A circumferencial lip on the plastic portions receives an O-ring. A flange on the core is folded over the lip and crimped to compress the O-ring between the lip and the flange to achieve a seal. When the crimp loosens, the radiator leaks. Current practice is to remove and replace the radiator since the leak cannot be repaired by brazing. The invention provides a clamp for slipping over the flange at the leak. Rotating one or more screw fasteners on the clamp compresses the crimped portion of the flange at the leak and the O-ring to repair the leak. The clamp remains in place without significant interference with function. The method of repair may be employed without removing the radiator from the vehicle. In may be performed without special skills or tools to greatly reduce the costs of leak repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles Miller, Roger Miller
  • Patent number: 6202265
    Abstract: A tool-less fastener for use in connecting a computer cable to either a computer or peripheral equipment. An elongated rod with an external expandable sleeve fits into a standard threaded hole and then expanded to fasten the cable to the equipment without the need for a screwdriver or other tool. The tool-less fastener may be independent of or interconnected to the computer cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick J. Caine
  • Patent number: 6131252
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for an exhaust gas system having two components, an exhaust gas system component which can be subjected to heat and a thermal shielding plate fitted beneath the exhaust gas system component and connected to it, including a connecting member arranged in such a way as to allow relative displacement of the exhaust gas system component and the thermal shielding plate in relation to each other as a result of differential thermal expansion behavior. The connecting member has sliding tongues with sliding surfaces for slidably engaging a first component with a predetermined spring force. Furthermore, the connecting member is rigidly connected to the second component and threaded clamping members make it possible to fix the second component onto the connecting member and to brace the connecting member with the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Hoheisel, Lutz Niemax, Thomas Kempernolte
  • Patent number: 6101689
    Abstract: A double clip is comprised of outer and middle jaws pivoted together about an outer axle and biased to a closed position by a first spring. A pivoted gripping member is pivoted to the distal end of the outer jaw. An inner jaw is pivoted to the middle jaw about an inner axle and biased to a closed position by a second spring. The clip is removably attached to clothing by clipping the clothing between the inner and middle jaws. An item to be carried is removably clipped between the outer and middle jaws. The pivoted gripping member is automatically maintained in a parallel relationship with the middle jaw, regardless of the thickness of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Alejandro Jo
  • Patent number: 5964440
    Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a device to a work surface. A cam actuated, adjustable clamp provides a connection between the device and the work surface. The clamp includes a handle and a lever pivotally coupled to a housing member; a hand rotated threaded bolt in the end of the lever is used to adjust the position of a shoe to accommodate work surfaces of different thicknesses. The handle and lever pivot about bearings on two rods. Connectors extend between the two rods and they are coupled to the housing member. Cams on the handle ride on a surface of the lever as the handle is moved, applying a force to the lever that controls its position relative the underside of the work surface. The clamp is engaged/disengaged by a single movement (approximately 90 degrees of rotation) of the handle. A spring or linkage may be provided to bias the lever away from the work surface when the clamp is in the open (disengaged) position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bin An, Paul Hornikx, Dan Blase
  • Patent number: 5944178
    Abstract: An article of luggage is provided with a suit hanger support which is fastened with the inner wall of the shell of the luggage and is composed of an elastic clamping block, a top frame member, a seat frame shell, and a moving element. The elastic clamping block is provided with a clamping mouth and a plurality of cross grooves for locating a plurality of suit hangers. The top frame member is provided with a press edge, whereas the moving element is provided with an urging edge corresponding in location to the press edge of the top frame member. The moving element, the top frame member and the elastic clamping block are fastened pivotally with the seat frame shell such that the urging edge of the moving element is capable of urging the press edge of the top frame member to force the clamping mouth of the elastic clamping block to close, so as to locate and confine the suit hangers in the cross grooves of the elastic clamping block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Chen Shou Mao
  • Patent number: 5809623
    Abstract: An improved squeeze clamp including a plurality of link members. The link members including a plurality of orifices. The link members are connected via a common pivot point. A threaded member connected between at least two link members. The clamp capable of being driven by an electrical driving mechanism such as an electrical screw driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Dykstra
  • Patent number: 5595416
    Abstract: Retaining clips for vehicle hood protectors for securing hood protectors to the hood of a motor vehicle and including first and second gripping portions which may be located on opposite sides of a leading end of the vehicle hood for gripping the hood. A screw fastener is provided to urge the gripping portions towards each other to clamp the gripping portions to the hood. The hood protector may be secured to the retaining clip by screw fasteners or by a resilient gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Rodney E. Horwill
  • Patent number: 5486014
    Abstract: A dolly includes an elongated rigid support member for receiving a lower end portion of a panel-shaped support leg of an upright piano. The support member is formed by an elongated bottom wall and a pair of side walls rigidly connected along opposite longitudinal side edges of the bottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom so as to define an elongated channel extending between the spaced side walls and above the bottom wall of the support member. The channel is open along its upper end to receive the lower end portion of the support leg of the upright piano. The dolly also includes a pair of carriages supporting the opposite ends of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Darald F. Hough
  • Patent number: 5351098
    Abstract: A pocket retainer clip for eyeglasses is provided. The retainer is designed to be carried in a pocket or the like, whereby it is available conveniently for receiving and retaining a pair of eyeglasses or spectacles in the pocket. The retainer broadly includes a pocket dip, spring operator, and an eyeglasses temple clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventors: Barry P. McDaniels, Deborah A. McDaniels
  • Patent number: 5276949
    Abstract: An improved mount for motion Picture Lighting and Rigging Equipment. A strong, light-weight mount that can be quickly and securely clamped to a variety of objects of different sizes and shapes. The clamping jaw (22) (23) faces are always parallel to each other and are padded to protect the objects being clamped. All major components (21) (22) (23) (24) are rust proof. The components of the mount can be rearranged to suit specific clamping situations.The shaft (21) of this mount will fit into existing support devices used in the motion picture industry. Thus, this mount can also be used to hold various objects on a movie set and serve as a connection between those objects and the existing support devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Steven L. Cordellini
  • Patent number: 5172877
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a pipe fixing structure using a clamp member, which comprises: clamp means including a band-shaped plate member having wall portions opposed to each other and a plurality of projections on its inner periphery; a plurality of pipes each having a cylindrical member of heat-shrinkable resin fixed on its outer circumference in registration with the projections and adapted to be clamped by the clamp means; and fastening means for fastening the band-shaped plate member in a direction to bring the opposed wall portions toward each other so as to cause the projection to bite into the cylindrical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd.
    Inventors: Koutaro Hattori, Kuniaki Sugiyama, Takeshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5097687
    Abstract: A toe strap for use on a pedal of a bicycle includes a strap portion with a length-varying mechanism to adjust the length of the strap and a pressure-release connector adapted to interconnect opposite ends of the strap portion so that a bicyclist foot will be released from the pedal upon the application of a predetermined pressure. A bolt is provided on the pressure release connector with the effective length of the bolt being variable to vary the pressure required to affect a release of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventors: David J. Turrin, Michael J. Turrin
  • Patent number: 5052605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment arrangement (32,33) for a cycle which is capable of attachment in an upright attitude to a cycle supporting bar (4) capable of being connected to a vehicle-mounted load carrier (2). The attachment arrangement includes a U-shaped attachment element which straddles the side and top surface of the supporting bar. The U-shaped element includes a flexible wire which surrounds a wheel of the cycle while the wheel is received in the U-shaped recess. The flexible wire is in turn connected to a clasp and both elements are connected to the U-shaped element in an over-center arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: J S Products AB
    Inventor: Uno Johansson
  • Patent number: 5020195
    Abstract: A clamping device, preferably for use on a retractor support, includes a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism, the first clamping mechanism includes first and second pivotal clamping sections pivotal between a clamping position and an open position, and a mechanism for compressing the first and second clamping mechanisms to a clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. LeVahn
  • Patent number: 4802263
    Abstract: A device for the detachable clipping of paper sheets contains an approximately U-shaped clip (11), whose leg ends form longitudinal edges (14), onto which are shaped pins (17). The leg ends of two levers (22) can be snapped into the pins (17) and engages on the lateral faces (18) of clip (11), so as to permit a forcing apart of clip (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Kurt Lorber
  • Patent number: 4771515
    Abstract: A holder for supporting and securing such items as eyeglasses within a shirt or coat pocket is disclosed. The holder utilizes a hollow holder housing having opposed front and rear walls and relatively narrow side walls. A pivot arm is pivotally secured within the housing and has included therein a movable grip projecting through the front wall which engages a stationary grip secured to the external surface of the front wall. A spring member interconnected between the housing and the pivot arm urges the movable grip into closed position with the stationary grip which grips, in closed position, secure, for example, the temple piece of eyeglasses. A spring clip positioned on the rear wall of the holder housing secures the housing and such items as eyeglasses secured therein within the shirt or coat pocket of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Elisha Guarro
  • Patent number: 4769878
    Abstract: A device for gripping clothes hangers comprising a C-shaped housing having an upper horizontal frame for connection to a suitcase. A handle is pivotally connected to the upper horizontal frame of the housing. The handle is latchable to a parallel lower horizontal frame of said housing; a torsion spring having two substantially perpendicular arms fixed in the inner upper corner of the housing. An elastomic C-shape seat includes a lower horizontal part that is fixed inside the lower horizontal frame of the housing. The upper horizontal part of the seat is capped with a rigid cap which is pivotally connected to said handle and to one arm of the torsion spring. The other arm of the torsion spring is sealed inside said housing by a plate which is connected to the vertical part of said housing. The upper horizontal part of the seat is pushed downward to grip the curved portions of the clothes hangers placed inside the seat as the handle is pressed and rotated downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Ping-Hui Liao
  • Patent number: 4718151
    Abstract: A retractor apparatus for attachment to a rail of a surgical table includes first, second and third support rods and first, second and third clamps. The first support rod is attached to the rail of the surgical table and permits movement about and along a vertical axis of the first rod. The second rod is attached to an upper section of the first rod with the second clamp. The second clamp permits movement of the second support rod about an axis of the first rod and about an axis of the second support rod and permits pivotal movement of the second rod with respect to the first rod about a pivotal axis of the second clamp. The third clamp clamps the third rod to the second rod and permits movement of the third rod along and about the axis of the second rod and about the axis of the third rod and permits movement about a pivotal axis of the third clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. LeVahn, Robert E. Olson
  • Patent number: 4628777
    Abstract: A tool for use in the lubrication of a slip joint formed by a spline connection between a shaft and a sliding yoke in a two piece vehicle driveline. The tool includes a pair of spring brackets having legs which grip the yoke. An L-shaped spring arm has one end connected to a rigid plate secured to the brackets. The other end of the spring arm carries a plug having a conical tip which plugs a vent hole in the yoke when lubricant is applied to the slip joint. The spring arm holds the plug in the vent hole to assure a complete fill of the slip joint with lubricant and yields if necessary to relieve excessive pressure which could damage the slip joint seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: David A. Guarr
  • Patent number: 4586221
    Abstract: A clamping device for use in clamping dial indicators and like instruments used in surveying comprises a bifurcated clamping element having a pair of elongate arms defining a central slot. The arms define a pair of circular openings at the base of the slot, a large circular opening midway up the slot, and rebates defining a seat for a dovetail key at the end of the slot. An adjustment screw is provided between the arms for tightening of same. A variety of split sleeve inserts having different internal diameters may be used in the large circular opening for receipt of different size instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Inventor: Chun-San Wu
  • Patent number: 4505010
    Abstract: A spring clip particularly suitable for fixing a mud-flap to a motor vehicle has two legs interconnected by means of a base and is so formed that when relaxed the legs converge towards their free ends. A threaded bore is provided in one of the legs, in which may be threaded a screw to contact the other leg, such that the two legs may be thrust apart on further turning of the screw. The clip may then be fitted over a fender-fold against which a portion of a mud-flap lies, such that the mud-flap is securely held thereby. The leg contacted by the screw-end may have a contact depression formed therein to receive the screw-end, to prevent wandering thereof.In an alternative embodiment, a separate U-shaped expanding tool is provided, one leg of which may engage one leg of the clip, and the other leg of which has a threaded bore in which a screw can be fitted, such that the screw may engage the other leg of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventor: Knut Arenhold
  • Patent number: 4493495
    Abstract: A device for binding the marginal edge of materials is provided which takes the form of a continuous section of resilient material. The section of the device includes a pair of legs on which the closing force can be released to allow the acceptance of the materials, a spline around which the legs pivot to close over the edge of the materials to hold them securely by the material engaging ends of the legs when the closing force is engaged and a latch to lock the legs closed. In certain embodiments one leg is fixed and the other leg pivots to accept the materials and to close over the edge of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventor: Maynard W. Linn
  • Patent number: 4455721
    Abstract: An external clamping device for high pressure inflatable air bags utilizes opposed bracket members. An engaging structure, such as a set of teeth designed to grip the material of the inflatable air bag without damaging it, is formed adjacent one end of each of the bracket members. A stepped shoulder is formed at the other end of each of the brackets, so that when the opposing brackets are brought together the stepped shoulders abut one another to preclude pivoting of the bracket members during tightening. Tightening of the bracket members to firmly grip the air bag is achieved by a bolt threaded into openings intermediate the ends of the bracket members. When the bracket members are joined together, a connecting hole is formed for attaching the clamping device to a positioning arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Inventor: Howard Leibovitz