Terminal End Of Resilient Member Having Engagement Or Disengagement Enhancing Structural Modifications Patents (Class 24/555)
  • Patent number: 10415611
    Abstract: The holding element consists of at least one holding unit (1), consisting of at least two holding fingers (3) connected with each other on one side at a connecting point (2) and where at the connecting point (2) opposite the holding fingers (3) it has a fastening unit (10) or instead of the fastening unit (10) another holding unit (1) is arranged, where this holding unit (1) likewise consists of at least two holding fingers (3) connected on this side with each other at a connecting point (2) and all holding fingers (3) are preferably fitted with a spherical end (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Sören Flint
  • Patent number: 10006565
    Abstract: A fixation member configured to fix a filler pipe to the vehicle body includes a flexural deformation portion. In a non-surrounded state, this flexural deformation portion is not flexurally deformed but is located on the inner side of the outer circumference of a filler neck body. In a surrounded state, the flexural deformation portion is flexurally deformed to induce a pressing force and provides the pressing force to the filler pipe. This configuration suppresses rattling of the filler pipe over a long time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kito, Yoshinari Hiramatsu, Yukiharu Takeuchi, Sanae Noro, Takeshi Aimiya
  • Patent number: 9741270
    Abstract: A display board system includes a first display board, a second display board, a first clip, and a second clip. The first clip is coupled to the first display board and includes a body and a top portion coupled to the body generally above an upper edge of the first display board. The top portion has an upwardly facing cavity and a downwardly extending tab. The second clip is coupled to the second display board and includes a body and a top portion coupled to the body generally above an upper edge of the second display board. The top portion has an upwardly facing cavity and a downwardly extending tab. The tab of the second clip is receivable in the cavity of the first clip to support the second display board on the first display board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Zaccai, Mark Bates, Alexander Broerman, Kyle Madison
  • Patent number: 9004417
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device (10) for at least one cable (44), having an edge clip part (12) for fitting the fastening device (10) to an edge (28) of a base part (26). A holding device (30) for at least one cable strap (40) surrounds at least one cable (44). The holding device (30) includes fastening sections (38) that constitute a mount for the cable strap (40) in three directions of cable strap orientation orthogonal to each other, so that a cable strap (40) can be fastened to the base part (26) selectively oriented in one of the three directions of cable strap orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Elsner, Juergen Hofmann, Vitali Leidner
  • Patent number: 9004416
    Abstract: A clamp includes a clamp main body, a flexible member, a pipe holding portion, a pipe insertion path, and a pair of opposite pieces. At least one opposite piece of the pair of opposite pieces, is pressed by an outer circumference of a pipe inserted into the pipe insertion path, and is bendable in a direction in which the pipe insertion path is expandable. One opposite piece extends up to a position adjacent to the pipe holding portion. An extending end portion of one opposite piece protrudes toward an inside of the pipe insertion path from one portion of the flexible member adjacent to the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takaya Ogawa, Tomoaki Aoshima
  • Publication number: 20140173888
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a micro-structure for coupling a first micro-component with a second micro-component. The micro-structure includes a center portion. The micro-structure also includes a first pair of arms connected to the center portion and extending away from the center portion in a first direction. The first pair of arms are separated by a first gap that is approximately equal to, or less than, a thickness of the first micro-component. The micro-structure also includes a second pair of arms connected to the center portion and extending away from the center portion in a second direction different from the first direction. The second pair of arms are separated by a second gap that is approximately equal to, or less than, a thickness of the second micro-component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Reiter
  • Patent number: 8701588
    Abstract: Bookmarks can include a base that can couple with a cover of a book and a ribbon that can be attached to the base. For some bookmarks, the base includes a display body that can be positioned at an exterior of a cover of a book when the bookmark is coupled with the book, and also includes a rigid body coupled with the display body such that the rigid body can be positioned at an interior of the cover of the book when the bookmark is coupled with the book. The rigid body can include a coupling assist region having a cavity that extends rearwardly relative to the display body. An edge of a book cover can be received into the cavity before being advanced between clamping portions that are defined by the display body and the rigid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Mill, LLC
    Inventor: S. David Clarke
  • 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: 8621727
    Abstract: A clip to secure trays in a stack including a platform, rails coupled to the platform to mate with tabs of at least bookending trays in the tray stack when the platform occupies a brake position thereof relative to the stack and an elastic brake element coupled to the platform and configured to be biased against the stack when the platform occupies the brake position to increase a mating friction between the rails and the tabs, the elastic brake element being actuatable against the bias to permit selective movement of the platform to and from the brake position, the selective movement solely actuating the elastic brake element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alain Blais, Julie Croteau, Michel Robert, Christian Bedard
  • Patent number: 8458866
    Abstract: A bag spreader for spreading a bag in a container lying on its side includes a connection portion arranged to interface with the upwardly facing outer surface of the container when the container is oriented on its side and includes a bag supporting portion arranged for insertion into the bag and the container. The bag supporting portion may be disposed adjacent the upper sidewall of the container in a manner that supports the bag in an open condition when the container is oriented on its side. A head portion connects the connection portion and the bag spreading portion with the connection portion and the bag supporting portion being spaced apart on the head portion a distance sufficient to receive an edge of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Hancz
  • Patent number: 8458865
    Abstract: A paper yard bag 28 securing device consisting of a cylindrical shape adapted to fit over the corners of two or more bags 28. Two cross-sectional cuts 20a and 20b form four symmetrical legs 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d and a body 12. Each of the four legs 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d has a convex radius 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d facilitating the easy insertion of a group of corners of two or more bags 28. This mechanism serves to both maximize the opening of the bags 28 and secure a plurality of bags 28 adjacent to one another greatly reducing the time to fill yard waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Williams
  • Patent number: 8276235
    Abstract: A wearable wipe unit having one or more absorbent members attachable to, and removable from, a retaining member, or each other. The retaining member has a mouth which attaches to a user's waist band or belt. One or more absorbent members may have a storage unit for securely holding a user's personal effects. The bottoms of the front and back sides of the retaining member are angled forward for ease of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel P. Naughton
  • Patent number: 8276861
    Abstract: One aspect according to the present invention includes a base portion and a clamp portion. The base portion can be joined to a first member of a vehicle. The clamp portion is formed integrally with the base portion and can joined to a second member of the vehicle. The clamp portion includes a first jaw and a second jaw defining a receiving space therebetween. The receiving space can receive a part of the second member. A support portion is formed on one of the first and second jaws and is positioned within the receiving space. The support portion is resiliently deformable and can apply a pressing force against the part of the second member in a direction toward the other of the first and second jaws during and after insertion of the part of the second member into the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ogino, Takeshi Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 8136770
    Abstract: A mount (50) for mounting an exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16) in an exhaust pipe (34) or in a component housing includes a spring band (54) and a plurality of spring fingers (64). The spring band (54) is configured to contact and substantially pass around an outer surface (52) of the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16). The plurality of spring fingers (64) extend from the spring band (54) generally axially with respect to the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16) and generally radially from the spring band. The spring fingers (64) contact the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Beatty, Gregory A. Griffin, Ivan M. Lazich, Luis Carlos Cattani
  • Patent number: 8096340
    Abstract: A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: 3 Day Blinds Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. McCarty, Frank A. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8061070
    Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Chamandy
  • Patent number: 7966700
    Abstract: The invention includes a belt clip for mounting objects to a user's belt. The belt clip has a resilient U-shaped member portion and a hollow hanger member. The resilient U-shaped member portion having an upper end and a lower end with a U-bend portion at the upper end and parallel inner and outer walls extending downwardly from the U-bend. A gap is defined between the inner and outer walls for slidably engaging a belt. The hollow hanger member portion protrudes outwardly from the outer wall of the U-shaped member portion and has a generally downwardly facing wall with an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture provides a means for mounting objects to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Vermillion
  • Patent number: 7887012
    Abstract: A retaining bracket for holding conduits may employ a first half or stationary portion defining a semi-circular first conduit holding portion and a semi-circular second conduit holding portion. A second half or movable portion may be foldable onto the stationary portion such that a first arcuate groove and a second arcuate groove of the movable portion match the first and second conduit holding portions, respectively, to accommodate the cylindrical conduits. A first rigid binder piece may contact a long side of the stationary portion and attach to a first compressible insert and a second compressible insert. The first compressible insert may reside within the first conduit holding portion and the second compressible insert may reside within the second conduit holding portion and compress against the conduits, respectively. The binder and inserts may install into the retain bracket before or after the movable portion is closed onto the stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurabh Desai, Matthew Sasina, Stephen Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 7877916
    Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations. A label strip with respective indicia and with an RFID transponder and/or a machine-readable code can be adhesively adhered either directly to a garment across a fold or to the marking clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Chamandy
  • Patent number: 7849570
    Abstract: A spring wire retention device for a chair that includes a spring network with spring wires bridging an opening that defines a seat is disclosed. The spring wire retention device includes a retainer body with an abutment formed therein for preventing movement of the spring wire bridging the opening. A stop member is oppositely disposed from the abutment. Between the abutment and the stop member, a cavity is formed in the retainer body. A resilient member protrudes from within the cavity. The resilient member constantly urges the spring wire against the abutment. The invention may be cast in the form of a ring with a plurality of retainer bodies circumscribing the ring and supporting a spring network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Veada Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Steury, Douglas V. Steury
  • Patent number: 7823927
    Abstract: Media binder systems with datum stops for registering physical media sheets are described. A media binder system that includes a cover, a binding system, and a datum stop. The cover includes an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side. The binding system is attached to the inwardly facing side of the cover and is operable to bind a spine end of a collection of physical media sheets to the cover. The datum stop protrudes away from the inwardly facing side of the cover and includes a datum stop surface against which a head end or a tail end of the collection is registerable prior to binding the collection to the cover. Methods of making media binder systems also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Hoarau, Steven W. Trovinger
  • 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: 7802762
    Abstract: A retainer for a conduit, cable or the like, preferably a fluid conduit in an automobile, includes a retainer body having attaching portions to be mounted to an automobile body part, damping portions for dampening conduit vibrations, an insertion portion that constricts from the outside to the inside, and a receiving portion for the conduit. The retainer body is integrally molded of a plastic material. The receiving portion has three or more engaging portions which are arranged circumferentially of and engage the conduit and which are connected by resilient arms to the retainer body in a manner that, in the event of conduit vibrations, the resilient arms shall yield easily and elastically like leaf springs in all axial and radial directions and shall decouple the vibration-induced forces from the automobile body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Willrich Bauer
  • Patent number: 7798736
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles such as media binders. In an embodiment the media binder includes spine clamps for securing physical media where the spine clamps define an interior cavity for receiving the physical media; a datum stop for aligning the physical media, the datum stop disposed proximal to one end of the spine clamp; a tension sheet for transmitting an opening force to the spine clamp, the tension sheet affixed with the spine clamp; and a cover affixed with the tension sheet, the cover configured to open such that an opening force is applied to the spine clamp when the cover is opened from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Hoarau, Steven W. Trovinger
  • Patent number: 7641220
    Abstract: An airbag system in a motor vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags and at least one airbag fold bracket configured to indicate the location of at least one airbag fold of the inflatable airbag. The airbag fold bracket may also be configured to maintain the position and shape of the airbag fold of the inflatable airbag while in the undeployed state. Furthermore, the airbag fold bracket may be configured to adjust and tune the deployment of the inflatable airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Visker, Hiroshi Noma
  • Patent number: 7621701
    Abstract: Self-retaining shim apparatus and methods for providing an offset surface for supporting a template above a contoured workpiece such as the frame of an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a shim portion of substantially uniform thickness, and one or more biasing members secured to the distal end thereof and extending toward the proximal end. A work piece is positioned between the biasing member and shim portion such that the biasing members are elastically deformed, resulting in a restoring force exerted on the workpiece serving to retain the shim in engagement with the workpiece. Contact pads secure to the free ends of the biasing members and have a contact portion offset from the free end. The contact portion is rounded to facilitate mounting and retention of the self-retaining shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David W. Skiles, James L. Morrison
  • Patent number: 7610717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flower pot (1) made of deep drawn plastic material and provided for a hanging flower pot wherein a suspension part (2) comprises a plurality of strands (5) that are linked via hook clips (3) with the pot rim (4) that has an outer continuous contour. The aim of the invention is to provide a flower pot that, in accordance with the special technical conditions during the deep drawing, is provided with a fixation of the seat (7) of the hook clips (3), while maintaining a good distribution of suspension loads between the pot and the hook clips and safeguarding an appealing yet easy to handle shape. To achieve this aim, the pot rim (4) has tapered sections extending inwards towards a wall contiguous with the bottom. These tapered sections form a seat (7) for the hook clips (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Gebr. Poeppelmann Kunststoffwek-Werkzeugbau
    Inventors: Reinhard Lüken, Alfons Sieverding
  • Patent number: 7562462
    Abstract: A hands-free level indicating device includes a level for determining a spatial orientation of a structural member, and an apparatus for securing the level to the structural member. The apparatus includes a U-shaped portion for attaching to the level and a hook-shaped portion for clamping around the structural member. The U-shaped portion and hook-shaped portion can be formed from a single strip of flat material, such as spring steel. A spring is provided to bias the hook-shaped portion in a direction toward the level to allow the apparatus to secure the level to different sizes of structural members. The spring can be a leaf spring that attaches to a base of the U-shaped portion and extends in a longitudinal direction of the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: Carl Gentleman, Robert E. Hinze, Daryl L. Tschantre
  • Patent number: 7533852
    Abstract: The holding clip (1) according to the invention, for simultaneous fastening of a plurality of approximately parallel-running, elongate articles (2) to a structure, in particular for the fastening of lines, pipes or cables, having a base part (3), in which receivers (8) for the elongate articles (2) are formed, having at least one partition (4, 4?) between two such receivers 8, which comprises a front side (12) and a rear side (11), wherein there are provided for securing the elongate articles (2) in the receivers (8) at least one first latching finger (5) at the front side (12) and at least one second latching finger (6) at the rear side (11) of the partition (4, 4?), is characterized in that the width BR of each latching finger is smaller than the width BZ of the partition (4, 4?) and the first latching finger (5) is arranged offset relative to the second latching finger (6) in such a way that no overlapping occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Mario Stigler
  • Patent number: 7448155
    Abstract: A money clip for organizing and storing paper bills such as currency. The money clip includes a single length of wire having two free ends which form a clasping portion and a flap attached thereto. The two free ends of the wire have spherical elements attached thereto to cover the free ends. The wire is folded symmetrically with respect to a straight base portion to provide a “butterfly-like” configuration; the base portion being “the body” of the butterfly, and the folded portions on either side of the base forming “the wings” of the butterfly. The flap is a substantially flat, disc-shaped member affixed to the base portion along a diameter thereof such that the base portion is substantially colinear with a diameter of the flap. A portion of the flap covers a portion of the clasping portion disposed adjacent the base portion and serves to maintain the correct orientation of the bills in the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Dolas
  • Patent number: 7444792
    Abstract: An H-shaped clip is used to connect two pieces of building material such as plywood, roofing sheath, wafer board or other materials quickly, easily and securely. The H clip includes two tapered arms connected by a spacing bar, where each arm ends in a ski-shaped lead-in having a contoured face and a living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: M&O Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Matson
  • Patent number: 7418771
    Abstract: A clip for clamping a cloth according to the invention is mounted on an embroidery frame including an outer frame, and an inner frame which is internally engaged with the outer frame thereby to hold a cloth to be worked between the outer frame and the inner frame. The clip includes a leaf spring member which can be detachably mounted on the outer frame, and an urging member which is fitted to this leaf spring member and adapted to press the cloth to be worked onto the inner frame. The leaf spring member has a first engaging portion adapted to be engaged with a lower part of the outer frame from outside, a first plate portion extending upwardly from the first engaging portion, a second plate portion formed in an upper part of this first plate portion by way of a bent portion and downwardly inclined along an inner face of the outer frame, and a second engaging portion formed in this second plate portion and adapted to be engaged with an upper part of the outer frame from inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Hori
  • Patent number: 7360286
    Abstract: A clip for hanging a skirt that can be attached to an existing hanger. The distance between clips can be freely adjusted to hang, skirts from small children's to large adult sizes without causing creases. The clip neither damages cloth of a skirt nor leaves marks on a skirt while preventing a skirt from slipping off a hanger. Furthermore, the clip for hanging a skirt is very small in volume and of low-cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Maruso Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7337501
    Abstract: The invention includes a belt clip for mounting objects to a user's belt. The belt clip has a resilient U-shaped member portion and a hollow hanger member. The resilient U-shaped member portion having an upper end and a lower end with a U-bend portion at the upper end and parallel inner and outer walls extending downwardly from the U-bend. A gap is defined between the inner and outer walls for slidably engaging a belt. The hollow hanger member portion protrudes outwardly from the outer wall of the U-shaped member portion and has a generally downwardly facing wall with an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture provides a means for mounting objects to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Vermillion
  • 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: 7278190
    Abstract: A two component line clip for fixing a line therein includes a body defining an aperture. The body is formed from a material having a first hardness. The aperture is defined in part by a rib. An insert is secured within the aperture. The insert is formed from a material having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The insert includes a feature that cooperates with the rib to secure the insert within the aperture. The insert is adapted to fix the line therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Charles K. Fischer, Roger E. Pilon, Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 7240880
    Abstract: A holding clip for tubes, hoses and the like has a pocket and deflectable arms protecting an entrance to the pocket. The arms extend one past another and interdigitate one with another. The arms deflect outwardly in response to force exerted thereagainst from outside of the pocket and interengage one against another to resist force exerted thereagainst from within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, David A. Shereyk
  • Patent number: 7225850
    Abstract: A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: 3 Day Blinds, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McCarty, Frank A. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7146691
    Abstract: A fabric-retaining structure includes: a body; and a fabric-gripping jaw arrangement coupled to the body. The jaw arrangement includes: a crenated jaw having crenated teeth and a serrated jaw having serrated teeth. The crenated jaw is arranged in opposition to the serrated jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Kintzing, Christof M. Kintzing
  • Patent number: 7052045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for labeling the spine or edge of a binder. In an embodiment, the device comprises a housing, a clip attached to the housing and a label encased within the housing. The housing further comprises a base portion and a cover portion, wherein the cover portion is adapted to enclose a label within the base portion of the labeling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Andy Park
  • Patent number: 6994143
    Abstract: A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: 3 Day Blinds, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McCarty, Frank A. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6881271
    Abstract: An electric heater is placed so as to cover an upper opening of a crucible. Then, a plurality of angle members are disposed along the side portions of the electric heater and are pressed and fixed by clamps. The clamp includes, at its bottom, a curved portion formed by bending a plate-like spring member into a convex shape, and generates pressing force between the curved portion and corresponding claw portions at the upper edge, thereby clamping the crucible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ochiai, Hirotoshi Iwase, Seizo Kato, Tetsuro Endo
  • Patent number: 6691376
    Abstract: A firmly secured paper clip comprises a foldable paper clip and a retainer. The paper clip is capable of being folded as three paper plates. The first paper plate is the longest one, and the third paper plate is the shortest one. The first paper plate is connected to the second paper plate and the second paper plate is connected to the third paper plate. In assembly, the second paper plate is folded and then is adhered on the first paper plate. Then the third paper plate is folded from the second paper plate and is located between the first paper plate and second paper plate. The retainer serves to fix the first paper plate and second paper plate to form the whole paper clip. Thereby, when a notepaper is inserted into a clamping opening between the first paper plate and third paper plate, it is firmly secured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 6678922
    Abstract: Bag closure 100, formed from a single length of pliable, resilient substantially-tubular hose comprises a first “base” section 10 of unmodified hose, a second narrowed “neck” section 20, and a third “clamp” section 30. Clamp section 30 is a trimmed section of hose having a substantially C-shaped cross section, formed by removing a narrow strip of hose material parallel to the hose axis. Hinge 20 is a trimmed section of hose having a substantially parenthesis-shaped cross section, formed by removing a wider strip of hose material parallel to the hose axis. A bag neck may be sealed by laying the flattened bag neck across substantially-cylindrical base 10, folding the closure at its narrowed neck or hinge 20 and forcing clamp section 30 over base 10, trapping the bag neck between base 10 and clamp 30 and forming a tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Alan Elbert Comer, William Albert Bladen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6678923
    Abstract: A bag closure system for automatically closing a bag with audible and tactile feedback to indicate proper closure of the bag. The bag closure system includes a bag device having an opening, a first band positioned within a first lip of the opening, and a second band positioned within a second lip of the opening. The first band and second band are comprised of a resilient elongate material that audibly and tactilely indicate when the opening is opened or closed. The first band and the second band further provide for automatic closure of the opening to prevent loss of items within the bag device. The first band and the second band are preferably comprised of a resilient material having an arcuate cross section providing rigidity to the bands when in a straight condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bisadora, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark H. Goldberg, Robert L. Coker, Douglas P. Gibbs
  • 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: 6378827
    Abstract: A support unit for supporting articles hung from a generally planar surface is provided that includes a support arm for placement on a top surface of a generally planar surface. The support arm contacts the top surface of the generally planar surface. A mating portion contacts a bottom surface of the general planar surface opposite the top surface of the generally planar surface contacted by the support arm. A curved portion connects the support arm to the mating portion. The curved portion provides the gripping force between the support arm and the mating portion. A hook extends downwardly from the mating portion and towards the curved portion. The hook supports articles hung therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Kacines
  • Patent number: 6226843
    Abstract: A ligating clip includes a substantially planar head portion and at least two legs each extending away from the head portion. The head portion is resilient and spring biased toward a closed position, and the legs can be positioned in a plane defining an angle with the planar head portion of greater than about 90° and less than about 180°, which provides for better visibility of clips during application of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Design Standards Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence Crainich
  • Patent number: 5983460
    Abstract: A bag closure comprising a cylindrical tube having a slit along its length, a notch in line with the slit on at least one end of the tube and an elevated bead formed around at least one end of the tube, the bead functioning to maintain the tube in its cylindrical shape. The bag closure may additionally include a flange or pad to aid in attaching the bag closure to a second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Allen L. Hyde, Edward E. Elson
  • Patent number: 5970586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component for fastening a profile washer to a edge strip of a sheet which is surrounded by a groove in the profile washer. When assembled, a resilient metal clamp (1) surrounds with two legs (2,3) the edge strip. An intermediate layer (6,26) of a lower level of hardness is provided between the metal bracket (1) and the edge strip. The distance between the legs (2,3) lessens in the end regions (4,5) thereof, and widens again at the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: Mecano Rapid GmbH, Saar-Gummiwerk GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Demel, Markus Senftleber, Ralf Sehr, Manfred Michels