Having Specific Surface Irregularity On Or Along Engaging Face Patents (Class 24/561)
  • Patent number: 11925821
    Abstract: A D-ring, comprising a body having a first surface and a second surface and a plurality of apertures formed through first and second surfaces. The D-ring comprises two or more separate rated apertures for receiving a device or a connector to a device. A first aperture is formed through the first and second surfaces and positioned on the distal portion of the body. A second aperture is formed through the first and second surfaces such that the second aperture is adjacent to the first aperture. Additionally, there is a belt receiving aperture formed through said first and second surfaces positioned on the proximal portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: DeForest C. Canfield, Jason Novak
  • Patent number: 11923641
    Abstract: An electrical wiring system providing selectable referencing to earth ground having a housing comprising a first terminal for attachment to HOT, a second terminal for attachment to LOAD, and a flexible terminal comprising a first leg mounted to the electrical wiring device and a second leg connected to the first leg via a flexible joint, wherein the relative distance between the first leg and the second leg is adjustable between an extended position and a retracted position by flexing the flexible joint, the flexible joint being biased in the extended position, wherein the first leg defines a first aperture and the second leg defines a second aperture, and a load control circuit disposed within the housing and receiving a line input from the first terminal and a reference input, the reference input being referenced to the electric potential of the flexible terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Syed J. Jamal
  • Patent number: 11896784
    Abstract: A securement device 1 for securely attaching tubular articles 2 to surfaces comprising an anchor pad 3 for placing the securement device 1 on the surface, a substantially cylindrical base 4 on the anchor pad 3 and a screw cap 5 rotatably mountable on the base 4 at a screw mounting 6 defined between the base 4 and the screw cap 5 between an article receiving position and an article gripping position in which radial pressure is applied to the article 2 placed in the securement device 1 to securely hold the article 2 without the use of external adhesive fixings and prevent micro-pistoning of the article 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: University of Limerick
    Inventors: Aidan G. O'Sullivan, Leonard W. O'Sullivan, Eoin J. White, Niall Deloughry, Austin Stack
  • Patent number: 11819082
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a clasp including a top loop having a catch end, a bottom loop coupled to the top loop, the catch end positioned above the bottom loop at a first side of the clasp, and a depression at a second side of the clasp, opposite the first side, a thinnest part of the second side of the clasp being formed by the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: SUNDAY AFTERNOONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robbin Lacy, Joey Fallon, Russell Hodgdon, Joseph Zachariasen
  • Patent number: 11653782
    Abstract: A mount for tree top decorations includes a central post member for positioning adjacent an upper portion of a tree trunk, and plural bendable members extending away from the central post, the members for removable engagement with branches of the tree. A receiver is provided at the top of the central post member for engaging with a decoration or other tree topper item to thereby mount the tree topper to the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SAM HULL, LLC
    Inventor: Sam Hull
  • Patent number: 11378261
    Abstract: A linear light apparatus includes a light strip, a light passing cover, a main bracket, a bottom holder and a metal clip. The light strip having an elongated substrate mounted with LED modules. The main bracket holds the light strip for the LED modules emitting a light passing through the light passing cover. The metal clip has a first thorn and a second thorn. The metal clip is pressed to one side wall for the first thorn to stab a second insulation layer to electrically connect the bottom holder and the metal clip. The second thorn stabs a first insulation layer for the metal clip to be electrically connect to the first metal part of the main bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN LEEDARSON LIGHTING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Junjie Lin, Shaomei Liang, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11014702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device holding box flaps open and down along the box side walls, and allowing for secure box stacking. The device has two sides joined at a right angle at a junction. The device has an inside wall with two sections. The device has an outside wall with two sections. The inside and outside walls are joined with a rail, also having two sections. The inside wall is perpendicular to the rail, and the outside wall is divergent from the inside all relative to the rail. The inside wall, outside wall and rail define a cavity that can be slid onto a box to hold two flaps in an open position. A rim with two sections upstands from the rail. The rim is located on the middle of the rail so that a bottom of a stacked box is stacked in a secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Eco-Latch Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jack David Wilson, Kyle Andre Kummer, Elise Prior Wilson, James Forsythe Wilson, III
  • Patent number: 10847960
    Abstract: A wire management clip includes a cable pocket, a first clip pocket with an opening to receive a structure, and a second clip pocket with an opening to receive a structure. The opening of the first clip pocket is accessible from one direction relative to the wire management clip, and the opening of the second clip pocket is accessible from another direction relative to the wire management clip. The wire management clip may also include one or more structure engaging members for engaging or contacting a surface of the structure received within the first clip pocket and the second clip pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kurt Leslie Gray Naugler, Evan Ronald Martin
  • Patent number: 10428532
    Abstract: A cladding clip comprising a lateral base, a head coupled to the lateral base, and a flexible lip upstanding from the lateral base and laterally spaced from the neck along the base is disclosed. The flexible lip is hooked so that a lateral part of the lip extends laterally spaced from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Hugh Thomas Smart
  • Patent number: 9173390
    Abstract: A trap clip (10, 20) for securely holding a trap (T) in a desired place until the trap is set off. The trap clip is of a one-piece carbon spring wire construction and in one embodiment (10) has a generally U shape. The trap clip includes a set of wound coils (1) formed along and centered on a base (3) of the trap clip. The trap clip further includes a pair of legs (2) one of which extends at generally right angles from respective end of the base, so to form the U shape of the trap clip. When installed, the legs both support and firmly grip the trap to hold in place on a pole (P) until the trap captures an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Carlis Glen Stephens
  • Publication number: 20150076094
    Abstract: A closet hanger especially for neckties. The hanger features a novel plastic clip, which allows easy one-handed insertion and removal of ties. Each clip supports the tie with lateral elastic tension. A plurality of clips is arranged to allow ties to be hung face-to-face, saving space over hangers that support ties side-by-side. An adjustable hook screw secures the hanger fixedly in place on the rod. In an alternative embodiment, the hanger is hung from a ready-made mount system secured to a wall or door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Edward Allahverdian
  • Publication number: 20140263133
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a divider including an elongated base member having a first surface configured to abut a shelf and an opposite second surface. A divider wall extends from the second surface of the elongated base member. A recess portion is located along the first surface and is configured to be connectable to a first type of associated rail. An adapter clip is configured to be selectively inserted within the recess portion to allow the divider assembly to be connectable to a second type of associated rail. The adapter clip includes a base member having a first end and an opposing second end. A first support arm extends from the first end and a second support arm extends from the second end. A ridge profile of the clip is configured to be selectively received within a lip of the recess portion of the elongated base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Walker, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts
  • Publication number: 20130097823
    Abstract: A fascia mounting system for a window covering includes a bracket having a front flange with a removable spring clip at the bottom of the front flange. A fascia member of the system includes structure engaging the upper end of the flange and the spring clip at the bottom of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SPRINGS WINDOW FASHIONS, LLC
    Inventor: SPRINGS WINDOW FASHIONS, LLC
  • Patent number: 8424229
    Abstract: A slide for attaching to a display item such as a calendar, a poster, document, banner, wall hanging, or workpiece, has a longitudinal channel with a first end and second end and a longitudinal bend extending from the first end to the second end, a first bend portion and a second bend portion joined by the longitudinal bend, the first and second bend portions each having respective interior confronting surfaces adapted to receive an edge of the display item therebetween and respective exterior surfaces, a pair of bulges projecting from the first bend portion, a first bulge being close to the first end and a second bulge being close to the second end; and a hanger generally centrally fast with the second bend portion. The slides are paired in sets, the bulges of a first slide being spaced a different extent from its edges to those of the second set, so that the bulges of the paired slides do not coincide if one is nested in the other. The bulges may be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Eric R. De Beer
  • Patent number: 8099891
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a holder clip (1) for cards, such as identification cards, comprising two holding arms (3, 4) interconnected by a yoke (2) and defining between them a card reception slot (5). In order to be able to hold also cards of various thicknesses with adequate holding force by means of the holder clip (1), the present invention is so conceived that at least one of the two holding arms (3, 4) is provided with at least one contact-pressure pad (6) bulging, at least in certain sections thereof, towards the respective other holding arm (3, 4), said contact-pressure pad (6) consisting of a material that is different from the material of the holding arms (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Durable Hunke & Jochheim GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst-Werner Maier-Hunke
  • Patent number: 7963010
    Abstract: A molded, semi ridged device for the purpose of securing a length of fabric or towel wrapped around the body of a person of the type having a straight flat base (10) connected to the face (12) by the top section (21). The base can be offset from the face to the left (7), right (13), and bottom (9) making the device easy to install beneath the bottom layer of the towel or fabric. The face of the device is inclined toward the base a few degree's from parallel till the beginning of the raised lip (14) which than is raised away from the base a few degree's from parallel to help facilitate the installation process. The towel/fabric clip has raise rails (15) (16) running vertically under the face, and raised rails (17) (18) running vertically under the base of the device to insure horizontal and vertical pressure on the towel/fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Alfred B Levesque
  • Patent number: 7665191
    Abstract: A fastening system includes a grommet having a grommet shank and two grommet cap ends secured to opposing ends of the grommet shank; a planar border having a base and integrally formed substantially parallel planar flexible peripheral first and second legs of substantially like length, the first leg having a first leg distal end with a first aperture and the second leg having a second leg distal end with a second aperture and an integral and peripheral first spike having a first spike pointed end, each of the first and second apertures being proportioned for slidable receipt of the grommet when the first and second apertures are aligned with each other; and an elongate securement leg integrally dependant from the base in a direction of the distal ends of the flexible legs, and including a securement leg distal end having a receiving surface for receiving first spike pointed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Sheldon D. Gould
  • Patent number: 7562421
    Abstract: There is provided a connecting clasp for joining adjacing modular units of a solar collector mounted on roofs or other surfaces, including two substantially upright walls defining between them a space of a width capable of accommodating the end portions of spacer bars of the solar collector and a plurality of catches with inwards and downwards inclined top faces projecting from inside faces of the two upright walls. By application of force to a spacer bar seatable on the upper edges of the top faces of the catches, the upright walls are spread apart, letting the spacer bars enter the space until the catches snap into recesses provided in the spacer bars, thereby locking the clasp into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Magen Eco Energy A.C.S. Ltd.
    Inventor: Micha Plaschkes
  • 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: 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: 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: 7160006
    Abstract: A clip to be installed on a diffuser such that a lip defined by the rim of the diffuser is positioned in a cavity of the clip, with two arms defined by the clip capturing the rim of the diffuser and a leg defined by the clip extending into the hollow center of the diffuser. The diffuser may include knobs positioned on either side of the clip to prevent the same from sliding. The leg of the clip is then placed in an inverted channel defined by the lighting fixture such that the clip secures the diffuser thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: A.L.P. Lighting & Ceiling Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Horner, Steve Brown
  • Patent number: 6966103
    Abstract: 1. A fastening system includes a straight pin having a cap end, a shank and a pointed end; a planar border having a base and two integrally formed substantially parallel planar flexible peripheral legs of like length, distal ends of each of the legs having apertures proportioned for slidable receipt of the shank of the straight pin; and an elongate securement leg integrally dependant from the base in a direction of the distal ends of the flexible legs, a distal end of the securement leg including a female surface press-fittably complemental about the pointed end of the straight pin. The pin may be inserted through the apertures when they are aligned with each other, and then held by the female surface to enable securement of a planar peripheral legs to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Sheldon D. Gould
  • Patent number: 6948269
    Abstract: A size tag clip on a hanger including an external protruding plate on which are symmetrical sloping top surfaces. The sides at the top of the sloping surface are flat but the bottom part are two matching sloping protrusions that form a tiny ditch with the hanger. When inserting the size tag into the size tag clip, the sloping surfaces will expand the opening of the size tag which, after passing through the sloping protrusions will snap tight the size tag with the size tag clip. Inversely, rotate the size tag rendering the size tag clip a little slanted to force the opening of the size tag to expand to become bigger than the thickness of the external protruding plate, making the size tag to slide past the sloping protrusions easily when taking off the size tag from the size tag clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Shu-Fen Wang
  • Patent number: 6929223
    Abstract: An article holder comprising bifurcated arms extending upwardly from a base to receive and hold articles inserted downwardly into the holder within cushioning, resilient fingers extending inwardly from the bifurcated arms to engage the inserted article and wherein the fingers have incoming engagement surfaces connected, with an air space between, to exiting engagement surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Stearns Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6708933
    Abstract: A clamp includes a locking element (4) and an element (6) for hooking to a support (3). The hooking element (6) is made integral with the locking element and is equipped with first hooking means (14) and second hooking means (16), which are of different types and are located on opposite sides of the hooking element (6). The locking element (4) includes a pair of jaws (18) that are arranged to mate together and are made integral, on either side, with the hooking element, as well as detachable locking means (26, 27, 28) for connecting the jaws (18) together in a working position in which the jaws (18) lie essentially parallel and abut one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Franco Girodo
  • Patent number: 6698071
    Abstract: A clip for sheet materials comprising a clip member and a collar member. The clip member is made of resilient material such that the clip member may be deformed from a normally open configuration into a closed position. The clip member defines first and second finger portions that do not engage each other when the clip member is in the open configuration and engage each other when the clip member is in the closed position. The collar member defines at least one latch portion, a lever portion, and a housing interior. The collar member is made of resilient material such that applying a force to the lever portion causes the collar member to deform from a normally engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Randal W. Hanson, Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6494413
    Abstract: A holding recess (14) for holding the self-supporting-type cable (1) is formed between elastic holding portions (12, 13). Retaining projections (12a, 13a) are formed respectively on those side surfaces of the elastic holding portions (12, 13), exposed to the holding recess (14), in stepped relation to each other. Even when the self-supporting-type cable (1) is held in any posture, with its cable body portion (2) or its wire support portion (3) first introduced into the holding recess (14), the cable body portion (2) is engaged with the two retaining projections (12a, 13a) in a press-contacted manner to be prevented from withdrawal, or the cable body portion is engaged with the retaining projection (13a) and the bottom of the holding recess (14) in a press-contacted manner, and therefore is held in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Saeki, Kenji Yamazaki, Ikuo Takeda
  • Patent number: 6484374
    Abstract: A one piece clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container. The device can be deformed to an open position and normally assumes a closed position. While in the closed position, the clamp is in condition to secure a bag to a container. The clamp may be deformed to place it in position on the lid of a container, and to allow release of the bag from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gold Star Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 6473941
    Abstract: A fastening assembly and method uses a belt loop/snap arrangement in which a belt loop of a pair of pants or other garment is combined with a female or male snap part. The other mating snap part half (male or female) is attached to the bag or carrying case of an electronic device such as a cellular phone, CD player, or wearable computers, etc. The belt loops on which the snap parts are attached can be sewn on pants in vertical, horizontal and criss-cross arrangements to form “I” type, “H” type, “X” type, “Y” type and “V” type arrangements. The snap fasteners are preferably placed on the middle area of the belt loop and at the center to about the upper ⅓ to ⅕ of the back side of the bag or carrier for the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: David Mei, Jin-Xia Bao
  • Publication number: 20020038497
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement (1) for sheet material of an enclosure [bubble top] of a chairlift has an enclosure frame (1) that is provided with a slot (31) receiving the sheet material of an enclosure. Into said slot (31) there may be inserted a one-piece (in a cross-sectional view) profiled rubber element (2), which surrounds the edge of the sheet material and which consists of softer material (4) at the bottom of said slot (31) than the material at the upper section (3) that engages the enclosure frame. Thus, the sheet material of an enclosure can be held in place directly and any application of synthetic foam or adhesive to the rubber seal becomes unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: GARAVENTA HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Kurt Switzeny
  • Patent number: 6237197
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in securing a golf cart buckle lever in a closed position includes a clip having a substantially U-shaped body that can secure the buckle lever in a closed position. The U-shaped body includes a front and a rear member that are disposed in a spaced-apart parallel relationship and a perpendicular top member which is disposed and attached intermediate thereto. An inner member that is parallel to the front member is disposed intermediate the front and rear members and is attached to the front member by a pair of inclined members disposed on opposite ends thereof. A pair of apertures are adapted to receive a locking device and a tether is provided to secure the clip to the golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Cahill Donahue
  • Patent number: 6230965
    Abstract: A one piece, closure for containers having a pair of upper entry-exit flaps and a pair of lower entry-exit flaps. The closure includes an upper member and a lower member with a webbed wall disposed between and attached to both the upper and lower member. In use the webbed wall is placed between the closed upper flaps. A portion of the lower member extends to the front of the webbed wall and serves as a platform for receiving a portion of the lower flap, without interference from the upper member, upon the release of the lower flap by a separate flap pull. The flap pull comprises an elongated arm having at one end a handle for gripping and at an opposite end a catch for engaging the lower flap and lifting the lower flap against the upper flaps, at which point a beveled edge of the lower member of the closure engages the catch portion of the flap pull and is inserted underneath the catch portion of the flap pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Percy W. Dismukes
  • 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: 5899332
    Abstract: A spacer clip allows sheet products such as panes of glass to be handled and transported. The upper part (2) of the spacer clip, which rests on at least one part of the edge face of a sheet product, is in contact with at least one other spacer clip positioned on a sheet product next to the product. Contact between the upper part (2) of the clip and the upper part (2) of each of the other neighboring spacer clips is along a generatrix (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Christian Breton, Philippe Dereims, Jean-Robert Lefevre
  • Patent number: 5692806
    Abstract: A slip-on seat belt tension adjustment clip for relieving the tension from the shoulder strap of a seat belt assembly. The clip is made from a flexible polymer and is one piece. It has a handle with two outwardly extending clip arms. One of the clip arms has a convex curve along its inner surface and the other clip arm is spaced a constant distance from the first clip arm. A user may simply slip on the clip adjacent the guide loop and relieve the normal constant tension which otherwise exists in the shoulder strap. The clip may then be easily removed by pulling it off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Marc C. Jones
  • Patent number: 5351371
    Abstract: An optical fiber splicing device includes a clip (20) which aligns and secures cylindrical rods (28, 30 and 32) utilized within a three-rod optical fiber splicing device. The clip (20) is a generally cylindrically shaped component which is made of a resilient material and is positionable so as to encase three cylindrical rods (28, 30 and 32). The clip (20) comprises a circular body portion (22) and two protruding leg portions (24 and 26) which extend from an point on the outer periphery of clip body (22). The two leg portions (24 and 26) are constructed and oriented such that they may be manipulated to controllably expand the inner diameter of clip body (22). To facilitate an optical fiber splice or connection, the clip (20) of the present invention allows the clip body (22) to be expanded to loosen the grip on rods (28, 30 and 32) held therein, thereby allowing the optical fiber ends to be inserted between the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: George F. DeVeau, Jr., Monty J. Edwards, Wing S. Liu, Charles McGonigal
  • Patent number: 5293713
    Abstract: A device for supporting cut flowers. The device is in the form of a hollow tube with a longitudinal opening formed therein. The edges of the tube at the opening carry flanges, disposed at an angle with respect to one another of at least 30.degree. and flaring outwardly from the tube. The interior surface of the tube has longitudinal ridges, preferably three ridges, that engage the flower stem and add stiffening to the tube for better support. The ridges also define channels between the stem and the interior surface of the tube for air to circulate and the stem to breathe. The device is fitted to the stem of a cut flower, just below the base of the flower head, to prevent drooping and wilting. It can be installed on a variety of cut flowers without damaging the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Hassen J. Ahmed
  • Patent number: 4943026
    Abstract: A hanger for a package has a frame extending downwardly from a hook and having a lower portion extending beyond a locking finger so as to prevent unnoticeable opening of a cover of a package held by the hanger. The locking finger is inclined to the plane of the frame and the frame has guide surfaces parallel to the locking finger so that the frame will be canted relative to the package to ensure the cover locking positioning of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Gerhard Fildan
  • Patent number: 4864757
    Abstract: A portable sign kit includes components for quickly and conveniently erecting lightweight signs, e.g. real estate sales and similar signs. The components include an open wire frame with a prejecting mounting stud. A rigid sign panel is received within the periphery of the frame. The rigid panel is retained within the frame by specially shaped moldings which snappably attach to the frame sides and extend inwardly to retain corresponding abutting edges of the rigid sign panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Terry E. Lovett
  • Patent number: 4656697
    Abstract: A bag clip for tightly sealing plastic bags. The bag clip comprises two limbs (1, 2) hinged together at respective one ends thereof and intended to receive therebetween that portion of the bag where a seal is to be effected when the limbs are moved towards one another with the bag portion therebetween, wherewith the other ends of the limbs have arranged thereon a manually openable snap-lock arrangement (8-11, 13, 14) which closes automatically when the limbs are brought together to a sufficient extent. Each of the mutually facing surfaces of the limbs (1, 2) has arranged thereon an opposing channel, the one channel (4) being wider than the other channel (20), with upstanding free channel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventor: Jan I. Naslund
  • Patent number: 4616113
    Abstract: The safety clip contains two clip legs (11,12) between which a fabric (13) may be placed. One clip leg (11) is provided with a switch (15) whose actuator (16) is operated by the introduced fabric web (23). Bulges (19) provided around the movable actuator (16) ensure that a card cannot be slided between the clip legs to keep the actuator depressed while the fabric web (23) is being removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Wilhelm Jank
    Inventors: Wilhelm Jank, Karl Schneider
  • Patent number: 4471512
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a resilient friction clip adapted to be received over and to frictionally grip the wire portion of a merchandise display hook, such as used pegboard displays. The clip is formed of resilient material, of extruded, or more preferably molded construction. A center aperture is provided for gripping the wire, and a radial slit extends from the periphery of the clip into the center aperture, enabling the clip to be forcibly applied over the wire. A pair of angularly disposed manipulating tabs are formed integrally on the clip, opposite to and symmetrical with the radial slit. The manipulating tabs may be gripped by the fingers and squeezed together, to open the radial slit and greatly facilitate application of the clip onto the wire. Squeezing of the manipulating tab also tends to release the friction grip of the clip on the wire for easy adjustment of its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Trion Industries Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Thalenfeld
  • Patent number: 4414716
    Abstract: A clasping device for releasably securing small articles of clothing such as socks is disclosed. In the clasping device of this invention, a device consisting of one or two small, flat, resilient members are utilized to pair socks or the like for washing and storage. The garments are secured by inserting them through a divisionary cut extending from an edge of the clasping device to an eliptical aperture.In one embodiment, two members are used, each intended to secure one sock and the members are held together by slipping an H-shaped arm of the H into a circular aperture of the second member by twisting and slipping the two together through a divisionary cut in the second member.An alternate embodiment contemplates one member having two or more divisionary cuts and apertures through which garments may be slipped and caught and later released for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Inventor: Frank Stastney