Receiving Member Includes Either Movable Connection Between Interlocking Components Or Variable Configuration Cavity Patents (Class 24/629)
  • Patent number: 10028554
    Abstract: A belt buckle for a seat belt system having a support member (12) including a belt buckle mechanism, first and second shells (16, 18) which together encompass the support member (12) and an annular cover member (14) surrounding an end face of the support member (12). Along the periphery of the annular cover member (14) at feast a first structure (24) is formed and in the area of a rim (28) of the first and second shells (16, 18) directed to the annular cover member (14) a respective second structure (26) is formed. The first and second structures (24, 26) are engaged with each other and fix the first and second shells (16, 18) to the annular cover member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Haas, Andrea Schuech
  • Patent number: 9174606
    Abstract: A harness retainer for use with a juvenile vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure may include a first belt mount that couples to a first harness belt, a second belt mount that couples to a second harness belt and couples to the first belt mount, and a lock that moves from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock moves from the locked configuration, blocking movement of the first belt mount away from the second belt mount, to the unlocked configuration, allowing movement of the first belt mount away from the second belt mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Meihui Lin, Paul D Gaudreau, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150135493
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle for engaging a latch inserted into buckle and retained in a latched mode until released by depressing a press release button. In a locked mode, with the vehicle ignition switch ON and the latch inserted into buckle, a complementary lock is activated preventing press the release button from effecting release of latch from buckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: David John O'brien, Kenneth Hugh Dibble
  • Patent number: 8974005
    Abstract: A child restraint harness includes first and second shoulder straps, a first chest clip connector held with the first shoulder strap and having an engaging part, and a second chest clip connector held with the second shoulder strap and having a catch structure. The engaging part is operable to engage and lock with the catch structure selectively at a first position to hold the first and second shoulder straps apart from each other at a first distance, and at a second position to hold the first and second shoulder straps apart from each other at a second distance greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: BP Children's Products HK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyle S. Mason, James M. F. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 8813323
    Abstract: A quick release fastener for an end fitting of a safety belt having spaced apart first and second frame, a lockable insert tongue insertable between the frame plates, and a locking element moveable between a locking position in which the insert tongue is locked between the frame plates, and a release position. A locking element has at least two anchor surfaces facing one another, which at least form the stop at one outer face of the frame plates or of the insert tongue. In this way, a shockproof quick release fastener is provided which can be released without a special tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Jonas Sterner, Peter Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20140215773
    Abstract: Belt buckle for releasable connection of a belt to another belt or object. The belt buckle has a male buckle part with a plug-in extension and a female buckle part with a receptacle, and a locking device. The plug-in extension of the male buckle part is insertable into the receptacle of the female buckle part and the buckle parts are lockable to each other in a locking state by the locking device. In the locking state, the buckle parts are arrangeable relative to each other in a neutral position, in which the locking device can be brought into an unlocking position to separate the buckle parts. The buckle parts are additionally arrangeable relative to each other in a blocking position, pivoted in relation to the neutral position, in which the locking device is blocked in a locking position to prevent the buckle parts from being separated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ABA Hortnagl GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Hortnagl
  • Publication number: 20130263411
    Abstract: A system and method is provided whereby an article being a seat belt adapter is provided with a first male attachment and a second female receiving cavity in which said article is used with a vehicle seat belt system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Christian Jagodzinski
  • Patent number: 8528173
    Abstract: A quick-action closure for the end fitting of a safety belt, whereby the quick-action closure includes an insertion tongue which can be inserted into a closure housing and which can be locked therein by means of a locking element disposed in a mobile manner between a locking position and a release position, and whereby the locking element can be transferred from its locking position into its release position by means of an actuating element which can be inserted into the closure housing. A safety element (21) is disposed in the closure housing (11) mounted at its center of gravity (35) rotatable between a safety position and a rest position, the safety element in its safety position fixing the locking element (20) in its locking position and, in its rest position, releasing the locking element (20), whereby the safety element (21) is held in its safety position by the action of a spring (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Jonas Sterner, GĂ´ran Carlsson, Robert Svensson
  • Patent number: 8402617
    Abstract: A sand-removing seat belt buckle has a housing and a latching assembly. The housing has a chamber, a first opening and a second opening formed through two ends of the housing, at least one sand cavity formed through a bottom of the housing and being adjacent to the second opening, and at least one support bump formed on an inner bottom of the housing. The latching assembly serves to latch and unlatch an insertion member, and is securely mounted in the housing and on top of the at least one support bump, so that a space is formed between the insertion member and the inner bottom of the housing and communicates with the first opening, the second opening and the sand cavity. Sand, mud and crushed pebbles entering from the first opening can be removed from the sand cavity and the second opening through the space without being deposited inside the seat belt buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Liang-Hsiung Wang
  • Publication number: 20120311831
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement comprises a first fastening member connected to a first strap and a second fastening member connected to a second strap. The first fastening member includes a first surface comprising at least one first interlocking member. The second fastening member includes a channel positioned between a second surface and a biasing member. The channel is configured to receive the first fastening member with the first surface facing the second surface. The second surface includes at least one second interlocking member configured to engage the first interlocking member in a manner that blocks the first interlocking member from moving relative to the second interlocking member in at least one direction. The biasing member is configured to urge the first interlocking member into engagement with the second interlocking member when the first fastening member is inserted into the channel of the second fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: UNDER ARMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Berns, F. Grant Kovach, Alan Guyan, Mari Lucero, Kevin Patrick Fallon, Kirsten Climer, Tara Marchionna, Yvonne Lin, Tucker Fort
  • Patent number: 8261417
    Abstract: A buckle includes a male member, a female member for engaging with the male member and having a first portion and a second portion, a first engaging portion provided on the first portion, and a second engaging portion provided on the male member for engaging with the first engaging portion. The second portion can bend so as to receive a part of the male member between the first and second portions. The second portion presses the male member toward the first portion to engage the first engaging portion with the second engaging portion when the male member is inserted between the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Manabu Yoshiguchi
  • Publication number: 20120222274
    Abstract: A safety connector (2) comprising: a first member (4) and a second member (6) movably coupled to one another; wherein the first and/or second members (4, 6) comprise a retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16); wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) has a first configuration which prevents relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6) and a second configuration which allows relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6); and wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) changes from the first configuration to the second configuration when a force between the first and second members (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined threshold force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. BISHOP
  • Publication number: 20110099776
    Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly has a male portion and a female portion. The male portion is inserted into the female portion to lock the buckle assembly together. The male buckle portion is connected to a cable. Pulling the cable with sufficient force causes the male portion to release from the female portion. Several buckle assemblies can be simultaneously released if the cables are connected to a single handle. Pulling on the handle then releases all of the male portions at once.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 7878024
    Abstract: An earring includes an earring body, a locking bar provided at one end of the earring body and formed with a locking groove, and a locker provided at the other end of the earring body to be selectively locked with the locking bar. The locker is formed with an insert groove, the insert groove is provided at an inside thereof with a locking protrusion, and a locking release button is positioned adjacent to the locking protrusion while protruding out of the locker. The spring includes a compression spring and the locking protrusion is adapted to lock with the locking groove of the locking bar while performing a straight movement in a state in which the locking protrusion is elastically supported to the spring. The locking/unlocking operations of the coupling parts are easily performed and an aesthetic appearance of the earring is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Core Jewelry, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung-Hak Baik
  • Patent number: 7793392
    Abstract: A compound buckle comprises a socket member and at least two plug members, wherein the socket comprises individual cavities for each plug member, and a projection comprising a slot, and wherein each plug member comprises a base, a projection comprising a slot, and at least one arm portion also projecting from said base, wherein each plug member may be independently inserted/removed from its cavity without interfering in the operation of any other plug member and without degrading the performance of any belt, strap or other assembly connected by said other plug member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Skip Hop, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Henderson, Ellen D. Diamant, Michael E. Diamant, Scott D. Kolasa
  • Patent number: 7698791
    Abstract: The buckle has a buckle body, and a lock mechanism for releasably locking two tongues insertable inside the buckle body in a longitudinal insertion direction; the lock mechanism includes a retaining rod movable, in a release direction perpendicular to the longitudinal insertion direction, between a lock position engaging retaining seats formed in the two tongues, and a release position disengaging the two tongues to permit expulsion of the tongues from the buckle body; the lock mechanism also includes a release button movable in the release direction to move the retaining rod into the release position; and the retaining rod is movable in the release direction independently of the release button, and is maintained in the lock position by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Sabelt S.p.A.
    Inventor: Elsa Angelina Caterina Pezza
  • Patent number: 7699401
    Abstract: An anchor for securing seat belt component to a vehicle includes a latch member for securing a tongue portion of the component within a housing. The latch member is movable between a first position wherein a protrusion on the latch member engages the tongue and a second position wherein the protrusion is displaced for releasing the tongue. A biasing member provides a biasing force to maintain the latch in the first position. The housing includes a latch-access area for allowing the latch member to be engaged for manually forcing the latch member to the second position to allow the tongue portion to be removed, so that the anchor does not have a release button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Webber, Michael T. Moury, David G. Hlavaty
  • Patent number: 7681288
    Abstract: A child safety buckle used in a child restraint includes structural support and selected materials to resist deformation or failure when subjected to impact or compressive forces. The buckle may have a child resistant feature that is more tolerant to impact or compressive forces due to the structural support and material selection. The structure may include thickened walls or added arcuate portions or ribs. The material can be impact modified nylon to improve durability while resisting deformation and cracking. The resulting buckle design is more robust in harsh environments, while providing consistent operation for restraining a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Giampavolo
  • Publication number: 20090199368
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a wearer-friendly hook and eye closure for garments such as brassieres. In order to provide comfort, the eye closure component of the hook and eye closure includes, as part of its structure, a laminated foam or rubber-type padding. This foam or rubber could also be used without lamination. The foam or rubber-type base provides a cushion shielding the wearer from the feeling of the metal hardware. The foam edges also provide soft edges on the eye tape for extra comfort to the wearer. In addition, the backing material of this laminated foam eye tape is printable, so that label instructions can be printed on to it, and the brassiere can be designed tag-free for additional comfort. This hook and eye tape is also dyeable, so it can be offered in any desired color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: IDEAL FASTENER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mary Gut, Erik Matheny
  • Patent number: 7568661
    Abstract: A base is attachable to a first object and a bar is attachable to a second object. A pivot lever having a lip is engaged with the bar. The base is configured to engage said pivot lever to define a fulcrum. A retainer engaged with said pivot lever. A keeper secures the retainer to the base so that the retainer restricts pivoting of the pivot lever about the fulcrum thereby securing the bar to the base. The keeper is operable to release the retainer to permit rotation of the pivot lever about the fulcrum to release the bar from the base, thereby releasing the objects from being connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Eugene Bahniuk
  • Patent number: 7526840
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for mounting a strap to a sports instrument, the assembly includes a mounting element situated in the strap, a slot situated in the sports instrument for accommodating the mounting element and fixing member for securing the mounting element in the slot. The fixing member includes a spring-loaded locking element capable of reaching into the slot and, cooperating with the same, a retaining element, whereby the locking element functions in conjunction with the sports element while the retaining element functions in conjunction with the mounting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Suunto Oy
    Inventors: Kimmo Pernu, Phillip Lindberg, Jukka Manni
  • Publication number: 20090083955
    Abstract: An vehicle seat belt includes a buckle system. The buckle system includes a seat belt buckle with a buckle face, a release button, and an opening for receiving a seat belt tongue. The buckle includes a seal positioned on the buckle face to seal the buckle face and prevent contaminants from entering the interior cavity of the buckle. Should contaminants penetrate the seal, drain holes located on the bottom side of the seat belt buckle may allow the contaminants to pass through the interior cavity of the buckle rather than harm the internal components of the seat belt buckle. Additionally, the seal, made of a flexible material, may aid in the prevention of noises that occur when the buckle comes in contact with other vehicle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Paul M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7506418
    Abstract: The invention is a protective cover for a buckle, for protecting a vehicle from the buckle, which may be used with a strap to secure loads such as kayaks, rafts, and canoes to the vehicle roof. The buckle and its attached strap can be inserted into the protective cover, and can later be removed from the protective strap if desired. The release lever of the buckle is covered by the protective cover, and is depressed by pressing down on a portion of the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Northwest River Supplies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Dingel
  • Publication number: 20090044388
    Abstract: A quick release strap connector connects a strap detachably to an electronic device and comprises a cylinder, a knob, a latch bar and a spring. The cylinder is hollow, holds a strap and has an open end, a closed end and a sidewall. The knob is mounted rotatably against the open end of the cylinder. The latch bar is attached to the knob, is mounted through and protrudes from the cylinder and has a pivot latch. The latch is mounted in a slot in the electronic device and rotated to attach the connector to the electronic device. The spring is mounted around the latch bar between the closed end of the cylinder and the knob. The present invention will allow someone to attach or remove the strap from the electronic device quickly and easily, which makes using the strap more convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Wei-Chen Kao
  • Patent number: 7426771
    Abstract: A child restraint assembly for a child vehicle seat includes a buckle assembly including a buckle and a pair of latches, a harness coupled to the buckle assembly, and a harness adjuster to adjust the harness. The child restraint assembly also can include a chest clip coupled to the harness. The chest clip can include a male member and a female member releasably coupled to the male member. The male member can have a pair of opposing grip surfaces of sufficient thickness to enable a user to grip the male member when decoupling the male member and the female member. The chest clip can also have a finger grip configured to grip and move the chest clip to a desired location along the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Patrizi, Patrick B. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7416528
    Abstract: A gastric band includes a band body having a first end and a second end. The band body includes a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism is composed of a shell member at the first end of the band body and a collar member at the second end of the band body, the shell member and collar member being shaped and dimensioned for selective locking and unlocking in a manner creating a loop of the gastric band for positioning about a stomach wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman D. Crawford, Lauren S. Perry, Patrick J. Swindon
  • Patent number: 7383620
    Abstract: A buckle support assembly is provided including an anchor member and a buckle with a support member extending therebetween. A sleeve member is supported in position to extend between the anchor member and buckle and about the support member via interfering portions of the anchor member and sleeve member. Preferably, the interfering portions include small tabs of the anchor member and internal ribs of the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Seat Belts, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 7344116
    Abstract: An improved pony bottle bracket that is light weight, compact, simple to use, and facilitates a quick and easy set-up is disclosed. A push button latch enables a diver to quickly disconnect the pony bottle from the main bottle. The pony tank bracket and base unit bracket are mounted by use of a belt and adjustable band straps. The locking mechanism is self-contained, thereby eliminating or minimizing the use of separate components (e.g., no clevis, hitch, cotter or quick release pins) which may be lost. The bracket also eliminates or reduces the use of any items which may entangle the diver or entangle other objects in the diver's surroundings (e.g., no string, cord, chain or lanyards). The bracket is bidirectional (e.g., reversible) such that the top bracket mount may be rotated between about 0 and 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: North South Machine Shop, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Ficarra, Joseph Ficarra
  • Patent number: 7144086
    Abstract: A shoulder belt clip for restraining a child in a child safety seats or carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder belt clip is comprised of a plate made of flexible material and with two horizontal slots arranged in parallel on one side and a U-shaped opening on the other. The two straight slots maintain attachment to, but allow the clip to slide vertically on, the webbing that runs over the left shoulder of the child. The U-shaped opening forms a tab that admits entry of the webbing that runs over the right shoulder of the child and holds it until release is desired by the parent. A narrowing of the U-shaped opening causes compression of the webbing between the tab and the opening and thereby prevents slippage of the clip vertically on the webbing that runs over the left shoulder of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: John A. Harcourt, William P. Munsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7007976
    Abstract: Seatbelt lock casing with an integrated force-sensing device for measuring a belt tensile force acting on a seatbelt lock, containing a moving anchor that protrudes through an opening formed in a front wall of the casing and has a stop that restricts the movement of the anchor from the casing against an elastic support operating between the casing and anchor, and a sensor attached to the casing for registering the position of the moving anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johannes Ante, Dorin Diaconu, Leif Reinhold
  • Patent number: 6868591
    Abstract: A buckle for use with a safety belt includes a buckle housing formed to define a cavity, an actuator aperture in communication with the cavity, and an insertion opening in communication with the cavity. An actuator of the buckle is coupled to the buckle housing and formed to include a button accessible through the actuator aperture of the buckle housing as well as a belt-anchor catch coupled to the button to move with the button. The buckle further includes an ejector spring positioned within the cavity of the buckle housing along a substantially central longitudinal axis defined to extend from a back end of the buckle housing to a front end of the buckle housing. First and second belt anchors are formed to be inserted, at least in part, into the insertion opening to engage the ejector spring and move the ejector spring to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy R. Dingman, Gregory L. Woodard, Donald C. Boyle, Michael A. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 6842952
    Abstract: A strap system can be retrofit onto the backseat of a motor vehicle to securely mount a child safety seat in the backseat of the motor vehicle. The strap system includes a shoulder strap that is mounted on the back support portion of the backseat and a connector element that couples the shoulder strap to one lap belt portion of the seat belt system of the motor vehicle. The connector element is releasably coupled to the seat belt buckle to releasably couple the shoulder strap to the lap belts of the seat belt system of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin E. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6843072
    Abstract: An earring assembly including two movably connected earring segments and a clasp assembly structured to removably attach the earring assembly to a wearer's ear when in a closed, locked position. The clasp assembly includes a post secured to and extending outwardly from one earring segment and a movable locking arm secured to the other of the earring segments. The locked position of the clasp assembly is at least partially defined by the orientation of the locking arm into locking engagement with a portion of the post passing into the interior of the earring segment on which the locking arm is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Terry T. Lau
  • Patent number: 6820311
    Abstract: A locking mechanism having a serrated rod that fits into an aperture of a rotatably mounted block when biasing which pushes the block toward the direction of insertion is reduced. Pulling the serrated rod, after insertion, in the direction from which insertion occurred tends to increase biasing and, consequently, decrease diameter of the aperture projected perpendicular to the length of the serrated rod thereby retaining the serrated rod within the aperture. An end of the serrated rod that does not have the serrations can be formed into a loop for attaching a belt or have screw thread for connection to a bar. The belt or bar would restrain a person or physical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Patent number: 6708380
    Abstract: A breakaway latch plate for use with the seat belt system is disclosed. The breakaway latch plate includes a latch plate body that may be selectively secured to a buckle. An orifice may be disposed within the latch plate body. Seat belt webbing passes through the orifice. A locking mechanism is coupled to the latch plate body. In a locked state, the locking mechanism prevents movement of the seat belt webbing relative to the latch plate body. When a predetermined load is applied to the seat belt webbing, the locking mechanism changes to an unlocked state, in which the seat belt webbing may move relative to the latch plate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, Pontus Soderstrom
  • Publication number: 20040049897
    Abstract: A restraint for retaining a person within a seat. The restraint has a lap bar and a shoulder bar which can be independently adjusted. The lap bar can be rotated either to retain a person or to permit a person to enter or exit. Also, the lap bar can be pulled farther away or pushed closer to a person. When extended completely, the lap bar will remain locked in such position until the lap bar is rotated toward the position a person will occupy. When pushed toward a person, the lap bar cannot be pushed farther away until a rod to which the lap bar is attached is released from a lock. The shoulder retainer is attached to a similar rod which is locked in this same fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Ned R. Hansen, Quin R. Checketts, S. Rhodes Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20030229974
    Abstract: A concealed secure magnetic clasp for jewelry. Magnetic components are affixed to both free ends of a jewelry band, and a housing affixed to one end of the band conceals the magnetic components and accepts the other free end of the band. The housing is configured with internal dimensions that force optimal alignment of the magnetic components, and may be configured with design features on its exterior to enhance the visual appearance of the clasp assembly. The clasp may also include a mechanical lock. The magnetic attraction of the magnetic components assists in engaging and maintaining the mechanical lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jack D. Zemer, Henry L. Eisenson
  • Publication number: 20030177620
    Abstract: A connector (A) has a housing (10), and a lock (15) is formed on the housing (20). A lever (20) is mounted on the housing (10) for rotation between an initial position (FIGS. 2; 3; 5) and a connection position (FIG. 4). The lever (20) has a resilient latch (25) for releasably engaging the lock (15) when the lever (20) is at the initial position. The lock (15) and the resilient latch (25) engage in a direction substantially parallel with a projecting direction (PD) of the resilient latch (25). Thus, there is no possibility that the resilient latch (25) will deform sideways, and the lever (20) can be securely held at the initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Matsushita
  • Patent number: 6543101
    Abstract: A multi-point buckle assembly includes a body having a top opening on a top surface, a plurality of side openings, and a plurality of channels, a release button disposed within the top opening, a plurality of main tongues, and a plurality of side tongues, wherein each of the plurality of main tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of side openings and each of the plurality of side tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James A. Sack, Arthur L. Gehr, Jr., Glenn E. Gehr
  • Patent number: 6513207
    Abstract: A belt connecting device having a female member and male member engagable with each other; an engaged/disengaged portion of the female member having a substantially U-shaped pinching resilient portion open at a side of a belt connecting portion, having a narrow portion in the middle thereof, and extending substantially on one plane from the other end; an engaging/disengaging portion of the male member having a protruded portion projecting substantially from a rear middle portion of said plate shaped body and at least a belt connecting portion side end face portion thereof having a configuration to be circumscribed by a pinching surface of the pinching resilient portion of the female member; and a substantially C-shaped attachment flange, having a gradually increasing projection, whose rear face engages with a surface attachment face of the pinching resilient portion at an upper end of the protruded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Tomohisa Ishida
  • Patent number: 6487759
    Abstract: The present invention provides an engaging member which enables a male member and a female member to be engaged with each other easily by sliding them relatively along the longitudinal direction and having a high engaging force, and a manufacturing method thereof. This engaging member includes the male member to be attached on one of components to be connected with each other and the female member to be attached on the other of the components. Engaging projecting portion with which the female member engages is provided on a side edge in the longitudinal direction of the male member. The female member includes an accommodating portion formed along the longitudinal direction so as to accommodate the male member. Hook-shaped portions with which the engaging projecting portion of the male member engages are formed along the longitudinal direction inside the accommodating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Akeno, Ryoichiro Uehara, Shintaro Oosugi
  • Patent number: 6463639
    Abstract: A buckle that can be manufactured at lower cost and is not unlocked even when a tongue plate is pushed in a locked state is obtained. An intermediate arm 60 is fixed to a lock spring 54 attached to a button 28. Facing walls 68 of leg portions 66 of the intermediate arm 60 face distal ends of horn pieces 26 of an ejector 22. In the locked state, a predetermined clearance 72 is formed between the facing walls 68 and protrusions 70 of the horn pieces 26. Accordingly, even if a tongue plate 20 is moved further in the direction of the arrow A, the facing walls 68 are not moved in the direction of the arrow A. The button 28 is not moved in an unlocking direction (the direction of the arrow A), either, and movement of a latch 48 in a disengaging direction (the direction opposite to the arrow B) is certainly prevented. As protrusions 38 can be formed in a small size, a buckle 10 is formed in a small size, and the buckle 10 can be manufactured at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Siesakusho
    Inventor: Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 6431585
    Abstract: A dual stage fastener for securing a vehicle interior trim component to a vehicle body component to cover an air curtain during storage. The fastener includes a pin tethered to a grommet. During deployment of the air curtain, the pin disengages from the grommet and the tether restrains the pin and the associated trim component to reduce the length of travel of the trim component within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ted R. Rickabus, Peter Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6401313
    Abstract: A buckle having a first latch member disposed in a body member passage from one end thereof, a second latch member with a latch cam disposed in the passage of the body member from an opposite end thereof, the first and second latch members are positionable in a latching configuration where the first and second latch members are engaged with each other, the first and second latch members are positionable in the passage of the body member in an unlatching configuration where the latch cam is engaged with the body cam and the first and second latch members are disengaged from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth LeVey
  • Patent number: 6386496
    Abstract: A press-control retaining device includes a casing, the casing having two engagement flanges disposed at two sides, a retainer member supported on a spring inside the casing and adapted for securing to an external object, the retainer member having a substantially -shaped bottom positioning base supported on the spring and two springy arms upwardly outwardly extended from the bottom positioning base and adapted for clamping on an external object, the bottom positioning base comprising two first hooked portions bilaterally disposed at a bottom side, two stop flanges bilaterally disposed at a top side, and two second hooked portions respectively spaced between the first hooked portions and the stop flanges, and a slide coupled to the retainer member between the stop flanges and the second hooked portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Taiwan Industrial Fastener Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Kuo Lai, Jen-Lung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6123695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener for joining together opposing front and rear side-parts of an absorbent article in the form of a diaper or the like, so as to form an encircling waistband. The article includes a central part having an absorbent body, and front and rear pliable side-parts which extend from respective sides of the central diaper part. The fastener is comprised of two mutually coacting first and second fastener elements, of which the first element is attached to a front side-part and the second element is attached to the rear side-part on the same side of the central part as its associated first element. According to the invention, the first fastener element or the second fastener element includes a fastening portion which projects out from the perimeter of the waistband and which can be inserted into an insertion opening in the associated second or first fastener element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Terje Skog, Anna Karin Jonbrink
  • Patent number: 5701639
    Abstract: A securing device for footwear includes a receiving member pivotally connected to a base which is fixedly connected to the footwear and a stop extending upwardly therefrom, a toothed band having one end pivotally connected to the receiving member and the other end of the toothed band fixedly connected to a fixing member on the footwear, and an operating member which is pivotally and slidably received in a receiving space defined in the receiving member. The receiving space accesses a lateral side of the receiving member and is defined by a top, an end wall and a bottom in which a slot is defined. The operating member has a limit member extending therefrom and extending through the slot, a hole defined through the operating member so the stop movably received in the hole. An inner periphery defining the hole has a hook member extending therefrom so as to engage with the stop when tightening the toothed band and disengaged with the stop when pushing the operating member in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: He-Jin Chen
  • Patent number: 4944074
    Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is designed to separate when a predetermined ension is exerted between two members. A ball or plug member is retained within a slitted, cylindrical-shaped spring housing member. When the tensile force between the members reaches a predesigned release force, the spring housing member is spread apart to allow the ball or plug to be pulled free. Merely reconfiguring the cylindrical spring housing member from different materials or with different dimensions or number of slits alters the tensile release force to accommodate a variety of different applications. After a predetermined separation, the members can be reassembled for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David M. Bullat, Willie L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4842465
    Abstract: An insulation hanger for supporting a compressible insulation blanket upon a supporting wall which is formed of three pieces, the first of which is an end weldable stud welded to the supporting surface and upon which the blanket to be secured is impaled. The end weldable stud includes a plurality of annular grooves of reduced cross section providing a shoulder at the juncture between the groove and the body of the stud. A flat washer like blanket retainer is utilized which has a keyhole aperture which permits the retainer to pass over the stud through a larger hole to compress the blanket and thereafter to be moved translationally to an aperture of size approximating the groove to interlock the blanket retainer with the shoulder of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: KSM Fastening Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Pease, Eugene P. Schaeffer, Kevin L. Bernd, David A. Higton
  • Patent number: 4633549
    Abstract: Buckle on which a female part having a receiving opening at one end and an adjacent locking edge on the opposite side to the opening, and a male part, having a locking portion and an activating portion, are designed to connect in releasable manner; the buckle being characterised by the fact that the locking and activating portions are formed on an intermediate portion and the free end respectively of a flexible tongue projecting from the male part in the insertion direction, the flexible tongue being connected to a further essentially-rigid contrasting tongue on the male part, the distance between the tongue and the locking portion on the flexible tongue being greater than the height of the receiving opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: ITW Fastex Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Attilio Lovato