Having Resiliently Biased Interlocking Component Or Segment Patents (Class 24/662)
  • Patent number: 11953052
    Abstract: A fastener is adapted for assembling a first housing to a second housing. The first housing is provided with a protruding portion and a buckling portion, and the second housing has a first surface, a second surface, and a through hole. The fastener includes a first portion, at least one connecting portion, at least two elastic portions, and a second portion. The first portion movably abuts against the first surface and has a first opening. The connecting portion is accommodated in the through hole. One end of the connecting portion is connected to the first portion. The connecting portion is spaced apart from an inner edge of the second housing by a gap. The two elastic portions inclinedly extend into the first opening. The second portion movably abuts against the second surface and is disposed at the another end of the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jian-Hua Chen, Po-Tsung Shih, Yu-Wei Lin, Ming-Hua Ho, Chih-Hao Wu
  • Patent number: 11464957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for providing a triggering mechanism which lowers the trigger force to activate the trigger mechanism to a comfortable range of while still preserving or increasing the speed at which the triggering mechanism accelerates or imparts velocity to a device attached to the triggering mechanism. The present invention further relates to improved applicators for administering microprojection arrays to skin and methods of administering microprojection arrays. In particular, the present invention relates to compact stable self-contained mechanical energy storage for delivery of a medical device such as a microprojection array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: VAXXAS PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Pierre Armand Vincent Lemaire
  • Patent number: 11399598
    Abstract: An ornament clamp apparatus attachable/removable to/from a lace including an ornament body and a clamping assembly for cooperating therewith for attaching the ornament body to the lace; the clamping assembly including a male connector and a female connector, the male connector having curved arms extending downwards from the ornament body, and the female connector possessing a U-shape structure which fits onto the male connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Haim Moshe Saar
  • Patent number: 11312211
    Abstract: A sliding sun visor for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The sun visor includes a first and second visor body shell. The visor also comprises a pivot rod and a carrier slidingly arranged over the pivot rod. The first shell of the visor body includes a monorail arranged on an inside surface thereof. The carrier is slidingly engaged with the first shell wherein the carrier is arranged within or on the monorail. The carrier contacts a top portion of the monorail and a bottom portion of the monorail. The carrier is hence slidingly secured to the monorail and only connected to one of the shells used to engage to form a visor body. The visor bodies are secured via a press fit between a first boss arranged on a first shell and a second boss arranged on the second shell thus creating a secure connection that does not need screws to secure the visor halves to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: IRVIN AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: David Huff, Aaron Levine
  • Patent number: 11236506
    Abstract: A screen assembly includes a screen including a panel having a recess and a receiver positioned within the recess. The receiver includes a locking member having a cantilevered finger, and a cantilevered actuator. The screen assembly also includes connector having a body and a contact extending from the body. The contact is received in the receiver between the cantilevered finger and the cantilevered actuator. The contact has an opening through which the locking member extends. The cantilevered actuator is movable toward the locking member to move the locking member out of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: Joe Parr, Paul Gartland, Larry Kallio
  • Patent number: 11140948
    Abstract: A snap-type fastener arrangement includes various elements. For example, the snap-type fastener arrangement includes a socket component and a stud component. The stud component is insertable into the socket component to releasably couple two items together. The snap-type fastener includes a construction having a relatively low profile that does not extensively protrude outward from the underlying article to which the snap-type fastener is attached. The socket component includes a portion for securing the socket component to a textile layer and a central portion that extends through the textile layer. The stud component may be inserted into a socket aperture in the central portion of the socket in order to mate the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Scott K. Hutsenpiller, Pamela J. Stafford
  • Patent number: 11091268
    Abstract: A seat assembly that is attached to a floor of a vehicle. The seat assembly can include a seat with one or more flex beams that support the seat above the floor. The flex beams comprise a bowed shape with a curving intermediate section positioned between opposing ends. The flex beam is configured to compress when a force is applied to the seat assembly to absorb energy. The flex beam is also configured to impede the return of the flex beam to the first position after the force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Javier Herrero, Everette Desmond Gray
  • Patent number: 11024993
    Abstract: A connection terminal is placed with an opening end of a recessed portion of the connection terminal contacting a top of a flexible substrate, a linking conductive member is pushed from a bottom toward a top of the flexible substrate, whereby the linking conductive member projects inside the recessed portion through the opening end as catching a part of the flexible substrate, and the part of the flexible substrate is sandwiched between a pressing portion of the linking conductive member and a first inner portion in the recessed portion to allow the pressing portion to contact a conductive portion exposed on the bottom of the flexible substrate and allow a contact portion of the linking conductive member to contact a second inner portion in the recessed portion, whereby the connection terminal is electrically connected to the conductive portion of the flexible substrate via the linking conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Keisuke Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10918572
    Abstract: A protecting system for containing a biopharmaceutical fluid includes: a flexible pouch designed to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid; a protecting package including: two frames which respectively form a lower frame and an upper frame and which have a peripheral area; a fastening system able to clamp the two frames of the protecting package to each other, the frames sandwiching the flexible pouch. The fastening system includes at least an assembly only including: a snap including a backing part; and a cap including a washer. The lower and the upper frames of the protecting package are directly clamped between the washer of the cap and the backing part of the snap in a clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Marc Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10823212
    Abstract: A component connection is provided, having a first component in which a first hole is provided, a second component in which a second hole is provided, and a connecting element which has two interconnected spheres or two interconnected spherical elements. Centers of the two spheres or spherical elements are located on a straight line which extends perpendicular to a first equatorial plane of the first sphere or of the first spherical element. Perpendicular to a second equatorial plane of the second sphere or the second spherical element, an edge of the first hole and an edge of the second hole both extend into an undercut area situated between the two equatorial planes such that an interlocking and/or frictional connection is produced in the undercut area. The connection resists pulling-apart forces acting on the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maik Hammer, Johann Van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 10695262
    Abstract: A flexible vibrating module with flexible radiating arms outwardly projecting around the module, with each arm having an associated coin motor which can optionally be operated at high frequency or low frequency or pulsing frequency, is shown in combination with a wrap having a snap in flexible grommet for the module to consistently orient properly the module with respect to a patient's muscles or joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Brownmed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan E. Brown, Brandon Rodriguez, Daniel Joseph Breton
  • Patent number: 10525654
    Abstract: A manifold skin/side trim combination for a domestic kitchen appliance built into a cabinet is provided. The combination includes a manifold skin having a main skin body having a first surface and a second surface, and an opening in the first surface; and a side trim of the domestic kitchen appliance configured to be positioned adjacent to a front face of the cabinet, the side trim having a main section, an insertion extension that extends into the opening, and a transition section that connects the insertion extension to the main section such that the insertion section extends at an extension angle greater than zero degrees relative to the main section. An outside surface of the main section of the side trim is in the same plane as the second surface of the main skin body, and the second surface is adjacent to the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: George May, Michael Penuel
  • Patent number: 10493890
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fastener for a vehicle carpet. The fastener includes a receiving portion having a first open end and a second open end, a flange connected at the first open end of the receiving portion, and a plurality of engaging parts disposed on an inner wall of the receiving portion and spaced apart along a perimeter of the inner wall. Each of the engaging parts has two flexible end sections connected with the inner wall of the receiving portion and a threaded section between the two flexible end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jason Zhang, Cliff Ruan, Peter Zhang, Yoyo Ma
  • Patent number: 10280962
    Abstract: A joined structure includes a first component, a second component, and an insert. The first component is formed of a fiber-reinforced material and has a hole defining an axis. The second component is adjacent the first component and has a hole aligned with the hole of the first component. The insert is positioned in the hole of the first component. The insert includes an inner layer having a tubular shape about the axis, a middle layer concentrically adjacent to the inner layer about the axis, and an outer layer concentrically adjacent to the middle layer about the axis. The layers are formed of fiber-reinforced materials. One of a boundary between the inner and middle layers and a boundary between the middle and outer layers has a nonlinear profile in a direction parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Katherine Avery
  • Patent number: 10108227
    Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus, method and other techniques to provide a interface component including a housing comprising a first shell portion and a second shell portion, the first shell portion forming an extended portion for the housing and comprising a retention track engageable a counterpart retention track. The interface component to include a printed circuit board disposed within the housing, the printed circuit board comprising a plurality of contact pins each comprising a contact hole and a retention bump and a socket to couple with a stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Khang Choong Yong, Shu Young Cheah, Wil Choon Song, Jackson Chung Peng Kong, Howard Heck
  • Patent number: 10054150
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dual protection cap for a bolt and a nut. The present invention relates to a protection cap for a bolt and a nut, which is open at one side and covers a bolt and a nut so as to separate the same from the outside, and comprises: an outer cap and an inner cap are respectively injection molded with synthetic resin; fitting grooves, which are formed on the inside of the outer cap at a uniform interval in a longitudinal direction, are fitted and coupled with protrusion pieces, which are formed to protrude from the outer periphery of the inner cap at a uniform interval in a longitudinal direction; and triangular protrusion pieces are formed on the end portion of each of fixing pieces, which radially protrude from the peripheral surface of the bottom surface in the inner cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Lee Nam Kim, Jae Ho Jin
  • Patent number: 9737108
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, a fabric upper and at least one connector including a first male member co-molded with the fabric upper and a second female member. The first member includes at least one rib and the second member includes at least one groove, where the at least one connector is secured to the outsole by inserting the second member in the outsole and engaging the at least one rib of the first member with the at least one groove of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher Hillyer
  • Patent number: 9642398
    Abstract: A wearable connector for an electronic textile includes a shell having an upper ring and a lower ring configured to capture the electronic textile therebetween. The shell provides an interior channel at least partially defined by the upper and lower ring. A conductive interface member is received in the interior channel of the shell and is electrically connected to the shell. The conductive interface member has a compressible interface configured to be electrically connected to a conductor of the electronic textile. The conductive interface member is compressed against the conductor by at least one of the upper ring and the lower ring when the lower ring is coupled to the upper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Mason, Wayne S. Alden, III
  • Patent number: 9631655
    Abstract: A component connection includes a first component which has a through-hole, from the hole rim of which at least one clamping element projects towards a first side of the first component, and a second component which has a through-hole, from the hole rim of which at least one clamping element projects towards a first side of the second component. The two components bear against one another with their sides remote from the first sides. A connecting element has at least two spherical or spheroidal elements and extends through the two through-holes such that the at least one clamping element of the first component bears against a first of the at least two spherical or spheroidal elements and the at least one clamping element of the second component bears in a clamping manner against a second of the at least two spherical or spheroidal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Van Niekerk, Maik Hammer
  • Patent number: 9577374
    Abstract: A textile connector for an electronic textile includes a snap fastener having first and second snap segments configured to be snap fastened together such that the electronic textile is mechanically secured therebetween. A first contact is held by the snap fastener. The first contact is configured to be electrically connected to a first conductor of the electronic textile to define a first signal line. A second contact is held by the snap fastener. The second contact is configured to be electrically connected to a second conductor of the electronic textile to define a second signal line. The first and second signal lines transmit different data signals from the electronic textile to an electronic component mounted to the electronic textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Corporation
    Inventors: Megan Grant, Danny Hon Bun Chan, Patricia Hayes-Danitz
  • Patent number: 9551165
    Abstract: A magnetic key comprising: a body; a segmented magnet housed within the body; and a ferrous element housed above the segmented magnet. A protective cap for a magnetic key comprising a body; and a ferrous element housed within the body. A locking system comprises a magnetic key and protective cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Pinel Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Ludwig Piron
  • Patent number: 9541953
    Abstract: An electronic assembly including a first electronic device and a second electronic device is provided. The first electronic device has a first body and a first terminal set disposed in a recess of the first body. The second electronic device has a second body and a second terminal set disposed on the second body in a protruding manner. The first body and the second body are assembled together only by inserting and locking the second terminal set in the recess. Moreover, the first terminal set and the second terminal set are in contact with each other in the recess, such that the first and the second electronic devices are electrically connected to each other via the first terminal set and the second terminal set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Hsien-Wei Chen, Cheng-Nan Ling, Yi-Mu Chang, Chun-I Chen, Yu-Shih Wang
  • Patent number: 9198824
    Abstract: A stimulator comprises a glove like member being configured to cover at least a portion of a user's hand. A bracket assembly is in engagement with the glove like member. The bracket assembly is configured to be disposed about one or more fingers of the user's hand. An extending part is configured to removably engage at least a palm side of the bracket assembly. A power pack is in engagement with the glove like member. The power pack is configured to communicate an amount of power to the extending part in engagement with the bracket assembly. A control assembly is configured to enable the user to control the communicated power in which contact of the extending part to a person's body part induces a stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: G-LOVIN' ENTERPRISESS LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Richard Scrase
  • Patent number: 9113678
    Abstract: A belt buckle includes a male plate with a cylindrical pin extending transversely from a back side of said male plate. A female plate includes a cylindrical cavity which is partially enclosed by a first inwardly-extending flange and a second inwardly-extending flange. The female plate is adapted for coupling to a male plate when the buckle is in use. An elastic ring is fittingly disposed inside the partially enclosed cavity. A hollow of the elastic ring is adapted to fittingly receive the pin during use of the buckle. The hollow of the elastic ring has a polygonal-shaped wall, whereby the elastic ring is in contact with the pin at a plurality of contact points during use of the buckle to prevent the pin from getting loose when the buckle is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: CHING FUNG APPAREL ACCESSORIES CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Kwok Yun Gary Leung
  • Patent number: 9060631
    Abstract: Attachment devices are described for attaching and locating overlapped anchor sheets while allowing for some relative movement as to expansion and contraction. Generally, the devices are a male/female connection on corresponding sheets and expansion openings or apertures surrounding either the male or female part to provide for areas of flexibility to provide for possible movement of either the male or female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Rocco Pacione, John Anthony Pacione, Franz Rittmannsberger, Hubert Schrelmeler
  • Publication number: 20150096156
    Abstract: A press-stud comprises a male component which is selectively insertable by snap-fitting into a female component. The female component (10, 10?, 40) comprises a main body (11, 11?, 41) in which is housed a resilient annular member (13, 43), held within the main body by a cap (12, 12?, 42) fixed to the peripheral end of an annular appendage (23, 23?, 48) of the main body (11, 11?, 41). Different caps can be attached by modifying the configuration of the annular appendage (23, 23?, 48) only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Simone BREZZI, Otello LUCIETTO
  • Publication number: 20150033517
    Abstract: A press stud comprises a male element and a female element. The male element comprises a coupling portion which is insertable into a housing seat of the female element in a coupling direction. The coupling portion of the male element has an anti-uncoupling appendage which interferes with the female element and prevents the uncoupling of the male element from the female element when they are subjected to tension acting in a substantially transverse direction with respect to the direction of coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Renato BRIGATO
  • Patent number: 8834058
    Abstract: An installation element of an installed packing for material and/or heat exchange between gases and liquids, having pegs and recesses for engaging with at least one further installation element. In order to make the engagement easier the recesses each are associated with ring gap segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GEA 2H Water Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Nina Woicke
  • Patent number: 8813315
    Abstract: A buckle for securing strap ends to each other has an anchor peg, with a recess, attached to one strap end. Another strap end has a clamping head that has a recess adapted to allow insertion and removal of the anchor peg. A moveable locking mechanism in the clamping head can be moved from an open position, that allows insertion or removal of the anchor peg, to a closed position that prevents removal of an anchor peg inserted into the clamping head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Bryan Schultz
  • Patent number: 8800065
    Abstract: A helmet is provided which is to be worn on the head of a helmet wearer and can be removed from the head with a comparatively small force. Operation for removing the helmet, including preliminary operation for it, can be performed easily and quickly. A recess-projection engaging mechanism to attach a blockish inside pad to a head protecting cap portion side includes an engaging pin on the inside pad side or head protecting cap portion side, and a notched engaging hole on the head protecting cap portion side or inside pad side. When pulling the inside pad outward from inside the head protecting cap portion at least partly, the engaging pin moves relative to outside the engaging hole through a notch of the engaging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8789249
    Abstract: A shoe comprising a shoe upper including a male member and a shoe sole including a female receptor for locking with the male member. The male member locks with the female receptor by moving the male member with respect to the female receptor in a first direction, which locks the shoe upper with the shoe sole. The male member unlocks from the female receptor by moving the male member an additional distance further in the first direction, which unlocks the shoe upper from the shoe sole. The female receptor includes resilient arms to hold and release the male member and a stop to prevent movement of the resilient arms in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Convertible Shoe, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Gerald Pearce
  • Patent number: 8756758
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing a floor mat to a carpet in a vehicle includes a first fastener that is attached to the carpet, a knob that is attached to the first fastener, and a second fastener that is attached to a floor mat. A knob base is integrally provided in a first carpet grommet of the first fastener. The knob comprises a knob shank that is coupled to be able to turn about its axis inside the knob base between an unlocked position and a locked position. The knob base includes projections which fit into and mate with channels in knob coupling latching pawls of the knob base; thus, the knob holding force is enhanced, and a clicking sensation confirms completion of the attachment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Masashi Dendo
  • Patent number: 8720016
    Abstract: A clip for releasably securing a panel to a support, including a socket member, and a ball member. The socket member includes a base having a bore positioned at a center point of the base and a collar located around the bore, the collar being partitioned into segment walls separated by gaps. The ball member includes a base having a collar positioned around the center and a cylindrical pillar with a spherical member projecting from a top surface of the base at a generally perpendicular angle to the base. The spherical member of the cylindrical pillar is pushed through the collar of the socket member, causing the segment walls to flex back to allow the spherical member to emerge from above the segment walls and the pillar to be encircled by the segment walls when the segment walls flex back to their original position, resulting in a secure snap fit engagement of the ball and socket members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Dominic Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20140109352
    Abstract: A female component of a press stud including a monolithic body made by hot forming and defining a housing seat for a retaining member housed in the housing seat and intended to lock a corresponding male component in position selectively during use. A locking lip, integral with the monolithic body, extends from the housing seat and is deformed so as to partially close the housing seat in order to secure the retaining member therein. In order to produce the female component, the monolithic body is hot formed, and the locking lip is deformed after the introduction of the retaining member into the housing seat, by hot or cold crimping, upsetting or deformation in general.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Ernesto VIOLATO
  • Patent number: 8613414
    Abstract: A fastening clip for attaching a component to a stud of a support part has a base part with an opening for accepting the stud. The opening has an axis and has a fastening region and an unlocking region located next to one another perpendicular to the axis. Resilient retaining means for holding the stud in place are arranged in the fastening region, which means are designed such that the stud can be introduced into the fastening region in the direction of the axis and the stud located in the fastening region can be displaced into the unlocking region by a relative movement of the stud and fastening clip perpendicular to the axis of the opening, wherein in the unlocking region the stud can be removed from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Newfrey LLC, Audi AG
    Inventors: Frank Rosemann, Christian Kempf, Ansgar Wilting
  • Publication number: 20130318755
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided including a male latch member a female receptacle having first and second pairs of opposing resilient arms for locking with the latch member. Locking is accomplished by moving the latch member with respect to the receptacle in a first direction, and unlocking with the latch member is accomplished by moving the latch member an additional distance further in the first direction. The first and second pairs of opposing resilient arms lock the latch member in any rotational orientation of the first direction of the latch member. Other locking mechanism embodiments include planar members and flanges for mounting to various substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: CONVERTIBLE SHOE, LLC
    Inventors: Ajay Chawla, Jeromy Weible
  • Patent number: 8595907
    Abstract: The necklace clasp fastener for a string of beads consists of a male bead member, and a female bead member, that do not have any visible loop or eyelets for assembling and holding a string of beads together when the male and female bead members are snapped together. The resulting bead configured clasp is almost undetectable from the outside of the beaded necklace which creates an unbroken, unified string of beads for a much more aesthetic and beautiful piece of jewelry. The improved clasp of the invention provides a safety feature to guard against breakage. The two parts are designed to snap together with enough force to hold the necklace on the wearer under normal wear and use. If, however, the necklace catches on to something, the clasp will release easily from the wearer instead of breaking the necklace, and releasing the beads all over the place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Katz, Timothy John Lambert
  • Patent number: 8572822
    Abstract: A metallic male snap part capable of coupling with a female snap part where the projection of the male snap part can be coupled to a depression of the female snap part. The projection includes multiple relatively highly deformable portions and multiple relatively low deformable portions, the highly and low deformable portions being arranged alternately in the circumference direction of the projection. The highly deformable portions are more deformable elastically in the radial direction of the projection than the low deformable portions. Each of the highly deformable portions has a relatively large, outer bulge which bulges more outward in the radial direction than a relatively small, outer bulge of each of the low deformable portions. The projection further includes longitudinal slits and lateral slits to partition the projection into the highly deformable portions and the low deformable portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8572821
    Abstract: A metallic male snap part is capable of enhancing coupling strength with a female snap part by giving appropriate and sufficient elastic deformability to the projection of the male snap part which can be coupled to a depression of the female snap part. The projection includes a plurality of relatively highly deformable portions and a plurality of relatively low deformable portions, the highly and low deformable portions being arranged alternately in the circumference direction of the projection. The highly deformable portions are more deformable elastically in the radial direction of the projection than the low deformable portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8568073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element (1) for vehicle parts (5), in particular for fastening a heat shield to a bolt shaped fastening means (13) of a vehicle body, preferably an underbody of a motor vehicle, comprising a claw disk (2) and a spring washer (3), held at claws (2.1) of the claw disk, wherein the claw disk (2) comprises an opening (6) and the spring washer (3) can be interlocked with a bolt shaped fastening means (13), wherein the claw disk (2) comprises at least one clip element (8), associated with the opening (6) and oriented away from the spring washer (3), wherein the at least one clip element (8) is configured for insertion through an opening (7) in the vehicle part (5) or in the heat shield, and wherein the at least one clip element (8) comprises an undercut (10) for interlocking the rim portion of the opening (7) of the vehicle part (5) or of the heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Carcoustics TechConsult GmbH
    Inventors: Diego Eberle, Andreas Wolf, Uwe Korbmacher, Gerhard Mandjik
  • Patent number: 8561269
    Abstract: Fasteners including male and female assemblies. At least one of the male or female assembly may have a flexible base that flexes to conform to a non-planar mounting surface. The flexible base is bonded to the stud and/or the socket using techniques that provide a high degree of strength to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement of the fastener. Moreover, in certain embodiments the bonding techniques eliminate the need for mechanical means (for example, threads) to secure the stud to the flexible base. Mechanical tests show that the male assembly according to certain embodiments has 62% more strength than known male assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Chuck G. LeCompte, Chad A. Clark, Rodney H. Helwig
  • Patent number: 8510978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID tag holder, which comprises an RFID tag carrier used to carry an RFID tag, and a base having a circular surface, a holding portion and at least one magnetic component disposed therein. The shape of the circular surface matches that of the disposing hole, the magnetic component is used to make the disposing hole magnetically attachable to combine the base with the disposing hole, and two clip arms of a holding unit grip the holding portion and hold the RFID tag carrier after passing through two through holes of a metal substrate. The RFID tag holder has the following advantages: fast installation, low cost and reusability; is suitable for disposing holes with any depth and size; reduced interference and improved reading effect; no extra processing cost; dust-proof, water-proof and oil-resistant; and better composability, extensibility and flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: China Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-Lin Chen, Chang-Tsun Lin, Lien-Kuei Chiang
  • Patent number: 8464403
    Abstract: A shielded magnetic plug-in lock, for which a connector is plugged into a connector receiving element and held therein by magnetic holding forces or additionally by means of mechanical engagement, is provided. The connector and the connector receiving element are designed in such a way that the connector magnet and the magnet for the connector receiving element are magnetized transversely to the closing direction X, and at least one shielding plate consisting of a ferro-magnetic material is provided on the plug or the plug receiving element. The shielding plate covers the connector magnet and the connector receiving element magnets, and the ferro-magnetic material and the thickness of the shielding plate are selected in such a way as to obtain a magnetic shielding sufficient for a pre-determined use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8402605
    Abstract: A fastener for fixing a mat to a carpet includes a female element having a cap and a female eyelet to sandwich a mat therebetween. A base element is engageable with the female element and includes a carpet holding arrangement for holding a carpet. The base element includes an enlarged head provided with an annular groove. The female eyelet includes at least two studs projecting inward, and deformable arms each of which extends between two adjacent studs transversely to a direction of pushing the head of the base element into the female eyelet. Each arm has a central portion disposed in the annular groove when the female element is engaged with the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Courtin, Laurent Huet, Jesse Jensen
  • Patent number: 8375514
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing a floor mat to a carpet in a vehicle includes a first fastener that is attached to the carpet, a knob that is attached to the first fastener, and a second fastener that is attached to a floor mat. A knob base is integrally provided in a first carpet grommet of the first fastener. The knob comprises a knob shank that is coupled to be able to turn about its axis inside the knob base between an unlocked position and a locked position. The knob base includes projections which fit into and mate with channels in knob coupling latching pawls of the knob base; thus, the knob holding force is enhanced, and a clicking sensation confirms completion of the attachment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Masashi Dendo
  • Patent number: 8359716
    Abstract: A connection assembly includes two connecting modules each including a load housing with a locking device, a spring locking element, a latch piece, a magnet and armature construction, and a movement track on which the latch piece can move from a closed position to an open position. The locking device, the magnet and armature construction and the movement track cooperate by way of an opening whereupon the connecting modules move on the movement track such that the magnet and armature move in opposition and the latch piece and the spring locking element move in opposition until the spring locking element is no longer engaged. On closing, the connecting module locks with the aid of magnetic force. The position of the load housing and the position and form of the movement track are such that on moving the connecting module the loading housings move together against a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20120304427
    Abstract: A press-stud comprises a female element having a seat in which is accommodated a resiliently deformable anchoring member (22) which is to anchor a male element in a closed configuration of the stud. The anchoring member is a ring having a flattened cross-section with an inner edge (24) on which are defined substantially freely bending arcuate lips (29) which project in a cantilevered manner from a support wall of the female element (10) by not more than one third of the width of the flattened cross-section of the anchoring ring (22). Preferably, the press-stud has an overall height, in the closed configuration, which does not exceed 2.5 mm, and a ratio between the diameter and the height which is greater than 3.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ernesto Violato
  • Patent number: 8322001
    Abstract: A fastener for fastening an attached or trim part to a support part includes a receptacle part having a pocket with a lateral opening and a guide slot, and a connecting part having at least one flange that can be introduced into the pocket through the lateral opening and having a fastening section. The fastening section has an opening to accommodate a retaining stud projecting from the support part. Located in the opening are latching fingers which can hold the retaining stud in place in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Ehrhardt, Ernst Ludwig Hahn, Harald Schaety
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8171605
    Abstract: A buckle for securing strap ends to each other has an anchor peg, with a recess, attached to one strap end. Another strap end has a clamping head that has a recess adapted to allow insertion and removal of the anchor peg. A moveable locking mechanism in the clamping head can be moved from an open position, that allows insertion or removal of the anchor peg, to a closed position that prevents removal of an anchor peg inserted into the clamping head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan Schultz