Including Closed Elongated Access Opening For Guiding Transverse Projection Travel After Insertion Patents (Class 24/701)
  • Patent number: 11583041
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a female coupler and male coupler to connect jewelry. The male coupler, featuring a stop, a shaft, and a buffer slides into a first channel within the shoot portion of a female coupler. The stop is rotated into position within a second channel of the scoop portion of the female coupler. The scoop portion secures the male coupler within the female coupler until a user forcibly rotates the stop to remove it from the scoop portion. The present invention only requires grasping of each of coupler and does not require squeezing any components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: David Tapia
  • Patent number: 11540649
    Abstract: A carry handle includes a shoulder strap and strap anchors at opposite ends of the shoulder strap. Each strap anchor can be mated to one end of an object to be carried to allow a user to wear the carry handle in an over-the-shoulder manner. The carry handle can be coupled to an infant carrier for use by a caregiver during transport of the infant carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishwanath Bhat, Nathan W. Heisey, Devin J. Coakley
  • Patent number: 11369170
    Abstract: The inventive disclosures described herein pertains to an improved clasp-type device for connecting two ends of a wrap-around personal-adornment/jewelry item, such as a necklace, bracelet, or anklet. The improved jewelry clasp provides for both easy and secure coupling of two ends of a wrap-around jewelry item, while providing a decorative “hiding” of the clasp. In variations, the improved jewelry clasp can appear as just one of several ingots/charms that the wrap-around jewelry item may contain. Various other practical applications of the improved jewelry clasp are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: LXL Group Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Schilling, David Concepcion
  • Patent number: 8991006
    Abstract: In a grommet for a vehicle floor cover, receptacles formed in a generally cylindrical inner surface of a female tubular body making up part of one grommet portion receive protrusions formed on a generally cylindrical outer surface of a male tubular body making up part of a second grommet portion. The bottom grommet portion may have chamfered gussets formed adjacent a bottom retention flange in order to accommodate vehicle floor mats or trays of different thicknesses. Stud holes created in respective ones of the grommets receive studs of intentionally different shape or orientation, thereby militating against installation of the floor cover upside down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventor: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130153563
    Abstract: A connection assembly snap-interlocking first and second components is initiated with a first tab member provided on a first leg of the first component extending into a slot formed at an inner portion of the second component. The connection is then completed upon relatively rotating the first and second components about an axis defined by the first tab member, with a terminal bent portion of the first tab member engaging with the second component, another portion of the first tab member abutting a biasing arm extending from the second component, and a terminal portion of a second tab member, which extends from an outer edge portion of the second component, being snap-received and retained in an opening formed in a second leg of the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: ROBERT C. STEFFENS
  • Patent number: 8375533
    Abstract: A fastening system has a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The first member has a retaining element and a substrate element. The retaining element includes a proximal edge and a distal edge and is attached to the substrate element along a line of attachment. The second fastening member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion, and an elongated opening disposed between the inboard and outboard portions. The elongated opening is configured such that at least part of the retaining element is capable of passing through the elongated opening when the retaining element is in a first orientation and when the retaining element is in a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Ronald Joseph Zink, II, Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, George Henry Leal
  • Publication number: 20120260475
    Abstract: An end pin has a composite shoulder with a fixed lower half and a rotatable upper half. The halves are alignable in a first, installation mode of minimal footprint relative to the hole and slit in the end piece to permit the pin to be easily inserted through the hole in the end piece. The upper half is rotated into a second, locking mode that increases the footprint of the pin over the hole and slit, thereby preventing inadvertent disengagement of the strap from the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Robert O. Miller
  • Patent number: 8177178
    Abstract: A novel device cradle formed with a substantially rigid spine with a device rest and a spaced apart device retainer formed on a front surface of the spine and adjacent to opposite first and second end thereof. A dual attachment base of the novel device cradle is formed on a back surface of the spine opposite from the front surface thereof and is positioned between the first and second ends thereof. The dual attachment base has a raised attachment plate that is spaced away from the back surface of the spine, a pair of spaced apart fastener attachment holes that are formed through the attachment plate and positioned adjacent to opposite front and back surfaces of the spine, and a pair of spaced apart T-slots that are formed through the attachment plate and positioned substantially between the attachment holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8087959
    Abstract: A detachable swim fin includes a foot pocket and a fin blade. The fin blade is movably connected to the foot pocket through a locking buckle mechanism. With the detachable design of the fin blade and the foot pocket, the present invention provides an amphibious function. When they are detached, the foot pocket is capable of protecting the foot when walking on land, like a beach shoe or a fishing shoe. When they are assembled, the present invention is used as a swim fin. When going out, the user could take apart the swim fin for carrying conveniently and flexibly. This provides a compact and light design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Chien-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 8066253
    Abstract: An embedment member of a foamed resin article such as a seat pad formed in a mold. The mold is provided with engaging projections and a pocket portion formed in or on an inner surface of a core thereof. A surface of the embedment member is positioned to face the core and the surface is superposed onto the surface of the core such that the projections enter into large opening portions. Then, the embedment member is slid in such a manner as to introduce the projections into narrow portions and wide portions, thereby retaining the embedment member to the core. In this state, an end portion of the embedment member is fitted into the pocket portion. To release the foamed resin article from the mold, the foamed resin article is slid in a direction opposite to the direction of the aforementioned sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Ohta, Teruo Iwai, Masaya Hiramatsu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110054435
    Abstract: A fastening system has a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The first member has a retaining element and a substrate element. The retaining element includes a proximal edge and a distal edge and is attached to the substrate element along a line of attachment. The second fastening member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion, and an elongated opening disposed between the inboard and outboard portions. The elongated opening is configured such that at least part of the retaining element is capable of passing through the elongated opening when the retaining element is in a first orientation and when the retaining element is in a second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Ronald Joseph Zink, II, Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, George Henry Leal
  • Patent number: 7818851
    Abstract: A strap lock is provided. The strap lock includes a sleeve, a slider and a spring. The slider fits within the sleeve and moves from a locked position to an unlocked position. The spring biases the slider into a locked position. The sleeve may be attached to a strap end having a keyhole such that the slider covers a portion of the keyhole when in a locked position and uncovers the keyhole when in an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Chris Perrotta
  • Patent number: 7601131
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chafe useable on an orthopedic walker and including members which define a slot through which a strap, such as the strap of a walker, may pass. The chafe also includes a stud on the member, and a connection element connecting the stud and members defining the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: VQ Orthocare
    Inventor: Robert Farrer Gilmour
  • Patent number: 7562422
    Abstract: A locking fastener for a guitar strap which receives the end pin of a guitar includes a base plate and a locking plate which is reciprocatingly slidable on the base plate. The base plate has a pin receiving keyhole formed through its thickness which is defined by a widened opening and a narrowed opening. The base plate also has a central slot formed through its thickness and openings or detents which are spaced apart from one another. The locking plate has a front edge which is recessed to define an open pocket, at least one protrusion which is selectively received in the openings or detents to secure the locking plate in a desired position with respect to the base plate, and a knob post or handle which extends through the central slot of the base plate and which is graspable by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 7513074
    Abstract: A universal end cap for displaying collateral on a fixture arm is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventors: Iris Glenn, Susan Cohen
  • Patent number: 7234210
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then pressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Stiles, Alan L. Wilcox, James R. Downing, Samuel Vincent Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7231698
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then depressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Downing, Samuel Vincent Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7204002
    Abstract: A buckle including a pair of members (4, 5) coupled to or separated from each other. The buckle includes a socket (10) and a plug (30) capable of being inserted into the socket and hooked in the socket in the state where the plug is inserted into a prespecified position. The socket is attached to a one member (5) in the pair. The plug has a pull section (33) in the direction intersectional to the plug inserting direction, and a mounting section (37) with the other member mounted thereon is provided on the pull section (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kaneko, Sakiko Minami, Yuko Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 7120982
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then depressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Downing, Samuel Vincent Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7114225
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment connector includes a catch, a housing, and a locking member. The catch has an end with an engaging member, and the housing has a cavity and a supporting member. The locking member is positioned within the cavity and has a first position and a second position. The cavity and the locking member have a first configuration when the locking member is in the first position, and the cavity and the locking member have a second configuration when the locking member is in the second position. The first configuration is configured and arranged to receive the end of the catch. The second configuration is configured and arranged to engage the end of the catch between the supporting member and the locking member thereby locking the catch, and the supporting member of the housing provides a surface upon which the engaging member exerts force should a fall occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, Bradley A. Rohlf
  • Patent number: 7020913
    Abstract: Hoist device for persons comprising a lifting arm to which a headed stud is attached for attaching a hoist sling to the lifting arm, wherein the head has a larger diameter than the stud, and wherein the hoist sling comprises an attachment device for attaching the hoist sling to the lifting arm, comprising a plate-shaped part comprising: a continuous slot situated in a plane of the plate-shaped part comprising a first portion through which the stud and its head will pass, a second portion through which the stud will but the head of the stud will not pass, and a connection portion between the first and second portion, and a locking device arranged to the plate-shaped part and movable parallel to the plane of the plate-shaped part, which locking device near a first end comprises a closing member and near a second end comprises an operation member that can be operated for bringing the closing member from a first position, in which the closing member closes off the connection portion, to a second position, in w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Exodus Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Mattheas Robertus Van Scheppingen, Dennis Tjalling Huizenga
  • Patent number: 6978523
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then depressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Downing, Samuel Vincent Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6961980
    Abstract: A press-stud with lateral locking, having a male component and a female component which must be associable with each other, the female component has a seat which is suitable to accommodate, by insertion, the head of a mushroom-shaped element which protrudes from the male component; the seat can be accessed by the head through an opening which has a first larger part which allows insertion of the head and a second smaller part whose dimensions are intermediate between the dimensions of the head and the dimensions of the stem, the seat accommodating elastic contrast elements which allow the head to move over them during insertion and extraction, with a movement of the head toward the first part of the opening that is larger than the second smaller part, and viceversa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Cobra Trade S.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Candotti
  • Patent number: 6880211
    Abstract: There is provided an improved tab member for a closure system comprising a tab portion and a slot member. The slot member includes a slit or a loop, with the slot located between an inboard portion and an outboard portion. The tab portion has a tab member having a length, an inner edge, an outer edge and at least one lip portion. The tab member outer edge is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least one lip portion of the tab member overlaps or catches the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member. The slot member outward portion is retained between the lip portion(s) and the underlying generally flexible tab carrier substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Byron M. Jackson, Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg
  • Patent number: 6826812
    Abstract: A fastener installed in a pair of articles for enabling the articles to be detachably fastened together. The fastener includes a male fastening member, the male fastening member having a spacer block, a cylinder integral with the spacer block, a spherical retaining head, and a neck connected between the cylinder and the spherical retaining head, and a female fastening member, the female fastening member having a socket shell adapted for receiving the spherical retaining head and cylinder of the male fastening member, the socket having a retaining rid adapted for engaging the neck of the male fastening member to secure to the male fastening member and the female fastening member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Wei Wu Lo
  • Patent number: 6804868
    Abstract: A locking clasp (1) has a planar clasp body (3) an aperture (13), a swivel cover (12) rivetably mounted on a top surface and an interconnecting link having a plate (8) of the same size and shape as the aperture. When the plate on the interlocking link is inserted into the aperture of the clasp body and the swivel cover is rotated over the plate, the clasp provides a secure, aesthetic, all-pleasing and easy to use clasp for jewelry and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Beverly Fox
  • Publication number: 20040139586
    Abstract: A locking clasp (1) has a planar clasp body (3) an aperture (13), a swivel cover (12) rivetably mounted on a top surface and an interconnecting link having a plate (8) of the same size and shape as the aperture. When the plate on the interlocking link is inserted into the aperture of the clasp body and the swivel cover is rotated over the plate, the clasp provides a secure, aesthetic, all-pleasing and easy to use clasp for jewelry and other uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Beverly Fox
  • Patent number: 6640400
    Abstract: A strap buckling assembly is used for holding an attachment to the exterior of luggage and is formed of an outer housing, an inner housing, an urging block, a locating plate, an elastic body, and a male retainer. The outer housing is fastened to the external side of a shell of the luggage, while the inner housing is fastened to the internal side of the shell of the luggage. The urging block is movably located in the outer housing and is urged by the elastic body. The urging block serves to retain an engagement portion of the male retainer inside the outer housing in conjunction with the elastic body. The urging block also serves to release the engagement portion of the male retainer from the outer housing in conjunction with the elastic body. The male retainer is fastened at one end to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Shou Mao Chen
  • Patent number: 6524024
    Abstract: A connection between a tensile element and an object is described having a slotted plate, a connector and a retainer. The slotted plate is attached to or part of the object and the slot has a first part and a second part. The connector has a first end that is engageable with the tensile element and a second end that can be inserted into the second part of the slot and slid towards the first part of the slot to engage the first part of the slot. The retainer inhibits the connector from moving back into the second part of the slot once it is engaged with the first part of the slot. Such a connection can be used to attach a cable assembly to a seat basket to provide adjustable lumbar support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Schukra Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Cosentino, Tony Maier, Jack Rietveld, Igor Demin
  • Patent number: 6513209
    Abstract: A fastening system for an article of apparel, advantageously a bra, including first and second coupling members attached to ends of a hemband. The coupling members are movable between an engaged or locked state when the bra is worn and a disengaged state to remove the bra. The coupling members are integrally molded and each includes a stitch plate and a plurality of locking members. The locking members on one coupling member are hooks while the other are loops. The coupling members have a flex groove formed therein between their locking members to make the coupling members more flexible. The flex groove may optimally extend across the stitch plates to further enhance flexibility. The ends of the hooks are angularly displaced from their stitch plates. This raises the interlocking locking portions away from the back of the wearer to increase comfort. Additionally, the hooks include opposed angled guide surfaces. The opposed angled guide surfaces each have a parallel guide surface on an adjacent hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Carey Portzline
  • Patent number: 6341918
    Abstract: A securing arrangement for releasably connecting two items comprises two elements. One of the elements is provided with hole with one wide section and one narrower section. The other element is provided with a peg opposite to and facing into the narrower hole section. The other item has a horseshoe-shaped protrusion with an inner waist and an outer collar, both of which has a lateral opening. To connect the items, the horseshoe-shaped protrusion with its collar is inserted laterally through the wide section of the hole with the lateral opening oriented towards the peg, and then longitudinally moved from the wide section into the narrower section to let the horseshoe-shaped protrusion enclose the peg. The items are secured by rotating relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Sandvik A.B.
    Inventors: Staffan Liindberg, Staffan Garras, Tord Englund
  • Patent number: 6321419
    Abstract: A brassiere back closure can have flat circular injection molded male and female fastener halves connectable in a hook-and-eye fashion on respective tapes partly covered by brushed knitted strips and designed to be pulled apart for opening of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Fildan Accessories Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenböck
  • Patent number: 6298528
    Abstract: A D-ring of metal wire is specially shaped to accept and retain a special grommet of a hard, wear-resistant polymeric material. The D-ring has a base leg, a pair of side legs joined to opposite ends of the base leg and converging toward each other from junctures with the base leg, and a substantially arcuate head joined to the side legs at junctures forming a neck opening that is constricted relative to a head opening defined within the head. The grommet is received within the head opening and neck opening of the D-ring and has a hole adapted to receive a hook and a peripheral groove that is in captured engagement with the head of the D-ring and with the junctures of the head and the leg portions. Portions of the groove located at the neck opening of the D-ring are deepened relative to adjacent portions of the groove within the head opening so as to retain the grommet while enabling the grommet to be pressed endwise through the neck opening and into the head opening of the D-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: David Workman
  • Patent number: 6253428
    Abstract: A buckle set on a cloth strip for a brassiere includes a male buckle and a female buckle. By the cloth strip, the buckle set can be directly stitched to the belts at two sides of the two cups of a brassiere. The male buckle has a round disk shape and has a pillar installed thereon. The lower end of the pillar has a lip portion. The female buckle has an oblong disk shape and a buckle hole in the middle part thereof. By the pillar of the male buckle pressing into and buckling with the buckle hole of the female buckle, the two belts are connected. The buckle hole on the female buckle has a long shape, The long axis of the buckle hole includes a flange at an inner periphery at one end so that one end of the buckle hole includes a guide groove. Thus, the pillar of the male buckle buckles with the buckle hole at the larger opening and then is pushed into the guide groove. Thus, the male buckle can be firmly fastened to the female buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Tso Wang
  • Patent number: 6141841
    Abstract: An add-a-bag assembly for luggage has a base attached to a top wall of the luggage and a buckle that is detachably received on the base. The base has a buckle-receiving portion defined by spaced-apart side walls, each of which has a front overhanging abutment surface that slopes downwardly and rearwardly from a front upper surface. A retainer boss projects laterally from each side wall of the buckle and engages one of the overhanging abutment surfaces of the side wall. Releasable rear locking surfaces on the base and the buckle located rearwardly of the bosses and overhanging abutment surfaces engage each other so as to prevent translatory forward movement of the buckle relative to the base and maintain the bosses on the buckle in engagement under the overhanging abutment surfaces of the base. Tab and slot detents latch the buckle in place. A strap is secured to the rear edge of the body portion of the buckle and is adapted to be joined to an article that is piggybacked on the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Workman
  • Patent number: 6058581
    Abstract: An elongated semi-product from which a clasp can be formed includes at each end at least one through-penetrating hole wherein when bent to form said clasp the semi-product forms a generally closed cavity with the mutually opposite ends of said product forming overlapping legs and the openings at the ends of said semi-product being intended to coincide in one position of the legs to enable said stem-part to be inserted easily through the two holes in said legs, wherein in another position of said legs the holes provided in the edge regions of the ends of said legs will be pressed against a portion of reduced diameter on the stem so as to hold an ornament in place. According to the invention, at least one of the two opposing openings in the semi-product has an elongated and irregular shape so as to include at least two holes of different sizes, and at least one opening extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the semi-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: .ANG.ke Ehrlund
  • Patent number: 6026545
    Abstract: A universal one piece restraint bracket particularly suited for use with wire rope or cable for transverse, longitudinal and combined transverse and longitudinal seismic bracing systems for supporting an object. The bracket is generally L shaped to define a flattened apertured central portion with two wing portions generally at right angles to each other, apertured at their free ends and joined to the flattened central portion, each wing being elevated or upwardly bent away from the plane of the central portion. Aircraft type cables or wire rope connect the bracket to an adjacent support structure with the central portion of the bracket being secured to an object to be supported, whereby the bracing system acts in tension only so as to dampen earthquake loads and forces and thus is not subject to compression loads. A single bracket accommodates a wide variety of seismic bracing, and the bracket is configured for stacking with another bracket where necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Loos & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Duggan
  • Patent number: 5836061
    Abstract: An anchoring structure for a cable end comprises a securing body having a recess defined therein and having an opening defined through an outer surface thereof and extending into the recess, an anchoring nipple for being fixed to the end of the cable and fitted into the recess of the securing body through the opening for being operatively connected to the securing body. The nipple is a unitary member with a first substantially cylindrical half portion having an opening defined in a side wall thereof for receiving the end of the cable, and a second substantially cylindrical half portion joined side-by-side to the first substantially cylindrical half portion such that the nipple is substantially 8-shaped when viewed towards ends of the half portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Gilbert Castillo, Masahiro Izumi
  • Patent number: 5783285
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a tight, secure connection between two relatively non-deformable members and the connection resulting therefrom. The method includes the steps of forming a recess in a first of said members, forming a second member with a portion that seats in the recess of the first member, molding a liner of thermoplastic to one of the members, which thermoplastic is deformable but not more than slightly compressible, and seating the portion of the second member in the recess of the first member with one of the members engaging the liner to displace a portion of the liner into a void space in one of the members to thus form a tightly gripping connection between the members. A composite knob and its connection to shaft made in accordance with this method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5774957
    Abstract: A clasp for use in attaching two body members together, especially pieces of jewelry, that provides secure attachment. The clasp includes a receptor member having a surface defining a slot and a connector member having a shaft, where the shaft is removably positionable in the slot to releasably connect the connector member to the receptor member. The connector member is moveable from an upright position where it can be inserted and removed from the receptor member, and a second, or seated, position, where it is resiliently restrained by the receptor member. The interaction between the connector member and the receptor member creates a connection that is not easily unintentionally released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas D. Kohl, Kenneth Lucien Mino
  • Patent number: 5706561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved garment loop for engaging and disengaging a button. In a preferred embodiment, the loop is manufactured from a single piece of wire which provides for resilient movement of a button receiving portion by means of a interlocked sliding horizontal strap bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Mississippi Trading, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Kipperman
  • Patent number: 5653009
    Abstract: A clasp for connecting the ends of jewelry members is disclosed. The clasp of the present invention comprises an elongated main body member, a cooperating member for detachable connection to the main body member, and securing the cooperating member in the main body member such that the cooperating member does not dissociate from the main body member. The main body member has an aperture in one end and an elongated slot which terminates in an enlarged end on one end and connects to the aperture on the opposite end. The cooperating member has a spherical portion on one end, an eyelet portion on the opposite end, and a shank portion connecting these two portions. In the one embodiment of the present invention, securing is accomplished by a flat spring which is mounted adjacent to the slot in the main body member and extends partially over the slot to bias the cooperating member into the main body member and against the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Haroutioun Kassardjian
  • Patent number: 5628096
    Abstract: A button type strap fastener, a method of making same, and a method of using same are provided. The strap fastener includes a mounting strap that is provided with cogs, and also includes a locking button that is adapted to be held in place on the cogs of the mounting strap. The locking button comprises a central opening having a keyhole-shaped configuration, including a first opening portion that corresponds approximately to the greatest diameter of the cogs to receive same such that the mounting strap is displaceable in opposite directions in the first opening portion, and a second opening portion that communicates with the first opening portion and at least in part corresponds approximately to the smallest diameter of the cogs to receive same from the first opening portion in a locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Watters, Richard G. Voth, James A. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5577339
    Abstract: A fishing tackle comprising an elongate snood having an elongate small diameter body part and at one end of the body part and integral therewith, an attachment means comprising a passageway in which is retained a part of a member whereby the member is attached to the snood, said body part comprising a drawn synthetic plastics material and wherein a first portion of the attachment means, in which is provided a part of said passageway in which said part of the member is retained, comprises a pre-formed, undrawn, synthetic plastics material portion and a second portion of the attachment means, in which is provided a part of said passageway through which said part of the member may pass to permit assembly of said part of the member with said attachment means, comprises a drawn synthetic plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Entaco Limited
    Inventor: Leonard Haigh
  • Patent number: 5495734
    Abstract: A key ring assembly includes first and second half bodies which are coupled together, the first half body including a first flange portion laterally formed along a periphery thereof, a hook member having a first end portion located above a first distal end of the first flange portion and a second end portion formed on a second distal end of the first flange portion, a first opening defined between the first distal end of the first flange portion and the second end portion of the hook member, the second half body including a second flange portion laterally formed along a periphery thereof and facing towards the first flange portion, a sliding groove defined between the first and second flange portions, a second opening defined between first and second free ends of the second flange portion and communicating with the first opening, a retaining arm being in alignment with the first end portion of the hook member to form a loop and being able to slide between the first and second openings, a biasing member mounte
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: San-chih Yu
  • Patent number: 5420762
    Abstract: A headlamp mounting arrangement for an automotive vehicle comprises a mounting support panel which forms a part of the vehicle and a lamp assembly with mounting studs extending outwardly from the rear wall thereof through first openings in the support panel. A lock plate is connected to the mounting support panel on the side opposite the lamp assembly for sliding movement between a first position for preventing withdrawal of the mounting studs from the first openings in the mounting support plate and a second position for permitting withdrawal of the mounting studs from the first openings. A latch type engagement is provided on the lock plate for preventing undesired sliding movement of the lock plate toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5308129
    Abstract: A mounting panel of stamped steel has the door hardware such as the window regulator and door handles fixedly mounted thereon to facilitate preassembly and shipping. The mounting panel is subsequently mounted on the vehicle door. A door latch is provided for latching the door in the closed position and a retainer means is provided acting between the mounting panel and the door latch to loosely connect the door latch to the mounting panel for convenience of preassembly and shipping. The retainer means is a molded plastic retainer having integral projections which are force fit into plurality of openings provided in a door latch. The retainer means also has an integral headed prong structure which is loosely retained within an opening in the mounting panel with the aperture being oversized with respect to the headed prong to thereby permit adjusting movement of the door latch relative to the mounting panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Hlavaty
  • Patent number: 5301397
    Abstract: A device for fastening the abutment of a bowden cable on a constructional element in which a T-bolt is fastened on the constructional element, a fastening tab is provided on the abutment the fastening tab has a keyhole-like recess, the recess has a greater opening for the passage of the head of the T-bolt and a smaller opening which is somewhat greater in diameter than the diameter of the shank of the T-bolt, and a collar for supporting the head of the T-bolt is provided round the small opening; when the T-bolt is introduced with its shank into the smaller opening of the recess and the head of the T-bolt rests on the collar. The abutment is secured on the constructional element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz-Otto Baum
  • Patent number: 5186517
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement is provided for attaching components such as headliners, overhead consoles, or the like to vehicles. The arrangement includes a shaped slot in a first member which has a retaining end, a releasing end, and a neck with inclined protrusions therebetween, and a fastener attached to a second member and having an engaging leg portion constructed to be securely inserted directly and normally into the retaining end of the slot. Once installed, the fastener is securely held in the slot, but is releasable by forcing the engaging leg portion of the fastener past the inclined protrusion into the releasing end of the slot, whereat the component can be removed for servicing or repair. Also, a headliner is provided including a central portion with a perimeter, and a folded edge portion connected to the perimeter that presents a finished side along the perimeter so that the headliner can be installed into the vehicle roof without subsequent parts required to cover the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Gilmore, Anthony McConnell