And Discrete Manual Actuating Means Patents (Class 411/344)
  • Patent number: 11655837
    Abstract: An anchor assembly for wall installation includes a toggle body that is elongated along an axis, and a strap connected to and extending from the toggle body, wherein the strap includes a main segment that extends in a first direction away from an axis of the toggle body when the strap and toggle body are in an unstressed state, and the main segment is bendable down toward the toggle body such that the main segment extends in a second direction, where the second direction runs more closely to parallel with the axis than does the first direction. A locking sleeve mounted for movement along the strap toward the toggle body. The strap is substantially L-shaped and includes a small segment extending laterally relative to the main segment, wherein the small segment is seated within a recess on the toggle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Tlie Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Beesham Mahadeo, Michael Martin Hicks
  • Patent number: 11428294
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a fastening unit for fastening a tendon to a system. The fastening unit comprises: a head with a first opening; a shaft with a second opening and an external thread; and a channel extending from the first opening along the head to the second opening at least partly along the shaft. The external thread and the channel in each case accommodate the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Georg Bachmaier, Christian Bachmann, Guillaume Pais, Iason Vittorias, Wolfgang Zöls
  • Patent number: 11350925
    Abstract: A button inserter apparatus for the insertion of a surgical button includes an inserter handle and an elongated inserter shaft connected at one end to the inserter handle. An inserter head is connected to the inserter shaft at an end opposite to the inserter handle. The inserter head includes opposing engagement projections for engaging and retaining a surgical button there between. One of the engagement projections is longitudinally movable relative to the other of the engagement projections. A button engage and release assembly extends from the inserter handle to the inserter head, and selectively prevents relative longitudinal movement between the engagement projections, and selectively permits relative movement of the engagement projections and thereby release of the surgical button. The engage and release assembly is operable from the inserter handle to cause relative longitudinal movement of the engagement projections and release of the surgical button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: PARCUS MEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Brunsvold, Barton W. Bracy, Joel Harshbarger
  • Patent number: 11214985
    Abstract: A ball-latch mechanism comprising a plunger supported in a housing and linearly movable from a loaded to an extended position, a trigger rotatable from a latched position, which interferes with linear movement of the plunger, to an unlatched position, which permits linear movement of the plunger from the loaded position, a bias element biasing the plunger from the loaded position, a cocking mechanism comprising a lever arm rotatable about a lever axis from a retracted position within the housing, wherein a bearing surface of the lever arm is outside of a range of motion of the plunger, and a cocked position, wherein the bearing surface of the lever arm bears against the plunger and the plunger is in the loaded position, whereby the plunger may be forced to the loaded position by the lever arm by application of torque to a torque receiving surface of the lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Glen C. Hawkins, John A. Andrews, Robert G. Pace
  • Patent number: 11155216
    Abstract: A retaining device for securing one or more accessory racks to a base rack on a vehicle is provided herein. The device comprises a housing member that extends through the one or more accessory racks and into the base rack, a head, secured to the housing member that engages one or other of the racks, a detent that engages the other of the racks, and an engagement mechanism that extends the detent and pulls it toward the head. The device may further comprise a lock that secures the detent in a clamping position. The lock may comprise a ratchet and pawl arrangement defined by first and second levered tabs disposed on the head, the first tab being operably connected to the engagement mechanism. An ATV comprising one or more accessory racks secured to a base rack by a retaining device as described herein is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Benedict, Jeffrey Lane
  • Patent number: 11124218
    Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, a shaft and an end stop means. The shaft is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and is configured for attachment of a steering wheel at one end with an engagement portion connected to and configured to rotate with the shaft. The end stop means is located in the path of the engagement portion and engageable with the engagement portion upon rotation of the shaft through a predetermined angle. The engagement portion engages with the end stop means upon rotation of the shaft through predetermined angles in both directions. The engagement portion includes a member projecting outwardly from the shaft. The end stop means is mounted on the housing and the end stop means comprises a strip of material bent into a generally T-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Appleyard
  • Patent number: 11105357
    Abstract: A fixing device (1) for attaching an item to a suspended plasterboard wall or ceiling (16). The fixing device includes a plug portion (4) for securing in a hole (14) in the suspended plasterboard wall or ceiling. The plug portion includes an aperture (6) for receiving a fastener that extends and a longitudinal backplate (2). The longitudinal backplate is attached to and projects from diametrically opposite sides of the plug portion and arranged in use to engage with the rear face of the suspended plasterboard wall or ceiling when the plug portion is secured in the hole. The perimeter of the cross section of the plug portion has a minimum bounding circle having a first diameter. The perimeter of the cross section of the fixing device through the plug portion has a minimum bounding circle having a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: GRAPPLEFIX LIMITED
    Inventor: Hugh Tyzack
  • Patent number: 10927872
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plate nut assembly including a nut having a threaded hole; and a tab including a bifurcated portion and a fixed portion. A nut insertion hole is formed in a hollow member such that the diameter of the nut insertion hole is larger than the transverse width of the nut. By bending the tab, the nut can be located inside of the inner surface of the hollow member with the threaded hole opposed to the nut insertion hole. The transverse width of the bifurcated portion of the tab is larger than the transverse width of nut. When the nut is inserted through the nut insertion hole until the nut is located inside of the inner surface of the hollow member, the outer side edges of the bifurcated portion in its transverse width direction come into contact with the nut insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Wakai Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takemasa Wakai
  • Patent number: 10890204
    Abstract: A universal locking pin can be inserted in a through hole for connecting a wide variety of objects. Once engaged in a through hole, the universal locking pin can function as mounting point for attaching items. Materials can be mounted to the attachment hole such as rope or carabiners, cords, rings, and other materials with suitable tensile strength. The locking pin can be scaled up or down in size and constructed from a variety of materials including metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, composites, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Vela
  • Patent number: 10859107
    Abstract: A wood screw, having a shaft, a screw tip, and thread turns. The thread turns run circumferentially on at least a portion of the shaft, preferably through or into a screw tip. The wood screw includes at least one arc-shaped protrusion between at least two adjoining ones of the thread turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Würth International AG
    Inventors: Rainer Eckert, Andreas Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 10724565
    Abstract: A toggle fixing having a crosspiece and a strip which is pivotally connected to the crosspiece via a flexible portion. The crosspiece is formed with a detent with which the crosspiece, on insertion through a through-hole in a plasterboard panel, is supported against a toothing of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: fischerwerke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Aaron Daly
  • Patent number: 10690165
    Abstract: A toggle fixing for fixing to a panel which is accessible only from one side. The toggle fixing has a crosspiece and a strip which is flexible and, as a result, pivotally connected to the crosspiece and on which a sleeve is displaceable in the direction of the crosspiece. The sleeve is provided with a screw hole, so that a screw cannot be pushed through but rather needs to be screwed through the sleeve in order that it can be screwed into the crosspiece. The sleeve relieves the crosspiece of an axial force of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: fischerwerke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Aaron Daly
  • Patent number: 10625686
    Abstract: A retaining device for securing one or more accessory racks to a base rack on a vehicle is provided herein. The device comprises a housing member that extends through the one or more accessory racks and into the base rack, a head, secured to the housing member that engages one or other of the racks, a detent that engages the other of the racks, and an engagement mechanism that extends the detent and pulls it toward the head. The device may further comprise a lock that secures the detent in a clamping position. The lock may comprise a ratchet and pawl arrangement defined by first and second levered tabs disposed on the head, the first tab being operably connected to the engagement mechanism. An ATV comprising one or more accessory racks secured to a base rack by a retaining device as described herein is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Benedict, Jeffrey Lane
  • Patent number: 10619659
    Abstract: A closure assembly incorporating a crush barb which is molded into a recess cavity defining surface of a first piece. The crush barb is engaged by an inserting portion projecting from a second piece, the inserting portion being subsequently actuated into a collapsing and retention forming undercut with the crush barb in order to secure the pieces together. A variety of closure assemblies are provided with variations of inserting portions associated with the second piece, such including the use of an action/installation inducing tool for creating an undercut within the crush barb. Alternatively, the inserting portion may be configured with an over-center pivoting hinge which, upon being actuated, creates the crush barb undercut in order to engage the pieces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Farathane Corporation
    Inventor: Steve Porter
  • Patent number: 10588679
    Abstract: The invention is directed in various aspects to a compression fixation system that includes coupling components and locking assemblies for connecting two or more separate elements in a fixed arrangement. For example, the system is useful for connecting and compressing two or more elements selected from bones and bone fragments. The system includes a substantially linear coupling component, such as, for example, a Kirschner Wire (“K-Wire”) and locking assembly elements that engage with the coupling component in a coaxial orientation. The coupling component includes at least a linear portion and an anchor portion, the anchor portion configured to be fixed within or adjacent to a first one of the elements to be connected and the linear portion configured to be fixed adjacent to a second one of the elements to be connected, where the locking assembly is attached coaxially with and locked against the second element to achieve compression and fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: NUMAGENESIS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Kukla, Marc Von Amsberg, Lawrence Binder
  • Patent number: 10487865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toggle fixing for fixing an article to a thin-walled building component, having a crosspiece, which has an opening for receiving a screw, and having a strip which is connected to the crosspiece and serves for holding and positioning the crosspiece during mounting. In order also to be able to use such a fixing in a solid building material, the invention proposes that the crosspiece have a screw channel parallel to the crosspiece longitudinal axis (L1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: fischerwerke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Aaron Daly
  • Patent number: 10029522
    Abstract: A vertical hitch pin for connecting a tongue to the hitch on a vehicle. The hitch pin has an elongate opening for receiving a pivoting bar. The bar rotates clockwise from a center position where the bar fits substantially inside the hitch pin during insertion of the pin through aligned openings in the trailer tongue and the hitch to a first laterally extending position where the bar is rotated under the force of gravity until a portion of the bar engages with a first portion of a surface of the body bordering the elongate opening. The bar may also be capable of rotating counterclockwise from the center position to a second laterally extending position where the bar is rotated under the force of gravity until a portion of the bar engages with a second portion of the surface of the body bordering the elongate opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Evan Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 9644658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing device and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in providing an anchoring point in plasterboard cavity walls or ceilings for the purpose of affixing other items thereto, in which the fixing device may be used in plasterboard walls of varying thickness without risk of over-insertion and loss of the fixing device in the cavity behind the plasterboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: UK BUILDING PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Stanley Pritchard Daykin
  • Patent number: 9534620
    Abstract: This is to fasten a panel to a wall. The device comprises a male member to engage on the panel and a female member to engage on the wall. For its engagement on the periphery of an aperture of the wall having a contour having two crenels facing each other and two circle arcs facing each other and each extending from one to the other of the crenels, the female member comprises a butt enabling the angular position of the female member to be indexed in relation to the wall, in order for an actuating part of the female member to be turned towards an outside edge of the wall. The assembly comprises the fastening device, the wall and the panel. Advantageously, the assembly also comprises a tool capable of insertion between the wall and the panel to reach the actuating part of the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: I.T.W. DE FRANCE
    Inventor: Christian Albert Courtin
  • Patent number: 9447559
    Abstract: Pick hole guards are provided for use in guarding pick holes on manhole covers. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pick hole guards can have a base, biasing member, and guard member. The biasing member can be attached to the base and guard member, and can bias the guard member toward a pick hole on the manhole cover to guard the pick hole. In other embodiments, the pick hole guards do not have movable guard members, but instead have retaining surfaces to serve as a receptacle for catching waste disposed through a pick hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: 6672205 CANADA INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Tina Thompson
  • Patent number: 9303669
    Abstract: Overcoming all typical limitations of fasteners, disclosed is a fully-reusable, non-deforming, precise position, drywall fastener for heavy-weight items that works by anchoring to outside of a drywall panel using a drywall hole reinforced hollow cutter bar and a precise-fit pin wall body with outside rims, while fastener anchors beneath drywall panel by a manual pivoting of fastener locking arms hinged to pin wall body. Advancement of a threaded locking bolt through a center hole of pin wall body reversibly wedges apart shoulders of locking arms to cause their lateral pivoting and then locking without over-tightening fastener parts or damaging drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan Seth Agri, Michael Francis Kress
  • Patent number: 9273710
    Abstract: A rapid mounting hallow wall anchor comprises a cleat with latching tooth and hanging flange, and a T-shaped anchor structure with latching cogs on its stem. The cleat comprises a tube with a flange near or at one end of the tube. There are latching teeth inside of the tube for engaging the latching cogs on the stem. The tube flange can be made to have a groove or hook on where objects can be hung. A cross bar joins one end of the stem with a cross bar hinge. The cross bar hinge allows the cross bar to be bended for insertion into a drilled hole in a plasterboard of a hallow wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Neo Mechanics Limited
    Inventor: Kyong Tae Chang
  • Patent number: 9115744
    Abstract: A fastener comprises a body having a first portion and a second portion. At least one moveable flange is arranged on the first portion of the body, and is moveable between a first unlocked position, and a second locked position. A second flange is arranged on the second portion of the body. The first and second body portions are adjustably connected such that the distance between the at least one moveable flange and the second flange along the longitudinal axis of the body is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bulow
  • Publication number: 20150110574
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (A) for hollow walls comprises an anchor body (400) and a toggle member (231) that is displaceable between a first position wherein the toggle member (231) is substantially aligned with the anchor body (400) such that the anchor assembly (A) can be inserted in the wall (W) via a cutting distal end (325) of the toggle member (231), and a second position wherein the toggle member (231) extends behind the wall (W) at an angle relative to the anchor body (400) which extends through the wall (W). The toggle member (231) is held captive in the first position but is released and then rotated to the second position by a fastener (218) introduced in the anchor body (400). The fastener (218) threadably engages the toggle member (231) thereby drawing the toggle member (231) against a hidden side of the wall (W).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen, Andre Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8950992
    Abstract: An anchor for attaching a screw to a wall includes a flat body with a pointed front end, a track aperture formed through a center portion, and a flat back end with a screw guide arm. A flat pivot plate has a front end, a back end with an angled portion, a central drive aperture, and a pair of lateral notches formed at two opposing sides thereof. The pivot plate traverses the track aperture of the body at the notches. In use, the pointed front end of the body is driven through the wall and the screw is inserted adjacent the guide arm to contact the angled portion of the pivot plate to cause same to pivot about the notches until the screw traverses the drive aperture, pulling the pivot plate along the track aperture towards the wall to compress the wall between the screw and the pivot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Vladimir Vayntraub
  • Patent number: 8925172
    Abstract: A fixture for mounting on a support structure having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a thickness, with a bore therethrough, comprising: a tubular body, having a top section and a bottom externally threaded section; a retaining collar, having an upper portion, the bottom surface thereof larger than the bore, and a circular internally threaded lower portion smaller than the bore; a keeper body, having an internally threaded circular passageway, including a ring shaped upper part having an outside surface and an outside diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the bore, and a lower part having a smaller diameter than said upper part, the retaining collar and keeper body sized for threading onto the tubular body; and pivotable, rotatable ears having an upper edge and a lower end providing a stop, mounted to the upper part of the keeper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas A. English
  • Publication number: 20140314516
    Abstract: A fastener is provided for securing a first panel to a second panel. The fastener includes a stud insertable through apertures in the first and second panels. The fastener further includes a pivoting handle assembly with a handle operatively connected to a stud head and pivotal between an upright position generally perpendicular to the first panel, and a folded position generally parallel to the first panel. A biasing mechanism is connected to the stud head and the handle that biases the handle outward relative to the stud head. A locking pin is connected to the stud head and the handle and is in connection with the biasing mechanism to hold the handle in the upright position or the folded. position. A fastener is also provided for securing together the first and second panels, including a grommet, a receptacle and an insert in threaded engagement with an interior of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Russell Ortner
  • Patent number: 8858143
    Abstract: A wall anchor is provided and includes a wing manually urgeable through a substrate, a cutting element attached to the wing at a leading side thereof to cut through substrate material upon the manual urging, a strap assembly rotatably coupled to the wing and configured to be manually gripped and to have a pulling force exerted thereon to thereby urge the wing against the substrate and a cap disposed to be movable along the strap assembly, respective engagements of a member with the wing and the cap being sufficient to draw the wing and the cap toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gaudron, Jacob Olsen
  • Publication number: 20140271031
    Abstract: Overcoming all typical limitations of fasteners, disclosed is a fully-reusable, non-deforming, precise position, drywall fastener for heavy-weight items that works by anchoring to outside of a drywall panel using a drywall hole reinforced hollow cutter bar and a precise-fit pin wall body with outside rims, while fastener anchors beneath drywall panel by a manual pivoting of fastener locking arms hinged to pin wall body. Advancement of a threaded locking bolt through a center hole of pin wall body reversibly wedges apart shoulders of locking arms to cause their lateral pivoting and then locking without over-tightening fastener parts or damaging drywall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Seth Agri, Michael Francis Kress
  • Patent number: 8821094
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (A) for hollow walls comprises an anchor body (400) and a toggle member (231) that is displaceable between a first position wherein the toggle member (231) is substantially aligned with the anchor body (400) such that the anchor assembly (A) can be inserted in the wall (W) via a cutting distal end (325) of the toggle member (231), and a second position wherein the toggle member (231) extends behind the wall (W) at an angle relative to the anchor body (400) which extends through the wall (W). The toggle member (231) is held captive in the first position but is released and then rotated to the second position by a fastener (218) introduced in the anchor body (400). The fastener (218) threadably engages the toggle member (231) thereby drawing the toggle member (231) against a hidden side of the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie Ltee-Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen, Andre Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8814485
    Abstract: A wall mounting assembly includes a threaded bolt having a longitudinally extending bore, an anchor bar, a cord, and a bushing configured to plug the hole in the wall. The bolt and anchor bar, attached by the cord, can be introduced through a hole in the wall and, by retrieving the cord, the threaded bolt can be caused to insert through a bolt hole in the anchor bar, and through the bushing aperture plugging the hole in the wall, thereby drawing the anchor bar flush against an interior surface of the wall. A fixture back plate positioned between an exterior surface of the wall and an end of the bolt, can be secured against the exterior surface of the wall by tightening a nut onto the threaded bolt, thereby also securing the anchor bar flush against the interior surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Scott T. Gleason
  • Patent number: 8807899
    Abstract: A grab bar or other accessory is attached to a wall with at least one anchor assembly. The anchor assembly can be removed and repeatedly used as needed. The anchor assembly includes a vertical support beam, an arm having a hub portion and an arm portion, and a mounting plate that is supported by the arm. The arm portion is received within a slot formed within the vertical support beam. A spring is attached to the vertical support beam and cooperates with the arm portion to hold the arm in place during installation. The mounting plate includes a plurality of hole locations spaced radially outwardly from a center opening. The mounting plate is rotatable to position the plurality of hole locations at one of many different desired mount positions for a variety of grab bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: William H. Spencer, Jr., Neil Edwards
  • Patent number: 8764364
    Abstract: A system (100, 600, 700) for fastening objects to a wall or ceiling (120) comprises a rear, wall-anchor section (105, 607, 705) with a bore, and a front, pivotable section (110, 602, 604, 720), rigidly abutted together with no gap, aligned by a projection (135), and connected by a “living” hinge, strap, flap, lanyard or other type of connector (115). The pivotable section has a sharpened tip (112, 630, 635, 725) for penetrating the wall while the fastener is forced into the wall by a hammer or other driving tool or device, or manually by hand. The two sections of the fastener have a tapered, elliptical cross-section (111) which both prevents rotation of the fastener and locally reduces load-responsive pressure in the wallboard. To install, the axes of the wall-anchor and pivotable sections of the fastener are first aligned. The fastener is forced into the wall one of the above means. Then a pin (140) is manually inserted into the bore of the wall-anchor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Brown, Gregory A. M. Brown
  • 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: 8475100
    Abstract: A wall fastener includes a nut having a major planar structure having a hole for receiving a screw, the major planar structure having a first end with two staggered knife edges on opposite sides of the major planar structure and a second end; and a string, wherein the string is detachably connected to the major planar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Defelsko Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Koch
  • Patent number: 8449236
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (A) for hollow walls comprises an anchor body (400) and a toggle member (231) that is displaceable between a first position wherein the toggle member (231) is substantially aligned with the anchor body (400) such that the anchor assembly (A) can be inserted in the wall (W) via a cutting distal end (325) of the toggle member (231), and a second position wherein the toggle member (231) extends behind the wall (W) at an angle relative to the anchor body (400) which extends through the wall (W). The toggle member (231) is held captive in the first position but is released and then rotated to the second position by a fastener (218) introduced in the anchor body (400). The fastener (218) threadably engages the toggle member (231) thereby drawing the toggle member (231) against a hidden side of the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie Ltee—Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen, André Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8424173
    Abstract: A spacer clip includes a flange, a shank extending from the flange that can be inserted into a through in a member being attached to, and legs extending from the end part of the shank, connected by hinges to the shank end part so as that they can pivot from an initial attitude to a clamping attitude wherein they are substantially parallel to the flange. Levers extend from root portions of the legs toward the tip ends of the legs so that they can pivot together with the legs. The legs have leg-side pawls in the portions thereof adjacent to the shank end part, which extend to the flange side when the legs are in the clamping attitude; the flange has flange-side pawls for engaging the leg-side pawls and maintaining the legs in the clamping attitude; and slits are formed on either side of the flange-side pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Daisuke Shiba
  • Patent number: 8403610
    Abstract: A fastener includes a sleeve and a rod received in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a top end including at least one outer flange extending radially outward therefrom and at least one inner flange extending radially inward therefrom and a lower end including at least one spring tab. At least one spring tab comprises an outer flange at its end that extends radially outward. the sleeve is inserted into the receiving holes of the top article and the bottom article until the outer flange of the top end rests on the top plate, the rod is then pressed to move to drive at least one spring tab to deflect outwardly until the outer flange of at least one spring tab is held in contact with the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Gui Wang, Kok-Kan Chan, Hua-Lin Lv, Yu Zou
  • Patent number: 8388290
    Abstract: A mounting system, comprising an insertion component configured to be partially inserted into but not through a hole in a first panel of a wall assembly with an elongated anchor having a hub and at least one anchor tab. An elastic holding member is configured to connect the insertion component and the anchor and the anchor located on a first side of a first panel is configured to be inserted through the insertion component opening defining the hole in the first panel. The holding member pulls the insertion component and the anchor toward each other when the insertion component and the anchor are located on opposite sides of the first panel and separated by approximately a first panel thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew Wiggins, Curtis Taylor
  • 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: 8353652
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (A) for hollow walls comprises an anchor body (400) and a toggle member (231) that is displaceable between a first position wherein the toggle member (231) is substantially aligned with the anchor body (400) such that the anchor assembly (A) can be inserted in the wall (W) via a cutting distal end (325) of the toggle member (231), and a second position wherein the toggle member (231) extends behind the wall (W) at an angle relative to the anchor body (400) which extends through the wall (W). The toggle member (231) is held captive in the first position but is released and then rotated to the second position by a fastener (218) introduced in the anchor body (400). The fastener (218) threadably engages the toggle member (231) thereby drawing the toggle member (231) against a hidden side of the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie Ltee—Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen, André Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8353653
    Abstract: An anchor bolt providing for fall protection. The anchor bolt has an anchoring device that may be of any standard type, for making use of an aperture either in or through a structure as an anchoring point, an elongate flexible member connected to the anchoring device at one end of the elongate flexible member, and a handle connected to a second end of the flexible member. The handle member is pivotally attached to the second end, for pivoting about the elongate axis of the flexible member as it extends from the second end. Preferably, the anchoring device is a novel, toggling type in which a toggling member is pivotally attached to the flexible member at a ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Karl Guthrie, Joseph Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8313273
    Abstract: A hook assembly comprises a body, a securing portion, a hanging portion, a connection portion and a pair of arc-shaped wings. The securing portion and the hanging portion are respectively extending from two opposite sides of the body. The securing portion comprises an extending portion and a hook portion parallel with the body. The extending portion is extending between the body and the hook portion. The connection portion is extending from the body, the wings are respectively extending from two opposite sides of the connection portion. Junction portions between the connection portion and the body and between the wings and the connection portion are cut, and the connection portion and the pair of the wings are respectively folded along corresponding junction portions resulting in the connection portion with the pair of wings together defining a receiving space to receive the body and the securing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Jun Chu
  • Patent number: 8303225
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, described herein is a wall anchor system includes an insert that is positionable within a hole in a wall. The wall anchor system further includes an anchor that is insertable into and passable through the insert. Additionally, the wall anchor system includes an elastic member that couples the insert and anchor. The insert and anchor remain coupled via the elastic member as the anchor is inserted into and passes through the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Lifetime Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Kearl, Lynn Vandyke, Matthew Wiggins, Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 8303224
    Abstract: An anchor assembly for walls comprises a toggle member and a strap member pivotally mounted together, and a locking member. In a first position thereof, the toggle member is aligned with the strap member for insertion through the wall, whereas in a second position thereof, the toggle member extends behind the wall at an angle relative to the strap member which extends from the toggle member through the hole in the wall. The locking member is adapted to be displaced along the strap member until it engages the wall and to be locked on the strap member to prevent the locking member from displacing away from the toggle member. Therefore, the locking member and the toggle member are connected by the strap member and imprison the wall by abutting respectively the visible and hidden sides thereof. A fastener introduced through the locking member and the wall threadably engages an opening defined in the toggle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8245816
    Abstract: This system includes support pieces (1, 1a) intended to be permanently fixed to the structure of the construction, interchangeable supports (30) fitted with a fixing device (4) for attachment to any of the support pieces (1, 1a) and with means of attachment for safety devices or load-bearing devices, intermediate supports (5, 14, 18) that can be coupled to the interchangeable supports and safety elements that can be coupled to the intermediate supports and/or the interchangeable supports. These protective elements include: head pieces (6) of lifelines, modular masts, angled brackets for attaching safety nets (9), protective canopies, safety guard masts (15), telescopic baseboards (16), extendible railings (17) and auxiliary railings (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jose Ramon Guinart Pallares
  • Patent number: 8235635
    Abstract: An anchoring fastener comprises a shaft (100) with straight and tapered portions, a tip (105) at the front, cam follower surfaces (110, 111) at the rear, a body (120) with a bore, a head (125) with a hole, and fins (115). There is a bendable region by the fins. The anchor is inserted into a wallboard (600) until the head contacts the wallboard. The fins slice into the wallboard, thereby preventing rotation during and after insertion. An activating member (900), a screw or a pin, is inserted into the hole and urged against the cam follower surfaces, thereby forcing the shaft to rotate until it comes into contact with the inner surface (615) of the wallboard. An object-holding washer (905), restrained by the activating member, is secured to the anchor which in turn is secured to the wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: International Patent Development Group, LLC
    Inventors: Brian A. Brown, Gregory A. M. Brown
  • Patent number: 8128329
    Abstract: A wall anchor attachable to a wall, the wall defining a wall aperture. The wall anchor includes a body; a retention element operatively coupled to the body so as to be reversibly movable between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein, when the retention element is in the retracted configuration, the wall anchor is insertable into and removable from the wall aperture, and, when the retention element is in the expanded configuration and the body is operationally extending through the wall aperture, the retention element cooperates with the body to attach the wall anchor to the wall; and an actuator operatively coupled to the retention element for selectively moving the retention element between the expanded and retracted configurations. Inserting the wall anchor through the wall aperture with the retention element in the retracted configuration and subsequently using the actuator to move the retention element to the expanded configuration attaches the wall anchor to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jean Pilon
  • Patent number: 8122567
    Abstract: A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Mark A. Connor, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE44016
    Abstract: The present invention is a wall anchor having a novel finger configuration. This wall anchor has a head and barrel portion with a bore extending therethrough and laterally expandable fingers in general alignment with the bore. Instead of a straight channel, a channel having curved portions separates the fingers. The curved portions of the channel define ramp surfaces that at least partially extend into the path of a securing member created by the bore. Thus, when a securing member, such as a bolt, pin, screw, nail or similar object is inserted into the bore to secure the wall anchor to the wall, the securing member contacts the two ramp surfaces, separating the fingers. As the fingers separate, a portion of the fingers near the ramp surfaces deform such that the ramp surfaces rest on an outer portion of the securing member, thus providing a securing force for connecting the wall anchor to the wall and relieving stress on the area at which the fingers are connected to the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Clairson, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee E. Remmers