Patents Examined by David M Upchurch
  • Fiber optic enclosure with retention clip for securing a perimeter seal
    Patent number: 11499578
    Abstract: One or more seal retention clips can be used to retain a perimeter seal within a perimeter groove defined by a fiber optic enclosure housing. Certain types of seal retention clips can include portions that embed or bite into the housing of the enclosure, and/or embed or bite into the perimeter seal. In certain examples, the seal retention clip includes tabs or teeth that assist in engaging the housing and the perimeter seal. In certain examples, the seal retention clip defines a channel for receiving the perimeter seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA
    Inventors: Maarten Aerts, Olivier C. Roche, Christiaan Radelet, Joren Schurmans
  • Rapid cord fastener
    Patent number: 11497280
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a string and/or netting includes a cord fastener and a cord. The cord fastener includes a clasp defining a first opening and a second opening spaced apart from the clasp. The cord is detachably coupled to the cord fastener, and includes a first end extending through the second opening, and a second end insertable into the clasp. The clasp is configured to allow the cord to be pulled through the clasp in a first direction, and to substantially prevent the cord from being pulled in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the clasp includes a plurality of fingers that extend at an angle relative to a central axis of the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Overwatch LLC
    Inventor: Peter Kingwill
  • Male snap button and female snap button
    Patent number: 11490695
    Abstract: Provided is a male snap button (10) including a metal male snap body (20), and a fixing member (30) for fixing the male snap body (20) to a fabric (1). The male snap body (20) includes: a male-side engagement part (21) in annular shape capable of being removably engaged with a female-side engagement part (60) of a female snap button (40); and multiple claws (27). The male-side engagement part (21) defines an opening (28) that exposes the fabric (1) inside in a radial direction thereof. A diameter (D1) of the opening (28) is greater than a length (W1) in the radial direction from an outside edge of the opening (28) in the radial direction to an outside edge of the male snap body (20) in the radial direction. The fixing member (30, 30a) includes claw accommodation parts (33) to receive the claws (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: YKK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kota Kanno, Kazunori Somai, Daisuke Hayashi, Kohei Iwata, Nariko Kubota
  • Attachment apparatuses and associated methods of use and manufacture
    Patent number: 11480202
    Abstract: A system for carrying or using a device includes the device and at least one attachment apparatus. The device may include at least one attachment element. The attachment apparatus may include a length of material and at least one attachment point arranged on an end of the length of material. The at least one attachment point may include at least one magnetic feature configured to attach and detach the device and the length of material. The material can include but is not limited to cloth, metallic (magnetic and non-magnetic), fibrous material, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Matthew D. Rohrbach
  • Hose clamp with spring liner and method
    Patent number: 11466803
    Abstract: A hose clamp includes an annular band and a spring liner. The spring liner includes an annular body having a central axis. The annular body includes a first body section, a second body section, and a central body section connecting the first body section and the second body section. Various methods include applying the hose clamp to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Ideal Clamp Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Bowater, Edwin T. Koehler
  • Cable tie
    Patent number: 11465819
    Abstract: There is disclosed a releasable cable tie having an elongated flexible strap provided with a plurality of strap teeth and with a locking head disposed at one end of the strap. The locking head defines a passage therethrough wherein there is located a resiliently movable pawl being configured to engage with the strap teeth when the strap is inserted through the passage. The locking head has a first leg joined to the strap and a second leg being pivotally movably joined to the first leg at a hinge. The locking head can be selectively disposed between an open position and a closed position. In its closed position the second leg butts against the first leg to define the passage, whereas in its open position the second leg is spaced away from the first leg to provide a side opening into the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Tony Richard Shimmin
  • Connector assembly
    Patent number: 11466715
    Abstract: A connector assembly may include a body including a first aperture and a second aperture; a rotating member disposed at least partially in the first aperture; and/or a mating member having a portion disposed at least partially in the second aperture. The rotating member may be configured to rotate to limit movement of the mating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Chris J. Edwards
  • Locator systems and methods for hose clamps
    Patent number: 11460132
    Abstract: Locator systems and methods for hose clamps include at least one a locator tab. Each locator tab includes a main body, a clamp end, and at least one flange. The main body includes a crossbar having opposing first and second ends, a first leg extending from the first end, and a second leg extending from the second end. The clamp end extends from the main body and is configured to be secured to a hose. The at least one flange extends from the main body and is configured to retain a band of the hose clamp between the at least one flange and the crossbar until the band is tightened around the hose. The crossbar is non-parallel to the band when the band is retained between the at least one flange and the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ideal Clamp Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua B. Smith, Marc D. Bullard, Watkins Crockett, Richard Baehr
  • Integrated closure device components and methods
    Patent number: 11457698
    Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Systems and methods for a connector
    Patent number: 11454263
    Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further includes a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post. The stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector further includes a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Kileean E. Bell
  • Top tube adaptor
    Patent number: 11453344
    Abstract: A top tube adaptor contains: a body, two fixers, and a slidable rod. The body includes at least one slot, and a respective positioning rack has multiple teeth. The slidable rod includes a channel and a locking seat for accommodating a rotatable connector. The rotatable connector includes two shafts, a press portion, a button, an orientation segment, an engagement portion, and a first resilient element. A respective fixer includes a curved hook, a cutout, two tabs, a coupling projection, a column, and a second resilient element. The second resilient element has two abutting segments, one of the two abutting segments abuts against the two tabs, and the other abutting segment contacts with or removes from the coupling projection so as to close or open the cutout. The two fixers are connected with two ends of the slidable rod respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: YEONG TON INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable article
    Patent number: 11439203
    Abstract: A lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable article includes a body defining a first passage extending through the body from an entrance opening of the body to a first exit opening of the body, and the body defining a second passage extending from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second exit opening of the body. The body is configured with a segment of the first passage extending from the intermediate portion to the first exit opening in communication with the second passage. At least a portion of the second passage is narrower than the first passage so that a portion of the cord disposed in the segment of the first passage is movable relative to the first passage when tensioned and is repositionable to the second passage where the cord locks to the body and retains tension. A wearable article includes the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Elizabeth Langvin, Haley L. Toelle
  • Snap and lock
    Patent number: 11432620
    Abstract: A button system containing two pieces that snap and lock together to fasten multiple articles of clothing. The top piece is made of three distinct parts: a detachable ridged color-coded cover, a fastener that attaches said cover to a rotatable hinged plate, and a fastener that secures all three pieces of the top piece. The bottom piece is also made up of three distinct parts: a plate to receive the hinges from the top piece, a curved structure that connects the hinge/cavity plates to the article of clothing, and a rivet that attaches to the article of clothing and the snap and lock invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Richard P. Steinke, II
  • Fastening system
    Patent number: 11434055
    Abstract: A fastening system having a cable tie which has i) a toothed cable tie strip and ii) a cable tie head with a detent device for detent engagement with the toothed cable tie strip. The fastening system further includes a holding apparatus which is separate from the cable tie. The cable tie, in the fully assembled state, is positioned relative to the holding apparatus such that the material for binding held by the cable tie is arranged spaced apart from the holding apparatus in order to reduce abrasion of the material for binding. A cable tie, a holding apparatus for a fastening system of the type, and a corresponding assembly method are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: HellermannTyton GMBH
    Inventor: Ole Matz
  • Adjustable silicone wrist band and kit
    Patent number: 11432623
    Abstract: The invention is an assortment of apparatuses to magnetically tether a dental hygienist's hand to the utility tubes and hoses commonly found in a dental office. In a preferred embodiment, this is an adjustable silicone utility band containing a magnet which is worn by the hygienist. This tethers him or her to a utility hose or tube, which has a clasp that contains a reciprocal magnet. In another embodiment, the invention is a ring or fingergrip which contain magnets that tether to the utility hose or tube via the magnetized clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Kimberly Valenti
  • Metal one piece security slide and pull for slide fastener
    Patent number: 11432621
    Abstract: The invention involves a securable slider assembly for a zipper. The securable slider assembly is formed in a single die cast operation to include the securable slider and the pull being formed simultaneously. At least one side shifting slide is incorporated into the die, which allows the bridge and pull loop to be formed with their full geometric shape and without the converging flat surfaces required in the prior art. The slide assembly includes a puller that includes geometry to allow two slides to be secured together after the closing operation of the zipper teeth and restricts the ability to separate the pullers for opening of the zipper teeth to provide security to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Shah Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nirav Ashok Shah
  • Fastening clip with visual seal
    Patent number: 11421719
    Abstract: A fastening clip is provided for fastening to one or more support structures. The fastening clip includes a clip body and a seal. The seal is disposed around a peripheral edge of the clip body and includes a first end and a sealing foot, the first end engaging the clip body, the sealing foot projecting from the first end to a second end such that the second end is disposed radially outwardly from the first end, and the second end being radially aligned with or disposed radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the collar in an uninstalled configuration. In an installed configuration, the circumferential seal is configured to flex against a support structure in response to applied pressure between the seal and the support structure so that the second end is disposed radially outwardly from the peripheral edge of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Norikaze Imazu, Jason M. Zander
  • Band and watch
    Patent number: 11419395
    Abstract: A band of the present disclosure includes: a spring bar including a shaft member and an operation portion; an outer piece including a first arm portion and a second arm portion; and a middle piece disposed between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The first arm portion includes a first recessed portion provided along an axial direction of the shaft member, the second arm portion includes a first insertion hole provided along the axial direction, and the middle piece includes a second insertion hole provided along the axial direction, and a second recessed portion provided along the axial direction and in communication with the second insertion hole. The spring bar is inserted through the first recessed portion, the second insertion hole, the second recessed portion, and the first insertion hole. The operation portion is disposed protruding from an opening of the second recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Yuki Yamashita
  • Toggle cam bolt
    Patent number: 11421718
    Abstract: A toggle cam bolt is provided including a shank, a cam lever, a recess, and a toggle. The shank includes a first end and a second end. The cam lever is rotatably attached to the first end by a first pivot pin. The cam lever includes a lever handle and a cam lobe that is eccentric relative to the first pivot pin. The recess is located at the second end of the shank. The toggle is attached to the recess so that it is rotatable about a second pivot pin. A method of clamping two or more parts together using a toggle cam bolt is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Flexicon Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Gill
  • Slider for concealed slide fastener
    Patent number: 11419393
    Abstract: A concealed-slide-fastener slider includes a body including: a pair of flanges extending inwardly in the left and right direction from upper end portions of a pair of the side plates; and a raised portion raised upward from an upper wing plate. The body cooperates with a lock member to form a pull attachment portion including a shaft hole that penetrates in the left-right direction. A lower surface of the shaft hole includes an upper surface of the raised portion and is positioned above upper surfaces of the pair of flanges. A pair of fabric accommodating space portions, which accommodate a pair of fabrics fixed to upper sides of the pair of tapes and is partitioned by the raised portion in the left-right direction, is formed between the pull in a rearward lying posture and the pair of flanges in an upper-lower direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Koji Yamagishi