Patents Examined by David Upchurch
  • Patent number: 9200660
    Abstract: A quarter turn fastener includes a deflectable head and part in assembly legs for securing the fastener in a subassembly with one component positioned between the deflectable head and the part in assembly legs. Cooperating lock arms on the fastener and lock ribs on the component secure the fastener against unintended rotation for loosening. Stop ribs on the component limit the distance the fastener can be rotated. Main body legs are provided for securing a second component with the subassembly. Cooperating structures of the fastener and the components limit the fastener to rotate only in the lock direction from the unlocked position and in the unlock direction from the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Tisol, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9198485
    Abstract: A bracelet clasp including an easily manipulated device of simple structure for adjusting the usable length of the bracelet by a firm adjustment, including when the clasp is open. The adjusting device is separate from the locking member, and the lock is arranged to move from its closed state to its open state by the user acting on the control member of the locking member such that the adjusting device is capable of being shifted independently of the open or closed state of the clasp. The clasp has a discrete structure, since it is actuated by the control member already provided for unlocking the clasp, although it is separate from the locking member of the clasp, and this additionally allows the length of the bracelet to be adjusted even when the clasp is in its closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: OMEGA SA
    Inventors: Cedric Kaltenrieder, Rocco Catanese
  • Patent number: 9199105
    Abstract: A safety hook includes a hook member, a latch member, and a switch, wherein the both the latch member and the switch are pivoted on the hook member, and the latch member is moved between a lock position and an unlock position by pressing the switch. The hook member is covered by a insulating member, and the insulating member includes two insulating layers with different colors to warn the user by the color change if the outer insulating layer is worn. The latch member and the switch are covered by insulating members as well to avoid electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: YOKE INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventor: Wei-Chieh Hung
  • Patent number: 9193210
    Abstract: A fastener for sheet objects may include first and second portions which are positioned or are positionable in an adjacent spaced relationship with respect to each other so as to define a sheet object receiving region therebetween. Piercing means are provided which are movably mounted on the first portion. The piercing means may be adapted so as to pierce one or more sheet objects disposed within the sheet object receiving region when moved into an operative state in which the piercing means extends across the sheet object receiving region between the first and second portions. The fastener may further include retaining means for retaining the piercing means in the operative position when moved thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Shahnoor Hossain
  • Patent number: 9194161
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated peg and box tube, the peg and box tube are coaxially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the respective peg and are concentric, first and second apertures extending through the peg and box tube, first and second respective arms within the peg each with a plurality of teeth from an exterior wall towards a second, opposing side of the peg directly adjacent one of the first and second apertures and a strap extending from each of the peg and box tube and from opposing longitudinal ends, wherein each of the straps has a plurality of notches extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strap, where each of the plurality of teeth of the respective arms engages one of the plurality of notches of a respective strap inserted through a corresponding one of the first and second apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Armament Systems And Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Parsons, Siu Ngai Wang
  • Patent number: 9179744
    Abstract: Provided is a fastener that can be recycled as paper. The fastener includes a tape member and an engaging element attached to the tape member, and the total weight of the cellulose fibers included in the tape member and the engaging element is 51 to 100 wt % of the total weight of the tape member and the engaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Go Takani, Eiji Nakayama, Mitsuo Tsuzuyama
  • Patent number: 9179743
    Abstract: Provided is a resin snap fastener, which has excellent heat resistance, rigidity and toughness, and reduced decrease in rigidity when absorbing water, and which does not emit endocrine disrupters. The snap fastener is obtained by molding a resin composition comprising 45-100 parts by weight of wollastonite with respect to 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignees: YKK Corporation, Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Momose, Hiroyuki Sugiyama, Yasufumi Morita, Hideo Yogou, Hideshi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9175744
    Abstract: A cable connector includes a first part for receiving a cable end of a first cable and a connecting element for connecting to a second cable, at least one second part which encompasses the first cable, and at least one joint which connects the first part and the second part to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group France SAS
    Inventor: Jörg Böhm
  • Patent number: 9175474
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a member to a honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of a honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus. A honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a honeycomb core and an apparatus for attaching a member to the honeycomb core. The apparatus includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of the honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. May, James D. Hethcock, Jr., John R. McCullough, Ronald K. Cox
  • Patent number: 9162086
    Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar assembly. The bar assembly is pivotably connected to a first side portion of the main part for rotation between a first position in which the bar assembly is not in contact a second side portion of the main part and a second position in which the bar notch receives the second side portion. The bar assembly is arranged in the first position to allow a portion of the rope to be arranged within a central opening and at least partly around the bar part. The bar part is arranged in the second position such that the main part and the bar part define first and second opening portions of the central opening and the portion of the rope extends through the first and second opening portions and at least partly around the bar part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Conterra, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Lipke
  • Patent number: 9162604
    Abstract: A fastener operable to fasten to a strap having a tensioned segment and a loose segment includes a planar profile having at least two sides defining an elongated wrap section configured for having the loose segment of the strap wrapped around it, and at least one slot configured to clip onto the tensioned segment of the strap, and retain the loose segment of the strap wrapped around the elongated wrap section against the tensioned segment of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Micah L. Thurlow
  • Patent number: 9164543
    Abstract: One embodiment of the leash for an electronic device, with a data port, comprises: a connector; a singular cord; an elastomeric coating; a protective element; and a washer. The connector includes a broad face, an insertable member adjacent to the broad face and configured to engage the data port, and a latch configured to selectively lock the insertable member to the data port. The singular cord includes a first and second end and defines a spring-loop junction therebetween, wherein the second end is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction to form a loop. The elastomeric coating is arranged over the cord between the first end and the spring-loop junction and defines a spring section therebetween. The protective element is arranged over the spring-loop junction and the second end of the cord. The washer couples the first end to the connector, the cord extending from the broad face of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: KENU, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Y Minn, David E Yao, Michael C Huang
  • Patent number: 9155361
    Abstract: A mechanical lever buckle having a buckle base plate, a lever element, a buckle prong and a belt loop element having a belt guiding element for guiding a belt in a belt guiding direction is disclosed. The buckle base plate includes an elongated slit oriented in the belt guiding direction. The lever element includes an elongated guiding opening that allows passage of at least a portion of the buckle prong. The lever element is attached to the buckle base plate at a first rotation axis, such that during rotation the elongated guiding opening intersects at all time with the elongated slit and the buckle prong slides along the slit and the elongated guiding opening. The lever element includes a lever tooth that interacts with a belt loop tooth when the lever element is rotated to the determined angle of rotation to block a belt loop element's movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: ROLAND ITEN MECHANICAL LUXURY SA
    Inventor: Roland Iten
  • Patent number: 9155362
    Abstract: A clip includes a male member having a head portion and a shaft portion, and a female member having a base portion, a fitting portion into an attachment hole for one attachment object, and a reception hole for the shaft portion. The clip is formed to hold another attachment object between the head portion and the base portion. An inside of the reception hole of the female member includes a first sliding contact portion relative to a first cam portion formed at an end of the shaft portion, an engagement concave portion relative to an engagement protrusion formed in a middle of the shaft portion, and a second sliding contact portion located at a hole opening of the reception hole and relative to a second cam portion formed at the engagement protrusion. The shaft portion can be inserted into and released from the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Shimizu, Yuki Hirano
  • Patent number: 9157699
    Abstract: Disclosed is a D-ring for use in sling systems, in particular firearm slings, where quick detachment and consistent behavior of the sling are of particular importance. At least two swivel sockets are provided on opposite sides of the D-ring for ambidextrous use and slots are provided to restrict rotational movement of the attached swivels. The D-ring may be formed from a single toroid or a conglomeration of different toroidal forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp
    Inventors: Thomas Ward, Michael T. Mayberry, Richard M. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 9149089
    Abstract: Lacing systems can be used for tightening a shoe or other article. Some embodiments include a lace guide that includes a lace channel that is disposed below a portion of the shoe such that the lace channel is hidden from view, and an exposed end piece that is positioned on the exterior of the article such that the end piece is visible during use. The end piece can be generally bell-shaped and can provide a curved sliding surface for a lace to slide on when being tightened or loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse D. Cotterman, Sean T. Cavanagh, Michael J. Nickel, William F. O'Dell
  • Patent number: 9149093
    Abstract: A clasp for a bracelet enabling the bracelet length to be adjusted with the clasp closed. The clasp has first and second leaves pivotably connected relative to one another at a first end. A cover pivotably connects a second end of the first leaf to be connected to a first strand of the bracelet. A mobile tip is arranged on a second end of the second leaf to connect to a second strand of the bracelet. The clasp has an indexing mechanism for adjusting the length of the bracelet and a release arranged such as to enable the mobile tip to move from one indexed position to another. The second leaf ends in two rectilinear rails along which the mobile tip can slide. The indexing mechanism is located on a rail of the second leaf while the release mechanism is arranged to move together with the mobile tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: THI TECHNOLOGIES HORLOGERE INDUSTRIELLE S.A.
    Inventors: Georges Leger, Arnaud Girardot
  • Patent number: 9145948
    Abstract: A tie-down device, for use in aircraft by way of example, is provided that includes an elongated member having an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. Each end portion has an aperture extending transversely through the upper and lower surface portions. A pliable cord extends through the apertures and has a grounding end portion and a stop end portion. A distal securing member, such as a hook, is fixed to the grounding end portion of the pliable cord, and a proximal securing member, also a hook by way of example, is slidably engaged along the pliable cord. The grounding end portion is secured to a ground member, the proximal securing member is secured to the aircraft, and the elongated member is slid distally towards the grounding end portion to tighten the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Salvatore Corio
  • Patent number: 9138624
    Abstract: A golf glove magnetic attachment adaptor has a magnetic body and a male snap stud. The magnetic body includes a magnet and a magnet casing; the magnet casing having an end wall, a lateral wall, and an end cap. The magnet is positioned within the magnet casing and allows the golf glove magnetic attachment adaptor to be attached to any substantially ferrous metal object. The male snap stud is centrally connected to the magnet casing opposite the magnet and allows the golf glove magnetic attachment adaptor to be attached to a female snap socket of a golf glove. In turn, the golf glove can be attached to any desired metal object. The golf glove magnetic attachment adaptor also functions as a ball marker when detached from the golf glove by depressing the male snap stud into the ground in order to anchor the magnetic body in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Matthew Maugham
  • Patent number: 9138031
    Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Mark A. Peltier, Peter Kitzer, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, William C. Unruh, Kristopher K. Biegler