Patents Examined by David Upchurch
  • Patent number: 9021665
    Abstract: An elastic zip tie is integrally molded from foam rubber, and includes a long strip of strap, a head located at a front end of the strap, and a plurality of flexible grips axially spaced on an upper and a lower surface of the strap. At least one holding space is defined by between any two adjacent axially-spaced flexible grips. The head has a thickness defined between two lateral sides thereof and is substantially larger than a longitudinal length of the holding space, i.e., a distance between two adjacent flexible grips. When a tail end of the strap is extended through the head for the latter to rest on the strap in a selected holding space, the flexible grips located immediately before and behind the holding space are elastically pressed against the two opposite lateral sides of the head to thereby firmly hold the latter in the holding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Fong Chen
  • Patent number: 9015911
    Abstract: A coupling device for securing an ISOFIX child seat to a vehicle is provided with a housing including a first opening; a first pivot member adjacent to the first opening and pivotably secured to the housing, the first pivot member including first and second slots; a second pivot member forward of the first pivot member and pivotably secured to the housing, the second pivot member including a lock pin configured to receive in the second slot; a first biasing member in the housing and anchored on the second pivot member to interconnect the first and second pivot members so that the first and second pivot members can rotate clockwise; and a pulling member having one end held secure to the second pivot member and extending outwardly so that the second pivot member can rotate counterclockwise. The coupling device can be easily connected to or disengaged from an anchorage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Max-Inf (Ningbo) Baby Product Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Lihong Xu
  • Patent number: 9015913
    Abstract: Foreign objects that have entered inside an insertion body are suppressed from reaching a detector side. In a buckle device, when a tongue plate is attached, an ejector slides downwards inside a buckle body, opening a through hole in a partitioning wall of a lower cover at the upper side. A main body portion of a slider member of a buckle switch is inserted into the through hole, closing off a portion of the through hole that has been opened by the ejector. Hence it is suppressed that foreign objects discharged through an insertion through hole in the buckle body to outside the buckle body pass through the through hole and reach the buckle switch side further than the partitioning wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tetsushi Muromachi, Nao Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9009925
    Abstract: A load-strap tensioning device, which includes a body, at an outer end of which there is a transverse pin, to which is fastenable a binding strap having a suitable fastener at its end, at an opposite end of the body there is a transverse spindle and at a distance from it a ratchet pin, which is at least partially transferrable from an opening being between the body, between the spindle and the ratchet pin there is a gap into which an end of another binding strap, is settable, to the part formed by the spindle and the ratchet pin are fastened ratchet wheels and to the body is fastened a catch device, which is fastened to the body movably in its longitudinal direction, and to the body is fastened a spring for pressing the catch device against the ratchet wheels, at the end of the body is rotatably fastened a body part, which includes a second catch device being pressable against the ratchet wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Esa Takkinen
  • Patent number: 9009926
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable object including a case (2) and a bracelet or strap (14). The case includes a middle part (4) from which two pairs of horns (12) extend, the horns of each pair being connected by a guide element (50) defining a space in conjunction with the middle part. The portable object includes securing means (18) including a locking part (20, 20?) inserted in each end (30) of the bracelet or strap and at least one groove (22) located on the middle part (4). The securing means (18) is arranged to enable each end of the bracelet or strap to be inserted in the space defined by the middle part and the horns of each pair connected by the guide element (50), such that the locking part (20) cooperates elastically with said groove to secure said bracelet or strap to the case in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Tissot S.A.
    Inventors: Nicolas Ehrsam, Laurie Saunders
  • Patent number: 9009931
    Abstract: A strapping system used to hold a messenger bag or the like to a person. The system includes multi-component multi-attachment rotating and detachable buckles which provide pivoting motion about the intersection points of non-axial forces. The system allows for switching shoulders and adjusts to changing angles induced by changing the position of the bag on the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Jensen
  • Patent number: 9003616
    Abstract: A plastic clip of the present invention includes a clip boss integrally formed in a fixed panel; and a clip main body detachably assembled to the clip boss. The clip boss includes fitting portions provided in two lower side portions of a vertical plate provided with a fitting hole; and locking projections provided in front and back upper ends of the fitting portions. The clip main body includes an inverted triangular input portion provided in a lower end portion; a locking projection provided in an upper end portion of the input portion; a clip-boss input guide hole provided in the center of an upper end; a clip-boss input guide portion provided in the center of an internal upper portion and connected to the clip-boss input guide hole; and an elastic fitting piece provided in a lower end of the clip-boss input guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nifco Korea Inc.
    Inventor: Youn Young Choi
  • Patent number: 9003612
    Abstract: A coupler including an at least partially cylindrically shaped external body portion having a longitudinal axis, which further includes an integral first and second, axially opposed ends that have a taper along the longitudinal axis. The coupler includes an integral gate consisting of two axially opposed, disconnected tongue sections having an open space there between. The at least partially cylindrically shaped external body portion has an open space at least partially enclosed by an inner surface of the body portion and disposed over at least a portion of the at least partially cylindrically shaped external body portion. The external body portion is characterized by a maximum radial dimension, including a circumferential region of the at least partially cylindrically shaped external body portion intermediate the first and second axially opposed ends where the gate is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Reagan Woodard, Matthew Basnight, Etienne Marc, James N. Thompson, William Hopewell
  • Patent number: 8997317
    Abstract: In the case of a fall protection connector for connecting a strap to a load-fastening point for a person to be protected against falling, wherein the fall protection connector has a tubular band, at the ends of which respective connecting elements are arranged, wherein a length-variable element is arranged in the tubular band, the arrangement has been brought about in such a manner that the tubular band is formed from an elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Skylotec GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Rinklake
  • Patent number: 8997318
    Abstract: A bracelet including flexible end parts arranged to overlap each other in the closed position of the bracelet. The bracelet includes a first magnetic circuit portion integrated in one of the end parts and a second magnetic circuit portion integrated in the other end part, the magnetic circuit portions being arranged to mutually attract each other to unite the two end parts in the closed position of the bracelet. One end part includes second magnetic circuit portions which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to enable the length to be selected. The magnetic circuit portions include a soft ferromagnetic alloy yoke arranged transversely to the bracelet and parallel to the surface of the end part in which the magnetic circuit portion is integrated. The first magnetic circuit portion includes bipolar magnets arranged between the yoke and the contact surface of the end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Cedric Nicolas, Patrick Ragot
  • Patent number: 8984720
    Abstract: In one aspect, a tensioning instrument for a securing device, such as surgical cable, is provided having a pretensioning mechanism configured to allow a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable and a tensioning mechanism operable to increase the tension in the cable by predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension applied by the pretensioning ,mechanism. The tensioning device has a first actuator operatively coupled to the pretensioning mechanism and is configured permit a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable. The tensioning device also has a second actuator different than the first actuator which is operatively coupled to the tensioning mechanism. The second actuator may be moved between an open position and a locked position to cause the tensioning mechanism to increase the tension in the cable by the predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension, if any.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew P. Gephart
  • Patent number: 8978210
    Abstract: Tie-wraps of practically infinite length are disclosed that can be cut to any desirable size at the time of use. These tie-wraps allow wrapping of any size object and comprise a flexible strap part and a locking part, both of which can be reused numerous times. To use the tie-wrap, the user cuts a piece from the flexible strap bundle and inserts its ends into a locking part and pulls one or both ends of the strap until it is tightly wrapped around the object. In other embodiments the ends of the strap may enter the locking part from one side or from multiple sides. In alternative embodiments the locking part or the strap may have a single pawl or multiple pawls which are made of plastic, metal, or other materials. Disclosed tie-wraps may be used, in addition to wrapping, to form handles or tag holders for the wrapped object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Ataullah Arjomand
  • Patent number: 8978211
    Abstract: Reusable tie-wraps of arbitrary or unlimited length are discussed that can be cut to any desirable size at the time of use. These tie-wraps allow wrapping of any size object and include a flexible strap part and a locking part, both of which can be reused numerous times. The tie-wrap strap has flexible pawls which can bend or can rotate around a hinged base where pawls are attached to the strap. To use the tie-wrap, the user cuts a piece from the flexible strap bundle and inserts its ends into a locking part and pulls one or both ends of the strap until it is tightly wrapped around the object. In other embodiments the ends of the strap may enter the locking part from one side or from multiple sides. Discussed tie-wraps may be used, in addition to wrapping, to form handles or tag holders for the wrapped object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Ataullah Arjomand
  • Patent number: 8973509
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a strap ring (1), made from a material woven with warp threads (3) and at least one weft thread (4) extending between the warp threads (3). The woven material is a tubular fabric (11) whose warp threads (3) extend parallel to the axis of extension of the tubular fabric (11), the strap ring (1) being made from an axial section (16) of the tubular fabric (11) which is axially cut up by cutting the warp threads (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Hédé
  • Patent number: 8966719
    Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener and a method for manufacturing a slide fastener. A slide fastener is provided with: a pair of fastener tapes; a pair of fastener element rows provided respectively on the opposing tape-side edges of the pair of fastener tapes and having a plurality of fastener elements; and a slider configured to engage and disengage the pair of fastener element rows with and from each other. Each of the fastener element rows is composed of a monofilament which is made of synthetic resin. The monofilament has, on the surface thereof, a surface layer which can be colored with dyes. A roughened surface having a number of concaves is formed on the surfaces of the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Natsuki Kamada, Tadahiro Inomata, Shinji Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 8959728
    Abstract: A slider for slide fasteners having a slider body with the leading end of the upper and lower plates connected by a connecting bar and a y-shaped element guiding path disposed between the upper and lower plates, a pull with one end rotatably held on the upper plate, and a stopping hook disposed on the upper plate and having a hook at one end; the upper plate having an insertion groove for inserting the stopping hook, a locking part for locking the other end of the stopping hook, and a hook eyelet drilled so that the hook can be inserted; and the stopping hook is disposed so that by tilting/erecting manipulations of the pull, the hook can be inserted/withdrawn from the element guiding path through the hook eyelet; wherein the corners of the stopping hook that contact the locking part, at least during locking operation, form beveled parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8955202
    Abstract: A pull tab apparatus is easily connected to and disconnected from an external item such as a slide fastener and/or other item/article by a user, and is also easily assembled and disassembled by the user. According to exemplary embodiments, the pull tab apparatus includes a coil having a central portion and a plurality of arms coupled to the central portion. At least a portion of the coil includes a plurality of layers and a path exists between the plurality of layers, wherein a portion of an article is movable along the path from a first end of the coil where the coil is disconnected from the article to a predetermined position where the coil is connected to the article. A cover or gripping member is coupled to the coil. The cover or gripping member includes a first element having a first coupling mechanism and a second element having a second coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas T. Medsker
  • Patent number: 8938861
    Abstract: A removably attachable button includes a pin assembly and a cap assembly. The pin assembly has a pair of pins which releasably engage the cap assembly. The cap assembly has a front surface which has the appearance of a button and a rear surface which accepts the pin assembly. The button is utilized to embellish or to replace a missing button on a piece of clothing without needing to access sewing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Shan McLendon
  • Patent number: 8938865
    Abstract: A buckle includes a snap coupling mechanism including a locking element pivotable between a locked and an unlocked position for engaging and disengaging two tongues, respectively; a release button movable between a raised position and a lowered position corresponding to the locked and unlocked positions, respectively; a spring tending to keep the release button in the raised position; and two sliders opposing the insertion of the tongues. The sliders are configured to come between a body of the buckle and the locking element, when the locking element is moved into the unlocked position, so as to prevent the locking element from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. The release button is connected to the locking element so that when the release button is pressed, the locking element moves into the unlocked position, whereas when the release button is released, the locking element moves into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Novarace S.r.l.
    Inventor: Paolo Novara
  • Patent number: 8935833
    Abstract: In a cam lock buckle, a slide mechanism holds a movable member so that the movable member can slide between a first position at which a shaft is located close to a first end of an elongated hole and a second position at which the shaft is located close to a second end of the elongated hole. A gap defined between a holding portion and a bottom portion when the movable member is slid to the second position is narrower than a gap defined between the holding portion and the bottom portion when the movable member is slid to the first position. One of the holding portion and the bottom portion facing the holding portion is provided with a concave groove and the other of the holding portion and the bottom portion is provided with a convex tread that pushes a part of the belt into the concave groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kaneko