Patents Examined by James R. Brittain
  • Patent number: 7082647
    Abstract: The body of a snap-hook for carrying accessories is equipped with a guard lug attached to the top part and extending facing the lateral branch opposite the finger so as to define a groove designed to be inserted on a support element, in particular a belt, to achieve immobilization of the snap-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Alain Maurice, Paul Petzl, Anne Bauvois
  • Patent number: 7082649
    Abstract: In a Y bar for forming coupling elements, an opening angle of a pair of right and left leg parts is narrower than that of the ordinary ones. Plural bent portions, which are bent inward, are formed successively in an extending direction of the leg parts in a range from a crotch part toward pawl parts at front ends of the leg parts. The gap between the pawl parts are narrowed gradually from proximal ends to front ends thereof. Bulging portions are provided on outer side surfaces of the crotch part. Thus, the stabilization of the posture of a metallic coupling element, which is obtained by cutting the Y bar, at the time of mounting, strength of the coupling element and stabilization of the mounting posture of the coupling element to the fastener tape can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Aoki, Kunio Miyazaki, Manami Oono
  • Patent number: 7080430
    Abstract: An interlocking attaching system comprises a substrate adapter, an accessory adapter and a discrete locking member. The substrate adapter includes a base for affixing to a substrate object and a plurality of spaced apart raised regions disposed along a first longitudinal axis. The raised regions have slots defining a first plurality of passages oriented parallel to the first longitudinal axis and aligned with one another. The accessory adapter includes a base for affixing to an accessory object and a plurality of spaced apart raised regions disposed along a second longitudinal axis. The raised regions have slots defining a second plurality of passages oriented parallel to the second longitudinal axis and aligned with one another. The spacing between the locations of the raised regions of the adapters are dimensioned to position at least one raised region of one of the adapters between at least two raised regions of the other adapter when the adapters are in operational alignment, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Best Made Designs, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Wemmer
  • Patent number: 7076842
    Abstract: A securing arrangement (10) suitable for e.g. strapping material together. The arrangement (10) comprising an elongate member (12) with a plurality of holes (20) along its length, formed into a loop. An L shaped securing member (14) is provided at or adjacent each end of the loop, with a respective formation (30) engaged with all other holes (20). A nut and bolt (50, 52) is engageable between the stems of the respective securing members (14) to close the loop to a required position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: William David Steadman
  • Patent number: 7073231
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Patent number: 7069626
    Abstract: An improved lacing method and apparatus as provided, having a clasp with an anchoring end and a lace end, where the lace end is adapted to hold a lace. An anchoring end is also included having a first part and a second part where the first and second parts are movable away from and toward one another. The closing mechanism also has a receiver with a first receptacle and a second receptacle for engaging the first and second parts, respectively, and wherein the clasp is removably joinable to the receiver when the first and second parts are engaged with the first and second receptacles and, when the first and second parts are disengaged with the first and second receptacles, the clasp is separable from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventor: James E. Issler
  • Patent number: 7065840
    Abstract: A load binder for use in connection with a typical tie strap for securing a load for transport is provided. The load binder includes elements that are conformable to the shape of a particular load and which prevent the tie down from twisting upon itself. The load binder essentially comprises a body having and a handle pivotally attached to the body, a link pivotally attached to the handle, a first tie down engaging element attached to the link by a ball joint and a second tie down engaging element attached to the threaded shaft by a ball joint. The freely movable ball joints coupling the tie engaging elements to the binder allow the binder to conform to the shape of the load and also prevent the tie down from twisting upon itself. Additionally, a safety latch is incorporated into the binder which positively locks the handle in position relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Grant Profit
  • Patent number: 7065839
    Abstract: A magnetic clip comprising a combined magnetic member/second firm plate unit (34) lever, and a second flexible film (27) which is wrapped around and attached to said combined magnetic member/second firm plate unit lever, and an opposing ferric armature member (22) lever, and a folded flexible attachment means (26) to which said opposing levers are adhered under said fold. The lower proximal edge of said magnetic member serves as a fulcrum (44) about which said two levers can be pivoted by the operator's fingers of only one hand which can raise or lower portions (52), (56), (54), and (58) thereby causing the leading edges of said clip to open or close as needed to secure or release said clip to or from a sheet (30). Closed life size view (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: George J. Just
  • Patent number: 7062822
    Abstract: A clip comprising a pair of jaws each having an axially extending pressure surface, and resilient hinge arms hinged together from which the jaws are cantilevered for movement between a closed position in which the pressure surfaces are in facing opposition and an open position, and latch means for retaining the jaws closed. When the jaws are moved towards their closed position with a suitably thick object disposed therebetween, they will initially contact the object at a point and then rotate about that point, causing the hinge arms to stretch and thereby increase the spacing between the pressure surfaces, whereby they may be closed with a strong and relatively uniform clamping pressure about the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Jan Folkmar
  • Patent number: 7059590
    Abstract: An impact assembly for transferring forces from a head-on impact or a side impact between a vehicle and one end of an energy absorbing device facing oncoming traffic. The impact assembly may be used to transfer energy from a floor structure of a vehicle during a side impact with the one end of the energy absorbing device. Portions of the impact assembly are positioned relative to ground level to engage the floor structure of an impacting vehicle and/or the front bumper of a low profile vehicle. Portions of the impact assembly may be manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: Maurice E. Bronstad
  • Patent number: 7059022
    Abstract: A spacer (10) to be inserted into a dash silencer comprises a cylindrical hollow body (12), a first flange (13) extending radially outward from one of the ends of the body, a second flange (a contact flange) (14) extending radially outward from the other end of the body, and a plurality of engagement pawls each extending from the outer surface of the other end of the body toward the first flange. The engagement pawls include a resilient engagement pawl (17) and a rigid engagement pawl (18). The contact flange has an outer diameter slightly larger than the hole diameter of a mounting hole formed in the dash silencer to allow the spacer to be readily inserted into the mounting hole. Each of the engagement pawls (17, 18) has an outer shape expanding upwards outward to allow the spacer to be inserted into the mounting hole while aligning the respective centers of the spacer the mounting hole with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Kiyoteru Yuta, Osamu Uemura
  • Patent number: 7055226
    Abstract: A buckle, which comprises a female body and a male body, which may be inserted each other and prevents rocking in right and left directions and clattering of the female body and the male body at the time, is provided. A buckle comprising a female body formed with a flat housing and a male body having a pair of right and left flexible insertion legs, wherein when the female body and the male body are inserted to engage, the butting surfaces between the female body and the male body on a plane, that is, butting portions are formed with horizontal straight portions on both sides of the butting portions as well as a concave portion at the center in female body and a convex portion in the male body, or a convex portion in the female body and a concave portion in the male body continuously formed, so as to join the female body to the male body in the condition closely in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Tomohisa Ishida, Yukio Kamagata
  • Patent number: 7051409
    Abstract: A Velcro closure comprising at least one set of a first and a second surface each having a front side, in which the front sides, when placed against each other, stick to close the closure, in which the closure can be opened by pulling apart the front sides placed against each other, in which at least the first surface is of bendable design and is provided with a first longitudinal edge connected to a pulling part, in which the first surface is provided with a second longitudinal edge of fixed design located substantially opposite the first longitudinal edge, while the pulling part and the first surface are included in a hem provided with at least one recess for being able to place the first surface therein; and a first open end, while the pulling part projects outside the first open end and the second longitudinal edge is fixedly connected to the inside of the hem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Arion International V.B.
    Inventors: Erik Theodorus J. Joosten, Carl Johannus Th. Joosten, Anna Bernadette Kirschall-Moerskofski
  • Patent number: 7048462
    Abstract: A systematic solution is provided to the anchorage of newel posts designed for building methods that are not conducive to cutting holes in framed flooring or to building in support for posts in the joisting. These brackets connect quickly to newels and anchor anywhere on a floor or platform that has been built to code. They support the newel at the end of a balustrade, on the inside or outside corner of a balcony, or on a long balcony run where center support is critical. They will secure a starting newel for a curb wall or a landing and anchor the wall studding at the same time. Unlike universal brackets, these are job specific and therefore able to meet current or future code requirements without costly failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Lee Lanphier
  • Patent number: 7043802
    Abstract: A zipper pull mechanism attaches two free ends of a zipper cord together, after the free ends are looped through an eyelet in the zipper slider. The zipper pull mechanism will assist the user in operating the zipper. The zipper pull mechanism includes two components that snap fit easily together and onto the free ends of the zipper cord, thereby securing the zipper cord to the zipper slider. The zipper pull mechanism also includes a whistle integrated into the shape of the mechanism to be used to create a loud piercing noise so as to attract attention to the user. The zipper pull mechanism is easy to grip even by users wearing gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Thomas A. Moeller, John S. Pontaoe
  • Patent number: 7040833
    Abstract: A ball joint includes: a ball stud having a spherical ball part and a shank part extending from the spherical ball part; a bearing cupping the spherical ball part of the ball stud; and a housing holding the bearing therein. The housing is provided with a recess in an inner surface thereof. The bearing deforms to enter into the recess of the housing in such a manner that a space is formed between the bearing and the spherical ball part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kondoh
  • Patent number: 7036191
    Abstract: A lower stop of a zipper comprises a male stop formed by a lower portion and a high portion. An upper inner side of the lower portion has a downward hook and an upper top of the hook has a recess. One side of the recess has a stopper. A lower end of the downward hook is formed with an inclined groove; and a female stop has a buckle at an upper portion thereof and a block-like embedded seat at a lower portion thereof. An inner lateral wall of a top of the buckle is an upward protrusion and an upper side of the upward protrusion has cambered slot. An embedded groove penetrates through the embedded seat. An inner lateral wall of the embedded seat has a sliding groove which is communicated with the embedded groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Chang-Wen Tsaur
  • Patent number: 7036189
    Abstract: A fastening means with at least one flexible tension strand, which has a hook element at each of its two opposite ends, where it is provided in accordance with the invention that each end of the minimum of one tension strand is attached to a seating element, on which a hook element is supported with freedom to rotate around its longitudinal center axis. The invention is suitable in particular for the securing of objects in the interior space of passenger vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas C. Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 7032274
    Abstract: There is disclosed a metal fitting (100, 100a, 100b, 200) adapted to be secured to a base member (200) by at least an eyelet (102, 102a, 102b) or a rivet (222), in which the metal fitting (100, 100a, 100b, 200) includes at least an aperture (106, 106a, 106b, 214) adapted to receive at least part of the eyelet (102, 102a, 102b) or rivet (222), in which at least one tab (108, 110, 108a, 108b, 216) extends from a periphery of the aperture (106, 106a, 106b, 214) into the aperture, and the tab (108, 110, 108a, 108b, 216) is adapted to engage with a flared portion (112, 112a, 112b) of the eyelet (102, 102a, 102b) or rivet (222) to secure the metal fitting (100, 100a, 100b, 200) with the base member (200). There is also disclosed a document holder formed of such a metal fitting as attached to a base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Junichi Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7020939
    Abstract: A buckle comprising a female part having a hollow body with a front wall, a back wall, an open top, a cavity between the top and bottom walls and at least one locking slot extending through the hollow body and communicating with the cavity. The top and bottom walls have a cutout that communicates with the open top. There is a male part that has a base, at least one locking leg and a central leg. The central leg has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the cutout in the female part. The central leg also has a mesh portion that reduces the weight of the buckle. Inserting the male part into the open top of the female part causes the central leg to rest in the cutout of the female part and the locking leg to engage the locking slot to lock the male part to the female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher