Patents Examined by Louis Mercado
  • Secure zipper for use with enclosure
    Patent number: 10959495
    Abstract: A secure zipper that can be used for enclosures that prevents manipulation of the zipper pulls when the enclosure is in a closed state, other than by use of the pull tabs of the zipper pulls, by use of a security barrier placed along side the zipper proximate to the end of the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Erin MacArthur
  • String end cover
    Patent number: 10952511
    Abstract: An end cover to be attached to an end of a string is provided. The end cover includes a finger-hooking projecting portion having a first finger-hooking face, and a base portion having a second finger-hooking face, and the second finger-hooking face is provided at a position to suppress a rotation of the end cover as a support point of the first finger-hooking face when a pulling force acts on the string using the first finger-hooking face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Yohei Shimizu
  • Decorative cover for nails, tacks and screws
    Patent number: 10952508
    Abstract: A device to attractively cover the head of a nail or screw used to hang pictures and other items on a wall. The device has an attractive cover, a button cover attached to the back of the attractive cover, with a rotatable clasp section that can removably secure the head of a nail, screw, pin or other item. The button cover also has a magnet attached to its inside which helps secure the head of the screw, nail or pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Sarah Barrah
  • Shoe lace tightening device
    Patent number: 10945492
    Abstract: A shoelace tightening device includes a main ratchet gear and an auxiliary ratchet gear, which allows a stopper unit to be coupled so as to have a clearance such that the stopper accurately engages with the main ratchet gear. The shoelace tightening device further includes: a lower cover having a receiving recess within a top portion of the lower cover; a reel rotatably inserted into the receiving recess of the lower cover, wherein the reel includes a gear coupling portion provided on a top portion of the reel such that a wire is wound on the reel when the reel is rotated; a housing accommodating the reel inside the housing, wherein a bottom end portion of the housing is fixed to the receiving recess of the lower cover to be integrally fixed to the lower cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Jung-gon Kim
  • Adjustable bracelet clasp
    Patent number: 10945497
    Abstract: A bracelet clasp, of a deployant buckle type, is provided. The bracelet clasp includes first and second strips articulated to one another, between a closed position for wear and an open position, the first strip carrying a member for attaching a first bracelet strand, the second strip including, at its second end, a length adjustor for adjusting the length of the bracelet, the clasp further includes at least one locking member for holding the first and second strips in their closed position. According to an embodiment, the length adjustor includes a bar movable relative to the second strip and carrying a stud intended to be inserted into a hole in the bracelet to define a point of anchoring of the latter to the clasp, the movable bar being able to move and define at least two positions associated with a useful length of the bracelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: OMEGA SA
    Inventor: Rocco Catanese
  • Buckle for use with a belt, strap or other securement member
    Patent number: 10932529
    Abstract: A buckle operable with a securement strap. In a most preferred form, the buckle is a belt buckle for a belt including a belt strap having a free end, a connection end and an inner surface having one or more belt strap abutment portions. The buckle includes a body having a first end, a second end and a surface disposed between the first and second ends. The body further includes at least one buckle abutment portion extending outwardly or inwardly from the surface. The first end of the body is configured to be connected to a connection end of a belt strap. The at least one buckle abutment portion is configured to engage (i.e., to contact directly or be positioned to act with) at least one belt strap abutment portion. A release can be movably connected to the body. The moveable release (if used) can slide, pivot or otherwise move relative to the at least one buckle abutment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Stanley Mulfeld
  • Cable management for enclosures
    Patent number: 10939571
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device configured to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Tensioning tool
    Patent number: 10927882
    Abstract: The tensioning tool provides a monolithic tool particularly well suited to use with securing tarp systems used in outdoor recreation, and also useful in other applications and in other fields to anchor or secure weights or loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Dutch Clips LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Ressler
  • Clasp for jewelry item
    Patent number: 10925356
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a universal stud earring clasp that allows for fastening jewelry and jewelry devices. The present invention facilitates and improves the clasp system for jewelry by providing for a universal fastening device that is particularly compatible with stud earrings, but not limited to stud earring compatibility. The clasp provides for a greater pressure surface and a more ergonomic grip. People from almost all age ranges can handle the clasp, and the clasp is cost-efficient for manufacturing. The clasp also provides for a stud earring clap that is compatible with pins from the ALPA locking system. This invention solves the unmet need of a more secure clasp alternative to existing stud earrings and jewelry items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: JCP SYSTEME LTD.
    Inventor: Jean-Charles Pellegrino
  • Magnetic backing for collector pin
    Patent number: 10918176
    Abstract: The magnetic backing for collector pins is a mounting structure. The magnetic backing for collector pins is a magnetic structure. The magnetic backing for collector pins magnetically attaches to a target surface. The target surface is formed from a material that includes a magnetic material. The magnetic backing for collector pins is configured for use with a collector pin. The collector pin is a jewelry item that attaches to a garment. The collector pin attaches to the magnetic backing for collector pins such that the collector pin is displayed from the target surface. The magnetic backing for collector pins includes a truncated pyramid structure and a magnet. The magnet attaches to the truncated pyramid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Roth
  • Hammock
    Patent number: 10897982
    Abstract: A hammock assembly is provided and includes a zipper fastening system, a hammock, and a cover. The zipper fastening system includes a first tape section and second tape section corresponding to the first tape section. The hammock includes a hammock body with the first tape section attached to an edge thereof. The cover includes a cover body having the second tape section attached to an edge thereof. The cover is removably attachable to the hammock by connecting the first tape section and the second tape section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Dutch Clips LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Ressler
  • Multi-glide locking snap hook fastener
    Patent number: 10890206
    Abstract: A multi-glide locking snap hook fastener is disclosed which includes a fastener body and a gate closure. The body includes a curved hook and a base, with the base including a longitudinal bore and a multipart channel extending radially into the bore. The multipart channel includes a first channel segment extending along or across a first part of the base, and a second channel segment extending along or across a second part of the base, with the second channel segment offset at a first angle from the first channel segment. The gate closure is arranged within the bore and includes an elongated shaft and a grip extending from the elongated shaft and into the multipart channel, with the gate moveable both longitudinally and rotatably within the bore. Several different closed configurations are provided, requiring several different and distinct movements to fully open the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Slobodan S. Zivanovic, Donald E. Godshaw
  • Profiled clamp
    Patent number: 10890284
    Abstract: A profiled clamp with a clamping band and a clamping device. The ends of the clamping band each have a clamping head which protrudes radially with respect to a receiving space. The clamping device has two clamping parts and an elongate clamping element connecting the clamping parts. The clamping element extends through the openings in the clamping heads and presses the clamping parts against the clamping heads. The profiled clamp has intermediate elements which are provided between the clamping heads and the clamping parts. The intermediate elements have cutouts through which the clamping element extends, and an application surface for contact against the clamping head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Fabio Ghirardi, Viktor Stoll, Gerrit von Breitenbach, Manuel Baudoin, Brian Geese
  • Sheet-securing device
    Patent number: 10883568
    Abstract: A sheet-securing device through which a sheet is attached to a cable. The sheet-securing device includes a frame; a stopper; and a locking element interacting with the frame to secure the sheet in a locked state between the stopper and the frame of the sheet-securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Riego Despain
  • Sheet retainer
    Patent number: 10881216
    Abstract: A sheet retainer to retain a sheet fitted onto a bed in a wrinkle free or taut condition is disclosed herein. The sheet retainer includes a base member, a rail member, and a grip member. The rail member extends vertically from at least a portion of an end of the base member. The base member is placed beneath a corner edge of the mattress securing the bed sheet and pushed or butted against the rail member to maintain the bed sheet onto the mattress in a taut position. The base member includes a textured surface to retain the bed sheet fitted onto the mattress in the taut condition and prevent dislodging of bed sheet from the mattress. Advantageously, the sheet retainer holds the bed sheet tucked beneath the mattress in taut condition without causing damage to the bed sheet, or to the user during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Monika Shultz
  • Device for adjusting length of string
    Patent number: 10874175
    Abstract: Provided is a device having an improved structure that lowers the unit cost and failure rate of a product by reducing the number of components and improves the assemblability, consistency in quality, operational stability, and convenience of future servicing of the product. In the device, a shaft and a shaft coupling part of a winding drum are simply coupled without a separate coupling member as a protruding portion formed on the shaft becomes caught in a catching portion formed on the shaft coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Youn Seo So
  • Slide closure with stabilizing fins and associated garment
    Patent number: 10869526
    Abstract: A slidable closure includes a first fastener tape and a second fastener tape and a stabilizing fin. A first row of fastener elements extends along a first fastener tape longitudinal edge. A retainer box is positioned near first fastener tape bottom edge and adjacent a bottom fastener element of the first row of fastener elements. A second row of fastener elements extends along a second fastener tape longitudinal edge and is configured to selectively interlock with the first row of fastener elements. An insertion pin is positioned near the second fastener tape bottom edge. The stabilizing fin is more rigid than the first fastener tape and is substantially planar. The stabilizing fin is coupled with the first fastener tape to extend upwardly from a first fastener tape bottom edge and defines a first edge closest to the first row of fastener elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Sarah Jane Zahradka
  • Secure attachment device and wearable device utilizing attachment device
    Patent number: 10856628
    Abstract: An attachment device for use with a wearable item includes a first cord end and a second cord end. The first cord end has restricting grooves and the second cord end has a buckle unit. The restricting grooves include a first groove and a second groove, and the buckle unit includes a first buckle and a second buckle. The first groove restricts the first buckle to an X-axis movement, and the second groove restricts the second buckle to movements along Y and Z axes when the first cord end is connected with the second cord end. The X, Y, and Z axes are each perpendicular to the other two. A wearable device using such an attachment device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignees: HONGFUJIN PRECISION ELECTRONICS (ZHENGZHOU) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hai-Tao Wang, Fu-Pin Hsieh
  • Multi-function buckle assembly
    Patent number: 10849391
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a female buckle body that interchangeably mates with either one of a male buckle body or a retainer ring defining a leading bar. The female buckle body has a receptacle to receive an extension portion of the male buckle body slidable therein. A biased lever body is pivotally supported on the female buckle body for cooperating with a catch on the male buckle body between a blocking position retaining the extension portion in the receptacle and a released position allowing removal of the extension portion. The female buckle body also has a slot aligned with the receptacle to receive the leading bar of the retainer ring therein so that the lever body can also selectively retain the retainer ring mated with the female buckle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Gordon Daniel Oke Templeton
  • Self-locking edge clip assembly
    Patent number: 10851820
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an edge clip assembly for attachment of a component, and, more specifically, to an edge clip assembly which is self-locking. The edge clip assembly includes a clip body and a spacer provided within the clip body, and further includes an interlock securing the spacer in a final position in which the clip body can be engaged with the component to hold the component under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Jim Raymond Spearing