Patents Examined by Robert J. Sandy
  • Slide fastener with simple locking mechanism
    Patent number: 9480311
    Abstract: In a slide fastener, at least one stopping element including a resistance portion that increases sliding resistance by being brought into contact with an inner surface of a slider when the slider is sliding is locally disposed locally on an element row of a fastener stringer. Accordingly, the slider can be stopped at any position where the stopping element is disposed arbitrarily on the element row and an immobilized state of the slider can be maintained. By operating the slider with a force greater than the sliding resistance to the stopping element, the slider can be made to ride over the resistance portion of the stopping element and to slide along the element row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Go Takani, Masayoshi Kojima
  • Buckle-tongue arrangement for four point seat belt system
    Patent number: 9480308
    Abstract: A four-point seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat is disclosed. The system includes a four-point seat belt restraint system mounted on a vehicle seat that includes a first lap belt portion having a back side and a second lap belt portion having a back side. A portion of at least one of the back side of the first lap belt portion or the back side of the second lap belt portion has a contour which substantially corresponds to the contour of the lap of the seated vehicle occupant. The contour is defined by a convex surface. Each of the buckle portion and the tongue portion may include a button release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen William Rouhana, Paul George Bedewi, Frank A. MacKenzie, Sundeep Venkat Kankanala
  • Repairable buckle
    Patent number: 9474333
    Abstract: A latching buckle assembly wherein one buckle component includes a removable cross-bar adapted to receive an attachment strap in looped relation. The cross-bar is adapted to hold the attachment strap in place during use while permitting free relative rotation. When the cross-bar is removed, the webbing can be disengaged from the buckle member to facilitate replacement if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
    Inventors: Christopher A. J. Iannello, Martin J. Nilsen, Michael B. Grimm
  • Female component of a press stud, a method for the manufacture thereof, and a press stud including this female component
    Patent number: 9474337
    Abstract: A female component of a press stud including a monolithic body made by hot forming and defining a housing seat for a retaining member housed in the housing seat and intended to lock a corresponding male component in position selectively during use. A locking lip, integral with the monolithic body, extends from the housing seat and is deformed so as to partially close the housing seat in order to secure the retaining member therein. In order to produce the female component, the monolithic body is hot formed, and the locking lip is deformed after the introduction of the retaining member into the housing seat, by hot or cold crimping, upsetting or deformation in general.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: RIRI S.A.
    Inventor: Ernesto Violato
  • Security key ring
    Patent number: 9474335
    Abstract: A key ring including a continuous loop of material including a first section extending for the majority of the circumference of the continuous loop of material having a thickness of D1, and a indented second section extending for the remainder of the circumference of the continuous loop having a thickness D2 less than D1. The key ring also includes a securing device slidable about the continuous loop to cover and uncover the indented second section. One or more spring clips including a moveable arm having a tip end and a fixed member to which the movable arm is attached, the moveable arm moving between an opened position and a closed position, wherein a distance D3 is provided between the tip end of the moveable arm and a hook end of the fixed member when the moveable arm is in the opened position abutting the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Heller
  • Fastener
    Patent number: 9474338
    Abstract: A fastening element is provided having a gripping portion, a plurality of gripping elements extending from the gripping portion, a supporting portion being defined by at least one supporting-portion wall extending from the gripping portion in a direction opposite that of the gripping elements, the supporting portion having a supporting-portion width smaller than a gripping-portion width of the gripping portion, such that a top flange is formed by the gripping portion relative to the supporting portion on at least one side of the fastening element, and an anchoring portion extending from a distal end of at least one supporting-portion wall and parallel to the gripping portion so as to form a bottom flange relative to the supporting portion on the at least one side corresponding to the top flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: APLIX
    Inventors: Quresh Sachee, John Bumgarner, Marc Woodling
  • Buckle apparatus to adjust strap length of a bag
    Patent number: 9474332
    Abstract: A buckle apparatus for use in adjusting a length of a strap coupled to a bag includes a slider buckle having a pair of openings and a loop member coupled to the bottom face of the slider buckle to permit the strap to extend within the loop member and through the pair of openings in the slider buckle, and an anchor buckle having a pair of openings, a pair of loop members coupled to the bottom face of the anchor buckle and at least one clip coupled to the top face of the anchor buckle. The strap extends within the loop members and openings in the anchor buckle. A user can retract an adjusted loop portion above the openings in the slider buckle and secure the loop portion to the at least one clip of the anchor buckle, thereby shortening the strap length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Naranjo
  • Systems and methods for a locking double carabineer
    Patent number: 9476446
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching items includes a body and a first and second hook oriented on a first and second side of the body. The apparatus further includes a first and second gate, the first gate attached to the body and oriented to close the first hook, the second gate attached to the body and oriented to close the second hook. The apparatus further includes a pivoting lock, the pivoting lock oriented in the body, the pivoting lock having a first position where a first end of the pivoting lock rests against the first gate and a second end of the pivoting lock rests against the second gate preventing the first and second gates from opening; and a second position where the first end of the pivoting lock does not rest against the first gate and the second end of the pivoting lock does not rest against the second gate, and the first and second gates may be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventors: Bowden Ormsbee, Peter Zagone
  • Clamped type coupling element slide fastener with the structure impervious to fluid
    Patent number: 9474341
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamped type coupling element slide fastener with the structure impervious to fluid, including a pair of support tapes, two rows of coupling elements respectively clamped at the inner edge of a first surface and a second surface of each of the support tapes, at least one surface of the top and bottom surfaces of the two rows of the coupling elements is formed with a groove; and an impervious elastomeric member. The impervious elastomeric member is filled in the groove of the two rows of the coupling elements thereby forming a covering layer, and the impervious elastomeric member is filled in a slit between the two rows of coupling elements and the pair of support tapes and in a slit formed on another surface of the two rows of the coupling elements thereby respectively forming a slit filling part and an extending part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Chao-Mu Chou, Shiu-Yin Cheng
  • Decorative locking device for a shoelace
    Patent number: 9468262
    Abstract: A one-piece locking device for a shoelace. The locking device includes a top portion hingeably connected to a bottom portion proximate a first end of the top and bottom portions. A shoelace coupling opening is located on a bottom surface of the bottom portion. A hook and latch mechanism is formed by a hook and latch, one each of which is disposed proximate a second end of the top and bottom portions. One or more shoelace clamping bars are located on a bottom surface of the top portion and a top surface of the bottom portion which together serve to clamp and retain a shoelace. The top portion also includes one or more openings configured for interconnecting with one or more corresponding protrusions on the bottom surface of a decorative element or RFID type chip. The decorative element is selectable by a user to provide visual decoration of the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Christelle Caron
  • Springless double ended elastic fabric tensioner
    Patent number: 9468308
    Abstract: A springless, double ended elastic fabric tensioner including at least two gripping members, each having a first jaw and a second jaw biased together at a first pivot point and a second pivot point wherein the first and second pivot points are set apart from each other. A compression activation site is positioned in between the first and second pivot points for activating the first and second jaws from a closed position to an open position. The fabric tensioner further includes a tensioning elastomeric member having a first end and second end and providing sufficient tension between the gripping members whereby each gripping member removably engages either the first or second ends of the elastomeric member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Eclips Global 2015 Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward Funger
  • Load restraint device
    Patent number: 9469238
    Abstract: A load restraint device including a base plate having a center and a first wing and a second wing extending outwardly from the center, at about a right angle from each other, with the wings defining a space between the wings. Also, a central pin is rigidly attached to the center of the base and extends outwardly in direction perpendicular to the base plate, and has a rounded surface, facing away from the space between the wings. Further, a first side pin is attached to the first wing and a second side pin attached to the second wing, with the side pins extending parallel to the central pin. Finally, an end plate is rigidly attached to the central pin and has two end plate wings, defining a space between, that is aligned to the space between the wings, the end plate being parallel to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas A. Coleman
  • Automatic gripping device with extremely flexible hooks
    Patent number: 9468266
    Abstract: An automatic gripping closure device comprising a first element with hooks comprising a first base band and at least two first hooks originating from the first band and placed in at least one row of first hooks (9), each first hook being delimited by two faces (11, 12) that are mutually opposed and transverse to the direction of the at least one row of first hooks and at least one coupling portion (13, 14) protruding laterally from the stem, preferably at the top of the latter, while extending in a direction transverse to the direction of the row, and a second element with hooks comprising a second base band and at least two second hooks originating from the second band and placed in at least one row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: APLIX
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Ducauchuis, Thierry Marche
  • Button repair system and method
    Patent number: 9468246
    Abstract: A button replacement and reinforcement system which provides a quick and simple alternative to sewing a button into place. This system is versatile in that it can be used on buttons with one or up to four holes. It provides a secure attachment or reinforcement to button placement, and is also able to add buttons as an embellishment to a variety of materials, including materials. It is quick and simple to use, and hold buttons securely in place without the need for a needle or thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Elaine T. Hamilton
  • Device for attaching two mechanical connectors
    Patent number: 9468809
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching two mechanical connectors includes a strap and a protective enclosure. The strap includes opposite first and second ends folded so as to define first and second loops separated by a central part to which the first and second ends are secured, each loop being configured to allow a connector to pass. The protective enclosure includes main flanges and side flanges connected in a permanent manner, the main flanges covering main surfaces of the strap and the side flanges covering lateral surfaces of the central part so as to define a first closed loop forming a first opening around the first loop and a second closed loop forming a second opening around the second loop. Each opening is configured to allow passage of a connector, and at least one of the openings is configured to enable the strap to be inserted in the protective enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ZEDEL
    Inventor: Antoine Coursimault
  • Multipurpose strap device for securing, fastening, removably attaching, carrying, storing, holding and/or locking items and/or objects
    Patent number: 9468285
    Abstract: The present invention is a multipurpose strap device for securing, fastening, removably attaching, carrying, storing holding, and/or locking items and/or objects. One current embodiment allows for carrying a helmet on a motorcycle by securing said helmet to said motorcycle via the multipurpose strap device. Other embodiments find use of the invention as a wallet, carrying case, or other storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Roger Martinez
  • Belt buckle arrangement with a belt buckle pivotably mounted on a holder
    Patent number: 9469273
    Abstract: A belt buckle arrangement for a seat belt system includes a belt buckle (1) with a spring-loaded locking mechanism for locking a belt tongue in a buckle housing (2). A spring-loaded push button (3) is displaceably guided on the buckle housing (2) for acting on the locking mechanism. A belt buckle status sensor (4) is connected with a data cable (5) directed out from the belt buckle (1). The buckle housing (2) is pivotably connected with a holder (6). Pivoting of the belt buckle (1) to the holder (6) is delimited by a stop (8) on the holder (6) abutting a stop surface (7) on the belt buckle (1). A sound-absorbing element (9) between the stop (8) and the stop surface (7) has a guide section (10) ensuring that the data cable (5) in the belt buckle (1) does not come in contact with the holder (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Göran Carlsson, Mikael Jansson
  • Carabiner including a lock mechanism
    Patent number: 9470258
    Abstract: A carabiner includes a body having a first arm extending from the body and a second arm extending from the body, a first gate pivotally coupled to the body adjacent the first arm for movement relative to the first arm, and a second gate pivotally coupled to the body adjacent the second arm for movement relative to the second arm. The carabiner also includes a blocking member supported by the body. The blocking member is movable between a first position, in which the first and the second gates are movable relative to the first and second arms, a second position, in which the first gate is inhibited from moving relative to the first arm and the second gate is movable relative to the second arm, and a third position, in which the first and the second gates are inhibited from moving relative to the first and second arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Fitz-Earle, William De Meulenaere, John Hung
  • Hammock suspension device
    Patent number: 9468283
    Abstract: A hammock suspension device for guiding a guy rope includes a base body. The base body includes upper and lower apertures, a receptacle for inserting a retaining loop formed by the guy rope, and a guide duct for introducing the guy rope into the hammock suspension device. The upper and lower apertures are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the hammock suspension device. The upper aperture is configured to be oriented toward a fastening point of the guy rope and to connect the guide duct to enable a deflection of the guy rope in the guide duct, from approximately the longitudinal direction of the hammock suspension device to approximately a transverse direction of the hammock suspension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: LA SIESTA GMBH
    Inventor: Jean-Christophe Meillan
  • Slider for slide fastener
    Patent number: 9462853
    Abstract: There is provided a slider for a slide fastener. A lock member is swingably supported by a pillar portion which is erected on an upper surface of a body. A cover member covers the pillar portion and the lock member from above. The lock member includes a body portion which is disposed on the upper surface of the body and a claw portion which protrudes from the body portion and enters an element guide path of the body. One side surface of the claw portion is formed with an inclined surface which causes the claw portion to be gradually tapered toward a front end of the claw portion. The other side surface of the claw portion is formed with a stepped portion which causes a plate thickness of the claw portion to be smaller than a plate thickness of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Hamada, Keiichi Keyaki