Patents Examined by Victor N. Sakran
  • Patent number: 6546603
    Abstract: A woven fastener product includes an array of hook elements and an array of loop elements that extend from the surface of different respective regions of a common fabric base. The arrays are formed by warp yarns, the arrays being separated in the warp direction of the fabric base. To form a self-engaged fastening, the fastener product is conformed so that the hook elements overlie the loop elements. Monofilament loops are shown sized and located to provide pin-receiving mounting sleeves as part of the woven structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Der-Shi Wang, David E. Godlewski
  • Patent number: 6467135
    Abstract: A security for a compartmented structure including at least one zippered compartment includes a two-slide zipper. The pulls are configured to interlock one another and to expose a security slot when engaged. Affixing a security product to the security when the pulls are interlocked maintains the zippered compartment closed and secured. The security product preferentially includes a cable to secure the security product to an object other than the compartmented structure when affixed to the security slot to prevent unauthorized movement of the compartmented structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Acco Brands Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schuster, Glenn Rodgers, David Pitcher
  • Patent number: 6442804
    Abstract: A reclosable fastener assembly includes first and second elongated closure elements that are engageable to form a seal. A slider is slidable relative to the closure elements between an open position and a closed position and is adapted (i) to engage the closure elements to one another when moved across the closure elements toward the closed position and (ii) to disengage the closure elements from one another when moved across the closure elements toward the open position. The slider carries a first partial indicator. A second partial indicator is located relative to the closure elements so as to complement the first partial indicator to form a visual indicator when the slider is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Douglas A. Soller, Jeffrey J. Christensen, Douglas P. Gundlach
  • Patent number: 6434798
    Abstract: There is provided a pair of open plates 3 rotatably connected to both ends of a base 1 and adapted to be oppositely opened from closed positions. The open plates are held at the closed position by holding means 5, 6. Stopping means 15, 16 are provided for stopping the open plates halfway of an opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jindai Yamakawa, Kaname Atsumi
  • Patent number: 6415482
    Abstract: The zipper cord attachment includes a male element and a female element. The male element includes cord channels for engaging and securing the ends of a zipper cord or similar cord. The male element includes a guide ridge complementary to a guide slot within the female element. The female element includes ramped surfaces proximate to an end of the guide slot to detent engage a transverse wall of the male element. After installation, pulling on the cord urges the male element more tightly into the female element. That is, pulling on the cord tightens the grip on the ends of the cord by points or striations formed on the male element and supports formed on the female element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Pontaoe
  • Patent number: 6412149
    Abstract: Disengagement of C-clips in turbine shroud assemblies is prevented by providing each C-clip with at least one anti-rocking pad. The anti-rocking pad is disposed on a radially inner surface of the C-clip so as to make snug contact with a portion of the shroud adjacent to the C-clip. The snug contact limits rocking motion of the C-clip, thereby preventing C-clip disengagernent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John H. Overberg
  • Patent number: 6397438
    Abstract: A strip of hook and loop fastening material embedded within an article having a body such as a bar of soap. In alternative embodiments, the strip has one embedded end and one free end, or alternatively both ends are embedded to form a loop serving as a handle. Preferably, the strip of hook and loop material has holes, or alternatively, the edges of the strip of hook and loop material are pinked, to increase surface area for improving retention of the strip by the body. Alternatively, the strip may have negative taper wherein the relatively wide end is embedded, or the embedded portion may form a serpentine path. Alternatively, two strips of hook and loop material, preferably overlapping, are embedded within the article. The article includes an anchoring member bearing complementary hook and loop material on one side and adhesive on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. DeWan
  • Patent number: 6397439
    Abstract: A holding device comprising two clamping members (10, 11); a hinge portion (16); and a spring element (24); wherein all the aforesaid parts are integrally molded from a plastics material and the spring element is connected to one of said clamping members by a mounting portion (25) of sufficiently small cross section to enable the spring element to be molded in a position in which apart from said mounting portion it is clear of said clamping members (10, 11), and thereafter can be moved about said mounting portion (25) to an operative position in which it spring biases the clamping members (10, 11) relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ivor Barrie Langford
  • Patent number: 6393668
    Abstract: A paper holder which includes a stock clip (e.g., a standard steel paper clip or an alligator clip) and a separate decorative portion which is attached thereto. The decorative portion is preferably made from the same material as the stock clip and is shaped to resemble an insect or bug. Optionally, the paper holder of the present invention may include an adhesive portion which allows the paper holder to be attached to a relatively flat surface. In addition, in an alternate embodiment, the stock clips is an integral part of the decorative portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jenna Olson, Christopher Hardy
  • Patent number: 6389654
    Abstract: A clamp assembly (8) in accordance with the present invention includes a tightening mechanism (10) connected to an elongated, flat metal band (12). The metal band is configured to encircle a conduit. The tightening mechanism (10) includes a saddle (14) securely attached to the band (12). A housing (16) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle (14). The housing (16) defines a recess (17) housing a locking worm (18). The locking, worm (18) is rotatable in the housing and defines spiral threads (20) adapted to cooperate with slots (26) defined in the band. The housing (16) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle (14) so that the housing is pivotable relative to the saddle and movable in an axial direction substantially parallel to the saddle to further engage and lock with the saddle in a closed position of the tightening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Breeze Industrial Products Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Tunno, Richard A. Lovgren, John A. Schreckengost
  • Patent number: 6385820
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hose strangler which considerably reduces the risk of slippage when the strangler is being removed from the hose. The hose strangler includes a clamping member adapted to hold a hose in position. The clamping member has a first arm having a concave portion for receiving the hose and a second arm having a convex portion matching the concave portion of the first arm, the concave and convex portions defining a hose strangling area, where the first and second arms are pivotally secured at a first end so as to permit the clamping member to rotate between a closed position and an opened position. A blocking mechanism to open and close an opening between the first and second arms is also provided, where the blocking mechanism is located in the hose strangling area. A locking mechanism is also provided for securing the clamping member in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Wildfire Fire Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Len Hrominchuk
  • Patent number: 6381812
    Abstract: A device and method for securing a tablecloth to a picnic table. Multiple strips of elastic with hook and loop type fasteners at opposed ends of each strip, which provide releasable closure of the strips into binding bands, wrap around the tablecloth and secure it to the picnic table. The releasable closure means allow the strips to be threaded through and under the supporting framework for a table or other article of furniture. The strips are sized and constructed for application to a wide range of different sized tables and other outdoor furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventors: Jane Crider, Michael Ray Crider
  • Patent number: 6374462
    Abstract: The fastener comprises curved incorporated claws (4) serving to fix it to one end of a conveyor belt. The lower fixation plate of the fastener comprises curved raised edges (6) intended to make the points of the claws (4) enter under the small bars of ports (5) arranged by shearing and stamping in the lower fixation plate. The points of the claws (4) are locked along the lower front and back ridges (9) by the flattening of the small bars of the ports (5) during the final tightening of the fasteners during their fixation on the end of a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: ASER
    Inventor: Horst Jakob
  • Patent number: 6374465
    Abstract: A controlled U-hook pull-action clamp mechanism comprising, an elongated actuator member having a first pivot pin at one end thereof, and an operating portion generally located at the other end thereof, said actuator member being movable between open and closed positions to open or close the clamp mechanism, a link member attached near one end thereof via a second pivot pin to a mid-part location on said actuator member, a slidable pivot member attached to a second end of said link member, a U-shaped clamp member, with the ends of said clamp member being attached to the outer ends of the slidable pivot member, a base member, having a slide aperture therein within which said slidable pivot member is movable in back and forth directions to activate the U-shaped clamp from a closed clamped condition to an open unclamped condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Dykstra
  • Patent number: 6374467
    Abstract: A buckle device for luggage includes a male part connected to a belt on the luggage and a female part which is removably connected to a position member on the luggage. The female part has a hole and a recess respectively defined through a bottom plate thereof The recess is smaller than the hole. The position member has two flanges and the bottom plate is located between the two flanges. One of the flanges is larger than the recess and smaller than the hole. The buckle device is located transversely above a zipper device of the luggage. The zipper device is operated without separating the female part from the male part and simply disengaging the female part from the position member by allowing the flange passing through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Wei Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 6370739
    Abstract: The fastener (1, 2, 3) comprises for the screwing of screws, dimplings (5, 5′) set in a fixation plate (2) of the fastener. The dimplings (5, 5′) are attached to the fixation plate (2) in which they are made only on one part of their circumference, two reserved zones (81, 82 or 81′, 82′) for each dimpling not being stamped at the base of the dimplings and comprising shearings in the sheet metal of the fixation plate (2), allowing a certain tilting of the dimpling (5 or 5′) during operation of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Aser
    Inventor: Horst Jakob
  • Patent number: 6370743
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shoelace tightening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Sang- Ceol Choe
  • Patent number: 6367129
    Abstract: A buckle is provided in which a number of parts can be reduced and which can reliably maintain a latched state. When a tongue plate is engaged (latched) by a lock plate, presser members of a cam urged by a return spring abut receiving surfaces of the lock plate, and therefore, a latched state cannot be inadvertently released. Further, when the latched state is to be released, by pressing a release button, a claw is pushed such that a cam rotates, and the presser members separate from the receiving surfaces. As a result, the return spring is compressed, and due to elastic force of the return spring, the release button returns to its original position. In this way, because the return spring carries out both the operation of urging the cam and the operation of returning the release button to its original position, the number of parts is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 6367126
    Abstract: A method for holding eyeglasses using a magnetic force means in cooperation with a magnetically saturable keeper element whereby a convenient removable and reusable non-invasive securing system is created which may be used on apparel and other surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Bernard Rivkin
  • Patent number: 6363582
    Abstract: The invention relates to pin-on clip, which is characterized by a support plate comprising a receiving orifice and a printable plate which can be applied to the support plate, having a visible side and a holding clip located on the outer face of the rear side of the pin-on clip. The holding clip is preferably made of metal and can be secured in the receiving orifice by a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Wil Van Bladel, Alec Planinc