Patents Examined by Victor N. Sakran
  • Patent number: 6308387
    Abstract: An anti-friction device for the sliding of cloth rings of curtains, pelmets and similar which includes a shaped element out of wood, metal, plastic or other material, corresponding to the curving of the lateral surface of a support. The anti-friction device is provided with an applicator such as a hook and loop fastener combination for the application of the shaped element into the internal upper portion of each cloth ring, so as to be arranged between the ring and the support, thus helping the reciprocal sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Enzo Borzi
  • Patent number: 6308386
    Abstract: A unitary plastic fastener clip comprising a plurality of individual fasteners which are disposed in a substantially parallel, side-by-side, spaced relationship. Each fastener comprises an elongated flexible filament having a first enlarged end and a second enlarged end. In one embodiment, each of the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end is a substantially cylindrical transverse bar. In another embodiment, the first enlarged end is a transverse bar of non-uniform transverse cross-section and the second enlarged end is a generally knob-shaped head. A first connector post connects the first enlarged end of the first fastener to the first enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides. A second connector post connects the second enlarged end of the first fastener to the second enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6308383
    Abstract: A securement system includes a hook having a retaining clip, and an end cap that attaches to an end of a tubular structural member. The hook has a base with at least one channel having a lateral opening thereto. The clip is assembled with the hook such that the clip closes the lateral opening into the channel to define a longitudinal passageway through the hook. An elastic cord extends through the structural member, through the end cap and through the longitudinal passageway through the hook. A knot or some other stop is placed on the cord to prevent the end of the cord from moving through the passageway. The end cap includes V-shaped notches that receive and anchor the cord at desired positions to facilitate securement of cargo to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Schrader-Dane Corporation
    Inventor: Darren E. Schrader
  • Patent number: 6308381
    Abstract: Adjustable belts include new and improved belt buckles which allow for convenient adjustment of belt lengths, as well as secure and easily adjustable couplings of the two ends of the belts. This is accomplished by providing the belt buckles with an arrangement of slots and struts around which the belt is looped to selectively accumulate its length thereon and through which the belt is trained, so as to frictionally retain the belt on the buckle while determining the length of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Sport Supply Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Porter C Wilson
  • Patent number: 6308382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clasp assembly for a metallic watch chain, mainly comprising: an inner bend plate, an outer bend plate, and a clasp cap. Said inner bend plate can fit into the narrow groove of the outer bend plate. A convex clasp is disposed on the inner bend plate and corresponds to a concave clasp disposed on the outer bend plate in shape, position and size, and the two clasps engage with each other. The lock and release of the convex and concave clasps causes the lock and release of the watch chain. The clasp cap pivotably connects with the inner bend plate through screws. The hole of the clasp cap connects with the watch chain, and the outer bend plate connects with the watch chain through the cylindrical bodies at the left end. The structure of the clasp assembly is simple and is easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Garwin Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Koichiro Takahashi, Kai Cheung Ho
  • Patent number: 6305053
    Abstract: The device is a cord lock having an outer arm (10) and an inner arm (11) integrally connected by a hinging member (12). The device is constructed of resilient material, such that outer arm (10) and inner arm (11) will flex into slidable contact with each other when pressure is applied to their sides, and will flex back, away from each other, when the pressure is released. An outer arm opening (13) and inner arm opening (14) are located through the free ends of outer arm (10) and inner arm (11) respectively. To engage the device, outer arm (10) and inner arm (11) are urged together until outer arm opening (13) and inner arm opening (14) are in line with each other, and a cord is then threaded through the openings. The urging-together pressure is then released, causing outer arm (10) and inner arm (11) to slide back to a position wherein the cord is pinched between outer arm opening (13) and inner arm opening (14), and is prevented from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: John A. Galbreath
  • Patent number: 6305054
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a clamp for sealing a lap joint formed by a first pipe inserted within a second pipe. The clamp includes a strap having a concave inner curvature that curves about a central axis. The strap includes a first axial end positioned opposite from a second axial end. A first axial portion of the strap is positioned at the first axial end, and a second axial portion of the strap is positioned at the second axial end. The first axial portion has a cylindrical inner surface adapted to provide a seal about the first pipe, and the second axial portion has a cylindrical inner surface adapted to form a seal about the second pipe. A radial in-step connects the first and second axial portions. The radial in-step provides a diameter transition between an inner diameter D1 of the first axial portion and an inner diameter D2 of the second axial portion such that the inner diameter D1 is larger than the inner diameter D2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian A. Imes, John T. Herman, Wayne M. Wagner, James P. Shields
  • Patent number: 6305057
    Abstract: A headliner pinning assembly for repairing or providing supplemental decoration to the headliner of a vehicle. The headliner pinning assembly includes a first pin member having a head portion and a spike portion extending outwardly from the head portion, a second pin member having a coiled medial portion and a pair of opposite ends extending outwardly from the coiled medial portion, and a washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Erwin R. Seum
  • Patent number: 6301751
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hook-shaped arrangement (1) which comprises a main part (1a), a hook-shaped device (1b) integral with said main part, and a holding means (2) which is integral with or attached to said main part. The hook-shaped device (1b) is comprised of a tongue (5) which is part-circular, or at least essentially part-circular in cross section and has an angle of arc slightly below 360°. The center (5′) of the curved tongue is located in a plane (A) which coincides with a plane (A′) that lies on one side surface (7) of the main part. The free end (5a) of the tongue extends in a plane (B) that coincides with a plane (B′) lying on that side surface (8) of the main part opposite to said one side surface (7) of said main part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Kurt Lennart Ohlson
  • Patent number: 6301757
    Abstract: A buckle comprises a male member and a female member. The male member is provided with an insertion portion adapted to be inserted into the female member and an insertion hole formed inside of the insertion portion. The female member is provided with a recess in which the insertion portion is to be fitted, and an accommodating portion adapted to communicate with the insertion hole. The accommodating portion is provided therein with an engaging piece swingable in an inserting direction to the insertion hole. The engaging piece is provided with an engaging portion which is to be inserted through the insertion hole. The insertion hole of the male member is formed with a locking surface against which the engaging portion is adapted to abut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kunii, Tomohisa Ishida
  • Patent number: 6301752
    Abstract: A elongate cylindrical body member has a longitudinal interior passageway formed therethrough for receiving folded, bundled cords such as electrical power cords and other wiring. The interior diameter of the passageway decreases gradually and smoothly radially inwardly from the opposite outer ends of the passageway toward its center. The folded cord is retained in the interior passageway through the body. The organizer may be used with cords that are in use with appliances and the like to keep the cords organized and out of the way, and may be used to efficiently store cords that are not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Scott Koppang
  • Patent number: 6298528
    Abstract: A D-ring of metal wire is specially shaped to accept and retain a special grommet of a hard, wear-resistant polymeric material. The D-ring has a base leg, a pair of side legs joined to opposite ends of the base leg and converging toward each other from junctures with the base leg, and a substantially arcuate head joined to the side legs at junctures forming a neck opening that is constricted relative to a head opening defined within the head. The grommet is received within the head opening and neck opening of the D-ring and has a hole adapted to receive a hook and a peripheral groove that is in captured engagement with the head of the D-ring and with the junctures of the head and the leg portions. Portions of the groove located at the neck opening of the D-ring are deepened relative to adjacent portions of the groove within the head opening so as to retain the grommet while enabling the grommet to be pressed endwise through the neck opening and into the head opening of the D-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: David Workman
  • Patent number: 6298525
    Abstract: A flexible double clip for use in creating arrays of generally cylindrical objects is disclosed, the clip consisting of flexible and resilient materials, the clip having sufficient flexibility to allow individual cylindrical objects, by expansion and twisting of the clip, to rotate in relation to each other about the axis of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Zender Margo
  • Patent number: 6298526
    Abstract: A securing member or tether clip for swagging a table cloth, fabric or other similar material, has a base for gathering the table cloth to form a swag. The base includes a first end and a second end. A first arm is swingably connected to the first end of the base. A male member is connected the first arm, the male member has a neck and a head connected to the neck. A catch extends the arm. A second arm is swingably connected to the second end of the base. A female member is connected to the second arm for receiving the male member. A first hinge is connected between the first arm and the base. A second hinge is connected between the second arm and the base. A hook and loop fastener includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the clip. An augmenting attachment is connected to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener. The second portion connects the attachment to the first portion of the hook and loop fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: David Baumdicker, Susan E. Baumdicker
  • Patent number: 6295704
    Abstract: An expandable, self-fastening strap includes a pair of fastening ends separated by a band, at least a portion of which is expandable. Located on one of the fastening ends is an eyelet. At least a portion of the laces of a boot may be forwarded through the eyelet. The strap and lace combination is wrapped around the boots, with the strap covering the laces, until the fastening ends of the strap meet. The fastening ends are then fastened together. Because at least a portion of the band is expandable, when the band is wrapped around the boot pressure is placed upon the laces, thereby precluding them from slipping under the strap. The strap thus secures the laces without undesirably constricting circulation of the wearer. As a result, wearer fatigue and discomfort is reduced. In addition, because the strap is tightly affixed to the boot, the device presents no extraneous protrusions that may become entangled in machinery or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Juan Rivas
  • Patent number: 6292986
    Abstract: An assembly of sliders for zippers for plastic bags and the like and the accumulation of the sliders for use in form, fill and seal machines is disclosed. The sliders are oriented and mechanically or adhesively joined into chains. Mechanical assembly of sliders may be accomplished by snapping sliders together or slideably mounting sliders on a strip. Sliders may be adhesively assembled together by taping, welding, gluing, or melting the sliders. Sliders and chains of sliders are accumulated in cartridges, carriers, coreless rolls, spools or trays which are then connected to form, fill and seal machines for attachment of the sliders to a zipper and attachment of the zipper with a slider to bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Toby R. Thomas, Eric A. St. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6289561
    Abstract: An assembly of sliders for zippers for plastic bags and the like and the accumulation of the sliders for use in form, fill and seal machines is disclosed. The sliders are oriented and mechanically or adhesively joined into chains. Mechanical assembly of sliders may be accomplished by snapping sliders together or slideably mounting sliders on a strip. Sliders may be adhesively assembled together by taping, welding, gluing, or melting the sliders. Sliders and chains of sliders are accumulated in cartridges, carriers, coreless rolls, spools or trays which are then connected to form, fill and seal machines for attachment of the sliders to a zipper and attachment of the zipper with a slider to bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Toby R. Thomas, Eric A. St. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6289559
    Abstract: To achieve a safe and easy-to-handle connection, a fastening device for appending a piece of jewelry (1) to a jewelry clasp (2) or the like, which has a connecting piece (3) with a lug (6) attached in the vicinity of a surface indentation (4) for accommodating the end of a necklace or tie-on thread (7), is characterized in that of the lug (6) which is open at a point of separation (8) one of the end portions (9) on the side of the point of separation is fixed at the connecting piece (3) along the edge (5) of the surface indentation (4), and the other end portion (10) is bent up from the edge (5) of the surface indentation (4), that upon introducing a necklace or tie-on thread (7) through the expanded point of separation (8) the bent-up end portion (10) can be pressed down onto the edge (5) of the surface indentation (4), and that the clear inner width (a) of the lug (6) is smaller than the clear inner width (c) of the edge (5) of the indentation and smaller than the outer width (b) of the thickened end portio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Erich Langer
  • Patent number: 6286191
    Abstract: A slide-zipper assembly, a method of attaching the slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and a method of making slide-zippered packages are provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the slide-zipper assembly is comprised of a reclosable zipper and an optional slider. The reclosable zipper includes a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof at the bottom of the zipper. The interlocking members are interlockable with one another. The zipper flanges are wrapped around the zipper and joined together at the top of the zipper. The slider straddles the zipper and is adapted to open the zipper as it is moved therealong in an opening direction and to close the zipper as it is moved therealong in a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Van Erden
  • Patent number: RE37365
    Abstract: A clasp mechanism having a main body, a keeper arm and a spring, where the keeper arm extends through the main body in an arm cavity. The keeper arm is pivotally attached to said main body to operate in a scissor-like manner. The keeper arm has a mating end which abuts a hook end on the main body to form a closed interior space and an actuating shoulder extending from the main body. The spring maintains the mating end in the closed position abutting the hook end until the actuating shoulder is pressed into the main body by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignees: OroAmerica, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Shrader, Guy Beard