Knot Engaging Patents (Class 24/128)
  • Patent number: 11879521
    Abstract: A wire clip includes a longitudinal hole and a longitudinal through-channel having a generally U-shaped cross section wherein a first end of the longitudinal through-channel is in communication with a lateral opening and a second end of the longitudinal through-channel is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin Carney, Michael P. Iraci
  • Patent number: 11874087
    Abstract: A sling attachment device has a body having a strap facility adapted for attachment of a sling strap, a flexible elongated tether having a first end attached to the body, the tether having a free end opposite the first end, and the body defining a receptacle operable to receive the free end of the tether, such that the tether may be threaded through an aperture on a rifle and received by the receptacle to secure the strap to the rifle. The tether may have a selected first width along at least a portion of its length, and the free end may have a second width greater than the first width. A ball may be attached to the free end. The body may define a channel having a width larger than the first width and smaller than the second width. There may be an aperture adjacent to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventor: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10487852
    Abstract: An air moving device according to the present disclosure can include a housing and an installation hub. The housing can be connected to the installation hub via one or more adjustable supports. An impeller can be installed at least partially in the housing and configured to direct air out of the housing. In some embodiments, the adjustable supports can be adjusted to move the housing with respect to the installation hub. For example, the adjustable supports can be configured to modify the tilt of the housing and/or the overall distance between the housing and the installation hub. The installation hub can be installed on a ceiling, wall, or other mounting surface. Adjustment of the adjustable supports can permit vertical alignment of the air moving device housing, even when the installation hub is mounted to a slanted or sloped (e.g., non-horizontal) ceiling or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Airius IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond B. Avedon
  • Patent number: 10010138
    Abstract: Shoe fastening assembly for a split vamp shoe having at least a pair of opposed eyelets on either side of the split and includes an elongated rigid member with an arcuate curved lower surface and a pair of spaced apertures at each end of the member and a throat extending outwardly from each aperture, and a continuous elongated elastomeric band located in each aperture and passing beneath the member and lying on the tongue of the shoe. The band cross-section at rest is larger than each aperture and when stretched readily passes through each throat. A plurality of members and bands are provided for additional pairs of eyelets on the shoe and methods of fastening a shoe are herein included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: David K. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 9867431
    Abstract: A shoe cover storage apparatus to protect shoelaces includes a flexible member coupled to the upper shoe region and having a pair of openings to permit a portion of the laces to pass through, a pocket coupled to the top face of the flexible member to store the portion of the laces, a first clip coupled to the bottom face of the flexible member, and a fastener assembly coupled to the bottom face of the flexible member and having channel members and an elastic cord slidably mounted to interior openings of the channel members, the elastic cord having a second clip on an exposed portion of the cord located proximate a lower portion of the flexible member. A user pulls the second clip to extend the cord along the flexible member to intertwine the cord with the shoelaces and permit the second clip to couple to the first clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Dion Harley
  • Patent number: 9792840
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a tabbed nameplate on a ring apparatus and a method of moving a plurality of nameplates. In at least one nonlimiting example embodiment the method includes providing a first nameplate, inserting a holding member through a first aperture of a first tabbed portion of the first nameplate, and closing the holding member by moving a first end of the holding member to a second end of the holding member and using a connector to connect the first end to the second end. In at least one nonlimiting example embodiments the first nameplate has a first nameplate body and a first tabbed portion separated from each other by a cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Metalcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Bermel, Brandon Nicholson
  • Patent number: 9528795
    Abstract: A sling attachment device has a body having a strap facility adapted for attachment of a sling strap, a flexible elongated tether having a first end attached to the body, the tether having a free end opposite the first end, and the body defining a receptacle operable to receive the free end of the tether, such that the tether may be threaded through an aperture on a rifle and received by the receptacle to secure the strap to the rifle. The tether may have a selected first width along at least a portion of its length, and the free end may have a second width greater than the first width. A ball may be attached to the free end. The body may define a channel having a width larger than the first width and smaller than the second width. There may be an aperture adjacent to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventor: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9492699
    Abstract: Jump rope assembly comprising a rope, a handle at one end of the rope, an axially extending axle mounted in bearings within the handle for rotation about its axis, a gimbal head affixed to the axle at one end of the handle including a ring with a circular opening having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the axle, and a spherical ball of greater diameter than the opening pivotally seated against one side of the ring, with an end portion of the rope passing freely through the opening and being attached to the ball in a manner permitting the ball to pivot freely with respect to the axis of the opening as the gimbal head rotates about the axis of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Impulse Footcare, LLC
    Inventors: John Angelo Carpinelli, George Jeffery Mowry
  • Patent number: 9408437
    Abstract: A reel based lacing system is configured to allow the incremental tightening of a lace about a spool by rotation of a knob in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the system can include a substantially inflexible pawl beam configured to resist rotation of the knob in the loosening direction and a pawl spring configured to bias the pawl against the housing and to allow the pawl to be displaced away from the housing when the knob is rotated in the tightening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Paul Goodman, Eric Craig Irwin, Mark S. Soderberg, Sean Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 9233585
    Abstract: A towing tie assembly including a link having longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal ends and incorporating four pleated straps, each pleated strap forming longitudinally extending series of “C” bends, each “C” bend having a stem section and a pair of arm sections, each “C” bend's stem and arm sections defining a capture space, and each longitudinally extending “C” bend series forming a series of adjacent arm pairs with each “C” bend formed arm capture space receiving one of the adjacent arm pairs; the towing tie assembly further having fastening loops connected operatively to the link's longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Tommy B. Haynes
  • Publication number: 20150059131
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a rope is applied to adjust and position a rope for fixing an object and contains a body including a connecting unit and a guiding unit coupled with one end of the connecting unit. The connecting unit has a through hole defined therein so as to insert one of two inserting ends of the rope. The guiding unit has an extension member and at least one support arm for matching with the extension member, wherein a defining space is open and is defined between the extension member and the at least one support arm so as to position a tied portion on the other of the two inserting ends of the rope, such that one of the two inserting ends is fixed in the connecting unit, and the tied portion is fitted and engaged with the limiting end of the defining space, thus positioning the rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Cheng-Li Wu
  • Patent number: 8966717
    Abstract: A safety cord connector for a window blind includes a first half shell and a second half shell combined with the first half shell in such a way that a positioning protrusion extending from an inner surface of the second half shell is inserted into a positioning notch formed on an inner surface of the first half shell so as hold the first and second half shells together. When an external force exceeding the engaging force between the positioning protrusion and the positioning notch exerts between the first and second half shells, the positioning protrusion will separate away from the positioning notch to enable the combined first and second half shells to be split from each other so as to enhance safety in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 8925159
    Abstract: A cord connector for a window blind includes a cord hole having a large hole portion and two small hole portions each communicated with the large hole portion through a neck portion defined by two opposite engaging walls. The diameter of the large hole portion is larger than that of a cord used in the window blind, the small hole portions each have a diameter equal to the cord diameter, and the width of the opposite engaging walls is smaller than the cord diameter. When the cord connector is in use, the cords are respectively inserted into the small hole portions of the cord hole. If an external force exerting on the cords overcomes the resistances of the engaging walls, the cords will move from the small hole portions to the large hole portion and then escape from the cord connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Publication number: 20140157553
    Abstract: A fastener is provided for fastening ropes. The fastener includes first unit and a second unit. The first unit is made of a hollow configuration and made with elastic strips. Each of the elastic strips includes a barb formed thereon. The second unit includes a waist extending from a block to a disc. Cutouts are defined in the block. The second unit is kept in the first unit as the block or the disc is engaged with the barbs. Each of the ropes includes a knot placed in an annular space defined between the first unit and the waist and a section inserted through a respective one of the cutouts. The block or the disc is disengaged from the barbs when the ropes are loaded with adequate tensile stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Ping LIU
  • Patent number: 8739370
    Abstract: A cord release of the present invention includes two cases engaged together to form a shell with a top opening at a top thereof. At least one of the cases is provided with a guiding member at a top thereof, and the guiding member is located at a junction of the cases. The guiding member has a guiding face with a convex surface facing the center of the top opening. Therefore, the guiding member may lead the cords to opposite sides of the top opening, which are located away from the junction of the case, to disengage the cases easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Che Wen, Chih-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 8684019
    Abstract: A cordlock of a mobility cane is provided including a body having a length greater than the inner diameter, a width less than the inner diameter, a depth less than the inner diameter, and a body opening extending through the depth and sized to accommodate the cord but to prevent passage of the widened portion. The depth of the body sized to accommodate the cord between the body and the inner wall when the cordlock is inserted in the cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ambutech Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Hudek, Christopher Schwill
  • Publication number: 20140073495
    Abstract: A cable attachment that permits the strap of an exercise machine to be replaced independently of the machine's handle without the need for sewing machines or special tools such as crimping devices comprises a body having three juncture points arranged in a generally triangular relationship, the first point being near its top to accommodate the body's attachment to the cable of the exercise machine, the other two juncture points lying below the first point and separated from each other by the center section of the body. The two lower junction points are configured to securely accommodate a removably-coupled handle-coupling strap, and are the locations to which the straps can be secured, preferably with a suitable knot. The two lower juncture points are configured to resist lateral slippage of the straps in order to laterally stabilize the load against which the user is working, and to accommodate knots having excellent holding strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: Grace Premier Fitness and Wellness Products, Inc., Ace Specialty, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Anderson, Karl Anderson
  • Patent number: 8595907
    Abstract: The necklace clasp fastener for a string of beads consists of a male bead member, and a female bead member, that do not have any visible loop or eyelets for assembling and holding a string of beads together when the male and female bead members are snapped together. The resulting bead configured clasp is almost undetectable from the outside of the beaded necklace which creates an unbroken, unified string of beads for a much more aesthetic and beautiful piece of jewelry. The improved clasp of the invention provides a safety feature to guard against breakage. The two parts are designed to snap together with enough force to hold the necklace on the wearer under normal wear and use. If, however, the necklace catches on to something, the clasp will release easily from the wearer instead of breaking the necklace, and releasing the beads all over the place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Katz, Timothy John Lambert
  • Patent number: 8595905
    Abstract: A blind pull for a blind cord, such as is used on window blinds of various types, is disclosed. A weight has a central bore therethrough and is adapted for receiving the blind cord. A pair of mating shells is adapted to enclose the weight and a portion of the blind cord. Each shell has a recessed portion for receiving one-half of the weight therein. Each shell has a groove adapted for receiving one-half of the portion of blind cord. Each shell further includes mechanical fasteners such that the pair of shells may be held onto the weight thereby. In use, with the blind cord captured by the central bore of the weight, the pair of shells may be fitted around the weight and the blind cord and held thereto with the attachment means. The blind pull may then be pulled to actuate the blinds in a normal fashion. The shells may be interchanged with alternate shells, for example, alternate shells that take the form of a holiday theme, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: James Kirk, Barbara Kirk
  • Patent number: 8377095
    Abstract: Medical devices for attaching suture to tissue and that provides reliable and complete closure of perforations and increases the versatility of the device for various other procedures. Embodiments of the medicals devices include a tissue anchor having a crossbar with opposing ends and structure for slidably receiving a suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vihar C. Surti, Richard W. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 8276245
    Abstract: A window curtain pull cord concentrator safety device of the present invention provides a concentrator device which enables the gathering together of the free ends of a plurality of pull cords of a window curtain set, and enables complete transmission of a pulling force in an emergency. And basically comprises a drag cup, an inner bottom of a concave cavity of which is provided with a through hole enabling a wire hoop body coupled to a pulling member to penetrate therethrough. The wire hoop body is located in the interior of the drag cup, and displacement of an inner loop side of the wire hoop body relative to the drag cup is used to determine whether the free ends of the pull cords are radially restrained, thereby enabling complete relay transmission of the pulling force. In an emergency, the pull cords are rapidly released, thereby achieving instantaneous prompt safety effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Hsien-Te Huang
  • Patent number: 7992262
    Abstract: A rope cleat secures a rope to a structure. The cleat has a body with opposite first and second portions joined along a longitudinal central plane. The body has a U-shaped cavity inside it tapering between a large entrance leg and a smaller exit leg, which communicate at a confluent portion. A flange is integrally attached to the body first portion. The flange is mounted against the structure through a mounting hole. The flange has an entrance hole and an exit hole spaced apart and extending through the flange. The rope is easily inserted into the large entrance hole, through the U-shaped cavity, and out the smaller exit hole. A knot is then tied to secure the rope in the cleat. The cleat has registration pins on one body portion, and corresponding registration holes on the opposite portion. The pins align the body first and second portions for assembly with a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7866909
    Abstract: The cable locking system is a two-part device that locks a cable-like strap or other flexible or rigid member with an enlarged end into place by using an opposing arrangement of keyhole-shaped apertures bored into two rigid parts. The cable locking system requires no extra hardware to secure the connection, and can be retrofitted to fit virtually any size support system in numerous applications. The cable locking system can be installed quickly and easily without a need for tools, extra labor, or supporting equipment. In the case of a suspension bridge, the suspension parts can be pre-manufactured and assembled, then quickly and easily connected to complete the structure. The cable locking system makes the construction of a suspension bridge or other hoisting device as well as many kinds of structures simple and straightforward, with fewer parts that can potentially fail. The cable locking system can also easily be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Marvin Albert Denmark
  • Patent number: 7866081
    Abstract: The firearm support device includes one or more “beanbags” directly mounted to a rifle stock that can be moved between a secured transportation position held against the stock and a support position suspended beneath the stock. The support device includes a stock attachment and one or more beanbags pivotally connected to the stock attachment. The stock attachment includes cinch and stirrup straps that secure the support devices to the stock and prevent it from inadvertently sliding up the stock. The bean bags are constructed of cloth pouches filled with a granular substance. The beanbags are sewn directly to the cinch strap or connected to the cinch strap by a slide buckle that rides along a rail strap sewn to a beanbag. The beanbags are securely held against the sides of the rifle stock in the transportation position by elastic cords, buckles, snaps, hook and loop fastening patches or other connection mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Jo Won Seuk
  • Patent number: 7861457
    Abstract: A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Russell E. Blette, John E. Stark, Jameel R. Qiblawi
  • Publication number: 20100115735
    Abstract: A pull handle for operating a window covering with a pulling lead. The pull handle includes a first element with a top end and a bottom end, and a second element, attachable to the first element, with a top end and a bottom end. When the second element is attached to the first element, the pull handle is along a section of the pulling lead with the position of the pull handle fixed with respect to the pulling lead. The pull handle is configured to have a diameter that is easily and comfortably gripped by an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Marie Manvel
  • Patent number: 7674275
    Abstract: A suture anchor comprises an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The first end may have a flared geometry. A lateral suture relief is in the elongate body extending from the first end to an longitudinal position intermediate the first and second ends. A hollow tubular portion in the elongate body is longitudinally spaced from the lateral suture relief. A suture is positioned in the hollow tubular portion. The suture has a delivery position parallel the longitudinal axis and a deployed position transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Martin, Michael S. Cropper, John J. Price, Richard F. Schwemberger, John L. Stammen
  • Publication number: 20090288274
    Abstract: A device is fixed horizontally on an accommodating column of alternative profiles, and include an L shaped plate with a horizontal face and a vertical face connected together by a curved central section having a wide radius. The plate has two parallel and identical oblong holes formed in a height of the plate. These holes allow the positioning and passage of traction and safety ropes. The ropes having at their ends stops coming into contact with a lower side of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ROGER MONDELIN SAS
    Inventor: Denis NARELLI
  • Publication number: 20090142132
    Abstract: The invention provides a convenient, lightweight and streamlined connecting device for attaching a leader or tippet to a fly-fishing line. The Fly Line Connecting Device is configured with an expandable tubular lattice that allows for an in-line connection to the fly line. The connection device has an integral tubular lattice sized with an internal diameter that is slightly smaller that the fly line and when compressively displaced, operates to expand the internal diameter to allow insertion of the fly line. Once the fly line is fully inserted, the tubular lattice is allowed to contract and elastically constrict onto and thereby grip the semi-resilient surface of the fly line. When the fly line and leader line are placed in tension through the connecting device, the tubular lattice acts to constrict down on the fly-line to resist separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Arnold G. Klein
  • Patent number: 7350275
    Abstract: A cord attachment device is provided for sewing into a garment, bag or other structure and includes a receiver for holding an end of a cord therein. A sew tab has ribs for strengthening and is stitched into the structure. The receiver has a limited opening through which a knot of a cord cannot be pulled and a plurality of cleats on an inner surface for holding the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steve C. Keller, Peter D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7200898
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a clamping system for preparing safely lifelines used in recreational and professional sports such as sailing that requires minimum skills to install, easy to store and highly dependable. The present application is also directed to a compact kit having synthetic lines and attachment clamps that can be used to replace a lifeline on a sailboat without splicing or using heavy machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Augustus Sclalfani
  • Patent number: 6857216
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy anchor for anchoring a floating decoy in a lake or stream for attracting waterfowl to a hunting site or blind. The anchor is typically tied to an eyehole in the lengthwise keel of a decoy by means of a connecting cord having a desired length. The anchor includes an elastic cord segment of latex connected at one end to a “D”-ring for attachment of the connecting cord and, at the other end, to an anchor ball of lead or iron. The other end is threaded through the anchor ball and knotted at the end, the knot being drawn back into a knot cavity within the ball. A cap covers the knot cavity and the ball is sealed up to the tubing with vinyl plastic or rubber, avoiding water pollution and corrosion of the ball. The connecting cord and anchor is wound around the keel for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Merin
  • Patent number: 6668583
    Abstract: A single-piece connector which can be used as a clasp for jewelry items using cord type construction with a stop element, whereas the cord being any and all materials having the flexible proprieties of cord (i.e. string, rope, monofilament, leather, etc.). A connector consisting of a section as means to anchor the connector to one end of the jewelry item and a series of spaced coils to receive, secure, and release the second loose end along with methods for adjusting the length of the jewelry items using the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6640870
    Abstract: A connector for joining the ends of a plurality of lift cords from a window covering assembly together. Each lift cord is individually secured to the assembled connector via its own securing arrangement. A pull cord extends downwardly from the connector for use in raising or lowering the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Anne J. Osinga
  • Patent number: 6460226
    Abstract: A device for securing a knot in a tight condition in a cord includes a generally tubular member defining a longitudinal hole therethrough. The tubular member includes a score line for dividing it into two sections by applying a bending or torsional force on the ends thereof. The tubular member further includes a longitudinal slit extending substantially through the thickness thereof. A pre-stretched elastomeric band is disposed around the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America Corps of Engineers as respresented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Dennis Ray Smith, Philip Garcin Malone
  • Patent number: 6269523
    Abstract: A tie down for securing a rope. The tie down has a tapered channel for retaining one end of a length of rope, and a channel with a series of teeth on opposite ends of the channel for securing the other end of the rope. By selecting a portion of the rope to be secured in the channel, a user can form a loop in the rope which can be used to tie down or secure a variety of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Benoit
  • Patent number: 6192559
    Abstract: A shoelace locking apparatus. The apparatus comprises a body attachable to a first end of a shoelace and a cup. The body defines a laterally opening locking passage therein for receiving a second end of the shoelace. The cup may be integral with the body or with a separate extension component. By tying a knot in a desired location in the second end of the shoelace and stretching the lace, the second end of the lace may be moved into an engaged position in which tension in the stretched lace tends to maintain the knot in the cup. The apparatus may also comprise a lock attachable to the second end of the shoelace such that the lock is also positioned in the cup and rotatable to a locking position preventing undesired longitudinal movement of the lock and shoelace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: William P. Munsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6053156
    Abstract: A device for placing a work line into a space that is normally difficult-to-reach, comprising a tubular handle having a locally terminated distal end and a hand-gripped slingshot attached to a butt end of the handle. A spool of a pull line attaches to the handle. The spool is selectively operated for freely releasing the pull line from the spool and for rewinding the pull line onto the spool for pulling a work line into a remote space which is difficult to reach. A weight attached to the free end of the pull line is fired by the slingshot into the difficult-to-reach space to move the pull line thereinto. A work line is secured to the pull line and pulled into the difficult-to-reach space. Embodiments of a traveller for connecting the pull line to the work line and for guiding the engagement of the pull line and the work line upwardly into and through an upper portion of a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Johan Hendrik Boon
  • Patent number: 5823242
    Abstract: A pull cord tassel that comprises a body defining first and second apertures for releasably holding a pull cord or a string is disclosed. The first aperture is integral with an elongated aperture which is in turn integral with an assembly aperture. The first string is located in the first aperture and can be moved through the elongated aperture into the assembly aperture where the string is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Teh Yor Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5542462
    Abstract: A device for releasably coupling adjacent ends of cords includes a one piece body having a hole for mechanically securing the device to one of the cords. The body also includes another opening constructed to receive the free ends of the remaining cords and to release them if any force is exerted between the cords and toward the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: John A. Elsenheimer, David K. Bried, Jeffrey L. Sands, Donald Wildes, J. Patrick Nugent
  • Patent number: 5519961
    Abstract: A line coupler (10) for securing a trailer line (9) to an intermediate section of a diver line (5) with minimal chafing of the lines (5, 9). The line coupler (10) includes a shield (13) that has a cylindrical body (28), and a head (26) and a lip (30) formed at opposite ends of the body (28), so that a channel is formed on the body (28) between the head (26) and lip (30). The shield (13) is slid onto the diver line (5) and butt against a knot (20) on the diver line (5). The top (24) of the head (26) is preferably contoured to mate with the underside of the knot (20). The line coupler (10) preferably includes an annular grommet (22) that is forcibly snapped over the lip (30) onto the body (28). The trailer line (9) is wrapped around the grommet (22) and held in place by a splice (34). The grommet (22) rotates freely with respect to the shield (13), so that the trailer line (9) can rotate around the diver line (5) without chafing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventors: Conrad A. Lauritzen, Steven J. Pelham
  • Patent number: 5277347
    Abstract: The instant invention consists of a piece of heavy string eighteen or so inches long that is looped about itself, tied at one end of the loop and then subjected to a threading of both sides of the loop through a plurality of compressible, movable small cord locks before the tying of another intermediate knot serving thereby to create a sub-loop between two knots between which is a plurality of compressible, movable small cord locks. It moreover consists of another compressible, movable small cord lock through which both sides of the portion of the looped heavy string beyond the intermediate knot are threaded prior to the tying of the final knot at the other end of the initial heavy string loop to create a second sub-loop and complete assembly of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Paul Savard
  • Patent number: 5267424
    Abstract: A module for forming part of an articulated mast which can be retracted to be stowed and elongated to be deployed, the mast when deployed having a central axis of elongation and a plurality of these modules. Each module has at least three rigid non-folding station rods joined to form a rigid station, and an equal number of non-folding longerons, each hingedly connected to a corner of the station. Four diagonal segments are formed as part of two flexible inelastic cables, which are brought together at a control which always holds one of the cables, and passes the other. The control includes a releasable catch to hold the other cable when its segments are at lengths respective to a deployed module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: AEC-Able Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Mark V. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5229178
    Abstract: The combination of a shock cord including a shock cord loop at an end thereof, a serving tightly disposed about the shock cord immediately adjacent to the shock cord loop, and a binding tightly disposed about the serving and connected to the serving and shock cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Martin S. Zemitis
  • Patent number: 5081785
    Abstract: A fishing device including a fishing body member and an attachment portion. The attachment portion has elongated flat surfaces with spaced apart openings where the openings having differently sized diameters, i.e. one opening is larger than the other. The smaller opening is appropriately sized to permit threading the line through the smaller opening and is tapered or frusto conically shaped so that the end of a fishing line is easily insertible through the larger opening and so that the fishing line knot can be made in the line after it exits from the small end of the tapered opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Gredo W. Kahng
  • Patent number: 5009256
    Abstract: A tire traction device for vehicle tires includes a pair of rope-like side cord members for circumferential placement on the sidewalls of a tire, and a series of wire rope cross cords which interconnect the side cords and extend across the tire tread. The cross cords are connected to the side cords at knotted connections, and a ferrule is attached to the ends of each cross cord outside of each knotted connection to prevent the cross cords from disconnecting from the side cords. Coil spring rollers are supported on the cross cords to provide additional traction. Each cross cord also supports a pair of tubular spacers located inside and adjacent the knotted connections to maintain the rollers in the center of the cross cord. One end of each side cord is knotted into a series of male connector knots while the opposite end of each side cord is knotted into a female loop knot for selective interengagement with one of the male connector knots to join the opposite ends together about a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Manufacturer's Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: Franklin G. Smith
  • Patent number: 4991265
    Abstract: An improved cord tie device is provided for use in wrapping and storing a coiled electrical power cord or the like. The cord tie device has a substantially unitary construction to include an elongated tie strap having a plurality of resilient strap segments interconnected by a plurality of enlarged and relatively stiff locking disks at spaced intervals along the strap length, and a slotted head forming a lock clasp at one end of the tie strap. The strap is adapted to loop snugly about a coiled electrical cord or the like, with one of the locking disks seated within and engaging the slotted head to retain the electrical cord in a neat stored configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Best Shot
    Inventors: Donald E. Campbell, Suzanne R. Darling, Kristian R. Darling
  • Patent number: 4914792
    Abstract: A device for securing a loop in a line comprising an elongated body with an opening at each end joined by an internal passageway, and a notch in the body which extends perpendicularly from one end of the device and tapers in width to a convergence point in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bradt
  • Patent number: 4875653
    Abstract: The invention concerns an article suspension system and is provided for raising, lowering and suspending an article (such as display materials, botanical specimens, electrical, video or electronic gear, and the like) on a cord, e.g. overhead or across open spaces, at selected positions of static and dynamic suspension such as display or monitoring positions or service and maintenance positions. The invention includes novel article hook means, locking handle means, and cord lock means for suspension from one or more pulley supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventor: Donald P. Connolly
  • Patent number: 4827661
    Abstract: A fish stringer and bracket assembly wherein the stringer has a loop on the end upon which a first fish may be mounted and the stringer also has one or more enlarged diameter portions such that the enlarged diameter portion of the stringer can be received in a bracket which will not allow the enlarged portion to pass through so as to lock the stringer to a boat or other device. The one end of the stringer has a pointed metal spike attached which makes easy to pass the stringer through the gills of a fish. The bracket may be attached to a boat or other device with the screws or, alternatively, may be attached to the boat with a peel-off double-sided adhesive or other form of an adhesive. The stringer may be quickly and easily removed from the bracket when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Glenn H. Wendler