Plastic Band Patents (Class 24/16PB)
  • Patent number: 5722123
    Abstract: A one piece cable tie for forming a plurality of objects such as cables into a bundle. The cable tie includes in one embodiment an elongated flexible strap having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, a first end and a second end. The strap further includes a plurality of raised cross-members spaced along its length, each cross-member being in the shape of a ratchet tooth. A locking head is integrally formed to the first end of the strap. The locking head has a top surface and a bottom surface and includes a strap accepting channel having an inner end wall and an outer end wall. The outer end wall is shaped to include an angled locking face for engaging with one of the raised cross-members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Davignon, Richard M. Bastien, Francis L. Cormier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5715578
    Abstract: A plastic handle about two inches long has a longitudinal slot sized to receive a rubber band. After the rubber band is inserted into the slot, a locking pin is inserted into the first end of the rubber-band loop which has been inserted in the slot. The rubber band is then pulled back through the slot, thereby locking the plastic handle, rubber band, and locking pin into a bundle tie assembly. The second end of the rubber band is wrapped around an extension cord, rope, or the like and snapped around the plastic handle of the first end of the rubber band. The bundle tie assembly self-tightens to quickly and neatly secure the extension cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Albin Eugene Knudson
  • Patent number: 5716579
    Abstract: In a method of injection molding a tie that includes an abutment wall surface having at least one tooth inside a locking head facing a pawl, a first mold part defines a portion of the abutment surface that includes the at least one abutment surface tooth and a second mold part defines at least a portion of a surface of the abutment wall that is on the opposite side of the abutment wall from the portion of the abutment surface that includes the at least one abutment surface tooth. The first mold part is separated from the second mold part while retaining the abutment wall in the first mold part to separate the second mold part from the opposite side of the abutment wall to thereby enable the abutment wall to flex in a direction away from the pawl into a space vacated by separation of the second mold part from the opposite side of the abutment wall so that the tie can be removed from the mold without significantly damaging the at least one abutment surface tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: GB Electrical, Inc.
    Inventors: Soren Christian Sorensen, Jens Ole Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5704097
    Abstract: A reusable security seal comprising a first member including a plurality of frangible sections, each frangible section having a first clasp portion and an identity associated therewith is provided. A housing is coupled to a first end of the first member and includes a second clasp portion disposed at least partially therein for cooperating with the first clasp portion. The first member and the housing form a closed loop extending between the cooperating clasp portions. The first clasp portion and the second clasp portion are adapted for substantially locking engagement, so that pressure applied to the closed loop will cause at least one of the frangible sections to break before the clasp portions will unlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Avraham Rahav
  • Patent number: 5699642
    Abstract: A harness system used with steel reinforcement bars or rods to hold them at a desired orientation during and after concrete is poured. The system has two substantially identical harnesses each with its own strap section and a one direction end clasp. A common spacer joins the harnesses together and orients them with respect to each other in different directions. Preferably, the harnesses and spacer are made of a moisture proof plastic material. Two steel reinforcement bars may be oriented in a desired direction--it could be parallel or at right angles to each other--and an appropriate harness system used to hold them in place as concrete is poured over them. One strap of one harness goes around a bar and is put in through its clasp end to a tightened position to hold the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Joseph McDevitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5696427
    Abstract: The strip-type retainer device for fitting a degaussing coil of a cathode ray tube in a display device is provided. The retainer device comprises a first end section, a contact section, a middle section and a second end section. The contact section has a plurality of positioning slots. The middle section has a first passage allowing passage of the first end section. The first passage defines a periphery around the passage. A latch is provided on the periphery of the first passage to cooperate with one of a plurality of positioning slots. A second end section has a second passage allowing passage of the lug. The retainer device is removably attached to the peripheral edge of the cathode ray tube. The first end section passes through the first passage and the degaussing coil contacts with the funnel-shape surface of the cathode ray tube tightly by selecting an appropriate positioning slot to cooperate with the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Acer Peripherals, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Jung Tsuo
  • Patent number: 5692268
    Abstract: Devices for securing a first object to a second object, comprising a preformed, flexible strap having a first end and a second end, and including a first opening preferably located in the vicinity of the first end and a spaced apart second opening preferably located in the vicinity of the second end of the strap. The openings are designed to releasably receive the first object. A strap receiving aperture is formed in the strap intermediate the first opening and the second opening of the strap, and is designed to slidably receive one end of the strap to form a loop which is capable of encircling a second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Richard N. Case
  • Patent number: 5687455
    Abstract: A circular loop type fastener is disclosed. It has a body made of a long flexible material that has teeth either on the top or along the sides. A buckle is located at one end. The buckle is parallel to the body of the fastener. The buckle contains channel that is appropriately sized to allow the tail end of the body to be passed through. Inside the channel is an arm with a lip that will engage the teeth of the body and prevent the body from backing up. By depressing the arm, the lip and teeth can be forced to disengage so that the body may be removed from the buckle. When the body is inserted into the buckle, a circular fastening loop is formed. The buckle will lie flat on the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Gary E. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5687456
    Abstract: A tying device, including a binding strip, which has a plurality of blocking incisions on one side arranged along the longitudinal direction, and a lock head with a lead opening, having two locking plates extending from opposite inner walls into the interior, wherein the locking plates each have a plurality of locking pawls. The improvement is: The blocking incisions are arranged in two rows on one side of the binding strip, wherein the two rows are separated by a ridge. The locking pawls on the locking plates each have a slot cut in the middle so as to accommodate the ridge on the binding strip. The shape of the locking pawls fits the shape of the blocking incisions, thereby attaining a blocking effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Kun-Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 5685048
    Abstract: A tie for use in pairing together two objects. The tie comprises a head having an elongated channel extending therethrough, a locking tang within the head, and a strap extending from the head. The strap is approximately 30 cm in length and is formed in a ladder structure having a plurality of rungs. The rungs of the strap are sequentially engaged by the locking tang when the strap is inserted into and through the elongated channel to form a closed loop. As the strap is further inserted through the elongated channel, the size of the closed loop is decreased. The tie further includes a projection formed on a rung of the strap and located approximately 26 cm from the head. The projection protrudes upward from the rung approximately 1 mm and serves as a stop to limit the minimum size of the closed loop which can be formed when the strap is inserted into the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: James C. Benoit
  • Patent number: 5675870
    Abstract: A one piece cable tie for forming a plurality of objects such as cables into a bundle. The cable tie includes an elongated flexible strap having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, a first end and a second end. The strap further includes a plurality of raised teeth spaced along its length. A locking head is integrally formed to the first end of the strap. The locking head includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a strap accepting channel having an entrance end, an exit end, an inner end wall and an outer end wall. A flexible pawl is integrally connected to the outer end wall of the locking head and extends into the strap accepting channel. The flexible pawl is capable of flexion towards the exit end of the strap accepting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5673829
    Abstract: A carrier apparatus for holding an object such as a film canister is disclosed. The carrier comprises a flexible elastic body having a ring portion adapted to receive and hold the object therein, an eyelet portion having an aperture therethrough and an elongated flexible tail portion. The tail portion has a free end and a plurality of linearly spaced enlarged nodules thereon. The tail portion is sized to pass through the aperture in the eyelet portion. The nodules are sized to elastically deform and frictionally pass through the aperture in said eyelet portion when the tail portion is pulled through the aperture. In use, the free end of the tail portion may be bent around a support structure such as through a button hole and passed through the aperture through the eyelet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Gordon K. Hartshorn
  • Patent number: 5669110
    Abstract: An improved disposable restraining device having double loops formed of two separate, flexible straps joined together by an interlocking cover is extremely strong, tamper resistant and more easily molded than single strap devices. The device is designed to be folded into a compact storage position which can be easily carried by law enforcement personnel yet is instantly ready for use. The cover provides a shield for the locking mechanism and additional strength in the area between the two loops. The straps include a core material designed to resist friction cutting and the cover may be constructed of a harder material than the straps for maximum strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5669111
    Abstract: A cable tie having a reduction in occurrences of neck breaks is provided by positioning a knockout impression adjacent the cable tie head and providing strengthening gussets along the strap and extending past the knockout impression area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Rohaly
  • Patent number: 5664294
    Abstract: In a tie including an elongated tongue and a locking head having a movable pawl that is hinged at one side of an opening in the locking head across the opening from an abutment surface for, locking engagement with a first set of ratchet teeth on one broad side of the tongue when the tip of the tongue has been inserted through the opening and teeth on the abutment surface for locking engagement with a second set of ratchet teeth on the other broad side of the tongue when the tip of the tongue has been inserted through the opening, locking engagement is enhanced by the locking surface of at least one abutment surface tooth extending toward the apex of such tooth at an angle inclined toward the direction of insertion for locking engagement with a tooth of the second set of ratchet teeth; and by the locking surface of at least one of the second set of ratchet teeth extending toward the apex of such tooth at an angle inclined away from the direction of insertion for locking engagement with an abutment surface toot
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventors: Soren Christian Sorensen, Jens Ole Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5653409
    Abstract: A standoff for use with a cable tie for securing a wire bundle at a spaced distance from a mounting panel including a pair of opposing strap passageways extending from a top to a bottom side of the standoff and including access slots connecting the strap passageways to the exterior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Frederick E. White, Jr., Marty J. Kronz, Gary D. Hammon
  • Patent number: 5644819
    Abstract: A banding device is formed of two metallic components, namely, a clamp component and a strap component. The clamp and strap components are slidably assemblable into interlocked engagement. The strap includes regularly longitudinally spaced locking components, the locking components including teeth deflected from the plane of the strap and locking shoulders in the plane of the strap. The strap is applied by advancing the free end through a passage formed in the clamp, a pawl of the clamp being resiliently biased into the passage. The teeth and pawl co-act to permit movement of the strap through the clamp in a first direction, the pawl biasing the stop shoulders into the path of a barb extending into the passage to block reverse movement of the strap. The pawl is manually accessible, enabling the spacing between the pawl and barb to be increased to thereby release the strap permitting retraction of the strap from the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Duro Dyne Corporation
    Inventor: John Lyons
  • Patent number: 5642554
    Abstract: In a tie including an elongated tongue and a locking head having a movable pawl that is hinged at one side of an opening in the locking head across the opening from an abutment surface for locking engagement with a first set of ratchet teeth on one broad side of the tongue when the tip of the tongue has been inserted through the opening and teeth on the abutment surface for locking engagement with a second set of ratchet teeth on the other broad side of the tongue when the tip of the tongue has been inserted through the opening, and in which the side of the pawl including the pawl teeth converges toward the opposite side of the pawl in the direction of insertion, locking engagement is enhanced by the locking surface of at least one pawl tooth extending toward the apex of such tooth at an angle inclined toward the direction of insertion for locking engagement with a tooth of the first set of ratchet teeth; and by the locking surface of at least one of the first set of ratchet teeth extending toward the apex of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: GB Electrical, Inc.
    Inventors: Soren Christian Sorensen, Jens Ole Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5636412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially permanent, fixed-circumference, non-abrasive binding device for gathering and binding plural articles, including a locking head, a tail, and an elongate strap therebetween. The head and tail ends include cooperative locking means for securing the tail end in the locking head. The tail end includes outwardly projecting tail barbs to facilitate pulling the tail end through the locking head, and subsequently to facilitate engagement of locking barbs located on the end of the strap with barb stops located in the head. A score line is preformed across the tail end at a point between the locking barbs and the tail end, to provide for a break-any tail which can be removed after engagement of the locking barbs with the barb stops in the head. Upon engagement of the locking barbs with the barb stops, the score line is at a position slightly inside of the locking head so that no sharp or abrasive edge will be exposed after the tail end is broken off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Frank Lodi, Craig A. Hawkins, Richard M. Girardot, Richard R. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 5632457
    Abstract: An adjustable routing clamp assembly capable of accommodating engagement of various size or numbers of elongated members in a bundle, the clamp assembly including an extension element to be attached to a vehicle frame having a plurality of slots spaced thereon and a tie strap engaged to the extension at a first slot on one side of the bundle and disposed to wrap around the bundle and engage the extension at a second slot displaced from the first slot by the width of the bundle, thus clamping the bundle against the extension element, with a toothed keeper element used to maintain the strap in engagement with the bundle and extension element, thereby accommodating engagement of various size or numbers of elongated members in a bundle by using different slots along the extension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventor: Robert H. Neely, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5621949
    Abstract: A cable tie includes a head having an elongate passage therethrough and a strap insertable into the head. The head includes a metallic barb supported therein which extends into the passage for locking engagement with the strap. The barb includes a portion embedded into the head and a portion extending therefrom. A cable tie exhibiting high withdrawal or pull-out strength with low strap insertion force is obtained by significantly increasing the length of the unembedded portion of the barb with respect to both the embedded portion and the thickness of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corproation
    Inventors: Peter Wells, William A. Fortsch
  • Patent number: 5619909
    Abstract: A fastener for securing meat to a rotisserie spit. The fastener includes a thin elongate strap made from flexible plastic. The thin elongate strap has first and second end portions and a central portion extending between the end portions. The central portion has a large transverse dimension to provide a surface with a significant area for engaging the meat. The end portions cooperatively interengage for quickly securing the end portions together to retain the meat on the rotisserie spit during cooking. The surface with a significant area inhibits the central portion from embedding in the meat during cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Volk Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Volk
  • Patent number: 5615455
    Abstract: In a tie including an elongated tongue and a locking head having a movable pawl that is hinged at one side of the opening of the locking head across the opening from an abutment wall for locking engagement with a set of ratchet teeth on the tongue when the tip of the tongue has been inserted through the opening, the abutment wall is enhanced for withstanding a force that would tend to bow the abutment wall when the pawl forces the tongue against the abutment wall in response to a pulling force applied to the tongue in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion, but does not require as much material as would be required for an abutment wall that merely had increased thickness and, when the tie is made by injection molding, the abutment wall is not significantly subject to deformation when the injected plastic material cools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: GB Electrical, Inc.
    Inventors: Soren C. Sorensen, Jens O. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5615504
    Abstract: An identification device which includes blank band having an imprintable surface upon which information in the form of a bar code or the like can be imprinted in a conventional bar code imprinting machine. Various bands are provided with separate fasteners which are assembled with the band after the imprinting and which, when the band is located on a person or object, lock the band against undesirable removal of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Precision Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Dean D. Peterson, Walter W. Mosher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5613283
    Abstract: A shoelace and closure mechanism for lacing a shoe which includes a shoelace featuring a number of closure members near its ends. The outer directed portion of each of the closure members is connected to the lace while the other end is free of the shoelace. The shoe is equipped with a lace retaining member which is formed with a cutout dimensioned to allow passage an end of the shoelace when the shoelace is moved in one direction while causing one of the closure members to open and engage the cutout and thereby immobilize the shoelace when an attempt is made to move the shoelace in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Shay Yusfan
  • Patent number: 5601261
    Abstract: In a band clip, comprising a lock portion 10; a band portion 20 elongated from one side of said lock portion 10; and a stem portion 30 formed at the other side of said lock portion 10, for fitting held things W such as wires to a holding member P by winding said band portion 20 around said held things W and inserting the stem portion 30 into a fitting aperture A to be engaged therein with the top of the band portion being inserted into a through hole 11 for engagement, the convenience for handling the band clip, the degree of the freedom in designing of the band portion width and the productivity of the band clip are kept high, and there is no fear for the band clip coming out of a fitting panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kato Hatsujo Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Koike
  • Patent number: 5584102
    Abstract: A band has a pair of laterally spaced grooves adjacent its side edges accommodating the outer peripheral edges of a tape accommodating reel assembly. A connecting clip has first and second hook members projecting through corresponding openings in opposite ends of the band to hold the band on the reel assembly to enclose and protect a carrier tape stored on the reel assembly. The hook members and openings in the band are longitudinally aligned so that the band is held on the reel assembly in an end-to end relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Advantek, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean B. Chenoweth
  • Patent number: 5584452
    Abstract: A harness clip is so arranged that a band portion 6 is formed to extend on the front face side of a flange portion 2 having elastic wings 7 on the both side surfaces thereof, a shaft portion 3 projects on the rear face side of the flange portion, a latch stopper surface 13 is formed on one surface of the band portion 6, stopper legs 5 elastically biased toward a peripheral edge 101 of a mount hole in a panel 10 are formed on the both side surfaces of the shaft portion 3, a through hole 8 is formed through the flange portion 2, stopper claws 9 to mesh with the latch stopper surface 13 are provided inside the through hole 8, a band holding wall 4 stands as suspended downward from the distal end of the shaft portion 3, a lead hole 12 is formed through the band holding wall 4, the lead hole 12 and through hole 8 are formed below the shaft portion 3 and stopper legs 5, a band catching portion 30 is formed to project from the lower edge of the band holding wall 4 so that the upper surface thereof is on a same plane
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Kato Hatsujyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Koike
  • Patent number: 5581850
    Abstract: A flexible elongated loop fastening device for attaching to and securing multiple cords in bundle configurations to itself. The loop fastening device includes a notched and apertured band that is first looped around the cord element to be secured by passing through itself then extending about the remaining coil cord elements and pass through itself again securing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: John D. Acker
  • Patent number: 5577698
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting decorative items on cylindrical supports available at the premises to be decorated includes an elongated strap that is flexible for winding around the respective cylindrical support, and a fixture secured to one end of the strap and carrying a hook-shaped formation for suspending the decorative item therefrom. The strap has a series of ratchet-type teeth on one of its major surfaces, and the fixture has an aperture for the passage of the strap therethrough after having been wound around the cylindrical support. The fixture also includes a pawl-type holding member mounted thereon for pivoting between an engaging position in which it engages at the aperture behind one of the teeth of the strap, and a releasing position in which it frees the strap for unimpeded passage through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Noma International Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Liu, Charles W. Fennessy, Frank Lang
  • Patent number: 5573420
    Abstract: A device for securing together a plurality of cords and for securing together a plurality of loops of one or more cords comprising a disk-shaped first connector with a central opening and an access notch, and a first strip attached to the first connector. The plurality of cords or cord loops can be secured by wrapping the securing device around the cords or loops and then inserting a portion of the first strip into the central opening via the access notch. A securing device suitable for securing together a first plug with a second plug comprising a first connector attached to a first strip, a second connector attached to both the first strip and a second strip and a third connector attached to the second strip. Each connector has a central opening and an access notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Patrick J. Grosswendt
  • Patent number: 5564672
    Abstract: A conduit binding system for use in restricted spaces of motor vehicles comprises an extruded body and a fastener for fastening the extruded body to a support panel. The extruded body can be of any usable selected length and is composed of a flexible material such as a plastic. The preferred plastic is polypropylene. The extruded body has a plurality of axial perforations that allow a length of the extrusion to be wrapped about one or more wires or tubes and to have its outer shape adapted to fit within a restricted space. The fastener attaches the body to a support member. The fastener may be of either wrap-around construction or may be a fastener fitted between the body and the support member. The fasteners are also preferably composed of a plastic such as polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Bradley A. Matson
  • Patent number: 5555608
    Abstract: A connector means including shoe connector means comprising a plurality of improved ridges configured using an improved injection mold design so that inverted ridge means may be nested between and gripped by certain of the ridges. The connector means also includes means to confirm complete, adjusted interlock of the nested ridges. Additionally disclosed are products that would incorporate such connector means. Also disclosed is improved, chisel-like, ridge hook design suitable for strong connectors with little or no mechanical resistance to connection. Improved, generally rectangular, rigid, ridge design for toy building blocks is also disclosed. Also disclosed is improved hook for hook and loop fasteners with connector members suitable for injection molding. An injector mold design suitable for manufacturing ridge-type connectors or hook-type connectors for hook and loop connectors is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved, adjustable tongue and double-buckle connector for straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Robert M. Allan
  • Patent number: 5544391
    Abstract: A tie head for use with elongate plastic strap comprising a housing and a substantially V-shaped spring pawl pivotally mounted within the housing for engagement of strap inserted into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Dymetrol Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5537719
    Abstract: A reusable and releasable tie according to the present invention has no moving parts, and has the ability to expand and contract in discrete increments while being tied. The tie consists of a strap and a holder. The strap has ratchet teeth on top and bottom. The holder has ratchet teeth on the upper and lower surface of its interior, which may be pawled to increase the gripping strength. To switch the tie from an expanding to a contracting position, and vice versa, the user slides or swivels the holder to a different position relative to the strap. To expand or contract the tie, the user may pull on the strap in the desired direction. If the holder is in the expanding position, the tie automatically expands when contents are added due to the increase in pressure on the inside of the strap. The ties can be configured as a one piece tie, as a tie with variable length strap and a double holder, or as two pieces (strap and holder). The tie may be spring loaded so that it returns to a fixed position when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Anna B. Freed
  • Patent number: 5531733
    Abstract: A hanger strap has a connection portion which, in use, is connected to a component, particularly part of a medical fluid administration kit, which provides a narrow-mouthed slot. An elongate strap body extends from the connection portion and has a wide portion, a narrow portion and a hanging means (usually a loop). For storage, the strap lies flat against the component. For use, the strap is bent up and its narrow portion is passed into the slot through the mouth. The strap is pulled through the slot until the wide portion is therein. This cannot escape through the mouth, and formations (e.g. ratchet teeth) resist its withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Limited
    Inventor: David Scarrow
  • Patent number: 5524945
    Abstract: A one piece molded thermoplastic, preferably polypropylene, high security seal for coin bags has a locking socket body from which a flag extends on one side and a rectangular flat elongated shackle extends on the opposite side via an intermediate flat member which has a tear band there across for selectively separating the member into two pieces to facilitate removal of the locked seal. The shackle has several locking circular segment teeth in two parallel linear arrays on opposite edges of the shackle adjacent to a tamper resistant flange at the member end. A locking sheet metal stamped insert has two sets of tangs defining two spaced tooth receiving openings in a socket locking cavity aligned with shackle receiving openings in the body. The body receives the insert transverse to the shackle insertion direction through a cavity side wall later sealed with a flap formed in the seal body. The locked shackle precludes removal of the insert should the side wall seal be tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventors: George Georgopoulos, George A. Lundberg, Jr., Louis J. Mattos
  • Patent number: 5524463
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for attaching a theft-deterrent tag to an article to be protected in an article surveillance system, the assembly comprising a strap having a first end and a strap section extending from the first end, the strap section being adapted to loop around so as selectively bring subsections of the strap section adjacent the first end and having a plurality of first engagement means spaced along the length of the strap section. The first end includes a second engagement means adapted to engage with the first engagement means included in a subsection of the strap section brought adjacent to the first end when the strap section is looped around, thereby to form a closed loop of a selective dimension. The first end and strap section are further adapted to include means for receiving a locking means for locking the strap section and first end together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Howard M. Schenkel, Luis E. Anderson, Hans P. Witzky
  • Patent number: 5522122
    Abstract: A strap of stretchable material that is adapted for engagement with one end of a flashlight, wrapping around the handlebar of a bicycle, and further engagement with the other end of the flashlight, thereby securely strapping it to the handlebar. The strap includes two pairs of holes, one pair at each end, each pair including an inner hole and an outer hole. The back portion of the flashlight is first inserted through the outer and inner holes of the first pair of holes in the strap; the light is then positioned against the handlebar, the strap is wrapped around it and stretched to permit the insertion of the front portion of the flashlight into the inner hole of the second pair of holes, thereby securing the light to the handlebar. The strap is then stretched again along the length of the flashlight to insert the back portion of the light into the outer hole of the second pair of holes in the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventors: Carmi Turchick, Yael Salomon
  • Patent number: 5520691
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for attaching tendons, ligaments, or other tissue to bone, which includes the use of adjustable head members positioned along filament members. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for mending breaks in tissue such as skin or meniscal layers tissue such as skin or meniscal layers skin by use of similar elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas P. Branch
  • Patent number: 5517727
    Abstract: A low thread force two piece cable tie includes a strap, a locking head forming a strap accepting channel, a metal barb positioned within the channel and mounted to the locking head, and a cored out pocket disposed adjacent the metal barb at the entrance to the strap accepting channel. The cored out pocket allows for a slight rotation of the metal barb during insertion of the tip of the strap which enhances the threadability of the cable tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Bernard, James A. Brownlee
  • Patent number: 5517728
    Abstract: A cable tie comprises a head and a strap of plastic material. The head has a transverse aperture formed therethrough and contains a separately formed barb. The barb has a head engaging portion and a strap engaging portion extending at least partly across the head aperture. The barb includes a flexure region comprising a pair of opposed cut-out portions each located in a edge of the barb to provide a section of reduced width between the cut-out portions. Each cut-out portion provides a shoulder at the side thereof such that after insertion of the barb into the head the plastic material of the head flows over the shoulders of the cut-out portions to anchor the barb in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Derek Woods
  • Patent number: 5517838
    Abstract: A portable deadbolt lock security device is configured to prevent the handle of the deadbolt lock from being turned. The device includes a flexible strap having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion. An opening is located in the first end of the strap. A fastener is provided for mutually engaging the second end of the strap with the medial portion. In use, the handle of the deadbolt lock is turned to its locked position and inserted into the opening in the first end of the strap. Subsequently, the second end of the strap is encircled about the stem of a doorknob, pulled taut, and brought into mutual engagement with the medial portion of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Melinda A. Moore
  • Patent number: 5515580
    Abstract: A binding tie device used to either confine and constrict a single object, or else hold two or more objects snugly together. The binding tie includes a length of curled cord (10) which will recoil to its curled shape after being stretched straight, a chain (12), made of bead type chain, and split ring (24). The working end of cord (10) and the first end of chain (12) are connected together. Split ring (24) is connected to the second end of chain (12). Split ring (24) is employed to stretch the cord straight and wind it in either direction around the object being tied. Cord (10) automatically turns allowing it to first uncoil when stretched and then recoil as it is wound around the object thereby securely binding the object. Cord (10) is untied by winding in the opposite direction. The first end of chain (12) may be positioned on cord (10) so that the tie with attached object can be hung up or attached by split ring (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Kurly Tie Company
    Inventor: David C. McHenry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5513421
    Abstract: A cable tie includes an elongate generally planar strap and a cable tie head. The head of the cable tie includes an aperture therethrough for insertably accommodating the strap. A locking device is supported by the head and extends into the aperture. The locking device permits movement of the strap in an insertion direction and prevents substantial movement of the strap in a withdrawal direction. The locking device includes a hingedly mounted support member extending into the aperture and a barb supported adjacent the support member. The barb and the support member are movable into locking engagement with the strap to prevent withdrawal of the strap from the head aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Peter M. Wells
  • Patent number: 5511293
    Abstract: A leash is described for attachment between an article such as a fishing rod and a relatively stationary surface. The leash includes an elongated elastic member resiliently stretchable between first and second member ends. A strap connector is provided at the first end, adapted to be wrapped about and attached to an article such as a fishing rod. A clip is provided at the second end of the elongated elastic member. A keeper including a pair of elastic member receiving apertures is oriented transversely to the elastic member and is mounted along the member length between the first and second ends. The elastic member is slidably threaded through both elastic member receiving apertures. A clip anchor point is also provided on the keeper. The keeper is selectively adjustable along the length of the elastic member at selected distances from the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Richard T. Hubbard, Jr., Richard P. Beaty
  • Patent number: 5502877
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a device for securing an electrical elongated cord in a compacted state, of an electrical utensil, in an anchored state intermittently anchored to the electrical utensil is an elongated elastic strip having opposite flat faces extending between opposite ends, with a large hole (through-space) in one end and with an elongated slit in the other end, with spaced-apart apertures located one at each of opposite ends of and continuous with opposite ends ends of the elongated slit, with narrow strip width at the other end and along a intermediate-portion between the one and other ends, and with a broader width at the other end embodying the large hole, and with at-least one barb-shaped intermittent enlarged portion along opposite edges of the intermediate portion, and with enlarged widths on each of opposite edges of the strip aligned with each of the spaced-apart apertures, and the remaining end of the strip having diminishing width suitable for insertion through the larger hole, for prac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Michael S. Yocum
  • Patent number: 5488760
    Abstract: A clamping device is provided in the form of a cable tie. The cable tie includes a band having a free end for positioning about an object to be constrained, such as an electrical cable, and a buckle through which the free end of the band section is inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the buckle is movably positioned on the band and, during band periphery adjustment, the locking teeth on the band are in an unlocked position. When the desired band periphery is realized, the locking teeth are placed in a locked position. At this point the clamp may be further tightened with a tightening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Band-It-Idex, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Jansen
  • Patent number: 5479797
    Abstract: A closure means for an identification band or bracelet includes integrally formed, unidirectionally engagement means to permit the bracelet to be further tightened, but not loosened, after assembly of the bracelet about a portion of a person or an object. In the preferred embodiment, the closure includes a body portion that is attached to a first end of the bracelet, and an opening to receive the second end of the bracelet after the bracelet has been placed in an encircling relationship about the person or object to be identified. The body portion is preferably configured as a sleeve having a rectangular cross-section, with one or more deformable mounting posts configured to be placed through a corresponding one or more mating openings in the first end of the bracelet and thereafter deformed to retain the first end of the bracelet on the body portion. Also in the preferred embodiment, the engagement means includes one or more protruding teeth having biting extremities adjacent the opening in the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Precision Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Dean D. Peterson
  • Patent number: D389051
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Joseph S. Rohaly