Bale And Package Ties, Hose Clamps Patents (Class 24/16R)
  • Patent number: 6141834
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a hose or another suitable tubular member. A coiled band forms an opening within which the hose or other tubular member is positioned. The coiled band forms an inner band, a middle band and a outer band. The middle band is sandwiched between the inner band and the outer band. A retainer is positioned about the inner band and the outer band, to retain the inner band, the middle and the outer band in a sandwiched position with respect to each other. Two or more projections extend radially inward, toward the opening formed by the coiled band, from the inner band. The projections interfere with the retainer to limit movement of the retainer in two directions, opposite to each other, along a longitudinal axis of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: A. J. Gerrard & Company
    Inventor: Walter William Lenox
  • Patent number: 6117163
    Abstract: An anchoring system includes a simply-structured suture-like device which permits a fluid tube or similar medical article to be easily attached to the patient without the use of needles and without suturing anything to the patient. The anchoring device desirably includes two threads or filaments and two corresponding receptacles. The filaments include protuberances which cooperate with apertures of the receptacles to permit easy insertion of the distal ends of the filaments into the receptacles, but inhibit retraction of the filament distal ends from the receptacles. A health care provider simply wraps the filament around the fluid tube or threads the filament through a suture hole in the medical article, and then threads the distal end of the filament through the receptacle aperture until the filament holds the medical article tightly against an anchor pad of the anchoring system. The anchor pad in turn includes an adhesive bottom surface which can be attached to the patient's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Venetec International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven F. Bierman
  • Patent number: 6113170
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for bundling and carrying snow ski equipment. The present invention is comprised of an elongate piece of first material having flexible qualities with a flexible strip of second, more rigid, and bendable material enclosed within the first material. The apparatus may be twist-tied around ski equipment for relatively easy transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Dianne C. Daniel
  • Patent number: 6101684
    Abstract: A device for handling or storing bundled items such as electrical cords or cables is provided by using a handcuff-like element having jaws that self-sustain an open position while the bundled item is inserted therein and which traverse a fixed path or trajectory to close on the bundled item. The device may also be used handling or storing key rings, belts, fabrics such as napkins, jewelry, shopping bags, and plantings, among other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Mark H. Ginocchio
  • Patent number: 6023821
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a safety device in a clamping strap (12) with a clamp (10). A casing (11) is designed for accommodating the clamp (10), and the casing (11) is designed with a first aperture (13) for insertion and removal of the clamp (10) and a second aperture (14) for passage of at least a part of the clamping strap (12). The casing is produced from a soft or elastic, preferably shock-absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Frederick G. Murray
  • Patent number: 6018850
    Abstract: A clip for paper sheets is proposed, which is injection moulded in one piece from plastic. The clip is cross-sectionally U-shaped, the two legs interconnected by a web being flat and their flat sides face one another. In the gap formed in this way between the two legs is placed a clamping leg, which is connected in one piece to the inside of one leg and from there is inclined in the direction of the other leg and in the direction of the web. The paper sheets are slid into the gap, it being possible for the clamping leg to deform, whilst making difficult a drawing out of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Kurt Lorber
  • Patent number: 5996945
    Abstract: The present invention includes the utilization of support blocks with angular surfaces which define semi-circular notches therein so that when assembled the semi-circular notches are aligned to form substantially circular regions for supporting a plurality of hoses individually in an offset and spaced relationship from one another. The ability to utilize support blocks which are designed in such a manner provides a space efficient manner for holding the individual hoses, while simultaneously, protecting the hoses from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Derry R. Coles, Julian E. Evans, Paul Fradgley, Andrew M. Whitford, Craig D. Williams
  • Patent number: 5915629
    Abstract: Security fastening connection for packets and other uses, destined to the joining of the ends of fastening means such as ropes, perforated tapes, dented tapes or similar being applied to packets constituted by postal packages, luggage or boxes; includes a) a main body provided with a central cavity which is exposed through at least one inlet mouth that affects one of the main faces of said main body; and b) at least two passages for fastening means, said passages having retentive admission means for dented tapes going through said main body in a way such that they coincide in said central cavity. The device further includes c) at least one salient, disposed within said central cavity, and which constitutes a fastening means for perforated tapes; and d) a blocking lid of said inlet mouth that, provided by unremovable connection means with said main body, conforms the support of the identifying security means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Mario Fernandes Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 5906033
    Abstract: A length adjusting device for fastening straps of a mask includes an oblong elastic thin plate with a plurality of stepped hook portions. One strap of fastening straps of the mask is to be detachably fitted at a base end portion of the elastic thin plate and another strap of the mask is to be engageably fitted on the stepped hook portions. The elastic thin plate may have a piercing hole at its base end portion, into which the strap of the mask is to be detachably fitted, and/or have opposing hook portions which opposingly project from both its upper and lower sides and incline toward the base end of the elastic thin plate. The piercing hole may have a cut and the cut may extend slantingly toward a tip side of the elastic thin plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Etsuji Mukaiyama
  • Patent number: 5904442
    Abstract: A protrusion provided at one end of a first fitting body is engaged with one of the recesses in a plurality of grooves provided at one end of a second fitting body in the lengthwise direction, whereby the degree of overlapping between the first fitting body and the second fitting body is adjusted. Then, the other end of the first fitting body and the other end of the second fitting body engaging with the recesses and protrusions of a fluted portion of a sensor portion are fixed with a fixing screw. Thus, the other end of the first fitting body and the other end of the second fitting body are drawn near to each other, and a fitting for a bicycle is firmly fixed to the fork or other part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Goro Takeda
  • Patent number: 5881436
    Abstract: Chorded lines such as ropes, electrical cords, etc. may be maintained in an orderly, untangled, coiled line bundle arrangement by a unique portable harnessing device. The harnessing device includes a flexible strap (such as a leather, woven fabric, etc.) fitted with an adjustable buckling assembly which may be looped about and adjustably sized so as to tautly harness a variety of different coiled line bundle sizes. Unbuckling the buckling assembly unharnesses the coiled line bundle so as to permit its removal from the harnessing strap. The device is equipped with an auxiliary harness which permits separate harnessing of a segmented portion of the line from the main coiled line bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas B. Lyons
  • Patent number: 5867874
    Abstract: An implement holder to be attached to a cap or hat is provided. The holder is designed to be affixed to the side portion of the cap proximal the edge. The holder is an integral unit including a first leg, second leg and third leg. The first leg and the second leg are interconnected to form a first jaw or clamp, the first leg to be received between the cap and the head and the second leg to remain outside and flush to the cap. The first leg is resilient and includes means to maintain attachment to the cap. The side of the cap is placed intermediate the first leg and the second leg. The third leg and second leg are interconnected and form a second jaw or clamp which has the general shape of an U-shaped channel. The U-shaped channel is generally parallel to the cap when the holder is affixed thereto. The channel includes a plurality of longitudinal ridges located on the interior channel walls of the third leg and second leg. The second jaw may receive a pencil, pen or other elongated implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: David Simpson
  • Patent number: 5853212
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for bundling and carrying snow ski equipment is disclosed. The present invention is comprised of an elongate piece of first material having flexible qualities with a flexible strip of second, more rigid, and bendable material enclosed within the first material. The apparatus can be twist-tied around the ski equipment for relatively easy transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Dianne C. Daniel
  • Patent number: 5845374
    Abstract: The invention is a strap for enhancing one's grip on a golf club. To use the strap one places on a golf glove and grips the club. Then one takes the strap which is a piece of material approximately 17 inches long with loop material of hook and loop fabric on the bottom and hook material of hook and loop fabric on the top and virtually "sandwiches" the end of the strap in to the hook and loop material of the glove, giving a solid attachment between the two. Then one begins wrapping the strap around the hand almost perpendicular to the arm and then continues wrapping upward over the little and ring finger and attaches the hook material on the top of the strap to the loop material on the bottom of the strap. This wrapping around the hand enhances one's grip on the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick A. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5836053
    Abstract: A one piece cable tie for forming a plurality of objects such as cables into a bundle 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 transverse raised cross-members projecting up from the top planar surface, said raised cross-members being spaced along the length of the strap and defining therebetween a plurality of openings. A locking head is integrally formed to the first end of the strap. The locking head includes an outer end wall, an inner end wall and a pair of sidewalls which together define a generally rectangularly shaped strap accepting channel therebetween. A holding tab is disposed within the locking head and projects out from the inner end wall and into the strap accepting channel. The outer end wall is shaped to include an angled locking face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Davignon, Richard M. Bastien, James C. Benoit
  • Patent number: 5830183
    Abstract: A vascular dilatation catheter including an elongated catheter shaft having a distal and a proximal end and a first lumen extending therethrough fluid connection with a distally located balloon and a second lumen capable of receiving a guidewire is provided with a clip device attached about a proximal portion of the catheter shaft and adapted to releasibly secure the catheter shaft in a coiled configuration between uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc
    Inventor: Sarah J. Krieger
  • Patent number: 5802675
    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: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Armament Systems & Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5802676
    Abstract: A strap for securing a bundled power cord for convenient storage and a power tool having a power cord to which the strap is substantially permanently secured. The strap has fastening elements on two extended surfaces and a pair of slots through which the cord is passed to attach the strap to the cord. The slots, shown as slits, are sized relative to a plug on the cord so that the plug resists withdrawal of the cord from the slots and the flexible strap remains permanently on the cord without impeding the use of the power cord or tool. The attached strap is wrapped around the bundled cord, with the fastening elements on one side of the strap engaging the fastening elements on the other side of the strap to form a fastening and secure the cord. In preferred forms the strap is a flat strip of material carrying molded hooks on one side, synthetic resin integral with the hooks serving to secure loop material defining the opposite side of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Nancy Jane Tolan
  • Patent number: 5799376
    Abstract: An integrally formed tie strip (10) is formed with a series of apertures (14), at respective locations that are spaced apart in succession along the strip, and is formed with a series of laterally projecting latch members (11), at respective locations that are spaced apart in succession along the strip, for resisting withdrawal from one of the said apertures after having been passed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew John Harsley
  • Patent number: 5797167
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elastic cord tie-down of the bungee or shock cord type and in which means are provided by which to manually adjust the article-engaging loop of the tie-down to articles of diverse geometries and dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Leonard M. Schwab
  • Patent number: 5791020
    Abstract: An elastic band for securing an object for transport is comprised of a stretchable sheet exhibiting an elongation limited to an elastic range of the sheet. The sheets is transformed to a string-like or band-like elastic strap exhibiting deformations extending substantially in longitudinal direction of the sheet. The strap is wrapped around the object in snug fits as a result of a return force generated by the elastic elongation. The deformations are imparted through suitably puckering, rolling or twisting the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Firma Sanpack Lagertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Eichstadt
  • Patent number: 5784761
    Abstract: A load retainer useable with tie down lines on a vehicle. The retainer includes a flexible body having first and second end portions and an intermediate end portion between the first and second end portions. Sites on the flexible body are intended for engaging the tie down lines. The flexible body is also adjustable along a certain dimension to permit the flexible body to fit around a load. The adjustment means includes a first flap, anchor place, and fastener for the first flap and anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Paul Dean Allen
  • Patent number: 5782090
    Abstract: One or more hose clips may advantageously be used to rout and releasably secure a hose assembly such as those included in a vacuum manifold assembly, to a fixed structure of a motor vehicle. The hose clip has a main body which is circumferentially open-sided, partially defining a hose-receiving space which has an inside, free stat cross-sectional dimension and attachment means extending from the main body for attachment into an opening in the firewall of the motor vehicle. The attachment means may preferably be a christmas tree stem. The main body of the hose clip has an opening sized to receive hoses of varying diameters. On one side of the main body of the opening is a flange and on the other side of the main body is a tab. Extending from the flange is a hook with serrations which engage corresponding serrations on the tab to close the opening and retain the hose. The clip may preferably have a pair of hooks, each angled with the flange so as to lockingly secure hoses of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. B. Locke
  • Patent number: 5774945
    Abstract: A device (10) for securing together a bundle (26) of objects includes a support member (12) to which a longitudinally stretchable and resilient cord (14) is integrally affixed. The support member includes a handle (24) to facilitate gripping of the device and the bundle in a hand with the device against the bundle. The support member further includes one or more vertical wedges (18, 20) and one or more horizontal wedges (22) for gripping and holding the cord in a wrapped position about the bundle. Each of the vertical wedges includes a pair of generally vertical walls (30) defining a cord-receiving channel (28), and a pair of edges (32) formed in the walls and defining a cord-gripping space between the edges narrower than the unstretched diameter of the cord, the edges engaging and holding the cord in a stretched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Mark H. Ginocchio
  • Patent number: 5745958
    Abstract: A rectangular band disposed in a closed loop about a cable coiled in a hank to facilitate the handling and storage of the hank when the cable is not in use. The band has two adjacent longitudinal slits through which a cable end is projected to hold the band on the cable when it is used and also so it is readily handy to again bind the cable after its use into a hank. In its position on the hank, the band holds the end of the cable projected through the slits in the same plane as the hank and thus provides a flat, compact condition in the hank and in the cable end that is favorable for handling and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Alan Kaldor
  • Patent number: 5742982
    Abstract: A clamp assembly (10) is provided which can include first and second clamp halves (16, 18) with a base (50) mounted in each clamp path. The base has a cylindrical inner surface (54) which can clamp a cable thereto for strain relief. Alternatively, a flexible insert (86) having a plurality of cylindrical cavities (102) opening through the outer surface (100) thereof can receive a number of cables (12) to be clamped in the clamp assembly for strain relief. In another version, a plurality of nested inserts (106-116) can be provided on each base (50) allowing the selection of a particular insert dimension suitable the cable to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph K. Dodd, J. D. Harvey, Mark D. Walters, Kevin L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5732445
    Abstract: A retainer device for holding a pair of electrical connector plugs in interconnected relation includes an elongate flexible strip formed of velcro material. The strip is of rectangular configuration and has a pair of slits in the end portions thereof. The interconnected electric plugs extend through the slits and the end portions of the strip are folded over into overlapped relation and are releasably connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventors: John T. Stodolka, Mary E. Imgrund
  • Patent number: 5729872
    Abstract: A method of storing bundled items such as electrical cords or cables (12) is provided by using a handcuff-like element (10) having jaws (14,16) that self-sustain an open position while the bundled item (12) is inserted therein and which traverse a fixed path or trajectory to close on the bundled item (12) to store same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Mark H. Ginocchio
  • Patent number: 5729871
    Abstract: A device for securing wraparound packaging material includes a locking strap element formed with an elastic arm extending into an insertion channel of the locking element and a tightening element which is formed with a pivotal handle swingable between an open position of the arm of the strap element and a closed position of the arm defining securing of the wraparound material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Herbert Schulte
  • Patent number: 5722117
    Abstract: The invention relates to multi-use thin-walled tubular devices having a longitudinal slit with non-cutting overlapping edges and corners curved in a manner to provide scissor-like entry-ways at either open end and method of using such devices. The device is rigid lengthwise yet flexible in circumference and has renitent qualities such that the overlapping edges are spring-like. All surfaces and edges are smooth so that the devices are user-friendly and comfortable when used as handle grips for holding and carrying built-in handles of certain carrying objects, attachable handles for carrying items without built-in handles, hand-held exercisers, physical hand rehabilitation devices, hand-manipulated fasteners, and hand-manipulated separators. The dimensions of the device, the material used, and the method of construction may be adapted for the specific application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: H. Kristian Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5711055
    Abstract: A cord strain relief apparatus attaches to an electrical device and includes an adjustable electrical-device-attachment assembly and a tether assembly connected to the electrical-device-attachment assembly. A handle assembly is connected to the tether assembly, and a pig tail element is connected to the handle assembly. The electrical-device-attachment assembly includes a strap and a rigid base member which includes a non-round bottom surface, a channel for receiving the strap, and tether-connection portions for connecting to the first tether assembly end of the tether assembly. The tether-connection portions of the rigid base member are comprised of wall portions of the rigid base member. The handle assembly includes a pair of duplicate handle housing portions each of which includes a pair of half-circle cord-receiver notches located along a transverse mid-line and each of which includes two pairs of auxiliary half-circle tether-receiver notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Todd N. Quick
  • Patent number: 5693401
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elastic strip having a length which terminates at first and second generally opposed ends and a width which terminates at generally opposed edges. The strip has a first surface which includes an area of loops located near one of the opposed ends and a second surface which includes an area of hooks located near the other second opposed end. The strip is adapted to elongate and recover at least along the strip's length and the hooks are configured to engage the loops to join the first and second surfaces of the strip together. The device may be utilized to effect retention of a surgical glove in place upon the forearm of the wearer by encircling the wrist or forearm of the wearer of the surgical glove with the device, stretching the device about the gloved wrist/forearm and joining the opposed ends of the device about the gloved wrist/forearm. The device can be designed to be used only one time and then disposed. That is the device can be a "single use" device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Richard Sommers, Corrine Ann Sukiennik
  • Patent number: 5658020
    Abstract: A quick connector for fast connection of fluid carrying assemblies such as a mating tube and a fluid unit includes a connector body that houses the connector components and accepts a redundant clip, which is adapted to engage an upset bead of the male tube. The redundant clip is generally L-shaped and includes a retaining head that is inserted into the connector body and is adapted to engage the upset bead. A body portion, which extends along the side of the connector body and in the preferred embodiment is contoured to mate with the connector body, extends between the retaining head and a base member. The base includes a camming edge for facilitating the insertion of the retainer head into the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony K. Carman, Duane J. Pontbriand, Gary Klinger
  • Patent number: 5603591
    Abstract: A strapping system for attaching ladders and the like to a vehicle rack is comprised of a flexible strap of fabric or plastic with a cinch ring attached to one end. One surface of the strap is covered by loop fabric of a complementary loop and hook fastening system. The other surface of the strap is covered by hook material, although the hook material is preferably restricted to a relatively short segment of the strap adjacent to the free end opposite the end bearing the cinch ring. The system is installed on the rack by encircling the rack with the strap-loop surface outward, and the free end is threaded through the ring and pulled tight. A retainer clip comprising a C-shaped spring wire attached to the ring is used to stabilize the installation on the rack. The system can be advantageously left installed on the rack between uses. A ladder, or like object, is placed on the rack and wrapped tightly with the rack-attached strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Stephanie McLellan
  • Patent number: 5584103
    Abstract: The instant invention is a reusable plastic banding strap for use in securing items in a rolled position. The device exerts only minimal pressure on the rolled items to prevent wrinkling of fragile items and further provides an area for placement of indicia so as to describe the contents of the secured rolled materials. Provisions are further made for placement of indicia within a plastic sleeve for ease of replacement when the device is used for securing items of a temporary nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Diane E. Slavin
  • Patent number: 5548871
    Abstract: Opposed ends of a bundling strap are inserted through an anchor and folded back upon respective segments of the strap. Pressure sensitive adhering elements having high shear strength and low tensile strength retain the strap ends adjacent the respective segments of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Brig E. A. Trethewey
  • Patent number: 5511288
    Abstract: An adjustable loop clamp assembly provides improved retention of electrical cables, tubes or hoses. The clamp assembly comprises a flexible strap with first and second ends. A base, having an elevated platform, a lower platform, a midsection, and two side supports, receives a second end of the strap in an aperture of the midsection. The first strap end is securably affixed to the elevated platform of the base. Support holes in the side supports receive pin portions of a locking cam, the locking cam further comprising a handle portion and a cam portion. A mount bolt is receivable in alignable apertures of the lower platform and the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Glenn McAndrews, James T. Hegge, Christopher R. Koss, Michael A. Umney, Douglas J. Jones
  • Patent number: 5495644
    Abstract: A combination ornamental and gripping device (30), designed especially to allow a novel and improved method for securely holding a flat object (10) such as a gift card or the like to a gift package (20) while providing ornamentation for the gift package (20). The gripping device (30) is preferably a single piece of molded or extruded resilient plastic material and is essentially U-shaped with two side members (32 and 34) that are of similar size and shape and that are essentially planar. The outside face of the ornamental side member (32) typically has a multi-colored design and/or message bonded to it as an ornamental member (46), or integrally molded with it, or printed on it. The outside face of the attaching side member (34) has applied to it an adhesive layer (38) with a peelable, protective liner (40), and is used to attach the gripping device (30) to the gift package (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventors: James A. Mesher, Ofra R. Haviv-Levy
  • Patent number: 5479681
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo collapse preventing device for preventing the cargo collapse of various kinds of cargoes palletized on a cargo-handling pallet or cart by bundling them.The opposite ends of a sheet cover 1 wound around the cargoes C palletized on a loading platform P or wound around the cargoes C together with the loading platform P are connected and fastened to each other by a fasteners 2 such as plane fasteners. Opposite ends of the sheet cover 1 are provided with a rigid shape-keeping member 6 fixed to the sheet cover 1 perpendicularly to the winding direction of the sheet cover 1 and a handle 7 disposed to the sheet cover 1 in the vicinity of the shape-keeping member 6. The outside end portion of the sheet cover 1 overlapped on the inside end portion thereof has a slender externally extracting slit 8 cut out and opened therethrough so that the handle 7 attached to the inside end portion can be extracted to the outside therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Muraoka Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaharu Muraoka
  • Patent number: 5475900
    Abstract: A holder device for use in coiling an elongate material e.g. a wire, cable, rope or the like, has a pair of opposed side walls extending upwardly from a base portion and forming with the base portion an upwardly open recess for receiving successive turns of the coiled elongate material. The base portion includes a base extension portion which projects beyond the side walls and the recess. A strap portion is provided for securing the turns of the elongate material in the recess and is connected at one end thereof to one side of the base extension. A strap retainer portion is provided at an opposite side of the base extension portion and is engageable with the strap portion for securing the turns of the elongate material in the recess, the strap portion and the strap portion retainer being offset from the side walls so as to avoid obstruction of the strap portion by the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Paul A. Tonks
  • Patent number: 5462542
    Abstract: A strap assembly to be looped about split portions of tissue includes a flexible elongated strap and a buckle member attached to one end portion of the elongated strap. The strap includes a plurality of ratchet teeth along a portion thereof. The buckle member includes a base member defining a generally transverse channel dimensioned for reception of the elongated strap and a pawl member pivotally connected to the base member. The pawl member includes pawl teeth complementary in dimension and configuration to the ratchet teeth of the elongated strap. The pawl teeth interlockingly engage the ratchet teeth to secure the elongated strap in a looped tensioned condition about the tissue. The strap and buckle are preferably integrally formed of a bioabsorbable material. The assembly has particular application in sternum repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Alesi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5459904
    Abstract: In a connecting arrangement having at least first and second parts, the first part includes at least one portion whose cross-section is adapted to the contour of an opening in the second part. The connection is made by a relative displacement whereby the first part is relatively introduced into the opening in the second part. The first part has a plurality of retaining projections which are arranged in mutually displaced relationship in the direction of the relative displacement for insertion of the first part into the opening of the second part. Which of the projections is operative for fixing of the second part in the end position thereof depends on the relative position of the second part in its end position relative to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Kautex Werke Reinold Hagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dirk Eulitz
  • Patent number: 5426829
    Abstract: A packing strap fastener including a looped locating plate having a trapezoidal block in the middle of the front end thereof, a packing strap having two opposite ends turned backwards to form two loops respectively inserted into the center opening of the looped locating plate, and a key having two parallel key blades respectively inserted through the loops thus formed at the two opposite ends of the packing strap permitting the trapezoidal block of the looped locating plate to be firmly retained between the tips of the key blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Bear Hsiung
  • Patent number: 5394592
    Abstract: A power tool includes a power cord extending therefrom, wherein the arrangement includes a tether cord extending along the power cord, with the tether cord secured at one end about the power tool handle within the trigger guard and at its second end to a power cord handle, such that strain is directed through the tether cord rather than the power cord. The arrangement allows for the lowering of power tools from heights without straining of the power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Todd N. Quick
  • Patent number: 5390882
    Abstract: A vehicle has a plurality of studs secured to its frame at predetermined locations. At least one groups of wires used to electrically interconnect electrical components of the vehicle are taped together and routed along the vehicle frame. Clips, each having a beam including a beam opening with a gripping device in the opening, are forced down onto the studs to secure the clips onto the studs. At least one wire of the group of wires is secured to the clip and therefore to the stud. The other wires of the group of wires, which are taped to the at least one wire, are according secured to the stud. A method of securing groups of wires to the vehicle frame incorporates use of the clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Lee, Jose L. Farah, Michael M. Filicky, Mava M. Vandervennet
  • Patent number: 5388311
    Abstract: A fastening and locking device for tarpaulins and similar weather protective covering materials includes a pluglike member to be mounted in an eyelet (2) with a head (4) in abutment against one side of the tarpaulin (3) and in connection therewith a shank portion (5) projecting through the eyelet opening towards the opposite side of the tarpaulin, the shank portion having a smaller diameter than the head (4), in which a transverse channel (6) is provided for receiving an anchoring or locking member (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Polysheet A/S
    Inventor: Peter Solbeck
  • Patent number: 5370661
    Abstract: Provided is a method for attaching tissue to a bone, which includes the use of a filament member and a head member which engages the filament member and holds a tissue in place. Also provided is a device and method for repairing a break in tissue, which indicates the use of a filament member and at least one member which engages the filament member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas P. Branch
  • Patent number: 5360237
    Abstract: A quick connector for fast connection of fluid carrying assemblies such as a mating tube and a fluid unit. The connector includes a connector body which houses the connector components and accepts a redundant clip which is adapted to engage an upset bead of the male tube. The redundant clip is generally L-shaped and includes a retaining head which is inserted into the connector body and is adapted to engage the upset bead, a body portion which extends along the side of the connector body and in the preferred embodiment is contoured to mate with the connector body and a base member which includes a camming edge for facilitating the insertion of the retainer head into the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony K. Carman, Duane J. Pontbriand
  • Patent number: 5354102
    Abstract: A quick connect connector for fast connection of fluid carrying assemblies such as a mating tube and a fluid unit. The connector includes a connector body which houses the connector components and accepts a redundant clip which is adapted to engage an upset bead of the male tube. The redundant clip is generally L-shaped and include a retaining head which is inserted into the connector body and is adapted to engage the upset bead, a body portion which extends along the side of the connector body and in the preferred embodiment is contoured to mate with the connector body and a base member which includes a camming edge and pivot points for facilitating the insertion of the retainer head into the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony K. Carman
  • Patent number: 5337459
    Abstract: A clamp includes a U-shaped member having a pair of legs, with each leg having a cavity in the side of the leg facing the other leg; and a clutch for receiving and restraining the legs of the U-shaped member. Pads are attached to the insides of the legs for clamping an article between the legs to deter the theft of such article. The clutch includes a housing defining a pair of longitudinal channels for respectively receiving the legs of the U-shaped member and a chamber between the channels, with the chamber being open to the channels; two bails disposed for movement within the chamber; a highly magnetically attractive plunger disposed within and at one end of the chamber; and a spring for biasing the plunger to move into such contact with the balls as to force the balls against respective inclined surfaces disposed at the other end of the chamber for respectively guiding the balls toward different channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Security Tag Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Hogan