Sliding Part Or Wedge Patents (Class 24/171)
  • Publication number: 20100243373
    Abstract: A buckle and catch used to couple webbing together is provided. The buckle includes a connecting portion, a slide and locking member. The connecting portion is configured to selectively engage an engaging portion of a first webbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew P. Johnson, Matthew J. Blackford
  • Patent number: 7770267
    Abstract: Two wedges extended from the first arm and the second arm of the waist-strap fastener respectively are utilized to engage with the waist-strap button. With inclined surfaces that face with each other on the first arm and the second arm, the mounting section of the waist-strap button is capable of squeezing through the gap between the first arm and the second arm. With the surfaces on the other side of the wedges respectively, the mounting section of the waist-strap button is securely held by the surfaces such that the waist-strap button is secured in the waist-strap fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jian-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 7712191
    Abstract: A secure fastener includes a fastening device and a security device. The fastening device includes a base, a handle pivotally installed on the base between a slackening position and a fastening position and a latch movably installed on the handle for engagement with the base in the fastening position. A first crossbar is installed on the base so that a first belt can be attached to the first crossbar. Second and third crossbars are installed on the handle so that a second belt can be directed past the third crossbar, wound around the second crossbar and directed past the third crossbar again. The security device is installed on the base and moveably urged by the handle so that the security device can be moved to push the second belt against the third crossbar in the fastening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Chi-San Huang
  • Patent number: 7712194
    Abstract: A belt tongue for a safety belt having a connecting plate for connecting the belt tongue with a buckle, a tongue main body being rigidly connected to the belt tongue and a clamping element with a bending edge. The clamping element is mounted in the tongue main body in such a way that it rotates in relation to the tongue main body if the force in the belt exceeds a defined force. The clamping element forms a concave outer surface. In order to be able to achieve a low weight of the belt tongue and in particular of the bending element, the clamping element is supported on the tongue main body by means of its outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Fyhr
  • Patent number: 7631401
    Abstract: A buckle structure includes a housing including a top plate and two side plates, a sliding wedge and a pivotal piece. Each side plate has a guiding slot. The sliding wedge is positioned below the housing and has projection portions projecting from its two sides. The projection portions are fit into corresponding guiding slots of the housing, and stoppers are positioned on top surface of the sliding wedge. The waist belt is fastened by the stoppers positioned on top surface of the sliding wedge so that the waist belt will not be loosed. Connection portions are extending from the top plate, and each connection portion has a through hole at its midpoint. Pivotal pins are extending from the pivotal piece and correspond to the through holes of the two connection portions. The pivotal piece is formed with the two pivotal pins so structure is simplified and cost is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Sheng-Yi Chen
  • Publication number: 20090044383
    Abstract: A tension regulator for a safety belt of a seat, in particular a child safety seat, is provided with a metal body having a contrast cross member and with a slider, which is also made of metal; the slider has a retention cross member, wound on which is a strap of the safety belt, and is slidable with respect to the body for exerting a nipping action on said strap between the retention cross member and the contrast cross member; the body has a guide cross member, which defines, with the contrast cross member, a passage that can be engaged by the strap for keeping the strap folded on an edge of said contrast cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: SABELT S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Gastaldi
  • Patent number: 7404753
    Abstract: An adjustable locking arrangement for a brassiere having two brassiere cups comprise two elongated straps, each of which has a free sliding end portion and an affixing end portion, a locking fastener, comprising a fastening body having two side opening and a center window, and two locker members slidably mounted on the fastening body at the center window, wherein the elongated straps are overlappedly tucked to form two locking loops to slidably engage with the fastening body through the side openings respectively for wrapping up two locker members. Therefore, once the two sliding end portions of the elongated straps are pulled opposedly, the two locker members are capable of defining a distance between the two brassiere cups, and when the affixing end portions of the elongated straps are pulled opposedly, two locker members are capable of locking up the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Embry (China) Garments Ltd.
    Inventor: Liza Cheng
  • Patent number: 7373701
    Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly having a housing, two cams, a knurl bar, and two springs. Each spring is operatively arranged to engage both a respective cam and the knurl bar. The housing includes integral bearing walls for the cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Garrison Tool & Die Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert G. Coulombe, Don F. Coulombe
  • Patent number: 7360283
    Abstract: A baggage fastening device includes a first snapping member, a second snapping member detachably secured on the first snapping member, a strap mounted between the first snapping member and the second snapping member, and a protruding stop member mounted on the first snapping member and extended to a side of the second snapping member. Thus, the stop member restricts movement of the strap, so that the movable portion of the strap cannot be released and moved backward after the baggage is tightened by the strap, thereby preventing the strap from being loosened from the baggage so as to provide an anti-reverse effect to prevent the baggage fastening device from being loosened from the baggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 7296327
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a clip configured to be secured to a structure, a strap frame rotatably secured to the clip, and a spring member. The strap frame may be rotated with respect to the clip. The spring member exerts a constant force into the strap frame, wherein the constant force maintains the strap frame in an aligned orientation with respect to the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Anderson, Ryan T. Jump
  • Patent number: 7257866
    Abstract: A strap-adjusting device includes a base frame, a cover member, a strap holder, and a biasing member. The cover member cooperates with the base frame to form a strap-operating space, and is formed with a strap hole unit. The strap holder is movable in the strap-operating space between a strap-retaining position and a strap-releasing position, is accessible via an opening in the base frame, and forms a strap passage unit in the strap-operating space. The biasing member is disposed in the strap-operating space to provide a biasing force for urging the strap holder to the strap-retaining position. A strap is extended into and out of the strap-operating space via the strap hole unit, and extends along the strap passage unit. The strap holder is able to clamp the strap when the strap holder is at the strap-retaining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 7240405
    Abstract: A seat belt device for adjusting the tension of a seat belt webbing drawn across a user's body when the seat belt is in a latched condition, the seat belt device comprising: a housing defining a receiving area configured to slidably receive the seat belt webbing therethrough; a clamp member slidably mounted to the housing, the clamp member being configured for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein a clamping surface of the clamp member urges a portion of the seat belt webbing against an engagement portion of the housing when the clamp member is in the first position, the engagement portion being included in the receiving area; and a biasing member being configured to urge the clamp surface toward the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Webber, Michael T. Moury, David G. Hlavaty
  • Patent number: 7103942
    Abstract: A water heater security system includes a woven, flexible strap disposed around a water heater to maintain the water heater in a fixed relationship with an adjacent wall. The system includes a pair of wall brackets and may include a buckle assembly. The strap may be formed with two or four ends at least one of which is adjustably attachable to one of the wall brackets or buckle. The buckle can be stamped from metal and bent back on itself to form a slide channel with two sidebars and a crossbar. A slide is disposed within the channel. Side flanges can be formed on the buckle portions or the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Little Firefighter Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Ezra Youngberg
  • Patent number: 7032276
    Abstract: An adjustable strap buckle is comprised of a barrel member detachably positioned in a hook member. The barrel member is comprised of a tubular housing with a spring loaded push button projecting from an open end. A button hole is positioned through the button, and housing holes are positioned through opposite walls in the housing. A strap is positioned through all the holes. When the button is released, the button hole is misaligned with the housing holes to bind the strap. When the button is pressed, the holes are all aligned for releasing the strap for sliding. The hook member is comprised of spaced apart hooks attached to an anchor member for attaching to clothing, a bag, luggage, etc. The barrel member is transversely positioned inside the hooks to secure the strap, wherein the segment of the strap extending from the barrel member is also positioned between the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Casey Olson
  • Patent number: 6978520
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a handhold or attachment type of strap system for horse reins, backpack straps, belts, climbing rope, and the like. The female portion of the mating assembly that forms the buckle permits a strap to pass through such that the latchable engagement of the male member of the buckle, upon insertion into the female portion, fixes the position of the buckle by frictionally engaging the strap. At least one or both of the male and female members may also include a loop type-connecting strap that provides a handholding attachment to the buckle assembly. Thus, the placement of the handhold attachment may be varied by the disengaging the male and female members, and sliding the female member along the strap before their reinsertion of the male member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Wade H. Falany
  • Patent number: 6966102
    Abstract: A belt adjuster, the belt adjuster includes a base, holes used for penetrating the belt are located in both sides; an adjustable support, a snap two slippers and a spring are interacted each other, the slippers controls the fastening of belt by means of pressing the snap; a top, which connects the adjustable support, the snap and the slipper are steadily located within the adjustable support, and the pressing area of the snap is projected in outside the top, the belt passes through the presetting holes, in order to that the belt is fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: QDS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Shiue
  • Patent number: 6859947
    Abstract: The invention is a buckle assembly for adjusting length of the band for swimming goggles comprising a buckle body formed with a band support portion onto which a flexible band having a plurality of stop members longitudinally disposed therealong are wound, and a slider connected to the buckle body for slidably moving between a first position and a second position for the band support portion. The slider comprises a band pressing piece which presses and holds the flexible band at a first position thereby one of the flexible band stop members is stopped by the band pressing piece and the slider is moved to a second position when the flexible band is extended by being pulled, and another of the flexible band stop members is stopped by the band pressing piece and the slider moves to a first position when the flexible band is contracted by being released from pulling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Bom Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 6842952
    Abstract: A strap system can be retrofit onto the backseat of a motor vehicle to securely mount a child safety seat in the backseat of the motor vehicle. The strap system includes a shoulder strap that is mounted on the back support portion of the backseat and a connector element that couples the shoulder strap to one lap belt portion of the seat belt system of the motor vehicle. The connector element is releasably coupled to the seat belt buckle to releasably couple the shoulder strap to the lap belts of the seat belt system of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin E. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6820310
    Abstract: A web adjuster for varying a length of a web. The web adjuster has a gripping bar having a pair of ears mounted near each of its ends, a frame including a web stop, and one or more springs to normally urge the bar toward the web stop and against the web. The adjuster may include a coupling device, such as another web or a snap hook, to operatively anchor the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Woodard, Guy R Dingman, Michael A. Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20040221429
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a handhold or attachment type of strap system for horse reins, backpack straps, belts, climbing rope, and the like. The female portion of the mating assembly that forms the buckle permits a strap to pass through such that the latchable engagement of the male member of the buckle, upon insertion into the female portion, fixes the position of the buckle by frictionally engaging the strap. At least one or both of the male and female members may also include a loop type-connecting strap that provides a handholding attachment to the buckle assembly. Thus, the placement of the handhold attachment may be varied by the disengaging the male and female members, and sliding the female member along the strap before their reinsertion of the male member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Wade H. Falany
  • Patent number: 6735826
    Abstract: Provided is a buckle which comprises a buckle main body 11 and an engagement member 31. The buckle main body 11 comprises a base part 12, at least two insertion holes 18 and 19 provided on the base part 12 with a space in between, to which a belt 2 is inserted, and an upstanding piece 20 provided therebetween for bending the belt 2 in a direction away from the base part 12. The engagement member 31 can be moved to a first position where the buckle can be moved against the belt 2 and to a second position where the buckle can be fixed to the belt 2. Further, the engagement member 31 comprises a pressurizing part 33 for pressurizing the belt 2 in the second position so as to obtain a further bent state and an adjustor 35 capable of adjusting the length of the other belt 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Shinichiro Kinebuchi, Yoshinobu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6665912
    Abstract: A web adjuster is provided including a housing, an actuator movably coupled to the housing, and a pincher that releasably retains a web threaded through the housing. The actuator moves the pincher between a first position inhibiting movement of the web relative to the housing and a second position permitting movement of the web relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Turner, Michael C. Dorsey, Andrew B. Mendenhall, Richad Glover
  • Patent number: 6631537
    Abstract: A buckle device includes a body, a fastening element and a latch assembly. A first strap is secured to the body. The fastening element includes a rod formed thereon. The fastening element is mounted on the body so that it can be pivoted between a first position for allowing winding of a second strap around the rod and a second position for tensing up the second strap by means of the rod. The latch assembly can retain the fastening element in the second position. The body includes two side plates. The fastening element includes two side plates between which the rod is formed. A shaft is used to mount the fastening element on the body. The side plates of the body each define a hole for receiving the shaft. The side plates of the fastening element each define a hole for receiving the shaft. The latch assembly includes a latch mounted on the fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 6588068
    Abstract: A strap fastener of a swimming flipper uses the resilience of a spring to press a wedge block of a wedge block set and a bevel of a main body to tightly depress the fastening strap of the swimming flipper. For fastening, the said flipper fastening strap goes vertically into the fastener to improve the fastening method of bending the traditional fastening strap reversely at 180°, to eliminate the situation of bending and cracking generated after a certain period of application and to increase the useful life of the present invention. Moreover, the fastening strap of the swimming flipper of the present invention goes vertically into the fastener, closely attaches to the main body of the swimming flipper and turns along with the direction of flowing water during swimming or diving to thereby reduce the water resistance and enhance the diving efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Wen Wang
  • Publication number: 20030009859
    Abstract: A securing device and method for its use suitable for use by persons with impaired dexterity for releasably securing two surfaces together comprising a strap with an easy open and close clasp at each end for attachment to the two surfaces. In a further embodiment, the strap can comprise an advertising medium containing, words, logos and pictorial material. The strap may have varying lengths and adjustment means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Carrol Goss, Karla White
  • Patent number: 6499197
    Abstract: A buckle device includes a main body, a rotational retaining device rotatably mounted to the main body, and a buckle having an end connected to the rotational retaining device to pivot therewith. The rotational retaining device includes a slit through which a free end of a strap is extended. A retaining member is mounted to the other end of the buckle and has an engaging portion for releasably engaging with an engaging section of the main body. The retaining member further includes an operative portion that is operable to disengage the engaging portion of the retaining member from the engaging section of the main body. The operative portion of the retaining member is located away from the free end of the strap when the buckle is in a retained position, thereby preventing inadvertent actuation of the operative portion of the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 6446272
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a buckle assembly suitable for headgear such as swimming goggles of a type provided in combination with an elastic strap having a set of equally spaced teeth, projections, transverse ridges, arranged along the strap at least on the end portions of the strap, which enables easy adjustment of the length of the elastic strap. The disclosure also relates to a swimming goggle having such a buckle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Bom Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 6438805
    Abstract: A pillow securing device for releasably holding a pillow in position on an elevated surface comprising a plurality of straps with one end attached to a connector ring and a clasp secured to the other end of each of the straps so that in use at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the pillow and at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the elevated surface. The straps may have varying lengths and adjustment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Carrol Goss, Karla White
  • Patent number: 6425632
    Abstract: A coupling and web adjuster to attach an infant seat to the passenger seat of a vehicle having a fixedly mounted rigid member to which the seat may be attached. The web adjuster has a cylindrical bar with a generally oval cross-section and a pair of ears mounted near each of its ends; a web that extends at least partially around the bar, a frame with a pair of channels in which the ears of the bar may slide, and one or more mechanical springs to normally push the bar toward the web stop and against the web. One version of the coupling is characterized by a frame having a notch on its distal end with a mouth/seat that is adapted to receive the fixedly mounted rigid member and a lever that is pivotally mounted inside the frame to hold the rigid member inside the mouth. The lever has a downwardly projecting finger that blocks the mouth of the notch when moved in one direction and allows access to the notch when moved in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Anthony, Harold L. Forth, Guy R. Dingman, Steven T. Berenyi
  • Patent number: 6401313
    Abstract: A buckle having a first latch member disposed in a body member passage from one end thereof, a second latch member with a latch cam disposed in the passage of the body member from an opposite end thereof, the first and second latch members are positionable in a latching configuration where the first and second latch members are engaged with each other, the first and second latch members are positionable in the passage of the body member in an unlatching configuration where the latch cam is engaged with the body cam and the first and second latch members are disengaged from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth LeVey
  • Patent number: 6367129
    Abstract: A buckle is provided in which a number of parts can be reduced and which can reliably maintain a latched state. When a tongue plate is engaged (latched) by a lock plate, presser members of a cam urged by a return spring abut receiving surfaces of the lock plate, and therefore, a latched state cannot be inadvertently released. Further, when the latched state is to be released, by pressing a release button, a claw is pushed such that a cam rotates, and the presser members separate from the receiving surfaces. As a result, the return spring is compressed, and due to elastic force of the return spring, the release button returns to its original position. In this way, because the return spring carries out both the operation of urging the cam and the operation of returning the release button to its original position, the number of parts is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 6256842
    Abstract: A hooking device comprises a male hook (1) attached to one side of the opening of a garment (F) and a female hook (4) attached to the other side of the opening in such a way that it can be hooked to and unhooked from said male hook (1). The male hook (1) comprises a male hook base (11), a male hook main body (21) and a spring (31). On the male hook base (11), a groove (12) housing the spring (31) is longitudinally formed. The male hook main body (21) secures a space for housing the spring (31) between itself and the male hook base (11) and is provided with a hooking piece (22) for hooking to said female hook (4). The spring (31) is housed in said male hook base (11) in such a way that it elastically controls the sliding movement of the male hook main body (21) with respect to the male hook base (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Morito Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ina
  • Patent number: 6170091
    Abstract: A method of securing a strap and a strap fastening apparatus integral with an article of apparel includes an article of apparel and a planar surface. The apparatus further includes a wedge having a handle and a surface with a predetermined angle. The wedge also includes projections which engage with a strap. The apparatus also provides a housing where the wedge is contained within the housing. The apparatus also includes an attachment device where the attachment device fastens the housing to the planar surface. The housing and planar surface form a first opening and a second opening. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for reducing contact area between the strap and the planar surface, whereby translational displacement required for locking the wedge and smoothing wear of the wedge are substantially reduced while friction is substantially increased between the wedge and the strap and between the planar surface and the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Proline, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zide, James L. Rector
  • Patent number: 6038747
    Abstract: A waist-belt and buckle assembly for mounting a pack on a person, preferably on a back side portion of a human torso, having two strap portions extendable forwardly from each side portion of the pack toward a front side portion of the person where the four strap portions are fastenable, for example with a buckle, and preferably with a buckle having substantially discrete accommodations for each strap portion. The strap portions are independently adjustable, and are loosenable independently without loosening other strap portions, preferably by moving a corner portion of the buckle away from the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Hamilton, John S. Pontaoe, Bryce Thatcher
  • Patent number: 5997039
    Abstract: A harness for securing a hand to a ski-pole grip, the harness including a thumb hole, a protector element extending from an area between a thumb and a forefinger of the hand to a wrist area, surrounding at least partially a thumb-side outer edge of the hand, and at least one wrist-encircling tightening strap, wherein the protector is provided with at least one adjustment strap, extending in a substantially wrist-encircling direction and fitted with a fastening buckle which is intended for cooperation with the tightening strap and whose position along the adjustment strap is adjustable longitudinally of the adjustment strap according to a size of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Exel Oy
    Inventor: Taisto Manninen
  • Patent number: 5983463
    Abstract: A tongue (30) having multiple modes of operation comprising: a frame (60), a slide, or clamp (15) and manually adjustable knob (200). The tongue frame includes a locking feature (74) for locking engagement with a seat belt buckle (24), a seat belt receiving first aperture (66) positioned apart from the locking feature; the first aperture including a first belt clamping surface (72). The slide or clamp includes a second belt clamping surface (174) generally opposite the first belt engaging surface, the slide being arranged to slide upon the frame in the vicinity of the first aperture from a belt release position in which the seat belt is freely sliding to a belt clamping or cinching position in which the seat belt (32) is clamped or cinched between the first and second belt clamping surfaces, the slide further includes a first belt engaging surface (160) arranged to urge the slide toward its clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Prentkowski, Brian Walter, Trevor Ashline
  • Patent number: 5909851
    Abstract: An attaching equipment consists of a bracket and a spacer which is slidable in bracket. When a band formed of an elastic body is inserted through band inserting slit of bracket and band inserting slit of spacer and the band is let off, spacer moves because of the tension of band, whereby blade-like portions formed at end portions of band inserting slits pinch the band, preventing falling of the band out of the band inserting slits. When a force is applied to spacer so as to align band inserting slits and with each other, band is allowed to freely move in band inserting slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Cat Eye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 5875523
    Abstract: A belt and buckle arrangement which includes a buckle unit having a frame and tongue unit and a mounting strip fastened to one end of the frame and tongue unit, a belt detachably connected to a coupling portion at one end of the mounting strip, a connecting device adapted to connect the belt to the mounting strip, the connecting device including a mounting frame fixedly fastened to the coupling portion of the mounting strip, and a locking lever pivoted to the mounting frame and adapted to hold down a lead end of the belt on the mounting frame, and a belt keeper detachably connected to the mounting frame and adapted to hold a tail end of the belt in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Kuo-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 5873635
    Abstract: A quick disconnect connector mountable to a pair of shoulder webs on a child seat. The connectors each include a pair of aligned slots slidably receiving a shoulder web. The first connector has three cantilevered arms extendable into a cavity in the second connector. Two of the arms are contactable against a cantilevered movable web lock on the second connector. The third arm includes a ledge lockable against a stop edge on the second connector. The web lock has a distal end movable downwardly beneath the other two arms locking the second web in place when the connectors are mated and locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Merrick
  • Patent number: 5806148
    Abstract: A tongue assembly (10) includes a metal plate member (34) having a first portion (36) with a buckle latch receiving first opening (42) and a second portion (46) offset from the first portion. The metal plate member (34) has a second opening (60) between the first and second portions (36 and 46) through which seat belt webbing (16) extends. The first portion (36) of the metal plate member (34) is positionable on one side of the belt webbing (16). The second portion (46) of the metal plate member (34) is positionable on the other side of the belt webbing (16). A seat belt webbing cinch bar (130) is attached to the metal plate member (34) and located on the other side of the belt webbing (16). The cinch bar (130) has a first position in which the belt webbing (16) is located between the first portion (36) of the metal plate member (34) and the cinch bar (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McFalls, John A. Giampalmi, III
  • Patent number: 5774947
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a length of webbing, comprising a generally U-shaped body formed from two side arms connected by an end arm. A transverse bar having a gripping surface is mounted between the two side arms. A connecting device such as a buckle or hook is attached to the ends of the side arms. A pivotable plate is mounted between the two side arms and in between the transverse bar and connecting device. The pivotable plate has a gripping surface that contacts the gripping surface of the transverse bar. A release device is mounted on at least one side arm for selectively pivoting the pivotable plate. A length of webbing threaded through the device is securely held between the gripping surfaces of the transverse bar and pivotable plate until the release means is actuated. The friction from the gripping surfaces and pressure from the pivotable plate prevents the webbing from slipping out of the device even under tension from all angles. The release device permits simple adjustment of the webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: National Molding Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 5771544
    Abstract: A belt adjusting device comprises a belt webbing having a free end and a tensioned section. The belt adjusting device further comprises a holding part provided with a through passage for a belt webbing and a contact surface adjacent to the through passage. The contact surface is inclined relatively to a plane in which the through passage extends. The belt adjusting device further comprises an arresting part which is movable relatively to the holding part and comprises a deflection web. The deflection web comprises a clamping surface on its side facing the holding part. The belt webbing runs through the through passage, around the deflection web and back through the through passage. The free end of the belt webbing passes through the through passage between an edge of the through passage adjacent the contact surface and the tensioned section of the belt webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Wier, Peter Haas, Edgar Schneider
  • Patent number: 5649341
    Abstract: A manually activated seat belt device comprising: a latch plate (20) and cooperating buckle (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Ashline, Jon E. Burrow, James W. Burrum, Alice Dunmire, William Fox, David Prentkowski
  • Patent number: 5599000
    Abstract: An article securing device having pairs of channel shaped retaining members which can be attached by pressure sensitive adhesive or small nails, screws or the like, together with flexible strap members which are insertable into the retaining members and can be fixedly, yet releasably retained, by latch members which mate with the retaining members to frictionally retain the strap members in engagement with the retaining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Terry R. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5588184
    Abstract: A belt buckle of the type including a buckle body, a belt catch holder pivoted to the buckle body, a serrate plate pivoted to the belt catch holder to hold down the fixed end of the belt, and a belt catch means for securing the free end of the belt to the buckle body, wherein the belt catch means includes a belt catch mounted in a recess on the belt catch holder, a compression spring mounted within the recess of the belt catch holder to force the belt catch into engagement with the serrate free end of the belt upon its insertion the belt slot of the buckle body, and a loop connected to the belt catch holder by a chain for holding the free end of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Kuo-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 5561891
    Abstract: The present invention offers a fastener structure between a diving flipper and a tightening strap thereof which is characterized in the following design the fastener comprises a male fastener and a female fastener; the male fastener is-provided at one end of the tightening strap, a tenon extending forward is formed at the front end of the male fastener, a recess is provided in a suitable position on each of two sides of the tenon, a holding down plate at the top of male fastener can adjust the tightness of tightening strap and brake the tightening strap from time to time; the female fastener is combined on one side of the diving filpper, a fastening plate pivotally provided on each of two sides of the female fastener extends inward from outside, the inner end of fastening plate has a catch, another end (outer end) thereof has a pressing portion, a bevel arm on one side of the fastening plate contacts against the inner walls on two sides of the housing so as to keep the catch at inner end of fastening plate te
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Hsing-Chi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5471714
    Abstract: A device for adjustable attachment of a strap includes an injection moulded element forming an aperture therein. A cross bar forms an integral part of the element and extends across the aperture. An injection moulded plate has an opening and is integral with two spring legs diverging from an edge of the plate. The plate is mounted in the element which forms a cover at one side of the plate, and is displaceable in the element with the free ends of the spring legs engaging the element to bias an edge of the opening, substantially parallel to the cross bar, against a strap passed around the cross bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Broderna Holmbergs Fabriks AB
    Inventor: Ulf Olson
  • Patent number: 5417455
    Abstract: A free-falling, self-locking adjustable tip assembly is provided for a safety belt apparatus, which has a seat belt retractor at one belt end and for rewinding the belt and pulling one belt portion into a generally vertical position at belt release. A tip-assembly engagement means contacts the belt and acts on a slide with a first rib on the slide movable across the top of a tongue plate to wedge the belt between a pair of ribs on an insert carried by the tongue plate. The first rib is on a metal slide means and is located above the tongue plate, as are the pair of ribs on the insert. The locking of belt prevents transfer of the belt from the shoulder portion to lap portion is at a location above the tongue plate. When the tip assembly is unbuckled, the grip is released and the tip assembly free falls along the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Takata Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Drinane, Gerald A. Doty
  • Patent number: 5402840
    Abstract: The slats of a venetian blind are divided into upper and lower portions by the installation of a divider, comprising a spacer and a retainer, which serve to shorten the working length of the tilt adjusting ladders on either the inside or outside of the blind, altering the tilt of the slats of the lower portion so as to be more closed or more open with respect to the slats of the upper portion, depending upon the adjustment of the tilt control ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventors: Aaron Jortner, John F. Bryan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5371926
    Abstract: A closed loop fastening system for running and other shoes. The fastening system includes a harness, a strap, guides and a tension lock buckle. The harness includes strap portions which can tightly retain a user's foot inside the shoe. The guides are attached to the harness for guiding the strap. One end of the strap is attached to the harness and the other end of the strap is attached to the buckle. An effective length of the strap can be defined such that a shorter effective length yields a tighter harness and a tighter fit, and a longer effective length yields a looser harness and a looser fit. The tension lock buckle used in the closed loop fastening system is adaptable for use with numerous other products having a strap. The tension lock buckle includes a body, a pivotal locking member and a sliding bar. The sliding bar is mounted within the body for longitudinal movement therein. The pivotal locking member is pivotally attached to the body for relative pivotal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen W. Van Noy, Perry W. Auger