Adjustable Girth Patents (Class 24/271)
  • Patent number: 11959592
    Abstract: A self-adjusting band that includes one or more banding segments, one or more buckling assemblies, a pair of one pin and two links for each buckle assembly, a rotary joint base for each pair of one pin and two links, and a high-load, low-deflection compression spring for each section of the buckle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Carl E Lostrom, Gregory A Jaccard
  • Patent number: 11623265
    Abstract: A swage tool includes a power unit connected to a yoke. The power unit exerts vertical force on a die block. The yoke holds swage dies in place and opposes the force exerted by the die block. The die block transfers the load exerted by the power unit into the swage dies, which surround the connector. The swage dies convert vertical force from the power unit into a radial swage on the connector. Quick release endplates hold the swage dies in place in the yoke and the die block. A yoke shroud keeps broken pieces of the yoke together if the yoke fails. A counter records the number of swages made by the tool. A rotating handle, a stand, remote wireless actuation and swage die identification imprints are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: DMC POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Eyass Khansa, Mark McMichael, Roy Perez
  • Patent number: 11276380
    Abstract: The hi-hat attachment includes an upper unit, a lower unit, and an operation lever. The lower unit includes a regulation unit that regulates the maximum fall position of the lower unit. The regulation unit is configured to adjust the maximum fall position of the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: HOSHINO GAKKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Sato, Masahiro Shimada
  • Patent number: 11060637
    Abstract: A fluid-device connecting structure includes a first fluid device having a first connection part, a second fluid device having a second connection part, an annular seal member to connect the first and second connection parts, and a coupling member to keep the first and second connection parts in a connected state. The coupling member includes a first coupling segment and a second coupling segment, each including at one end a first hinge part or a second hinge part. The first and second connection parts each have a cylindrical outer shape. The first coupling segment has a U-like shape having an opening and surrounds the first and second connection parts over a range more than 180 degrees of an entire circumference of each of the first and second connection parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideyuki Takeda, Hiroki Iwata, Hiroto Yasue, Yasunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10408371
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a cam-type sanitary clamp for releasably coupling two flanged ends of a sanitary fitting, such as a tri-clover fitting. The clamp has an upper clamp ring component hinged to a lower clamp ring component, with a threaded shaft component that is pivotally connected to the lower clamp ring component, a cylindrical pivot component, and a cam-type lever component. The lever is pivotally connected to the pivot component and has a plurality of protrusions, such as lobes, that are each configured to be compressed against the slotted opening of the upper clamp ring section when the cam-type lever component is manually rotated from an open position to a closed position to secure the clamp about the flanges of a sanitary fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Michael G. Floyd
  • Patent number: 10369028
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for prosthetic devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first section attachable to an abutment screw of a percutaneous implant; a second section attachable to a prosthetic limb; a latch for coupling the first section with the second section, the latch releasable in response to an overload on the prosthetic limb. A compliance component may be positioned between the first section and the second section, such that when the latch releases in response to the overload, the compliance component provides a tension between the first section and the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Todd Kuiken, Michael Peshkin, Kyle Kaveny, Maxwell Keith Shepherd
  • Patent number: 10252824
    Abstract: A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted, the ring forcibly moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce the coefficient of friction of the ring to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring includes a plurality of segments that form a generally toroidal shape and includes a releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then connected to the remainder of the ring, around the tree trunk, before the ring is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas S. Herrmann, Scott J. Maro
  • Patent number: 10247333
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fixing two parts together. The apparatus includes a clamp having a first half shell, a second half shell and a fastener mechanism. The first half shell includes an extension. The second half shell includes an opening to receive the extension of the first half shell. The extension of the first half shell includes a stopper for maintaining an open position of the first half shell and the second half shell. The fastener mechanism is configured for moving the first half shell and the second half shell into a closed position such that the stopper is forced through the opening. The second half shell includes the opening to receive the extension of the first half shell for prohibiting rotation of first and second half shells relative to one another when the clamp is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Valter Biasin
  • Patent number: 10201265
    Abstract: A support system including a rail, a lower support, and an instrument support. The lower support is configured to receive a portion of a bronchoscope and to selectively fix the bronchoscope relative to the rail. The instrument support is slidably disposed on the rail and is selectively lockable to the rail. The instrument support is configured to releasably couple to a surgical instrument inserted through the bronchoscope to fix the position of a portion of the surgical instrument relative to the bronchoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William J. Dickhans, Carol L. Shaffer, Alex A. Peterson, Arlen J. Reschke
  • Patent number: 10159620
    Abstract: A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid and a gait orthotic device. The gait orthotic device has a rigid attachment mechanism configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid to the gait orthotic device. When the balance aid is coupled to the gait orthotic device, the gait orthotic device is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid is not coupled to the gait orthotic device, the user is able to use the balance aid for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism is a clamp with an over-center latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, Tim Swift
  • Patent number: 10092942
    Abstract: A press tool for joining workpieces by forming, has at least two pressing jaws that can be moved relative to one another, with which pressing jaws the workpieces to be joined can be encompassed, at least partially, and which form a matrix for at least one of the workpieces to be joined, and has a closing point formed by mutually dedicated end faces of two of the pressing jaws. In an area adjacent to at least one of the end faces of the closing point, the surface of the associated pressing jaw may be retracted by an offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ROTHENBERGER AG
    Inventor: Arnd Greding
  • Patent number: 9989189
    Abstract: A piping strapping and insulation system provides a pair of strap assemblies which act to close a seam portion of an insulation structure around a correspondingly-shaped existing piping member such as a pipe, a valve, a pressure vessel, or the like. The straps are removably attached the insulation structure to allow disassembly and reuse of the strapping. It is envisioned that the piping insulation structures would be available in various sizes and shapes which correspond to differently shaped existing piping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Jerry D. Jones
  • Patent number: 9551505
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for use in a duct system. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member including a base portion and first and second lateral portions. The first and second lateral portions extend less than the full circumferential length of the base portion. The clamp assembly may include a first member, a second member, and a hinge operatively coupling the first member to the second member. A damper access assembly includes an adapter, a damper access duct section, and an annular clamp member. A first flange of the adapter and a second flange of the duct section are configured to form a generally T-shaped joint between the adapter and the damper access duct section. The clamp member is configured to removably secure the adapter to the damper access duct section. The damper access duct section is configured to be removable relative to the damper enclosure and the ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Langdon Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Patent number: 9334991
    Abstract: A device for the connection of free pipe or hose ends provided with flanges, with first, second, third, and fourth clip segments connected to one another in jointed manner, with an essentially U-shaped cross-section, a tensioning lever arranged at one free end of the first clip segment, and at least one spring, wherein the clip segments engage from the outside over the flanges of the pipe or hose ends pushed together, and wherein the free ends of the first and fourth clip segments can be locked by means of the tensioning lever and spring(s). In order to exclude spontaneous opening of the closed device under any circumstances, provision is made for the tensioning lever to be capable of engaging in the tensioned position in positive fit with the free end of the adjacent fourth clip segment with the tensioning lever capable of being connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 8801322
    Abstract: A hitch for connecting a movable object to a rigid rod which includes a semi-rigid main substrate including a plurality of grooves, a flexible element fixedly formed over the main substrate including a first portion for gripping a rigid rod, a clamp connected to the first portion of the flexible element. The clamp includes a lever that couples the clamp to at least one of the plurality of grooves of the main substrate such that the first portion can grip the rigid rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Nadia Shalaby
  • Patent number: 8230556
    Abstract: A clamp includes a flat strip whose ends coil onto themselves in the shape of a ring and are fastened by a retaining pawl and a hook that are coupled in a retaining bridge and an orifice, respectively, for a further constriction of the clamp, that is brought to its optimal tightening position by pliers or other appropriate tools through tightening and deformation of the clamp bridge, which bridge is provided with a deformation that imparts said bridge greater inertial resistance and that in such tightening and advance movement of one end underneath the other an engagement has been provided for both ends by a tongue located at one end and a recess at the other end of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: ITW Metal Fasteners S.L.
    Inventor: Ramon Palau Dominguez
  • Patent number: 8202017
    Abstract: A hitch for connecting a movable object to a rigid rod which includes a semi-rigid main substrate including a plurality of grooves, a flexible element fixedly formed over the main substrate including a first portion for gripping a rigid rod, a clamp connected to the first portion of the flexible element. The clamp includes a lever that couples the clamp to at least one of the plurality of grooves of the main substrate such that the first portion can grip the rigid rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Nadia Shalaby
  • Patent number: 8141826
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is provided for mounting pipes between studs of a building. An elongated support member has two elongated sides generally perpendicular to each other and has opposing ends adapted to fasten the support member to studs of a building. A locking bracket encircles the support bracket. The locking bracket has four segments comprising a first base segment, a second flange segment, a third intermediate segment and a fourth distal segment. A flexible hinge line is formed at least between the flange and intermediate segment. The base segment and flange either abutting or are close to adjacent sides of the elongated support member during use with the intermediate segment spanning the distal edges of the sides of the support member. The fourth distal segment overlaps and nests with the first base segment to restrain motion in the plane of the base segment. A latch mechanism restrains the projection from disengaging. The projection is preferably forced against the support member by the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Securus, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis E. Gallardo, Timothy M. McConnell
  • Patent number: 8056192
    Abstract: An improved clamp constricting objects to be held in place including hoses wires tubes. One embodiment having some or all plastic molded parts one of which is a support base (10) to one side is attached a partially grooved or fully flexible grooved band strap (13) where as the other end is free to enter a band strap entrance port (26) thereby contact is made with a matching grooved rotating cylinder (12) held by two bearings. The band strap (13) advances encircling objects to be held. The support base top (11) is closed and locked by the rapid release hold down top lock (20) confining the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) engaging a flexible paw (17) allowing advancing rotation only, preventing the grooved molded band strap (13) from retracting. Six sided wrench or tool is inserted into the cylinder cavity (15) forcefully rotating the grooved rotating cylinder (12) advancing the flexible grooved band strap (13) through exit port (27) being held down by band strap retainers (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel Lewis Posner
  • Patent number: 7730588
    Abstract: The invention is a fire hose holding apparatus that involves a hose clamp that involves two halves that are connected together via a hinge and a handle. Located along the interior of said two halves are rubber strips. The locking apparatus involves a locking clip on the opposite ends of the two halves and locking notch in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Claude Bernier
  • Publication number: 20100115738
    Abstract: A bundle tie or strap has a locking device provided with a through-going channel, in which locking device there is secured an elongate strip. The strip and the channel have counterdirected teeth, whereby the strip is insertable in the channel but not withdrawable therefrom. For infeed of the strip in the channel and for tightening, there is pivotally connected to the locking device a feeder crank with teeth on a circle sector shaped portion. The bundle tie is manufactured in its entirety in the opened state by injection moulding in one single continuous piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Kûhne, Larry Knutson
  • Publication number: 20090293234
    Abstract: A constrictive band includes a band body and a positioning member. The band body has a free end inserted through an insert hole of the positioning member and fixed at any location of the band body relative to said positioning member by means of a band fixing unit of the positioning member, forming a circle to constrict and hold something therein tightly and immovably. The band body can be easily handled to be inserted through the inert hole, and pulled out of the insert hole simply by compressing plate members of the positioning member for loosening the band body, permitting the constrictive band usable repeatedly for a long time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Chang, Yu-Po Chang
  • Publication number: 20090025190
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a clamp of the type comprising a flat strip (1) whose ends coil onto themselves in the shape of a ring and are fastened by means of a retaining pawl (2) and a hook (3) that are coupled in a retaining bridge (6) and an orifice (7), respectively, for a further constriction of the clamp, that is brought to its optimal tightening position by means of pliers or other appropriate tools through tightening and deformation of the clamp bridge (12), which bridge is provided with a deformation (15) that imparts said bridge greater inertial resistance and that in such tightening and advance movement of one end underneath the other an engagement has been provided for both ends by means of a tongue (14) located at one end and a recess (13) at the other end of the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: ITW METAL FASTENERS S.L.
    Inventor: Ramon Palau Dominguez
  • Patent number: 7377472
    Abstract: A clamp assembly releasably secures a plumbing pipe to a support. The assembly has a clamp base releasably connected to a clamping block by pawls that releasably engage a pair of ratchet arms extending from the base. Each of the base and clamping block has two inclined surfaces forming a generally V-shaped notch that opens toward the pipe. A cap is optionally placed over one or both of the V-shaped notches and is interposed between the notch and the pipe. At least one resilient leg or a flange may extend from the base opposite the ratchet arms, with the flange and/or the arms resiliently engaging opposite sides of the support to hold the clamp assembly in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Securus, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Brown, Dennis L. Hart
  • Patent number: 7107653
    Abstract: A tie for bundling a plurality of elongated objects is formed in a generally arcuate configuration from a material having shape retaining memory properties. Complemental teeth on two opposed surface lock the two surfaces together to form a closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: DT Search & Design
    Inventor: Alvin Dean Thompson
  • Patent number: 6622355
    Abstract: A mounting structure for buckles, cord locks and the like is provided with a base and a body for placement on opposite sides of the article to which the component is to be secured. A first connector part in the nature of a rack is provided on one of the body and base, and a lug is provided on the other of the body and the base for engagement at various locations along the rack to secure the body and base on opposite sides of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jordi Badrenas Buscart, John S. Pontaoe
  • Patent number: 6594869
    Abstract: A tube clamp is constructed to include a binding strap injection-molded from high strength plastics, the binding strap having two lugs at two ends, and a smoothly arched rib-reinforced extension bearing flange forwardly extended from the first leg and adapted for supporting the second lug and guide movement of the second lug toward the first lug, a screw bolt inserted through a through hole in the first lug and threaded into a screw hole in the second lug and screwed up with a nut to fix the tube clamp to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Dian-Tai Chen
  • Patent number: 6584654
    Abstract: A T-bolt hose clamp comprising an outer band portion for encircling a portion of the circumference of a hose; a T-bolt member and a bridge extending from a first end of the band portion to and opposing second end of the band portion, wherein an inward projecting rib is provided along at least a portion of the outer band portion, having at least a radially innermost portion in substantially the same cross-sectional plane as the inner surface of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Epicor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Erwin Schaub
  • Patent number: 6516498
    Abstract: A cable clamp has two identical moulded components that can be clamped together about a cable. Each component has a yoke with a ratchet bar at one end and two short arms at its opposite end spaced by a gap and having ratchet teeth on their inner faces. The ratchet bars on each component extend in the gap between the arms on the other component and the cable extends through the aperture between the two yokes and between the two ratchet bars. The yokes can be squeezed together about the cable, causing the ratchet bars to slide over the engaging teeth, which prevents the two components being subsequently separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Smiths Group PLC
    Inventors: Donald Richard LaCoy, Shannon Powers
  • Patent number: 6473945
    Abstract: A flexible clamp comprising a plurality of plastics links each link being a snap-fit with the next adjacent link thereby permitting a user to alter the length of the chain by the addition or subtraction of one or more links, and means for latching the free ends of the chain together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Timothy Charles Draper
  • Patent number: 6470538
    Abstract: A tension ring, particularly for connecting two tube ends, includes several mutually linked segments. A closing device detachably connects two segments with one another. The position of the segments relative to one another is adjustable at least on one hinge element between two segments. As a result of the closing device preferably constructed as a quick-acting closure, a prefixing/pretensioning can be achieved and, subsequently, the tension of the tension ring can be regulated to the desired extent by an adjusting device without opening the closing device again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Fr. Jacob Söhne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Richter
  • Patent number: 6463631
    Abstract: A binding tool having a main member and a lateral member for clamping a bundle of cables between a bottom portion of the main member and a lateral bar of the lateral member. A first guide groove and a second guide groove are provided on a first arm portion of the main member and a first insertion hole into which the first arm portion can be inserted is provided on the lateral bar of the lateral member. On portions of the inner face of the first insertion hole corresponding to the first guide groove and the second guide groove, a first engaging protrusion and a second engaging protrusion extending longitudinally are provided, respectively. Both left and right faces of the first engaging protrusion and both left and right faces of the second engaging protrusion are guided in the first guide groove and the second guide groove, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kitagawa Industries Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Naoya Noda
  • Patent number: 6446915
    Abstract: A plumbing slider bracket and double ratchet arm pipe clamp includes a slider bracket with a first bracket section which is telescopically received within a second bracket section such that it is slidable back and forth within the second bracket section to make an extendable slider bracket. Flexible tabs extending from either end of the slider bracket allow attachment of the bracket to an outer stud surface, or within the stud spacing in any desired orientation. Each double ratchet arm pipe clamp is received by the slider bracket and is movable along the length of the slider bracket until a pipe is clamped therein. The clamping action both secures the pipe in place within the clamp, and also forces a resilient insert downward against the bottom wall of the slider bracket to anchor the clamp in position within the slider bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 6405411
    Abstract: The clasp comprises a coupling element with which the cheek plate elements adjacent to a closed position and comprising a coupling bolt for a closing device can be provisionally connected. The coupling element is a bracket which is mounted at its one end so that it can pivot on the coupling bolt of the one cheek plate element and which can be connected by its other end to the other cheek plate element in such a manner that this other end is movably mounted in the coupled position on the other cheek plate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Allemann, Silvio Marti
  • Patent number: 6402096
    Abstract: A plumbing slider bracket and ratchet arm conduit clamp includes a slider bracket with an inner bracket section which is telescopically received within an outer bracket section such that it is slidable back and forth within the outer bracket section to make an extendable slider bracket. Flexible tabs extending from either end of the slider bracket allow attachment of the bracket to an outer stud surface, or within the stud spacing in any desired orientation. Each ratchet arm conduit clamp is received by the slider bracket and is movable along the length of the slider bracket until a conduit is clamped therein. The clamping action both secures the conduit in place within the clamp, and also forces a resilient insert downward against the bottom wall of the slider bracket to anchor the clamp in position within the slider bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Ismert, Victor M. Carr, Frank D. Julian, Arthur B. Hicks, Richard D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6126122
    Abstract: A double ratchet arm pipe clamp includes a pair of elongated ratchet arms extending outward from a base member with each ratchet arm including a plurality of ratchet teeth. A keeper block is adapted to receive the ratchet arms through a pair of apertures and a respective pawl member is positioned within each aperture to releasably engage the ratchet arm. Both the base member and the keeper block have respective V shaped notches which are positioned in opposition to cradle a clamped pipe or cable and a pair of slits are formed in the keeper block to give added clamping action. An alternative embodiment of double ratchet arm pipe clamp is clamping a pipe to a universal slider bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 6000104
    Abstract: A clip for clamping an article, such as a hose, includes an annular clip band and a plurality of annular insert bands. Each of the insert bands has a first end section and a second end section. The end sections extend in the circumferential direction and overlap one another. One of the insert bands selectively surrounds a radial inside surface of the clip band. Each of the insert bands has a resistance to a relative displacement occurring in the circumferential direction of their mutually overlapping end sections. The resistances for each of the insert bands differs in such a manner that, when a predetermined clamping force is exerted on the clip band in the circumferential direction, a different predetermined radial clamping force on the clamped article results with the use of each respective insert band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Rasmussern GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Mann
  • Patent number: 5878465
    Abstract: The flexible cladding for encasing cable harnesses or other tubular objects has a track-type casing (10) having longitudinal connecting parts (11, 12). Longitudinal concertina-type formations (24), designed as rounded waves, are positioned between the connecting parts thereby making the flexible cladding highly expansible and ductile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Zipper-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Jenner
  • Patent number: 5873813
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing and maintaining a penile erection in a male suffering from erectile dysfunction includes a resilient ring member defining an inner opening through which the penis is inserted. The inside circumferential surface adjacent the inner opening is supple and adapted to contact the shaft of the penis. The cross-sectional area of the inner opening is adjustable between a minimum cross-sectional area which is sized sufficiently small to restrict the return venous blood flow from the penis to the torso (i.e. restrict excessive venous leakage) and larger cross-sectional areas. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart handles extending outwardly from the resilient ring member which allow the user of the apparatus to quickly adjust the cross-sectional area of the inner opening. In use, a flaccid penis is inserted through the inner opening of the resilient ring member and the resilient ring member is placed in the closed position at the base of the penis adjacent the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: B.S.W. Partnership
    Inventor: Robert R. Weiss
  • Patent number: 5829106
    Abstract: A toggle latch for releasably fastening and tensioning a closure band said latch comprising, a first member (20) for connection to an end of said band, a second member (22) for connection with the other end of said band, a lever (24) hingedly connected adjacent a proximal end with said second member (22) and a link member (27) hingedly interconnecting said first member (20) and said lever (24) and being joined to said lever (24) at a point spaced apart from said proximal end, said lever being movable between a first open position in which the extent of said lever (24) diverges from said band and a second closed position in which said lever (24) and link member (27) nestably overlay said first and second members (20, 22) to draw said first member (20) toward said second member (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: N.V. Raychem S.A.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Patrick Clits, Pieter De Coster, Marc Demesmaeker
  • Patent number: 5779119
    Abstract: A support arm with a hinged clamp allowing it to be secured around a bicycle seat post such that a detached front wheel is carried on the bike on the seat post. The support arm has two fingers that attach to a bicycle's front wheel once it has been detached from the bicycle. The free end of the fingers are secured to the axle at the fitting where the fork had been attached. The quick-release fitting secures the fingers in place. The clamp has two c-channel clamping members that encircle the tubular seat post. The clamping members are secured together with a latching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Mark Talbot, Allen Aflague
  • Patent number: 5706558
    Abstract: A hose clamp having an elastically flexible clamp band, which is made of metal. A clamping head joins the ends of the clamp band. The clamp band has a slit that extends in the circumferential direction. The slit divides the band into a first edge section and a second edge section. One of the two edge sections includes a spring device (e.g., a corrugation), which creates a spring force in the circumferential direction of the hose clamp over an entire operating temperature range. Thus, the hose clamp sealingly locks a hose in place on a pipe, regardless of any thermally caused expansion or contraction of the hose material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Sauer
  • Patent number: 5704098
    Abstract: A clamping collar includes a tightener connected to two ends of a band which has its ends positioned on an arcuate screen. Clamping is achieved symmetrically with respect to a diametrical plane of the collar so that the portions of the collar which lie in the diametrical plane do not move relative to the part to be clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Lionel Calmettes
  • Patent number: 5666759
    Abstract: A suspension sleeve for snood swivels, arranged to be installed around a fishing line and to rotate about the line's longitudinal axis. The sleeve (10) is made of a rectangular plate and has two end areas (2, 3) which are facing each other, considered in the sleeve's (10) circumference direction, and which have respective engagement sections (4, 20) which are arranged for releasable, firm connection with each other. One end area (2) comprises a support section (6) for an eye of the snood swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: O. Mustad & Son A.S.
    Inventors: Tom Thormodsen, Per Borgund
  • Patent number: 5548876
    Abstract: A clamp structure with a clamping band, with a lever-type band tightening closure mechanism including a relatively fixed part and a lever part relatively movable with respect to said relatively fixed part, whereby the relatively fixed part has a base portion and two side walls integral with and extending upwardly from the base portion; the base portion is provided with two slots extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the clamping band and the lever part has two mutually oppositely and outwardly directed pivot members which are adapted to pivotally engage in corresponding pivot openings in the side walls; one end section of the clamping band includes tolerance-compensating undulations which are covered from below by the remaining underlying end portion of the clamping band; locking projections are provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the side walls to prevent inadvertent reopening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5505497
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling device for connecting together two aligned fiberglass reinforced plastic duct sections, each having a terminal end portion of equal diameter, so as to form a leak proof joint that is resistant to fire and also chemical corrosion from gases and/or condensate within the duct sections is disclosed. The device comprises elements that cover and seal the terminal end portion of each said duct section; a central gasket member that covers the end elements and extends around the terminal end portions of the duct sections; a flexible metal sleeve member that surrounds the central gasket member; and tightening devices on the sleeve which compress the central gasket member and hold the aligned adjoining duct sections together to provide a leak-proof joint. The tightening devices are spring driven so that if the bulk of the gasket member is reduced due to fire, the sleeve will maintain a firm non-slip hold on the duct joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Shea, John J. Shea
  • Patent number: 5478117
    Abstract: An adjustable length ski pole includes two telescopically fitted together ski pole halves, and a clamp disposed about the joint between the two pole halves. The clamp includes a resilient tubular member having an annular sidewall which defines a cylindrical bore, where the sidewall is formed with a longitudinally extending gap to allow the tubular member to be selectively biased to reduce the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore, or to enlarge the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore. The gap defines first and second opposing sidewall edges having coaxial first and second openings respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Quintana, Steve C. McDonald, Jordan Margid
  • Patent number: 5329673
    Abstract: A self tightening hose clamp is disclosed, having a band for encircling at least a portion of circumference of a hose and a bolt which extends from a left end of the band through the right end of the band and about the remaining portion of the circumference of the hose. A spring circumscribes an outer end of the bolt and applies a biasing force on the bolt and the right end of the band to maintain a clamping force between the band and the hose during contraction of the hose. A sleeve is disposed between the bolt and spring to coaxially center the spring about the bolt during compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: R. G. Ray Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Mason
  • Patent number: 5282295
    Abstract: A reinforced ear structure for use in a clamp whose clamping band is intended to be contracted by relatively large tightening forces; the ear consists of two outwardly extending leg portions and a reinforced bridging portion interconnecting the leg portions; the bridging portion is provided with a generally pan-shaped, relatively hollow, depressed reinforcement formed by a bottom portion and connecting portions between the bottom portion and the remaining non-depressed bridging portion; the connecting portions thereby extend over substantial parts of the length and width of the bridging portion and the bottom portion is relatively flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 5208949
    Abstract: A clamp fitting is disclosed, constituted by a metal band wound on itself, whose ends are respectively provided with complementary hooking means, comprising a hook capable of passing behind a shoulder or ear during the clamping operation. The clamp fitting presents at least one group of two undulations, each in the form of an open loop, projecting radially with respect to the outer periphery of the clamp fitting, the zone of join of at least one undulation to the clamp fitting being constituted by a portion of band of circular section, whose radius is at least equal to twice the thickness of the band and which extends over an arc of at least 90.degree. and preferably close to 150.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Lionel Calmettes, Michel Andre