Article Holder Attachable To Apparel Or Body Patents (Class 24/3.1)
  • Patent number: 8230823
    Abstract: A dog flashlight illuminates the area in front of a dog in dark conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a dog owner to carry and direct a light source. The dog flashlight includes a housing containing at least one light source, a battery power supply for the light source, and a switch connected between the light source and the power supply for energizing and de-energizing the light source. When energized, the light source has sufficient brightness to illuminate the area in front of the dog so that the dog owner can observe the illuminated area for control purposes. One preferred embodiment includes an attachment device having a band carrying the housing and adapted to fit around the neck of the dog so that the housing is located in front of the chest of the dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Jacquelyn R. Simoni
  • Publication number: 20120175394
    Abstract: A retaining device (1?) for a mobile multimedia terminal (2), such as a pocket PC, smart phone, navigation device, or the like, including: at least one retaining arm (4); a fastening device (5?), arranged at a first end of the retaining arm and which is designed to fasten the retaining arm to an air-conditioning duct cover (11) in the area of the dashboard or the center console (9) of a motor vehicle; a connecting device (14) arranged at the other, second end of the retaining arm for connecting to a receiving and retaining element (6) for the multimedia terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Dirk Keune
  • Publication number: 20120174341
    Abstract: A platform to which an article is attached on its front surface thereof and having two pair of spaced prongs extending from the back surface adjacent one edge portion thereof and facing inwardly and opposing spaced prongs adjacent the opposite edge portion of the platform. The prongs snugly fit within spaced horizontal loops of a MOLLE/PALS compliant garment or similarly designed garment. The garment must be temporarily folded horizontally to attach the prongs to garment loops and when released the webbing between the prongs and the back surface bunches up and is wedged therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: William H. Rogers, Matthew E. McKendrick
  • Publication number: 20120174342
    Abstract: A retrofit system for tethering a hand tool includes a tool collar having a collar body, a first body end, a second body end, and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, and a tethering tab having a first tab opening and a second tab opening transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tethering tab. The bore of the tool collar has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of a first tool portion of the hand tool providing a snug fit of the tool collar on the first tool portion. The second tab opening of the tethering tab being spaced from the first tab opening and the first tab opening having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first tool portion providing for free rotation of the tethering tab around the first tool portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
  • Patent number: 8196266
    Abstract: A fashion accessory for accessorizing an item includes a button operatively connected to a bow and an elastic cording operatively connected to the button and adapted for connecting the fashion accessory, the elastic cording having a first loop for pulling around the button for removably fastening the fashion accessory to the item. A method of fashion accessorizing an item includes providing a fashion accessory comprising a bow, a button operatively connected to the bow, and an elastic cording operatively connected to the button, the elastic cording having a first loop and a second loop and then pulling the first loop and the second loop of the elastic cording around a portion of the item and over the button to thereby secure the fashion accessory in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Laura R. Stratton-Metzger
  • Publication number: 20120137474
    Abstract: A process and design for affixing accessories to shoes and other articles of clothing is described. An assembly includes a button, thread, and a decorative element. The button is secured to a fashion article, such as clothing, accessories (e.g., purse, shoes, headband, backpack, belt, hat, bracelet, etc.) using thread. The decorative element contains a measured hole or elastic band. The measured hole or elastic band is fitted over the button, in turn attaching to the button member. This produces an adornment and may include, but is not limited to ribbon, fabric, patches, foam shapes, felt shapes, jewelry, and silk or cotton flowers. This assembly allows for releasable engagement with the button wherein various individual ones of the assembled adornments may be attached, removed and interchanged on the fashion article in accordance with a desired color scheme, arrangement, and overall appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Laura Margaret Erikson
  • Patent number: 8186021
    Abstract: The invention provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a tool band and an electroluminescent lamp adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. The device can have many additional and/or alternative passive and/or active conspicuity features, such as lasers, lamps, photoluminescent and retroreflective materials, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: CSC Group LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20120117715
    Abstract: A closure system for reversibly connecting interchangeable items of athletic wear includes at least one elongate connector. The connector has an anchor point attaching the connector to a first piece of athletic wear. The anchor point is located at a first end of the connector and defines a point about which a second end of the connector is angularly displaceable. At least one locking point is located on the first piece of athletic wear. The locking point is reversibly mateable with a locking point coupler located at the second end of the connector. At least one engagement point located on a second piece of athletic wear is capable of reversibly engaging a portion of the connector. When the locking point coupler is mated to the locking point, the connector and engagement point hold the first and second pieces of athletic wear towards one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Devin J. Weafer
  • Patent number: 8166694
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for removably connecting a firearm, accessory, or tool to a surface, material, object, belt, vehicle, pocket, or tactical equipment. The apparatus may include a first connecting member operatively connectible to the firearm, accessory, or tool and a second connecting member operatively connectible to the surface, material, object, belt, vehicle, pocket, or tactical equipment. The first connecting member and second connecting member are capable of connection to one another to connect the firearm, accessory, or tool to the surface, material, object, belt, vehicle, pocket, or tactical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: S&S Precision, LLC
    Inventor: Johnny E. Swan
  • Patent number: 8162276
    Abstract: A combination clip and hook (clip) for use generally in suspending articles, which is rotatably movable about a rotary joint between a first position in which two opposing, rotatably joined portions of the overall clip structure are oriented together to form a continuous, enclosed shape that can be secured around another, and a second position in which the two portions of the structure are rotated out of the enclosed shape, and into, for example, a S shaped hook where one portion of the structure supports the item and the other portion can be applied to another supporting member. The joint between the two portions can define a spring-loaded rotating pivot assembly with at least two indexing positions opposed by 180 degrees. The rotary joint can be constructed with a pair of confronting male and female wedge and detent inserts that are biased toward each other by an embedded spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Clipsy, LLC
    Inventors: Farvardin Fathi, Imraan Aziz, Michael J. Strasser, Thomas E. King
  • Publication number: 20120079687
    Abstract: A cord stay attachable to a garment in order to guide the cord from an electronic device to ear buds or other listening devices for on or over the ear and to maintain the cord against the garments
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff INGRAM
  • Patent number: 8146209
    Abstract: A holder for securing a glove or other article to a bag, hook or other item is provided. The holder comprises a ring, a snap hook type fastener attached to the ring in swivel fashion, and a rigid or semi-rigid tag suspended from the ring by a strap. In one embodiment the tag comprises two members or halves hingedly connected to each other in clamshell fashion so that the two members can be folded together and held together via hook and loop type fasteners. The glove may be secured to the holder via hook and loop type fastening surface located on the glove. The holder can also secure an article not having a hook or loop type fastening surface by draping the article over the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver C Carnate
  • Patent number: 8136693
    Abstract: A closure for a beverage container that has a cap for overlapping a mouth of the beverage container. An arcuate member attached to the cap having a pair of extremity portions separated from one another and a springing member is connected to the arcuate member proximate to one of the extremity portions that is angularly pivotally moveable in response to a manually applied force, between a first position at which the springing member closes and completes a continuous periphery of the arcuate member and a second position at which the arcuate member periphery is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Penguin Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryce Thatcher
  • Publication number: 20120047630
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a clothing item has embedded thereon a plurality of attachment portions. For example, a child's jean skirt may be provided with a number of different metallic snaps. Moreover, a plurality of decorative items may be provided. Each decorative item may have, for example, an attachment portion adapted to be removably attached to an attachment portion of the clothing item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Amy Gare
  • Patent number: 8112894
    Abstract: A folding knife with a retractable clip is disclosed. The folding knife comprises at least two rigid plates housing at least one knife blade and the retractable clip. The retractable clip is slidably mounted between the two rigid plates and traverses a path between a retracted position and an extended position defined by a guide slot in a base portion of the clip. A guide pin intermediate the slot and between the plates limits the translational movement of the retractable clip such that its extension is optimal for affixing it onto clothing by means of an elongated member attached to the base portion, and its retraction within the housing space renders a smooth facing to the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Caswell
  • Publication number: 20120030909
    Abstract: A ring-retention device comprising a band having a band length and a band width and a retaining element comprising an elevated region forming at least a portion of the band width and at least a portion of the band length to provide security against loss of a ring or other jewelry while said ring or other jewelry is being worn by a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Moore, David Lewis Moore
  • Publication number: 20120017347
    Abstract: Outerwear in the form of a wearable personal device can be customized to accept auxiliary gear using a quick attach/detach system that provides for minimal alteration to the aesthetics of the auxiliary gear and the wearable personal device. The system of the present invention can be offered in varied sizes and shapes to accommodate not only dimensional requests, but capacity of auxiliary equipment. In one embodiment, the system of the present invention can be employed with a webbing system previously attached to the wearable personal device. The present invention can include a replaceable female buckle designed to mate with to corresponding male buckles placed on any of a variety of auxiliary equipment items, thereby facilitating quick and simple attachment and detachment of the auxiliary equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: David B. Strum, David M. Duncan
  • Patent number: 8079165
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Buerchner, Christopher N. Pericles, Michael J. Strasser, William G. Tannen
  • Patent number: 8006353
    Abstract: A retainer for a bag shoulder strap, including a flat longitudinal member having a retaining portion on one end, a pin retaining member secured to one side of the flat longitudinal member, and a pin member. The pin retaining member defines a transverse space between the retaining member and the longitudinal member adjacent the longitudinal member other end, and also includes wings spaced from the longitudinal member and projecting inwardly from opposite sides adjacent the longitudinal member one end. The pin member includes a transverse portion pivotally trapped in the transverse space, and first and second pin legs extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the transverse portion to pointed ends adjacent the longitudinal member one end. In a securing position the pointed ends of the pin legs are between the pin retaining member wings and the longitudinal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Patricia E. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20110182454
    Abstract: A retaining module (5) for retaining an earpiece in an ear comprises an annular sleeve (6) having a central aperture (7) adapted for receiving and holding at least a part of the earpiece. The retaining module (5) further comprises a first retaining member (8) adapted for engaging at least a part of the concha of the ear and having a proximal end (9) connected to said annular member (6) at a first location, and a strut member (10) having a proximal end (11) connected to said annular member (6) at a second location, and a distal end connected (13) to the distal end (12) of said first retaining member (8). The invention further provides a hearing aid comprising a retaining module, and a method of manufacturing a combination of a retaining module and an earpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: WIDEX A/S
    Inventors: Tina Ahlberg LARSEN, Jørgen Mejner OLSEN
  • Patent number: 7979963
    Abstract: A holder for securing eyeglasses, sunglasses or other personal items that may be securely incorporated into an article of clothing at the time the article is manufactured. The holder includes a base member that can be inserted into an article of clothing. The base member can be securely attached to/by a fastening device. The fastening device may have one end threaded through the article of clothing and securely affixed to the base member and the other end securely affixed to the external part of the holder. The external part of the holder can include a hanger with a support base and a loop. The holder allows a wearer to insert a temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses, or a hook attached to another personal item, through the loop and allows the item to assume a secure and relatively flat position against the wearer's body. The holder may also in include an RFID tag. The holder may also include a covered loop. The covering may be either internal or external. The covering may include a design, logo or monogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Janice Lee-Holowka, Patricia Lee, Marc Lester
  • Publication number: 20110154618
    Abstract: A small electronic device such as a cellular telephone is attached to a user through a system that comprises front and inner plates that are secured to a device cover for the electronic device. A connecting mechanism such as a jump-ring is attached to the front plate. Attached to the other end of the jump-ring is a flexible cord. The flexible cord attaches to the person of the user. When the cord is attached to the user, the present invention provides a means to secure the electronic device to the user to avoid theft of, loss of or damage to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Rhonda B. Spero
  • Patent number: 7967270
    Abstract: The invention comprises an eyeglass holder. In one embodiment, the eyeglass holder comprises a toy or doll figure to encourage children to wear and take care of eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: Howard Jason Harrison, Dana Alison Harrison
  • Publication number: 20110146031
    Abstract: An ear hanger for fixing a transmission line comprises a frame, a first containing section, a second containing section and a third containing section. The frame includes a hook portion and an abutting portion. The hook portion is formed at the upper end of the frame. The abutting portion is formed at the lower end of the frame. The first containing section is shaped along the hook portion and has a first opening. The second containing section is shaped along the abutting portion and has a second opening. The third containing section is shaped along the abutting portion, located between the first containing section, and the third containing section has a third opening. The third opening is opened on the side opposite to the positions where the first opening and the second opening are opened. Thus, the transmission line can be firmly mounted and is not easy to fall off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicants: WANG WANG DAH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD., DONG GUAN TOP DEN ELECTRONICS LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventor: WEN-WEI SUN
  • Patent number: 7963010
    Abstract: A molded, semi ridged device for the purpose of securing a length of fabric or towel wrapped around the body of a person of the type having a straight flat base (10) connected to the face (12) by the top section (21). The base can be offset from the face to the left (7), right (13), and bottom (9) making the device easy to install beneath the bottom layer of the towel or fabric. The face of the device is inclined toward the base a few degree's from parallel till the beginning of the raised lip (14) which than is raised away from the base a few degree's from parallel to help facilitate the installation process. The towel/fabric clip has raise rails (15) (16) running vertically under the face, and raised rails (17) (18) running vertically under the base of the device to insure horizontal and vertical pressure on the towel/fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Alfred B Levesque
  • Patent number: 7963004
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an extraneous item to a military uniform is disclosed. The apparatus for attaching an extraneous item to a military uniform, which can attach a name tag, a unit marking, insignia of rank, etc. to a predetermined position of the military uniform, includes: a female Velcro tape where an attaching means is formed; an attaching member which is formed with the same size as the female Velcro tape and has the same pattern or color as the military uniform formed on the surface and a male Velcro tape formed on the back side; and an extraneous item comprising a name tag, a unit marking, insignia of rank, etc. to be attached to the surface of the attaching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Young Sol Cho
  • Patent number: 7963005
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching an object to an elastic surface includes an elastic surface and a first flexible, linear fastener attached to the elastic surface by at least two opposite ends separated by a distance that is less than a diameter of an object to be fastened to the elastic surface. A second flexible, linear fastener is attached to the elastic surface by at least two opposite ends separated by a distance that is less than a diameter of an object to be fastened to the elastic surface. The first linear fastener and the second linear fastener are separated by a distance sufficient to insert a leading edge of the object between the first linear fastener and the elastic surface and to insert a trailing edge of the object between the second linear fastener and the elastic surface so that the first linear fastener and the second linear fastener hold the object against the elastic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory H. C. Knox
  • Publication number: 20110072560
    Abstract: A waist belt for a wearer is disclosed. A belt strap has a first end and a second end. The send end has at least one axially-aligned aperture proximate therewith therethrough. A buckle is fixed with the first end of the belt strap and has an inner face and an outer face. The inner face further includes a pin projecting away therefrom and that is adapted to retain the second end of the belt strap thereon through any one of the at least one apertures. The buckle may further includes a receptor for receiving the second end of the belt strap therethrough and facilitating parallel axial alignment of each end of the belt strap when the second end of the belt strap is engaged with the pin of the buckle. The receptor directs the second end of the belt strap under the first end of the belt strap, substantially out-of-sight, when the second end of the belt strap is inserted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Vera G. Valdez
  • Patent number: 7908715
    Abstract: A hinge portion of a case has a strap holder concavity into which a strap holder component is inserted, and a second pin hole into which a securing pin is inserted. A first pin hole into which a securing pin is inserted is formed in a strap holder component. As a result, lightly press-fitting the strap holder component into the strap holder concavity, and inserting the securing pin into the second pin hole and the first pin hole will cause the strap holder component to be secured to the case. This strap holder for a mobile device has a compact and high-strength structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshinobu Ogatsu
  • Publication number: 20110010894
    Abstract: A system for holding a headset cord comprises a female side, a male side that releasably couples to the female side and a first groove that receives and releasably holds a cord. In some embodiments, the male side comprises a cover which removably couples to a surface of the male side to cover the headset cord when it is placed into the first groove. In some embodiments, the male side couples to an interior of the female side. Alternatively, the male side is able to couple to an exterior of the female side. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter that is less than or approximately equal to 2mm. In some embodiments, the female side is integrally formed within a closure mechanism that releasably couples a first portion of an article to a second portion of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SNIK LLC
    Inventor: Rob Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 7854021
    Abstract: An attachable and detachable cover for a pocket having an inner area. The cover may include a first portion disposed external to the pocket, generally conforming to a contour of the pocket, and removably secured to the pocket. The first portion may include a decorative element. In addition, the decorative cover may include a second portion disposed within the inner area of the pocket. The second portion may cause the cover to be retained by the pocket. Further, the cover may include a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: J. Bren & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joyce Brenda Compton, Jill Brenda Compton
  • Patent number: 7836559
    Abstract: A teething holder for use with a child's teething item, and more particularly a teething device having a flexible and elastic loop, a lock for releaseably locking the loop around a teething object, such as a biscuit, and an attachment element, for attaching the teething device, such as to a baby's bib or chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Athenas Menoudakos
  • Publication number: 20100264176
    Abstract: A remote control locator kit for use by a user to locate a remote control includes the following: an association element adapted to physically associate with the remote control; and a connection element adapted to physically connect to the association element and to physically associate with at least one of the user and a physical object. Reference to the at least one of the user and a physical object allows the user to locate the remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jill Bonnie Snell
  • Publication number: 20100229347
    Abstract: A holder adapted to be attached to a tether to help retrieve a dropped tool or prevent a dropped tool from being lost or forgotten during use where the holder has a hollow member with an open end and a closed end and is adapted to frictionally hold a non-working end of a tool in the hollow member. The closed end of the hollow member has a centrally located opening within which is located a cylindrical member which is connected at one end to a shoulder connector and is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to an attachment means at its other end. The cylindrical member can be either fixed or rotatably coupled to the opening in the hollow member and the attachment means is configured to be attached to an end of a tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Louis Kish
  • Publication number: 20100223762
    Abstract: An attaching device for removably attaching various types of display objects to a hat. The attaching device has a fastener for engaging with the display object and a spring member for retaining the fastener therein and attaching to a button of the hat. The fastener is in the form of a plastic ring with a plurality of tabs projecting from a bottom rim thereof. The spring member has an upper spring portion, a lower spring portion and a joint spring portion connecting the upper and lower spring portions. The upper spring portion has an inner perimeter substantially the same as the maximum radial extent of the tabs, such that the plastic ring can be inserted therein. A plurality of protrusions is formed to extend inwardly from the inner perimeter of the upper spring portion. The protrusions are outline with a profile mating that of the tabs, such that the plastic ring can be secured interlocked with the spring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: JAMES R. ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20100219312
    Abstract: An item holder includes a hanger and a holder. The hanger includes a hanger body, a protrusion and one or more apertures. The holder includes a holder body, a receiving slot, a securing mechanism, tabs, a holder member and an end-piece. The holder is configured to detachably couple to the hanger. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism includes fingers/wedges which secure the protrusion in place and are released using the tabs. The holder, specifically the holder member, is also configured to hold an item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: WAGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart
  • Patent number: 7752716
    Abstract: Elastic force originating from an elastic body is applied to gripping portions, so that a lower member and an upper member functions as a clip. An elastic member is formed in such a manner as to be cut out from an attachment surface of the lower member along the contour (other than a portion thereof) of a closed figure, and can warp with respect to the attachment surface with that portion taken as a warp axis. The elastic member has a projection on the leading end thereof, and a rear panel has a recess in an attachment surface thereof. When the rear panel is rotated with respect to the lower member, the projection is disengaged from the recess by warping of the elastic member, or engaged with the recess by a retroaction of the warping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Icom Incorporated
    Inventor: Shuichi Babasaki
  • Patent number: 7721392
    Abstract: A portable securement system for securing implements such as eyewear and pens to a user's garment for safekeeping. The system includes a device usually hidden in use, and formed as a pendant construction to be mounted on button threads behind a garment placard. There it is anchored while a magnet secured at the device's lower part secures implements for easy retrieval. The device includes an opening which may be placed over the button, with a narrowed portion of the opening engaging the threads and serving as an anchoring trap to hold the device in place. In an alternative arrangement, wire-like segments define the device's central opening and terminate at opposed wire ends at an upper part of the device to form a releasable clip. This clip may be utilized to anchor the device to an inner seam or other garment parts where it can be utilized without being outwardly visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Scott Avery
  • Publication number: 20100115732
    Abstract: A headset cord holder comprises a body and a first groove built into the body configured to receive and releasably hold a headset cord. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 mm. In further embodiments, the body is integrally formed within the closure mechanism. In some embodiments the body comprises one or more of glass, wood and metal. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more of stamped metal and molded metal. In further embodiments, the body comprises molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more additional grooves configured to receive and releasably secure the headset cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SNIK, LLC
    Inventor: Rob Honeycutt
  • Publication number: 20100071168
    Abstract: The earpiece retainer is a retaining device for securing an earpiece, such as a Bluetooth® earpiece or the like, to a support, such as the user's belt. The earpiece retainer includes a housing having opposed front and rear walls and at least one sidewall. The housing defines and open interior region therein. A slot is formed through the front wall. The slot is dimensioned and configured for removably receiving an earphone portion of the earpiece therethrough. The earphone portion of the earpiece is releasably locked within the open interior region of the housing to secure the earpiece to the to housing when not in use. A spring-biased retaining member is disposed within the open interior region, the retaining member resiliently engaging the earphone portion and releasably holding the earphone portion against the front wall to releasably lock the earphone portion in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: David A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7673410
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: CM Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Buerchner, Christopher N. Pericles, Michael J. Strasser, William G. Tammen
  • Patent number: 7657977
    Abstract: A belt clamp with a pivotal article carrier attached thereto includes a base and a cover hinged together at the top. The cover includes a passageway at the lower end to accept a barb-like fastener integral with lower end of base to lock clamp closed. A tongue projects inwardly from the cover to contact and inhibit movement of a duty belt inside the clamp. The base includes a pair of intersecting arcuate slots and a reversible insert having one arcuate slot to make the clamp usable by either right- or left-handed users. A movable belt width adjustment bar is mounted inside the clamp to accommodate belts of various widths. Bosses around the lower opening of the cover inhibit twisting of locked clamp to prevent inadvertent opening. A locking plate is provided to inhibit rotation of fasteners used in pivotal mounting of an article carrier to the belt clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Prezine, LLC
    Inventor: Norman E. Clifton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100024173
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an extraneous item to a military uniform is disclosed. The apparatus for attaching an extraneous item to a military uniform, which can attach a name tag, a unit marking, insignia of rank, etc. to a predetermined position of the military uniform, comprises: a female Velcro tape where an attaching means is formed; an attaching member which is formed with the same size as the female Velcro tape and has the same pattern or color as the military uniform formed on the surface and a male Velcro tape formed on the back side; and an extraneous item comprising a name tag, a unit marking, insignia of rank, etc. to be attached to the surface of the attaching member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Young Sol Cho
  • Publication number: 20090300885
    Abstract: A strap connector for coupling with a lawn cutting device and permitting a strap connected to the strap connector with more freedom of movements, the strap connector includes a first coupling device statistically connected to a portion of a shaft of the lawn cutting device, a second coupling device connected to the first coupling device in a relative rotation relation, the second coupling device having a first engaging portion surrounding the first coupling device and a second engaging portion extending radially from the first engaging portion and having a compartment defined internally, and a ring shaped member having a ring shaped portion adapted for connection of the strap and a connecting portion connected to the second engaging portion of the second coupling device in a relative rotation relation, and the connecting portion received in the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Te-Hua Hung
  • Publication number: 20090226022
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrying arrangement for fastening a headset for a mobile terminal to the user's ear. To allow a user wearing glasses to use a headset in a more comfortable way, a carrying arrangement for fastening a headset at the user's ear is provided, the carrying arrangement comprising the headset, a set of at least two ear fixing devices and at least one connecting system for the connection between the headset and the ear fixing devices, wherein the at least one connecting system is formed in such a way that each of the at least two ear fixing devices can be detachably mounted to the headset. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding headset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Petteri Vairio, Kari Hentunen, Lea Sarasjoki, Marja Helle, Sami Lehtovaara, Kalevi Salo
  • Patent number: 7571522
    Abstract: A universal cradle apparatus having a pair of substantially rigid jaw structures each configured with a flange structure having a substantially planar mounting surface adapted for being secured to respective cooperating male and female portions of a spring-return clamping mechanism formed of telescoping male linear drive shaft and mating female linear drive channel. The two jaw structures are each configured with a shallow cup-shaped clamping surface that is projected above the respective flange structure. The jaw structures are mounted on the respective drive shaft and drive channel each having its respective cup-shaped interior clamping surface facing toward the clamping surface of the other jaw. A spring is coupled for biasing the male drive shaft into the mating female drive channel of the clamping mechanism, thereby driving the two jaw structures together along a linear drive axis of the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20090120173
    Abstract: A stabilizing device for a handheld measurement device. An illustrative embodiment of the stabilizing device includes a device harness adapted to receive the handheld measurement device and having a handle opening and a nose opening and at least one harness attachment device carried by the device harness. A method for taking surface measurements with a handheld measurement device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory J. Werner, Kate Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20090119884
    Abstract: A holder capable of holding a comparatively large external load with the aid of the external ear canal or the external ear. Protrusions of which is inserted into a first curve of an external ear canal are provided at one end of a holding arm, and a hole capable of holding an external load is formed in the other end of the holding arm. A protrusion supporter provided with the protrusions is rotatably attached in a hole formed in one end of a holding arm, and one of the protrusions is inserted in the first curve of the external ear canal, enabling the other end of the holding arm to hold an external load. Further, the positions and angles of the protrusions are made arbitrarily adjustable to thereby provide the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Shuuji Kitazawa
  • Publication number: 20090109593
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular wrist-strap cord holder that retains a wrist-strap cord used by an operator to install components during the manufacturing of hard disk drives in order to provide grounding to the operator as the operator handles electrically sensitive components and also to provide mobility to the operator within the assembly floor. In one embodiment. The tubular wrist-strap cord holder is made of polyurethane material and comprises of a plurality of apertures for allowing for the insertion of a grounding cord, a retaining hole that allows the tubular wrist-strap cord holder to be attached to a surface work space and a slit or opening that runs the length of the tubular wrist-strap cord holder to enable the operator to insert and remove the grounding cord as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Melvin J.A. Dela Pena, Mary Jane Frial, Lorna M. Sayco, Madona B. Tolentino
  • Publication number: 20090100644
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a support belt having a band including a first end having a fastener, a second end configured to receive the fastener and a middle portion having a midpoint and arranged between the first and second ends. The present invention also includes a first dependent loop coupled to the first end of the band and a second dependent loop coupled to the second end of the band, wherein the first and second dependent loops are disposed at a predetermined angle to the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Randolph C. Murphy