Elastic Connector Patents (Class 24/300)
  • Patent number: 11781705
    Abstract: Unique securement devices, usable for example as tripod feet, each feature a bistable spring band encapsulated in an outer skin with a set of optionally magnetic embedments discretely spaced along the band, and a coupler at one end for attachment to a tripod leg or other component. Unique ball and socket joints employ both a snap fit and a secondary retention mechanism to reliably secure together various components, including said securement devices and tripod legs. One joint includes an externally convex and internally concave ball coupler for optional mating with either a larger socket coupler or smaller ball. One joint includes a stabilization sleeve for angularly locking the ball and socket joint. An elongated support, usable as a tripod leg for example, features threaded connection ports usable to either directly mount threaded third-party componentry, or to receive a threaded ball coupler by which socket-equipped componentry can be indirectly attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: North Rim Investment Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Chris A. Dunn
  • Patent number: 11110026
    Abstract: A walking aid accessory that is an aesthetic glider for a walker and a method of manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Steve James Ayre
  • Patent number: 10939733
    Abstract: Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: HICKIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gaston Frydlewski, Maria R. Waingarten, Brian Legette, David Reeb, Alan Tipp
  • Patent number: 10869659
    Abstract: Connectors for connecting or linking one instrument or object to one or more other instruments or objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a first arm with a first attachment feature for attaching to a first object, such as a surgical access device, and a second arm with a second attachment feature for attaching to a second object, such as a support. The connector can have an unlocked state, in which the position and orientation of the access device can be adjusted relative to the support, and a locked state in which movement of the access device relative to the support is prevented or limited. Locking the connector can also be effective to clamp or otherwise attach the connector to the access device and the support, or said attachment can be independent of the locking of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Daniel Thommen, Eric Buehlmann, Joern Richter, Peter Senn, Veronique Christine Zollmann, Thomas Gamache, William Kane, Joseph Amaral, John Pracyk, Bill Horton, John Wright
  • Patent number: 10174784
    Abstract: Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic straps include an elastic member 500 including a pair of similar interlocking hook devices 100 connected to each end of elastic member 501. Each interlocking hook device 100, is provided with a connector 300 which is fixedly attached thereon. Each hook device can be connected, preferably in a locking manner, onto the other hook device creating a closed hook assembly thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of elastic or rigid straps when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic straps 500 can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end. Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic members include an elastic member with interlocking hook devices 900 including two similar interlocking hook devices 800 with a connector groove 801 and a catch feature 802 and elastic member 811.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Bolder Products, LLC
    Inventor: Paul J. Cornay
  • Patent number: 10165831
    Abstract: An improved shoelace has an elastic inner core having a plurality of elastic members and a woven string covering the elastic inner layer. The woven string has a plurality of narrow sections and wide sections evenly disposed on two ends of the elastic inner core. Each narrow section wraps around the elastic inner core, each wide section is longer than each narrow section and separated from the elastic inner core. When the elastic inner core is not pulled, the wide sections overlap and fold onto the elastic inner core 10 and has a cone shape with at least three times thickness than the narrow section. When the elastic inner core is pulled, the wide sections are stretched straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: San Dai Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Yang Tsai, Ching-Fu Tsai
  • Patent number: 9920870
    Abstract: A restraint system for use in securing temporary flow lines that include multiple pipe sections, each pair of pipe sections connected together with a fitting or coupling such as a hammer joint coupling. The system includes multiple pluralities of endless loop slings connected end to end with a cow hitch or girth hitch knot. Disconnectable fittings (e.g., shackles) are placed every three or more slings so that easy disassembly is afforded in case of leakage or other failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bond, Jr., Michael Mire
  • Patent number: 9737363
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a draping system for a two-tiered hospital instrument back table can be used to quickly and conveniently create a sterile field. The system has a drape that is a single piece of material, desirably a film that may be clear. The single piece of material has other material attached to it on its upper side or surface in areas that generally coincide with the two upper surfaces of the table when the drape is installed on the table, and that has a lower coefficient of friction than the single piece of material. The drape may be held in place with a continuous or discontinuous band that encircles the upper tier or the upper tier support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Y. Houde, Jeffrey S. Robinson, Jose Luis Coronado, Keith J. Edgett, James B. Robinson, Denise E. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9468308
    Abstract: A springless, double ended elastic fabric tensioner including at least two gripping members, each having a first jaw and a second jaw biased together at a first pivot point and a second pivot point wherein the first and second pivot points are set apart from each other. A compression activation site is positioned in between the first and second pivot points for activating the first and second jaws from a closed position to an open position. The fabric tensioner further includes a tensioning elastomeric member having a first end and second end and providing sufficient tension between the gripping members whereby each gripping member removably engages either the first or second ends of the elastomeric member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Eclips Global 2015 Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward Funger
  • Patent number: 9433261
    Abstract: A tie down system includes at least one device hook having a hook base; at least one hook opening in the hook base; a generally elongated hook shaft extending from the hook base; a curved hook finger extending from the hook shaft; a hook base extension extending from the hook base in spaced-apart relationship to the hook shaft; and a hook slot between the hook shaft and the hook base extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin J. Miles
  • Patent number: 9038248
    Abstract: A leash attachable animal excrement bag holder has a carabineer for engaging a leash, body-supported apparel or the like, a flexible, resilient and open-biased support hoop, and a bag suspended from the support hoop. A slide has a body and first and second holes passing entirely through. The first hole encompasses the support hoop at a first distinct location and the second hole encompasses the support hoop at a second distinct location. The slide operatively traverses the support hoop and thereby alters a bias of the support hoop from an open orientation suitable to receive or remove animal excrement bags to a more nearly closed orientation suitable to retain animal excrement bags. A coupling engages the support hoop with the carabineer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Corey D. Linn
  • Patent number: 8997317
    Abstract: In the case of a fall protection connector for connecting a strap to a load-fastening point for a person to be protected against falling, wherein the fall protection connector has a tubular band, at the ends of which respective connecting elements are arranged, wherein a length-variable element is arranged in the tubular band, the arrangement has been brought about in such a manner that the tubular band is formed from an elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Skylotec GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Rinklake
  • Patent number: 8984724
    Abstract: A garment clip system for hangers for adjustably holding various clothing has a cover that fits over a central portion of a hanger and has two clips moveably mounted along a portion of hanger that clips cloths to hold them to the hanger. An elastic cord connects each clip to the cover and keeps the clips in a selected place. A closure is disposed along the bottom that opens to allow a user to attach garment clip system for hangers to any hanger. A hook and loop connector is used to keep closure closed. In another embodiment, a retractor is mounted within cover to keep tension on a retractable cord that connects the clips. The retractor is biased using a spring to keep the desired tension on the cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Johnette Amanda Kinney
  • Patent number: 8955201
    Abstract: Flexible straps for a carrier include a strap body having a top, bottom, two lateral and two end surfaces. The strap body has a lengthwise axis, a widthwise axis and a thickness axis. At least one aperture can extend through the strap body from the top to the bottom surface and can be space apart from each other along the lengthwise axis by a spacer portion. The flexible strap includes a spacer cross-sectional area defined by an area of a cross-section of the spacer portion cut by a plane oriented orthogonally to the lengthwise axis. The flexible strap includes an aperture cross-sectional area defined by an area of a cross-section taken at a widthwise widest point of at least one of the apertures cut by a plane oriented orthogonally to the lengthwise axis. The aperture cross-sectional area is greater than at least two-thirds of the spacer cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, John Laverack, Greg Weaver
  • Publication number: 20150031256
    Abstract: A beverage device comprising a beverage holder having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end having a beverage holder connector. A beverage holder support has a connecting end and a locking end. The locking end has a protruding portion having an outside diameter sized to fit inside a pool noodle and an annular wall having an inside diameter sized to fit around the pool noodle. The connecting end has a beverage holder support receiver for receiving the beverage holder connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kent M. Arnold, William Patrick Youngblood
  • Patent number: 8910349
    Abstract: A patching system for a net in a frame with hard points at select nodes of the net includes a patching device with a pair of spaced sockets each configured to receive a hard point therein. A member interconnects the pair of spaced sockets and is configured to properly space the hard points. Another patching device is for reconnecting hard points to the net frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Foster Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Holmes, Jr., Brian A. Coppola
  • Patent number: 8910347
    Abstract: A rubber strap device is provided that includes a post that may be selectively attached to a flexible strap for securing the ends of the flexible strap when the strap is wrapped around one or more objects. The post may be configured to maintain a selected position on the flexible strap when mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Alliance Rubber Company
    Inventor: Brian Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8881349
    Abstract: The adjustable holding device includes an elongate cord which may be elastomeric. The holding device has a first connection mechanism that is operatively connected to the elongate cord. In addition, an adjustable connection mechanism is also operatively connected to the elongate cord and configured to be movable along the length of the cord. The adjustable connection mechanism includes a cam system configured to engage the elongate cord at a desired location. In addition, the adjustable connection mechanism is configured to move along the elongate cord when the first connection mechanism and the adjustable connection mechanism are operatively connected to desired connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Menno Mulholland, Matt Hunsberger
  • Publication number: 20140325800
    Abstract: A single rope tie down device has a single rope with an internal passageway and two S-hooks. The single rope has a first end and a second end. The internal passageway is proximate to the first end of the rope. The first S-hook is attached to the first end of the single rope. The second S-hook is freely moveable along the single rope between the internal passageway and the second end of the rope. The second end of the rope passes through the eyelet of the first S-hook and then passes through the internal passageway of the single rope forming a closed, adjustable length loop in the single rope. The second S-hook is moveable along the single rope within the loop. The loop can be tightened or loosened to secure the S-hooks to an item below the single rope tie down device to a carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: James L. Wilson, Don Hitt, Randy Jack
  • Patent number: 8850675
    Abstract: Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hickies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaston Frydlewski, Maria Raquel Waingarten, Brian Le Gette, David Reeb, Alan Tipp
  • Patent number: 8850667
    Abstract: A garment fastening system having a button member adapted to be inserted into a buttonhole of a garment. The button member has a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall disposed therebetween. The button member defines an aperture that is extending from a portion of the rear wall and a portion of the side wall, and an internal chamber in communication with the aperture. The garment system also has a resilient member extending, through the aperture and having two opposite ends that are connected to the internal chamber thereby defining a loop at least partially extending outside the button member and adapted to receive a button of the garment. The aperture is dimensioned for allowing movement of the resilient member. The garment fastening system can be used for providing elasticity to a garment by simply connecting it to existing button and buttonhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Patrizia Angela Casubolo
  • Patent number: 8839494
    Abstract: The present invention is a pant leg cuff retaining device for maintaining a pant leg cuff relative to a user's footwear, having a strap with clips assemblies removable attached to each end for providing a means of removing the strap while not removing the attachment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Michael D. Screens
  • Patent number: 8800938
    Abstract: A pipe brace assembly includes a main clamp body that can be secured to a brace pipe. A cable, or other flexible tensioning member, can be wrapped around a braced pipe and secured to the main clamp body. The pipe brace assembly includes a method or mechanism for tensioning the cable or flexible tensioning member around the braced pipe. In some embodiments, the tensioning method or mechanism involves moving, such as rotating, the main clamp body to tension the cable or tensioning member. The clamping of the main clamp body and tensioning of the cable or tensioning member can occur simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper B-Line, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Heath
  • Patent number: 8769780
    Abstract: A device for retaining tails of a shirt in a pair of pants is provided including a first magnetic component, a second magnetic component and a third magnetic component. The first magnetic component is attracted to the second magnetic component and the second magnetic component is attracted to the third magnetic component. A first cord is connected to the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component and a second cord is connected to the second magnetic component and the third magnetic component. A method of using the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Segel
  • Patent number: 8763213
    Abstract: A retaining latch or strap for use with tie-down hooks has an elastically deformable body, which includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The sidewalls are joined together at first and second ends, and are spaced apart by a strut extending transversely between them to define first and second hook openings. The latch may include a handle extending from one end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: JES Management, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Felix Burdett, James Joseph Laney
  • Publication number: 20140053372
    Abstract: A hook device having a hook bend with a hook tip and a cord attachment end separated from the hook bend by a shank length of connecting wire. The shank length of wire has at least one loop. The loop is separated from the hook tip by a selectable clearance distance. Device including elastic cord and method of making device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Jacobson, Jack M. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8657727
    Abstract: A resistance training exercise device includes a stretchable cord having an internal cavity and a governor in the form of a limit band situated within that cavity and including first and second end segments. A retaining member attaches each of the end segments to the cord so as to impart stretching motion to the limit band when the cord is stretched during exercising. The retaining members provided at each end of the limit band each include a cup-shaped outer member and an inner, member having an outer peripheral surface. Each end segment of the limit band is positioned through an opening in the cup-shaped outer member and is secured to the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bodylastics International, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Kassel, Shi dai Jin
  • Patent number: 8621726
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a gripping assembly for gripping a sheet of material and attaching the sheet of material to an object is provided. The gripping assembly has a continuous ring-like member having an opening defined by an interior tapered engagement surface, a disk-like member positionable within the opening. The disk-like member has an exterior tapered engagement surface which cooperates with the tapered surface of the ring-like member. A sheet of material, threaded between the engagement surfaces is gripped by the surfaces. The disk-like member has an attachment means with at least one passageway there through. A flexible tie member extends through at least one passageway of the attachment means and is for attaching the gripping assembly to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Cynthia S. Sublette
  • Patent number: 8615851
    Abstract: A patching system for a net in a frame with hard points at select nodes of the net includes a patching device with a pair of spaced sockets each configured to receive a hard point therein. A member interconnects the pair of spaced sockets and is configured to properly space the hard points. Another patching device is for reconnecting hard points to the net frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Holmes, Jr., Brian A. Coppola
  • Publication number: 20130340212
    Abstract: A garment clip system for hangers for adjustably holding various clothing has a cover that fits over a central portion of a hanger and has two clips moveably mounted along a portion of hanger that clips cloths to hold them to the hanger. An elastic cord connects each clip to the cover and keeps the clips in a selected place. A closure is disposed along the bottom that opens to allow a user to attach garment clip system for hangers to any hanger. A hook and loop connector is used to keep closure closed. In another embodiment, a retractor is mounted within cover to keep tension on a retractable cord that connects the clips. The retractor is biased using a spring to keep the desired tension on the cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Johnette Amanda Kinney
  • Patent number: 8590116
    Abstract: A loop rope assembly includes a main rope segment having a plurality of rope strands and first and second ends, a first end loop provided on the first end of the main rope segment, a second end loop provided on the second end of the main rope segment and at least one intermediate loop defined by at least one of the rope strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffery Dahl
  • Patent number: 8567018
    Abstract: A linkable loop rope system that includes at least two loop rope assemblies fastened together by a coupling mechanism operable to releaseably couple the rope assemblies for use in securing large and/or irregular shaped objects on a transport vehicle or a tarp or cover on such objects during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffery Dahl, Daniel Paul Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20130219672
    Abstract: An attachment strap created from an elastic strap capable of being stretched. The elastic strap is a continuous substrate forming a base of the attachment strap. A plurality of fastener sections attached to said strap, such that the fastener sections are spaced along the lengthwise direction of said strap and cross substantially the entire width of said strap. The fastener sections cross the width of the elastic strap at angles to the width of said strap. Also discussed is a method of manufacturing a flexible attachment strap which results in forming an elastic strap capable of being stretched. Per the method, a strap forms from a plurality of fastener sections having a fastener outer surface and a mounting inner surface and attaching said inner surfaces of fastener sections on said elastic strap. The mounted fastener sections form discrete fastening regions on the surface of the flexible attachment strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: PULL'R HOLDING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Pull'r Holding Company, LLC
  • Patent number: 8490255
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing an article to an external object includes at least one cuff member. The at least one cuff member may be adapted to receive a portion of the article. Further, the at least one cuff member may include a strap member extending from an outer surface thereof. The strap member is adapted to be adjustably wrapped and secured around the at least one cuff member and a portion of the external object for securing the article to the external object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Theresa L. Alhanati, Joe E. Alhanati
  • Patent number: 8403132
    Abstract: A retractor coil lanyard device for mounting in a pouch of a tool pouch for hand tools includes a tubular housing having a first housing end and a second housing end and a resiliently extensible and retractable coil disposed within the tubular housing. The tubular housing has a predefined length where, when placed within a tool pocket of a tool belt pouch, the first housing end is adjacent a bottom of the tool pocket and the second housing end is adjacent a top of the tool pocket. The coil has a coil body, a first coil end and a second coil end. The coil body is formed from a cord having a predefined diameter where the cord is formed into a helix. The first coil end is retained at the first housing end and the second coil end extends a predefined distance beyond the second housing end and is configured for attaching to a hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
  • Publication number: 20130025091
    Abstract: A bi-directional tensioning apparatus including one or more elongate resilient members, one or more support members, one or more first guide members, and one or more optional second guide members is provided. A method of using the bi-directional tensioning apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Musachio
  • Patent number: 8302267
    Abstract: There is provided a load fixing device capable of effectively preventing collapse of burdens stacked in multiple stages by wrapping with a sheet, providing excellent work efficiency, providing large binding force, and excellently stabilizing the fastened burdens. A load fixing device according to the present invention includes a belt-like sheet having a predetermined length to be wounded around an outer periphery of loads; a first fastening section provided at an upper part in a width direction of a first end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; a first-fastening-section passing section provided at the upper part in the width direction of a second end of the belt-like sheet; a second fastening section provided at a lower part in the width direction of the second end of the belt-like sheet and having an engagement means; and a second-fastening-section passing section provided at the lower part in the width direction of the first end of the belt-like sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ecobiz Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kahoru Morikawa, Takahide Yusuki, Katsuaki Sawachi
  • Publication number: 20120242071
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a tip fastener configured to removably attach to a tip of a snow ski includes a clamp, a lever and a push link. The clamp includes a base and opposing upper and lower jaws extending from the base. The lever is rotatably coupled to the clamp. The push link is rotatably coupled to the clamp and is rotatably coupled to the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HOOKEASE IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: R. Scott Coleman, David O. Meyers
  • Patent number: 8192825
    Abstract: A low-melt plastic fastener. According to one embodiment, the low-melt plastic fastener is shaped to include a flexible filament having a first cross-bar at a first end, and a second cross-bar at a second end. The filament, the first cross-bar, and the second cross-bar may be formed from the same material and may be molded as a unitary structure. Preferably, the fastener is molded as part of a length of continuously connected ladder stock. The plastic fastener is preferably made from a formulation consisting of about 60-99%, by weight, of a low-melt polyurethane and 1-40%, by weight, of a styrene acrylonitrile. The formulation is selected so that the filament melts when heated for about 10 minutes at 130-180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Shilale, Charles J. Burout, III
  • Patent number: 8167263
    Abstract: A magnetically placeable strap, particularly adapted for use in pickup trucks having beds or panels of a ferrous content. The magnetically placeable strap includes a spool-like base having an elastic strap extending therefrom with a hook at an end of the strap. The base consists of a pair of parallel spaced apart disks, a bottom disk being cup-shaped and receiving a magnet therein. The top disk is provided with a plurality of kidney-shaped apertures for receipt of the hook at the end of the elastic strap, or for a user's fingers or tool that might be used in releasing the magnetic base from attachment to a ferrous surface. The magnetically placeable straps may be used singularly or in combination to secure any of various items in the bed of a pickup truck or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Nathan G. Zampelli
  • Patent number: 8105215
    Abstract: A pull cord assembly for body stretching exercise includes an elastic cord member and a strand-like protective member. The elastic cord member has an elastic cord body which extends along a lengthwise axis to terminate at two anchored ends. The strand-like protective member has a strand-like body which extends lengthwise to terminate at two coupled ends that are secured with the anchored ends, respectively. The strand-like body is twined around the elastic cord body along the lengthwise axis so as to enhance the safety of using the pull cord assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 8099838
    Abstract: This invention is about the fastening belt with freely rotatable drag hooks, which includes two drag hooks. The said drag hooks have an upper cover and a bottom cover, with the hook fixed in the front of the drag hooks; one elastic rope to link the two drag hooks, which is made from stretchable material. Two rotatable linker and two ends of elastic rope are fixated inside the rotatable linker. The rotatable linker is connected with the rear rotation of the drag hook. The hook and the elastic rope are linked by the rotatable linker and the drag hook is linked with the rotatable linker. Thus, the drag hook can rotate freely in the elastic rope. The rope does not kink when in use, which not only prolongs the life of elastic ropes, but also reinforce the reliability of the connection between the drag link and the elastic rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Bei Wang
  • Publication number: 20110219586
    Abstract: A bi-directional tensioning apparatus including one or more elongate resilient members, one or more support members, one or more first guide members, and one or more optional second guide members is provided. A method of using the bi-directional tensioning apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Musachio
  • Patent number: 7987563
    Abstract: A load-securing device having (a) a rope having a first end and second end; (b) multiple hooks, wherein the hook has a first end and a second end, the first end of the hook forms a loop around the rope where the hook can slide along the rope but cannot be removed from the rope, the second end of the hook forms a C-shape; and (c) a first stopper attached to the first end of the rope and a second stopper attached to the second end of the rope, the stoppers being effective to prevent the hooks from sliding off the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Blaine B Goeson
  • Patent number: 7971269
    Abstract: A device for connecting and maintaining a sports pad to a skate, contains a cord having a first end and a second end. A first hook portion is removably connected to the first end of the cord, wherein the first hook portion contains a first anchoring portion and a first clasping portion, the first end of the cord being removably connected to the first clasping portion. The device also contains a first outer cylinder for maintaining the first end of the cord within the first clasping portion and a second hook portion removably connected to the second end of the cord. The second hook portion contains a second anchoring portion and a second clasping portion, where the second end of the cord is removably connected to the second clasping portion. The device also contains a second outer cylinder for maintaining the second end of the cord within the second clasping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Buckley
  • Patent number: 7954207
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for securing and protecting electronic devices, for example mobile phones, from impact. By utilizing a fastening device constructed of a flexible, stretchable or elastic material, an electronic device may be wrapped and secured in order to provide protection and prevent damage from impact. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention, for protecting an electronic device comprises, a body in the shape of a string allowing the body to create a loop around an electronic device to form a protective layer, a first fastening end at one end of the body for initiating said loop, and a second fastening end at the other end of the body to complete said loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Ali Fatemi
  • Patent number: 7905553
    Abstract: A safety device includes a garment shaped to be worn on a torso of a user. A flexible strap is attachable to the garment and extends from the garment on first and second sides. The strap has first and second ends. An elongated first fastener component is attached at or near the first end of the strap. An elongated second fastener component is attached at or near the second end of the strap. The first and second fastener components can be rotated to be aligned with, or oblique to, the strap. The first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other, and are shaped for being used individually as anchors while separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Elaine Lichtner
  • Patent number: 7866010
    Abstract: A holding device for a breathing mask that is fastened to a protective helmet when in use includes a fastening hook connected to a flexible, length-adjustable tightening strap that is hooked into a receptacle on the protective helmet. Stop elements that are both frictionally engaged and in positive contact prevent the accidental release of the fastening hook together with the flexibility of the tightening strap that at the same time ensures an individually adjustable fit of the mask while sliding elements arranged at an offset to the stop elements ensure automatic optimum orientation of the tightening straps. The tightening strap and the fastening hook are coupled using a retainer piece molded to the tightening strap that is held in positive contact in the recess of a grip end connected with the fastening hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: MSA Auer GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schmidtke, Tanguy Seve, Phillippe Fitoussi, Wilfried Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20100269308
    Abstract: An elastic structure includes a main board, two fixing portions, and a latching arm. The two fixing portions disposed at opposite sides of the main board and at the same plane with the main board. The latching arm extends outwardly from a middle portion of the main board and forms an acute angle with the main board. The latching arm includes a resisting arm inclined toward the main board. An electronic device using the elastic structure is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: LEI HUANG
  • Patent number: 7819787
    Abstract: A resistance training exercise device, system and method having at least one elastic, elongated and hollow cord with a tether secured to each end of the cord and a limit band in the 3 cord to limit the length that the cord may be stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bodylastics International, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake Kassel