Elastic Connector Patents (Class 24/300)
  • Patent number: 5577306
    Abstract: A one-handed closure and release mechanism for selectively shortening the dimension of an item utilizing frictional engagement of a stretchable elastic cord member and a restrictive guide structure having at least two openings. In various embodiments the elastic cord member may either be secured inside a channel or fixed within an object or garment or may have two free ends extending out of the closure mechanism. The one-handed closure mechanism operates by use of the exertion of force on the one or more free ends of the stretchable elastic cord member which results in the relative proportion of the stretchable elastic cord member inside the closure mechanism being reduced which, upon release of the tension, has the effect of causing the crushing of the object to reduce the length of the channel through which the elastic cord member extends inside of the restrictive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Danny Gold
  • Patent number: 5575042
    Abstract: An eyeglass retainer having an elastic elongate member having an elongate tubular member secured on each of the opposing ends of the elongate member as disclosed. Each tubular member defines a hollow interior recess dimensioned to slidably receive a potion of an eyeglass frame to form a detachable pressure fit therewith. The length of the interior recess is dimensioned to provide the user with a degree of adjustability for purposes of adjusting the tension in the elongate member when the retainer is positioned about the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Edward V. L. Kalbach
  • Patent number: 5546639
    Abstract: A mechanism for fastening a hook to a shock cord. The mechanism uses a cap to enclose and capture an end of the shock cord inside a cavity of the fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes an aperture and side openings which each expose its inner cavity. A shock cord is fed through the aperture and at least one side opening, enlarged by doubling over and crimping and secured therein by an endcap. Alternatively, the slot and aperture are joined, which allows the shock cord to be easily pressed into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Wecor
    Inventors: Ernest H. Lacore, Thomas S. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5535765
    Abstract: A hair binder for binding a bunch of long hair includes an elastic hair band, a pair of frames joined at proximal ends thereof for opening and closing relative to each other, the frames forming a circle when closed, a first engaging structure disposed at distal ends of the pair of frames for engaging opposite ends of the band, and a second engaging structure disposed at the proximal ends for engaging intermediate positions of the band when the frames are opened, and releasing the intermediate positions when the frames are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Yoshiyuku Takashima
  • Patent number: 5515580
    Abstract: A binding tie device used to either confine and constrict a single object, or else hold two or more objects snugly together. The binding tie includes a length of curled cord (10) which will recoil to its curled shape after being stretched straight, a chain (12), made of bead type chain, and split ring (24). The working end of cord (10) and the first end of chain (12) are connected together. Split ring (24) is connected to the second end of chain (12). Split ring (24) is employed to stretch the cord straight and wind it in either direction around the object being tied. Cord (10) automatically turns allowing it to first uncoil when stretched and then recoil as it is wound around the object thereby securely binding the object. Cord (10) is untied by winding in the opposite direction. The first end of chain (12) may be positioned on cord (10) so that the tie with attached object can be hung up or attached by split ring (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Kurly Tie Company
    Inventor: David C. McHenry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5470110
    Abstract: A shielding device provides an area of protection to mechanics during initial unbolting of flanged pipe connections, to block and redirect any unexpected discharge of product away from the mechanic to the opposite side of the flange. This device has an elongated body wrapped around a pipe flange positioned in the gap area between the flanges. The body is made from an elastic material such as rubber or plastic, or a pliable material such as rubber, plastic or teflon, and is secured to the flange by fasteners on each end of the device. The device provides an area of protection greater than half the circumference of the flange, by having the elongated body securely seated in the gap of the flange over this area. The remaining area of the flange gap remains unobstructed to discharge product leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Hupe
  • Patent number: 5467507
    Abstract: An integral strap assembly comprising a pair of end fasteners molded onto the ends of a nylon cable. The cable is made up of a round bundle of small individual extruded nylon strands enclosed in a sheath of braided nylon. The strap assembly is preferably used to check the motion of automobile glove box doors, station wagon tailgates, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Marsh, Gary L. Schubring
  • Patent number: 5457854
    Abstract: A draw-cord assembly comprises a draw-out which is extensible from a retracted condition to an extended condition and restraining means, secured in the cord. The cord and restraining means are such that the cord is retained in its retracted condition by the restraining means until the means is rendered ineffective, whereupon the cord is permanently extended from its retracted condition. The restraining means retain the cord in its retracted condition provided that the lengthwise load exceeding a certain minimum load is not exceeded, but extended by application of a greater load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Automatic Braiding Limited
    Inventor: Peter W. Easom
  • Patent number: 5448805
    Abstract: A rack strap for an automotive vehicle rack is described having a hook securing arrangement made up not only of a hook but also a sleeve. The sleeve cooperates with the hook to protect the load at the location of the hook, as well as to hinder disengagement of the hook relative to the rack bar. In one embodiment, the hook includes a reentrant end which passes through an eyelet at a rack cross bar, which reentrant end can be encompassed by the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve acts to maintain clasp pieces about a rack cross bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Allen, Douglas P. Gibbs, Donn S. Van Dusen
  • Patent number: 5421069
    Abstract: A self-locking strap mechanism includes inner and outer hollow tubes each having a pair of spaced holes and a separate actuator aperture defined therethrough. The outer hollow tube is inserted over the inner hollow tube. The strap mechanism also includes a length of flexible strap. The length of strap is routed through the holes of the inner and outer hollow tubes. The inner and outer hollow tubes are longitudinally movable relative to one another between locked and released positions wherein the respective holes are aligned and misaligned with one another such that portions of the inner and outer hollow tubes frictional grip and release the length of strap routed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: James Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5417273
    Abstract: A window vent apparatus includes a window opening in a vehicle, the window opening having an opening edge, and an anchoring member adjacent the opening edge, a flexible window member having a perimeter edge and removably fastened with a fastener along the perimeter edge and around the opening edge, and at least two straps of different lengths, each having a window fastener at a first end for engaging the perimeter edge and an anchoring member fastener a second end for engaging the anchoring member. At least one of the straps is preferably elastic for creating tautness when installed on the window perimeter edge and the anchoring member, to hold the portion open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Arthur R. Bamonte
  • Patent number: 5414903
    Abstract: For infection control in a dental operatory, a single use, disposable dental bib holder comprising a synthetic organic plastic strap of a length to go about the neck of a patient and having left and right terminals, left and right clip fasteners secured to the strap terminals and having interlocking portions for positively fastening a dental bib in use position, the strap being locally frangible between the terminals for manually separating the strap into two sections which are disposable with the dental bib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Don D. Porteous
  • Patent number: 5407167
    Abstract: A document support (10) comprises an elastic cord (12) arranged in the shape of an endless loop (11), two elongated, tubular, high-friction spreaders (14a and b) through which the endless loop slidably extends, and a plurality of squeeze-type spring clips (16, 18) slidably and rotatably mounted on the endless loop. The document support is used by elastically expanding the endless loop, placing the high-friction spreaders on opposite edges (42) of an object (such as a seat back (38)) with the endless loop surrounding the stationary object and the spring clips positioned on a working side (47) of the stationary object, and allowing the elastic cord of the endless loop to elastically contract onto the stationary object. Documents are selectively attached to the squeeze-type spring clips by a person positioned on the working side of the stationary object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Siegfried A. Michaelis
  • Patent number: 5383259
    Abstract: An apparatus having a collet piece in a casing for attaching to a shock cord (or rubber or rubber composite cord or strap) anywhere along the length of the cord. The substantial change in width of a circular or flat shock cord as it is stretched is used to make the width of the cord narrow. When the cord is narrow it freely moves through a passage in the collet piece unit. When the cord is released to its fully relaxed width, the cord's width is wider than the greatest width of the passage through the collet piece and casing unit. The compression on the cord creates a frictional holding force between the collet piece, casing unit, and the shock cord. A tapered opening is provided in the casing so that when the cord is pulled in one direction while the casing is held, the frictional force causes the collet piece to slide along the tapered opening thereby reducing the width of the passage through the collet piece and casing unit to grip and hold the shock cord in the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: David B. McIntire
  • Patent number: 5351367
    Abstract: A line tensioner includes a tensioner body and a first bore extending through the tensioner body. A second bore extends through the tensioner body in a manner spaced from the first bore. Also extending through the tensioner body are a third bore and a fourth bore which are spaced from the first and second bores as well as from each other. A line extends through the four bores of the tensioner body. The length of the line can be selectively adjusted by movement of the tensioner body. The desired length of line can then be tensioned in order to prevent a lengthening of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Arcadia Management Co., Inc.
    Inventors: E. Scot Kennedy, Winston H. Breeden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5336157
    Abstract: This invention is a therapeutic clamp intended to help males with impotence, or what should be more properly called, erectile dysfunction. The clamp consists of two hinged rods having elastic bands causing the rods to exert pressure on the sides of the penis, thereby restricting flow of blood from the penis in order to maintain an erection without interfering with flow of blood into the penis, or obstructing the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Ralph Hale
  • Patent number: 5317788
    Abstract: The present invention is an elastic cord hook and a cord and hook set. The hook has a molded plastic body. Cord or bungee may be engaged in a channel in the hook base. The hook is provided with a safety hand grip including a lip so that the hood can be safely push manipulated effectively. The end of the hook is safely curved inward and provides an ear shaped inner configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignees: Joubert S.A., Products Finishing Corp.
    Inventors: Patsy Esposito, Thierry Joubert
  • Patent number: 5287601
    Abstract: A flexible elasticized tie comprising a central flexible core enclosed within an outer braided textile covering, and two pairs of thin rubber cords secured to the tie by the outer braided covering and positioned on either side of a line extending helically of the core for the full length of the tie, said rubber cords being secured to the braided covering while in an extended state so that the tie maintains a generally helical form in its relaxed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: It's Smart Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Erwin B. Schweitzer, Philip G. Simpfendorfer
  • Patent number: 5253393
    Abstract: An apparatus for restricting the dynamic motion of a heavy bag suspended at one end for physical training purposes, said apparatus comprising a resilient strap portion releasably attached at one end to the lower end of the heavy bag by a resilient bonded cup, and releasably attached at the other end to the floor or other surface by a pair of hook members. Said hook members may be adapted for rotation such that said resilient strap portion may be free to rotate about the longitudinal axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Norman D. Levin
  • Patent number: 5229178
    Abstract: The combination of a shock cord including a shock cord loop at an end thereof, a serving tightly disposed about the shock cord immediately adjacent to the shock cord loop, and a binding tightly disposed about the serving and connected to the serving and shock cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Martin S. Zemitis
  • Patent number: 5199135
    Abstract: An elastic binding device for circumferentially containing a bundle. A closed-loop elastic band is stretched around a bundle and an end portion thereof is projected through itself and seated in a notch of a dowel pin holding the projected end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5168605
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a tarp in which a planar clip having an elongate opening is placed on one side of the tarp. The opening has a wide end and a narrow end. A first portion of the opening has substantially straight edges which taper towards one another. The wide end is formed in the first portion. A second portion of the opening has substantially straight edges which are substantially parallel to one another. A button having a base, a neck and a head engages the clip with a tarp therebetween thereby securing the clip to the tarp. An elastic cord is connected to a hook at one end thereof which is connected to a structural member. The other end of the elastic cord is stretched and connected to the clip at a selected location on the cord thereby securing the tarp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Russell Bartlett
  • Patent number: 5163206
    Abstract: A device for arresting the fall of a hand-held implement, such as hair shears, in case the operator drops them accidentally, comprises a finger ring, a short flexible connector attached to the finger ring, and a spring ring or sister hook attached to the free end of the connector for attachment to the hand-held implement. The short arrested fall prevents possible bodily injury, and avoids damage to the shears because they cannot fall on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Eva Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5142807
    Abstract: A double-ended gripper device adapted for holding a fishhook to free both hands of a fisherman to tie a fishline to the hook is useful for other purposes, such as holding small wires in position for soldering. The gripping device has two oppositely-extending spring-operated jaws, one of which can be used for mounting the gripper device on a support structure, and the other of which can be used to grip an object such as a fishhook. Both jaws can swivel relative to the central portion of the device so that a gripped component may be held in various orientations relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Theodore E. Sweet
  • Patent number: 5130899
    Abstract: A tool restraint includes an elongate elastomeric tether line, with a respective first and second flexible strap mounted to each end thereof. The first web strap is arranged for selective securement about an individual's wrist, with the second strap for securement about a tool member. A modification of the invention includes magnets mounted within each strap permitting enhanced securement of the tool by the second strap and selective securement to an automotive body part for anchoring the tool preventing its loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventors: Kevin D. Larkin, Herman Green
  • Patent number: 5113552
    Abstract: A releasable fastening element for tying, bundling and fastening articles having at least one head element, including a longitudinally extending shaft with a leg extending from one end thereof to form a hook for engaging the material to be bound. The fastening element includes an elastic strap which is connected to the other end of the shaft. The elastic strap has locking elements placed at predetermined points along its length for individually and removably connecting the strap to a locking member. The locking member, which is located on the shaft, is formed by two oppositely aligned insertion grooves which are arranged parallel and adjacent to the shaft. The locking elements, which are wider than the grooves, are restricted from passing through the locking device, thus forming a loop in the strap for engaging the material to be bound. The locking member can also be formed as a sleeve with open ends mounted on the shaft parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Hermann Payer
  • Patent number: 5111558
    Abstract: A lace for shoes that provide uniform pressure on the shoe and wearer through a wide range of foot movement and stress levels while having a relatively long life. The lace is formed from a material having a combination of high tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance, resistance to environmental degradation and other factors while providing resilient elasticity. The movement of the foot is allowed to naturally occur without restriction from the laces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventors: Stephen F. Ridley, Louis T. Sicotte
  • Patent number: 5062184
    Abstract: A clip for holding elongated devices such as wire, rope, tools such as screwdrivers, is provided. The clip is in two pieces. One piece is a flexible elastic elongated member with a series of spaced-apart beads near one end. The other piece is a molded plastic device having a base that has provision for attaching the base to a wall, post or pipe. Four side walls project from the base. Two opposed side walls have V-shaped cavities in them for receiving the elongated device. The beaded elongated member extends between the other two walls. The spaced beads enable the elongated member to be placed under tension as it crosses over the elongated device. The elongated member presses the elongated device toward the base and toward the walls of the V-shaped cavities. Thus the elongated device is held firmly in the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Janice L. Rowland
    Inventor: David E. Rowland
  • Patent number: 5042113
    Abstract: A connector for electrical cords which includes (i) a longitudinal length of material having first and second longitudinal ends, (i) a first pair of laterally extending appendages extending as lateral mirror-images from the first longitudinal end of the longitudinal length of material with [-] a first of the appendages having a pair of male snap halves spaced along the length of the appendage, and [-] a second of the appendages having a male snap half and a female snap half spaced along the length of the appendage, (c) a second pair of laterally extending appendages extending as lateral mirror-images from the second longitudinal end of the longitudinal length of material with [-] a first of the appendages substantially diametrically opposed to the second of the appendages in the first appendage pair and having a pair of female snap halves spaced along the length of the appendage, and [-] a second of the appendages substantially diametrically opposed to the first of the appendages in the first appendage pair a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventors: Sandra S. Severson, Larry E. Severson
  • Patent number: 5009441
    Abstract: A binding assembly for a structure which is designed to facilitate rapid movement along the surface of the earth such as a ski board for water wherein the binding assembly includes an elastic cord which when stretched permits tightening of the binding assembly to thereby securely clamp the user's foot to the structure. Once the binding assembly has been adjusted to the desired amount of securement, release of the elastic cord results in the binding assembly remaining in that established level of securement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Lonnie P. Toft
  • Patent number: 5003672
    Abstract: An organization including a shock cord defined by elongate elastomeric cord including a rigid hook member mounted to each terminal end of the cord with the including a body fixedly secured to the cord and a hook directed downwardly overlying the body. The cover assembly includes a conical cover including a tapered neck portion wherein the neck portion surroundingly and slidingly engages the elastomeric cord to permit overlying covering of the hook member during periods of non-use to prevent snagging of the cord upon undesirable objects.Modifications of the invention include a cover assembly formed of a sponge fluid absorbent material including a conduit member to permit allocation of fluid into the cover to insure ease of slidability of the cover relative to the cord as well as providing a protectant about the hook member to prolong longevity of the hook and cord during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Ovid Randall
  • Patent number: 4995525
    Abstract: A container with an opening and having two flexible stretchable cords attached to the upper edges of the container. The central areas of the cords may be releasably attached together over the opening by means of a fastener. When the cords are not attached together, each cord may be stretched over a corner holding means located at or near the corner of the container that is between the ends of that cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Kehrer
  • Patent number: 4993128
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a tubular member, open-ended container or glove. A channel member coupled to the portion to be closed forms a channel of an opened length corresponding to a distance around the portion to be closed. The channel has a cross-sectional area and terminates with one or two closely spaced openings having an opening cross-sectional area. A stretchable cord is present within the channel and extends outward beyond at least one of the openings. The stretchable cord has an unstretched cross-sectional area and a stretched cross-sectional area. The unstretched cross-sectional area is larger than the stretched cross-sectional area and the opening cross-sectional area. By pulling on the portion of the stretchable cord extending out of the opening or openings, the stetchable cord takes on the stretched cross-sectional area at least proximate the opening or openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Danny Gold
  • Patent number: 4986554
    Abstract: A tether is disclosed for attaching a drill chuck key to the handle of a motor housing of a cordless drill. A length of elastic tubing defines a notched opening adjacent one end for the inserted reception of a drill chuck key handle leaving the handle unobstructed for insertion into a handle receiving recess provided in the cordless drill. The remaining end segment of the elastic tubing is provided with a similar notched opening for the formation of a looped segment enabling placement about the cordless drill handle or motor housing. A modified form of the tether includes a post structure for adhesive attachment to a cordless drill housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Gordon G. Rathbun
  • Patent number: 4922581
    Abstract: A braided eyeglass retainer and wristband is disclosed characterized by a strap portion being formed from a plurality of interbraided elongate members adapted to moderately stretch upon encountering an axial tension force and provide an aesthetically pleasing external configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Joey A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4922986
    Abstract: Apparatus for spacing and connecting the bottoms of individual blinds of a vertical blind arrangement is disclosed. A flexible member having a male connector half at one end and a female connector half at the other end is positioned between individual blinds such that the male connector of one flexible member connects with the female connector of the adjacent flexible member and captures an individual vertical blind therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Martin N. Leibowitz
  • Patent number: 4918792
    Abstract: A device is provided for the quick and reversible attachment of a license plate to the mounting frame of an automobile vehicle. The device, which can be utilized without tools, is comprised of two anchoring components interengaged by a coil spring. Each anchoring component has a straight post adapted to penetrate the aligned holes in a license plate and a mounting frame. In use, the posts are inserted into the aligned holes while tensioning the spring. When the tension is released, the posts become angled within the holes, thereby securing the license plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Edward E. Engels
  • Patent number: 4890363
    Abstract: A safety attachment to restrain the whiplashes of hoses that become inadvertently uncoupled. A polyproylene rope harness is made to form loops that are engaged about the hoses. The loops increase in size for installation over the coupling element of the hose and then adjust to tightly engage the hose or an anchor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Jerry R. Cross
  • Patent number: 4864695
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a tubular member, open-ended container or glove. A channel member coupled to the portion to be closed forms a channel of an opened length corresponding to a distance around the portion to be closed. The channel has a cross-sectional area and terminates with one or two closely spaced openings having an opening cross-sectional area. A stretchable cord is present within the channel and extends outward beyond at least one of the openings. The stretchable cord has an unstretched cross-sectional area and a stretched cross-sectional area. The unstretched cross-sectional area is larger than the stretched cross-sectional area and the opening cross-sectional area. By pulling on the portion of the stretchable cord extending out of the opening or openings, the stretchable cord takes on the stretched cross-sectional area at least proximate the opening or openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Danny Gold
  • Patent number: 4860408
    Abstract: A stretchable, flexible cargo strap assembly comprises an elongated, stretchable first member having the properties of generating restoring force when stretched from a relaxed condition to a tensioned condition, and an elongated second member having a portion which coextends with at least a portion of the first member. The second member is secured to the first member by a plurality of securing members distributed at two or more longitudinally spaced locations along the coextending portions of the first and second members and intermediate the ends of said members, for substantially inhibiting or limiting relative longitudinal movement of the first and second members at these locations while providing for such movement between these locations. The second member is extendable, by stretching of the assembly, to an extended position in which the end-to-end distance of the second member is at least about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Brian K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4831692
    Abstract: Hook adapted to be easily, quickly and securely attachable on both ends of an elastic cord which is used to tie objects up is disclosed; the present hook is structured to have two symmetric round ends, i.e., the right cord-fixing end and the left hook end, with a relatively large through-hole placed on the latter and three smaller through-holes disposed on the former with one of which being cut open for ready disposition of part of the elastic cord in knotting operation, and there is also provided with a hook member projectingly extended from the left end with the concave thereof facing to the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Jou H. Chuan
  • Patent number: 4769875
    Abstract: An elastic reinforced tie-down strap includes a core of nonstretchable reinforcing filament formed in a series of closed loops, and a casing of resilient stretchable material encasing the core and having a plurality of spaced anchor holes defined therein through the centers of the respective closed loops. The strap is fabricated using a method which provides the casing in an elongated strip-like form with the filament core extending longitudinally through the casing. The strap together with several S-shaped anchor hooks having ends adapted to be inserted through the anchor holes of the strap provide a tie-down strapping device. The closed loops of the filament are tied together so as to provide tear resistance in the casing around the anchor holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Dan E. Hartman
  • Patent number: 4754531
    Abstract: An elastic tie down comprises an elastic tube that carries a slack rope inside thereof. The tube is tightly crimped directly to the rope, so that pulling the rope ends stretches the tube and imparts elastic qualities to the tie down. In a modified embodiment, an annular insert is placed into the ends of the tube, and the rope passes through the insert. The tube and insert are clamped, causing the insert to collapse to grip the rope. The present invention also includes abutments crimped to the rope for cooperating with bushings placed within the tube ends. The bushings are split and have inwardly converging surfaces that terminate in grooves. Tension applied to the rope ends causes the abutments to contact the bushing converging surfaces and force the bushings apart and into a tight grip with the tube and with solid rings surrounding the tube over the respective bushings. The invention further includes split sleeves held in place in the tubing ends with wedges. A passage through the sleeves receives the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Helmut K. Skyba
  • Patent number: 4738006
    Abstract: A device for mending a broken cord in a sports net. The device includes a pair of ferrules having deformable flaps that can be crimped onto the broken cord ends. The ferrules can be connected with each other by a flexible cord element gripped by sleeves on the ferrules, by a rigid connecting strip, or by a flexible cord element threaded through openings and gripped by the flaps crimped onto the broken cord ends. In the latter case, the broken cord ends are threaded through the openings and knotted to enhance the security of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Manuel Juarez
  • Patent number: 4719953
    Abstract: The anti-slip device comprises a plurality of linkages stretched over the tread of a vehicular tire. The ends of the linkage are formed into loops and extend over the tire sidewalls. In the proximity of the loops are a plurality of binder covered frames attached to the sidewalls in equal segments of space. Protruding from the binder is an extension adapted to be connected with and penetrate the end loops of the linkages to fasten the linkages on the tire tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Raymond H. Norheim, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4694541
    Abstract: An elastic tie-down comprises as inelastic rope having enlargements thereon that are captured by an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve is shorter than the spacing between the rope enlargements. Pulling the rope ends causes the rope enlargements to bear against the sleeve ends and stretch the sleeve. The rope ends are provided with hooks. The length between the hooks is adjustable without affecting the elastic properties of the tie-down by a clip that slidably receives the standing end of one of the rope ends extending from the sleeve. The clip also secures the rope end, thereby creating an adjustable sized loop in the rope. A hook is slidably received over the rope in the loop. Sliding the clip along the rope standing end varies the size of the loop and thereby alters the length between the two hooks independently of the tension in the elastic sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Helmut K. Skyba
  • Patent number: 4660240
    Abstract: A bed sheet attachment device for use in combination with a waterbed of the type having an upwardly open box-like base holding a fluid-filled flexible mattress. A flat first member of the attachment device defines an opening including a slot and a larger portion connected therewith. A cooperative stud has a neck which fits in the slot, and two larger portions on opposite ends of the neck. At least one of the larger portions of the stud is smaller than the larger part of the opening, so that the stud will fit matingly in the slot with a part of a bed sheet protruding through the slot and wrapped around the neck of the stud. A flexible elastic member connects the first member to the interior of the base of the waterbed, applying tension which urges the stud and sheet toward the narrow end of the slot and holds the sheet in place on the waterbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventors: William B. Hutton, Deanice B. Hutton
  • Patent number: 4655000
    Abstract: A one-piece fastener is disclosed for loosely retaining a transversely extending branch with respect to a horizontal support wire. The fastener is molded of resilient plastic material in form of a flexible filament portion with a clip portion integrally formed at its opposite ends. Each of the clip portions have a generally tubular body with a cylindrical-shaped throughbore formed longitudinally and with an elongate slot formed lengthwise of the tubular body in direct communication with the throughbore to define a throat for receiving the support wire into the throughbore. Each end of the filament portion is connected to one of the tubular bodies at a point adjacent to its elongate slot and adjacent to one of its ends which provides an offset relationship between the flexible filament portion and the two tubular bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: E. Grant Swick, Peter K. McCully
  • Patent number: 4653422
    Abstract: A headlights on reminder apparatus provides a motorist with a convenient arrangement of apparatus to hold his or her ignition key, with or without other vehicle and/or household keys, for convenient temporary storage in his or her pocket or purse, or at a place in his or her office or home. Then when operating his or her vehicle, with the headlights on, a tethered hook of this arrangement of apparatus is placed about a vehicle component, while the tether remains secured to the ignition key holder and the ignition key remains in the ignition switch. Upon leaving the car, the motorist must release the hook, thereby remembering to turn off the headlights. In one embodiment the tether extends directly between the hook and the ignition key holder, and in another embodiment the tether, in extending between the hook and the ignition key holder, forms a changeable size loop, by utilizing a receiving and guiding body. The tether is preferably made of a resilient stretchable retractable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Coburn Allen
  • Patent number: 4652001
    Abstract: A length of elastic tubing carries a tool chuck key inserted at a free end of the tubing. The tubing is provided at its remaining end with a mounting arrangement for clamped engagement with the electrical cord serving a chuck equipped power drill. The elastic tubing permits the key and the mounting arrangement to be in frictional engagement with tubing end segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventors: Gordon Rathbun, Mark L. Rathbun