Combined With Diverse Fastener Patents (Class 24/306)
  • Patent number: 6851161
    Abstract: A reclosable closure consists of two longitudinally continuous strips and which, when facially engaged, are held together by hook and loop fastening principles. The inner side of one strip has two fields of hook-engageable loops, separated by a female seal profile portion. The inner side of the other strip has two fields of molded hook elements arranged to engage the loops to hold the closure in its closed condition, and a central male seal profile portion for engaging the female seal profile portion to form a seal when the closure is closed. Another reclosable closure is held together by hook and loop fastening principles and includes a resilient bead that is compressed between opposing sides of the closure, or between spaced rails of an opposing side of the closure, when the hooks and loops of the closure are engaged. The closure is useful, for example, as a bag closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Howard A. Kingsford, William H. Shepard, Paul A. Dandurand
  • Publication number: 20040255435
    Abstract: A reusable hose bundling sleeve is provided that is made of a tightly-woven nylon material coated with urethane. Strips of hooks and loops are adhered and stitched to opposite ends of opposite sides of the sleeve. The reusable hose is installed by wrapping the sleeve around the hoses or cables to be protected such that the strips of hooks and loops align and engage. Notches can be cut along the length of the reusable hose to allow for shorter hoses or cables traveling within the sleeve to exit. Because of the materials used, the notches will not weaken the fibers and cause fraying. The reusable hose is removed by separating the strips of hooks and loops and unwrapping the sleeve. The reusable hose can be installed, removed, and reinstalled quickly and without diminishing the durability of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: SUBURBAN MACHINE CO., INC. DBA SUBURBAN MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Barger, Randall J. Brolander
  • Patent number: 6826807
    Abstract: A fastener which allows to distinguish a genuine fastener from a forged one. An identification yarn containing substance with different optical reactions to irradiation of visible light and to irradiation of infrared rays of a specific wavelength is disposed at a specified position in the tape which is a component of the fastener. As a result, discrimination between genuine and false fasteners can be done safely without damaging the human health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Teruo Inoue, Masahiro Kusayama, Nigel Berry, Hideki Terashima
  • Publication number: 20040200044
    Abstract: To be organized is an essential element for success. Tools developed to meet this fundamental objective include loose-leaf notebooks, sticky post-its, file-folders, briefcases, and even rubber bands. Each tool enhances ones organizational efficiency by providing a secure way to maintain files and documents, labeling files, separating documents, and transferring files and documents in secure manner. WRAP-IT! meets all these needs and was designed to be used in place of or in concert with these other devices. WRAP-IT! is more flexible than a loose-leaf notebook as unwanted holes are not required and last minute additions and deletions are much easier. WRAP-IT! adjusts to any size and is both more reliable and professional than using rubber bands. WRAP-IT! used in concert with brief cases or file folders, provides a flexible means of keeping documents intact especially when transferring these documents to/from home, office, school, or clients' premises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin T. Lusardi
  • Patent number: 6782654
    Abstract: This invention includes infinitely adjustable methods and fishing tackle using connected first and second or connected upper and lower strips of flexible material which have a portion of the strips fashioned as a closure such as with releasable interlocking hook and loop or pad closure material or other releasable fasteners and which are provided with a means for adhering the upper and lower strips to an object convenient to an angler such as by the use of an adhesive strip so that an angler can quickly capture and quickly release a number of fishing lures having many different shapes and sizes which have been prearranged by he angler for rapid use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Borchardt
  • Patent number: 6775896
    Abstract: A method of providing complementary fastener strips for securing one item to another item is disclosed. A dispenser allows for complementary fastener strips in a prebound configuration, to be dispensed and used in applications such as the manufacture of outdoor furniture cushions. The invention facilitates the efficient and cost effective manufacture of articles which utilize multiple strips of complementary fastener strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, James Hutcherson, Kiichiro Ishikawa, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6766565
    Abstract: A garment with a flexible fabric shell has a pocket or vent opening with a resealable closure such as a zipper, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, which is operable between a closed position, in which the opening in the shell is closed, and an open position, in which the opening in the shell is revealed. A resilient spring member of springy plastic, composite, metal or other material is mounted to the fabric around the opening, and has two arms which have portions which are displaced vertically from one another when the closure is open, but which are resiliently compressed into a common plane when the closure is sealed. Each time the closure is opened, the spring member urges portions of the shell on either side of the flap apart, to thereby enlarge the area of the opening and permit access or air flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: LineWeight LLC
    Inventors: Caleb Clark Crye, Eric Owen Fehlberg, Gregg M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6763554
    Abstract: A strap-form tie which makes use of self-engaging back-to-back hook and loop material (hooks on one of the tie and the loop component on the opposite surface), with a special tab on one end to facilitate wrapping. The tie overlaps itself and attaches to itself, adjusting to the diameter of the object(s) being enclosed. The tie is untied simply by peeling it apart, and it may be re-used repeatedly. This novel design makes practical many new uses for strap-form ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph H. Torrey, Lis N. Torrey
  • Publication number: 20040134040
    Abstract: A decorative retainer for a golf glove that employs, e.g., a hook and loop fastener, system on the glove closure for securing the glove to the golfer or clothing includes a mounting panel having a front portion provided with a cooperative fastener section of hook and loop fastening material that is adapted to securely, but retain a corresponding section of the fastener on the glove, the front portion also provided with a decorative indicia. An attachment device is joined to the mounting panel so that the retainer can be easily affixed to the golfer's clothing or to a golf bag during play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Joanne Lazzara, Donna Saporita, Marjorie Tannenbaum
  • Publication number: 20040128804
    Abstract: An article over which a moulding is to be made, aid moulded-over article comprising a base 2 having a top surface 6 and a bottom surface 4, hooks 3 extending from the bottom surface 4 of the base and metallic material fixed on the top surface of the base, the hooks 3 being disposed in a region in the form of a longitudinal strip, the base is flat in shape, the hook strip has a width less than 12 mm, preferably between 3 and 10 mm, and the flat base 2 is of a material such and of a thickness such that it can undergo deformation to follow the shapes of top edges of walls on which the article for moulding over is intended to be placed by its bottom surface
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Fabrice Billarant
  • Patent number: 6756097
    Abstract: A re-sealable container closure label including a base label and a cover label, and a hook-and-loop fastener system and a tamper-evident tear strip is sandwiched therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the base label is adhered to the front wall of a container, preferably a bag, adjacent an opening in the bag. A flap of the bag is folded downwardly over the opening and adheres to the front wall, the cover label, the two-part hook-and-loop fastener system and the tear strip. In an alternative embodiment, container closure label includes a hook-and-loop fastener system and a tear strip secured only to a base label. This alternative embodiment label is adhered to the front wall of a bag as in the preferred embodiment, except that the flap is adhered directly over the fastener system and tear strip. To open a bag sealed with the re-sealable container closure label, a user pulls the tear strip, which permits the flap to open and form a pour opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: CCL Label, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan T. Baker, Guy S. Kiraly
  • Patent number: 6737147
    Abstract: An extruded hook fastener strip is created on a roll having hook forming cavities in its surface by extruding plastic material into the interface between the forming roll and a second strip carried by a backing roll. The second strip is firmly bonded to the fastener strip on that side opposite the formed hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William J. Kennedy, George A. Provost, Gerald F. Rocha
  • Patent number: 6728996
    Abstract: An adjustable liner retainer system comprising a container having an opening defining an upper edge and an outer surface and a liner situated in the container wherein an upper portion of the liner extends from the opening, folds over the upper edge, and at least partly hangs below the upper edge adjacent to the outer surface of the container. An adjustable liner retainer is tensioned around an upper end of the container pressing the hanging upper portion against the outer surface of the container. The adjustable liner retainer comprises a strip of material at least a portion of which is elastomeric material to create the tension to press the liner to the outer surface. A hook portion and a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener are attached to the first and second ends of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Roscow
  • Patent number: 6708378
    Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Luis Parellada, Juan Sánchez
  • Patent number: 6701580
    Abstract: An interlocking fastener, preferably in the form of an elongate strip, holds at least one object in a substantially immobile condition. The interlocking fastener comprises a backing sheet having a first side opposite a second side and a first end opposite a second end. A plurality of first connecting elements, attached to the first side of the backing sheet, releasably engage a plurality of second connecting elements attached to the second side of the backing sheet during formation of a wrapped fastening strip. The interlocking fastener has a deposit of a pliable material at a plurality of boundaries between areas of the connecting elements on at least the first side of the backing sheet to provide at least frictional contact immobilizing the object to substantially prevent it from moving following formation of the wrapped fastening strip by overlap of the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Pradip K. Bandyopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20040040125
    Abstract: A fastening strap system, particularly of the hook-and-loop variety (with hooks on one side of the strap and loops on the other side), for selectively and independently binding and/or releasing at least one sets of essentially longitudinal objects, such as wires, from one another. Each system includes at least two attached straps which each independently of the other may be used to loopably bind objects. Apertures between the straps permit cinching of each strap. A continuous strip of such two-sided material may be stored on a reel and is designed so that a user may select a preferred length and configuration for a particular use by making a single cut of the material strip from the reel-strip end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph P. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6694575
    Abstract: A sports glove holder for allowing a glove to be attached comfortably and securely to the belt of a player. The sports glove holder has loops for attaching the holder to the belt of the player. A hook and loop fastener allows the glove to be removably attached to the holder. The hook and loop fastener is attached to a machine-pressed indent in the main body using a material specific adhesive. This allows the device to withstand the repetitive removal of the glove without fear of the hook and loop fastener coming loose. The sports glove holder can be color coordinated with the uniform or outfit worn by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Richard M. Martin
  • Patent number: 6692807
    Abstract: An adhesive tape construction is removable from one or more objects to which it is adhered and which is reusably separable within its construction so that an object can be separated from another and subsequently reconnected with one another. The adhesive tape construction can be used to bond the other opposed surfaces of objects, including rigid objects such as a picture frame to a wall, where no portion of the adhesive tape construction projects from between the objects, and which subsequently affords easy separation of the objects without damage to either of them. More specifically, the adhesive tape construction includes a stretch release adhesive tape structure combined with a reusable connector surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James L. Bries, Michael D. Hamerski
  • Patent number: 6684464
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanical fastener bundling strap comprising a bundling strap having a first face and a second face with a bar code readable through hook elements on a first face. The first face is formed by a thermoplastic hook strip material having a first face and a second face. The hook strip first face has an array of upstanding hook projections which form at least in part the first face of the bundling strap, the second face of the hook strip comprises a film which film is provided with a printed UPC code readable through the hook strip first face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kirit C. Mody, Michael W. G. Mills, Ronald W. Ausen, Shou-Lu Grace Wang, Alan J. Sipinen
  • Patent number: 6681454
    Abstract: A strap or fastener for removably securing an oximeter probe to the appendage of a patient. The strap is made of an elastic material that wraps around the outside of the oximeter probe and is secured to the oximeter probe by attachment mechanisms such as Velcro that can be readjusted after initial application without producing excessive stress on the spring hinge of the oximeter probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: UDT Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Onkar S. Modgil, Christopher G. Chin
  • Patent number: 6683258
    Abstract: A detachable binding device comprising a bracket including a base portion and a slotted projection having a first slot and a second slot aligned in parallel with the first slot between the first slot and the base portion. The binding device further includes a self-gripping fastening strip. The fastening strip passes through the first slot to form a first wrap around a length of a cable to hold the cable against the slotted projection. The fastening strip then passes through the second slot to form a second wrap over the first wrap and the length of the cable for secure retention of the cable against the slotted projection by setting the fastening strip into a self-gripping arrangement. After formation, the binding device may be detached from the length of the cable and the bracket by disrupting the self-gripping arrangement of the fastening strip and withdrawing the fastening strip from the second slot and the first slot to release the length of the cable from contact with the slotted projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Alan Tracy, Gregory Leighton Rutherford
  • Patent number: 6681457
    Abstract: A finishing method for obtaining a fiber surface fastener, said method being capable of, with simple processes, firmly fixing entangling portions between a foundation cloth composed of knitted/woven structure or nonwoven fabric and base portions of engaging elements, further, the finishing method being capable of preventing coating agent from adhering to or solidifying on the protruding surfaces of the engaging elements, said surface fastener having excellent softness. While a fiber surface fastener in which a plurality of engaging elements are formed on a foundation cloth thereof is conveyed continuously, powdery hot-melt adhesive is applied to its engaging element formation face from a separate position, the surface fastener is heated at a temperature higher than a melting point of said adhesive for a required time so that the adhesive applied is melted between the base portions of the engaging elements and the foundation cloth, and then said surface fastener is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhisa Okawa, Masashi Doi, Norinaka Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 6678924
    Abstract: An integral molded surface fastener is provided having minute and peculiar engaging elements, with which a desired plasticity and tearing strength of the flat substrate are secured. The molded surface fastener may be formed together with the substrate by continuous molding where the engaging elements are each comprised of a single column portion having a substantially cross-shaped section provided by intersection of a first column portion and a second column portion and rectangular thin plate-like engaging heads extended in the shape of wings in opposite directions along the width direction of the first column portion intersecting the second column portion around a top end of the column portion, and having substantially the same width dimension as the width dimension of a top end of the second column portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichi Murasaki, Mitsuru Akeno, Shintaro Ohsugi
  • Publication number: 20040006856
    Abstract: A shoelace retainer including a strip of loop-type fastening material that has been folded back upon itself near its midpoint and seamed in place so as to form a small tab. The tab is perforated so as to provide the strip of loop-type fastening material with an attachment ring. Adjacent the ring at one end of the strip of loop-type fastening material is attached a patch of hook-type fastening material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Moreno
  • Publication number: 20040006854
    Abstract: A binding device comprising an elongated elastic member that contains at least one region of loop material generally adjacent to at least one region of hook material. The regions of different material allow binding when the loop material of the binding member comes in contact with the hook material. The elastic member is flexible and may bend back on itself to engage the hook and loop material. For example, an elastic self-attaching cord may include a surface that contains regions of loop material generally adjacent to hook material at evenly spaced intervals or placed at random intervals. Another examples are a tube or strip binding member. The elastic tube or strip binding device also contains loop material generally adjacent to hook material positioned on the surface of the tube or strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: James S. Simon
  • Patent number: 6671935
    Abstract: An easy-to-grip diaper fastener tab has an array of hook-shaped fastener elements arranged in parallel rows, each fastener element including a stem and a crook extending from the stem in a predetermined direction to a distal tip. The array includes a plurality of rows of fastener elements arranged such that, in each row, all of the crooks face in the same direction and parallel to the direction of the row, with the crooks of adjacent rows facing in opposite directions. The longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows is greater in a first portion of the array than the longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows in a second portion of the array, such that the crooks of the hooks of the first portion are more exposed for engaging loops than the crooks of the hooks of the second portion. Methods and molds for forming such arrays are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Scott M. Filion, Richard J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6663932
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive tape substrate is coated with an adhesive, and the adhesive is then printed with an ink or the like that acts as an adhesive-inhibiting masking or barrier along one or more continuous zones or lines. Tapes are formed in whole or in part by slitting along the continuous line or lines so defined. The technique is used to make transfer tapes, diaper fastener tabs, and other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Lee McLaughlin, Carol A. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6647600
    Abstract: A hook and loop fastener for flat structures, particularly for textile products, having a hook part and an interlocking part, the interlocking part being made of a nonwoven composite having worked-in, textured, polymeric threads, the nonwoven composite being used as support for the textured threads, and the textured threads forming the loops for the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Manfred Jöst, Dieter Groitzsch, Gerhard Schaut
  • Patent number: 6637079
    Abstract: The present invention provides a female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device. The female component of the present invention is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. Each zone has certain of the desired individual characteristics for entangling and holding the hooks of the mating hook component. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the “entanglement” zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the “spacing” zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone for providing a foundation for the entanglement and spacing zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David J. K. Goulait, Dennis A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030182771
    Abstract: A releasable elongated strap of hook material. The strap has a hook side with hooks formed of synthetic resin. The hook side includes an area devoid of hooks formed of synthetic resin that is integral with a base layer from which the hooks extend. At least part of the area devoid of hooks has a molded matte surface suitable for being written upon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V., a Netherlands Curacao Antilles Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Leach, Michael Carbonneau, Matthew Raimer
  • Patent number: 6622346
    Abstract: A bundling strap for bundling objects is disclosed. The bundling strap has a generally trapezoidal shape and includes a first surface with loops and a second surface with hooks. The strap also have a narrow end and a wide end with an aperture. Methods of producing the strap are also disclosed. These methods includes laminating a sheet of hooks to a sheet of loops and either directly cutting the composite sheet into bundling straps and/or lining the hooks with a second sheet of loops and cutting the lined composite sheet into bundling straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Craig Graham, Yoshiaki Hamada
  • Publication number: 20030167605
    Abstract: A fastening strap system, particularly of the hook-and-loop variety (with hooks on one side of the strap and loops on the other side), for selectively and independently binding and/or releasing a plurality of sets of essentially longitudinal objects, such as wires, from one another. Each system includes at least two attached straps which each independently of the other may be used to loopably bind objects. A preferred aperture between the straps permits cinching of each strap. A continuous strip of such two-sided material may be stored on a reel and is designed so that a user may select a preferred length and configuration for a particular use by making a single cut of the material strip from the reel-strip end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph P. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6606768
    Abstract: A strap device is provided for holding objects held by infants, for preventing the object from falling to the ground if released by the infant. The strap device includes a flexible strap having a first end with a first securing means, a second end with a second securing means, a first attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the first end, and a second attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the second end. The attachment means each can be releasably secured to a position on the flexible strap, forming a primary loop for securing the flexible strap to the object or to a support structure. The first securing means preferably is an elastic loop, which can attach the object to the strap device regardless of the object's shape and dimensions, while the second securing means attaches to a support near the infant for his use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Sebastien Henry, Renee Buisson Pultar
  • Publication number: 20030150087
    Abstract: An improved tie system for organizing and detachably securing moveable articles comprises a folding tie. The tie includes a foldable support element (20) having opposing sides and having both a male fastener patch (22) and a female fastener patch (23) such as hook-and-loop fasteners, on both opposing sides. Two fastener patches of complementary gender are located opposite one or more folding zones (24). The tie folds to enfold one or more articles (27) and detachably engages male and female fastener elements located on the same side of the support element. Upon folding the tie, the fastener elements of the tie engage in a releasable couple, and an article is thereby held and secured inside the fold. The folded tie may be collected with others of its own kind, in weakly-secure clusters, and also may be anchored and labeled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence Stephen Dieterich
  • Publication number: 20030145439
    Abstract: The present invention is a reuse joint device for neck protection comprises a loop body and a join structure with female-male joining function; wherein two ends of the loop body are individually set a female connector and a male connector to convenient user wearing. If an amount of a pull force is greater than a pre-designed safety value, a join of the female connector and the male connector is separated to be off a neck, thus, the user life can be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Li-Ming Chao
  • Patent number: 6588074
    Abstract: A new method of binding at least one article, and a new binding strap for use in binding an article or articles is taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Galkiewicz, Graham M. Clarke, Ronald W. Ausen, Brian E. Spiewak
  • Publication number: 20030121127
    Abstract: A circular soft elastic band having a closed front with a piece of Velcro or snap button attached to the face of the elastic headband. This provides means for an interchangeable ornament to be recieved onto the Velcro or snap button. Furthermore, this removeable ornament allows a change in colors, styles, and types of fabrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Nichelle L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6572945
    Abstract: An adhesive tape construction is removable from one or more objects to which it is adhered and which is reusably separable within its construction so that an object can be separated from another and subsequently reconnected with one another. The adhesive tape construction can be used to bond the other opposed surfaces of objects, including rigid objects such as a picture frame to a wall, where no portion of the adhesive tape construction projects from between the objects, and which subsequently affords easy separation of the objects without damage to either of them. More specifically, the adhesive tape construction includes a stretch release adhesive tape structure combined with a reusable connector surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James L. Bries, Michael D. Hamerski
  • Patent number: 6568981
    Abstract: A construction piece covered at least partially with display loop fabric and having one or more double sided hook-surfaced tabs removably affixed to said fabric so as to permit the attachment of one construction piece to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: James Chang
  • Patent number: 6564432
    Abstract: A holder for personal articles such as eyeglasses and sunglasses and the like includes: (i) a clamping body with a transparent window for displaying provided inserts, and (ii) a clip portion attached to the clamping body for attaching the holder to clothing, accessories, automobile visors and other areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Gerald Kushner
  • Publication number: 20030074770
    Abstract: An adjustable liner retainer system comprising a container having an opening defining an upper edge and an outer surface and a liner situated in the container wherein an upper portion of the liner extends from the opening, folds over the upper edge, and at least partly hangs below the upper edge adjacent to the outer surface of the container. An adjustable liner retainer is tensioned around an upper end of the container pressing the hanging upper portion against the outer surface of the container. The adjustable liner retainer comprises a strip of material at least a portion of which is elastomeric material to create the tension to press the liner to the outer surface. A hook portion and a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener are attached to the first and second ends of the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert F. Roscow
  • Patent number: 6546604
    Abstract: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Galkiewicz, Graham M. Clarke, Ronald W. Ausen, Brian E. Spiewak
  • Patent number: 6544245
    Abstract: A bi-stable hook component of a touch fastener can bend into, and remain in, a stable concave position. Another stable position enables initial engagement with a mating component (e.g., a loop component). The concave position applies engagement-enhancing tension to the engaged loops, and in some cases forces end portions of the hooks into close proximity with one another to secure the fastening and to produce a curved touch fastener that, as engaged, can better conform to an underlying curved surface, such as the contour of a wearer's body. Absorbent articles having such a bi-stable fastening system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander J. Neeb, Richard J. Schmidt, Brian J. Vanbenschoten, William L. Huber, Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Ernesto S. Tachauer
  • Patent number: 6543097
    Abstract: A fastening device for a sports article including two portions adapted to be brought closer together. This device which serves to tighten a foot, a wrist, but also a content can be used on an article of footwear, a garment, a backpack, etc. The device includes a strap, one end of which is connected to a first portion of the sports article, which passes in a return connected to a second portion of the sports article. The strap defines a portion between the end of the strap and the return. The device also includes a blocking mechanism, fixed to a second end of the strap, which cooperates with the portion of the strap for the fastening. The blocking mechanism is slidably mounted on the portion of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Igor Burt, Thomas Goff
  • Patent number: 6526631
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanical fastener tape tab laminate capable of remaining closed until needed for use on a disposable garment. A tape tab backing had at least a first distal end portion, an inner tab portion and second distal end portion. The second distal end portion is provided with a mechanical fastener material. The first distal end portion is provided with an adhesive layer for permanent attachment to the disposable absorbent article. The tape tab backing laminate further has a folded tape portion comprising a backing having an adhesive layer on an outer face and at least an inner leg portion and an outer leg portion. The outer leg portion has an exposed adhesive provided for permanent attachment to the disposable absorbent article. The inner leg portion is attached to the tape tab backing so that the folded tape portion keeps the second distal end folded onto the first distal end. The inner and outer leg portions are separated by at least one fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Randall Lynn Alberg, Gerhard Ludwig Richter
  • Patent number: 6523227
    Abstract: A shoulder mounted cord retaining clip including a shoulder pad portion positionable on a shoulder of a user. The shoulder pad portion has a forward end and a rearward end. A forward length of line adjustably extends outwardly of the forward end of the shoulder pad portion for attaching to a segment of the cord of the electrical appliance. A rearward length of line adjustably extends outwardly of the rearward end of the shoulder pad portion for attaching to a segment of the cord of the electrical appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Lance Goodall
  • Patent number: 6523883
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for fastening panel-like elements to a vehicle. The arrangement incorporates a first part of a velcro® fastening the latter consisting of a hook part and a felt part which is attached to the panel element, and a second part of the velcro fastening which is attached to the part of the vehicle which is intended to support the panel element. The portion of the surface of the panel element where the first part of the velcro® fastening is arranged is situated centrally to, but at a predetermined distance from, the portion of the surface of the vehicle part where the second part of the velcro® fastening is arranged. In fastening a panel element, e.g. a wearing layer, to a vehicle, at least a first part of the velcro® fastening is attached to the panel element before the latter is placed in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Ake Bergstrom, Per-Arne Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6502283
    Abstract: A cane clip attachment for securing a cane to a user's clothing when not using the cane. The cane clip attachment includes a clip member being adapted to be attached to a cane and being adapted to clip upon clothing of a user; and also includes cane-attaching members for attaching the clip member to the cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Chuck J. Aguirre
  • Patent number: 6499199
    Abstract: A bundling device designed for ideal use in the field that it is designed to aid in the management, storage, and protection of a wide range of a line type material. Bundling device is designed to be easy to operate, inexpensive to produce, compact, and durable. Bundling device comprising of a reusable body that is formed so as to be firmly disposed to a segmented portion of line type material. Bundling device comprises of a bundling strap designed so that it may effectively hold a wide range of personally sized coiled lengths of line type material. Body may be designed so that it may be firmly disposed to an electrical extension cord set, or an electrical extension cord, or a coaxial cable, or a rope, or a set of battery jumper cables, or a tow strap, or a like line type material. Bundling device may also be incorporated into an existing device that is already firmly disposed to a segmented portion of line type material such as an electrical extension cord plug, or an electrical extension cord strain relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Frazier
  • Publication number: 20020194711
    Abstract: A cash band that can be used to hold cash, credit cards and identification. The cash band is made of a cloth material that is weaved with thin elastic bands throughout and is sewn together at each end with sturdy thread. The cash band is easily stretched to accommodate an indefinite number of cash, credit cards and identification to be held by an adult. The cash band can also be used by children to hold childrens' items such as playing cards. A second embodiment is provided that utilizes a hook and loop fastener for easy adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Craig C. Stampler