Tighteners Patents (Class 24/32)
  • Patent number: 10767728
    Abstract: A belt or a belt segment has a plurality of strength members that extend in a longitudinal direction (X) and are arranged parallel to one another, and a connecting element which forms one end of the belt or belt segment and is configured to be connected to a further connecting element at the other end of the belt or to one end of a further belt segment. The ends of the strength members are held by the connecting element. The belt or belt segment is characterized in that the ends of the strength members are connected to at least one clamping body in a force-fitting manner, wherein the clamping body can be held by the connecting element in a force-fitting manner at least in the longitudinal direction (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Huels, Michael Moeschen-Siekmann, Stanislaus Riepl
  • Patent number: 10746256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt or a belt segment having a plurality of strength supports. The strength supports run in the longitudinal direction (X) and are disposed so as to be mutually parallel. A connection element which forms one end of the belt or the belt segment and is configured for connecting to a further connection element of the other end of the belt or to one end of a further belt segment, it being possible for the ends of the strength supports to be held in a force-fitting manner by the connection element by way of press-fitting. The belt or the belt segment includes a part-region of the connection element which is configured as a tool region, in order to serve as a tool part during press-fitting of the ends of the strength supports in the connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Huels, Michael Moeschen-Siekmann, Carsten Behrens
  • Patent number: 9068628
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic arm is provided including a linkage assembly and a strap drive train. The linkage assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled in series together at first, second, and third joints to define a parallelogram with an insertion axis. The strap drive train includes first and second sets of straps coupled to the linkage assembly. As the linkage assembly is moved about a pitch axis, the first set of straps ensures the third link maintains the same angle relative to the first link, and the first and second set of straps ensures the fourth link maintains the same angle relative to the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Todd R. Solomon, Thomas G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8847758
    Abstract: Sensor unit (30) for monitoring the state of fasteners, such as ratchet straps, chains, wires, ropes, bars or similar, which are being used for fastening and/or securing and/or anchoring one or more objects (20), which fasteners preferably includes fastening means (14, 104) and means (15, 100) for tensioning of the fasteners. The sensor unit (30) includes one or more measuring elements (32) for measuring tension force and/or tension and/or pressure and/or bending moment and/or shear force for the fastener and/or fastening means (14, 104) of the fastener and/or anchoring devices (22) for fasteners for monitoring the state of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Tore Eide
  • Patent number: 8763208
    Abstract: A device for connecting at least two belts, the belts having transversely oriented connecting bars. The device includes at least one longitudinal wall and at least one edge wall opposite the longitudinal wall and formed on a base plate. Hold-down means are present between each longitudinal wall and each edge wall. At least one of the longitudinal walls and the edge walls has at least one attaching recess in which at least one connecting bar is inserted for securing belts retained by the hold-down means in the area of the base plate against displacing in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Martin Büsch, Jan-Christian Risy, Friedrich Silbereisen, Patrice Burg
  • Patent number: 8590113
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations, tension is applied to a motion transmission element with periodic features by causing that element to mesh with a device that has a pitch slightly greater than the pitch of the motion transmission element. The motion transmission element with periodic features may include, for example: a belt with teeth, or a chain. Further, the motion transmission element may comprise either an open or a closed loop. In exemplary implementations, the width of the teeth of the motion transmission element is greater than the width of the teeth in the rack. This allows room for the teeth of the rack to both fit and move within the gap between the teeth in the motion transmission element. This extra width of the element's teeth is not necessary if the element is sufficiently elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ilan Moyer, Maxim Lobovsky
  • Patent number: 8581157
    Abstract: A band heater assembly for heating an object includes a band heater that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the object. The band heater includes a cable and a band. The cable includes a resistive element, a first cable end and a second cable end. The resistive element generates thermal energy based on a current received from a power source. The first cable end and the second cable end are connected to respective ends of the band heater assembly. The band is connected to the cable and transfers a first portion of the thermal energy to an exterior surface of the object. At least a portion of the cable is exposed from the band heater to contact the exterior surface when the band heater assembly is connected to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Backer EHP Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Springer, Ronald R. Barnes, Robert Cockrell, Lucas L. Fowler, Alvin L. Slayton
  • Patent number: 7988578
    Abstract: A belt tensioning device for use in a machine motion application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Patriot Universal Holdings, LLC.
    Inventors: Rick G. Gosz, Mark A. Kubsh
  • Publication number: 20100000472
    Abstract: A seat belt loop system for use with an animal/pet carrier in order to transport an animal in a moving vehicle. The seat belt loop system includes an anchor tab coupled to the pet carrier, a cinch strap coupled to the anchor tab, and cinch strap with a proximal end coupled to the pet carrier and a distal end for insertion through the cinch loop. Once inserted, the distal end is cinched against the cinch loop and then coupled to the cinch strap. A fastening mechanism on the cinch strap is engaged to retain a vehicle seat belt between the pet carrier and the seat belt loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Tibor Siklosi
  • Publication number: 20090007391
    Abstract: A buckle includes a male member and a female member. The male member is provided with a base, a pair of legs and an engaging portion provided on a distal ends of the legs. The female member is provided with an insertion port, a guide that elastically deforms the distal end of each of the legs inserted through the insertion port in a direction in which the distal ends come closer to each other and a pair of engaged portions formed on both sides of a remote side of the guide. Each of the engaged portions displaces each of the engaging portions in the direction in which the engaging portions get apart with each other and is provided by a concave that has an abutment wall on a rear portion in the releasing direction to be abutted by each of engaging portions. Each of the abutment walls is formed as a slant surface that inclines in the direction in which the abutment walls come closer to each other toward the releasing direction of the male member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Publication number: 20080216291
    Abstract: The present invention provides a belt structure including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a belt, wherein the two ends of the belt are respectively connected to the first housing and the third housing, which can be buckled together quickly, and the second housing and the first housing are connected, so that a mechanism for fine tuning the belt can be formed through the ratch, the driving element and the resisting element in the first and the second housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Chin-Liang Lin, Shail-Chen Yu, Chia-Chang Chao
  • Publication number: 20080098573
    Abstract: A draw cord adjuster includes a closure member having a first end and a second end. At least one locking member is anchored to one of the first end and the second end of the closure member. At least one anchoring member is positioned proximate the one of the first end and the second end of the closure member to which a corresponding locking member is anchored, with each anchoring member being movably secured to the corresponding locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Alex W. Okot
  • Publication number: 20020026691
    Abstract: A rational and economical strap and a strap attaching structure are provided which allow a hand strap and a neck strap to be attached in a non-independent manner and provide superior working efficiency. A hand strap has engagement portions at ends thereof which can engage with corresponding anchorage portions provided on the apparatus, and each engagement portion has an attaching portion to which a corresponding end portion on a neck strap is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Fumio Nakadaira, Shinichiro Tsurumaru, Shuji Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6161314
    Abstract: An infant footwear leash for preventing the loss of footwear worn by infants is provided. The leash includes a string and a slidable element through which the ends of the strings are completely inserted to define a loop that rests around the infant's ankle, while the leash is in use. In an open position, the slidable element allows adjustment of the size of the loop as necessary. In a closed position, the slidable element prevents adjustment of the size of the loop to prevent the loop from enlarging and causing the leash to fall off the infant's foot. A clip is attached to one end of the string. The clip is clipped onto the infant footwear. Thus, if the footwear falls off the infant's foot, it is held by the clip and is kept dangling from the leash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Lori S. Kamrin
  • Patent number: 6108876
    Abstract: A watchband or decorative wristband is structured with a concealed money-retaining compartment which allows the wearer to store money on the wearer's person without having to remove articles of clothing or otherwise partially disrobe in an effort to retrieve the money, as is typically required with known devices for carrying concealed money on one's person. The watchband of the present invention is adaptable to any variety of watch type or style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Chisco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Hubbert
  • Patent number: 6109490
    Abstract: A cord is formed into a loop with a metal clip, and is knotted about a rigid ear which protrudes from the body of a conventional whistle. A plastic tube is slipped over the knotted lanyard at the whistle ear and heat-shrunk in place, to cause the whistle to protrude from the lanyard on a generally rigid stem. When the lanyard is slipped onto the glove of the wearer, the protruding stem causes the whistle to extend outwardly from the glove and hence presents the mouthpiece of the whistle for ready grasping by the wearer's lips for rapid actuation of the whistle. Alternatively, the whistle is engaged to a hook-and-loop fastener flexible strap by a rigid clip, which extends through a fold in the strap. The connection between the clip and the fastener limits side to side twisting of the whistle, allowing ready blowing by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Michael J. Caluori
  • Patent number: 6038743
    Abstract: A wrist-mounted tag holder is provided including a plurality of clothing tags and a wrist mount removably secured on a wrist of a user. A hook is connected to the wrist mount for coupling with the tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Cheryl C. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5680679
    Abstract: Buoyant jewelry for retaining and protecting personal articles. Each jewelry/retainer comprises a brightly colored, buoyant body coupled to one or more fasteners for securing various articles such as sunglasses, keys, or personal care products which the swimmer or water sportsman desires to conveniently retain. The jewelry items comprise eyeglass retainers, bracelets, anklets, name badges, and necklaces. The body comprises a resilient core of low-density foam covered by a flexible, tubular sheath. The sheath brightly colors and reinforces the body. In one mode the fasteners comprise resilient tubes for axially gripping the ear pieces of conventional glasses. An alternative fastener comprises a flexible fabric channel for receiving fine wire or wrap-around ear pieces. Another embodiment comprises a cord looped through an item to be floated, and an optional cap is provided for slip-fitting over existing containers of personal care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: David G. May
  • Patent number: 5628091
    Abstract: The balloon closure device of the present invention includes an integrally formed flat seal portion and removable tab portion (made of biodegradable material) and a loop of string or other type of line. The loop of string may be wrapped neatly around the tab portion, which eases handling of the device before it is used to seal a balloon. Once the device is used to seal a balloon, the loop of string may be used to secure the sealed balloon to the user's wrist without requiring the user to tie a knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Herbert Mueller
  • Patent number: 5600873
    Abstract: Buoyant tether cords that remove ignition keys from personal watercraft to safely disable the motor in the event a rider falls off. When dropped in the water the cords float so that the ignition key is not lost. The cords float horizontally to maximize visibility. The cord has an elongated embodiment and a looped embodiment. Both have a brightly colored floating body that is attached to a stretchable, coil section. The coil enables the cord to elongate or contract. Both cords have one end to be coupled to the watercraft key, and an opposite end to be coupled to the rider. The floating body comprises an elongated, tubular foam core having an interior passageway. The core is preferably made from lightweight, flexible low-density closed cell foam. The core is preferably coaxially covered by a resilient, tubular knitted fabric sheath that strengthens and colors it. Each coil comprises plastic-coated string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: David G. May
  • Patent number: 5456037
    Abstract: A securable fish net apparatus comprising a fishing net further comprising a racket having a generally annular head and a handle extended therefrom; and a mesh material coupled about the head of the racket to define a pocket for holding fish therein; a strap having a securement mechanism on one end and securable mechanism on the other end with the securable mechanism adapted to be coupled with the securement mechanism in a closed loop configuration about the wrist of a fisherman; a first coupling mechanism having one orientation for coupling the racket to the strap and another orientation for decoupling the racket from the strap; and a second coupling mechanism coupled to the racket and adapted to secure the handle to an arm of a fisherman; whereby when the strap is secured about the wrist of a fisherman, and when the racket is coupled to the strap with the first coupling mechanism, and when the second coupling mechanism is secured about his arm, his adjoining hand is free to control a hooked and netted fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dorval
  • Patent number: 5446953
    Abstract: An integral apparatus for retaining an article which contains an elastic band with a proximal end, a distal end, a first major loop, a first minor loop, and a second minor loop. At a first point between the proximal end and the distal end, the elastic band is folded onto itself to form a first lip with a first top section and a first bottom section. At a second point between the distal end and the proximal end, the elastic band is folded onto itself to form a second lip with a second top section and a second bottom section. At a third point, the second top section, the first top section, and the first bottom section are sewn together. At a fourth point between the second point and the distal end, the second top section, the second bottom section, and the first bottom section are sewn together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Chase Hunter Group
    Inventor: Richard J. LeFeber
  • Patent number: 4887336
    Abstract: A conveyor belt clamp is made up of a pair of parallel plates which hold a belt between them. Tension is applied by a tensioning bar which is fixed across arms attached to and projecting outwardly from each plate. A hydraulic ram applies the tension and the plates bow centrally towards the belt to give an even distribution of pressure across its width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Coal Industry (Patents) Limited
    Inventor: Robert J. Cann
  • Patent number: 4861322
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for effecting temporary, emergency repairs of an engine when a drive belt breaks and repairs must be made under adverse conditions. Either a linear belt segment or a conventional endless belt may be utilized for the emergency repair. A coupling strip maintains terminal ends of the emergency replacement belt juxtaposed and in close proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Gary M. Reddick
  • Patent number: 4481695
    Abstract: A connection unit, which may be undone, for rope ends and more particularly ropes in the form of belts for driving systems, rope conveyors or ropes for lifting loads has, as part of a preferred example, a plate with two rope keepers supported on pins and which keep the rope ends in position thereon by way of stops. These rope end keepers or takeup parts are designed so that they may be turned and locked in position so that, dependent on the direction of turning, the rope may be taken up and made shorter or let off and made longer. The plate, as part of a further example of the invention, has guide parts for positively guiding the rope end and furthermore there is a guiding structure, designed to match the form of a driving sheave so that it may be run thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: AUMOND-Fordererbau GmbH Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Karl H. Koster, Roland Gunther
  • Patent number: 4207776
    Abstract: An adjustable emergency fan belt is provided which substitutes in an emergency as a fan belt. The emergency fan belt has a plurality of belt links that may be used in any combination with a main belt to produce a belt of various lengths. Installation of the belt around the fly wheels is relatively simple and requires no mechanical skill or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Rass, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Helt, Stanley M. Davis
  • Patent number: 4115904
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to locks for bracelets, belts and the like to fasten two ends of the same together. The lock basically includes sliders which are attached to the ends of the bracelet, etc., with the sliders having rack formations which are engaged by a single gear to effect the simultaneous inward and outward movement of these sliders. Associated with the gear is a ratchet wheel and depressable keys are provided for effecting the locking, releasing and rotation of the ratchet wheel and the associated gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Zwyro A.G.
    Inventors: Robert Zwyssig, Bernhard Tesch