Camming Or Wedging Element Patents (Class 24/515)
  • Patent number: 12035852
    Abstract: A towel fastener is provided. The device includes a flexible strap having a first end opposite a second end. A pair of fastener plates is hingedly affixed to a first end of the flexible strap. The pair of fastener plates are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pair of fastener plates are parallel when in the closed position. A complementary fastener is disposed on each of the pair of fastener plates, such that the pair of fastener plates are removably securable in the closed position. In one embodiment, a clasp is slidably positioned over the flexible strap and removably secures the flexible strap in a looped configuration about a support surface. In another embodiment, a tongue is disposed on the flexible strap, wherein the tongue slidably secures within a track system. In other embodiments, a towel is integrally affixed to a pair of towel fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Inventor: Joshua McCain
  • Patent number: 11678945
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes pivotable clamping arm with a first feature configured to engage a second feature of the cannula positioned in the cannula mount. The clamping arm comprises a cam follower surface. The cannula mount further comprises a latch member movable between at least a first position and a second position, and the latch member comprises a cam surface. On the condition that the latch member is in the first position, the cam surface engages the cam follower surface of the clamping arm to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the first feature engages the second feature. On the condition the cam member is in the second position, the clamping arm is free to move to an open position in which the first feature does not engage the second feature. Devices and methods relate to cannula mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 10663149
    Abstract: Described is a clamp that is useful for attaching a decorative item (for example, a Christmas light string) to surfaces such as roofs, shingles, drop ceilings, and other objects. The clamp comprises at one end, a clamp portion having a top part and a bottom part held together by a fastener, cooperating together to fasten the clamp portion to a fixed object, and at an opposite end, a hook portion having a hook for securing to a decorative item. Pressure is applied to a top and bottom part of the clamp portion to open the clamp portion. The hook portion comprises an opening that is opened by applying pressure to an end of the hook so as to allow a portion of the decorative item to be inserted into the hook, and hooks to the decorative item in the manner of which the hook is closed 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Jacob Justus Wilson
  • Patent number: 9475197
    Abstract: A gripping assembly for removing a credit card from a wallet includes a housing that may be gripped. A gripping unit is slidably positioned within the housing. The gripping unit is selectively extendable outwardly from the housing. Thus, the gripping unit may grip a credit card thereby facilitating the credit card to be removed from a wallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Gabriel McAuley
  • Patent number: 9408487
    Abstract: A plurality of discrete tong members that are configured to be easily and securely conjoined and releasably fastened to each other in order to provide an interchangeable pair of interlocked tongs. The tong members have proximal ends which include releasable fastening means and distal ends having a gripping surface. Each tong member has a slot and the tong members are configured to receive a slot of another tong member in order to position the tong members in a conjoined relationship with each other. The releasable fastening means fasten the distal ends of conjoined tong members to each other. The tong members have flexible, resilient portions such that when the pair of tong members are in an interlocked relationship, the slot portions form a fulcrum and the portions from the slot to the distal ends are configured to be urged towards each other and then return to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventors: Jared Schmidt, Jordan M. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8257231
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lemond Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8007411
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: LeMond Fitness Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7887537
    Abstract: An external fixation system having a fixation component (20) comprising: a) a first capture member (24) adapted to capture a second element (26) of an orthopedic fixation system; and (b) a second capture member (22) adapted to capture a second element (28) of an orthopedic fixation system and coupled to the first capture member such that the coupling (86,94,110) allows the first capture member and the second capture member to rotate about three axes relative to each other element and move along that axis; wherein the coupling is adapted to secure the first and the second capture members from rotation with an activation (100); and wherein the second capture member is adapted to capture the second element by snapping onto the second element from substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the second element
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Ferrante, Anthony James, David Castleman, Gene Edward Austin, Kenneth Nelson, Kelley N. Grusin
  • Patent number: 7806809
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: LeMond Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7469903
    Abstract: An improved target clamp more securely holds a target in place when impacted by bullets or moved quickly by a target actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Action Target Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall, Nicolas Stincelli, Thomas R. Wright, Kyle E. Bateman
  • Patent number: 7343650
    Abstract: The invention relates, generally, to a child restraint system and, more particularly, to an adjuster and harness for securing a child in a child restraint seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: AmSafe Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Timothy A. Swann, Lawrence Endicott, David T. Merrill
  • Patent number: 7152284
    Abstract: A clip apparatus or method for sheet materials comprising a clip member and a collar member. The clip member is resilient and defines a hinge portion, first and second finger portions extending from the hinge portion, and a ratchet portion formed on at least one of the first and second finger portions. The collar member is resilient and defines a latch portion, a lever portion, a latch opening, and a housing interior. The collar member acts on the clip member to place the clip member in the closed configuration. The latch portion engages the ratchet portion through the latch opening to inhibit movement of the collar member. When the collar member is in a disengaged configuration, the collar member may move relative to the clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Randal W. Hanson, Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6964085
    Abstract: A storage system having a releasably mounted mounting clip that can be connected to a wall stud or ceiling joist. A variety of storage components can be joined to the mounting clip. The mounting clip can also be used to join boards and panels to construct furniture and stand-alone storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: James C. Boda
  • Patent number: 6698071
    Abstract: A clip for sheet materials comprising a clip member and a collar member. The clip member is made of resilient material such that the clip member may be deformed from a normally open configuration into a closed position. The clip member defines first and second finger portions that do not engage each other when the clip member is in the open configuration and engage each other when the clip member is in the closed position. The collar member defines at least one latch portion, a lever portion, and a housing interior. The collar member is made of resilient material such that applying a force to the lever portion causes the collar member to deform from a normally engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Randal W. Hanson, Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6530130
    Abstract: Clip arrangement for fixing a strip, in particular a decorative strip in a vehicle, with a retaining part (1) and a snap-on part (2), wherein the retaining part has a receiving slot (13) with an upper guide (14) and a lower guide (17), into which receiving slot (13) there projects obliquely at least one latching finger (15) having a latching opening (16) at its free end, wherein the snap-on part (2) also has at least one projection (23) with a plurality of latching lugs (24) which can latch with a latching opening (16) when the projection (23) is inserted into the receiving slot (13). Each latching finger (15) is designed and directed in such a way that it can gently yield to the latching lugs (24) when the projection (23) is inserted into the receiving slot (13), but prevents the snap-on part (2) from being withdrawn after the latching lugs (24) have been latched into latching openings (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Frank Rosemann
  • Patent number: 5944236
    Abstract: An apparatus for clipping two or more articles of clothing, such as socks, together. The apparatus includes two jaw members which are hingeably attached and a securing member that has two arms which are respectively positioned in two channels in the two jaw members. The securing member is slidable between a closed position, where it urges the two jaw members inward to thereby securely clamp the two articles of clothing therebetween, and an open position where one of the arms is not engaged with one of the jaw members allowing the jaw members to be separable to permit removal of the two articles of clothing. The apparatus includes a latch mechanism comprised of a ridge in one of the channels and a lip in the corresponding arm which engage to retain the securing member in the closed position. The apparatus is used to keep articles of clothing together during washing and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Richard Cinque
  • Patent number: 5732921
    Abstract: A serrated thrust element inserted between serrated portions of handles of a clip, forces the jaws of the clip closed by a single unidirectional movement toward the pivot of the clip between the handles and the jaws. The clip may be hung by the thrust element without affecting the jaw spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Allen Field Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Lemire
  • Patent number: 5598611
    Abstract: A clip includes a resilient tongue at one end thereof, a resilient engaging portion at another end thereof, an engaging portion formed on the resilient tongue for engagement with a support member of an attachment article, and a stop member provided on the support member to suppress flexing by the resilient engaging portion when the engaging portion of the resilient tongue is in engagement with the support member. The engaging portion is in contact with the stop member when the engaging portion of the resilient tongue is in engagement with the support member. Flexing of the resilient engaging portion is enabled by releasing the engagement of the engaging portion of the resilient tongue and moving the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamada, Tetsuya Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5570500
    Abstract: A clamp (1) serves for connecting webs (2) at the edges of form panels disposed in coplanar, side-by-side relation and has for this purpose two clamping jaws (4) urging these edge webs (2) together, each clamping jaw (4) having an 10 adjusting arm (5) which is at an angle thereto and is located at the jaw-end remote from the clamping point (4a). The adjusting arms (5) in turn have points for applying an actuating or adjusting element in the form of a wedge (9), these points of application on the two adjusting arms (5) suitably being combined to form a single point for applying the wedge (9). The wedge (9) can slide along between this point of application and the edge webs (2), suitably on the abutment (12) belonging to the clamp (1), and thereby can move the point of application and accordingly the adjusting arms (5) away form the lining skin (3) and thereby close the clamping jaws (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Paschal-Werk G. Maier GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Merkel
  • Patent number: 5457857
    Abstract: A clamp, for example of the conventional "clothes peg" type, is provided with a wedging device 9 which may be selectively locatable between the rear ends of the two clamping members 2 so as to urge the rear ends apart, and thereby by virtue of the pivotal connection 4 between the clamping members 2 to urge the clamping jaws 3 together. In this way the wedging device 9 acts to increase the strength of the clamp in order to reduce the possibility of the items held between the jaws of the clamp from slipping out of the clamp. A locking member is also provided to prevent the wedging member from being unintentionally released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Ching-Keung Lam
  • Patent number: 5359755
    Abstract: A garment security clip (10) has upper and lower jaws (11,12) and a slider (13) to restrain the jaws which are pivoted (at 14). In one form, an inwardly directed projection (18) snaps over spaced projecting ribs (19) along the lower jaw (12). Alternatively, ribs (30) on the top of the upper jaw (11) are engaged by a projection (31) inside the slider (13). A microswitch (21) mounted on the lower jaw is normally received within an aperture (20,27) of the upper jaw except where the aperture is covered by fabric which then operates the microswitch (21) which is connected to energize an alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Volumatic Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul W. Dalton, David A. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4920614
    Abstract: A clamping device which has clamping units including a pair of openable arms extending in a V-shape toward one side of a pivotal center and in a X-shape toward both sides thereof, and a pair of retainers projecting from the ends of each of the arms a predetermined length toward the end, and a clamping means slidably engaged with parts of the arms of said clamping units for adjusting and holding the amount of closing of the arms in response to the thickness of an article to be clamped. The article is clamped and held by the force of restoration produced by the deformation of the clamping units occurring when the article is inserted between the pair of retainers and the pair of arms are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Tatusabu Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 4909467
    Abstract: A holder includes a securing plate having two spaced mounting sleeves having two axes defining an obtuse including angle, and two holding arms having two first bent ends respectively mounted in the mounting sleeves and two second opposite ends which form a holding mouth which will open when the arms are upwardly pivoted and will close to be able to hold therebetween an object when the holding arms are downwardly pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Chang Shan-Pao
  • Patent number: 4830427
    Abstract: A car cover has at least two supporting lines clamped to the four corners of the cover at the front and rear ends of the car. Additional clamping devices are slidable on these lines to provide additional support for the cover. Pulleys in the existing carport or garage superstructure provide access to both lines at one side of the vehicle so the cover can be manually hoisted to a stowed position clear of the car where it is ready for deployment onto the vehicle for periods of nonuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Jean B. Fiocchi
  • Patent number: 4648160
    Abstract: A closure assembly useful as a means for sealing a pressurized package which includes clamping means shiftable between an open position to receive an open portion of the pressurized package and a closed position to substantially hermetically seal the open portion of the pressurized package. The assembly also includes a retaining means coupled to the clamped means and adapted to be actuated by a force substantially independent of the force associated with the pressurized package whereupon the actuating force will maintain the clamping means in the closed position. Another part of the present closure assembly is an actuation means which is engageable with the retaining means in a manner which supplies the force enabling the retaining means to keep the clamping means in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: East/West Industries
    Inventors: Dominic J. Spinosa, Frank Knoll
  • Patent number: 4618058
    Abstract: A locking trolley for gripping and locking the hooked ends of hangers in a garment bag includes a C-shaped frame member and a jaw member extending forward from the rear of the C-shaped frame member. Gripping pads for gripping the hooked ends of hangers are located between the lower horizontal portion of the C-shaped frame member and the jaw member. A locking arrangement operatively moves the jaw member toward the lower horizontal portion of the frame member to cause the gripping pads to grip the hanger ends and also locks the jaw member in the hanger gripping position. The locking arrangement preferably takes the form of a locking lever pivotably connected to the forward end of the jaw member. The locking lever pivots between the jaw member and the upper horizontal portion of the frame member to hold the jaw member in the locked position. To release the locked relationship the locking lever is grasped and pivoted between the jaw member and the upper horizontal portion of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Gregg, Lawrence R. Mobley
  • Patent number: 4557503
    Abstract: A device for binding the marginal edge of materials is provided which takes the form of a continuous section of resilient material. The section of the device includes a pair of legs on which the closing force can be released to allow the acceptance of the materials, a spline around which both of the legs pivot to close over the edge of the materials to hold them securely by the material engaging ends of the legs when a moving means is engaged to produce a closing force. A latch is provided to lock the moving means in a position whereat the legs are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: Maynard W. Linn
  • Patent number: 4497092
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a device for clamping two axially telescoping rods in a selected telescoped position, wherein the device includes a case supported at the end of the outside one of the two rods and the case encloses an annular bush wrapped around the inside one of the two rods. One side of the bush is open for defining an axial gap. Terminal flanges extend away from the bush at opposite sides of the gap. A shaft extends from the second of the terminal portions, through the first of the terminal portions and then outside the case. A two-position cam is journaled to the shaft and is shaped to engage the exterior of the case. As the cam is moved between its two positions, it selectively draws the terminal portion flanges together or permits them to move apart for selectively clamping or releasing the bush on the rod. A spring normally biases the terminal portion flanges apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 4463482
    Abstract: A releasable compression fastener, such as a clip for use on a garter belt, suspenders, or the like, The fastener has a pair of jaws comprising a base plate designed to be connected to a material, such as a suspender strap, and a flexible clamping plate. An actuating means is attached to the base plate, the latter being adapted to releasably flex the clamping plate against the base plate to close the jaws and clamp a layer of flexible fabric therebetween. The invention involves the use of cooperating, integrating jaws comprising male and female members of specific structure on the base plate and clamping plate to provide integrating locking means for the flexible material clamped therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: The Hawie Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Robert L. Hawie