Opposed Engaging Faces On Gripping Member Formed From Single Piece Of Resilient Material Patents (Class 24/545)
  • Patent number: 8079552
    Abstract: A clip assembly (111) having a clamp member (115) with opposing fingers (121 and 123) configured to form a channel, and an insert member (129) that holds the fire detector wire (128) is disclosed. The insert member (128) is made of, coated with, or treated with an anti-friction material. The insert member includes end flanges (133, 135) that retain the insert member between the opposing fingers. The fire detector wire is installed into the insert member, and the insert member is then snapped into the channel formed by the opposing fingers of the clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Sweigard
  • Patent number: 8079165
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Buerchner, Christopher N. Pericles, Michael J. Strasser, William G. Tannen
  • Patent number: 8056195
    Abstract: A U-shaped clip that is configured to be quickly installed by attaching the clip over the top edge of the vertical wall defined by plural end to end oriented landscape edging restraint members. This action is quick and easily accomplished by hand, requiring no tools or forceful effort. The clip is made of a material having a hardness characteristic that is harder than the material of the edging restraint members. The clip includes a series of pointed, opposing, hardened steel barbs that bite into the softer edging material to create a mechanical lock. Further, the barbs are angled so as to increase the force applied to the edging material as the parts are drawn apart in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Permaloc Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel G. Zwier
  • Publication number: 20110265310
    Abstract: A fastening device template for joining mosaic pieces together having two variants that are easy to install by unskilled labor so as to help them achieve professional result. The device can be for assembling individual planks that together make up a floor covering such as solid wood flooring and engineered flooring, or it can be used for tiles. It can also be used to assemble individual parts which, together, create a piece of furniture. In this application, the generic term “mosaic” or “mosaic units” will be used to describe the individual pieces which, as indicated hereinabove, have a multitude of possible uses. Mosaic units can be assembled in all possible XYZ plans: side-to-side, side-to-face, side-to-end, end-to-end, end-to-face. In order to do so, the invention has an elongated clip core. At least one wing member attached to and extending a portion of the length of the clip core, and resilient leg members adapted to be frictionally inserted within a groove of a mosaic piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: CHARLES BEAULIEU
  • Patent number: 7987842
    Abstract: A releasable mount comprising two mounting posts that releasably engage into notches in the ends of a resilient, generally C-shaped bracket. The releasable mount is particularly useful to releasably mount an archery accessory such as an arrow quiver to an archery bow, tree or tree stand or the like. The arrow quiver may include a hood having an arrow retaining insert for receiving an arrow with a single-point or a 2-4 bladed broadhead. The quiver may also include an arrow gripper having a plurality of fingers whose sides define expandable oval slots between adjacent fingers into which the arrows are loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Mathew A. McPherson
  • Patent number: 7963392
    Abstract: A bar connecting apparatus applies clips to connect transverse bars used in reinforced concrete. A clip string is fed into the bar connecting apparatus by a clip feed assembly, so several pairs of transverse bars can be connected in rapid succession. A hammer reciprocates in the barrel of the bar connecting apparatus, and drives a clip from the barrel into engagement with the bars. An alignment head aligns the bar connecting apparatus with the transverse bars so the clips properly engage the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kodi Klip Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Kodi
  • Patent number: 7963010
    Abstract: A molded, semi ridged device for the purpose of securing a length of fabric or towel wrapped around the body of a person of the type having a straight flat base (10) connected to the face (12) by the top section (21). The base can be offset from the face to the left (7), right (13), and bottom (9) making the device easy to install beneath the bottom layer of the towel or fabric. The face of the device is inclined toward the base a few degree's from parallel till the beginning of the raised lip (14) which than is raised away from the base a few degree's from parallel to help facilitate the installation process. The towel/fabric clip has raise rails (15) (16) running vertically under the face, and raised rails (17) (18) running vertically under the base of the device to insure horizontal and vertical pressure on the towel/fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Alfred B Levesque
  • Patent number: 7922207
    Abstract: In order to provide more secure binding of physical media, activation and deactivation mechanisms for media binders are presented. As such, internal spine clamp deactivation mechanisms for deactivating a spine clamp in a media binder are presented, the mechanism including: a tension sheet configured to operate the spine clamp in response to opening the media binder in a range of approximately 270 to 360 degrees (°), normally, greater than approximately 270°; a tear line disposed along the tension sheet and oriented along the spine clamp wherein when the tension sheet is torn at the tear line, the spine clamp is deactivated. In some embodiments, the mechanism further includes a cosmetic sheet disposed between the tension sheet and a cover of the media binder for providing a cover for the spine clamp such that when the tension sheet is torn, the spine clamp remains covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Hoarau, Steven W. Trovinger
  • Patent number: 7921527
    Abstract: A towel clip for securing a towel around the waist of a user, the towel clip typically including a body. The body has a longitudinal axis, and an inner and outer surface. The body has a first leg and a second leg and a bridge section. The bridge section is typically semicircular and the first leg and second extend outward therefrom. An embodiment of Applicant's towel clip includes a convex upper rail located on the inner surface of the first leg and a pair of convex lower rails spaced apart on the lower legs and extending upward from the inner surface of the lower leg. The bridge section is resilient and the legs will spread apart to exert pressure on a folded towel to secure the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Carey Moy
  • Patent number: 7918000
    Abstract: A clip for holding an object, such as a literature booklet, comprises first (23) and second (25) resilient parts, the first part adapted to hold an object having a first thickness and the second part adapted to hold an object having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. Consequently, the clip can hold a range of thickness of literature booklets or other objects. The clip may be part of an article, such as a container for compact discs or DVD's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dubois Limited
    Inventors: John Hein, Peter Antony Farrar
  • Patent number: 7908718
    Abstract: Inexpensively manufactured device and system permits the holding, typically for display purposes, of at least one, but preferrably multiple items such as a trading cards or photographs in a manner offering an unobstructed view of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jerome Glasser
  • Patent number: 7896896
    Abstract: A surgical spring clip is provided for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The clip has a flat planar plate shape having pair of arms connected by a base, all generally positioned within a single plane. The arms are elongate linear cantilevered beams extending beyond the base and are biased to a first or closed position generally within the plane. The base and arms define a slot for the positioning of and receiving a vessel and occluding the flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Patent number: 7877916
    Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations. A label strip with respective indicia and with an RFID transponder and/or a machine-readable code can be adhesively adhered either directly to a garment across a fold or to the marking clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Chamandy
  • Patent number: 7823585
    Abstract: A snorkel clip made up of two substantially rigid elements, which are designed to wrap at least half way around a snorkel tube, overmolded with a substantially flexible element to create a simple, aesthetically pleasing device. The snorkel clip also includes a hinge region created as part of the substantially flexible element. This hinge region allows the snorkel clip to flex or bend so that one of the rigid elements may be disengaged and pulled away from the riser tube of the snorkel, so that a mask strap may be attached to and removed from the snorkel, while the other rigid element remains attached to the riser tube in a generally secure manner. The substantially flexible portion may also include several cut out sections to provide visual and tactile access to portions of the substantially rigid elements for utility and aesthetic design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 7823927
    Abstract: Media binder systems with datum stops for registering physical media sheets are described. A media binder system that includes a cover, a binding system, and a datum stop. The cover includes an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side. The binding system is attached to the inwardly facing side of the cover and is operable to bind a spine end of a collection of physical media sheets to the cover. The datum stop protrudes away from the inwardly facing side of the cover and includes a datum stop surface against which a head end or a tail end of the collection is registerable prior to binding the collection to the cover. Methods of making media binder systems also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Hoarau, Steven W. Trovinger
  • Patent number: 7819120
    Abstract: A respiratory component mounting assembly includes a first respiratory component, a second respiratory component and a mounting clip for mounting the second respiratory component to the first respiratory component. Each of the first and second respiratory components includes at least two spaced apart clip openings. The mounting clip has an intermediate portion and two spaced apart free ends connected to the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the mounting clip is received within both of the clip openings of the first respiratory component and the free ends of the mounting clip are received in the clip openings of the second respiratory component for releasably securing the first and second respiratory components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Taylor, Peter D. Lee, Desmond T. Curran, Peter B. Allen, Scott R. Alexander
  • Patent number: 7673410
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: CM Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Buerchner, Christopher N. Pericles, Michael J. Strasser, William G. Tammen
  • Patent number: 7647739
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling construction includes fill-in panels, diffusers and/or light fixtures which are retained in their openings by spring clips that have been pre-attached to the ceiling grid frame members. The clips bear against edges of the panels to keep them in place normally, but they can be deflected out of the way by pushing up on the panels when necessary. As the tips of the clips contact the frame members during deflection, they provide increasing resistance to further deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Augustus Ray Boyd
  • Patent number: 7621701
    Abstract: Self-retaining shim apparatus and methods for providing an offset surface for supporting a template above a contoured workpiece such as the frame of an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a shim portion of substantially uniform thickness, and one or more biasing members secured to the distal end thereof and extending toward the proximal end. A work piece is positioned between the biasing member and shim portion such that the biasing members are elastically deformed, resulting in a restoring force exerted on the workpiece serving to retain the shim in engagement with the workpiece. Contact pads secure to the free ends of the biasing members and have a contact portion offset from the free end. The contact portion is rounded to facilitate mounting and retention of the self-retaining shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David W. Skiles, James L. Morrison
  • Patent number: 7581292
    Abstract: A clip having structure for detachably interlocking with another clip having substantially equivalent structure. The clip of this invention can be used to secure items, such as gloves, to garments being worn by a user. The instant clips may be made from a resilient material and include a base structure defining an aperture and a gap, which enable the detachable interlinking. One of the clips includes generally opposed arms in mechanical communication with jaw members biased in a contacting relation. The jaw members are forced apart by the user applying opposing forces to each of the arms. The jaw members operably grasp the article when the arms are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Publication number: 20090173035
    Abstract: An improved joist hanger tool suitably adapted to be placed over a standard joist hanger which is in turn placed over the end of a joist, to shape the joist hanger to its proper installation configuration and to hold the joist hanger securely to the joist so that the installer has both hands free to support the joist and/or to fasten the joist hanger to a header; said joist hanger tool being a substantially “U”-shaped, monolithic clip fashioned out of a flexible, resilient, and substantially rigid material, having a wider bottom, an intermediate narrowest point, and a flared open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: William N. Collins
  • Publication number: 20090013509
    Abstract: A clamp for holding shut and submerged a coffee filter containing coffee grounds or the like inside a vessel comprises one strand of wire formed such that an arc-shaped portion separates two arms. A first arm possesses a first jaw of the clamp. A second arm possesses a bent loop portion that functions as a second jaw of the clamp. The first jaw protrudes slightly through the second jaw when the clamp is in its free state. Pushing the first jaw farther through the second jaw expands a “window” in which an object can be placed, while bending the arc portion. After removing pressure from the arms, the clamp will release some of its stored mechanical energy, gripping and holding an object within the clamp's window portion by way of the remaining stored energy within the clamp and from the friction between the object and the clamp's window portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Mark Busler
  • Patent number: 7475654
    Abstract: A reusable bookmark adapted for marking a page or standing alone includes: (a) a body portion in the shape of a character; (b) a clip portion including a clip base and a bendable, elongated clip prop, a rear surface of the clip base being substantially attached to a rear surface of the body portion, the clip prop including a first prop end extending from the clip base, the clip prop further including a flared end section at an opposite, second end of the clip prop, and (c) at least one detachable page marker that is detachably attachable to the body portion, the page marker including a marker attachment mechanism at a first marker end of the page marker, the page marker further including an opposite, second, free marker end; wherein the clip prop further includes at least a closed position and an open position; and wherein in the open position, the flared end section of the clip prop extends away from the clip base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Sylvia Scott
  • Patent number: 7472460
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping apparatus comprising a base body and two clamping straps which are arranged opposite one another on one side of the base body, are made flexible at least sectionally, extend convexly to one another in a non-clamping state of the clamping apparatus and can be brought into engagement by being pressed together in order thereby to fasten an object located between the clamping straps and the base body to the clamping apparatus of a clamping fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Urbaniak, Uwe Hoffmann, Mario Luebstorf
  • Publication number: 20080278907
    Abstract: A fastening apparatus for fastening at least an interface card includes a fixed support frame and at least a movable fastening structure. Additionally, the fastening structure can be utilized to perform a fastening or un-fastening operation with high speed on a plurality of interface cards simultaneously in the computer chassis without using any screws. Thus, the disclosed fastening apparatus can reduce cost of assembly and repair of the computer, and also can reduce time for assembly and repair of the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ying-Hui Shih
  • Publication number: 20080235921
    Abstract: A U-shaped clip that is configured to be quickly installed by attaching the clip over the top edge of the vertical wall defined by plural end to end oriented landscape edging restraint members. This action is quick and easily accomplished by hand, requiring no tools or forceful effort. The clip is made of a material having a hardness characteristic that is harder than the material of the edging restraint members. The clip includes a series of pointed, opposing, hardened steel barbs that bite into the softer edging material to create a mechanical lock. Further, the barbs are angled so as to increase the force applied to the edging material as the parts are drawn apart in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel G. Zwier
  • Publication number: 20080202052
    Abstract: Disclosed is both an apparatus and system for screeding a three dimensional panel including a screed clip for securing a guide bar to the panel for screeding a cementitious coating to a substantially uniform finish and level. The clips are used in combination and in series to support a guide bar. The clips are attached to the wire grid mats of a three dimensional panel to enable a less than skilled laborer to finish a cementitious coating applied to the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Franz Meier
  • Patent number: 7395632
    Abstract: An improved gutter-cover system has a clip which includes movable jaws and a locking lever for locking a given clip in place on a variety of gutter types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Elko Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Filippi
  • Patent number: 7381006
    Abstract: A clip for joining bearing elements, such as found in escalator constructions may be employed, for example, to join a track rail, on which rollers of an escalator roll to a carrier frame. The clip has a base part and a bracket part of spring steel. At the upper end of each side, the base part has a shoulder to engage one of the elements to be joined. The bracket part has a lug which engages the other element to be joined and, through a further lug, presses the shoulders of the base part against the first element to retain the two elements in the desired contacting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Kurt Streibig, Wolfgang Klein, Robert Schulz
  • Patent number: 7373940
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward overcoming the disadvantages associated with previously known hairstyling devices, including but not limited to flexible snap clips. The apparatus incorporates a combination of a snap clip closure mechanism and a comb-like bottom with elongated teeth for gathering and holding hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Lisa V. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20080110113
    Abstract: A deflection clip for erection of partitions in office space and commercial use is disclosed. A deflection clip in accordance with the present invention has a flat base with a left and right clasp that are substantially parallel to the base. The right and left clasps are used to secure the deflection clip to a leg of an open channel track attached to the floor and ceiling. The left and right clasp each have a left and right stud extension tab extending substantially perpendicular from an inside edge of the left and right clasps. The left and right stud extension tabs are used to secure a stud in relation to the open channel track, allowing the ceiling and floor to deflect relative to each other without transferring load to the stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Barry Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7318567
    Abstract: A cable management device includes a clamping mechanism (110) suitable for attachment to a surface. The clamping mechanism comprises an annular portion (111) having an outside surface (114), an inside surface (115) that forms a perimeter of a cavity (118) interior to the annular portion, a first terminus (116), and a second terminus (117) disposed opposite the first terminus. The first terminus and the second terminus define a gap (151) between them. In one embodiment, the cable management device further comprises a membrane (120, 220) attached to the clamping mechanism at the inside surface, where the membrane contains a first opening (121). In the same or another embodiment, the cable management device further comprises a slot (140) in the annular portion of the clamping mechanism. Both the membrane and the slot enhance the cable management features of the cable management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Mori, John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7314415
    Abstract: A coupling member (18) is of a forked leaf spring which is substantially U-shaped and has a pair of sidepiece portions (18a, 18a), a pair of bent portions (18b, 18b), a pair of joining portions (18d, 18d) and a curved portion (18e). The sidepiece portions (18a, 18a) are disposed parallel to each other. The bent portions (18b, 18b) are configured to extend from the sidepiece portions (18a, 18a) and have sandwich portions (18c, 18c) releasably supporting a first pin (14) mounted on a pulley, respectively. Each sandwich portion (18c) has an inside surface (19a) which is opposed to the outside circumferential surface of the first pin (14) at a regular distance, and a first and second projections (19b, 19c) which are provided at both ends of the inside surface (19a) and contacted with the outside circumferential surface of the first pin (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Umemura
  • Patent number: 7284688
    Abstract: A box closure device releasably engages the flaps of a box in a closed configuration. The device has a lower element which extends generally in a first plane. An upper element is connected to the lower element and spaced substantially parallel to it by a central stem, such that portions of the box flaps are engaged between the upper and the lower element. A tab is connected to the upper element along a living hinge and is pivotable about the hinge from a first position extending substantially in the same plane as the upper element, to a second position which extends upwardly from the upper element, such that the tab may be engaged to assist in the rotation of the device when being installed in a box, and, when released, the tab returns to the first position. The lower element may be a planar disc, or may be cupped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: John G. Barsness
  • Patent number: 7257913
    Abstract: A signage system comprising a prism-shaped tri-panel louver having a slot at each corner into which can be slid a clip. The clip is generally V-shaped with a pair of opposing sides joined at one end to form an apex. At the apex end is a pair of opposing fingers which are generally parallel to the clip sides. The fingers form a slot on each side. The clip is slid and retained by a friction fit within the slot such that when three clips are installed the fingers and slots formed therein can hold the sign graphics strip. The clip can flex somewhat to allow for insertion in a slot in the louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ad-Tech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Heller, Richard Wanser, Dewey Pitts
  • Patent number: 7241074
    Abstract: A one-piece clamping element has two opposing clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a rod-shaped element. A hinge is located between the jaws, arranged opposite the cavity, and connecting the clamping jaws with one another and thus allowing them to be movable with respect to one another. Each clamping jaw has one bore, aligned flush with one another. One clamping jaw has a receptacle for an anti-rotation device. The receptacle makes it preferable—with the exception of an immediate tightening of the screw in this or another place of an external fixator clamping element used for the same patient—to use the clamping element only once and discarding it after use. Two identical clamping elements, with the possible exception of the size of the rod receptacle, can be placed on top of one another to form an articulation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Vinzenz Burgherr, Christian Lutz, Damian Fankhauser, Clemens Dransfeld, René Fischer
  • Patent number: 7213307
    Abstract: A clip having structure for detachably interlocking with another clip and which can be used to secure items to garments being worn by a user. The instant clips may be made from a resilient material and include a base structure defining an aperture and a gap, which enable the detachable interlinking. The jaw members are forced apart by the user applying opposing forces to each of the arms and grasp the article when the arms are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Votel
  • Patent number: 7146691
    Abstract: A fabric-retaining structure includes: a body; and a fabric-gripping jaw arrangement coupled to the body. The jaw arrangement includes: a crenated jaw having crenated teeth and a serrated jaw having serrated teeth. The crenated jaw is arranged in opposition to the serrated jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Kintzing, Christof M. Kintzing
  • Patent number: 7131170
    Abstract: An integrally formed locking clip has a unitary body and downwardly extending lateral side arms. The clip is made of resiliently flexible material which allows the side arms to extend over and around the top support member of a push broom head and attach to the broom head. The clip has an upper section consisting of a threaded opening which is configured to accept and threadably engage the threaded end connection of the handle of the push broom. When so engaged, the handle is securely mounted on and along the longitudinal axis of the broom head. The upper section of the clip may be formed of a closed circular threaded ring or a partially opened threaded cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jace A. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7093999
    Abstract: An Interlocking System utilizing upper and lower grooves along the edges of the base of an item to interlock with upper and lower grooves on other items. One item described is a dispenser using a spongy material to force a tape with labels upwardly to be withdrawn. Another item with upper and lower grooves is a storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Deborah J. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7077363
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for bundling cables, ropes, wires, or other long flexible materials that are desired to be bundled. The device comprises an arcuate strap for encircling bundled cables. The strap is preferably discontinuous, with first and second ends forming a mouth into a central cavity formed by an arcuate strap. Finger grips are located adjacent to the first and second ends, allowing fingers of a user to be used to pull the first and second ends of the strap to open the normally closed mouth of the device. The device also preferably includes engagement features on the first and second ends to allow the first and second ends to be forced into engagement to lock cables into the cavity formed by the arcuate shape of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Alexander F. Rivera
  • Patent number: 7052045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for labeling the spine or edge of a binder. In an embodiment, the device comprises a housing, a clip attached to the housing and a label encased within the housing. The housing further comprises a base portion and a cover portion, wherein the cover portion is adapted to enclose a label within the base portion of the labeling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Andy Park
  • Patent number: 6973700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved paper clip which is suitable for holding documents of different thicknesses. The improved paper clip includes three elements, which are a first clipping piece, a second clipping piece and a support beam. The first clipping piece is formed with a sunken slot therethrough and is connected to a bottom side of the support beam. The second clipping piece has a bending curve part and is connected to a top side of the support beam. The bending curve part is partially protruding into the sunken slot and is roughened to become a rough surface for increasing friction to tightly clamp documents. The inner surface of the support beam is a flat plane so as to provide a guiding function when the document is received between the first and second clipping pieces. The first and second clipping pieces are both adjoined to the inner surface of the support beam, such that the outer surface of the support beam substantially forms part of the outer contour of the paper clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Ray-Ling Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6892717
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved arrow holder that facilitates the arrow/bow combination user's ability to carry a nocked arrow safely on the bow by pre-positioning the arrow for a quicker shot while keeping the arrow safely away from the user's body. The device of this invention comprises a single piece device made of neoprene rubber or other adequate material with a self-adhesive backing. The device of this invention not only permits the hunter to carry the arrow safely, in a semi-cocked position, but is also permits the hunter to get full draw on the bow in three (3) short, simple and efficient steps. The hunter requires less movement to operate the bow/arrow combination while never losing eye contact with his or her target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Albert M. Polanco, Albert R. Polanco, Cliff Macias
  • Patent number: 6881271
    Abstract: An electric heater is placed so as to cover an upper opening of a crucible. Then, a plurality of angle members are disposed along the side portions of the electric heater and are pressed and fixed by clamps. The clamp includes, at its bottom, a curved portion formed by bending a plate-like spring member into a convex shape, and generates pressing force between the curved portion and corresponding claw portions at the upper edge, thereby clamping the crucible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ochiai, Hirotoshi Iwase, Seizo Kato, Tetsuro Endo
  • Patent number: 6842949
    Abstract: A wire rope clamp includes a U-shaped clamp member having a central fold. The clamp member has a first plate portion on one end of the central fold and a second plate portion on an opposite end of the central fold. The clamp member has a least one opening therein sized to allow at least one wire rope to pass therethrough. Such opening is located on said central fold between opposite sides of the clamp member. A tightening member urges the first plate portion and the second plate portion relatively closer together causing the plate portions to clamp onto one or more wire ropes located therebetween. The plate portions have embossments perpendicular to the rope direction that provide sufficient clamping grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Robert E. Warren
  • Publication number: 20040244159
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping transparent glass for an image sensor package. The clamp includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first end formed with a first recess, and a second end. The second plate has a first end and a second end connected to the second end of the first plate such that a clamping force may be applied to the first and second plates in order to clamp the transparent glass. The first end of the second plate is formed with a second recess corresponding to the first recess of the first plate so that two lateral sides of the transparent glass may be received in the first recess and the second recess, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Reg Yang
  • Patent number: 6813814
    Abstract: A clip apparatus comprising a pair of opposing clip members, an attachment assembly and a biasing member. Each clip member includes an outer surface and an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end, and side edges extending substantially from the proximal end to the distal end. The attachment assembly is capable of attaching the pair of opposing clip members between the proximal and distal ends thereof, to facilitate pivoting thereabout. The biasing member comprises a central region, a pair of opposing leg regions extending away from the central region, and an attachment assembly capable of pivotably attaching the opposing end regions to opposing clip members substantially about the proximal end thereof. Upon assembly of the clip apparatus, the biasing member substantially biases against the proximal ends of the respective clip members, to, in turn, force the distal ends of the respective clip members into abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: GRSchultz Consultanting, LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040177481
    Abstract: A nursing bottle nipple is comprised of a longer clipping rod and a shorter clipping rod; a round chuck and a C-shape chuck being respectively provided at the tips of both clipping rods with one on the top of the other; both bores of the round and the C-shape chucks being maintained on the same axial when the clip is not used to allow the nipple to be inserted into the internal space defined by both chucks; and the spacing between both bores of the chucks being shortened due to displacement of both clipping rods when external force is applied to both clipping rods to secure holding the nipple without direct contact of one's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: R. C. Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040117957
    Abstract: A fabric-retaining structure includes: a body; and a fabric-gripping jaw arrangement coupled to the body. The jaw arrangement includes: a crenated jaw having crenated teeth and a serrated jaw having serrated teeth. The crenated jaw is arranged in opposition to the serrated jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: William M. Kintzing, Christof M. Kintzing