Each Mating Member Having Similarly Shaped, Sized, And Operated Interlocking Or Intermeshable Face Patents (Class 24/584.1)
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Patent number: 11964632Abstract: A vehicle accessory attachment system include a structure having apertures. The system further includes a plurality of feet. Each foot is receivable within one of the apertures. The system further includes a locking assembly configured to transition back-and-forth between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking assembly includes a biasing device, an extension coupled to one of the structure or the accessory, and at least one opening in the other of the structure or the accessory. When the locking assembly is in the unlocked position, the feet are slidable relative to the structure. When the locking assembly is in the locked position, the feet are received within one of the apertures and are shifted toward a side of the aperture to secure an accessory to a vehicle. The biasing device biases the locking assembly toward the locked position where the extension is received within the at least one opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Matthew B. Rutman
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Patent number: 11759013Abstract: An apparatus that may anchor and/or protect furniture includes a compressible element and an adhesive material on opposite sides of the compressible element. The compressible element, which may comprise an expandable polyurethane foam, and the adhesive material may enable the apparatus to be secured to a piece of furniture and a wall and, when secured in position, to withstand pulling forces of at least about 50 pounds. Thus, the apparatus may prevent furniture from tilting and falling away from the wall. The adhesive material may also be removable from the surface of a wall while leaving substantially no residue or no residue on the surface of the wall. Methods for securing furniture to walls are also disclosed, as are apparatuses and methods for preventing furniture from damaging walls.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Tip-Not L.L.C.Inventor: Paul Pierpont
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Patent number: 11643274Abstract: The present invention concerns an endless conveyor belt for a conveyor device, which conveyor belt comprises a belt body that can be transversely deformed between a flat configuration, at rest, and a tubular configuration. This belt body comprises two transition regions over its width which between them define a central belt portion, as well as two side belt portions situated between each of them and the nearby side edge. At least one thickness of the side belt portions is greater than at least one thickness of the central belt portion, forming at least one over thickness region on each of the side belt portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: LIFTVRACInventor: Marcel Boursier
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Patent number: 11372490Abstract: A touch panel and a touch display panel are provided. The touch panel comprises: a touch layer provided with a plurality of first microstructures on an upper surface of the touch layer; and a cover plate provided with a plurality of second microstructures on a lower surface of the cover plate, wherein the second microstructures are adapted to the first microstructures, the cover plate is provided on the upper surface of the touch layer, and the plurality of second microstructures are adsorbed and self-locking connected to the plurality of first microstructures.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Mingjun Zhou, Pei Jia
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Patent number: 11090915Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotor blade for a wind turbine is provided. The method includes steps of providing a mould defining an outer shape of a the rotor blade or a portion thereof; arranging a plurality of fibre fabric layers on a surface of the mould having at least one inclined surface portion; and laminating the fibre fabrics layers together by infusing a liquid resin into the mould. A step of interlocking the plurality of fibre fabric layers using at least one mechanical interlocking element prior to laminating the fibre fabric layers together is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/SInventor: Erik Grove-Nielsen
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Patent number: 10293971Abstract: A reclosable carton has a releasable closure, with one portion of the closure adhered to a wall of the carton body, and a mating portion of the closure adhered to a flange of a lid of the carton, such that the closure portions overlap with the lid closed. Each closure portion has an exposed surface defining a series of tapered ridges, each formed as a row of tapered scallops, spaced apart in a box lid closing direction, such that the ridges of one closure portion sequentially engage the ridges of the other closure portion as the lid is closed, to hold the lid in its closed position. The closure is subsequently released by flexure of the carton body or lid to separate the engaged ridges.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Velcro BVBAInventor: Arjan van Waarden
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Patent number: 10011398Abstract: A reclosable bag zipper having a female profile assembly that terminates in a first curled end. A male profile assembly opposes the female profile assembly to selectively close the opening. The male profile assembly terminates in a second curled end. A riser is formed by non-uniform portions of the curled ends at one end of the bag. The slider has a dividing member and depending opposing first and second sides that define a central channel for receiving the curled ends. The curled ends create a distal bias against the slider, wherein: the first and second sides engage the profiles when moved in a closing direction; the dividing member separates the profiles when moved in an opening direction opposite to the closing direction; and when the slider is moved in the closing direction onto the riser, the dividing member moves distally away from the profiles so that the zipper may be fully closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Inventor: Stephen G. Armstrong
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Patent number: 9981780Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for closing bags or the like, including two complementary profile members (A, B), characterized in that each of the two complementary profile members includes at least two profiled attachment elements (112, 114, 116, 118) for which form a multiple closure, in that said profiled elements for attachment have flattened portions (300) distributed over the length thereof, and in that said profiled attachment elements are supported by at least one respective support mat (102, 104) on which said profiled attachment elements are integrally formed, wherein the support mat is to be attached onto a support wall (500) and has a width (14) that is greater than the total width (13) of the profiled attachment elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: S2F FLEXICOInventor: William Delasalle
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Patent number: 9925671Abstract: A tool holder assembly, comprising, a first part (30) which is configured such that it is attachable to a mobile vehicle (50); and a second part (31) which is configured to cooperate with a tool (6); wherein the first and second parts (30,31) each comprises, a first flexible arm (8,10) and a second flexible arm (9,11) and one or more slots (14,15); wherein the first and second parts (30,31) are configured such that they can be arranged so that at least a portion (16,17,18,19) of the first and second flexible arms (8,9,10,11) of the each of the first and second parts (30,31) may be simultaneously received into the one or more slots (14,15) of the other part (30,31); and such that when the portion (16,17,18,19) of the first and second flexible arms (8,9,10,11) of the each of the first and second parts (30,31) are simultaneously received into the one or more slots (14,15) of the other part (30,31), the first and second flexible arms (8,9,10,11) of each part (30,31) are in a flexed position so that an elastic forType: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: IMINA Technologies SAInventors: Patrick Eugster, Fabien Tache, Guillaume Boetsch, Benoit Dagon
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Publication number: 20140053376Abstract: A seaming element for seaming an industrial textile, an industrial textile, and a method of seaming. A first region of the seaming element comprises at least one securing member, and a second region is securable to the textile. Spaced-apart protrusions in the securing members are interdigitatable with corresponding protrusions in an opposing element, or the other seamable edge of the textile. Opposing protrusions are interdigitated to define first and second channels for securing means. Where the seaming element has two or more securing members, the protrusions of the outer securing member are aligned with those of an inner securing member of the opposing element, and the protrusions of an inner securing member are aligned with those of the outer securing member of the opposing element. Where the securing means is a pintle, the free ends can be inserted back into the channel to secure the seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: AstenJohnson, Inc.Inventor: Allan R. Manninen
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Patent number: 8646156Abstract: A vacuum press fit zipper assembly designed for watersports apparel and gear and other water related applications. Overmolding construction forms an effective seal around the entire perimeter of the fastener assembly, and a vacuum fit is created between the two mating portions of the zipper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Subzipper, Inc.Inventor: Kent Harrison Brightman
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Patent number: 8481135Abstract: This engaging member includes a male part and a female part each of which is capable of engaging with each other, in which each of the male part and the female part has a welded part to a main body of a bag and a part other than the welded part, at least the welded part is formed by a resin composition including (A) a polypropylene type resin having a maximum melting peak temperature measured by a differential calorimeter of not more than 145° C., and a melt flow rate ranging from 0.5 g/10 min. to 20 g/10 min., and (B) a polybutene type resin having a maximum melting peak temperature measured by a differential calorimeter of not more than 130° C., and a melt flow rate ranging from 0.1 g/10 min. to 20 g/10 min.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: C.I. Kasei Company, LimitedInventors: Masayoshi Nakajima, Naoki Hatakeyama
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Patent number: 8464405Abstract: A clasp according to an embodiment of the invention has a first annular body and a second annular body, the first annular body extending along an outer surface on one side of a semispherical portion of the spherical jewelry product, and the second annular body extending along an outer surface on the other side of the semispherical portion of the spherical jewelry product. In the case where two adjacent clasps are used so as to form a pair and in the case where the pair of clasps are closed, the shape of the proximal end of each of the first and second annular bodies is configured such that the proximal end in one clasp extends so as to pass through the inside of the other clasp and such that the proximal end in the other clasp extends so as to pass through the inside of one clasp.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha MikimotoInventor: Yukiko Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20130133163Abstract: A fastening member has an inboard end and an outboard end. The fastening member comprises a base substrate comprising a panel region disposed adjacent to the inboard end and an end region disposed adjacent to the outboard end. The end region comprises a fastening element zone having a first stiffness and an intermediate zone having a second stiffness. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent to an interface between the panel region and the end region. The fastening member comprises a fastening element disposed in the fastening element zone and joined to the base substrate and a bonding agent disposed intermediate the fastening element and the base substrate. The bonding agent comprises a molten polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANYInventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
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Patent number: 8438706Abstract: A vacuum press fit zipper assembly designed for watersports apparel and gear and other water related applications. Overmolding construction forms an effective seal around the entire perimeter of the fastener assembly, and a vacuum fit is created between the two mating portions of the zipper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Subzipper, Inc.Inventor: Kent Harrison Brightman
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Patent number: 8096520Abstract: An array of U-shaped flanged brackets and flange tipped posts attached to a supporting surface providing a mechanical connection with an object that is provided with corresponding posts and brackets. The brackets and posts can include electrical contacts or fiber optic contacts for transferring power or signals between connected objects. Various objects can be mounted on the array of brackets and posts to provide positioning flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventors: Cheryl L. Sohn, Douglas C. Sohn
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Patent number: 8037631Abstract: A display mounting kit, system, and method are disclosed utilizing first and second primary releasable attachment elements that are secured about the periphery of a display panel and in a substantially corresponding relationship on a mounting surface, respectively. At least one supplementary fastening element having two interlocking component pieces for selective engagement with each other provides secure mounting between the display panel and the mounting surface. The at least one supplementary fastening element can also be utilized as a stand-alone primary fastening element.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Truck Ads, LLCInventor: Rod Harris
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Patent number: 7867212Abstract: A method for manufacturing fastener ears for absorbent articles and other garments includes the step of cutting a wave-shaped pattern along the longitudinal axis of an elongated strip of material. The wave-shaped cutting pattern is substantially centered along the strip and divides the strip into a first web and a second web. Each web has a series of ear shapes, with each ear shape having a wave crest portion. Each wave crest portion has a first edge with a convex curvature. The method also includes the step of cutting each of the ear shapes out of its respective web to form a plurality of fastener ears. A fastener ear formed by such method is also contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: First Quality Retail Services, LLCInventors: Andrew Waksmundzki, Mike Bond
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Publication number: 20100175230Abstract: A waterproof fastening device is provided. The fastening device includes a first fastening member and second fastening member, both having mating surfaces that include rails and channels therein. The fastening devices further include mateable openings and projections therein that cooperate to impart a waterproof seal that is resistant to pull-out.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: William D. Kelsey, D. Scott Wolf, Benjamin Meager
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Patent number: 7726081Abstract: A modular wind abatement system comprises a plurality of net components, net-to-net connection hardware, net-to-ground anchors and net-to-building anchors. Flexible net-like sheet components are configured and joined into a suitably sized and shaped web fitted in covering relation with a structure, such as a home, building, billboard, motor home, boat, or any other outdoor thing to be protected. Net component sections are joined together to form suitably sized and shaped web using clamp devices. Once formed the web is secured to the ground in at least partial covering relation with the protected structure by suitable ground anchors such that wind forces are transferred to ground anchors. The present invention thus provides a wind abatement device suitable for protecting a wide variety of structures and property from damage resulting from hurricane force winds and windborne debris.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventors: Frank L. Bennardo, Michael Madden
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Publication number: 20100107298Abstract: A fastener (1) comprises at least two fastener halves (3A, 3B) each of which comprises a main body (7A, 7B) and a finger (9A, 9B) depending therefrom, the finger (9A, 9B) being spaced apart from the main body (7A, 7B) so as to define a recess (13A, 13B) between the body (7A, 7B) and the finger (9A, 9B). The recess (13A, 13B) receives, in use, the finger (9B, 9A) of the other fastener half (3A, 3B) to fasten the fastener halves (3A, 3B) together. At least one of the recess (13A, 13B) of one fastener half (3A, 3B) and the finger (9A, 9B) of the other fastener half (3A, 3B) comprises a concave mating formation arranged to engage in use with a convex mating formation (15A, 15B) provided on the finger (9A, 9B) of the other fastener half (3A, 3B) or on the recess (13A, 13B) of the one fastener half (3A, 3B) respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2007Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Nigel Coole
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Publication number: 20090307945Abstract: A removable luggage identification apparatus includes a substantially planar body, a plurality of fastener seats, each fastener seat being located near the perimeter of the body, and a plurality of mechanical fastener members, each fastener member being located and configured so that a retaining head of each fastener member is significantly laterally shielded by physical structures of the indicia body, thereby preventing the fastener members from being snagged by lateral contact with external objects. A corresponding method of identifying luggage is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: David W. Bopp, Randall W. North
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Publication number: 20090307883Abstract: A holding element for fastening in a hole of a carrier part has a central shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, a supporting part fastened to the far end of the shaft and projecting laterally, and at least one arm, a fastening end of which is fastened movable to the shaft. The arm extends transverse to the longitudinal axis and for some distance from the shaft and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is supportable on the supporting part and in the opposite direction is supportable on a guide part fastened to the front end of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: NEWFREY LLCInventor: Lothar SCHLIESSNER
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Publication number: 20090294390Abstract: A product display assembly having a tester security apparatus for at least one tester of a product, includes a base having a top surface, and at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein each of the at least one tester holder is adapted for receiving and reversibly retaining a tester. The product display assembly includes at least one retractor each corresponding to the at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein the retractor each has a retractable line located therein with a free end extending therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Benjamin Weshler
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Publication number: 20090226119Abstract: This packaging bag with a fastener is one which is produced by fusing a fastener including a male member and a female member being engageable with each other, a joining portion whereby an end of a non-opening side flange portion of the male member is joined with an end of a non-opening side flange portion of the female member, and a ridge portion formed between the joining portion and the flange portion, in which the joining portion has a thickness ranging from not less than 10 ?m to not more than 100 ?m, the ridge portion has a thickness ranging from not less than 200 ?m to not more than 2 mm, the joining portion is thinner than the flange portion, and the ridge portion is thicker than the flange portion, to a bag to form a packaging bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2005Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: C.I. KASEI COMPANY, LIMITEDInventor: Naoki Hatakeyama
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Publication number: 20090211066Abstract: The invention provides a securing device for use in securing an object to a supporting surface, and/or for restraining an object relative to a supporting surface. The securing device includes a base (20) having a loading region (28) to which a force is applied by the object . The securing device also includes a first securing member (30) and a second securing member (50) for securing the base to the supporting surface, the base (20) pivotably engaging the first securing member (30) in order for the base to be able to transmit a force to the first securing member substantially without inducing a moment about the first securing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Adriaan Retief Swanepoel
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Publication number: 20090188088Abstract: A fastening means is provided for fastening an expansion tank for cooling water of an automobile to a holder. The fastening means includes, but is not limited to a first insertion edge and a second insertion edge, and the second insertion edge is disposed substantially parallel to the first insertion edge, and at a distance there from which is selected in such a manner that a fastening rib may be inserted between the insertion edges. The fastening means further includes, but not limited to a first retaining edge and a second retaining edge for delimiting a pivoting movement of the fastening rib. The second retaining edge is disposed substantially parallel to the first retaining edge and at a distance there from which is selected in such a manner that the fastening rib is pivotable from an insertion position in which the fastening rib is disposed between the insertion edges, into a retaining position in which the fastening rib is disposed between the retaining edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard KERKEWITZ, Christoph KRAUSE
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Patent number: 7559100Abstract: There is described an attachment system for attaching a plurality of elements to a resilient body, preferably for attachment of a trim cover to a foam element. The system comprising a first element having attached thereto a first attachment portion and a second element having attached thereto a second attachment portion, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion being releasably engageable with the resilient body.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Woodbridge Foam CorporationInventors: Burkhard Pedde, Philippe Marenne, Michael Hack, Georg Heinl
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Publication number: 20090013508Abstract: An adapter system for the detachable fastening of objects, with two adapter elements (5), wherein one adapter element (5) can be connected to the object to be fastened and the other adapter element (5) can be connected to the corresponding counterpart, and wherein the two adapter elements (5) can be connected detachably to each other, characterized in that the two adapter elements (5) are of identical design.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: TESA AGInventors: Bodo zu Putlitz, Udo Dominikat
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Publication number: 20080276435Abstract: A docking seal system has a first flexible enclosure with a first coupling seal and a second flexible enclosure with a second coupling seal. Each of the coupling seals has first and second sealing strips. A first zip slide is engageable with the first and second sealing strips of the first coupling seal and a second zip slide is engageable with the first and second sealing strips of the second coupling seal so that the respective first and second coupling seals can be opened and closed. The first and second zip slides are each combined with a respective portion of a coupling slide to form respective combined slides. When the combined slides are combined together, the respective portions of the coupling slides mate together to form the coupling slide, the coupling slide engaging or disengaging the first and second coupling seals so as to dock or separate the first and second flexible enclosures from one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2005Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: GEA NIRO GMBHInventors: Martin Koch, Ed Piepereit
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Publication number: 20080244882Abstract: A connection device for connecting two structural components is comprising a retaining means in a first structural component and a fixing means for insertion in a second structural component for connecting engagement with said retaining means thereby holding the two structural components together. The fixing means comprises a plug member having a first end and a second end, the said first end comprising an undercut head for insertion in and retaining engagement with said retaining means. The said plug member is comprising means for engagement with said second structural component.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: ARCTIUM ASInventors: Knut Woxman, Arne Hansen
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Patent number: 7150081Abstract: A device for joining sets of two or more clothing items, such as socks, gloves or the like, comprises at least two identical components (1, 1?) that can be coupled to each other, as well as a textile item including entire sets of underwear, home linen etc. that incorporates the device for pairing the items when they are washed, dried or stored, preventing having to search for the correct paid of each item before using them. Each of the components (1, 1?) is in turn divided into an outer part (2, 2?) and an inner part (3, 3?) that are also coupled to each other by inserting ribs (5, 5?) provided on the inner face of the outer part (2, 2?) in the orifice (4, 4?) made in the centre of the inner part (3, 3?) so that they are secured in them; the outer, smooth face can bear advertising symbols.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Industrias Sinteticas Catalanas, S.L.Inventor: Sergio Nolla Juan
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Patent number: 6859982Abstract: The present invention provides a connector for releasable joining of two ends of material. The invention involves two generally symmetrical connector halves which engage with one another to maintain a connection capable of resisting opposing tension forces. A spring-force ball and socket arrangement is incorporated in each body half to maintain a secure connection. Rotatable interlocking tongue-and-groove structures provide ease of use and effective resistance to tension forces.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Mario R. Carrillo
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Patent number: 6854886Abstract: A watertight closure for a reclosable package has first and second mutually interlocking profiles. Together, the profiles have two sets of interlocking members, one on either side of a central portion. There, at least one profile has a collapsible member in its central portion. The other profile may have a compressing member or a collapsible member opposite to the collapsible member, or it may have neither. In any event, when the first and second mutually interlocking profiles are joined to one another, the collapsible member encounters and compresses against the other profile to create a watertight seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Duane Piechocki, Steven Ausnit
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Publication number: 20040261234Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Donald K. Wright, Christopher L. Pemberton, James Kendall Hankins
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Patent number: 6826806Abstract: A breakaway closure device that includes the use of a pair of hermaphroditic clips that attach to the ends of a strap, such as a lanyard cord, and also engage with each other. Each hermaphroditic clip includes both a projection and an aperture that permit the hermaphroditic clips to snap together and form a releasable pair of clips. Each hermaphroditic clip further includes a plurality of interlocking pins and receptacles for securing the clip onto the end of the lanyard cord. Each hermaphroditic clip also includes a guidance lug and a plurality of interlocking lugs and openings to facilitate the easy attachment of the clip to the cord ends by hand without the use of special tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Edward Eaton, Richard J. Tracy
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Publication number: 20040187277Abstract: A fastener for an airbag cover, the fastener comprising first and second stringer tapes which are fixed to edges of an opening in the airbag cover. The stringer tapes each have a row of coupling elements mounted thereon, and these link together to connect the stringer tapes. The connection is strong within an area of coupling elements which have been connected, but is easily disengaged from the ends of a region of connected coupling elements. The fastener comprises holding means which hold the tapes together at a predetermined position in the middle region of the fastener. The holding means will release or displace under the force of the airbag expanding. When the airbag expands, e.g. during a car crash, the holding means allows the coupling elements to open, thus opening the fastener and allowing the airbag to expand outside the airbag cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicants: YKK Europe Limited, YKK CorporationInventors: Shunji Akashi, Shigeyoshi Takasawa, Meirion Williams
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Patent number: 6763556Abstract: The invention is a mating film. The mating film comprises a base sheet having a first major surface. A plurality of generally parallel ridges project from the first major surface. The ridges comprise a stem portion attached to the base sheet and generally upright from the base sheet. A head portion of each ridge is spaced from the first major surface and extends generally laterally from the stem portion so as to define a lateral distance. The center of each stem portion of each ridge is spaced from the center of each adjacent ridge stem portion by a distance greater than about 2 times lateral distance defined by the head portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark E. Fagan, Robert K. Galkiewicz, Scott D. Pearson, Brian E. Spiewak
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Publication number: 20040128806Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Donald K. Wright, Christopher L. Pemberton, James Kendall Hankins
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Patent number: 6708379Abstract: A fastening device comprising a pair of attachment pads, one pad having a surface from which stems project, a second pad formed with openings and receptacles, each opening and receptacle adapted to receive a stem, the pads becoming interlocked by the fit of the stems in the receptacles. A woven, knit or knotted material of open texture having holes, preferable evenly spaced holes such as those of a screen or net, is secured between the pads by passing the stems through the mesh and into the receptacles. The pads and mesh material, so arranged, are secured to a structure by a bracket or clamp that is fixed to the attachment pads and mesh material.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Eric P. Wilson
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Publication number: 20040031132Abstract: A closure arrangement for a reclosable polymeric bag is disclosed, the closure arrangement comprising convex and concave areas that facilitate opening the bag. To initially open the bag, first and second films are separated from each other by tearing perforations. Next, interlocked closure profiles are detached from each other by grabbing onto gripper ridges and pulling the opening of the bag apart. If the first or second film becomes tucked into the groove left by the perforations such that the gripper ridges are difficult to access even after tearing the perforations, then the end of the opening may be flexed up or down, thereby causing separation of the convex area and concave area to provide access to the gripper ridges.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: Greg J. VandenHeuvel, Greg W. Melchoir
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Publication number: 20040025308Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a plastic zipper equipped with a slider which zipper is imparted with high hermetical-sealability and facility in unsealing and reopening/reclosing; further a plastic zipper equipped with a slider which zipper is imparted in addition thereto with a function capable of detection of its having been unsealed after sealing packaging; and a bag body fitted with the zipper with a slider attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Juichi Kasai
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Patent number: 6546604Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert K. Galkiewicz, Graham M. Clarke, Ronald W. Ausen, Brian E. Spiewak
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Publication number: 20030051320Abstract: The invention is a mating film. The mating film comprises a base sheet having a first major surface. A plurality of generally parallel ridges project from the first major surface. The ridges comprise a stem portion attached to the base sheet and generally upright from the base sheet. A head portion of each ridge is spaced from the first major surface and extends generally laterally from the stem portion so as to define a lateral distance. The center of each stem portion of each ridge is spaced from the center of each adjacent ridge stem portion by a distance greater than about 2 times lateral distance defined by the head portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark E. Fagan, Robert K. Galkiewicz, Scott D. Pearson, Brian E. Spiewak
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Publication number: 20020116794Abstract: Magnetic clasps for securing the opposed ends of chains and other jewelry. Each clasp includes an arrangement for securing separable bodies by means of magnets that have been poled to present opposed surfaces of opposite magnetic polarities. In a first embodiment, disk-like magnets are received in channels of mating elongated body members of like configuration. End flanges of the elongated body members, in addition to the disk-like magnets, provide axial resistance to separation while the resultant magnetic force prevents separation in the transverse direction. In a second embodiment, disk-like magnets of divided polarities are seated at ends of mating bodies. A pin-and-slot locking mechanism is formed in the two bodies and the magnets are oriented relative thereto so that resultant repulsive magnetic forces force the two magnets into mating alignment when in the longitudinal slot for maximum magnetic holding force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventor: Leslie C. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6401308Abstract: From the “face” side of the base (12) of the male part (4), an engagement protrusion (18) extends directly upwards in the direction of the engagement socket (18). On the surface of the engagement socket (14) side of the base (12), a slanting surface (12a) parallel with the protrusion-forming slanting surface (18b) is formed. From the “face” side of the base (20) of the male part (8), an engagement protrusion (23) extends diagonally downwards in the direction of the engagement socket (21). On both sides of the step (23c), a wall (23e) is provided. On the “face” side of the engagement socket (21) of the base (20), a slanting surface (20a) parallel with the protrusion-forming slanting surface (23b) is formed. The snap fastener has directionality in respect not only of disengagement but also of engagement.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Morito Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiko Kawahara
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Patent number: 6367128Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert K. Galkiewicz, Graham M. Clarke, Ronald W. Ausen, Brian E. Spiewak