Includes Distinct Biasing Spring Patents (Class 24/599.6)
  • Patent number: 11452364
    Abstract: A sandal transport device includes a resiliently pliable elongate member having the shape of a “W”. The resiliently pliable elongate member has a first elevated end, a first angled section, a first trough, a second angled section, a crest, a third angled section, a second trough, a fourth angled section and a second elevated end. The resiliently pliable elongate member may be engaged to a releasable clip, and the releasably pliable elongate member is constructed and arranged for engagement to and the transportation of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Ann Vanderloo
  • Patent number: 11199243
    Abstract: The present invention extends to a carabiner intended for use as an adjustable anchor. In general, embodiments of the invention include a carabiner that includes a pinching mechanism. More specifically, some embodiments of the invention include a carabiner having a pinching mechanism that includes one of a slidable pin, a rotatable cam, or a pivotable block. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention include a rope, whereas other embodiments can be used with a rope supplied by a climber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: LeBeau Inc.
    Inventor: Mark William LeBeau
  • Patent number: 10648535
    Abstract: The present invention extends to a carabiner intended for use as an adjustable anchor. In general, embodiments of the invention include a carabiner that includes a pinching mechanism. More specifically, some embodiments of the invention include a carabiner having a pinching mechanism that includes one of a slidable pin, a rotatable cam, or a pivotable block. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention include a rope, whereas other embodiments can be used with a rope supplied by a climber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: LeBeau Inc.
    Inventor: Mark William LeBeau
  • Patent number: 10487867
    Abstract: The carabiner comprises: a body defining an insertion slot of a rope extended by a securing area of the rope, a first clamp fitted movable between a standby position of the rope in the insertion slot and an obstruction position when the rope is in the securing area, the obstruction position being configured to prevent insertion of another rope in the securing area, a second clamp configured to allow movement of the rope from the insertion slot to the securing area and to prevent movement of the rope from the securing area to the insertion slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ZEDEL
    Inventors: Michael Chaumontet, Marc Jourdan
  • Publication number: 20150113774
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a snap ring which is configured such that pressure which is applied from a purse line to the snap ring or multiple rollers is distributed to two rollers rather than being focused on one roller. A first side part and a second side part of a frame are formed diagonally such that the purse line that is disposed on the first side roller or the second side roller is easily moved towards an intermediate roller along the first side part or the second side part. Thereby, pressure which is applied from the purse line to the snap ring or the multiple rollers can be evenly distributed to the first side roller and the intermediate roller or to the second side roller and the intermediate roller rather than being focused on only one roller. As a result, the lifetime of the snap ring can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: James Jang, Ricardo Jang
  • Publication number: 20140373320
    Abstract: A carabiner (1) is provided comprising a substantially C-frame (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4), at least an internal gate (5) and an external gate (6). The frame (2) the internal gate (5) and the external gate (6) define a continuously enclosed inner region (8) in a closed configuration. Each of the gates (5, 6) has a pivot (5h, 6h) on one of the first and second end (3, 4). The gates are configured so as to be opened with respect to the frame (2) in view of a rotation about the respective pivot (5h, 6h), one in a first direction towards the inner region (8) and one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Biasing means (5b, 5c, 6b, 6c) are provided to bias the gates in a closed position. Preferably the internal gate (5) is pivotably coupled to the frame at a first end (3) and the external gate (6) is pivotably coupled to the frame (2) at the second end (4) opposite to the first end (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Miroslav Nemec
  • Patent number: 8875358
    Abstract: A hook forms a portion of an eye loop. A lever is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forming a remaining portion of the eye loop. A thumb tab engages the lever and is positioned in an angled slot defined in a guide plate. The thumb tab is slidable in the angled slot, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the angled slot urges the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The lever further includes an opening for receiving a protruding portion of the thumb tab, such that the lever can rotate to open the eye loop, essentially without sliding the thumb tab down in the slot of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael H. McDonald, Maureen Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8789248
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chain hook which reduces the risk of disengagement of one or more chains connected thereto. The chain hook comprises an elongate body, a first hook at a first end of the elongate body for connection to a load and a second hook at a second end of the elongate body for connection to at least one chain, wherein the first and second hooks are in different planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Turbo Hook Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Douglas McGregor McKay
  • Patent number: 8695179
    Abstract: A hook article that is constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment between two or more objects includes a fixed frame member and gate member. The gate member includes a first end that is pivotally hinged to the frame member, a second end movable with respect to the frame member to allow access into an interior space and a handle that is integral with the gate member. The position of the handle facilitates the process of and enables a user to easily open and close the gate member with a single hand, while protecting the fingers of the user against jamming. Upon applying pressure to the handle, the gate member pivotally retracts towards an interior space of the hook article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Eugene Bae
  • Patent number: 8499423
    Abstract: A precision safety ring-shaped hook provides a timing gauge structure which is composed of a sliding groove, a pair of rail members, and a block pin. Each of the rail members has an arc surface. When a first locking axle is moved to an open slot, a first end of a hook body is moved away from the first guiding member and, at the same time, a block pin moves to the arc surface area, so that when the first locking axle is swung in a hook cavity of the hook body, a driving pin is able to position at the arc surface and thus a locking member can be guided by the arc surface to open the opening of the hook body. Accordingly, the opening or shutting of the opening of the hook body by the locking member can thus be precisely operated at one time to provide an advance precision value for the hook and eliminate the interference and impacting drawbacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Aerohook Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kai Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 8402616
    Abstract: A carabiner equipped with a swivelling gate formed by a rigid metal wire of smaller diameter than that of the body. The wire is provided with a protuberance at one of the ends to form a male latching element and an articulation loop at the opposite end for passage of the swivel-pin. A flexible return device for returning the gate to the closed position comprises a compression spring operating in conjunction with an intermediate transfer stirrup inside a housing of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Pierre Plaze, Alain Maurice
  • Patent number: 8341811
    Abstract: A snap ring for fishing implements is provided. The snap ring includes a hook-like body having an opening on a portion thereof, a rotary shaft coupled on one side to a portion of the body such that the rotary shaft is rotatable around the opening, a hollow guide into which the rotary shaft is fitted and slides along, and a guide spring provided between the rotary shaft and the guide to elastically support the guide against the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sunwon Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Gwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20120279027
    Abstract: A hook forms a portion of an eye loop. A lever is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forming a remaining portion of the eye loop. A thumb tab engages the lever and is positioned in an angled slot defined in a guide plate. The thumb tab is slidable in the angled slot, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the angled slot urges the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The lever further includes an opening for receiving a protruding portion of the thumb tab, such that the lever can rotate to open the eye loop, essentially without sliding the thumb tab down in the slot of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas B. Ferguson, Maureen Ferguson, Michael H. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8245369
    Abstract: A karabiner is provided having a hoop and a closing part mounted pivotally via a pivoting axle to the hoop at the insertion opening of the hoop. At least one blocking element is pivotally mounted to the closing part via a blocking element—pivot axle, with the blocking element, at least in a closed position of the closing part, blocking the closing part in its closed position from pivoting towards its opened position and in at least one released position allows the closing part to pivot towards its opened position. The blocking element is pivoted around the blocking element—pivot axle for pivoting it from the blocking position towards the released position in the same rotary direction around the blocking element—pivot axle as the closing part for pivoting the closing part out of the closed position towards its opened position around the closing part—pivot axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aba Hörtnagl GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Hortnagl
  • Patent number: 8231152
    Abstract: A latch extension device for lockedly securing a hinged hatch panel or liftgate of a vehicle in a rigid, partially open position, the device having a pair of arms, each arm having a jaw end, a handle end, and a pivotable coupling interconnecting the arms between the jaw end and the handle end for imparting a scissors action. By clamping the jaws of the device around a striker bolt of the vehicle and inserting the opposite end into the lock, the hinged hatch or door is locked in a partially open position, thereby providing a fixed air gap for ventilation and cooling, as is useful when children, pets or groceries are in the vehicle, while preventing the hatch or door from being opened further or shut. In a preferred embodiment, both arms of the device are joined by a pivot pin and are identical, simplifying manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Kerry A Carlson
  • Patent number: 8136693
    Abstract: A closure for a beverage container that has a cap for overlapping a mouth of the beverage container. An arcuate member attached to the cap having a pair of extremity portions separated from one another and a springing member is connected to the arcuate member proximate to one of the extremity portions that is angularly pivotally moveable in response to a manually applied force, between a first position at which the springing member closes and completes a continuous periphery of the arcuate member and a second position at which the arcuate member periphery is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Penguin Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryce Thatcher
  • Publication number: 20120011688
    Abstract: A snap hook includes a hook member having a gap formed by an attaching end and a receiving end, a pivotal gate pivotally secured to the hook member and having a notch for receiving the receiving end of the hook member, a locking member is rotatably and slidably engaged onto the pivotal gate and includes a slot for aligning with the notch of the pivotal gate for allowing the pivotal gate and the locking member to be rotated relative to the hook member from the locking position to the unlocking position, and the locking member includes a guiding channel for guiding the locking member to slide longitudinally and to rotate relative to the pivotal gate and the hook member for a limited moving distance and for a limited rotational angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Kai Chieh Yang
  • Publication number: 20110126386
    Abstract: A safety hook assembly comprises a body including a coupling portion and a hooking portion extending from the coupling portion, between a distal end of the hooking portion and the coupling portion being defined a gap, the coupling portion including a second hole having an opening and an orifice communicating with each other; a retaining set including an engaging member, a shaft member, and a first resilient element, the shaft member being fixed to the engaging member, inserted to the second hole, and moving between the opening and the orifice; a hooking member including a safety hook and a second resilient element, the safety hook swinging to a first and a second positions of the coupling portion to actuate the shaft member to move to the orifice and the opening respectively, and the second resilient element actuating the safety hook to swing toward the first position of the coupling portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Feng Chia Liang
  • Publication number: 20110113603
    Abstract: A snap hook includes a channel and an orifice of different height formed in an attaching end of a hook member and a latching cavity formed in a receiving end of the hook member, a pivotal gate having one end attached to the attaching end with an axle, and a latch member attached to the other end for engaging with the latching cavity of the hook member, the axle includes one or more flat surfaces for engaging into the narrower channel of the hook member and for selectively moving the latch member to engage with the latching cavity of the hook member and to lock the pivotal gate to the hook member, and for preventing the pivotal gate from being unlocked or opened inadvertently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Kai Chieh Yang
  • Publication number: 20110078881
    Abstract: Use of a snap hook requires the capture loop to be cradled in a joint of the index finger to prevent it from rolling in the hand. Hooks having a cylindrical body roll easily, and those having an oval section capture loop roll more easily. When a hook rolls, its loop can move to a position where it blocks access to the gap, requiring it to be repositioned in the hand. Ergonomic requirements for this hook included: spacing the hand a maximal distance from the gap, stabilize it from rolling in the hand, and minimize hand movement in use. The hand does not close around the hook; it is held between the thumb and a finger, a natural configuration in which the hand retains the lie of its usual open form. Stability from rolling occurs from the contact forces being within the wide contact surfaces of the body and the button. The larger the contact forces, the more stable the hook is. By its nature, it does not roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: William Harold Carveth, William Vincent Carveth
  • Publication number: 20100125985
    Abstract: A karabiner having at least one hoop (1) and at least one closing part (2) and at least one insertion opening (3) of the hoop (1), which can be closed by the closing part (2) in its closed position, with the closing part (2) being mounted pivotally via a closing part pivoting axle (4) to the loop (1) between the closed position and a maximally opened position and at least one blocking element (5) being pivotally mounted at or in the closing part (2) via a blocking element—pivot axle (6), with the blocking element (5), at least in a closed position of the closing part (2), blocking the closing part (2) in its closed position from pivoting in the direction towards its maximally opened position and in at least one released position allows the closing part (2) to pivot in the direction towards its maximally opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: ABA HORTNAGL KG WERKZEUGE -- VORRICHTUNGEN
    Inventor: Andreas Hörtnagl
  • Publication number: 20100125984
    Abstract: A carabiner equipped with a swivelling gate formed by a rigid metal wire of smaller diameter than that of the body. The wire is provided with a protuberance at one of the ends to form a male latching element and an articulation loop at the opposite end for passage of the swivel-pin. A flexible return device for returning the gate to the closed position comprises a compression spring operating in conjunction with an intermediate transfer stirrup inside a housing of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Pierre Plaze, Alain Maurice
  • Publication number: 20100031897
    Abstract: Pet leash assemblies, pet collar assemblies, and methods of using the same. Pet leash assemblies include a tether and a gated clasp coupled to the tether. The gated clasp includes a body, a gate hinged to the body, and a biasing member that pivotally biases the gated clasp to a closed configuration. The gate may include a projection that extends away from the body. When the projection is urged toward a terminal region of the body, the gate is pivoted against a bias of the biasing member and the gated clasp is configured to an open configuration, in which a coupling ring of a collar may be inserted into and removed from a passage defined between the gate and the body. The clasp may include a sliding actuator with a gate-engagement surface positioned to engage and pivot the gate against its bias when the actuator is translated toward the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Moeller
  • Publication number: 20090183347
    Abstract: A carabiner provided with a load bearing apex portion having a rubber sleeve for preventing side-to-side slippage of said carabiner on a rounded handle of a mobile vehicle such as a stroller or shopping cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: David L. Abels
  • Publication number: 20080250615
    Abstract: A retainer apparatus and method for removably engaging a first article to a second article includes a beam having a first end portion sized and configured as an open ended hook and a second end portion that attaches to the first article. Also included in the retainer apparatus is a finger that has magnetic attraction to the second article, the finger is disposed adjacent to the second end portion of the beam, with the finger having an open state position allowing free passage of the hook through an aperture of the second article, the finger also having a closed state position wherein the finger is adjacent to the hook such that the hook and finger form a converging interface thereby engaging the first and second articles. Further included is structure for urging the finger from the open state position to the closed state position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew C. Emenheiser
  • Publication number: 20080209700
    Abstract: An attachment device is provided comprising at least one fluid filled cavity formed therein. The attachment device is preferably in the form of a carabiner in which at least a portion of the carabiner body is formed of a transparent material such that the fluid filled cavity is visible. In a preferred embodiment an indicia bearing means is visibly disposed within said cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Forever Green Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20080209699
    Abstract: An attachment device is provided comprising at least one fluid filled cavity formed therein. The attachment device is preferably in the form of a carabiner in which at least a portion of the carabiner body is formed of a transparent material such that the fluid filled cavity is visible. In a preferred embodiment an indicia bearing means is visibly disposed within said cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Forever Green Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20080209701
    Abstract: An attachment device is provided comprising at least one fluid filled cavity formed therein. The attachment device is preferably in the form of a carabiner in which at least a portion of the carabiner body is formed of a transparent material such that the fluid filled cavity is visible. In a preferred embodiment an indicia bearing means is visibly disposed within said cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Forever Green Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7353571
    Abstract: An attachment device is provided comprising at least one fluid filled cavity formed therein. The attachment device is preferably in the form of a carabiner in which at least a portion of the carabiner body is formed of a transparent material such that the fluid filled cavity is visible. In a preferred embodiment an indicia bearing means is visibly disposed within said cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Forever Green Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Edward Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7093330
    Abstract: A snap-hook that has a hook, forming a portion of an eye loop, and a lever that is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forms a remaining portion of said eye loop with respect to the hook. A thumb tab is connected to the lever, and is positioned in a slot defined in the hook. The thumb tab is slidable in the slot relative to the hook, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the slot causes the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The snap-hook has essentially broad, opposing, front and back sides, and relatively narrower edges, such that the back side of the snap-hook can be placed into the palm of a user's hand to hold the snap. The thumb tab is located on the front side of the snap-hook to allow simpler holding of the snap-hook and operation of the release mechanism with one hand while essentially eliminating swiveling of the snap-hook in the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Burton Ferguson, Michael Hanley McDonald
  • Patent number: 6941622
    Abstract: A hook is capable of hooking a chain at a desired length. The hook comprises a hook body, and a buckle above the hook body. The buckle has a U shape opening. Width of the shape opening is confined by the size of a chain to be hung. The buckle, has a penetrating groove which penetrates two inner sides of the buckle and one outer side of the buckle. A spring and a movable shaft pass through the penetrating groove. The movable shaft is positioned by a pin so that the spring is compressed by the movable shaft and the movable shaft will not drop out of the buckle. A notch is formed at a predetermined portion of the movable shaft. A semi-round groove is formed at a coupling portion of the buckle and the notch, and the semi-round groove is positioned across the two inner sides of the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Rung Te Hung
  • Patent number: 6907645
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety hook (12, 12?) having a wire spring latch (26, 26?). The wire spring latch (26, 26?) is a wire loop pawl. The safety hook (12, 12?) is made of a heavy gauge wire form material, which is preferably bent only to form first and second ends (14, 14?, 16, 16?), a chain link securing end (14, 14?) and a hook opening end (16, 16?), respectively. The wire loop pawl (26, 26?) is preferably a rod of elastically deformable material, bent to form an open loop (28, 28?) and bent-over ends (32, 32?, 34, 34?) about which the pawl (26, 26?) pivots with respect to the body (12, 12?) of the safety hook (10, 10?) when the latch (26, 26?) is deformed and forced away from a distal end (38, 38?) of the hook opening end (16, 16?) of the safety hook (10, 10?). The bent over ends (32, 32?, 34, 34?) of the wire loop pawl (26, 26?) are not coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Peerless Chain Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Jenson, Eric J. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6832417
    Abstract: A safety hook that includes a body having a hook portion and a shank portion, a gate that is pivotally mounted from a gate pivot point on the shank portion, and a locking element that is pivotally supported from the shank. The safety hook also includes a peninsular portion that extends between the locking element and the and the heel portion of the gate, and a spring, the spring being mounted between and against the locking element and the locking element, so that to release the gate the user simply rotates the locking element away from the peninsular portion and then rotates the closure portion in, towards the mouth of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Gary E. Choate
  • Patent number: 6772488
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety hook (12, 12′) having a wire spring latch (26, 26′). The wire spring latch (26, 26′) is a wire loop pawl. The safety hook (12, 12′) is made of a heavy gauge wire form material, which is preferably bent only to form first and second ends (14, 14′, 16, 16′), a chain link securing end (14, 14′) and a hook opening end (16, 16′), respectively. The wire loop pawl (26, 26′) is preferably a rod of elastically deformable material, bent to form an open loop (28, 28′) and bent-over ends (32, 32′, 34, 34′) about which the pawl (26, 26′) pivots with respect to the body (12, 12″) of the safety hook (10, 10′) when the latch (26, 26′) is deformed and forced away from a distal end (38, 38′) of the hook opening end (16, 16′) of the safety hook (10,10′). The bent over ends (32, 32′, 34, 34′) of the wire loop pawl (26, 26′) are not coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Robert D. Jensen, Eric J. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6622354
    Abstract: An Improved Carabiner (38) is provided consisting of a Modified Rope Receiving Member (40), Pivoting Gate Member (42), and Sloped Extension Arm (46). The Improved Carabiner (38) mitigates the risk of injury to a climber in the event that the climber falls after improperly clipping a Rope (24) into the Improved Carbiner (38). If the Rope (24) has been clipped improperly, in a fashion known within the art as back-clipping, and the climber falls, the presence of the Sloped Extension Ann (46) serves to divert the rope away from the Pivoting Gate Member (42), thus preventing the Rope (24) from becoming unclipped from the Improved Carabiner (38). An Improved Carabiner Alternate Embodiment (52) is presented in which a Secondary Pivoting Member (54) blocks the Rope from access to the Pivoting Gate Member (58). A Second Alternate Embodiment Carabiner (82) is presented which utilizes the outward force of the Rope (24) to lock the Pivoting Gate Member, Second Alternate Embodiment (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory L. Klingier
  • Patent number: 6588075
    Abstract: A fish-hook clasp with a rotating mechanism or “small jack” whose shape forms two activating wings which protrude respectively from the side edges of the clasp's shell. It is possible to act on at least one of the wings to cause the rotating mechanism to rotate therefore bringing the rotating mechanism from the closed position, towards which the rotating mechanism is normally pushed by the internal spring, to the open position. The rotating mechanism is also supplied with contact surfaces, which are there to interact with the closed part of the edge of the shell of the clasp which defines the position of an arm of the rotating mechanism when the clasp is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Enio Calvani
  • Patent number: 6553636
    Abstract: A jewelry clasp has a base with a base end and a distal end with a hook extending back over the base. A jaw is moveably mounted with respect to the base adjacent a midpoint. A retainer portion of the jaw is adapted to overlie the top of the hook adjacent the distal end. A closed space is formed between the jaw, the hook and the base to receive an eyelet. A lever portion on the end of the jaw opposite the hook is provided to move the retainer portion outwardly in order to open the clasp. Preferably, a pivot pin mounts the jaw and a spring is utilized to urge the retainer portion firmly against the hook. The hook can have a straight section engageable by the eyelet during coupling and a curved section at the top of the hook. Particular angle positioning can provide additional assistance in coupling and decoupling the eyelet, along with the positioning, curving and spacing of the tip of the jaw. Alternatively, the hook may be curved substantially throughout its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Spertner Jewelers, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Brenner
  • Patent number: 6484373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch for coupling tether straps attached to child vehicle seats to anchorages provided on the vehicle, e.g., anchorages provided on the package shelf of the vehicle or anchorages located at the crease of the seat bottom and seat back. The latch provides advantages over the common “T” hook currently in use, including a push button remote from the hook of the latch. In addition, the latch may include an opening for attachment of the tether strap. In one preferred embodiment, the latch further includes a plate which is coupled to a strap length adjuster, the plate and adjuster being pivotally connected to permit side-to-side rotation of the adjuster relative to the latch to prevent bunching or twisting of the strap which can cause the belt to loose its ability to uniformly distribute a load across its width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6421888
    Abstract: A static line snap comprising an elongated body including a handle portion and an opposing C shaped portion for attachment to an anchor. The attachment portion includes a cavity with a load end and a lock end, and opposing arms defining a slot. A keeper with two gates is movably mounted adjacent the slot. The keeper has a lock position and a load position, with a first gate partitioning the load end from the lock end in the keeper load position and a second gate partitioning the load end from the lock end in the keeper lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Capewell Components Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Todd M. Grenga, John R. Schumann, Mark N. Heflin
  • Patent number: 6336260
    Abstract: The gated rigging plate of the present invention includes a rigid member having first and second opposite ends, first and second rigid arms mounted to the member, and extending away from the first end of the member from opposite sides of the member adjacent the second end of the member. The first end of the rigid member has at least one anchor aperture formed therein. The first and second rigid arms have corresponding first and second distal ends. The first and second distal ends are inwardly turned in opposed facing relation so as to define corresponding opposed facing first and second rigging component receiving cavities between the first and second rigid arms and the second end of the member. The rigid plate may be pivotally mounted to the rigid arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Basecamp Innovations, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kirk Martin Mauthner
  • Patent number: 6308385
    Abstract: A jewelry clasp with two ends for connecting to a necklace. A latch has an aperture in the periphery thereof and aligns with one of two apertures defined by the discontinuous periphery of the clasp. An actuator located on the latch is provided so as to move the latch. Once the latch aperture is aligned with one of the respective apertures in the clasp, a jump ring on the end of a necklace may be attached to an end of the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Franklin Ball
  • Patent number: 6192558
    Abstract: A device that assists in the tying of knots for tightening lines, especially ropes that hold heavy loads in place on trucks or flat bed trailers. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises two side members, two transverse members, and a clasping member. The clasping member moves between a closed position in which the side members, the lower transverse member and the clasping member form a closed loop, and an open position in which there is an opening between the side members. The clasping member is spring loaded and biased toward the closed position. One side member is turned back to form a hook, the end of which engages the clasping member in its closed position. The upper ends of the side members extend above the upper transverse member to form ears that prevent a rope tied around that member from slipping off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Michael W. Badura