Having Inserted End Formed By Oppositely Biased Surface Segments Patents (Class 24/625)
  • Patent number: 6460232
    Abstract: A buckle is formed of a female buckle in a hollow shape, and a male buckle including an insertion section to be inserted into the female buckle. The insertion section includes a middle leg, and elastic legs with engaging projections disposed at both sides of the middle leg. The female buckle includes engaging windows engaging the engaging projections of the elastic legs. The elastic legs are elastically deformed inwardly upon insertion operation of the insertion section, and at a predetermined position, the engaging projections enter into the engaging windows elastically. Also, the female buckle includes a pair of dividing plate portions for guiding and holding the middle leg therebetween, and the dividing plate portions extend between inner walls of the female buckle which face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Maruoka
  • Patent number: 6457219
    Abstract: A side release buckle includes a male buckle member, a female buckle member for engagement with the male buckle member, a first decorative member fastened to the male buckle member by a hook joint, and a second decorative member fastened to the female buckle member and adapted to show with the first decorative member a particular character design after connection of the male buckle member to the female buckle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Kim Ging Hui Enterprise Limited
    Inventor: Chun Chien Liu
  • Patent number: 6452801
    Abstract: A clip (10) comprises a pressing body (12) adapted to press onto a heat sink (40). First and second arms (14, 15) extend outwardly and upwardly from opposite ends of the pressing body. A pair of flanges (36) extends perpendicularly outwardly from opposite edges of the second arm. A horseshoe-shaped locking slot (38) is defined in each flange. An operation portion (24) extends upwardly and then downwardly from an end of the second arm. The operation portion has an engaging hole (18) for engagingly receiving a socket (50). A pair of locking bars (34) extends from opposite edges of the operation portion, and is slidably accommodated in the locking slots. Pushing the operation portion causes the locking bars to slide along the locking slots until they snap into place, whereby the clip is securely attached to the socket and firmly presses the heat sink against an electronic device (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 6446314
    Abstract: A buckle having a socket member and a plug member which may be coupled to the socket member. Latching surfaces on the plug member are formed on in resiliently flexible legs which extend from the base of the plug member. The socket member includes stopping members for engaging the latching surfaces of the legs in order to couple the plug member to the socket member. A button formed on the socket member includes a releasing member which is pushed down into the socket and forced into a space between the legs, thereby forcing the flexible legs to bend outwardly. As the legs are forced outwardly, eventually their latching surfaces clear the stopping members, and the plug member is released from the socket. The resiliently flexible nature of the legs provides a force upon disengagement of the latching surfaces from the post, which causes the plug member to spring out of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 6421889
    Abstract: A buckle structure has a male and female buckle piece. The male buckle piece has a base mount having two symmetric retaining legs extending therefrom with a guiding post disposed therebetween. Each retaining leg has an enlarged head portion having a leading angle and a retaining corner. Each retaining leg has an abutment block. In the female buckle piece is defined a hollow engagement cavity for receiving retaining legs with a guiding tunnel disposed at the center for receiving the guiding post. The female buckle piece has a side dodging opening respectively for exposing the abutment block. A stop post located in the way of each retaining leg engages with the retaining corner in buckling up; actuation of the abutment block permits the retaining corner to escape from restraint, making buckle pieces to separate easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Vinsonic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Vincent Chien
  • Patent number: 6418760
    Abstract: A mechanism for converting between rotational and linear movement includes a rotatable hub structure and a striker element having an inboard end and an outboard end. In one form of the mechanism, a pivot/spring structure is positioned to engage a pivot location on the striker element between the inboard and outboard ends of the striker element. The pivot/spring structure provides a deflectable pivot fulcrum which can be deflected from a pivot rest position in response to a deflecting force exerted on the striker element. The hub structure can be engaged with the inboard end of the striker element so that a rotational movement of the hub structure provides a force on the striker element tending to cause the inboard end to pivot about the pivot structure, deflecting the pivot fulcrum such that the outboard end of the striker element moves in a generally axial direction. The mechanism can be used in a latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ian J. Fettes
  • Patent number: 6414846
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a heat sink (10) and a fixing device (20). The heat sink includes a base (12) and a plurality of fins (14) extending from the base. The base has a pair of exposed portions at opposite sides of the fins. The fixing device includes a clip (22) and a clamp (24). The clip includes a pair of spaced pressing portions (222) and a pair of engaging loops (228). The clamp has a body (242) with a pair of apertures (244) defined therein. The apertures engagingly receive the engaging loops of the clip, so that the clamp is secured to the clip. The pressing portions are received between fins of the heat sink. The clamp is located over one exposed portion of the heat sink. The pressing portions press the heat sink against an electronic device (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 6412153
    Abstract: A device for attaching at least two pieces of a material is disclosed. The device comprises a first portion, the first portion comprising an opening and a ledge therein and a latching mechanism hingedly coupled to the first portion wherein the latching mechanism is capable of being attachably coupled to the first portion via the ledge. Accordingly, the device in accordance with the present invention is easy to open and close, latches securely, and stays closed during package stress testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Vatche D. Khachadourian, Mark E. Maresh, Duncan Andrew Whalen
  • Patent number: 6408494
    Abstract: A three-way buckle having a socket member and a pair of plug members which may be coupled to the socket member, wherein the latching surfaces on the plug members are defined in resiliently flexible legs which extend from the base of the plug members. The socket member includes stopping members for engaging the latching surfaces of the legs in order to lock the plug members to the socket member. The plug members are simultaneously releasable from the socket because of the presence of a flap or button which is defined in a top wall of the socket. The button includes a pair of releasing members, one releasing member for each pair of legs, which as they are pushed down into the socket are forced into a space between the legs, thereby forcing the flexible legs to bend outwardly. As the legs are forced outwardly, eventually their latching surfaces clear the stopping members and the plug members are released from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 6378466
    Abstract: A buckle (10) for a collar (15) includes a plug portion (11) and a socket portion (12). The plug portion (11) includes pivotable arms (35 or 47) having lugs (36 or 50) formed on the ends thereof. A spring (40 or 55) biases the outer ends of the arms (35 or 47) away from each other. The socket portion (12) has an open end (27) and opposed side openings (28). When the arms (35 or 47) are received through the open end (27), the lugs (36 or 50) will be received through the side openings (28) to attach the plug portion (11) to the socket portion (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Coastal Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Oyster, David R. Kerns, Robert C. Holt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6360410
    Abstract: A strap buckle comprises a male element and a female element which can be snap-fitted together and each of which has means for the connection of a respective portion of strap. The connection means include a device for adjusting the tension of the respective portion of strap, the device comprising two crosspieces which extend between two cheeks of the respective buckle element and define two slots which can be engaged by the strap, for which they define a tortuous path. The adjustment device includes a catch which is articulated to the cheeks about an axis parallel to the crosspieces and which can adopt a clamping position in which it interferes with the strap, preventing the strap from sliding in the slots, or a release position in which it is spaced from the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: National Molding Corp.
    Inventor: Attilio Lovato
  • Patent number: 6360411
    Abstract: A tamper evident buckle including a first part adapted to be attached to one end of an elongate strap, a second part adapted to be attached to the other end of the strap, the first and second parts including respective engagement means for releasably engaging the two parts together, an enclosure movable between a first position wherein the first and second parts are freely engageable and disengageable and a second position wherein the enclosure substantially encloses the engaged together first and second parts, and a seal including a main body, comprised of at least one component, and at least one deflectable member, wherein the seal is adapted to engage the enclosure in the second operative position and to prevent movement from the second operative position to the first operative position unless said seal is broken. The buckle may be used to secure the contents of a container, such as a cash box, against unauthorized tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Harcor Security Seals Pty Limited
    Inventor: Gary Bortz
  • Patent number: 6351876
    Abstract: A first hooking face and a second hooking face which are hooking end faces of an engaging portion of a plug member releasably engage a first engaging face which is a top wall end face of an opening of a socket member and a second engaging face which is a side wall end face thereof respectively, so that an engaging area increases. The side release buckle, therefore, ensures a secure and strong engagement between the plug member and the socket member and is never released easily even when an unexpected external force is applied to a side portion of the engaging portion of the plug member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Patent number: 6311374
    Abstract: A buckle assembly comprising a plug portion and a socket portion. The plug portion has a base, a pair of parallel side arms attached to and extending away from the base, the side arms being flexible toward each other, and a center arm disposed between the side arms and connected to the base as well. The center arm has a push button disposed adjacent the base and a catch disposed adjacent the push button. Both the catch and push button extend upward from the center arm. Each side of the socket portion has an aperture for receiving an end of one of the side arms, and the top surface of the socket portion has spaces to allow the push button and catch to protrude therethrough when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. The buckle assembly is locked by inserting the plug portion into the open end of the socket portion until the side arms protrude through the apertures and the push button and catch protrude through the spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 6301719
    Abstract: The present invention relates to attachments for releasably securing a transparent shield to a wire grid face protector and the wire grid face protector to a helmet. The attachments comprise a clip and a bracket. The clip comprises a retaining body adapted to be secured to the wire grid face protector at a predetermined location and on opposed sides of a sight opening of the wire grid face protector. The retaining body has a guide slot adapted to receive an attachment flange of the transparent shield, and an opening formed in an outer wall thereof configured to receive in abutting engagement a resilient, outwardly inclined tongue of the attachment flange. The bracket comprises a body having a groove into which a wire member of the wire grid face protector is releasably and frictionally retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Itech Sport Products Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Goodhand, Garnet Alexander, Hubert Gagnon, Paul Isabelle
  • Patent number: 6299588
    Abstract: A quick release orthopedic limb brace having an upright assembly and a clip member. The clip member is quickly and selectively inserted and removed from a clip housing on the upright assembly, at the convenience of a user. When the clip is locked in the clip housing, the resulting joint connection effectively prevents relative movement between the clip and the upright assembly to prevent injury or harm to a user. In an alternate embodiment, the upright remains pivotal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Richard A. Fratrick
  • Patent number: 6263549
    Abstract: A buckle having a buckle main body and an insertion body. The buckle main body comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, and side walls. The buckle main body also has an insertion port at one end and a belt-mounting portion at the other end. The insertion body has flexible operation rods on both sides of a base rod in a projecting manner where portions of the operation rods are to be engaged in the insertion port of the buckle main body. The operation rods have narrow leg portions arranged in a side of the base rod, and bulging head portions fitted to opening portions and formed in the front end of the leg portions. Reinforcing ridge portions are formed on the outer surface of the leg portions running from substantially the base rod to substantially the bulging head portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Patent number: 6263548
    Abstract: A buckle of the invention is formed of a hollow female member, which is provided with an inserting hole and first engaging portions, and a male member provided with a collar portion and elastic pieces disposed at both end portions of a front surface of the collar portion. Each of the elastic pieces includes a second engaging portion at a distal end thereof, and the elastic pieces are disposed to face each other and inserted into the inserting hole of the female member. The both end portions of the front surface of the collar portion are respectively provided with concave portions, so that the collar portion and the elastic pieces are overlapped in a longitudinal direction thereof. Accordingly, an entire length of the male member is shortened while a length of the elastic piece and bending margin are obtained as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6247213
    Abstract: A buckle body, flat cylindrical in shape, includes an upper plate, a lower plate and side walls. The buckle body has at its one end an insertion opening, and at its other end a belt-mounting part. Each of the opposite side walls has an opening to form engaged portions. A projection projecting from a central portion of the upper plate at the side of an insertion opening project above a belt passage of the insertion body. The insertion body has a belt-fastening portion, a belt-folding portion, the belt passage, and a base portion which are arranged from one end to an inner side thereof and extend between side frames. The base portion has at its opposite sides operating portions, which have at their intermediate portion engaging portions so as to engage/disengage from the buckle body. Even when the belt on the insertion body loosens while the buckle is used, the belt is prevented from loosening by the projection, and the length of the belt can be adjusted by obliquely lifting up the engaged buckle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Patent number: 6237826
    Abstract: An improved side-release belt buckle has a male part with a resilient member and a female part with a cavity for releasably securing the resilient member, wherein the female part has a buckle-release aperture on a side (e.g., the top of the buckle) whose geometric normal is substantially aligned with a surface of the wearer's body. The aperture being substantially free of extension into a side (i.e., the front face of the buckle) that has a normal directed away from the wearer's body. The invention has application to saftey buckles for use in strapping firearm holsters and other articles to wearers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Gould & Goodrich Leather, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard B. Gould
  • Patent number: 6226844
    Abstract: Quick release buckles are provided that include, for example: (a) a first buckle component having an engagement end and a module receiving portion opposite the engagement end; and (b) a second buckle component having an engagement end constructed for releasable engagement with the engagement end of the first buckle component, and a module receiving portion opposite the engagement end; each of the module receiving portions being constructed for fixed engagement with any one of a plurality of different modular components. Methods of assembling buckling systems and buckle assembly systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Lerra, Stephen Stewart, Mark Tauer
  • Patent number: 6226186
    Abstract: A fastener for a CPU radiating module is provided. The fastener is integrally formed and mainly includes a pressing part. The pressing part is substantially V-shaped to give two ends thereof some extent of elasticity. A raised portion is provided at a top central area of the pressing part to prevent the pressing part from quick elastic fatigue. A first end of the pressing part extends outward to form an anti-skid handle and a control part. A top portion of the control part is bound by two downward bent lugs of the pressing part to closely locate below and in front of the handle. A second end of the pressing part is bent downward to form a tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Chang-fa Chien
  • Patent number: 6219889
    Abstract: An adjustable clasp comprises a retainer body having an elongate cavity within which slides a strap having saw teeth. The retainer body includes a main generally non-deformable body from which extends a flexible tongue provided with pawls projecting into the cavity to engage the teeth of the strap, and at least one resilient wing facing the flexible tongue and engagable under pressure to disengage the pawls from the teeth of the strap. The retainer body has guide members on the main portion and second guide members close to the opposite end of the main body, to maintain the strap close to the pawls. The second guide members include a contact portion extending from the resilient wing at its end opposite the main portion of the retainer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignees: National Molding of Europe S.r.L., MET S.p.A.
    Inventors: Attilio Lovato, Filippo Perini
  • Patent number: 6219238
    Abstract: A structure for removably attaching a heat sink to an electronic package. At least one heat sink engaging member engages a surface of the heat sink opposite a surface of the heat sink engaging the electronic package. At least two heat sink retaining clips extend from opposite sides of the at least one heat sink engaging member. Each retaining clip includes a first arm for extending past a side of the heat sink and a portion of the electronic package and a second arm extending from the first member for engaging the electronic package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frank E. Andros, Michael A. Gaynes, Hussain Shaukatullah, Wayne R. Storr
  • Patent number: 6189348
    Abstract: A retightenable and resettable strap lock for luggage includes a female buckle member with number wheels, a male buckle member for releasably engaging with the female buckle member, and a strap connected to the female buckle member and the male buckle member. A slide member is mounted in the female buckle member for restraining movement of the strap. An end of the strap is pullable to further tighten the luggage even if the male and female buckle members are engaged with each other, yet loosening of the strap by pulling the end of the strap in the opposite direction is prevented. A pull tab holder is mounted in the male buckle member for receiving two pull tabs of a zipper of the luggage. The pull tab holder is retained in place by the female buckle member when the male and female buckle members are engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Chien-Yung Huang
  • Patent number: 6185794
    Abstract: The buckle (F) consists of a base part (F1), attached to one side of the footpocket of the fin (P) and comprising a movable strap-locking tooth (22), counteracting elastic means (24), associated to said tooth (22) and manual strap-releasing means (17) connected to said tooth, and of a strap-fastening part (F2), which only comprises strap-guiding means (13) for returning the strap (C), and is joined to the base part (F1), in such a way as to be able to slide in the longitudinal direction of the strap (C) between a retracted strap-tightening position, wherein it is automatically hooked to the base part (F1), so as to be manually releasable, and the strap-locking tooth (22) is engaged with the teeth (C1) of the strap (C), and a forward quick strap-loosening position, wherein the strap-locking tooth (22) is disengaged from the teeth (C1) of the strap and allows the latter to slide freely in both senses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Salvas Sub S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renzo Maggi
  • Patent number: 6163942
    Abstract: A two-piece lock comprises a male connector; a locking mechanism provided on the male connector including a pair of connecting rods each having a rod portion and a slope portion, a pair of springs each putting on one of the rod portions, a tube member for receiving the springs and the rod portions on two opposite sides having a longitudinal center opening and a transverse center hole, a movable member having a head portion and a recessed body portion, and a pair of connecting members each pivotably connecting the rod portions and the recessed body portion which is pivotably secured to the tube member by inserting a fixing means through the transverse center hole and a predetermined position of the recessed body portion; and a female connector comprising a pair of holes on two opposite sides each receiving one of the slope portions in a locked position, and a recessed portion for receiving the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Chien-Chen Liao
  • Patent number: 6161266
    Abstract: A modular attachment system for an object holding/displaying system comprises a base module that engages a cord and an attachment module that engages an attachment device used to hold/display an object. Various types of attachment modules may be used with a single base module, thus allowing substitution and flexibility in providing appropriate systems for various situations. The base module and attachment module are releasably connected to facilitate easy substitution. Various attachment devices may be used with the attachment module. The base module may also include a safety release system to allow the cord to disengage in the presence of a strong force. The attachment system may be made from molded plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 6154936
    Abstract: A two-piece lanyard release buckle which comprises a keeper and a secure part. The keeper is comprised of a floor which includes a front portion and a rear portion and a cover spaced apart from the floor, means for flexibly securing the cover and the floor to one another and a lanyard secured to the cover. The opposed surfaces of the floor and the cover define a slot therebetween and a keeper surface is formed on the surface of the cover. The secure part is configured to be received in the slot and is comprised of a front portion and a rear portion. The secure part is characterized by at least one locking finger having a top surface and terminating in a catch tab. When the secure part is received in the keeper, the locking finger engages the keeper surface and locks the secure part to the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Down East, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Howell, Clarence F. Howell
  • Patent number: 6145172
    Abstract: A locking device for a buckle including a male member and a female member having coupling apertures formed in opposing sides. The male member includes a pair of resilient arms having coupling tabs for cooperating with the coupling apertures of the female member. The female member has guide means for receiving a guide member on the male member during insertion of the male member into the female member. The female member is provided with a locking device in the form of a locking member slidable in a slot to a position where it prevents depression of one of the resilient arms to release the coupling tabs from the coupling apertures. The lock is released by sliding the locking member along the slot in a direction away from the resilient arm. Accidental or unauthorised release of the buckle can therefore be prevented by providing the locking device on a side of the female member next to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Ted Bourdon
  • Patent number: 6138330
    Abstract: The device is a snap buckle with a safety feature--a blocking element 16 which blocks the action of the side catch arms 11a&b and prevents the buckle from being inadvertently disengaged.A male plug 10, having side catch arms 11a&b and a central member 12, forms one part of the device. A female socket 13, having openings 14a&b, a depressible member 15, and a blocking element 16 forms the other part of the device.To engage, plug 10 and socket 13 are urged together. Side catch arms 11a&b ride over blocking element 16 to engage openings 14a&b, and are then blocked from disengagement by blocking element 16. To disengage, depressible member 15 is depressed to disable the blocking action of blocking element 16, and side catch arms 11a&b are then pressed inward to disengage said side catch arms 11a&b from socket 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: John Alexander Galbreath
  • Patent number: 6135692
    Abstract: A cotter pin which is engageable with a fastening member is formed from a wire and includes a bight with a pair of legs that extend therefrom. Specifically, the bight is formed with shoulders that will substantially conform with a surface of the fastening member. Also, each end of the legs of the cotter pin is formed with a retainer member which has an abutment that will substantially conform with another surface of the fastening member. More specifically, one surface is at one end of an aperture which passes through the fastening member, and the other surface is at the other end of the aperture. Each retainer member is formed with a point at the end of its respective leg, and these points are spaced from each other by a distance which is less than the diameter of the aperture that is formed through the fastening member. For engagement of the cotter pin with the fastening member, the points of the retainer members are positioned at an opening of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Banning Gray Lary
  • Patent number: 6118661
    Abstract: A clip is configured for retaining a heat sink on a chip and socket combination. The clip includes an arcuate pressing portion, first and second engaging arms downwardly extending from opposite ends of the arcuate pressing portion, and a driving arm generally upwardly extending from a lower end of the second engaging arm. The clip engages with the socket by openings in the first and second engaging arms receiving projections on opposite edges of the socket. The arcuate pressing portion downwardly presses the heat sink toward the chip. The second engaging arm defines a slit above the hole thereof to reduce the rigidity thereof and the driving arm forms a rib to increase the rigidity thereof, thereby the driving arm having a greater rigidity than the second engaging arm. The driving arm is downwardly and outwardly movable to disengage the second engaging arm from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Ta Lo
  • Patent number: 6115253
    Abstract: A strap spring mounts a heat sink to an electronic device by snapping holes in the leg over ears of a catch on the socket. Two perpendicularly extending springs have an opening between them so that the springs fit between the fins of a heat sink and are latched in ratched indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Thermalloy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Clemens, Matthew C. Smithers
  • Patent number: 6111752
    Abstract: A clip for fastening a heat sink to a CPU mounted on a ZIF connector is made by stamping a metal sheet. The clip has an elongated body portion for pressing the heat sink toward the CPU. A first arm extends downward from a first end of the body portion and defines a hole about its free end for fitting with a first lug of the connector. A second arm extends downward from a second end of the body portion and defines a hole about its free end for fitting with a second lug of the connector. A handle portion is formed by plastic injection molding to be fixed to upper end of the second arm. The handle portion is used for receiving a manipulating force of the clip exerted directly by fingers of an operator. A pair of tabs integrally formed with the second arm is located below the handle portion and projects toward each other. A tool may be used to extend to abut the tabs via the handle portion, whereby the manipulating force of the clip may be exerted to the clip through the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Yuan Huang, Wei-Ta Lo
  • Patent number: 6108207
    Abstract: An integrally formed clip comprises first and second engaging legs for engaging with a socket, a folded first squeezing portion for exerting an inward squeezing force, a folded second squeezing portion opposing the first squeezing portion for exerting an inward squeezing force and a downward pressing force, and a curved spring portion. The first squeezing portion includes an outside face upwardly extending from the first engaging leg and an inside face connected with the spring portion. The second squeezing portion connects to an opposite end of the spring portion and is L-shaped, comprising a vertical first folded section accepting an inward squeezing force and a horizontal second folded section for accepting a downward pressing force. The second engaging leg depends downward from the second operation section. Alternatively, the first squeezing portion can be identical to the second squeezing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Lee
  • Patent number: 6061883
    Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle having a simple structure to increase efficiency of an assembling operation and desirable operability wherein engagements of plugs with a socket are reliably carried out. The buckle comprises a pair of plugs and a socket. Each the plug has a strap attaching portion, a tongue formed to project from the strap attaching portion to be inserted into the socket, and an engaging portion. The socket is formed with inserting portions into which the tongues are inserted respectively, and fixed engaged portions with which the engaging portions are engaged. An operating portion is formed separately from the socket between the engaged portions for displacing the engaging portions to-disengage engagements of the engaging portions with the engaged portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoichiro Uehara
  • Patent number: 6052875
    Abstract: A buckle assembly comprises a plug member and a socket member releasably engageable therewith, the plug member having a pair of spaced resilient arms with engaging grooves and the socket member having engaging ridges formed in its upper and lower surfaces, the arrangement being that the engaging ridges in the socket member are releasably engageable with the corresponding grooves in the plug member at areas relatively close to the center of the buckle body and away from the sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Fudaki
  • Patent number: 6000109
    Abstract: A plug and socket-type buckle assembly in which the plug portion comprises a base and a flexible plate integrally formed therewith. There is at least one aperture in the plate. A locking lug extends across the free end of the bottom of the plate and protrudes below the flat surfaces of the plate. The socket portion comprises a top part and a bottom part integrally formed therewith to define a cavity for receiving the plug portion. The top part has a flexible release button integrally formed therewith, with a downwardly projecting tip. There is at least one projecting ledge disposed on the inside surface of the top part for engaging the aperture when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. A flexible tongue is integrally formed with the bottom part and has means for engaging the locking lug when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion. Downward pressure on the release button when the plug portion is inserted in the socket portion disengages the aperture from the projecting ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 5996192
    Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle assembly which includes a first tongue, a second tongue, and a socket having a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the first tongue and second tongue. Each tongue includes a tongue coupling member which operates to register the first tongue and second tongue to be inserted into the socket simultaneously. Alternatively, the first tongue and second tongue may be inserted separately wherein the tongue coupling member allows the tongues to be slid relative to one another thereby facilitating individual insertion of the first tongue and the second tongue. In addition, the buckle assembly includes a securement member having a button on each tongue. Both the button on the first tongue and the button on the second tongue must be simultaneously actuated to eject the tongues from the socket. Further, the buckle assembly provides a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot configured to receive a corresponding belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Graco Children Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Haines, Adam Martyn Lloyd, Arthur L. Gehr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5991985
    Abstract: The device is a snap buckle with a safety feature--an additional catch which prevents the buckle from being inadvertently disengaged. A male plug, having side catch arms and a central member with an additional catch, forms one part of the device. A female socket having a depressible member forms the other part of the device. To engage, plug and socket are urged together until the side catch arms, and the additional catch on the central member, both engage the socket. To disengage, the depressible member is depressed to disengage the additional catch on the central member, while simultaneously the side catch arms are depressed to disengage them from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: John Alexander Galbreath
  • Patent number: 5991986
    Abstract: A buckle is shown having two side members that define an upper face and a lower face, with at least three stationary transverse members disposed between and connecting facing inner surfaces of the side members. The three transverse members are substantially parallel to each other and define therebetween belt passageways through which a belt can be threaded and looped around a center one of the transverse members to adjustably secure the belt relative to the buckle. A flange protrudes into one of the belt passageways from substantially the entire length of the center transverse member. The flange is angled toward a first end of the belt passageway, and the distal end of the flange is spaced from the adjacent transverse member by an amount that is slightly larger than the thickness of the belt to be threaded through the belt passageway. The flange prevents threading of a belt through the belt passageway from the first end of the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Canna, Kenneth VonFelten
  • Patent number: 5983463
    Abstract: A tongue (30) having multiple modes of operation comprising: a frame (60), a slide, or clamp (15) and manually adjustable knob (200). The tongue frame includes a locking feature (74) for locking engagement with a seat belt buckle (24), a seat belt receiving first aperture (66) positioned apart from the locking feature; the first aperture including a first belt clamping surface (72). The slide or clamp includes a second belt clamping surface (174) generally opposite the first belt engaging surface, the slide being arranged to slide upon the frame in the vicinity of the first aperture from a belt release position in which the seat belt is freely sliding to a belt clamping or cinching position in which the seat belt (32) is clamped or cinched between the first and second belt clamping surfaces, the slide further includes a first belt engaging surface (160) arranged to urge the slide toward its clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Prentkowski, Brian Walter, Trevor Ashline
  • Patent number: 5974637
    Abstract: A composite buckle comprising a metal male portion that is attachable to a strap and an insertion plate having two flat surfaces, and a female portion for receiving the male portion. The female portion comprises a metal locking body that is attachable to a strap and at least two locking legs adapted to releasably lock with the insertion plate of the male portion. The male portion is inserted between the two locking legs which engage the plate on opposite surfaces of the plate. There is a plastic housing surrounding at least a portion of the metal locking body. The housing has a flexible arm adapted to separate the locking legs and release the metal locking body from the male portion. The buckle according to the invention combines the strength of a metal buckle with the light weight and attractiveness of a plastic buckle, to form a composite buckle that is suitable for a variety of uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Tracy, E. Grant Swick, Roger A. Erber
  • Patent number: 5974639
    Abstract: A buckle including a male member having a tongue with one or more tongue protrusions each having a tongue engagement portion extending from one or more side portions thereof, and a female member having a recess with one or more recess protrusions each having a recess engagement portion extending from one or more inner side portions thereof. A resilient spring member protruding from one of the tongue or the recess of the female member is engageable with the other of the recess or the tongue to laterally shift the tongue in the recess when the tongue engagement portions are inserted into the recess beyond the recess engagement portions, whereby the tongue engagement portions are engageable with the recess engagement portions to retain the tongue in the recess after the tongue is laterally shifted by the resilient spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Keller
  • Patent number: 5971119
    Abstract: A luggage case includes a primary case provided with a plurality of male fasteners each including a base and a plug, the base being riveted on the primary case and having a passage going through the primary case, and a secondary case provided with a plurality of female fasteners riveted on the secondary case, each of the female fasteners having a recess adapted to receive the plug, a neck portion having two holes at two opposite sides thereof, and two positioning arms at the two opposite sides thereof each having a protuberance engageable with the holes of the neck portion, whereby the secondary case can be easily engaged or disengaged from the primary case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Chen Lung Chi
  • Patent number: 5947628
    Abstract: Two table tops or table-top parts (2,3) are releasably interconnected by a female part (6), with the associated table-top part (3) forming a channel at right angles to the edge (5), and a male part (11) with a bifurcated, elastically resilient coupling member adapted to be in engagement with the channel, the male part being releasably held in the connecting position by protruding ears (17) cooperating with the rear (right-side) side of the female part (6), the male part (11) being rotatably (at 12) secured to an anchor member (10) rigidly secured by screws (8) to the other table top or table-top part (2), so that in an inactive, disengaged position (not shown), the male part (11) can be rotated about a pivot (12) out of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Siso A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Moller Hansen
  • Patent number: 5933925
    Abstract: A strap divider for diverging a pair of straps which are disposed one on top of the other into a Y configuration which may be used for the chin straps of a bicycle helmet. The strap divider includes a main body which receives the pair of straps therethrough, and a rotatable clamping member which can be rotated from a position where the straps are clamped in place to an open position where the straps may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the rotatable member includes a cam around its circumference which cooperates with a projection in the main body for adjusting the clamping member between the open position and the locked position as the clamping member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Anscher, Gary Fraze
  • Patent number: 5926928
    Abstract: A side release buckle having a female member with a receptacle for receiving a tongue portion of a male member. One or more openings through the male member are alignable at least partially with corresponding openings through the female member when the tongue portion of the male member is disposed in the receptacle of the female member, whereby the at least partially aligned openings of the male and female members form corresponding apertures through the side release buckle. The openings may include one or more rib members for strength. The side release buckles have, among other advantages, reduced weight without compromising strength, and are suitable for applications where it is desirable to vent the buckle, or permit underlying fabric or structure to be at least partially visible therethrough, or to accept a locking member to prevent or deter casual release of the male and female members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt H. Lundstedt
  • Patent number: 5915538
    Abstract: A device is provided for attaching a chin strap to a protective helmet that includes a main outer shell, and the device is of the type including a removable and disconnectable fastening device for the chin strap. The fastening device includes a fastening member for affixing to the chin strap and is engageable with a fastening lug affixed to a wall of the helmet. The fastening member is configured to include a fastening portion affixed to a pivotable gripping lever, and the pivotable gripping lever is pivotable mounted on the fastening member. Additionally, the fastening lug affixed to the helmet wall includes a matching recessed portion for receiving the fastening portion. Furthermore, the gripping lever of the fastening member is mounted and journaled about a first axis on a retaining part for a strap of the chin strap, and the recessed portion of the fastening lug is open upwardly and is limited outwardly by an outer projecting portion that provides a retaining and fastening edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Gallet S.A.
    Inventors: Gilles Basson, Jean-Paul Noyerie