And Access Opening With Gapped Perimeter For Allowing Movement Of Noninserted Projection Support Therepast Patents (Class 24/669)
  • Patent number: 11744352
    Abstract: A holder for a tool of the type having a belt clip includes a rigid base having a front side, a rear side, a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. At least one rigid belt loop is fixed with the rear side of the rigid base and is open therethrough between side edges thereof for receiving a belt of a person. A rigid front panel is held away from the front side of the rigid base by at least two vertical standoffs. The rigid front panel includes a cut-out portion adapted to receive the belt clip of the tool therein. In use, with the rigid base fixed with the person's belt, the belt clip of the tool is positioned within the cut-out portion of the rigid front panel and then lowered until the belt clip is retained between the rigid front panel and the rigid base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Glyn Robert Chambers
  • Patent number: 11619269
    Abstract: During installation, an engagement structure of an actuator assembly positioning device restricts movement of a securement element of an anti-rotation bracket past a target location (e.g. midpoint) relative to a securement slot of an thereby, thereby guiding a user in positioning the anti-rotation bracket and actuator in a desired mounting arrangement. An optional constricting structure of the positioning device provides tactile feedback that the desired arrangement of the anti-rotation bracket and actuator has been reached. Upon being subject to a force in excess of a threshold force (e.g., as a result of eccentric loading on the actuator arising from an off-centered mounting of the actuator relative to a rotatable shaft), the engagement structure transitions to a second configuration in which the securement element is allowed to move past the target location, thereby accommodating eccentric movement of the actuator during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventor: Russell T. Jenks
  • Patent number: 11589655
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a buckle including a plug member and a socket member. The plug member includes a shaft part protruding from one side of a first body, a first magnet inserted into the shaft part, a connection recess formed on the outer face of the shaft part, and at least one guide protrusion formed on the inner wall of the connection recess. The socket member includes a connection protrusion formed on one side of a second body to be inserted into the connection recess, a coupling recess formed in the middle of the connection protrusion so that the shaft part is inserted into the coupling recess, a second magnet inserted into the coupling recess, and at least one guide groove formed in the outer surface of the connection protrusion to guide the guide protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: WOOJIN PLASTIC Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Sook Paik, Nan Hee Paik, Ji Hye Paik, Ji Won Son
  • Patent number: 10940835
    Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly includes an actuation lever coupled to a brake pedal. The brake assembly also includes a push rod of a brake booster. The push rod has a clevis on an end portion thereof. The clevis comprises two prongs. The brake assembly further includes an alignment device seated on each respective prong of the clevis. The alignment devices are configured to collectively guide and position the clevis into alignment with the actuation lever during construction of the brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Snehasis Ganguly, Curtis Hargitt, Brian Marvin Lemmer, Thomas Stime, Douglas Nash
  • Patent number: 10314371
    Abstract: A component connection has a first component, from which a fixing element protrudes, and a clamping element, which in a tightened rotating position is directly supported relative to the first component directly by way of the fixing element or is indirectly supported relative to the first component by way of a further component. The clamping element has a recess into which the fixing element protrudes from a lower side of the clamping element, wherein a seat portion of the recess is designed in the form of an ascending spiral staircase or thread and at least one free end of the fixing element reaches behind this seat portion in an interlocking manner, such that the at least one free end is seated on the seat portion and when the clamping element is in the tightened rotating position, presses against the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann van Niekerk, Maik Hammer
  • Patent number: 10211548
    Abstract: A patchboard having a plurality of socket blocks (2), each of which has a box-like housing (3) with two end faces (4a, 4b) and four side faces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) which extend between the end faces (4a, 4b), the two end faces (4a, 4b) of the socket blocks (2) having at least one connection region (6). An increased degree of flexibility and ability to adapt to individual user requests is achieved due to each of at least two side faces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the socket blocks (2) having at least one latching element for connection to another socket block (2), and by at least one termination element (11) being arranged on at least one side of the patchboard (1), the termination element (11) having a mating latching element on at least one side face (12, 12b) for connecting the termination element to an adjacent socket block (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Marcel Willems, Jürgen Brand, Ralph Hoppmann, Christian Kloppenburg, Kevin Berghahn
  • Patent number: 8935835
    Abstract: A one-step fabric fastener has a front element (20) formed with a backwardly open seat cavity (21d) holding a magnet (22) and having a pair of catch faces (21g, 21h) directed away from one end of the front element, flanking the seat cavity, and angled such that front edges of the catch faces are closer to the one end than back edges of catch faces. The one end of the front element can exert traction on the front element and front magnet in a direction toward the one end. A back element (30) formed with a forwardly projecting bump (26a) holding a back magnet (27) is loosely fittable in the seat cavity has a pair of catch faces (26c, 26d) engageable in the direction with the front—element catch faces on engagement of the bump in the cavity. The magnets attract each other and pull the bump into the seat cavity on juxtaposition of the front and back element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Fildan Accessories (HK) Ltd
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenboeck
  • Patent number: 8505174
    Abstract: A one-step fabric fastener has a front element formed with a backwardly open seat cavity holding a magnet and having a pair of catch faces directed away from one end of the front element, flanking the seat cavity, and angled such that front edges of the catch faces are closer to the one end than back edges of the catch faces. The one end of the front element can exert traction on the front element and front magnet in a direction toward the one end. A back element formed with a forwardly projecting bump holding a back magnet is loosely fittable in the seat cavity has a pair of catch faces engageable in the direction with the front-element catch faces on engagement of the bump in the cavity. The magnets attract each other and pull the bump into the seat cavity on juxtaposition of the front and back element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Dubrosky & Tracy Patent Service Corp.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenboeck
  • Patent number: 8458979
    Abstract: An attachment system for coupling together two airplane sections includes an attachment section securing one of the airplane sections and a mount section affixed to the other section. The attachment section includes a top, a bottom, a first end, and a second end. Coupled to the top are two clamp sections, whereby at least one of the clamp sections is moveable. Coupled to the bottom is a pair of buttons. The mount section includes a top and a bottom, such that the mount bottom couples to the second airplane section. The mount section further includes a track coupled to the mount top, wherein the track includes an open end having outwardly tapered edges and a closed end. The one of the buttons slides into the track for coupling the attachment section to the mount section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James E. Ebner, Greg A. Tubbs
  • Patent number: 8230559
    Abstract: A fastener for securing together two garment strap ends having confronting faces has at least male elements mounted on the face of one of the strap ends and respective female elements mounted on the face of the other strap end, generally complementary to the male element, and, with the faces touching or closely juxtaposed, slidably engageable in a direction parallel to the faces with the male elements to fasten the two strap ends together. Respective male and female magnets on the strap ends are oriented so as to hold the strap ends in a finder position with the faces engaging or closely juxtaposed with each other and the male and female elements spaced in the direction and disengaged from each other so that displacement of the strap ends apart in the direction from the finder position will engage and lock together the male and female elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fildan Accessories (HK) Ltd
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenboeck
  • Patent number: 7527223
    Abstract: An attachment system for coupling together two airplane sections includes an attachment section securing one of the airplane sections and a mount section affixed to the other section. The attachment section includes a top, a bottom, a first end, and a second end. Coupled to the top are a two clamp sections, whereby at least one of the clamp sections is moveable. Coupled to the bottom is a pair of buttons. The mount section includes a top and a bottom, such that the mount bottom couples to the second airplane section. The mount section further includes a track coupled to the mount top, wherein the track includes an open end having outwardly tapered edges and a closed end. The one of the buttons slides into the track for coupling the attachment section to the mount section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James E. Ebner, Greg A. Tubbs
  • Patent number: 7401387
    Abstract: A clip for joining structural parts comprises a disk having an inner portion and an outer portion forming a rim about the inner portion. The inner portion has a depression with a recess extending downwardly from the depression and provided with a laterally-extending opening for receiving a mounting member, such as a pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Frank Rosemann
  • Patent number: 7353574
    Abstract: A luggage carrying strap connector has a stud with a shank that protrudes perpendicularly from the carrying strap and ends in a head that is larger than the shank. The head and a shank protrude through an aperture in a clasp secured to the end of the strap. A bight in the end of the clasp bears the luggage weight, thus enabling the clasp to take advantage of the luggage weight to increase the strength of the engagement between the stud and the clasp. Resilient members have portions that protrude into the bight to form a gap that is smaller then the corresponding width of the shank to prevent connector disengagement during normal handling but also to avoid impeding coupling and uncoupling the stud and the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Chang-Lin Wu, Paul Victor Scicluna
  • Patent number: 7189043
    Abstract: A retainer for holding nuts, bolts and other components includes a pocket configured for retaining a portion of the component and having an entrance opening for insertion of the component into the pocket. A deflectable blocking element is disposed in the opening and yields to insertion pressure, allowing the component to enter the pocket. A tether secured near the distal end of the blocking element resists deflection of the blocking element in response to withdrawal force applied to a component in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Brian R. Peek
  • Patent number: 7134433
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel clip comprising a first clip member attached to a strap of a face mask for swimming or diving and a second clip member to which a breathing conduit of the snorkel is attached. The first clip member has a guide enabling the second clip member coupled to the first clip member to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the strap. The first and second clip members are formed with stopper means adapted to retain the second clip member at a desired position in the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromasa Sato
  • Patent number: 7114225
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment connector includes a catch, a housing, and a locking member. The catch has an end with an engaging member, and the housing has a cavity and a supporting member. The locking member is positioned within the cavity and has a first position and a second position. The cavity and the locking member have a first configuration when the locking member is in the first position, and the cavity and the locking member have a second configuration when the locking member is in the second position. The first configuration is configured and arranged to receive the end of the catch. The second configuration is configured and arranged to engage the end of the catch between the supporting member and the locking member thereby locking the catch, and the supporting member of the housing provides a surface upon which the engaging member exerts force should a fall occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Casebolt, Bradley A. Rohlf
  • Patent number: 6792653
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose combination clip comprising two clips separably coupled together, each having a holder portion distinct in function from the other for each detachably holding a supported member wherein the supported members can be of varying physical dimensions. The invention relates to a general purpose utility clip for general purpose applications wherein plastic material of the clip structure provides required compression and engagement strength to the two clips which individually are integral one piece plastic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Santa's Best
    Inventor: Wm. F. Protz
  • Patent number: 6729159
    Abstract: Interchangeable Jewelry System for creating custom jewelry assemblies (20, 20′, and 20″). Custom assemblies of one or more interchangeable jewelry segments (22). Interchangeable jewelry segments can contain male (38) and/or female (44) interchangeable mechanisms and/or body connector assemblies (60, 60′, and/or 60″) for attaching to the body or to items which attach to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Laura Jeanene Rose
  • Patent number: 6722544
    Abstract: A substantially noiseless fastening system for a carrying pack includes a flap attached to the shell of the carrying pack along one edge of the flap, a fastener button attached to the flap near a second edge of the flap, and a button receiver attached to the shell. The button receiver has a tapered interference fit slot terminating in a notch for receiving the fastener button, the slot narrowing towards the edge of the flap attached to the shell. The fastening system also includes a pouch attached to the shell, a locking channel attached to the pouch, and a locking groove attached to the shell. The pouch has an edge that forms an opening between the pouch and the shell, and the locking channel engages the locking groove in an interference fit to close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems L.P.
    Inventors: R. Scott Stephens, Joseph B. Wismann, Roger L. Weller, John M. Estes, Thomas J. Galli
  • Patent number: 6634067
    Abstract: Apparatus using two parts to connect the ends of a flexible member for attaching jewelry to the person. The connected ends of flexible members under tension always extend outward directly opposite to each other, and always have the same predetermined orientation with respect to their connector. The connection of the two parts of this apparatus can only be made or broken by a force between the parts which is essentially perpendicular to the orientation of the flexible member ends under tension, where one direction of the force connects the parts, and the opposite direction of the force disconnects the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Donald A. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 6588971
    Abstract: A fastener clip assembly for forming a substantially concealed joint between panels of furniture, a shelf assembly or the like includes a pair of clips telescopingly assembled with one another to form a joint which prevents rotation between the clips and joint members. The clips are secured to respective joint members and assembled with a portion of the second clip received through the slot of the first clip such that offset engagement sections overlap one another while a resilient, flexible inclined section on at least one, but preferably both, of the engagement sections draws the clips and joint members together. An engaging member which resists disassembly of the clips may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Modular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Montgomery J. Welch, Kevin M. Wigger
  • Patent number: 6360405
    Abstract: An anchor/tether assemblage for use with a security slot in a portable electronic article that provides a securement for securely attaching the portable article to a stationary fixture. The anchor includes an internal member, an external member, and a means for securing them together. The internal member includes a right angle portion inside the portable article that is approximately parallel to the inside wall. The external member has a clamping surface that abuts the outer surface of the portable article and a knob for attachment of the tether. The external member has an aperture into which the internal member fits and is removably secured by a screw that extends through the external member and into a threaded hole in the internal member. The tether denies access to the screw when attached to the knob. The tether has a locking head with an opening for attachment to the knob and a cable extending from the locking head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventors: Cornelius McDaid, John Ristuccia
  • Patent number: 6317936
    Abstract: An anchor device for use with a security slot in a portable electronic article that provides an anchor for attaching a cable or other security device. The anchor device includes an internal member, an external member, and a securement for securing them together. The internal member includes a right angle portion inside the portable article that is approximately parallel to the inside wall. The external member has a clamping surface that abuts the outer surface of the portable article. The external member has an aperture into which the internal member fits and is secured either permanently or removably. The preferred removable securement is a screw that extends through the external member and into a threaded hole in the internal member. The securing device denies access to the screw when engaged with the external member. The external member provides an anchor for removably attaching the security device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventors: Cornelius McDaid, John Ristuccia
  • Patent number: 6233788
    Abstract: An integrally molded clip (10) and clip assembly (30) has a back (11), a front (12), a bridging member (13) and spigot guide tracks (20). Front (12) has a socket (15) and a locking member (16) that is biased to a spigot locking position and having a free end providing part of a side wall (18) of socket (15). Locking member (16) is pivotal about a pivotal axis (21) provided by a pivotal mount (22) on front (12) and has a lock release member (23) extending away from socket (15). A protrusion (24) in socket (15) is biased by a rib (25) to engage one of slots (34) on a spigot (31) that enables different locking positions of a portable electronic device using assembly (30). The device is rotatable when spigot (31) is engaged with socket (15) and detachable from clip (10) when a user actuates lock release member (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Chong Heng Choy, Wai Kee Chan, Dave Kallis, Kenneth Chung
  • Patent number: 6163938
    Abstract: A garment fastener includes two constituent fastener components (1, 2) each of which is provided with a front disc and a back disc (3, 5; 4, 6) and a fabric section (8, 10) is sandwiched between these discs. In order to permit, to the greatest extent possible, one-handed manipulation and to cause the fastener components to center themselves automatically when in the closed state, one of the fastener components (1) is provided at its perimeter with a hooked, U-shaped projection (13) and the other, complementary fastener component (2) is provided within its perimeter with a counterhooked projection (15). In the closed state, the hook and counterhook are partly engaged. Each fastener component (1, 2) contains a magnet (11, 12) which allows the fastener components to attract each other and to mutually center themselves. A strong pull in the closing direction causes a further, more positive engagement between the hook and counterhook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Georg Weber-Unger
  • Patent number: 6152642
    Abstract: In a connection between a first component having a U-shaped fork with two essentially parallel spaced legs having recesses formed therein and a second component having a portion disposed between the legs and a bolt extending into the recesses, the ends of the bolt are engaged in the recesses by spring clamps which hold the bolt in firm contact with wall portions of the recesses so as to provide for a play-free pivot connection between the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChysler AG
    Inventors: Lothar Berthold, Heinz Entenmann, Georg Frentz, Eberhard Klemm, Martin Muller, Rainer Vogel
  • Patent number: 6081974
    Abstract: An anchor device for use with a security slot in a portable electronic article that provides an anchor for attaching a cable or other security device. The anchor device includes an internal member, an external member, and a securement for securing them together. The internal member includes a right angle portion inside the portable article that is approximately parallel to the inside wall. The external member has a clamping surface that abuts the outer surface of the portable article. The external member has an aperture into which the internal member fits and is secured either permanently or removably. The preferred removable securement is a screw that extends through the external member and into a threaded hole in the internal member. The securing device denies access to the screw when engaged with the external member. The external member provides an anchor for removably attaching the security device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 6038742
    Abstract: A clip is provided for releasably securing an article of personal use, the article having a stud with a head spaced from the article. The clip includes a base connectable to a strap and a spring member biased against the base. The base includes a recess hole adapted to receive the stud head. The spring member includes a slot therein extending to an end substantially aligned with the recess hole, with the aligned end of the slot having a first width less than a diameter of the stud head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5983461
    Abstract: A structure of supporter for a tie knot of a knotting-free necktie comprises an outer shell and a back wing connected to the outer shell. The outer shell, as seen from its front view, being of a reverse triangular shape having two waist portions concave inward of the outer shell, and as seen from its top view, being of a bow shape. A protective beam, resistant shoulders and protective tabs are provided at the rear side of the outer shell. A back wing is fitted onto the rear side of the outer shell, and two side wing portions being somewhat resilient are lightly pressed against the two resistant shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Jiann-Jong Chen
  • Patent number: 5928763
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a tight, secure connection between two relatively non-deformable members and the connection resulting therefrom. The method includes the steps of forming a recess in a first of said members, forming a second member with a portion that seats in the recess of the first member, molding a liner of thermoplastic to one of the members, which thermoplastic is deformable but not more than slightly compressible, and seating the portion of the second member in the recess of the first member with one of the members engaging the liner to displace a portion of the liner into a void space in one of the members to thus form a tightly gripping connection between the members. A composite knob and its connection to shaft made in accordance with this method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5927895
    Abstract: A cable anchoring apparatus for detachably attaching a wire cable to a movable member comprises a cable head fixed to the wire cable, a substantially semi-circular-shaped hook formed in the movable member and engageable with the cable head, and a retainer fixed on the movable member. The hook has a first slit and a space for accommodating the cable head. The retainer has an opening overlapped with the space, a notch for communicating the opening to an outside of the retainer, a pair of claws with a sufficient elasticity, and a second slit formed between the claws and communicated with the notch. The gap of the notch and the gap of the second slit are substantially equal to the gap of the first slit. A path is formed between an edge of the opening and the claws and is narrower than the diameter of the cable head. The claws extend distantly from the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5884333
    Abstract: Unisex Netsuke art neck wear provides a unique, elegant, affordable, durable and maintenance free neck wear in place of cloth necktie for use by men and women. The carved netsuke art object is made of a polymer or crushed marble. The simplicity of the double overhand or the triple overhand knot on the cord that keeps the carved netsuke art object against the shirt collar is a great feature. While being a very secure knot, it is also very simple and easy to tie and untie. The cord is made of silk or supple leather. Besides being a revival of centuries old art form, unisex netsuke art neck wear gives a dress-down appearance while assuring an elegant dressy look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Manal Daniel Soliman
  • Patent number: 5791297
    Abstract: A break-away clip in dog collar allows the dog to break free if the collar is caught on a protrusion or if another dog bites and twists the collar. The break away clip separates into two halves. One half contains two resilient posts and a resilient hook. The posts are separated from the hook by the width of a rod. The second half of the clip contains a rod which is forced between the two resilient posts and the resilient hook. Tension or twisting force on the collar, which is transmitted to the clip, causes the clip to open and free the dog from its collar so the dog can escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Mary Tenney Mudge
  • Patent number: 5783285
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a tight, secure connection between two relatively non-deformable members and the connection resulting therefrom. The method includes the steps of forming a recess in a first of said members, forming a second member with a portion that seats in the recess of the first member, molding a liner of thermoplastic to one of the members, which thermoplastic is deformable but not more than slightly compressible, and seating the portion of the second member in the recess of the first member with one of the members engaging the liner to displace a portion of the liner into a void space in one of the members to thus form a tightly gripping connection between the members. A composite knob and its connection to shaft made in accordance with this method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5765227
    Abstract: A new bolo tie and method of fabrication for constructing a novel appearance of a bolo clasp. The inventive device includes a bolo clasp having a predetermined shape. The bolo clasp has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has an arcuate outer surface and a planar inner surface. The rear portion extends outwardly from the planar inner surface. The rear portion has a pair of apertures therethrough. The arcuate outer surface of the front portion has a recess formed therein. A layer of epoxy is disposed within the recess. A decorative stone is secured within the recess by the layer of epoxy. A length of cord has opposed free ends received through the pair of apertures of the bolo clasp. A pair of agelets are secured to the free ends of the length of cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Alfred T. Wright
  • Patent number: 5709013
    Abstract: A device for confining an ornament possessing a pin fastener to a piece of material utilizing a base member which is adapted to lie adjacent the backside of the ornament. The base member is attachable to the pin fastener of the ornament and is linked to a support which holds the base member to the piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Alicia Stanback
  • Patent number: 5664297
    Abstract: A bolo tie or the like device for displaying ornamentation and/or identification thereon. The present bolo tie-type device has a cord member of sufficient length to pass behind the wearer's neck and provide two depending ends therefrom and a display/securing member having a front surface and a back surface, the front surface being suitable to support decorative and/or identifying indicia thereupon, the back surface having securing means defined thereon for holding the display/securing member in a preselected position relative to the depending ends of the cord member and preventing involuntary movement thereof regardless of the wearer's activity. The securing means comprises a plurality of strategically disposed post members for receiving the depending ends of the cord member therethrough in secure, non-slipping relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Chant H. Mandukian
  • Patent number: 5615583
    Abstract: A terminal (24) is attached to the end of a flexible core element (12) slidably supported in a conduit (14) and connects the core element (12) to a disc-shaped head (26) supported on a post (28). The terminal (24) includes a body (30) and a flange (32) spaced and parallel to the body (30) to define a pocket (34) between the flange (32) and the body (30) for receiving the disc-shaped head (26) with the flange (32) defining a circular opening (36) for surrounding the post (28) and an entrance (38) more narrow than the circular opening (36) for retaining the post (28) in the opening (36). The terminal (24) is characterized by the flange (32) including a pair of holes (44) adjacent the entrance (38) for rendering the flange (32) more flexible at the entrance (38) than the remainder of the flange (32) to facilitate the enlargement of the entrance (38) by the forced movement of the post (28) therethrough and to snap back as the post (28) seats in the circular opening (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Cunningham, Allen G. Irish
  • Patent number: 5564131
    Abstract: A buckle which includes a first member having a nipple around which a second member can rotate in the plane of the buckle. The buckle can advantageously be used to couple a back supporting belt to a shoulder strap of a pair of suspenders or the like. The rotational movement of one buckle member with respect to the other buckle member in the plane of the buckle facilitates adjustment of the shoulder straps to accommodate the various shoulder widths of different wearers. The first and second buckle members are adapted to breakaway or decouple when the buckle is subjected to a load or force greater than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: National Molding Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 5511289
    Abstract: A buckle for use with t-shirts, hair or other similar flexible substrates. The buckle is comprised of a base portion having openings through which the tail of the t-shirt is inserted and a cover which removably locks onto the base, thereby securing the buckle to the t-shirt. The base is provided with two openings separated by a bar and surrounded by an inwardly facing ridge. The ridge is engagable with a series of outwardly facing grooves provided on the cover in order to releasably lock the buckle to t-shirts of various thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Patricia J. Melia
  • Patent number: 5507077
    Abstract: A slide lock system allows one or more connector bodies to be mounted at various locations on a mounting surface. A plurality of parallel, uniformly spaced rails are formed on the mounting surface. The rails define a plurality of parallel, uniformly spaced channels which are open on one end and closed on the opposite end. A pair of parallel, spaced apart rails are formed on each connector body. The connector rail spacing is an integral multiple of the spacing between the channels on the mounting surface such that the connector rails are endwise inserted into the open end of any of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Kotajima
  • Patent number: 5452497
    Abstract: A multi-purpose fixing seat for belts including a body portion formed with a recess having a raised rack at both sides thereof, a plurality of protuberances between two portions of the raised rack, and a circular raised edge enclosing the protuberances, a resilient member fitted between the protuberances and the circular raised edge, a cover fixedly mounted on the body portion and pivotally connected with a clamping member, the clamping member provided on the top with a movable button which is connected with a rod member at the bottom of the clamping member, the cover having a lug adapted to receive the rod member, and a fixing plate having a toothed member formed with teeth at two opposite sides and a flat surface at the other two opposite sides, the toothed member being engaged with the resilient member, whereby the fixing seat can be conveniently used to carry the mobile telephone, camera, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Jung C. Peng
  • Patent number: 5433088
    Abstract: An earring clasp that consists of a resilient looped ear wire with two ends coming together to a nearly abutting position. A bead with a slot capable of receiving one, free, end of the wire is incorporated in the other end, so that the two ends may be coupled by sliding or snapping the free end into the slot and are kept in place by the resilience of the slot and the wire. The ear wire may be shaped to possess its own ornamental characteristics or it can be used simply as a support ring for separate, interchangeable, accessory pendant earrings mounted on it according to the user's wishes. In another embodiment of the invention, a stop is incorporated in the tip of the free end of the wire and a corresponding notch is added to the slotted bead at the other end of the wire to improve the reliability of the connection between the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Charles S. Mahar
  • Patent number: 5320461
    Abstract: A fastener device is provided for mounting an air current deflector shield to the stiffener panel of the hood of a vehicle without making any holes in the hood. The device includes a substantially flat base member with a post extending downwardly therefrom. Double-stick adhesive tape adheres the base member to the hood. The posts are adapted to extend through corresponding apertures in the shield, and a securement clip engages the post so as to sandwich the shield between the base member and clip of the fastener device and prevent removal of the shield from the post. The clip can be removed from the post using the tip of a tool, such as a screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: DFM-Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Stanesic
  • Patent number: 5157861
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to co-acting male and female fishing line connectors. The female member is an elongate body having an internal cavity. It is sized and shaped to receive internally a sphere. The sphere permits quick insertion or removal. The sphere is affixed to an elongate link which is apply clamped and positioned at an axial passage through the body, and further includes a second sphere on the link, the two spheres serving as clamps to hold and position the connective link at a desired location on the female member. The male member thus comprises the two spheres and connective link. Quick connection and disconnection is achieved, and axial pulling is handled readily by the equipment with rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Roger Peterson
  • Patent number: 5106223
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with an assembly for providing a connection between a support 1, for example, a body part of a motor vehicle, and a plate element 2, for example, a wall panel of a motor vehicle. The assembly generally includes a molded plastic holding element 4 which can be releasably connected into an aperture 3 of the support 1. The holding element 4 is equipped with a head piece 5. The assembly also includes an upper part or component 6 which is attachable to the plate element 2. Between the upper part 6 and the holding element 4 is a middle piece or component 7. The middle piece 7 includes an upper area 8 which is designed so that it can be snapped into the upper part 6. A lower portion 9 of the middle piece 7 is designed for lateral insertion of the head piece 5 of the holding element 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: TRW United-Carr GmbH Co., K.G.
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 5095596
    Abstract: A rigid, penetrating fabric marker consisting of a piercing element and a locking cap. The piercing element consists of a barbed piercing post (14) and three short stabilizing posts (12A,12B,12C), all protruding at right angles from the plane of a flat, smooth, circular base (10). The locking cap consists of a pair of parallel locking elements (22A,22B) that span the concave interior of the hollow cap at the cap's center. The distance between the locking elements is equal to the diameter of the piercing post at its base. The space between the locking elements is penetrated by the piercing post and temporarily widened by the barbs (16A,16B) on the piercing post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Michael K. Dahood
  • Patent number: 5054170
    Abstract: A quick-release connecting apparatus for mounting an object on a belt includes male and female members, respectively attachable to the object and the belt-mountable holder. The female member has a generally U-shaped receptacle formed therein which opens at a peripheral edge of the female member, and an aperture formed in the front surface of the female member which is aligned with but smaller than the receptacle and communicates therewith. The male member has a stud projecting therefrom with a circular button at its distal end which is too large to pass through the aperture but is dimensioned to be receivable in the receptacle from its open end with the stud disposed through the aperture and is rotabale about the axis of the stud while disposed in the receptacle. A yieldable detent projects from the female member into the entrance of the receptacle so as to be deflectable by the button to permit insertion thereof in any position into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Edward C. Otrusina
  • Patent number: 5048161
    Abstract: A connector having an improved mechanism for its lock onto a panel. A housing of the connector has a wall on which a sliding rail capable of slidingly fitting onto guide rails of the panel is provided. A flexible engagement member having an engagement projection engageable with an engagement projection of the panel is formed in a portion of the wall by cutting a part of the wall. When the sliding rail is slid on the guide rail to fit thereon, the flexible engagement member is deformed and has its position changed toward the inside of the housing while its engagement projection abuts on the engagement projection of the panel until the member recovers its original position upon the engagement between the projections. The arrangement of the flexible engagement member is advantageous in that it does not require any deformation distance to be provided on the outside of the housing, thereby enabling the entire connector to be compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Watanabe, Naoto Taguchi, Katsuaki Terada
  • Patent number: 4881844
    Abstract: A generally flat oblong clip pierced by a pair of countersunk oblong holes and a slot open to one of the longer edges. The slot and a terminating half-round hole are beveled and countersunk respectively from the opposite side of the clip. The junctures of the bevels and half-round countersink are specifically formed to provide a locking shoulder on each side of the half-round hole. Multiple clips are used to provide a blind fastening between a backsplash and countertop enabling the backsplash to be driven into permanent substantially watertight engagement with the countertop. The step by step installation of the clip assures that the backsplash also follows gentle curvatures in the building wall behind the backsplash. The clip slots are configured to tightly engage and latch mating screw heads as the backsplash is driven into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Robert L. Tremblay