Winders For Flexible Material Patents (Class 24/909)
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Patent number: 10273112Abstract: A trimmer head assembly for a trimming machine. The trimmer head assembly includes a spool. The spool has a central tubular hub. The spool also has a central flange that radially extends from the hub. A trim line conduit is joined to the central flange. The trim line conduit has a first open end. The first open end leads to a first straight section. The first straight section leads to a curved central section. The curved central section leads to a second straight section. The second straight section leads to a second open end. The curved central section passes around the center of the spool. A housing is provided that receives the spool therein. When loading trimmer line into the trimmer head assembly, the shape of the conduit enables the trimmer line to pass around the central opening in the spool without binding.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Torvian Inc.Inventor: George E. Alliss
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Patent number: 10094997Abstract: A cable spool includes first and second curved flanges extending radially outwardly from first and second axial ends of a drum. The flanges have outer edges that cooperate to define an annular slot providing access to a passageway surrounding the drum. The slot has a width that is less than half the height of the drum. A cable is wrapped around the drum. A closure having an environmentally sealed interior may receive an end of the cable. A second cable can be deployed from a second spool and coupled to the end of the cable within the closure. The second spool can be mounted with the cable spool. A cover can be placed over the spools for aesthetic or protection reasons.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: CommScope Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Marcouiller, Oscar Fernando Bran De León, Erik J. Gronvall
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Patent number: 9796323Abstract: A ratcheting strap device has an elongate body with a reel axis towards a first end and a ratcheting mechanism towards a second end opposite there-from. The ratcheting mechanism is affixed to the body, and has a spool axis and a ratchet spool rotatable relative to the body there-about. A first strap/hook member has a first length of strap affixed to a first one of the ratcheting mechanism and the body at a first proximal end, and has a first hook affixed to a first distal end there-of. A take-up reel is affixed to the body and rotational relative thereto about the reel axis. A second strap hook member has a second length of strap having a second proximal end connectable to the take-up reel, has a take-up strap portion adjacent to the second proximal end and windable around the take up reel, and has a second hook affixed to a second distal end there-of.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventor: Erik Edward Anderson
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Patent number: 9402431Abstract: The clothing adjustment device enables the adjustment of an article of clothing. In one embodiment, the clothing adjustment device is placed upon a user's clothing, such as pants, shorts, skirts, or other clothing at waist level. The clothing adjustment device provides an adjustment head, an inner body, and an outer body. Both the inner body and the outer body provide a pair of fingers with an insertion aperture. The user inserts the section of the article of clothing to be cinched within the insertion aperture between the pair of fingers of the inner body and the outer body. The inner body then rotates in relation to the outer body to cause at least a portion of the article of clothing to be wound upon the inner body. The adjustment head and inner body are secured with a geared system that prevents the adjustment head from rotating allowing the clothing to unwind from the inner body.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Inventor: Troy Nelson Orsburne
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Patent number: 8973222Abstract: A retractable ratcheting tie down apparatus is provided, including a frame and a hub rotatably mounted within the frame. A ratchet wheel is mounted to the hub and interfaces with a pawl to selectably prevent motion of the hub relative to the frame. A single tie down strap extends between two attachment members and winds around the hub. An operable means for rotating the hub and ratchet wheel is included to wind the single tie down strap around the hub. Tension between the two attachment members is transmitted directly through the single tie down strap and transitions between segments of the single tie down strap at the windings of the single tie down strap about the hub. In further examples, the operable means for rotating the hub and ratchet wheel is removable. The tie down apparatus can also move freely along the single tie down strap.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Winston Products LLCInventors: Winston Breeden, Thaddeus T. Brej
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Patent number: 8777990Abstract: A knotless suture anchor provides a method for securing soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. The anchor has an inner member that receives suture thread and rotates within an outer tubular member. As the inner member rotates, the suture thread is wrapped onto the inner member thereby increasing contact with the outer tubular member which applies pressure to the wrapped suture thread to retain it in position on the inner member while simultaneously and adjustably tensioning the suture thread. A ratchet prevents undesirable counter-rotation, although the ratchet can be released to permit loosening of the suture thread. Also described is a suture bridge and suture platform for providing further stabilization of a tendon. A method for repairing rotator cuff tears is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Erik van der Burg, Nathaniel Cohen, Christopher Feezor, Christopher T. Cheng
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Patent number: 8528849Abstract: A ratchet buckle has a body and a trigger. One end of the body has two opposite pivotal holes, two opposite positioning notches, and a pivotal shaft penetrating the pivotal holes. Two ends of the pivotal shaft each have a ratchet wheel synchronously rotating with the pivotal shaft. One end of the trigger has two opposite shaft holes engaged to the pivotal shaft of the body and has a positioning rod transversally mounted on the trigger to engage the two positioning notches of the body. By operating the trigger to set the pivotal shaft free, the pivotal shaft is easily rotated to reel a strap.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Win Chance Metal Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wen Cheng Chang
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Patent number: 8375525Abstract: A strap-tensioning apparatus includes a frame, a handle, a reel, two ratcheted wheels, two detents and a strap-damping unit. The handle is connected to the frame. The reel is supported on the frame. The ratcheted wheels are secured to the reel. The strap is inserted through a slit of the reel. The first detent is supported on the handle for engagement with the ratcheted wheels to rotate the reel when the handle is pivoted in a direction. The second detent is supported on the frame for engagement with the ratcheted wheels to stop the reel when the handle is pivoted in an opposite direction. The strap-damping unit includes a crossbar, a pressing element and a spring. The crossbar is supported on the frame. The pressing element is biased toward the crossbar by a spring. The strap is inserted through a gap between the pressing element and the crossbar.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 8370997Abstract: Described is a ratchet strap with a free end securing system. The ratchet strap has a strap with an attachment end and a free end and a strap winding shaft which is capable of receiving the free end in a wrapped relationship. A ratchet mechanism is included for simultaneously shortening the attachment end and the free end wherein the free end is drawn from the wrapped relationship with the strap winding shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Ratchet Depot, Inc.Inventor: Douglas Wright
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Patent number: 8353088Abstract: A shoelace tightening device. A housing has a base plate affixed to the tongue of a shoe, and a side wall formed on the base plate. A rotation member has a rotator seated on the side wall of the housing and formed with a ratchet gear on its inner surface, and a bobbin formed on the lower surface of the rotator. A cover is placed on the ratchet gear. A stopper has a head which can slide on the cover, a bridge which extends downward from the head, and a pawl member which is formed on the lower end of the bridge. A coupling shaft is coupled to the base plate and has a stopper housing. The pawl member is received in the stopper housing. A spring is interposed between the inner surface of the stopper housing and an end of the pawl member.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Shin Kyung, Inc.Inventor: Ki Ho Ha
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Patent number: 8316511Abstract: A belt-tightening apparatus includes a frame, a handle, a shaft, two ratchet wheels, two spring-biased detents and a connector. The shaft is used to rotationally connect the handle to the frame and wind a first belt. The ratchet wheels are connected to the shaft. The first spring-biased detent is movably connected to the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheels. The second spring-biased detent is movably connected to the frame for engagement with the ratchet wheels. The connector includes a tube and a reinforcement strip. The tube is connected to the frame on one hand and connected to the second belt on the other hand. The reinforcement strip is inserted in the tube for reinforcing the tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 8209821Abstract: The ratchet buckle for tightening a strap under a ratchet action provides a lock to positively prevent the ratchet buckle from inadvertently releasing the strap. The lock requires a removable handle to be installed on the ratchet buckle before the lock can be released. The removable handle extends the ratchet buckle crank arm for increased leverage in exercising the ratchet buckle and when removed reduces the overall size of the ratchet buckle and eliminates a crank arm portion that would otherwise extend beyond the ratchet buckle base.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Weiguo Chen
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Patent number: 7900670Abstract: Self-tightening traction assemblies or snow chains having tensioning devices that can be used with snow chains for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; an actuator interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive at least one cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. Preferred embodiments include a bracket that can secure the actuator to the housing and provide strength to the tensioning device. The tensioning devices of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of applications not limited to self-tightening snow chains.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Peerless Chain CompanyInventors: John J. McCauley, Lester Stener
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Patent number: 7836560Abstract: A fastener includes a frame, a handle and a reel inserted through the frame and handle so that a strap can be reeled when the reel is rotated. Two bushings are connected to the frame for protecting the reel from the handle or the frame. Two ratchet wheels are connected to the reel. A first detent is movable on the frame for engagement with the ratchet wheels. A second detent is movable on the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 7766271Abstract: A hand activated retainment, storage and deployment device for binding straps used to secure loads on cargo transportation vehicles such as tractor trailers. The device has a winding mechanism with a spooling reel for winding excess binding strap during use and for removable storage of the strap when not deployed.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Inventor: Richard Confoey
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Patent number: 7752717Abstract: A tensioning device is configured to wind a threadable tensioning line, particularly a belt or a web, the proximal end of which is threaded through a first end of the device and attached to an opposite end of the device. A frame of the tensioning device can be fastened to a support surface. A ratcheting system included in the device winds the proximal end of the threadable tensioning line by means of a pivot handle. The threadable tensioning line is tightened when the handle is pivoted in a drive stroke. An embodiment of the tensioning device includes a ratcheting system that drives the tensioning device when the pivot handle is pulled toward the user in a drive stroke.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Burton W. Hanson
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Patent number: 7743473Abstract: A belt structure includes a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a belt. The two ends of the belt are respectively connected to the first housing and the third housing, which can be buckled together quickly. The second housing and the first housing are connected, so that a mechanism for fine tuning the belt can be formed through the gear, the driving element and the resisting element in the first and the second housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignees: Huntex CorporationInventors: Chin-Liang Lin, Shail-Chen Yu, Chia-Chang Chao
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Patent number: 7412754Abstract: A system for tensioning lines, particularly belts or webs, utilizing a bi-directional tensioning device. The system includes an anchoring tensioning line, the proximal end of which is removably attached to a first end of the device, and a threadable tensioning line, the proximal end of which is threadably attached to a second end of the device. The distal ends of both tensioning lines are fastened to a support surface. A ratcheting system included in the device winds the proximal end of the threadable tensioning line by means of a pivot handle. The threadable tensioning line is tightened when the handle is pivoted in the direction of the second end of the device. The user may change the direction of the power stroke simply by switching the anchoring tensioning line from the first end to the second end and the threadable tensioning line from the second end to the first end of the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Inventor: Burton Warren Hanson
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Patent number: 7270291Abstract: A method and a spool (1, 10, 21, 22, 35) for shortening the length of a cord (14) and optionally tensioning it at the same time is provided. The spool has a shank having two ends each of which has a transverse retainer formation (4, 13, 20, 40, 51 and 5, 11, 25, 33, 36, 42, 49, 50, 58) adapted operatively to prevent unravelling off the shank of cord wound around the elongate shank, at least whilst it is held under tension and with the axis of the shank extending in the same general direction as that in which the cord extends. A keeper formation (4, 13, 20, 40, 51) that is preferably one in the same with the ring and a formation at one end of the shank cooperates with a cord to maintain said end in association with the cord whilst the shank is rotated to wind cord onto the shank by rotation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Michael Von Seidel
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Patent number: 7207089Abstract: A system for tensioning lines, particularly belts or webs, utilizing a bi-directional tensioning device. The system includes an anchoring tensioning line, the proximal end of which is removably attached to a first end of the device, and a threadable tensioning line, the proximal end of which is threadably attached to a second end of the device. The distal ends of both tensioning lines are fastened to a support surface. A ratcheting system included in the device winds the proximal end of the threadable tensioning line by means of a pivot handle. The threadable tensioning line is tightened when the handle is pivoted in the direction of the second end of the device. The user may change the direction of the power stroke simply by switching the anchoring tensioning line from the first end to the second end and the threadable tensioning line from the second end to the first end of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Burton Warren Hanson
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Patent number: 7093327Abstract: A strap fastener set, capable of providing a reading of a tensile force exerted thereon, includes a strap fastener for winding a first strap and a gauge provided between the strap fastener and a second strap. The gauge includes a cylinder tied with the second strap. The cylinder includes a window defined therein and a scale provided thereon along the window. A first ring is secured to the cylinder. A spring is put in the cylinder. A rod extends past the ring through the spring for connection with the strap fastener. A second ring is secured to the rod so that it is moved relative to the cylinder so as to compress the spring against the first ring when a tensile force is exerted on the straps. The second ring includes an indicator formed thereon for cooperation with the scale so as to provide a reading of the tensile force.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 7086122Abstract: A ratchet-type buckle (100) is disclosed for use with a ladder strap (80), wherein the buckle includes a toothed, barrel-shaped strap engagement member (140) that is rotatably mounted between oppositely disposed sidewalls (130) that are pivotally coupled to a base (110). The engagement member is positioned to drivably engage and hold the strap. A holding pawl (160) allows forward rotation and hinders backward rotation of the engagement member. A driving pawl (180) is incorporated into a lever assembly (170), which is pivotally coupled to the sidewalls, the driving pawl positioned to engage and rotate the engagement member teeth when the lever assembly is pivoted in a forward direction. The pivotal coupling of the sidewalls to the base permit the engagement member to be lifted away from the base, to release the strap. The sidewalls are preferably biased towards the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: K-2 CorporationInventor: David Livingston
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Patent number: 6769155Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning/relaxing element that comprises a base (3), at least one rotating shaft (4) mounted on said base, a mobile part (2) and a lashing device (1). Between said base (3) and the at least one shaft (4) at least one nonpositive and positive element (5, 6) is provided that tightly encloses the shaft (4). The first nonpositive and positive element (5), configured as a tensioning element, is firmly linked on the one side (5a) with a part (2) that is mobile vis-a-vis the base (3) and can be actuated on the other side (5b), with a variable and continuous pretension, via a first actuator (11), while the second nonpositive and positive element (6), configured as a relaxing element, is firmly linked on the one side (6a) with the base (3) and can be actuated on the other side (6b), with a variable and continuous pretension, via a second actuator (11′).Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Mammut TEC AGInventors: Ruedi Hess, Erwin Rott
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Patent number: 6711786Abstract: A ratcheted lashing strap assembly is described. The assembly is formed of a lashing strap and a tightening device. The tightening device has a frame and a winding drum, rotatable in the frame, for winding up the lashing strap. A fixation end of the lashing strap, in the form of a loop, grips a retention strut that is parallel to the winding drum and is firmly attached to the frame. An eye of the loop is penetrated by a support strut, extending approximately parallel to the retention strut, that as a separate component from the tightening device protrudes by both ends from the loop eyelet and on the side opposite the winding drum from the cinching side is braced on the frame on the retention strut and assumes a variable distance from the retention strut. An end run, adjoining a loop foot, of the lashing strap is fixed in clamping fashion by the support strut between the loop and the lashing strap to be cinched.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Spanset Inter AGInventors: André Mamié, David Ehnimb
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Patent number: 6665911Abstract: A concealable buckle apparatus includes a supporting element, a buckle, a locking device and a panel. The buckle is pivotally mounted on the supporting element between an extended position and a concealed position. The locking device is movably mounted on the supporting element between a locking position for locking the buckle in the concealed position and a releasing position. The panel is mounted on the supporting element and defining an opening through which the buckle extends in the extended position and a slot through which the locking device is accessible.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 6665910Abstract: A manual stretcher includes a frame, a shaft, a ratchet, a claw, a joint and a crank. The frame includes two lateral plates, an intermediate plate interconnecting the lateral plates and a hole defined in each of the lateral plates. The frame can be attached to an external structure so that the manual stretcher can be retained in position in operation. The shaft includes a slot defined therein for receiving a portion of a strip of work to be stretched. The shaft is inserted trough the holes. The ratchet is mounted on an end of the shaft. The claw is pivotally mounted on one of the lateral plates of the frame for engagement with the ratchet. The joint is mounted on another end of the shaft for engagement with the crank for rotation of the shaft. The shaft includes two halves. The ratchet includes two meniscus holes defined therein for receiving the halves of the shaft. The joint includes two meniscus recesses defined in an end thereof for receiving the halves of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 6654987Abstract: A ratchet strap tightener is manufactured by a plastic injection molding process and includes a body, a lever and a ratchet device. The body has two parallel strap holders adapted to hold one end of a strap. The lever is pivotally attached to the body with the ratchet device to allow a strap shaft to rotate toward the lever when the lever is pivoted away from the body. A strap slot is defined in the axle and is adapted to hold the other end of the strap. The strap is rolled on the axle to tighten the strap which binds around an object when the lever is pivoted continuously.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Peter Wu
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Patent number: 6611995Abstract: A corner mount packaging assembly for retail display of a tie-down assembly and for protection of a right angle edge of a load secured by the tie-down assembly. The packaging assembly includes an L-shaped frame with an inner surface adapted for placement over a right angle edge of the load, and an outer surface having guide members extending along side edges of the frame. The tie down assembly is removably attached to the inner surface of the frame, and includes a strap, hook type fasteners on the strap ends, and a tensioning mechanism for imparting a tension to the strap. The guide members form a channel on the outer surface for receiving the strap to prevent the strap from sliding off the frame, and the rigid L-shaped frame dissipates the force of the strap over a wider portion of the load, thus preventing damage thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: USA ProductsInventors: Stephen D. Jackson, Raymond S. Brown
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Patent number: 6609275Abstract: A strap tightener has an auto-pulling device connected to a seat. The auto-pulling device includes a housing and a reversing device. The reversing device is rotatably received in the housing. The reversing device has a reel received in the housing to connect with one end of a strap. A spiral power spring is connected between the housing and the reel. Consequently, the strap can be automatically wound around the reel after the strap tightener is used. To collect the strap is convenient and the operating time of collecting the strap is saved.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: Chia-Sheng Lin
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Patent number: 6550293Abstract: A garment lock has a casing, a spool, two springs, and a member, flexible long and thin. The casing has a first side with a post and a second side with tabs, both joined by a rim. The casing attaches to a garment with a pin. The spool rotates upon the post within the casing. The springs resist rotation and movement of the spool. The member as wire, chain, or tape, winds upon the spool. Upon reaching the desired length of the member, the casing removably locks the spool. After use, the flexible thin member retracts into the casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventors: David A. Delegato, Regina D. Delegato
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Patent number: 6539590Abstract: A tensioning device used to improve the retention of a child seat after its installation in an auto seat using its installed seat belts. After the child seat is placed on the auto seat and the auto seat belt is engaged about the child seat in a desired manner, the device increases tension in the auto seat belt to improve retention of the child seat. The device uses an open-end slotted and rotatable spool around which the auto seat belt is wrapped. Lever means connect with rotating and locking means, which in turn connect to the rotatable spool to wind the spool in a direction such that would result in effectively shortening of the automobile seat belt.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Avraham Ziv
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Patent number: 6499197Abstract: A buckle device includes a main body, a rotational retaining device rotatably mounted to the main body, and a buckle having an end connected to the rotational retaining device to pivot therewith. The rotational retaining device includes a slit through which a free end of a strap is extended. A retaining member is mounted to the other end of the buckle and has an engaging portion for releasably engaging with an engaging section of the main body. The retaining member further includes an operative portion that is operable to disengage the engaging portion of the retaining member from the engaging section of the main body. The operative portion of the retaining member is located away from the free end of the strap when the buckle is in a retained position, thereby preventing inadvertent actuation of the operative portion of the retaining member.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 6374465Abstract: A controlled U-hook pull-action clamp mechanism comprising, an elongated actuator member having a first pivot pin at one end thereof, and an operating portion generally located at the other end thereof, said actuator member being movable between open and closed positions to open or close the clamp mechanism, a link member attached near one end thereof via a second pivot pin to a mid-part location on said actuator member, a slidable pivot member attached to a second end of said link member, a U-shaped clamp member, with the ends of said clamp member being attached to the outer ends of the slidable pivot member, a base member, having a slide aperture therein within which said slidable pivot member is movable in back and forth directions to activate the U-shaped clamp from a closed clamped condition to an open unclamped condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Henry Dykstra
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Patent number: 6363583Abstract: A tool for tightening a plurality of wire lengths that extend between a first bracing location on a first fence support and a second bracing location on a second fence support, the wire lengths defining an axis extending generally parallel to their lengths. The tool includes a body adapted to be transversely inserted between the wire lengths so that the wire lengths pass around the body. The body has at least one seating portion formed on its outer surface for retaining at least one of the wire lengths generally between the ends of the body when the body is inserted between the wire lengths. The body is adapted so that, when inserted between the wire lengths, the body can be selectively rotated about the axis to twist the wire lengths around one another and thereby exert a contracting force on the fence supports.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Inventor: Dom Gregory Provost
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Patent number: 6279847Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt includes an L-shaped spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A spring-biased closure is connected to the spindle to close the laterally extending entry opening during winding. When the closure is open and access to the laterally extending entry opening is available, a seat belt is insertable, edge first, into longitudinally extending slot via laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the closure closes the entry opening and the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned at one end of the length of the longitudinally extending slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Russell Berger
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Patent number: 6273353Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt includes an L-shaped spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt is insertable, edge first, into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the closure closes the entry opening and the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned at one end of the length of the longitudinally extending slot. A guide tab or pair of guide tabs may also be employed to further secure the belt during winding and unwinding.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Russell Berger
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Patent number: 6247208Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a simple, cost effective device for tightening a restraining device such as a belt, strap, rope or the like that requires very little space, and that can be easily operated to provide complete tightening of the restraining device, even when the restraining device is in a difficult to reach area. Exemplary embodiments can be configured as a unitary structure wherein arms of the unitary structure are each slotted and attached to a base of the unitary structure so that a belt can be easily inserted into the slots. The unitary structure can then be used to clamp the restraining device, such as a seat belt used to hold a child safety seat, in place. Tightening of the belt can be achieved through the use of a removable lever that tightens the belt with each rotation. Upon tightening of the belt to a desired tension, a secure locking mechanism, such as a nut, can be used to hold the belt in its tightened state without concern of belt slippage.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventor: Cecil Creech
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Patent number: 6230370Abstract: A belt shortening device with a side access slot for receiving a belt is provided. The device includes a frame and a spindle rotatably mounted thereto. The spindle includes a mount end in communication with the frame and a free end opposite to the mount end. The spindle has a slot extending from the free end toward the mount end a length defining a first finger and a second finger. Optionally, a first and second plates are, respectively affixed to the first and second fingers proximal to the free ends thereof. The plates are positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle and, respectively emanate away from the slot. The plates are positioned from said mount end a distance greater than the width of a belt to be shortened. The plates prevent accidental lateral ejection of the belt out of the slot. A ratchet mechanism is provided to control the rotation of the spindle and winding of a belt therearound.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Daniel J. Nelsen
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Patent number: 6105211Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding. Additional tabs are provided to hold the belt in place during winding.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Constance F. BergerInventor: Russell Berger
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Patent number: 6081976Abstract: A belt shortening device intended for use with a vehicle seat belt securing a baby seat in a vehicle is constructed and arranged so that it is easily mounted to the existing seat belt without detaching the belt from its existing connection. The device includes a flat, rectangular housing having spaced slots extending across the top wall, and further includes first and second take up arms slidably mounted within the housing. The take up arms each consist of a body portion having inner and outer ends, and an elongated rack member having a first end pivotably mounted to the inner end of the body portion. The outer ends of the body portions of the take up arms include a transverse slot for receiving the seat belt therein. The take up arms are movable within the housing between an extended position wherein the outer ends of the take up arms extend outside of the housing through the slots, and a withdrawn position wherein the outer ends of the take up arms are withdrawn inside the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products, LLCInventor: Daniel J. Nelsen
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Patent number: 6047451Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Constance F. BergerInventors: Russell Berger, Stephen C. Berger
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Patent number: 6024408Abstract: A is wound around a drum of a winch mounted on a pressure bar which is placed on a child car seat after it is positioned where it is to be installed, usually on the rear passenger seat of an automobile. Fasteners at the ends of the belts are attached to a respective seat belt on each side of the child car seat, or to an anchoring rod extending from underneath the automobile. As the winch is actuated to tighten the belt the child car seat is pressed into the passenger seat where it can be firmly held in place while an installer tightens a pair of passenger seat belts passed through the child car seat to hold it securely in place.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Best AssociatesInventors: Raymond Bello, Susan N. Greenberg, Thomas Carroll, Andy Bohan
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Patent number: 6000736Abstract: A thermoplastic housing has a chamber open at one end and a thermoplastic rotor is locked axially in the chamber by snap fit ridges and grooves. Two pairs of bores on opposite sides; of the chamber are aligned, with one pair connected by a transverse slot. The rotor has two bores aligned with the housing bores and includes flexible pawl teeth which engage ratchet teeth in the chamber. The teeth rotationally lock the rotor relative to the housing in one direction while a seal filament inserted in the bores is wrapped about the rotor as the rotor is rotated in the other direction. The slot permits the filament to be fixed to the rotor when the rotor is rotated 180.degree. causing the filament to traverse the slot and permit the remaining adjacent bores in the same plane as the fixed filament to be aligned and free to receive the filament free end.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: E.J. Brooks CompanyInventors: Jeremy Phelps Leon, Peter Farbaniec, Robert J. Finamore, Richard Dreisbach, Louis J. Mattos, George Albert Lundberg, Jr., Richard Gnoinski
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Patent number: 5819377Abstract: A strapping device includes two plates and two arms pivotally connected to the two plates by a shaft to which one end of the strap and two ratchets are securely mounted. Each of the arms has a cam device formed thereto and each of the plates has a stop extending therefrom. A short plate is slidably disposed between the two plates and an operating member is slidably disposed between the two arms, both of which are disengagably engaged with the ratchets. A middle member is slidably and biasedly received between the two plates and is slidably connected to a connecting plate between the two plates. Two extending plates are slidably disposed to the two plates and has a rod connected therebetween which is securely connected to the other end of the strap.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Han-Ching Huang