Of Centrally Gripped Material Patents (Class 242/378.1)
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Patent number: 12191611Abstract: An extension socket includes a shell, a connecting wire, a wire box, a rotating shaft and a take-up reel. An electric connecting socket being formed in the shell, and a side wall of the shell being surrounded to form a first accommodating cavity. The electric connecting wire being electrically connected with the electric connecting socket. The wire box being arranged in the first accommodating cavity, and a side wall of the wire box being surrounded to form a second accommodating cavity. The rotating shaft being connected to an inner wall of the wire box. And the take-up reel being arranged in the second accommodating cavity and rotatably connected with the rotating shaft, and the take-up reel being used for winding the electric connecting wire.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2024Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Inventor: Yujun Huang
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Patent number: 12144401Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2023Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Patent number: 12071081Abstract: Provided is a wire harness routing device that includes a rail in which an insertion hole through which a wire harness is to be inserted is formed, and a slider that performs a sliding movement together with the wire harness with respect to the rail, the wire harness routing device including a harness regulating portion that is arranged along the wire harness in the insertion hole, and is configured to regulate the movement of the wire harness in a direction different from a direction of performing the sliding movement, and move in the insertion hole accompanying the sliding movement of the slider.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hirotaka Kato, Satoshi Yamamoto, Kazuyoshi Ohara
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Patent number: 11844404Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Patent number: 11825911Abstract: A fastening device includes a case unit, a knob, an engaging unit and a spool. The case unit has an axial direction and includes a plurality of mounting teeth. The knob covers on the case unit along the axial direction. The engaging unit is coupled to the knob and includes an engaging portion. The spool is configured for a lace to wind therearound. The engaging unit is driven by the knob to switch between a first position and a second position along the axial direction. When the engaging unit is in the first position, the engaging unit prohibits the spool from releasing the lace. When the engaging unit is in the second position, the engaging portion is engaged with at least one of the mounting teeth, and the engaging unit does not prohibit the spool from releasing the lace. Therefore, the reliability can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
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Patent number: 11633020Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: BOA TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Patent number: 11627779Abstract: In a lacing module, one gear of a worm wheel gear and a clutch gear includes a protrusion, and another gear of the worm wheel gear and the clutch gear includes a recess. The worm wheel gear meshes with a worm gear rotatable together with a shaft of a motor. The clutch gear is fixed to a spool shaft portion of a spool around which a string can be wound. The protrusion protrudes in a direction between the one gear and the another gear. The recess is recessed in the direction between the one gear toward and the another gear. At least an end of the protrusion protruding from one gear to the other gear in a vertical direction is fitted into the recess.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATIONInventor: Yoichi Sekii
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Patent number: 11597627Abstract: A wire retracting device includes a base having a platform, a limiting board disposed on the base, a cover including a top surface and a side wall, a slide block slidably disposed on a sliding area, and a transmission wire disposed in an accommodating space formed between the cover and the base. An annular wall is arranged on the platform, and has a limiting portion that has a first stop portion and a second stop portion respectively formed on two sides thereof. A gap, in which the cover is limited to being movable, is formed between the limiting board and the platform. The top surface has a grooved opening, and a lever is arranged on an inner edge thereof. The side wall is disposed along an edge of the top surface. The sliding area is formed between the inner edge of the grooved opening and the annular wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: USI Science and Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yun-Kai Yu, Chang-Cheng Lin, Kuo-Kuang Liu, Der-Jiuh Jan
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Patent number: 11440343Abstract: A spool for a chalk box may include a core member extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the spool, a first sidewall disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spool at a first end of the core member, and a second sidewall disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the first sidewall at a second end of the core member. The string may be configured to be retained on the spool by being wound onto the core member. The first sidewall may include a first anchorage orifice and a second anchorage orifice spaced apart from each other and each passing through the first sidewall from an inside surface of the first sidewall to an outside surface of the first sidewall. A spool groove may be formed on the outside surface of the first sidewall extending from the first anchorage orifice to the second anchorage orifice.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: APEX BRANDS, INC.Inventors: Jonathan Siebert Beckwith, Cecil Wilson
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Patent number: 11414295Abstract: A cable adjuster contains a gear shaft, a base, a rotatable disc, and a cable. The gear shaft includes a first column, a second column, a circular peg, and a threaded orifice. The base includes a first fixer and a second fixer. The first fixer has a first groove, and the second fixer has a second groove. An accommodation chamber is defined between the first groove and the second groove, the first fixer has a toothed notch and a circular notch, and the second fixer has a hollow shoulder, two T-shaped slots, and two holders. The rotatable disc includes a fixing orifice, a cylinder, and a recess. A head of the cable is received in the second fixer via the two T-shaped slots and is engaged in the recess so that an extension is fixed in one holder, and the rotatable disc is received in the second groove.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Inventor: Yen-Chi Lai
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Patent number: 11377322Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotary self-lock catch. As a rope penetrates into the take-up cavity of the take-up reel and a tail end of the rope is limited at a boundary between a through hole and a hollowed cavity, when the rotary knob is rotated, the take-up reel can be driven to rotate together, so that the rope is wound in the take-up cavity by the take-up reel, and the rotary knob is allowed to rotate along one direction, so that an effect of tightening the rope can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2021Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Inventor: Huiqing Li
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Patent number: 11351959Abstract: A vehicle seatbelt device includes a ratchet wheel rotatable together with a spool in an integrated manner, and an engagingly locking portion. When the spool is rotated in a drawing direction at an angular acceleration larger than a predetermined angular acceleration, the engagingly locking portion is displaced radially outwardly so as to be engagingly locked by an engagingly locked portion. Hereby, rotation of the spool in the drawing direction is locked. Here, a control rod is placed axially outward of the engagingly locking portion. The control rod is displaced in the radial direction along with movement of the locking-inhibition movable portion. Along with the displacement of the control rod, a collar member is displaced axially to a restriction position. At the restriction position, the collar member enters a rotation raceway of the engagingly locking portion so as to restrict the engagingly locking portion from being displaced radially outwardly.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuhito Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11137626Abstract: An ophthalmic device includes a lens and an electronic component embedded in the lens to enhance the functionality of the lens. The ophthalmic device includes a first coil to wirelessly receive energy from an external device, such as a wireless charger, and wirelessly transmits the received energy to a second coil coupled to the electronic component so as to power the electronic component. The first coil can function as part of a repeater to facilitate the wireless charging. The repeater can receive electrical energy wirelessly and works with various positions, sizes, and shapes of the electronic component. The wireless power efficiency can also be increased using the repeater to concentrate a magnetic flux within the second coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.Inventor: Ronald David Blum
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Patent number: 10997956Abstract: A strap length adjusting apparatus includes first and second stationary plates and a middle plate disposed between them. The middle plate can rotate relative to the first and second stationary plates. A biasing device is linked to first and second coupling members between the middle plate and the first plate. The biasing device can either couple the middle plate to the first plate or decouple the middle plate from the first plate. When the first and middle plates are decoupled from each other, the middle plate can rotate with respect to the first plate, and a strap partially wound about a rod that extends from the middle plate, can wind about the rod either clockwise or counterclockwise so as to continuously change a length of the strap that extends away from the rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Inventors: Jonathan Amos Bodnar, Dror Elkayam
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Patent number: 10899577Abstract: An automatic winding device includes a lower casing having a shaft, a bobbin rotatably disposed on the shaft, a wire wound around the bobbin, a spring having a first end secured to the shaft and a second end secured to the bobbin to provide a rotational force to the bobbin, a track cover coupled to the bobbin and having tracks formed thereon, a pin positioned between the bobbin and the track cover to control rotation of the bobbin, and a pin guide spring configured to press the pin toward the track cover. The track cover includes an inner track having a radius of curvature increased and decreased along the circumferential direction, an outer track spaced apart from the inner track, a connection track configured to connect the inner and outer tracks, and a stop track configured to connect the inner and outer tracks and to stop the pin.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: EM-TECH. CO., LTD.Inventors: Yong Ju Ji, Jung Ho Kang, Jun Hee Han
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Patent number: 10170902Abstract: An extension and retraction device including a housing and a slip ring mounted within the housing. The slip ring includes a stator and rotor rotatably mounted therein. The rotor includes rotor leads and annular sections defined circumferentially around the rotor. Each rotor lead includes opposite ends with one end electrically connected to one of the annular sections. The stator includes a contact for each annular section in sliding electrical engagement with the annular section. Each contact includes a stator lead having one end electrically connected to the stator and another end extending out of an opening of the housing. A reel is mounted within the housing with the reel and rotor rotatable about a substantially common axis. A cord extending through another opening of the housing is retracted into the housing when the reel rotates in one direction, and the cord is extended from the housing when the cord is pulled and the reel rotates in the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Feng Jiang, Shrenik Shah
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Patent number: 10096985Abstract: A system includes a chassis having an interior containing at least one component secured to a base. A cable storage module is attached to the chassis and has a frame defining an interior space in which a cable is stored. The cable has a first end extending out of the frame for connection to the component and a second end extending out of the frame for connection to a device exterior to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LPInventors: Paul Rosenberg, Alan Goodrum, Sarah Anthony, Steven W Trovinger, Kevin B Leigh
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Patent number: 9917433Abstract: An extension and retraction device including a housing and a slip ring mounted within the housing. The slip ring includes a stator and rotor rotatably mounted therein. The rotor includes rotor leads and annular sections defined circumferentially around the rotor. Each rotor lead includes opposite ends with one end electrically connected to one of the annular sections. The stator includes a contact for each annular section in sliding electrical engagement with the annular section. Each contact includes a stator lead having one end electrically connected to the stator and another end extending out of an opening of the housing. A reel is mounted within the housing with the reel and rotor rotatable about a substantially common axis. A cord extending through another opening of the housing is retracted into the housing when the reel rotates in one direction, and the cord is extended from the housing when the cord is pulled and the reel rotates in the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Avionics CorporationInventors: Feng Jiang, Shrenik Shah
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Patent number: 9890013Abstract: A wire-winding device comprising: an upper cover; a spiral spring; a rotary base having a groove to accommodate the spiral spring on the bottom surface thereof; a transmission line winding around the rotary base; a lower cover assembled with the upper cover; and a pillar, an outlet, and a wire casing formed on one side of the groove, and two spacers surrounding the peripheral edge of the groove, the pillar having a first end portion which shifts outward to the edge of rotary base, the wire casing having a smooth curved surface formed on the bottom surface thereof near the outlet to enlarge the accommodating space near the outlet and reduce the friction between the transmission line and the spacers.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: Chi-Ming Chen, Feng Zhou, Kai-Feng Yang
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Patent number: 9840394Abstract: A wire-winding device comprising: an upper cover having a bottom surface and a slot deviating from a center of the bottom surface; a rotary base having an annular track on a top surface thereof, the annual track and the slot of the upper cover constituting an orbit; a spiral spring received in the rotary base; a transmission line winding around the rotary base; a lower cover assembled with the upper cover; and an elastic positioning element having a base and a positioning part extruding from the lower surface of the base, the base having an elastic part and a respective fixed part at each of two ends thereof, the elastic positioning element being moveable along the orbit in response to a rotational movement of the rotary base to avoid the transmission line to be tied a knot.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: Chi-Ming Chen, Kai-Feng Yang
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Patent number: 9241209Abstract: A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel. The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Haley Toelle, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita, Eliot Kim, Hayes Solos Raffle, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu
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Patent number: 9197053Abstract: A retractable interconnect device is configurable to operate in an extended mode or a retracted mode. The retractable interconnect device includes a first (e.g., short) electrical path and a second (e.g., long) electrical path. The retractable interconnect device also includes a connector that is electrically coupled to the second electrical path and that is selectively electrically couplable to the first electrical path.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Darcy Berger, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Jesse Hefner
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Patent number: 9193561Abstract: A cable management device includes a base, a locking member, a winding member, a driving member, a pressing member, and a spring. The base comprises a bottom board and a guide member. The locking member includes a pedestal and a sleeve. The winding member includes a winding portion sandwiched between a first end and a second end. The winding member defines a first receiving hole for receiving the sleeve. A number of first sawteeth formed on the pedestal mesh with a number of second sawteeth formed on the first end. The driving member includes a plate and a second receiving hole passing through the plate for receiving the sleeve. A number of third sawteeth formed on the second end mesh with a number of fourth sawteeth formed on the plate. The pressing member is connected to the sleeve. The spring is compressed between the pressing member and the driving member.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignees: AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Yan, Yan-Hua He
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Patent number: 9055364Abstract: An earset has an automatic rewinding unit of a ball/wire spring type. In the earset, an earphone cable extends from a wheel by a desired length if a user pulls the earphone cable, and the drawn earphone cable is rewound back into the wheel if the user pulls the earphone cable slightly.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: BULECOM CO., LTD.Inventors: Yong-Chul Uh, Dae-Kyoon Park, Lee-Sub Song
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Patent number: 9016607Abstract: A retractable cord winder device, which has a front cover with center shaft, a spiral spring, a spool with a spool divider with flanged hook dividing the spool chamber into equal halves for efficient and minimal noise cable coiling, oval sliding positioning sliding disc, and a rear cover with concave recess to hold the oval positioning sliding disc with positioning stopper. The front cover is mounted with the rear cover through the center shaft via a center hole of the rear cover where there are symmetrical openings on both ends for cords folded in half to be attached to the flanged hook and retracted upon pulling down.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Dongguan Pengteng Hardware Electronic Co., Ltd.Inventors: Weituck Wong, Guoqing Zhou
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Patent number: 8973857Abstract: An innovative and advantageous ratcheting system having a housing, a corresponding ratcheting member, and a primary ratcheting member. Wherein the members provide dependent interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member whereby the dependent interlocking behavior takes place on the adjoining surfaces orthogonal to the axis in which the ratcheting mechanism is rotatably mounted. Such interlocking behavior is dependent upon the direction of relative torque between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member thereby allowing relative rotary motion in the first predetermined direction while preventing relative rotary motion in the second predetermined rotary direction. Further, the interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and primary ratcheting member can be disabled whereby relative rotary motion between the ratcheting members can be achieved in the second predetermined rotary direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Intitate Launch LLCInventor: Hamilton Grant Moore
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Patent number: 8967518Abstract: A wire winder for winding a wire includes a housing, a latching portion, a rotary assembly, a torsion spring, a cover coupled to the housing, and an operation portion. The rotary assembly can rotate to wind the wire into the housing or unwind the wire out of the housing. The torsion spring is fixed between the rotary assembly and the cover. The operation portion is capable of moving in a telescopic manner, to make the latching portion lock or unlock the rotary assembly. The wire winder further includes at least one location member and a through portion. The at least one location member and the through portion define a wire channel for the wire. The outer end of the wire passes through the at least one location member and the through portion and extends out of the housing through a wire hole defined on the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ji-Bing Guo
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Patent number: 8910895Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cable winding device including: a base member disposed in a fixed state; a winding reel that is connected to part of a cable and that can be rotated relative to the base member in a winding direction and an unwinding direction; a lever supported on the winding reel and rotated together with the winding reel relative to the base member; a biasing member biasing the winding reel in the winding direction; a rotatable member that is disposed to face the base member, that can be rotated around a fulcrum axis relative to the base member, and that has a control part operative to control winding of the cable; and a control rib located on a locus of rotation of the rotatable member. The winding of the cable is controlled according to the position of the control part relative to the control rib.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Akira Masuda
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Patent number: 8870111Abstract: A cable winding device comprises a case, a reel disc, a cable, and a cable locking structure. The case comprises a first case element and a second case element. The reel disc is disposed between the first case element and the second case element, wherein the reel disc has a leaf spring. The cable is wound on the reel disc. The cable locking structure has a fixing part and at least partially penetrates the first case element and the reel disc. When a pulling operation of the cable causes the leaf spring to be sustained against the fixing part, a desired length of the cable is pulled out from the case and locked. When the cable locking structure is pressed and the fixing part is detached from the leaf spring, the cable pulled outside the case is rewound on the reel disc.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Delta Electronics (Thailand) Public Co., Ltd.Inventors: Surawut Kwankijpongsa, Jui-Ching Huang
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Publication number: 20140290016Abstract: According to one embodiment, a removable tightening device is described. The tensioning mechanism is removably coupleable with an article without damaging the article so that upon removal, the coupling of the tensioning mechanism with the article is unrecognizable or not readily detectable. The tensioning mechanism is operable with a tension member to maintain a tension of the tension member and thereby maintain a tightness of the article. The tension member is guided along a path about the article, via one or more guide members, and is tensionable, via the tensioning mechanism, to tighten the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Kristopher C. Lovett, Christopher H. Converse, Clark Morgan, Michael J. Nickel
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Patent number: 8833690Abstract: An exemplary wire-winding device can automatically wind a wire that is connected to a plug such as the plug of an earphone set. The wire-winding device includes a rotary wire-winding unit and a locking unit. A plug inlet channel and a moving cavity are defined in the rotary wire-winding unit. The locking unit includes a moving member accommodated in the moving cavity, for controlling locking and releasing of the rotary wire-winding unit. When the plug is inserted into the moving cavity, the plug applies a thrust force to the moving member, and the moving member moves in the moving cavity under the thrust force and thereby releases the rotary wire-winding unit to allow the rotary wire-winding unit to rotate and automatically wind the wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cong-Bing Zhou, Che-Yu Chou, Qun Huang, Tai-Shan Zhu
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Patent number: 8794378Abstract: A method of adjusting a length of at least one safety harness strap with an adjuster comprises positioning the adjuster at a desired location along the at least one strap, winding the at least one strap about the shaft, and locking the shaft with the locking mechanism to prevent rotation in an unwinding direction. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. The adjuster includes a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in one direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in an opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: D B Industries, LLCInventor: J. Thomas Wolner
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Patent number: 8757532Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel heavy duty, weather and shock resistant retractable lanyard. In one aspect of the disclosure, the retractable lanyard comprises dual independently retractable lanyard cords that share a common axis. In another aspect of the disclosure, the retractable lanyard employs a multi-piece reader arm pivotally connected to a reader arm bracket to assist the lanyard in operating under heavier loads. In another aspect of the disclosure, the lanyard may employ deeper tracks on the spool's track system to allow the reader arm to stay in contact with the tracks when the lanyard cord is under heavier loads. In another aspect of the disclosure, the lanyard comprises a robust power spring that allows it to retract under heavier loads.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Tenacious Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Votel, Justin Kostner, Jeffrey A. Popowski
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Patent number: 8740124Abstract: An earphone cable winder for winding at least one cable of an earphone includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to the housing, at least one rotatable assembly rotatably arranged within a space defined by the first housing and the second housing, and a switch assembly connected to one of the first housing and the second housing. The first housing defines at least one first channel. The second housing defines at least one second slot communicating with the at least one first channel to store the at least one cable of the earphone. The rotatable assembly is configured to wind at least one cable of the earphone therearound. The latching arm is slidable between a first position where the at least one latching arm restricts the at least one cable from moving, and a second position where the at least one latching arm releases the at least one cable.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Quan-Chang Cheng
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Patent number: 8702025Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved rewind apparatus for a flexible member. Specifically, the invention provides a retractable spool and a mechanism which allows a user to move a switch so that he/she has a choice of having the spool always pulling on the flexible member, a Tension mode of operation, or using a No Tension mode of operation that allows the flexible member to relax, and then, with a brief tug on the flexible member, retraction forces of a spring causes the flexible member to be wound around the spool.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Inventors: Louis Kish, Joe Horvath
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Patent number: 8684390Abstract: A retractable tow strap apparatus includes a housing containing a spool operably connected to a crank on the exterior of the housing. A tow strap is wound around the spool, the ends of the strap extending through a pair of apertures on opposite sides of the housing. Unwinding the strap from the spool through the apertures rotates the spool in a first direction. The strap is retrieved onto the spool by rotating the spool in a second direction using the crank. Springs within the housing apply a braking force on the portion of the strap that is on the spool, whereby slack in the strap and resultant tangling may be minimized as the strap is wound and unwound from the spool. The strap is formed of a unitary webbing element that extends through the spool, thereby minimizing the application of tension forces directly to the spool during a towing operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Hampton Products International CorporationInventor: Jeffrey N. Barrette
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Patent number: 8540363Abstract: Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic functions, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Geelux Holdings, Ltd.Inventor: Marcio Marc Abreu
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Patent number: 8534587Abstract: An automatic positioning winder comprising a lower cover, an upper cover fixed to said lower cover, a winding device provided between said lower and upper covers, entering and outgoing line holes formed in the lateral walls of the lower and upper covers respectively; characterized in that: said winding device consists of a center pillar provided in center of an upper portion of the lower cover, a turning wheel sleeved on the center pillar, a brake component provided in the upper portion of the lower cover and a vulture spring fixed inside of the turning wheel; an annular groove having a flat bottom is formed on the bottom portion of the turning wheel; said annular groove includes a positioning device for forming a guiding groove inside the annular groove; the brake component has a hook portion moving relatively along said guiding groove as the turning wheel rotating.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Lizhi He
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Publication number: 20130119178Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cable winding device including: a base member disposed in a fixed state; a winding reel that is connected to part of a cable and that can be rotated relative to the base member in a winding direction and an unwinding direction; a lever supported on the winding reel and rotated together with the winding reel relative to the base member; a biasing member biasing the winding reel in the winding direction; a rotatable member that is disposed to face the base member, that can be rotated around a fulcrum axis relative to the base member, and that has a control part operative to control winding of the cable; and a control rib located on a locus of rotation of the rotatable member. The winding of the cable is controlled according to the position of the control part relative to the control rib.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: SONY CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8434200Abstract: An adjusting device for tightening or loosing laces and straps includes a base, an actuating member and a knob. When a user rotates the knob clockwise, the adjusting device is tightening a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. However, when a user rotates the knob counterclockwise, the adjusting device is loosing a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. The knob never moves up and down along the axis during the operation for tightening or loosing the flexible strap or the lace.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
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Patent number: 8435069Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a USB cable capable of being fed out of and returned to a cable reel is disclosed along with a cable reel that houses the cable and provides connectivity for the cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Telefonix, Inc.Inventors: Paul C. Burke, James L. DuBois
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Patent number: 8365887Abstract: A retraction apparatus comprising a support housing comprising one or more generally cylindrical spindles, and a retraction assembly mounted on each of the spindles is provided. The retraction assembly comprises a spring member, a generally cylindrical spool member, a retractable cable, a latch member, and a contact wheel member. The spring member is mounted on each of the spindles and affixed to the support housing. The spool member comprising serrated plates is affixed to the spring member. The retractable cable is circularly wound around a cylindrical section defined between the serrated plates of the spool member and extends outwardly from the support housing. The latch member, in engageable communication with the spool member, controls rotation of the spool member. The contact wheel member, in engageable communication with the spool member, via selective drive mechanisms, is rotated to rotate the spool member for retracting the retractable cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Fischer Consumer ElectronicsInventor: Daniel Gerard Fischer
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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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Publication number: 20130001346Abstract: An earphone cable winder for winding at least one cable of an earphone includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to the housing, at least one rotatable assembly rotatably arranged within a space defined by the first housing and the second housing, and a switch assembly connected to one of the first housing and the second housing. The first housing defines at least one first channel. The second housing defines at least one second slot communicating with the at least one first channel to store the at least one cable of the earphone. The rotatable assembly is configured to wind at least one cable of the earphone therearound. The latching arm is slidable between a first position where the at least one latching arm restricts the at least one cable from moving, and a second position where the at least one latching arm releases the at least one cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.Inventor: QUAN-CHANG CHENG
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Publication number: 20120306216Abstract: An automatic universal cord reeling device capable of consolidating, organizing and storing cords and flexible tubes from any source comprising, a two tiered spool and a spring motor used to drive the mechanism to provide stored energy to the system through the operations of a set of gears and a spring loaded plunger and detent system. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a mini alternator may be attached to the spring motor drum of the system to generate electric current which is stored in a battery pack incorporated within the system. In this embodiment, the stored energy in the form of electric current can be tapped through a plug to drive an electronic mobile or other device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventor: Chukwuka E. Nwabuzor
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Patent number: 8308098Abstract: A stepless fastening device includes a cap having a driving gear and multiple one-direction teeth connected to an underside thereof. The driving gear is engaged with a spool located in the base so that the strip or shoelace is wrapped to the spool. An operation unit is located beneath the cap and rotatable in a first direction for fastening and a second direction for loosening the strip or shoelace. An operation ring of the operation unit is connected to the underside of the cap and pushes an activation ring away from the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction. An engaging member includes inclined teeth and pushed by the activation ring so that the inclined teeth are disengaged from the one-direction teeth of the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
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Patent number: 8245371Abstract: A string securing device includes a base having a central post extending centrally therefrom. A shaft extends through the passage in the central post so as to be connected to the cap mounted to the base by a bolt which extends through the cap from a top of the cap. A ring and a spool are located between the base and the cap, wherein the spool is rotated with the cap by engagement of first and second teeth on the spool and the cap respectively. The ring has multiple ratchet teeth which are removably engaged with third teeth on the cap so as to allow the cap to rotate in one direction. The ring includes flexible members which are deformed to lower the ring and provides straight and upward force to the cap.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Chin Chu Chen
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Patent number: 8235321Abstract: A stepless fastening device includes a cap having a driving gear and multiple one-direction teeth connected to an underside thereof. The driving gear is engaged with a spool located in the base so that the strip or shoelace is wrapped to the spool. An operation unit is located beneath the cap and rotatable in a first direction for fastening and a second direction for loosening the strip or shoelace. An operation ring of the operation unit is connected to the underside of the cap and pushes an activation ring away from the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction. An engaging member includes inclined teeth and pushed by the activation ring so that the inclined teeth are disengaged from the one-direction teeth of the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
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Publication number: 20120138724Abstract: The cable retractor mainly contains a housing member, a coil spring, a rotary disc, a cable, and a winding disc. The rotary disc has a top circular indentation where the coil spring is accommodated in the indentation. A number of gear teeth are provided around the rotary disc and the winding disc. The winding disc has a central axle for the winding of the cable. The winding disc is positioned such that its teeth engage those of the rotary disc. A spiral track and a centrifugal track are provided on the rotary disc and the housing member, respectively. A positioning ball, together with the spiral track and the centrifugal track, provides a positioning function. The cable can be configured to be pulled in a single direction with a connector or multiple directors at a free end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: KO-AN CHEN, Wen-Han Chang
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Publication number: 20120138725Abstract: The slider case provides housing for a portable appliance and integrates a cable retractor containing a coil spring, a rotary disc, a cable, and a winding disc. The rotary disc has a top circular indentation where the coil spring is accommodated in the indentation. A number of gear teeth are provided around the rotary disc and the winding disc. The winding disc has a central axle for the winding of the cable. The winding disc is positioned such that its teeth engage those of the rotary disc. A spiral track and a centrifugal track are provided on the rotary disc and the casing member, respectively. A positioning ball, together with the spiral track and the centrifugal track, provides a positioning function. The cable can be configured to be pulled in a single direction with a connector or multiple directors at a free end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: KO-AN CHEN, WEN-HAN CHANG