Particular Frame Or Frame Carrier Patents (Class 242/379)
  • Patent number: 12151641
    Abstract: A belt reel (14) for a belt retractor (10) has a rotational axis (R) and a reel body (16) that is provided as a reel for a webbing (24) and has a first axial circumferential circle (34). The reel body (16) further includes a radial constriction (32) having a second axial circumferential circle (36), wherein the constriction (32) is arranged centrally on the reel body (16) in the axial direction (A) and wherein the circumference of the second axial circumferential circle (36) amounts to a maximum of 95% of the circumference of the first axial circumferential circle (34). Moreover, a belt retractor (10) comprising such belt reel (14) is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: ZF AUTOMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Bohn, Thomas Kielwein
  • Patent number: 12084322
    Abstract: Provided herein is a lanyard attachment for storing a lanyard. The lanyard attachment has a housing, means for releasably storing a lanyard in the housing, for example a rotatable spool, a guide at the proximal end of the housing to guide the lanyard into the housing and a holder at the distal end from which an object is suspended. Also provided is a retractable lanyard in which a cord or lanyard is stored in a coiled configuration within the housing and a system for releasably storing a lanyard in the lanyard attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Inventors: Riyaz Momin, Kiran Karedia, Noman Ali, Ahmed Maknojia
  • Patent number: 11993477
    Abstract: A retractable tool lanyard comprises a housing, a drum rotatably connected to the housing, a biasing member interconnecting the housing and the drum, a cord operatively connected to the drum and adapted to be wound about and paid out from the drum, and an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism comprises a locking plate connected to the drum, at least one lock pawl connected to the locking plate, and a ratchet plate. When the drum rotates at a predetermined speed, the at least one lock pawl pivots from an unlocked position to a locked position to engage the ratchet plate thereby rotating the ratchet plate with the drum. At least one of a braking mechanism and a clicker pawl are used to create friction to assist in reducing a rate of rotation of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: CHECKMATE LIFTING & SAFETY LTD
    Inventors: Craig A. Burke, Oliver Auston, Christopher Stockbridge
  • Patent number: 11964845
    Abstract: A cord reel assembly including a single, continuous cord having stationary and retractable segments, with the stationary segment including multiple connectors and sheath covering such connectors where the connectors twist and untwist relative to the sheath in response to the retract and extension of the retractable segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Astronics Connectivity Sys. & Cert. Corp.
    Inventors: John Alford, Christopher Hinojosa
  • Patent number: 11766992
    Abstract: A belt retractor (10) of a seatbelt system comprises a belt tensioner (11) which is adapted to rotate a belt reel (14) of the belt retractor (10) accommodated in a belt retractor frame (12), wherein the belt retractor frame (12) is closed by a cover (16) on the tensioner side in the area of the spindle of the belt reel (14) and in the cover (16) a bearing for the belt reel (14) is provided. The cover (16) includes a first pot-shaped cover part (16a) which is mounted directly on the belt retractor frame (12) and has a side wall (24) merging into a flat portion (26). In the flat portion (26) an opening (32) is spared and a second cover part (16b) is provided which engages in the opening (32) in the first cover part (16a) and on which a bearing (40) is formed in which an end (42) of the spindle of the belt reel (14) is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Mödinger, Bernd Gentner, Martin Nuding
  • Patent number: 11485527
    Abstract: A binding machine, includes an accommodating portion configured to accommodate a tape reel, which has a tubular bobbin and a tape wound around an outer circumferential surface of the bobbin, with a part of the tape pulled out of the accommodating portion. The accommodating portion includes: a side wall configured to face a side surface of the accommodated tape reel, a first protrusion protruding from the side wall and configured to fit to the bobbin of the accommodated tape reel so as to rotatably support the tape reel, and a second protrusion protruding from the side wall and configured to abut with a side surface of the accommodated tape reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Taguchi
  • Patent number: 10959422
    Abstract: A scent dispensing apparatus having a spool engaged with a housing for dispensing a scented line upon the ground. The scented line is wound upon the spool which is positionable between a retracted position inside a cavity of the housing to a deployed position outside the housing where the spool can unwind the scented line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Cary D. Dion
  • Patent number: 10876825
    Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Collin J. Nelson, David Andrew Wortelboer, Kyle C. Anderson, Abhijeet A. Khangar, Jonathan F. Vitas
  • Patent number: 10633218
    Abstract: A reel device is provided, including a shell body; a rotating shaft, movably and rotatably disposed in the shell body along an axial direction, the rotating shaft including a head section, an exterior circumferential face of the head section circumferentially having a plurality of engaging teeth circumferentially disposed thereon and extending radially; a ratchet assembly, including a first ratchet portion and a second ratchet portion meshed with the first ratchet portion, the first ratchet portion being fixed on the shell body, the second ratchet portion being rotatable relative to the first ratchet portion unidirectionally, the second ratchet portion comovably connected with the rotating shaft; a reel unit, rotatably disposed on the shell body for being connected to at least one rope, the reel unit having a meshed hole extending in the axial direction, the plurality of engaging teeth being radially detachably engaged with the meshed hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Yu-Chien Wang
  • Patent number: 10562489
    Abstract: A cover for a seatbelt retractor assembly comprising: a first layer having an inside surface configured to face a seatbelt webbing retracted by a seatbelt retractor assembly, an outside surface configured to face away from the seatbelt webbing, a plurality of holes disposed through the first layer from the inside surface through to the outside surface, and baffles adjacent each of the plurality of holes. The cover reduces audible noise generated by moving components of the seatbelt retractor assembly. The baffles adjacent each of the plurality of holes are disposed on the inside surface. The cover can further include a second layer, which includes a sound absorbing material such as foam. The second layer at least partially covers the outside surface of the first layer and covers the plurality of holes. The cover can further include snap fit fastening elements to connect the cover to the seatbelt retractor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sone Sadakhom, Michael Lee, Joseph Cicchelli
  • Patent number: 10405519
    Abstract: The training and control apparatus preferably includes a pendant that is coupled to a spring loaded retractable reel via a tether. The apparatus can be fitted to a canine or other animal via a collar. When the canine or other animal begins to run, the pendant is automatically deployed away from the spring loaded retractable reel, interfering with legs of the canine or other animal and discouraging running. In embodiments of the invention, the pendant includes ornamental features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas D. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10371496
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a tape measure comprises an accessory removably coupleable to either side of the housing. According to another embodiment, a tape measure comprises an accessory removably coupleable to the housing via a locking mechanism that holds the accessory at a plurality of desired orientations. According to another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a slide lock, where movement of the slide lock from a locked position into an unlocked position requires depression of the actuator towards the interior of the housing. According to another embodiment, a motor assembly for a tape measure comprises a backer plate, a motor body, and a spring, where a bond is applied therebetween. According to another embodiment, a motor assembly for a tape measure comprises a motor body and a spring, where one of a metallurgical bond or an adhesive is applied between the motor body and the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Orsini, Chirag Kamani, John Delneo
  • Patent number: 10166947
    Abstract: Sealed web retractors and associated systems and methods for retracting a web, such as seat belt web, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a web retractor includes a frame having a sidewall with a first opening, a locking assembly attached to the frame and having a housing with a second opening adjacent to the first opening, and a shaft coupler rotatably and sealably carried by the sidewall. The shaft coupler operably couples a spool shaft to the locking assembly through the first and second openings. At least one seal is operably positioned in the first opening between the shaft coupler and the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Shield Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Clark, Brandon S. Marriott, Brian Babin
  • Patent number: 10132605
    Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Collin J. Nelson, David Andrew Wortelboer, Kyle C. Anderson, Abhijeet A. Khangar, Jonathan F. Vitas
  • Patent number: 9937892
    Abstract: A belt retractor (10) is provided with a retractor shaft (12) and a device (26) for determining the rotational speed and/or the angle of rotation of the retractor shaft (12), with a rotating magnetic element (18), a stationary magnetic field sensor (24) and a stationary element guiding the magnetic flux (20) arranged between the rotating magnetic element (18) and the magnetic field sensor (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Holbein
  • Patent number: 9884606
    Abstract: A belt retractor casing shell having a cup-shaped configuration comprises a front wall (14) as well as a circumferential wall (16) extending from the front wall (14), the front wall (14) including an annular zone (44) weakened vis-à-vis the radially inside and/or outside adjacent portion around a center (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Blum, Kai Ulrich Machens, Jens Scholz, Jens Neumann
  • Patent number: 9527474
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device including: a take-up shaft on which a webbing is taken up; a lock mechanism including a lock gear disposed at one axial direction end portion of the take-up shaft and formed with ratchet teeth, and a lock plate formed with lock teeth engaging with the ratchet teeth; and a frame including a pair of leg plates disposed at both axial direction end portions of the take-up shaft, an opening portion being formed at a leg plate of the pair of leg plates disposed further to the other axial direction end portion of the take-up shaft than the ratchet teeth and the lock teeth, and the opening portion passing through the leg plate at a position that faces towards a range including a mutual engagement position between the ratchet teeth and the lock teeth and the periphery of the engagement position along the take-up shaft axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takamatsu, Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Patent number: 9301596
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for an electronic device attaches to an electronic device, such as a cell phone, to prevent a user from dropping, losing or breaking the electronic device. The assembly includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimter wall coupled to and extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. A tether is retractable into and out of the housing. The tether has a first end extending outwardly of the housing. A connector is coupled to the first end of the tether. The connector is configured for releasably attaching an electronic device to the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Parker
  • Patent number: 9254793
    Abstract: A cell phone holder that has a case with a back portion having an angled surface on an inside end surface of said back side so that a cell phone housed in said case is slanted with its face tilted at an angle for better viewing through said opening in said front surface and to provide room in said case to store a retractable ear phone device behind said cell phone. The back surface has a top portion curving backward with respect to the front surface of the case to provide an overhanging portion forming a clip to mount said case and is mountable in a recess between the driver side inner window surface and the driver side inner door so that the holder hangs on the driver side below the window and near the driver so as to be within range of a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Haion Won
  • Patent number: 9143590
    Abstract: A headset base unit (2) comprising a base housing (4), a headset holder (5, 38) for holding a headset (3). The headset base unit (2) has control means (9), by means of which an audio channel can be opened between the headset (3) and a selected one of the telecommunication devices (9, 10, 11), and a display unit (39) with a display (6) adapted for displaying device icons (12, 13, 14) representing connected telecommunication devices (9, 10, 11). A further communication system (95) comprising a headset system (1) and a cordless telephone (109). The headset system (109) comprises a wireless headset (3) with a headset transceiver (51) and a headset base unit (2) with headset base transceiver means (27, 28). The handset transceiver (103) and the telephone base transceiver means (100) can be connected by a second radio link (96) according to the first radio standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventors: Tomasz Goldman, Claus Tondering, Henning Toft Schwarz, Bo Schmidt, Stefan Heise
  • Patent number: 9027864
    Abstract: In a webbing retractor, the center of a rack and rack-teeth in an axial direction of a pinion is placed on the opposite side of a leg plate side with respect to the central axis of a cylinder. The piston is acted upon by a tilting-force toward the leg plate side from the pinion. A stop portion of an upper stay is placed on another leg plate side of the leg plate. Even when the piston is acted upon by the tilting force toward the leg plate side from the pinion, the stop portion can stop the movement of the leg plate toward the other leg plate side, and tilting of the piston and the cylinder toward the leg plate side can be suppressed. Moreover, the need to increase the strength of a frame and so forth can be eliminated, so the webbing retractor can be made compact and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yamazoe, Yusuke Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 8955783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety belt device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a wind-on spindle which is mounted rotatably in a housing connected to the motor vehicle body and on which a safety belt is held with its one end, the wind-on spindle being prestressed into a wind-on position, in which the safety belt is wound on the wind-on spindle and the safety belt can be unwound from the wind-on spindle, counter to the prestress, as a result of the rotation of the latter, and the safety belt emerging from its end held on the wind-on spindle through an exit orifice out of the wind-on spindle. According to the invention, there is provision whereby, in the state unwound completely from the wind-on spindle, the safety belt runs, between its end held on the wind-on spindle and the exit orifice of the wind-on spindle, in a sheet-like manner over at least one surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ulrich Klafke
  • Publication number: 20140246533
    Abstract: A tie-down device includes a frame, a strap, a reeling unit, a driving unit and a gear box. The frame includes two walls extending from a base. The reeling unit includes a reel rotationally supported on the walls for reeling the strap. The driving unit is supported on the first wall. The gearbox connects the driving unit to the reeling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Publication number: 20140224914
    Abstract: A housing device 10 includes a movable pulley 20, (first weights 18), and a guide mechanism. The movable pulley is movable among a first position at which the long object is housed within a housing 12, a second position at which the long object is pulled out from the housing, and a third position which is set between the first position and the second position. The long object is pulled out from the housing when the movable pulley 20 moves upward, and the long object is housed in the housing when the movable pulley moves downward. The first weights 18 are separated from the movable pulley when the movable pulley moves between the first position and the third position, and moves together with the movable pulley when the movable pulley moves between the third position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akehito Sugiura, Takashi Tomoto
  • Patent number: 8800907
    Abstract: A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Koenig, David Conroy
  • Publication number: 20140151486
    Abstract: A universal reel device includes an upper cover and a lower cover fastened together, a spool, a spiral spring and a safety switch for locking the spool. The spool has a bottom layer, a middle layer and a top layer. The middle layer is an annular cable distributing disk having a cable hooking slot. A bottom portion of the bottom layer is formed with a planar track and a U-shaped movable tongue for positioning is disposed between the bottom layer and the lower cover. The universal reel device can reel in various cable products, and may also be combined with a cable to form a single-pull or dual-pull reel. In use, a safety switch is used to lock the spool. The spool cannot rotate until the user unlocks the safety switch so that the high safety feature is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: Dong Guan Top Den Electronics Limited Company
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20140091166
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable touch device including a casing, a stylus, a rope and a reeling mechanism. An opening and a stylus slot are formed on the casing. The stylus is detachably received inside the stylus slot. The rope passes through the opening on the casing, and one end of the rope is connected to the stylus. The reeling mechanism is installed inside the casing and connected to the other end of the rope, for reeling the rope so as to pull the stylus to be received inside the stylus slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Yang Chu
  • Patent number: 8657223
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device that can regulate displacement of a held part such as clutch while suppressing or preventing a drop in the assembility of the held part such as clutch. A projection is formed on a bridge portion in a wall portion on the opposite side of a holding portion side. When a cover plate is attached to a frame, a base portion of the cover plate contacts a distal end of the wall portion, but at the portion where the projection is formed, the based portion presses the projection and bends the bridge portion. By the bridge portion bending, a touching surface of the holding portion contacts a base portion of a clutch plate and regulates displacement of the clutch plate. Moreover, in a state where the bridge portion is not bending, a clearance is formed between the touching surface and the base portion when the clutch plate is disposed, so the clutch plate can be also be easily attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yusuke Hirokawa, Tomonori Nagata
  • Patent number: 8646718
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for storing a flexible conduit, such as an electrical cord of a set of personal head phones or similar. The device has a body and a drum rotationally coupled to the body. The drum is biased to rotate in a first direction. A latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position prevents rotation of the drum in the first direction when the latch is in the latched position. The body has an opening for positioning a portion of flexible conduit. At least one coupling disposed on the drum extends into the opening for catching a portion of a flexible conduit positioned within the opening. When the latch is in the unlatched position the drum rotates in the first direction to cycle the coupling through the opening. A coupling catches a flexible conduit positioned within the opening to wind the flexible conduit onto the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Cameron Nicholas Spencer
  • Patent number: 8640936
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for securing an item to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated cable, a retraction member, a coupling member, and a locking mechanism. The elongated cable is retractably received within the retraction member. The coupling member is secured to the retraction member. The coupling member is engageable with a vehicle receiver to secure the coupling member to the vehicle receiver. The vehicle receiver shaped to receive a separate hitch mounted accessory. The engagement between the coupling member and the vehicle receiver, in certain embodiments, is designed such that the vehicle receiver is accessible for receiving the separate hitch mounted accessory with the coupling member engaged with the vehicle receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: John Ort
  • Publication number: 20130327874
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for hermetically sealing locking components of a retractor wherein the retractor has a spool shaft extending therefrom. An open-ended housing has a base and defines an opening through the base into an interior of the housing. The base of the housing is mounted to the retractor with the spool shaft accessible via the opening. The locking components are arranged within the housing. A sealing member is positioned about the opening to form a hermetic seal between the spool shaft and the opening. A cover is hermetically attached to the open end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: INDIANA MILLS & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Chris P. Jessup, Guy R. Dingman, Grant Bryant
  • Patent number: 8573526
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device comprising a take-up shaft on which webbing is taken up; a movement member that is moved at a specific occasion such as a vehicle collision is detected or there is rapid vehicle deceleration; a rotation member comprising a coaxially provided rotation shaft support portion and recess portion formed at an end portion in an axial direction of the rotation shaft support portion, the take-up shaft being rotated in the take-up direction by the rotation member meshing with the movement member and being rotated during movement of the movement member; and a cover member disposed on a rotation shaft support portion side of the rotation member, the cover member comprising a plate portion, a substantially ring shaped wall that projects out from the plate portion towards a rotation member side and is accommodated in the recess portion, and a shaft bearing hole formed in the plate portion and the substantially ring shaped wall for supporting the rotation shaft support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Wataru Yanagawa, Masaru Ukita
  • Publication number: 20130276718
    Abstract: A mechanism for retracting and extending a length of flexible material including a gear mechanism having a toothed gear, a coil spring, and a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism includes a trigger button, at least one barb and latch combination and a gear tooth engaging member. Pushing the button a first time causes the barb to lock in the latch and causes the tooth engaging member to engage gear teeth, preventing movement of the gear and preventing extension or retraction of the flexible material. Pressing the button again releases the barb from the latch and disengages the tooth engaging member from the gear, enabling the gear to rotate to extend or wind up the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLO PET COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Oved Valadez, Matthew Jones
  • Publication number: 20130270380
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor assembly includes a housing that rotatably receives a spool in the housing. A seat belt webbing is connected to and wound around the spool for selective winding and unwinding therefrom as the seat belt webbing is extended and retracted relative to the housing. A cover is received on the frame housing and includes an integral clip adjacent a first edge configured to engage a mounting element. The cover has a sloping conformation that covers an open portion of the housing to prevent debris from passing through the housing and reaching the seat belt retractor mechanism or seat belt webbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Terrie Ellison, Ross L. Burghardt
  • Patent number: 8534588
    Abstract: There is provided a webbing take-up device including: a seating portion formed to a cylinder shaped body and facing towards a cylinder shaped body axial direction second side; a bar shaped body housed at the inside of the cylinder shaped body and comprising a protrusion portion protruding out from the bar shaped body towards the cylinder shaped body axial direction second side; a push nut attached by fitting over the protrusion portion; and a washer through which the protrusion portion is inserted, the washer being seated against the seating portion with a face of the washer on the side of the washer away from the seating portion in contact with the push nut, and the rigidity to bending of the washer set higher than the rigidity to bending of the push nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denski-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Maekubo, Masaru Ukita, Wataru Yanagawa
  • Publication number: 20130168481
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130146697
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a seat belt retractor for a vehicle is capable of promoting the ease with which a seat belt retractor is mounted on a center pillar by a worker, and minimizing an amount of movement of the seat belt refractor towards the interior of a vehicle body in the event of a broadside collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Dong Wook Kim, Chang Mo Kang
  • Patent number: 8402925
    Abstract: The present invention is a retractable animal leash having a housing that surrounds a spring activated spooled leash. The housing may be opened in order to gain access to the spring-activated spooled leash and replace or repair the spooled leash as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy G. Le Croix
  • Patent number: 8403247
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Ko-An Chen, Wen-Han Chang
  • Publication number: 20130062451
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: CONG-BING ZHOU, CHE-YU CHOU, QUN HUANG, TAI-SHAN ZHU
  • Patent number: 8387907
    Abstract: A seat belt device is provided with a pin for connecting a spindle and a tread head in an initial state. The breaking load of the pin is varied depending on the direction of relative rotation between the tread head and the spindle, such that the pin breaks at a smaller load during operation of a pretensioner. As a result, this allows firmly fixing together the spindle and the lock member during ordinary use without adversely affecting usability, and, upon vehicle collision or the like, the EA load is not affected through breaking of the pin at the smaller load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Katsuyasu Ono, Yuichi Hamano
  • Patent number: 8366033
    Abstract: A cord winding device for a window covering includes a casing, a reel rotatably mounted on the casing, a torsion spring biased between the casing and the reel, a limit ring secured on the casing and abutting the reel to limit the reel between the casing and the limit ring, and a pull cord attached a bottom of the casing. Thus, the lift cord of the window covering is wound around and stored in the reel of the cord winding device so that the lift cord is rolled up to a higher position to prevent the children from being tangled with the lift cord so as to protect the safety of the children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Der Jaan Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Kuang Chang
  • Patent number: 8365887
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fischer Consumer Electronics
    Inventor: Daniel Gerard Fischer
  • Patent number: 8317120
    Abstract: A mounting for a rope pulley is arranged so that the pulley can rotate on an axle in a housing. The rope pulley has a projection, which points in the direction toward the axle and which engages in a peripheral gap to guide the rope pulley in an axial direction on the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Flexi-Bogdahn Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Bogdahn
  • Patent number: 8292208
    Abstract: Provided is a webbing winding device capable of mounting a holding member for holding a pretensioner on a frame easily. The webbing winding device has a holder which is mounted on a leg plate only by applying loads to tip ends (upper ends) of load receiving pieces and pushing the tip end (bent portion) sides of engagement claws into hole portions. With this structure, the operation of mounting the holder on the leg plate is easy and does not need any component such as screw. As no fastening component such as screw for mounting the holder on the leg plate is required, the cost for components is reduced and as no fastening step of screw is required, such cost is also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Wataru Yanagawa, Tomonori Nagata
  • Publication number: 20120234957
    Abstract: A belt retractor for safety belts of motor vehicles comprises a housing frame made of plastic for receiving a belt reel. The housing frame 10 is designed an open, U-shaped frame, on the open front face of which a reinforcing plate 59 made of plastic is fastened. In addition, a belt retractor for safety belts of motor vehicles comprises a housing frame of plastics material for receiving a belt reel. A pawl co-operating with the belt reel is mounted in the housing frame. The pivoting path of the pawl is limited by a bearing surface formed in the housing frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Isabel Wier, Franz Wier
  • Patent number: 8262009
    Abstract: A system for managing a flexible electrical cable for use in limited rotational applications is provided. The system includes a main hub coupled with a substrate, the main hub comprising an outer hub portion, an inner cavity portion and a gap portion, the main hub rotatable about a stationary post disposed inside the inner cavity portion and coupled with the substrate. The system is for managing a contiguous length of flexible electrical cable having a first free end and a second end, the second end electrically coupled to the inner post wherein a first portion of the flexible electrical cable proximate the free end is wrapped around the outer hub portion in a first direction and a second portion of the flexible electrical cable proximate the second end is wrapped inside the inner cavity portion in a second direction and wherein the contiguous length of flexible electrical cable passes through the gap portion of the main hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Allen Todd, Wyatt Erickson
  • Patent number: 8220676
    Abstract: A retractable tethering apparatus preferably includes a portable housing, a spring-actuated spool positioned within the housing, a flexible cord retractably wound about the spring-actuated spool, and a coupling section secured to a distal end of the cord. Such a coupling section is removably connected to the cellular telephone. Also provided is a mechanism for automatically notifying the user when the coupling section is disengaged from the housing by emitting an alert signal when the cord is unwound from the spring-actuated spool. In this manner, the coupling section may be completely disengaged from the housing when the cord is extracted from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Lenora Hicks
  • Publication number: 20120153065
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Gerard Fischer
  • Publication number: 20120138725
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: KO-AN CHEN, WEN-HAN CHANG