Particular Frame Or Frame Carrier Patents (Class 242/379)
  • Publication number: 20110278387
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Chih-Kuang Chang
  • Patent number: 8052080
    Abstract: A rope braking device includes a housing having a chamber and an orifice communicative with each other, an eyelet engaged in the orifice of the housing and having a bore for engaging with a rope, a pulley having a hub mounted on a shaft, a follower gear mounted on the shaft and coupled to the hub, an internal gear rotatably mounted on the shaft, a number of pinions engaged with the follower gear and the inner teeth of the internal gear for resisting the rotational movement of the pulley and the rope relative to the housing, and for allowing the rope braking device to be easily carried with the user and to be easily operated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Feng-Chia Liang
  • Patent number: 8033494
    Abstract: The invention is concerned, inter alia, with a belt retractor (10) for a seat belt, with a belt reel (20) for winding up and unwinding the seat belt, and a lockable locking flange (40) which is connected to the belt reel and, prior to a locking action, is rotated together with the belt reel and, after a locking action, is blocked in its rotational movement. According to the invention, it is provided that the locking flange and the belt reel are secured against relative axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Jens Cordes, Jochen Lang, Rolf Schnetzer, Robert Fleischmann, Günter Klaiber, Andreas Maunz
  • Patent number: 7988084
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for pretensioning a seatbelt is provided. The device comprises a spindle for receiving a portion of the seatbelt. A retractor frame that has a weakened portion is supported by the spindle for rotational movement within the retractor frame. A pretensioner is operatively connected to the spindle for rotating the spindle to tighten the seatbelt. The pretensioner includes pretensioner balls. The pretensioner is configured to drive the pretensioner balls toward a ball collection area adjacent to the weakened portion. The weakened portion is deformed by the pretensioner balls to increase the size of the ball collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Lombarte, Jon Burrow
  • Publication number: 20110101143
    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 rojection 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: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Yusuke HIROKAWA, Tomonori NAGATA
  • Publication number: 20110089281
    Abstract: An apparatus (1, 51, 101) for deploying and retracting a flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702), the apparatus (1, 51, 101) comprising a flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702) having an arrangement (203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703) for carrying threads (4, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) along the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702). The threads (4, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) extend along the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702) via the thread carrying arrangement (203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703), The apparatus (1, 51, 101) has a container (6, 56, 106) for storing the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702), the container (6, 56, 106) having an arrangement (7, 111) for facilitating movement of the threads (4, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) so that the flexible portion of material (2, 202, 302, 402, 502, 502, 702) is incrementally loaded into the container (6, 56, 106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Boyd, Andrew Woods
  • Publication number: 20110061981
    Abstract: The cable dispensing system includes multiple parallel coils of flexible non-insulated cables separated by multiple parallel insulating discs. The insulating discs have hubs to which the inner portions of the coils are fixedly coupled. The insulating discs and coils are disposed within a housing, which is rotatably coupled to the multiple parallel insulating discs and fixedly coupled to each outer portion of the multiple coils. The cables comprising the coils are routed from the inner portions through tunnels, which extend through the insulating discs in paths parallel to the axis of the parallel insulating discs. When cords attached to the housing are extended, the coils become wound, creating an electrical short between adjacent loops of the spiral coil. The shorter conductive path reduces the amount of energy that is lost as heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jacobi Ori, Sadot Avner, Hanuna Shaul
  • Publication number: 20100314480
    Abstract: A security line designation apparatus includes a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall being attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. A spindle is rotatably mounted within the housing. An elongated flexible panel is attached to the spindle. The panel extends through an aperture in the perimeter wall and the panel has a free end positioned outside of the housing. The spindle is rotationally biased in a first direction. The panel is wound onto the spindle when the spindle is rotated in the first direction. The panel has indicia thereon indicating persons are to remain away from an area bordered by the panel. A biasing member biases rotation of the spindle in the first direction. A coupler releasably couples the free end to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Ian C. Gallacher
  • Publication number: 20100308149
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of novel line dispensing devices and methods for dispensing and retracting a line of a line dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Holmes Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Christopher James ALLINGTON, Andrew Karl Diehl, Bruce John Robertson
  • Publication number: 20100307700
    Abstract: A fabric gate has a ratchet assembly, a delaying assembly and a driving device. The ratchet assembly has a ratchet, a positioning ring and a driven pad. The ratchet has a wheel provide with multiple upper ratchet teeth and multiple lower ratchet teeth. The upper ratchet teeth extend toward a direction opposite to that of the lower ratchet teeth extending. The positioning ring is expandable and has engaging teeth engaging respectively with the ratchet teeth on the ratchet. The driven pad is attached to the top of the positioning ring to expand the positioning ring when the driven pad is rotated by the driving device. The delaying assembly is mounted in the top cap and connected to the ratchet assembly to reduce to the rotating speed of the driven pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Tsung-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7825334
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a socket with power supply, comprising a housing having a upper cover and a lower cover which are connected together to form a receiving space; a transformer connected with an alternate current source through a plug protruding out of the first opening; at least a socket capable of outputting the alternate current; a rectifying circuit capable of rectifying the alternate current to direct current; and an output power plug coupled with the rectifying circuit and protruding out of the second opening through a power cord to output the direct current to an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Chao Chuan Chien
  • Patent number: 7802746
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hanging device including: a reeling portion which includes a reel adapted to reel a cord connected to an electronic device or component part and in which the reel is turned to pull out the cord from an orifice portion of a casing and to reel the cord through the orifice portion; an engaging portion disposed in the vicinity of the orifice portion of the reeling portion; and a connecting member attached to the cord so as to be engageable with and disengageable from an engaging portion of the orifice portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ito, Jun Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7762215
    Abstract: A clip configuration including a contoured case forming a support opening for a movable clasp element defining a universal clip. A winding mechanism within the casing includes a spring urged spool having a retractable cord which extends with an attachment ring positioned on its free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Horton
  • Publication number: 20100123348
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor for a seat belt includes a spool for winding the seatbelt, a first seat belt load limiting mechanism for limiting load applied on the seat belt in an emergency, a second seat belt load limiting mechanism for limiting the load applied to the seat belt when a predetermined condition based on an emergency situation is satisfied in the emergency, a driving member for actuating the second seat belt load limiting mechanism, and a controller for controlling the driving member. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the controller sets the second seat belt load limiting mechanism in an operative state by not actuating the driving member. When the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the controller sets the second seat belt load limiting mechanism in an inoperative state by actuating the driving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Hiramatsu, Takahiro Nohara
  • Publication number: 20100072313
    Abstract: A retractor including a spindle for winding a seat belt; a frame for rotatably supporting the spindle; a winding spring for biasing the rotation of the spindle in the direction of winding the seat belt; and a magnetic disc and a magnet sensor unit for detecting the rotation of the spindle. The magnetic disc and the magnet sensor unit are disposed between the frame and the winding spring, and are each made of a magnetic material. Hence, the seat belt device can be less affected by a disturbance magnetic field and can detect the rotation of the spindle at high reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Eiji Maemura, Susumu Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7661620
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a carrying device enabling hands-free transporting of a personal data assistant, cellular telephone, pager, MP3 Player, media player, hand held game, hand held GPS device or any other personal accessory or hand held device that may be attached to the body of a user. The device enables a detachment of the handheld device from a housing while maintaining a secured link of the hand held device to the user's body with and automatic facilitated comfortable adjustment of a secure link of the hand held device, thereby providing hand-free carrying and an elimination of risk of loss from accidental misplacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Waddell K. Fields
  • Patent number: 7619543
    Abstract: A garage parking mat that assists an individual in properly parking their vehicle in a garage. The parking mat is fabricated from two durable rubber mats, sensors, a warning light box, insulated wiring, and various attached hardware. The rubber mats are adjustable in length and include lateral strips across the front and rear on each mat. Within the strips are pressure sensors that are designed to notify the attached hardware when a vehicle's tires are located on a pressure sensor. The strips also have a series of sensors located on the outer edges of each rubber mat to detect improper steering by a driver. The warning light box includes a series of lights, including a red and green light, to visually signal a driver when the driver is pulling a vehicle into the garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Marius G. Todinca
  • Publication number: 20090277986
    Abstract: The invention is concerned, inter alia, with a belt retractor (10) for a seat belt, with a belt reel (20) for winding up and unwinding the seat belt, and a lockable locking flange (40) which is connected to the belt reel and, prior to a locking action, is rotated together with the belt reel and, after a locking action, is blocked in its rotational movement. According to the invention, it is provided that the locking flange and the belt reel are secured against relative axial displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jens Cordes, Jochen Lang, Rolf Schnetzer, Robert Fleischmann, Gunter Klaiber, Andreas Maunz
  • Publication number: 20090250673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a barrier and securing post as is used either in fixed or movable form to fence in and/or block off or secure areas and for guiding human, animal and/or traffic movements. It consists of a basic body which comprises at least one storage compartment for accommodating at least one flexible barrier arrangement. The one or more flexible barrier arrangement can be automatically retracted into the storage compartment using a band retractor. One or more storage compartments for the one or more flexible barrier arrangements are arranged inside the lower end and/or outside the lower end of the basic body of the barrier and securing post. The basic body comprises a guide for guiding the one or more flexible barrier arrangements from its lower end to its free end. This makes it possible to lower the center of gravity of the barrier and securing post, thus providing it with additional stability. Elevated wind engagement surfaces are avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Torsten Menzel
  • Patent number: 7571874
    Abstract: A wire winding device includes a case, a reel received in the case for winding a wire thereon, a restricting member for restricting/releasing the reel, and a resilient member for interconnecting the case and the reel and rotating the reel and being movable with reel in an axis direction of the reel when the reel starts to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Zhang, Zheng Shi, Chien-Li Tsai, Chun-Chi Liang
  • Publication number: 20090127369
    Abstract: A system is provided to adjust the orientation of the axis of a roll which carries a fabric storm curtain used to protect an opening in a structure. The system includes a bracket positioned at each end of the roll and a plate which is received in a recess in each bracket. The plate includes a hub which carries the roll and which has an axis aligned with the axis of rotation of the roll. The hub is positioned off center of the plate so that dependent on the orientation of plate relative to the recess, different orientations of the axis of the roll are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Richard S. Hand, Darrin W. Brunk
  • Patent number: 7533472
    Abstract: A cable length sensor, in particular, a bowden cable displacement sensor, comprising a cable drum, a measuring cable wound on the cable drum and a return device at least lightly pre-tensioned in the start position, wherein the measuring cable may be withdrawn by rotating the cable drum against the force of the return device and by withdrawing the measuring cable the return device may be further tensioned. The return device is arranged in a housing, and coupling means for releasably coupling the return device to the rotating movement of the cable drum are provided so as to permit ready removal and replacement of the return device. Also, the housing may be provided with a sensor element operated from outside the housing for determining the current position of the return device, in particular the at least lightly tensioned starting position of the return device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Birchinger, Jaroslav Hruby
  • Patent number: 7523870
    Abstract: A card retention assembly includes a shield and a retraction mechanism. The shield is essentially non-transmissive of radio frequency signals and encloses a card receptacle which retains an RFID card when the retraction mechanism is in a retracted position. The retraction mechanism includes a spool and a retention line connectable to the RFID card and connected to the spool. Manually withdrawing the RFID card from the card receptacle causes the retention line to unwind from the spool and transitions the retraction mechanism from the retracted position to an extended position. The retraction mechanism is biased to the retracted position causing the retention line to wind back onto the spool and automatically returning the RFID card back to the card receptacle when the RFID card is manually released. Radio frequency communication between the RFID card and a proximal card reader is prevented when the RFID card is within the card receptacle and is permitted when the RFID card is outside the card receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Assa Abloy AB
    Inventor: Peter R. Lowe
  • Publication number: 20090057467
    Abstract: Provided is a cover structure of a seat belt retractor including a mechanism cover having a latch formed at a cylindrical inner periphery thereof and a vehicle sensor installed at a lower part thereof, in order to reduce assembly time of the vehicle sensor, characterized in that the mechanism cover has an accommodating part having an opened lower surface for disposing the vehicle sensor therein, the accommodating part has a fixing hole formed at one side surface thereof, and the vehicle sensor has a fixing projection projecting from a position corresponding to the fixing hole. Therefore, it is possible to very conveniently and readily assemble the vehicle sensor to the mechanism cover using the cover structure. In addition, since the accommodating part is supported by an extension part, it is possible to prevent deformation of the accommodating part, despite prolonged use. Further, it is possible to reduce assembly time of the vehicle sensor to thereby increase productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI KOREA CORPORATION
    Inventors: In-Su Choi, Jung-Min Lee, Byung-Jin Lee, Dong-Sub Lee, Sang-Hong Bai, Gi-Young Bae, Jong-Kag Kim, Do-Shik Kim
  • Publication number: 20090057466
    Abstract: Provided is a seat belt retractor capable of having its assembly readily performed to increase assembly efficiency, simplifying shapes of components to readily manufacture the retractor and reduce manufacturing cost, and preventing a webbing from being hooked when the webbing is rewound. The seat belt retractor includes a housing constituting a main body of the seat belt retractor, a guide drum rotatably installed in the housing, a connector inserted into one side of the guide drum, a base member surrounding the connector, a gear member inserted into the base member, a cylinder for operating the gear member, a torsion bar inserted into the guide drum, a locking member fixedly inserted between the torsion bar and the guide drum, a locking clutch installed at one surface of the locking member, a mechanism cover installed at one surface of the locking clutch, and a friction spring installed in the mechanism cover to stop operation of a lock arm fixed to the locking clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI KOREA CORPORATION
    Inventors: In-Su Choi, Jung-Min Lee, Byung-Jin Lee, Dong-Sub Lee, Sang-Hong Bai, Gi-Young Bae, Jong-Kag Kim, Do-Shik Kim
  • Patent number: 7478776
    Abstract: A retracting tether apparatus is disclosed comprising a retractor housing having a locking post on its outside surface. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism, such as a belt clip, for attaching to a body and a retaining section, the attachment mechanism being integral to the retaining section. The retaining section has a retaining section hole sized to mate with the locking post and the locking post has a mechanism for holding the post in the retaining section hole. The inside surface of the retaining section hole rides on an outside surface of the locking post to provide for smooth rotation of the retractor housing in relation to the retaining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Hammerhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Salentine, Kenneth S. Collin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7475842
    Abstract: A power operated tape measure enables extension of a tape via a drive mechanism, as well as retraction of the tape through a mechanical decoupling within the drive mechanism. The tape measure has a housing within which is positioned a spring-biased tape assembly, the drive mechanism and a clutch. The spring-biased tape assembly includes an annular reel onto which is wound a tape having indicia for taking length measurements. The drive mechanism includes a driving gear and a driven gear, and is adapted to engage with a bottom surface of the tape to extend the tape out of the housing. The clutch is adapted to displace the driven gear out of engagement with the driving gear and thereby decouple the driving and braking force provided by the drive mechanism from acting upon the bottom surface of the tape to permit the spring-biasing of the tape assembly to retract the tape into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7464893
    Abstract: The method is for using a cord holder. A cord holder has a bottom cover and a removable top cover with a spring bracket disposed therebetween. The removable top cover is removed from the bottom cover without removing a spring from a spring bracket so that the spring remains in the spring bracket and the bottom cover while the top cover is removed. A cord is placed around a first spacer and a second spacer of the spring bracket. A knob is pressed to permit a spring, disposed inside the spring bracket, to roll up the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Per Spjut
  • Publication number: 20080250678
    Abstract: Kits, methods, and accessories for decoratively reconfiguring and protecting a retractable device. One embodiment of a kit includes a retractable device having a case that houses a retractable cord, a cap capable of being press-fitted onto the case of the retractable device, and a decorative piece capable of being attached to the cap. One embodiment of a method includes positioning a fitted cover, having a first decorative piece attached to an outer surface thereof, directly above a housing of a retractable device, aligning a notch within a side surface of the fitted cover with a port in a side surface of the housing of the retractable device, and press-fitting the cover onto the housing of the retractable device. One embodiment of an accessory includes a fitted cover having a decorative piece, and capable of being press-fitted onto a housing of a user-wearable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Amy M. KRESSER, Sue HAIM
  • Publication number: 20080116310
    Abstract: A belt retractor has a frame (10), a belt spool (12) that is rotatably mounted in the frame (10), and a force limiter (22) that is adapted to reach a force limiting position. A guide-in mechanism (26) is provided which causes the force limiter (22) to reach the force limiting position as a function of the length of belt webbing withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Nizam Bedak, Oliver Gross, Joachim Biller, Bernd Gentner, Andreas Henning
  • Publication number: 20080061179
    Abstract: A webbing holding device is proposed, which prevents or controls abrupt reduction in take-up speed when taking-up of webbing is completed. In the webbing holding device, when the webbing is released from being fitted over an occupant, the webbing is wound to a retractor by biasing force. Here, immediately before taking-up of the webbing is completed, a guide strap is stretched by movement of a leading end portion of the webbing toward the back side of a vehicle, and thus the guide strap applies biasing force to the leading end portion of the webbing, so that the take-up speed of the webbing is reduced. Therefore, when winding of the webbing is finished, take-up speed of the webbing being abruptly reduced may be prevented or controlled, and therefore extraction of the webbing from the retractor being locked by a lock mechanism of the retractor may be prevented or controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yoshida, Hiroshi Ogura, Shoji Tomita, Naoki Naito
  • Publication number: 20080035778
    Abstract: A recoiler has a retractable cable with an attachment pad on the distal end of the cable for attachment to an item of merchandise. The cable is stored on a spring biased spool located within a recoiler housing. The housing is freely rotatably mounted on a post extending upwardly from a base plate secured to the spool housing by a fastener and adapted to be secured to a support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHA SECURITY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, James K. Sankey
  • Patent number: 7168385
    Abstract: A tethering apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated flexible line, a spool and a biasing member adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible line. A locking device is attached to an end portion of the elongated flexible line to assist in tethering the watercraft to a mooring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Paul C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7086512
    Abstract: A headset cable retraction system and device is described, the system including a housing, the housing having a cavity. In addition, the system includes a cord capable of transmitting an electrical signal, wherein a portion of the cord is contained in the cavity. The system further includes an earpiece attached to the cord; and, a retracting mechanism in the housing, the retracting mechanism including a drive wheel, a spring coupled to the drive wheel and a idler wheel, the cord being pressed between the drive wheel and the idler wheel; wherein when the cord is extracted from the cavity, the spring becomes tensioned. A method for using the system and device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: CAHP, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Shack, Natalie Driessen, Robert H. Palmer, Charles J. Schmucker, Nathan J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 7007882
    Abstract: A retractable badge reel with a billboard designed to display a logo, such that unadorned badge reels can be manufactured separately from the billboards that contain the logos. The billboard is optionally removable, allowing the logo being displayed to be changed without having to produce new retractable badge reels in their entirety. In another embodiment, a billboard designed to display a logo is adapted to be installed over the face of an existing retractable badge reel, such that the logo on the existing unit is hidden and the new logo on the billboard is instead displayed. A casement comprising the billboard and a back housing member have a mating portion that mates with a bob mating portion of a bob attached to the exterior end of the retractable cord to prevent the bob from shifting or twisting when the cord is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Comprehensive Identification Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Raia, Robert N. Brosofsky, Matthew Lynch, Lee Porter, Angela Ping Tsui
  • Patent number: 6994289
    Abstract: A tape measure is constructed to enhance a rotational movement of the tape reel with respect to the supporting axle which has two ends supported at the sidewalls of a casing respectively. The tape reel is rotatably supported by the supporting axle and the elongated measuring blade has an outer end being blocked at the opening of the casing, wherein a friction reduction device is provided between the supporting axle and the tape reel for substantially reducing a friction therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Huei-Yen Liao
  • Patent number: 6988687
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mouse cable rewind apparatus having an upper cover, a protection disc, an upper winding disc, a lower winding disc, a cable, a support plate and a lower cover. The upper winding disc and the lower winding disc are attached to each other and disposed within a receiving groove of the upper cover that is connected with the lower cover. A cable head cap of the lower cover is opened to take out the cable head for rapidly extending the cable at a certain length while the cable is rapidly rewound as well by use of a spring and a regulating member. Moreover, a rewinding device is available for attenuating the winding and pulling force on the cable end that is spot-welded on a circuit board and for preventing the strands inside of the conventional mouse cable from being subject to break due to the oxidation of the cable sheathing and the frequent and rapid pull of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Chien-Pin Huang
  • Patent number: 6966519
    Abstract: A retracting tether apparatus is disclosed comprising a retractor housing having a locking post on its outside surface. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism, such as a belt clip, for attaching to a body and a retaining section, the attachment mechanism being integral to the retaining section. The retaining section has a retaining section hole sized to mate with the locking post and the locking post has a mechanism for holding the post in the retaining section hole. The inside surface of the retaining section hole rides on an outside surface of the locking post to provide for smooth rotation of the retractor housing in relation to the retaining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hammerhead Industries
    Inventors: John A. Salentine, Kenneth S. Collin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6929209
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically retracting cardholder or accessory holder which, when worn, retains and automatically reestablishes the desired orientation of the card or accessory to user. A longitudinally flexible tape is used, with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry having a long and short axis and lateral stiffness. The tape passes through an orifice in the housing that geometrically corresponds to the shape of the tape, thereby obviating the tape from passively rotating about its long axis, or, due to the inherent memory of the long axis rotation of the tape, automatically reestablishing the desired orientation of the tape rotation if the tape is twisted by the user. The means for attaching the card or other accessory to the tape is such that the orientation of the accessory to the tape is fixed. Thus, the orientation of the card or accessory to the housing, and consequently the user wearing the housing, is fixed thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: David Baumgarten
  • Patent number: 6845737
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a ball 12 having a leash 14 forming an integral part therewith. The ball-leash is comprised of an exterior ball housing 12 in the form of a ball having flap 26 providing access to the leash 14 contained therein. The flap 26 covers leash access cap 28 that is seated within threaded aperture 38 within the housing 12. The cap 28 is tethered 30 to the leash element 14 so that when the cap 28 is removed the leash element is withdrawn from the interior cavity 24 of the ball-leash. The leash element is comprised of pet strap 14 having a fastener 20 for attaching to the pet 16 with the strap fixedly attached to a tensioning member 40 within the housing 12 that will automatically retract the strap 14 into the housing as pressure is removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Larry Shane Austin
  • Patent number: 6837520
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for fastening a belt retractor to the body part of a motor vehicle. Said assembly comprises a mounting plate, which is involved in the fastening of the belt retractor, and which is provided as a separate reinforcement plate (13) with a continuous opening (14) for a fastening means. The reinforcement plate (13) comprises a slot-like opening (25) for placing it on the fastening bracket (12) of the belt retractor (10) such that the fastening bracket (12), when mounting the belt retractor (10) on the body part (26), rests between the reinforcement plate (13) and the body part (26), and the continuous openings (14) of the fastening bracket (12) and reinforcement plate (13) are aligned with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Klaus-Peter Singer
  • Publication number: 20040188557
    Abstract: A retractable badge reel with a billboard designed to display a logo, such that unadorned badge reels can be manufactured separately from the billboards that contain the logos. The billboard is optionally removable, allowing the logo being displayed to be changed without having to produce new retractable badge reels in their entirety. In another embodiment, a billboard designed to display a logo is adapted to be installed over the face of an existing retractable badge reel, such that the logo on the existing unit is hidden and the new logo on the billboard is instead displayed. A casement comprising the billboard and a back housing member have a mating portion that mates with a bob mating portion of a bob attached to the exterior end of the retractable cord to prevent the bob from shifting or twisting when the cord is in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Richard M. Raia, Robert N. Brosofsky, Matthew Lynch, Lee Porter, Angela Ping Tsui
  • Patent number: 6786676
    Abstract: An improved spindle and tarpaulin combination to be used in devices to deploy and take up a tarpaulin. The device is comprised of a reinforced spindle and a tarpaulin adapted to be attached to the spindle, such that the tarpaulin may be wound and unwound upon the spindle, with the tarpaulin adapted for use with a spindle having a length substantially less than the width of the tarpaulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Pitcher
  • Patent number: 6760993
    Abstract: A recoil device (100) having a mounting member (101), a recoiling member (108), and a stopping member (117) is mounted onto an attachment surface (131) of an existing decoy (130) without compromising the structural integrity of the decoy (130). An anchor line (126) is operatively connected to the recoiling member (108) proximate the center (132) of the decoy (130) and is locked in place by the stopping member (117) proximate the front (133) of the decoy (130). The line (126) is locked in place when the stopping member (117) is in a first position, and the line (126) may be either drawn from the recoiling member (108) or automatically retracted by the recoiling member (108) when the stopping member (117) is in a second position (121b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Tyler John Lebens
  • Patent number: 6745969
    Abstract: A pull-cord keeper provided for a window treatment assembly, where the keeper comprises a housing configured for secure mounting attachment on a wall near an upper portion of the window treatment assembly, the housing further defining a cavity therein; an opening in communication with the cavity; a spool adapted for rotational movement within the cavity to reel and collect through the opening a length of a slender, flexible material; and a sealed spring cartridge assembly for spring biasing the spool in a rotational direction for reeling the length of the slender, flexible material during a constant spring-loaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: New Spin Corporation
    Inventor: William C. Gouda
  • Publication number: 20040089759
    Abstract: Retractable device holding assemblies are provided having a retractor member including an extendible tether with an attachment device connected at the free end thereof by an interlocking attachment assembly thereof for securing an attachment to the body of a utilitarian device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Coey K. Genuise
  • Patent number: 6718649
    Abstract: A tape measure housing has first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall. A metal post is extends between the first and second sidewalls and includes an elongate column portion disposed along an axis and a base portion. The base portion includes a plurality of ribs extending generally normal to the axis. The column portion includes a slot. A fastener may extend through the first sidewall and mate to the column portion. The second sidewall includes a boss having a recess configured to accept the ribs such that the material forming the boss interstitially interengages with the ribs. A fastener may extend through the second sidewall and mate to the base portion. The anchoring portion of the post may include a non-circular flange extending generally normal to the axis, with the recess being configured to accept the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Critelli, William C. Blackman
  • Patent number: 6712304
    Abstract: A cellular communication phone with integral headset retraction device is provided. The headset retraction device is integrally molded to a lower portion of the rear side of the phone. The headset retraction device includes a housing which serves to store a cable reel having a cable retracting mechanism and an electrical conducting cable. The electrical conducting cable includes a micro-sized microphone connected between an audio receiver earpiece and an auxiliary plug connector. An auxiliary plug storage receptacle is provided in order to prevent free suspension of the auxiliary plug connector. A cable guidance column is provided to aid in directing the electrical conducting cable into the retraction housing when being wound therein. An earpiece retention jacket is disclosed for supporting the audio receiver earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Chad Dylan Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040021027
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor (20) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion (24). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Richard A. Boelstler, David R. Arnold, Wendell C. Lane, Susan A. Richards, Markell Seitzman
  • Patent number: 6659382
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying mobile phones and other hand-held devices comprising a clamping system, a retracting system, and a positioning system. The clamping system holds a hand-held device between two parts, which are fastened together by a fitting and a security screw having a head with a slot requiring a special key. The retracting system includes a retractable tethering cable wound on a spool. The positioning system includes a male component, which anchors the tethering cable to the fitting, and a female component, which is mounted on the retracting system. The tethering cable passes through the female component of the positioning system so that when the hand-held device is retracted, the male component of the positioning system is received by the female component thus assuring proper orientation of the hand-held device on display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Vira Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ryczek