Mechanical Joint Or Fastener Patents (Class 242/609.1)
  • Patent number: 11104542
    Abstract: A two piece winding core assembly is provided having a first core portion and a second core portion. The two core portions having the same construction and are positionable to combine together to form a completed cylindrical and hollow core. The two core portions having a series of locking pins and a corresponding series of receiving openings formed on opposing end faces. A series of axially elongated projections and a corresponding series of axially elongated channels are also formed on the opposing end faces of the core portions. An internal plurality of web members is formed in a structural crossing pattern on the inside surface of the core portion, with the web members providing structural rigidity to the core portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc
    Inventors: Chad E. Lagace, Fedor Baranov
  • Patent number: 10647489
    Abstract: A reel for a taped series of electronic components includes first and second reel halves. The first reel half includes a first protruding portion and a first flange portion extending radially outward from an end of the first protruding portion. The second reel half includes a second protruding portion and a second flange portion extending radially outward from an end of the second protruding portion. The first and second flange portions each include an outermost end extending in a different direction from the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shimizu, Joji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9540210
    Abstract: Belt core and belt core systems for winding a belt or other winding material are described. The belt core and belt core system described are lightweight and reusable. The belt core and belt core system includes at least one belt core unit. A plurality of units may be combined to form a belt core system, in which each unit has the same general size and is configured with means for interlocking each unit with another unit. This provides customization of the described system so that it may accommodate a winding material of any width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Maxi-Lift, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Phillips, Wade Randall Spencer, Jeffrey Carlisle Jowers
  • Patent number: 8851413
    Abstract: An improved reel assembly comprised of two identically molded semi-circular core halves having a pair of reel flanges on each end thereof that requires no fasteners. The core halves and reel flanges are constructed and arranged to connect without the need for fasteners to form an improved reel assembly for receipt of a flexible hose. The halves include a plurality of radially extending cross-braces having a conical cross-section. On opposite ends of each half is included a pair of radially extending tubular members having a hollow body and conical cross-section. Each half has opposite reciprocating cross-braces that interlock, as well as opposite reciprocating tubular members that insert within each other to create a strong connection between the halves. The improved reel assembly creates a stronger reel core structure that resists crushing of the reel and separation between the reel halves from a pressurized hose wound thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Phillips, Michael Uffner, Michael Vogler
  • Patent number: 8814077
    Abstract: A core adapter is provided for adapting a larger diameter core to be mounted on a winding machine designed for a smaller diameter core. The core adapter includes a cylindrical body having a wall, a central bore, an outer surface, and a discontinuity in the form of a slit extending axially along and completely through the wall. The core adapter can be inserted in an end of a core and progressively secured by expanding the body, facilitated by a widening of the slit, until the body wedges against the inside surface of the core. Adhesive can be applied to the adapter or the core or both to secure the core adapter in place. The body can be expanded with screws progressively threaded through the core and into the body of the core adapter, or vice versa. Alternatively, the body can be expanded by urging a wedge into the slit to widen the slit and consequently expand the body of the core adapter radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc.
    Inventors: Ismo Kervinen, Marko Ilomaki, Markku Ronnila
  • Patent number: 8770509
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a device for supporting and storing wound material thereon may include a substantially cylindrical, hollow bobbin having a thickness defined by an inner and outer diameter for supporting and storing material wound around the exterior surface thereof, and a reinforcing apparatus located at one end of the bobbin, the apparatus having generally a cylindrical shape and a length comprising two zones, the outside surface of the first zone being in contact with a portion of an inner surface of the bobbin, and the second zone of the apparatus extending beyond the end of the bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tama Plastic Industry
    Inventors: Gil Tzur, Ran Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140124611
    Abstract: An improved reel assembly comprised of two identically molded semi-circular core halves having a pair of reel flanges on each end thereof that requires no fasteners. The core halves and reel flanges are constructed and arranged to connect without the need for fasteners to form an improved reel assembly for receipt of a flexible hose. The halves include a plurality of radially extending cross-braces having a conical cross-section. On opposite ends of each half is included a pair of radially extending tubular members having a hollow body and conical cross-section. Each half has opposite reciprocating cross-braces that interlock, as well as opposite reciprocating tubular members that insert within each other to create a strong connection between the halves. The improved reel assembly creates a stronger reel core structure that resists crushing of the reel and separation between the reel halves from a pressurized hose wound thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: SUNCAST TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Phillips, Michael Uffner, Michael Vogler
  • Patent number: 8424796
    Abstract: A reel comprises a cylindrical core composed of two complementary arcuate core segments, a pair of flanges disposed respectively at axially spaced opposite ends of the core, and a pair of rings for connecting the core to the flanges. The rings are fixed respectively to facing inner sides of the flanges. Cooperating slots and tongues on the rings and core elements prevent the flanges from moving relative to the core in the direction of the axis of the core. The tongues enter the slots when the core segments are brought together. Resiliently bendable locking arms protrude radially inward from both ends of each core segment, and each locking arm is engageable by a snap fit with one of the rings when the core segments are brought together. Access openings in the flanges adjacent each of the locking arms allow access to the locking arms for disengagement from the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Direct Wire & Cable, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Witwer, Seth Galewyrick, Andrew Weiman, John Coleman
  • Patent number: 8328127
    Abstract: A plastic spool assembly comprising a central barrel and a circular end flange for attachment to each cylindrical end of the barrel, each end flange having a central hub having central opening with an annular ridge formed thereon extending radially inwardly for snap-fitting into and mating with an annular recess of the central barrel for tight-fitting locking engagement, each end flange having a plurality of radial slots for flexing of the end flange. Each barrel end annular recess preferably has a plurality of equispaced teeth extending radially outwardly and the annular ridge in the flange hub opening has a plurality of equispaced teeth extending radially inwardly therefrom for interlocking with and engaging the teeth of the annular recess for preventing angular circumferential movement of the flanges. The central barrel preferably is comprised of a pair of molded mirror-shaped plastic halves with alignment tabs and may be joined by a plastic hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Bill Ito, Mark Ito
  • Patent number: 8181335
    Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a core for wound sheet material, comprising a tube, a first end member, and a second end member; the apparatus comprising a base, a first chuck for insertion in the first end member, a second chuck for insertion in the second end member, a ram for applying axial pressure such that the first end member is forced into the first end of the tube and the second end member is forced into a second end of the tube, drill devices for drilling fixing apertures, and a monitor device for sensing ambient temperature and enabling the length of the core to be measured at the time of the assembly of the core in the ambient temperature so that the length of the core falls in temperature and length parameters set for subsequent winding of the sheet material on the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Real Time Logistics Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Stanley Milton, Sean Edward Greene
  • Patent number: 7942364
    Abstract: A film packaging applicator adjustable includes a first tube and a second tube that join with each other. A guidance groove is formed axially on the first tube. Further, at least one side of the guidance groove, several equidistant hemispheric orientation slots that are formed in a radial direction are formed. A neck is formed at the orientation slot near the guidance groove. The second tube opposite to the guidance groove of first tube is formed with a hemispheric positioning block slipping from the guidance groove and then wedging into one orientation slot of the first tube. Thus, the applicator may be adjusted for a required length following the width of a film reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7891601
    Abstract: The tape reel of the present invention includes: a cylindrical hub for winding recording tape; and a pair of upper and lower flanges respectively projecting circumferentially from upper and lower portions of the hub. The tape reel further comprises: a lower piece including the lower flange and a first cylinder wall formed integrally with the lower flange; and an upper piece including the upper flange and a second cylinder wall formed integrally with the upper flange. The hub is formed in a double cylinder form by a fit engagement between the first cylinder wall of the lower piece and the second cylinder wall of the upper piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Higashisaka, Hirofumi Sakagami
  • Publication number: 20110000997
    Abstract: A roller mounted onto a fabric winding machine to roll up fabric aims to solve the shortcomings of the conventional rollers that tend to cause fabric skewing during fabric rolling and are difficult to remove due to a lengthy structure. The roller of the invention has an outer diameter gradually enlarged towards two ends, and includes a first half roller and a second half roller that have respectively a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion at one end corresponding and fastenable to each other. The greater diameters at two ends allow the fabric to be rolled up on the roller without skewing. The two pieces design of the roller makes each piece shorter and removing from a bundle of rolled up fabric easier. The roller thus formed can facilitate fabric rolling and removal thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Shih-Chi CHEN
  • Patent number: 7828242
    Abstract: A reusable take-apart washable spool includes a first flange having a first flange wall with inner and outer opposite sides. The inner side of the first flange wall is convex. The spool has a second flange having a second flange wall. The second flange wall has inner and outer opposite sides. The second flange wall inner side is convex. A barrel having a loading surface connects the first flange and the second flange so that the first flange inner side faces the second flange inner side. The barrel is removably connected to each of the first flange and second flange. A kit for assembling a reusable take-apart spool includes a pair of flanges and a barrel. The barrel has a first end that is constructed and arranged to be removably connected to a hub on one of the flanges. The barrel has a second end that is constructed and arranged to be removably connected to a hub on the other of the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Snitselaar
  • Patent number: 7765928
    Abstract: Printing plate material supply spool (PMSS) for a printing machine or plate-imaging machine and a method of loading it is provided. An exemplary PMSS can comprise a printing plate material film that is wrapped around a hollow core (HC), wherein the HC is adapted to be engaged with a heavy duty core (HDC) prior to be placed in the printing machine. The method for loading the printing plate material supply spool (PMSS) in a printing machine or plate imaging machine may comprise inserting a heavy-duty core (HDC) inside the HC of the PMSS forming an integrated core. Then the PMSS and the integrated core can be placed in the printing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Vim Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Avigdor Bieber, Michael Driker
  • Publication number: 20100147991
    Abstract: A reel assembly includes first and second reel plates each having a central hole, a plurality of radial openings angularly spaced apart around the central hole, and a plurality of hub plate sections each extending radially into a respective opening and being bendable from a respective one of first and second reel plates to project substantially in an axial direction. The hub plate sections of the first and second reel plates form a hub body when they bend and extend between the first and second reel plates in an overlapping manner so that the hub plate sections of the first and second reel plates alternate with each other. A method of making the reel assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Tzung-Lin Huang, Chun-Huai Huang
  • Publication number: 20100025522
    Abstract: A core for receiving sheet material, which core comprises a tube (2), a first end member (4) which extends into a first end of the tube (2), and a second end member which extends into a second end of the tube (2), and the core being such that the tube is formed of a plurality of part circular tube portions (6) which are connected together along longitudinally extending edges (8), and the first and the second end members are each formed of a plurality of part circular end member portions (10) which are connected together along longitudinally extending edges (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Peter George Milton, Antony Stanley Milton
  • Patent number: 7614582
    Abstract: Connector system for detachably connecting rotationally symmetrical parts, particularly parts of a spool for winding a skein-shaped product, with ring surfaces (22, 24) at the facing front surfaces of the parts to be connected, with locking projections (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) extending from at least one of the ring surfaces (22, 24) in the direction of the other ring surface, and with detent recesses (40, 42, 44, 46) in the ring surface or both other ring surfaces, respectively, for receiving the locking projections to connect the parts in the manner of a bayonet catch by mutual rotation, and spring-loaded tongues (52, 54) are provided in alignment with the respective detent recesses (40, 42, 44, 46), which engage behind the locking projections (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) in the locked position and prevent the connected parts from untwisting into the detached position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Häfner & Krullmann GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Häfner
  • Patent number: 7588210
    Abstract: Spool for receiving a wound skein product includes a rotationally symmetrical spool body, with two axial ends provided with flange discs (16, 18), the spool being divided into two parts (10, 12) by a substantially radial dividing surface, these parts having front surfaces (36, 38) running adjacent and parallel to the dividing surface (14), the front surfaces having locking projections (48, 50) on at least one surface and, on the other surface at least, detent recesses (40, 42) which interact with the locking projections of the other spool part (10, 12), respectively, interlocking therewith in the form of a bayonet catch by mutual rotation of spool parts (10, 12), and the front surfaces (36, 38) are contrived such that the dividing line appearing around the spool circumference is wave-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Häfner & Krullmann GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Häfner
  • Publication number: 20090084887
    Abstract: A modular dunnage system for the transportation, storage and dispensation of electrical wire and cable. Embodiments of modular cable dunnage system generally comprise at least two flange portions and at least two hub portions. In some embodiments, the system has two reel-hub halves that each comprise a flange portion and a hub portion. In other embodiments, the system has two flange portions and two or more hub portions that interlock and connect with the flange portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher J. Aiston, Chi Lam (Jonathan) Yau, Joseph A. Hoell
  • Patent number: 7300220
    Abstract: A hand-separable ribbon spool shaft assembly adapts a plain ribbon spool so as to provide drive and location functions. The shaft assembly is composed of at least two shaft parts that are assembled to the ribbon spool and cooperate to provide a manual hand-action locking mechanism. First and second ends of the shaft assembly provide bearing and locating surfaces when the shaft assembly is positioned in a printer. The bearing and locating services allow the ribbon spool shaft assembly to rotate during operation of the printer, and the assembly further includes a gear drive means for driving the rotating ribbon spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Johan P. Bakker
  • Patent number: 7237746
    Abstract: A winding device includes a barrel defining a primary winding area and an auxiliary winding area. A flange wall separates the primary and auxiliary winding areas. A guide pathway directs a flexible material between the primary and auxiliary winding areas and includes opposite end segments curving in a circumferential direction. The pathway also includes a transition segment between the end segments in which the circumferential direction of curvature is reversed to provide for simultaneous winding of material in the primary and auxiliary winding areas. The device may include inserts received within the barrel having channels formed in an outer surface to define the pathway between the inserts and the barrel. Alternatively, the device may include a flange body defining an interior and a cover enclosing the interior. Structure having correspondingly formed first and second parts respectively carried by flange body and cover define the pathway within the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Victor J. DesRosiers
  • Patent number: 7229043
    Abstract: A cable shortener apparatus for permitting the length adjustment of a cable having a certain incompressable diameter. The cable is arranged for supporting a sign carrier from an overhead support. The cable shortener apparatus may be comprised of a duplicate pair of generally rigid annular rings lockably engagable with one another. Each ring may have an inner arcuate hub flange which defines a fixed hub surface for receiving at least one wrap of a support cable. An annular edge on each of the rings is spaced apart from one another when the rings are mated together. The spaced apart annular edges defining a gap no wider than the diameter of the cable being wrapped about the hub of the shortener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Rose Displays, Ltd.
    Inventor: David Pitcher
  • Patent number: 7137587
    Abstract: A spool for winding an optical fiber includes flanges attached to each other using an ultrasonic fusion splicer. The spool has first and second cylindrical barrels, on which the optical fiber is wound. The flanges have a disk shape and protrude radially from the first and second cylindrical barrels so as to restrict the winding area of the optical fiber. Ultrasonic fusion splicing points form along a junction by engaging the first and second cylindrical barrels in an axial direction so as to face each other, locating a head of an ultrasonic fusion splicer on the junction and generating an ultrasonic wave from the head to the junction so as to fusion splice the first and second flanges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Woong Jeong, Yeong-Seop Lee, Ki-Tae Jung
  • Patent number: 7121501
    Abstract: A wire spooling system for spooling and dispensing wire. The wire spooling system includes a first spool member, having a tubular member with a locking cap and first collar, and a second spool member, having an engagement aperture and second collar. The tubular member extends through the first spool member substantially transverse to the first spool member. The locking cap is positioned at the end of the tubular member opposite the first spool member. The first collar protrudes from the first spool member in the same plane and direction as the tubular member. The second collar protrudes from the second spool member and fits within the first collar. The spool members thereby form a spool shape. Upon fitting the second collar within the first collar, the engagement aperture receives the locking cap of the tubular member, securing the first spool member and second spool member in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Frederick L. Lea
  • Patent number: 7066424
    Abstract: A spool for winding an optical fiber includes flanges attached to each other using an ultrasonic fusion splicer. The spool has first and second cylindrical barrels, on which the optical fiber is wound. The flanges have a disk shape and protrude radially from the first and second cylindrical barrels so as to restrict the winding area of the optical fiber. Ultrasonic fusion splicing points form along a junction by engaging the first and second cylindrical barrels in an axial direction so as to face each other, locating a head of an ultrasonic fusion splicer on the junction and generating an ultrasonic wave from the head to the junction so as to fusion splice the first and second flanges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Woong Jeong, Yeong-Seop Lee, Ki-Tae Jung
  • Patent number: 7036766
    Abstract: A reusable core that is suitable for having paper or other sheet material wound thereon. A multi-sectioned core is provided that is easily assembled. Interlocking sections that provide a pivot are held together by a sliding rod assembly inserted therein. One of type of rod assembly is preferable held into position by use of a snap ring or other similar fastening arrangement. A second type of rod assembly is a quick release design that can be easily pulled free by an integral handle. By removing the quick release rod, a key arcuate section is able to pivot thus causing the enabling the other two sections to likewise pivot inwardly, collapsing the core thereby permitting easy removal of the core from any remaining sheet material that must be discarded. The sheet material is held onto the core by means of a strip of double sided tape until the core is wound several times to keep the sheet material firmly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Maximum Production Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Place, Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 7017743
    Abstract: A cylindrical devise for storage and carrying of cords, electrical cords, and decorative lights. The device has a round base and a cylindrical snap lock cover with handle. Within are stackable tiers, stackable upon each other and upon the base without regard to a numerical order. Each tier has a shelf and a plug storage socket. The invention enables multiple uses, such as Christmas light storage or item display, and may be simultaneously utilized for dual functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Maudeen Patterson
  • Patent number: 6857586
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a rolled article has a rotary supporting mechanism for rotatably supporting opposite ends of a photosensitive roll, an end drawing mechanism for drawing a sheet end of the photosensitive roll to a prescribed length, a pressing mechanism for supporting opposite surfaces of the sheet end, and an applying mechanism for applying a joint tape to the sheet end supported by the pressing mechanism in a transverse direction of the photosensitive roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Kadota, Kouji Tsujimura, Kazuo Okutsu, Katsumi Tashiro, Hisashi Takahashi, Bungo Shigeta, Koichi Nakatogawa
  • Publication number: 20040113011
    Abstract: A reusable core that is suitable for having paper or other sheet material wound thereon. A multi-sectioned core is provided that is easily assembled. Interlocking sections that provide a pivot are held together by a sliding pin inserted therein. The pin is preferable held into position by use of a snap ring or other similar fastening arrangement. By removing one pin between adjacent interlocking sections, the core collapses thereby permitting easy removal from any remaining sheet material that must be discarded. The sheet material is held onto the core by means of a strip of double sided tape until the core is wound several times to keep the sheet material firmly in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: James S. Place
  • Patent number: 6736349
    Abstract: A device for supporting a strip in the wound or spooled condition, includes two half-hubs each having at least one flange (1A, 2A) made by molding with the half-hub, these half-hubs being assembleable together to form a spool. At least one of the half-hubs, called reversible, has a flange (2A) off centered in the direction of the length of the half-hub and is shaped to connect to the other half-hub (1) by either one of its ends (3A, 3B) as a function of the spacing desired between flanges (1 A, 2A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Zih Corp.
    Inventors: Olivier Boisdon, Stéphane Mabit, Régis Barre, Mickaël Hinry, Frédéric Pellerin
  • Patent number: 6676069
    Abstract: A holiday light storage system, for storing holiday string lights, having a central hub and extension hubs. The central hub has a pair of parallel flange disks and a core extending perpendicularly between the flange disks. The core allows adjustment of the relative distance between the flange disks. End bores extend through the flange disks coaxially into the core. The extension hubs each have a flange ring and an extension core. The extension core has a threaded end opposite the flange ring for attaching into one of the end bores of the central core. A handle is selectively axially attachable in one of the end bores. The system is configurable by the user according to the storage needs of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Eleanor Jewel Davis
  • Publication number: 20030183718
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting wound flexible media that includes a first flange, a second flange and a fastener. The second flange may be constructed as an integral, unitary structure. A core around which flexible media is wound is typically disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The first fastener has a first end engaging the first flange and a threaded end that is rotatably secured directly to said second flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald H. Davis, Gary L. Cox, Chad L. Eversole
  • Patent number: 6575398
    Abstract: A pair of flanges (12, 12) which have through-holes (17) for a rotating shaft, and a shaft part which connects the central parts of these flanges (12, 12) at a specified spacing, are formed from cardboard plates; furthermore, the above-mentioned shaft part is formed so that this shaft part is foldable. For example, flaps (13) which extend in the radial direction, and which have base ends (13a) on the side of the central part of the corresponding flange (12) are formed by stamping in each of the pair of flanges (12, 12) and slits (14) which extend in the circumferential direction of each flange (12) are formed on a circle that is concentric with the flange (12), and which includes the base ends (13a) of the flaps (13). The flaps (13) of the respective flanges (12) are pulled into upright positions, and the projecting parts (13b) of the flaps (13) of one of the flanges (12) are inserted into the slits (14) of the other flange (12), thus fastening the flanges (12) to each other, so that a reel (11) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics. AMP, K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshio Nakamura, Haruo Umeda, Li Xiao
  • Patent number: 6517023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet material applicator comprising a cylindrical body rotatable within a housing, the housing forming a handle for the applicator, and means at one end of the cylindrical body for mounting a roll of the sheet material particularly a bandage applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: José Luis Corrales Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6511010
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing excess lengths of installed fiber optic cable. The apparatus is a specially designed routing spool that allows for optic fiber cables to be wrapped in individual slots of suitable radius to provide separation of cables and prevent kinking and microbends, and to allow easy access to the fiber cables if it is necessary to perform maintenance or to replace cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Flextronics International
    Inventor: Brian Cooper
  • Publication number: 20020194736
    Abstract: A reel (1) for winding a cutting cord for a grass-cutting device is described, said reel comprising a first and a second series of axially and angularly staggered teeth and, having constrained with it, an axially movable slider (21) provided with a toothing (23) cooperating with the first and the second series of teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Fabrizio Arnetoli
  • Patent number: 6497381
    Abstract: A storage device for storing strings Christmas, holiday or other strings of lights when the strings of lights are not in use. The device has an end having slots therethrough through which one or more of the ends of the string of lights are placed. A cap is then utilized to hold the light string end in position while the string itself is wound around the exterior surface of the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Michael L. Rose
  • Patent number: 6474582
    Abstract: A tape reel assembly (14). The tape reel assembly (14) includes three discrete components. The components include a top flange (40), bottom flange (50) and hub (60). Teeth (65) are operatively connected to the hub (65). The flanges (40, 50) are preferably made from metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Zwettler, Michael E. Reard, Geoffrey A. Lauinger, Jerry D. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020074450
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for mounting a paper roll product having a central hollow cylindrical core in a coreless roll dispenser includes side plates having a shape and size so as to frictionally engage with the hollow core of the paper roll product. The outer face of the side plates is substantially flush with the respective sides of the paper roll product. A female recess is defined in the outer face of the side plates at a location corresponding to the rotational axis of the plates and paper roll product. The female recess has a shape and size so as to be engaged by male protrusions of the coreless roll dispenser. At least one longitudinally extending connecting member may be disposed between the inner faces of the side plates within the hollow core of the paper roll product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Paul F. Tramontina, Christopher O. Luettgen, Dena L. Friderich, Stephen L. Phelps, Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6398154
    Abstract: A reel for supporting wound flexible media includes a core, a first flange and a second flange. The core has a first pliable end and a second end, the first pliable end defining a first cross-sectional shape. The first flange has an outer section and an inner section. The outer section includes an inner rim, the inner rim including a radially inward extending ridge defining at least a portion of a periphery corresponding substantially to the first cross-sectional shape and configured to deformingly engage the first pliable end. The inner section includes an outer rim, the outer rim including a radially outward extending ridge defining at least a portion of a periphery corresponding substantially to the first cross-sectional shape and configured to deformingly engage the first pliable end. The second flange is coupled to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Vandor Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Cox, Jack E. Elder, Chad L. Eversole, Steven A. Dyck
  • Patent number: 6343765
    Abstract: A two-piece reel structure for taking up an elongated tape, such as a magnetic tape, a film and the like, is provided. The reel includes two similar halves, each of which includes a frustum-shaped central shaft portions. A bottom plane of each frustum is provided with a plurality of engaging means and receiving holes. Each of the engaging means includes a hook portion adapted to engage with a flat projection in the receiving hole on another half reel and a tongue portion located at one end of the hook portion and adapted to press a free end against an edge of the receiving hole opposite to the flat projection to prevent the hook portion from disengaging from the flat projection. By engaging the engaging means on a first half reel with the receiving holes on a second half reel and then turning the two half reels in opposite directions, the two half reels can be easily and firmly connected to each other to provide a complete reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Lucidity Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Jui Wen
  • Patent number: 6257780
    Abstract: An ink ribbon is formed form a belt shaped sheet body, and is wound around a pair of tubes. Spools are detachably mounted at each end of the tube bodies. An ink ribbon cartridge includes side plates formed with supporting openings for supporting corresponding spools. Each supporting opening is formed with a cutout portion defined by edges. When the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted in a facsimile machine, the spools are freely rotatable within the supporting openings. On the other hand, when the ink ribbon cartridge is dismounted from the facsimile machine, engagement protrusions formed to the spools catch on the edges defining the cutout portions, thereby preventing the spools form rotating. As a result, the ink ribbon will not unintentionally greatly loosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shingo Ito, Yoshikatsu Kameyama
  • Patent number: 6199786
    Abstract: A wire reel assembly comprises a reel, a reel support and a reel securing assembly. The reel includes a central body and removable sides. The central body is removably mounted to an arm of the reel support thereby allowing one of the removable sides to be disconnected from the central body without requiring disassembly of the reel support. The reel securing assembly is also used as an adjustable brake assembly since it includes a friction element contacting the body of the reel to generate a friction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: IPL, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Lessard, Rock Nolet
  • Patent number: 6182922
    Abstract: A reassemblable reel which can easily be assembled and has a capacity as well as strength sufficient to contain and protect a great quantity of chips or other electronic components when in use and, after use, can easily be disassembled into compact parts which are easy to transport. The reassemblable reel generally includes two flanges and a reel hub having flexible plates formed therein. Each flexible plate is provided with tooth-shaped protrusions formed on the front and back ends of the flexible plate. The reel is so designed as to be formed by bringing the flanges into contact with both ends of the reel hub and pushing the flanges to engage the flexible plates with the tooth-shaped protrusions in stopper portions formed in the flanges. The tooth-shaped protrusions of each flexible plate can be disengaged by pushing the flexible plate from the outside of either flange in such a direction as to disengage the tooth-shaped protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Toyo Jushi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kazama