Hand Implements Patents (Class 289/17)
  • Patent number: 11737441
    Abstract: Tool is an apparatus for tying fishing line of dissimilar and similar types together. It has a base frame to allow a person to hold the unit or secure to a stationary object with clamps or vice. Base Frame is a “C” shape fabricated from material to hold shape and pressure including wood, plastic, metal, or composite. Top “C” end one of base frame and top “C” end two of base frame have cleats that can be made from neoprene type of compressible material, silicon, including other material that will not damage filament. These cleats secure and align the line for tying. Using short post two with obtuse angle located at “C” end one point and high post one 90-degree angle on opposite “C” end these posts hold filament while the cleats hold the filament secure and steady. The post is used for wrapping similar and dissimilar line around when tying knot. This allows consistent secure tying from unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: James J. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11576350
    Abstract: A dog toy assembly includes an elongated stick with a toy attachment on an end. A toy is attached to the toy attachment. By holding and manipulating the stick during play, a user obtains leverage to accurately and quickly control the toy. The toy attachment may be removably attached to the stick, may be rotatable, and may include loops, hooks, concave sections, and rings. A locking sleeve may be included to keep the toy attached. The stick may include a handle and may be flexible. A leg strap including an eyelet through which the stick passes may be worn by the user to provide a pivot point and allow one-handed play while seated. Door mounts, floor mounts, seat mounts, and support racks include stick holders to give the user a break while the dog continues to play. The toy attachment and toy itself may be fully chewable and removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy J. Buss, Jason R. Buss
  • Patent number: 11484101
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. The example loom provides a device for holding elastic bands in place to enable the creation of a Brunnian linked article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: CHOON'S DESIGN LLC
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 11413033
    Abstract: A tissue anchor deployment device includes a needle having a slotted portion including a longitudinal slot that runs from a distal end of the needle and a suture having a first coil portion including a plurality of turns that wrap around a first portion of the slotted portion of the needle, a second coil portion including a plurality of turns that wrap around a second portion slotted portion of the needle that is proximal to the first portion of the slotted portion of the needle, and an internal coupling portion that runs within the first coil portion and the second coil portion and couples a distal end of the first coil portion to a proximal end of the second coil portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventors: James S. Gammie, Rahul Patel, Mehrdad Ghoreishi
  • Patent number: 11311286
    Abstract: A knot tying device including a sheath configured for placement over a surgical instrument. The sheath includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is elastically reconfigurable between a straightened configuration and a hook shaped configuration. Position of the sheath on the surgical instrument is adjustable between an extended position in which the sheath extends beyond a distal tip of the surgical instrument and a retracted position in which the sheath is pulled back from the distal tip of the surgical instrument. The distal end portion is in the hook shaped configuration when the sheath is in the extended position and the distal end portion is in the straightened configuration when the sheath is in the retracted position. In exemplary embodiments, the knot tying device may include one or more magnets or one or more magnets as an integral part of a surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Ernesto Molmenti, Alexia McCann
  • Patent number: 11219447
    Abstract: Excess suture material may be trimmed after knot tying using a device having an elongated shaft, an elongated tubular cutter disposed over the shaft and an elongated tubular barrel disposed over the cutter. A suture loader at a distal end of the shaft that engages suture material may be opened and closed by a first actuator that causes relative motion between the shaft and the barrel. A second actuator may cause relative motion between the cutter and both of the barrel and the shaft to sever suture material engaged by the closed suture loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chia Juan, Rung-Jian Chen, Roberto Silva-Torres
  • Patent number: 11122788
    Abstract: A fly fishing storage assembly includes a case. A first half of the case has a divot therein for receiving an eyelet of a fly fishing lure. A first magnet is coupled to a second half of the case for storing the fly fishing lures. A second magnet is coupled to the first half of the case and the second magnet is aligned with the divot. The second magnet magnetically engages the eyelet of the fly fishing lure to retain the fly fishing lure in the divot. A pair of guides is each aligned with the divot. Each of the guides is spaced apart from each other to define a fishing line space between the guides. The fishing line space guides a fishing line through the eyelet on the fly fishing lure to tie the fly fishing lure without the risk of dropping the fly fishing lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Timothy Noel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10974158
    Abstract: A portable balloon tying device having a vertically extending tube with a first end and an opposing second end joined by a transition and an elongated channel extending outwardly as a cantilever from the transition. The first end defines a lower extent of a radiused arcuate surface for being received against a web of a hand between adjacent fingers of a person for using the portable balloon tying device, to cushion a loading and movement of the portable balloon tying device against the web which reduces fatigue and hurting during balloon tying use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Gerald R. Herren
  • Patent number: 10849612
    Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing various types of knots including sliding knots and overhand knots formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knots, for example using a single device. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes side grooves that are defined between the top and bottom walls. Each of these side grooves are operable to receive one of the two limbs of suture during advancement of the distal head to aid in pushing the overhand knot. The distal head additionally comprises a suture receiving element associated with the top wall for receiving one of the two suture limbs during advancement of the distal head to facilitate advancement of the sliding knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Anchor Orthopedics XT. Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Harrison, Jeffery Arnett, Neil Godara, Aye Nyein San, Ilinca Popovici
  • Patent number: 10470810
    Abstract: A guide wire control device for advancing a guide wire into a body or a portion of the body, comprises a handle member (1), a lever (2) and a spring means (3). The spring means (3) holds the lever (2) relative to the handle member (1) such that the longitudinal axis of a through-hole (9) in the lever (2) is misaligned with the longitudinal axis of an elongate passage (4) in the handle member (1) for locking the guide wire control device to a guide wire (5) extending through said elongate passage and said through-hole. Pivotal movement of the lever (2) brings the longitudinal axis of the through-hole (9) into alignment or substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the elongate passage (4) for release of the guide wire (5). Pivotal movement of the lever (2) also brings the longitudinal axis of the through-hole (9) into renewed misalignment with the longitudinal axis of the elongate passage (4) for clamping of the guide wire (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SWEMAC INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Christian Lutz, Klaus Dorawa
  • Patent number: 10441271
    Abstract: A medical implement particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery, includes: a handle having a proximal end configured for manual gripping by a user, a distal end for manipulation during the surgery, an internal passageway extending through the handle from the proximal end to the distal end thereof, and a longitudinally-extending slot extending longitudinally through the handle from its outer surface to the passageway for side-loading the handle with a manipulatable member to be manipulated during surgery. A shield is located within the passageway in the handle. The shield is secured along one edge to the inner surface of handle defining the passageway, and includes an elastic section normally covering the longitudinally-extending slot. The elastic section of the shield is yieldable to permit side-loading of the manipulatable member into the passageway, but to prevent a side-loaded manipulatable member from passing outwardly from the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek Inc.
    Inventors: Ran Oren, Eran Zakai, Yaron Fuerst, Aryeh Mirochinik, Ian Crookenden, Kevin McKenney, Meghan Scanlon, Makoto Ohira
  • Patent number: 10405853
    Abstract: Devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. The knot tying accessories described herein provide a means for introducing a complex knot pattern into a bight of suture using a device body and a guide thread. The device body includes system for maintaining the guide thread and suture in a convoluted pathway, either with the use of channels, protrusions, or a combination of both within its interior, on its exterior, or both. The guide thread may include a coupler at one end for holding a suture end while the guide thread leads the suture through the convoluted path defined within the guide body. Pull tabs may also be included to aid with exchanging the guide thread for the suture ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ceterix Orthpaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Peter, Victoria C. Quitugua, Mark Y. Hirotsuka, Michael Murillo, Jennifer B. Fasman, Christopher P. Bender, Sarah-Marie Chan
  • Patent number: 10206383
    Abstract: A line tier for a fishing tackle item that makes line tying easier and safer has an enclosure with a tackle retention end and a second end, a rotatable member extending from the second end permitting rotation of the enclosure about the rotatable member. The enclosure is openable so that in the open configuration a tackle item can be inserted such that a portion of the tackle item protrudes from the enclosure. In the closed configuration, the tackle item is held securely with a portion of the tackle item protruding from an elongated slot formed in the tackle retention end of the enclosure. A plurality of fishing lines can be held securely in the enclosure with a portion of each fishing line protruding from the enclosure on the tackle retention end and the second end of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hook-Eze Pty Limited
    Inventor: Ross Bain
  • Patent number: 10143462
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for attaching a suture to a bone. One exemplary method includes passing a portion of a suture through a bone so that a first portion of the suture extends from a first opening in the bone and a second portion of the suture extends from a second opening in the bone, passing the second portion of the suture through a portion of a suture anchor body in a proximal to distal direction, the suture anchor body having a proximal end and a distal end, passing the second portion of the suture alongside an outer surface of the suture anchor body in a distal to proximal direction, and then inserting the suture anchor into the bone through one of the first and second openings, the distal end being inserted first through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: KATOR, LLC
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, Joel Helgerson
  • Patent number: 10052092
    Abstract: A suture anchor loading system for loading a suture anchor on a suture. The suture anchor loading system includes a first portion and a second portion defining a suture anchor receptacle therebetween. A superstructure is configured to retain the first and the second portions together. The suture anchor can be loaded onto the suture when the suture anchor is seated within the suture anchor receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Finley, Kevin T. Stone, Daniel Norton
  • Patent number: 9883663
    Abstract: A self-locking spring method for snelling single strand wire to fishing hooks by using common tools such as a needle nose pliers and a modified linesman pliers comprises clutching and bending with the needle nose pliers at a predetermined length from the distal end of the wire in a fashion to form a “key-like” shaped form of distal end portion of the wire, then inserting the distal end of the wire thru an eye of the hook, and then clutching a shank of the hook with the linesman pliers and finally turning the hook counter-clockwise relative to the linesman pliers, preferably up to seven rotations to create a wire snelled fishing hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Dominic Hammon
  • Patent number: 9833721
    Abstract: A device and technique for knotting an inflated balloon or forming a knot in another material is provided. One approach includes: holding a knot tying aid by a handle portion, the handle portion being positioned opposite a distal portion, the distal portion including several prongs (in one nonlimiting example at least three) extending away from the handle and being spaced apart from one another in correspondence to vertices of a triangle; winding a tag end portion of the inflated balloon about the prongs to form a loop; and passing part of the tag end portion through the loop to form a knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Marque Plouffe
  • Patent number: 9808237
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for passing sutures around anatomical structures. In an exemplary embodiment, a suture delivery device is provided that includes a body portion having a suture delivery member disposed therein and configured to pass a suture around an anatomical structure. The suture delivery member can be movable between a retracted configuration in which the suture delivery member is disposed within the body portion and an advanced configuration in which the suture delivery member extends distally beyond the body portion and assumes an arcurate shape. The arcurate shape can correspond to a shape of the anatomical structure and can extend almost all of the way around the anatomical structure, for example at least around 270° of a circle, thus assisting a user in passing the suture around the anatomical structure without having to manually manipulate the suture delivery device at awkward angles around adjacent tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY MITEK, LLC
    Inventors: Meghan P. Murray, Allison N. Stocks, Ariel L. Leigh, Alexandra Tsoi, Mary Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9763655
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes an anchor, a repair filament, and a connecting filament that is coupled to the repair filament, is in contact with the anchor's distal end, and is effective to connect the repair filament to the anchor such that the repair filament slides with respect to the anchor. The anchor can be rigid, and can include an axial bore extending therethrough. At least one of the repair filament and the connecting filament can extend through at least a portion of the axial bore, and the bore can be sized such that a portion of the filament extending therethrough barely fits to help maintain the connection between the anchor, repair filament, and connecting filament. Embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed can be used in a number of methods for repairing soft tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventor: Mehmet Ziya Sengun
  • Patent number: 9750317
    Abstract: A disclosed device for creating an item consisting of a series of links includes at least two posts spaced part from each other in a first direction with each of the posts including a first arm and a second arm and an access slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Choon's Design LLC
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 9750315
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. The example device provides a means of creating items using Brunnian links of complex configurations. Moreover, the example kit provides a device that allows for the successful creation of unique linked items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Choon's Design LLC
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 9737292
    Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs employing tensionable knotless anchors, without knot tying. The tensionable knotless anchors may be used by themselves or in combination with additional constructs (which may have a similar or different configuration, i.e., modified according to the specific repair) and with the flexible strands provided through tissue, around tissue, or through and around tissue to be repaired or fixated. The tensionable knotless anchors may be used to achieve simple stitch repairs, mattress stitch repairs or interlocked looped mattress repairs, among others. The tensionable knotless anchors may be also provided in a daisy chain configuration, i.e., with the suture from one anchor passed through the eyelet/loop of the shuttle/pull device of another anchor and repeated in a pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek C. Sullivan, Thomas Dooney, Jr., Allen E. Holowecky, Paul C. Brady, Benjamin G. Domb
  • Patent number: 9737294
    Abstract: An implantable orthopedic repair device includes an implant body having a rigid tubular shape which defines an inner lumen and an orthogonal suture side hole in communication with the inner lumen. The implantable orthopedic repair device includes a tension assembly that is supported by the inner lumen and suture side hole of the implant body. The tension assembly includes a suture loop which defines a suture tail and a sliding knot that when tensioned contracts at least one bone anchor, independent of the implant body, unidirectionally towards the implant body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Cartiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Wales, Jeff Peters
  • Patent number: 9635847
    Abstract: A fishing line tying tool designed to hold an eyelet bearing apparatus in its plier jaws and constrain two sections of fishing line, such that when the sections of line are brought together above the tool, can be quickly wound by rotation of a centralized post located at the bottom of the tool. There are a pair of opposing winder posts formed on the handle of the pliers that have two different sets of hooks for the retention of the fishing line thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: John Chaney
  • Patent number: 9622740
    Abstract: A method of anchoring soft tissue to a suitable bone site, using a soft suture anchor, includes steps of disposing the soft suture anchor on a shaft of an inserter, and securing a proximal end of a tensioning suture limb, extending proximally from the soft suture anchor, to structure in a handle of the inserter, so that it is maintained in place at a first level of holding tension (Thold). The inserter shaft is inserted into a bone hole at a desired procedural site, so that the soft suture anchor is positioned at a location where it is to be anchored. A further step involves actuating a control mechanism in the inserter handle to move the structure proximally to apply a second level of deployment tension (Tload) to the tensioning suture limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cayenne Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Nason, Hoang Nguyen, Kevin N. Baird, Derek J. Harper
  • Patent number: 9433198
    Abstract: A tool for making the task of tying a hook or bait onto a fishing line using one hand. The device includes a magnet to hold the hook or bait, holders for an end of the line on either side of the hook, a cutter for cutting the line, a housing neck around which to wrap the line and a sliding line puller which pulls the line back through the wraps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Phyllis D. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 9332745
    Abstract: Tools and methods are discussed for tying a knot. A knot tying tool can include an elongated housing and an insert member. The housing can have first and second body portions having different outer cross-sections. A first chamber can extend within the housing with a slit that opens into the chamber. The insert member can also have a slit opening into a second chamber. The insert member can have an inner cylinder rotatable and movable within the first chamber. Rotation of the inner cylinder within the first chamber can move the knot tying tool between a locked and an unlocked position, the first and second slits being aligned in the unlocked position to allow a line to pass through the first and second slits into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Amal Mashhour
  • Patent number: 9260271
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a knot tying device includes a body that defines a wheel slot and inner passages that lead to the wheel slot and a wheel that fits and can be rotated within the wheel slot, the wheel including openings that can be aligned with the inner passages of the body, wherein one or more strands of material can be fed through the inner passages of the body and the openings of the wheel and the wheel can then be rotated relative to the body to twist the one or more stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: David Andrew Bowman, Jr., Joel Anthony Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9161524
    Abstract: Fishing pliers that enable the user to conveniently extend fishing line into the eyelet of a fishing lure, the fishing pliers comprising: (i) a first elongate member, and (ii) a second elongate member pivotally coupled to the first elongate member, each elongate member having a proximal handle portion and a distal tip end portion and an intermediate section therebetween, wherein the first elongate member has, in the intermediate portion thereof, a channel configured to receive fishing line and a slot configured to receive an eyelet of a fishing lure such that when fishing line is passed through and the channel, the fishing line is oriented so as to be configured to conveniently enter the eyelet of the fishing lure, thereby enabling the user to conveniently extend fishing line into the eyelet of a fishing lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Edson Barton Packer
  • Patent number: 9084413
    Abstract: The spring-loaded curled tip hand tool for use in untangling fishing line includes a curled tip tool that is uniquely designed for use in untangling a fishing line or otherwise manipulating said fishing line. The curled tip tool extends from and retracts into a hollowed shaft via a spring-loaded button that is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The shaft may be further defined with a conical tip that is made of a clear material and which includes a lighting member therein. The lighting member is able to project light down the curled tip tool when the device is in use in a poorly or low lit environment. The shaft is held in order to articulate the curled tip tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: David A. Jester
  • Publication number: 20150129077
    Abstract: A device comprising: (a) housing structure; (b) a plurality of pegs in communication with the housing structure; wherein at least a portion of the plurality of pegs extend at an angle relative to a plane so that the extends between at least a portion of the plurality of pegs, and wherein the angle of the plurality of pegs are in different directions so that the at least a portion of the plurality of pegs are movable from a first side of the plane to the second side of the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Sheila A. Wright
  • Publication number: 20150123400
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to fasten two laces of various types of shoes such as sports shoes, hiking boots, or combat boots. In particular, the objective is to enable the fastening and unfastening of the two laces more swiftly using the tool of the present invention. In the lace-fastening tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, a hole (6) is provided in the middle of a lower plate (2), and part of the hole (6) is used as a hinge shaft such that the laces can be flexibly coupled to an upper plate (1) on which a central pressure rod (5) is provided and can be fastened. In the lace-fastening tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, lace-fixing grooves are provided at either end of the lower plate, the hole is provided in the middle of the lower plate, and part of the hole is used as the hinge shaft such that the lace is flexibly coupled to the upper plate on which the central pressure rod is provided and can be fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Myoung ho Park
  • Publication number: 20150102601
    Abstract: A kit for creating Brunnian link items such as bracelets, necklaces and other wearable or decorative items is disclosed and includes a loom, a hook, and a plurality of clips and a plurality of elastic bands. The loom includes a base supporting a plurality of upward extending pins. Each of the pins includes a flange for holding an elastic band in a desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Publication number: 20150091300
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 8973955
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. The example device provides a means of creating items using Brunnian links of complex configurations. Moreover, the example kit provides a device that allows for the successful creation of unique linked items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Choon's Design LLC
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Publication number: 20150048616
    Abstract: Tools and methods are disclosed for tying a knot. A knot tying tool can include an elongated housing and an insert member. The housing can have first and second body portions having different outer cross-sections. A first chamber can extend within the housing with a slit that opens into the chamber. The insert member can also have a slit opening into a second chamber. The insert member can have an inner cylinder rotatable and movable within the first chamber. Rotation of the inner cylinder within the first chamber can move the knot tying tool between a locked and an unlocked position, the first and second slits being aligned in the unlocked position to allow a line to pass through the first and second slits into the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Amal Mashhour
  • Patent number: 8955888
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Choon's Design Inc.
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Publication number: 20150042091
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The base and pin bars may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations. Additional bases and pin bars can be to further expand possible completed article creation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Five Below, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Myles Tommer, Carl E. Voigt, IV
  • Patent number: 8944475
    Abstract: A knotting mechanism includes a rod having a tapered end. The retaining mechanism includes a first leg and a second leg. A nook is defined between the first and second legs. The retaining mechanism is actuatable between an open configuration to selectively provide access to at least a portion of the nook and a closed configuration to selectively restrict access to at least the portion of the nook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Knot-A-Bead LLC
    Inventors: Richard Ruderer, Corey Feit, Dale Picolet, Chad Stuemke
  • Patent number: 8936282
    Abstract: A stop knot tying device which aids with tying a stop knot directly on a fishing line for use with a slip bobber. The stop knot tying device generally includes a main body having a retainer portion and an elongated portion extending therefrom. The retainer portion includes a ring member and funnel member which act to retain a coil of string. A distal, free end of the coil of string exits the retainer portion through an aperture on its ring member. The elongated portion includes a slot running along its length and at least one notch. By positioning a fishing line within the slot through one of the notches and winding a cut-away portion of string around the line, one can utilize the present invention to efficiently and safely tie a stop knot on a fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Brian R. Berdahl
  • Patent number: 8936283
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Choon's Design Inc.
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 8931811
    Abstract: A kit for creating Brunnian link items such as bracelets, necklaces and other wearable or decorative items is disclosed and includes a loom, a hook, and a plurality of clips and a plurality of elastic bands. The loom includes a base supporting a plurality of upward extending pins. Each of the pins includes a flange for holding an elastic band in a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Choon's Design Inc.
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 8899631
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. A disclosed kit includes a template for mounting an initial band and a hook utilized for attaching additional bands to the initial bands placed on the template. The template includes pins that hold the initial band in place while additional bands are linked onto each other. The kit further includes a clip utilized to attach ends once the desired length is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Choon's Design Inc.
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Publication number: 20140346773
    Abstract: A loom having pins formed with a base, wherein the pins have a lip that is transverse to the axial shaft of the pin. The base has openings at the juncture of each pin with the base, and each opening is located directly beneath the corresponding lip of the pin when the pins are vertical and extend upward from the base, thereby avoiding the need for any multiple-component mold sections. Mold halves are preferably used to form the loom, the first mold half having fingers that extend into cavities in the second mold half. The lips of each pin are formed between the tip of each finger and the deepest wall of each cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Steven N. Verona
  • Publication number: 20140319835
    Abstract: A disclosed device for creating an item consisting of a series of links includes at least two posts spaced part from each other in a first direction with each of the posts including a first arm and a second arm and an access slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Publication number: 20140319834
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 8821544
    Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably, to the filament engagement feature. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs that are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after anchor fixation. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Ziya Sengun, Howard Tang, David B. Spenciner
  • Patent number: 8821545
    Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably, to the filament engagement feature. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs that are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after anchor fixation. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventor: Mehmet Ziya Sengun
  • Publication number: 20140239635
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. The example device provides a means of creating items using Brunnian links of complex configurations. Moreover, the example kit provides a device that allows for the successful creation of unique linked items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Choon's Design Inc.
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: RE47811
    Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs employing tensionable knotless anchors, without knot tying. The tensionable knotless anchors may be used by themselves or in combination with additional constructs (which may have a similar or different configuration, i.e., modified according to the specific repair) and with the flexible strands provided through tissue, around tissue, or through and around tissue to be repaired or fixated. The tensionable knotless anchors may be used to achieve simple stitch repairs, mattress stitch repairs or interlocked looped mattress repairs, among others. The tensionable knotless anchors may be also provided in a daisy chain configuration, i.e., with the suture from one anchor passed through the eyelet/loop of the shuttle/pull device of another anchor and repeated in a pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek C. Sullivan, Thomas Dooney, Jr., Allen E. Holowecky, Paul C. Brady, Benjamin G. Domb