Barb Or Spur-type Projection Patents (Class 411/456)
  • Patent number: 11754104
    Abstract: A component has a base bushing, which has a first axial end and an opposite second axial end and a first inner diameter, wherein the base bushing is equipped with a first internal thread with a first thread direction, and has a fastening bushing, which has a third axial end and an opposite fourth axial end and a second inner diameter. The fastening bushing is equipped with a second internal thread with a second thread direction which is opposite to the first thread direction, wherein the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter and the base bushing and the fastening bushing are separate elements and are arranged coaxially with respect to one another in the component. Alternatively, the base bushing and the fastening bushing are formed as a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH, KVT Bielefeld GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Schulz, Michael Stumpf, Dirk Kortmann
  • Patent number: 11523819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suturing thread for providing a more efficient lift procedure, and provides a suturing thread for a facelift and a body lift, wherein the suturing thread is made of a polymer material and has a plurality of conical protrusions or a plurality of funneled protrusions formed on an outer circumferential surface of a main thread of the suturing thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: JETEMA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young Choon Jung
  • Patent number: 11486520
    Abstract: An outer component and an annular collar can be formed of materials having a Rockwell R hardness of at least 120. The outer component can have a recess, including an outer component mating wall. The annular collar can include an annular collar mating wall, including at least three protrusions. A recess can surround each protrusion so that an overall protrusion height between a base of the protrusion and a distal end thereof is greater than a protruding distance between an outer diameter of a cylindrical outer surface of the annular collar mating wall and the distal end of the protrusion. The number and configuration of the protrusions can be designed to provide a press-fit insertion force of 50 Newtons or less, and to provide a friction retention force sufficient to retain the annular collar within the recess under its own weight, throughout relevant tolerance ranges for the mating walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Oday Amer Safry, Najwan Rassam, Jason A. Meyers
  • Patent number: 11434638
    Abstract: Fastener systems for roofing systems are disclosed for fastening a fabric, mesh, or base sheet to a roof deck prior to application of a liquid applied roof coating. The fastening assemblies may be attached to an uncleaned or unprimed roof deck and a fabric is laid atop the fasteners. The fasteners secure the fabric using mechanical binding or chemical bonding without penetrating or dimpling the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventors: Adem Chich, Yan Zheng
  • Patent number: 11193242
    Abstract: Retention devices, and methods for retention devices, to retain a railway tie plate are disclosed. The retention devices may include a head section with one or more protrusions adapted to engage a railway rail. The retention devices may include an insert section adapted to fit in a spike hole of a railway tie plate and including one or more flexible members extending from the head section. Each flexible member may allow flex adjustment when the insert section is inserted in the spike hole of the railway tie plate. When the insert section is inserted in the spike hole of the railway tie plate, the head section may engage the railway rail and the insert section may engage the railway tie plate to mechanically interlock the railway tie plate with the railway rail to allow suspension of the railway tie plate from the railway rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MOW EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William Michael Hamilton, Justin Wynne Tomac, Ryan Jay Koci
  • Patent number: 11179149
    Abstract: Implants with integral or modular anti-rotation features and related instruments are disclosed. The anti-rotation features do not preclude the implants from applying compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Crossroads Extremity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Vernon R. Hartdegen, Michael Chad Hollis, Scott Hill
  • Patent number: 10342684
    Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and an unexpanded state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent, wherein the stent has a first end, a second end, an inner surface defining a lumen, an outer surface, and a thickness defined between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a stent end covering disposed at one of the first and second ends, the stent end covering including a polymeric coating that includes a base and a plurality of protrusions, the base including a first major surface facing the outer surface of the stent, the base further including a second major surface from which each of the plurality of protrusions extends outwardly, the first major surface opposing the second major surface, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a micropattern. Methods of making and using an endoprosthesis are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Laura Elizabeth Firstenberg, Sean P. Fleury
  • Patent number: 10155266
    Abstract: A joint including: a first component and a second component; the first component includes a bond region and an array of projections extending from the bond region, wherein the projections are embedded in the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Meyer, Daniel Johns, Andrew Henstridge
  • Patent number: 9484691
    Abstract: An RJ45 socket connector includes an insulative housing and a terminal module received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a receiving space, a number of partitions, and a number of receiving passageways each formed between every two adjacent partitions. The terminal module comprises an insulative body and a row of conductive terminals insert molded in the insulative body, the conductive terminal having a fixed portion fixed in the insulative housing and an elastic contact portion extending from the fixed portion and received in a corresponding receiving passageway. The insulative body defines a trough and a number of tubers disposed in the trough, every two adjacent tubers defining a groove for accommodating a downwardly moved conductive terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheng-Pin Gao, Hai-Long Fu
  • Patent number: 9285930
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to couple a piece of electret material to a touch-sensor device stylus, where the electret material emits an electrostatic field to be sensed by a touch-sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward L. Grivna
  • Patent number: 9273441
    Abstract: An improved anchor device that is capable of simultaneously securing a plurality of items while extended into the ground. The anchor device comprises a central cylindrical rod with a flanged nail head at the top for driving the apparatus into the ground and a tapered pointed end at the bottom for easy penetration into the ground. A plurality of cylindrical shaped barbs extending out from said cylindrical rod with a flanged half circle nail head at the end of each barb formed about the central cylindrical rod, extended outward and upward at an angle, oriented around the lower portion of the central cylindrical rod, spaced equally in circular, spiral, descending order for maximum extraction resistance. Cylindrical U shaped loops offset from each other and formed on opposite sides of central cylindrical rod placed under the flanged nail head for securing or anchoring objects attached to the anchor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Paul R. Hashim
  • Patent number: 9206830
    Abstract: A flexible positioning post includes a base, a metal post and a plurality of metal elastic pieces. The base has an upper surface. The metal post has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first end is connected to the upper surface of the base. Each of the metal elastic pieces has a fixed end and a free end opposite to each other. The fixed end is securely assembled at the second end of the metal post, and the free end is adjacent to the upper surface of the base and bent toward the metal post to form a bending portion. Consequently, upon receiving a foreign force, the free end of each of the metal elastic pieces is moved toward the metal post; conversely, once the foreign force is removed, the free end of each of the metal elastic pieces is moved resiliently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Lu, Wen-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 9033635
    Abstract: A unitary fastening pin the design of which has flexible protrusions on the lower ? of its shank (2), preferably in the shape of convergent geometrical figures (spade-shaped), molded round the longitudinal axis. The outer overall diameter of the protrusions (2) is greater than the hole into which it is to be inserted. The pin includes a flexing neck (6) between the lower shank and the head (4) and also has tapered alignment splines (16). The pin is particularly suitable for fastening threshold strips to cover floor-covering joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Malgorzata Wesolowska
  • Patent number: 8931993
    Abstract: Fastener assemblies, elements for fastener assemblies and methods of making and assembling elements for fastener assemblies, for example for insulation blanket fasteners such as those used on aircraft, may include a formed monolithic metal configuration having first and second side portions with a plurality of panel retaining elements arranged linearly along the side portions. A planar retaining element, for example a disc, may be assembled with the metal portion to form a fastener assembly, such as may be used to retain and insulation blanket. The planar retaining element may include a rolled edge, and if a coated part, may include surface projections to keep adjacent parts from sticking together during the coating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Monadnock Company
    Inventors: Igor Komsitsky, Javier Torres
  • Patent number: 8721245
    Abstract: A penetration load reduced staple includes a pair of leg portions configured to penetrate sheets of paper, a crown portion connecting the pair of leg portions. Each of the leg portions includes a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the leg portion, from a portion of a side surface of the leg portion between the crown portion and a distal end portion of the leg portion and near the distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kanai
  • Patent number: 8333539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener comprising a central elongate shank extending between first and second ends. The first end of the shank has a tapered point. The second end a head has an annular shoulder disposed towards the second end. The fastener further comprises an opposed pair of spines extending helically along the shank and a plurality of hooks extending from each of the pair of opposed spines. Also disclosed is a protrusion extending axially with the shank from the head deformable into an anti-friction washer upon impact by a fastener driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Mohammed Isa Mahdi
  • Patent number: 7807911
    Abstract: Keys of an acoustic piano require balancers for cancellation of a part of self weight of the action units/hammers; however, the balancers are liable to be dropped off due to the aged deterioration of the wooden bars; in order to keep the balancers stable in the keys against the aged deterioration, the balancer is plastically deformed so as to bite into the wooden bar, the balancer, which is formed with thorns, is rotated so as to make the thorns bite into the wooden bar, the balancer is shaped into a configuration different from the holes so as to exert resilient force on the inner surface in a direction in parallel to the grain of wood, or the balancer is inserted into a constricted hole so as to strongly exert the resilient force on the inner surface, thereby being prevented from the dropping off from the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Izutani, Noboru Yamashita, Satoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7682116
    Abstract: An anchor device includes an expansion bolt and a fastening screw. The bolt has a tubular body. The tubular body further has a central shank and a head, which is integrally made with the central shank and has a full solid body on which a pair of longitudinal reciprocally perpendicular through slots are made which delimit four anchor segments adapted to spread outwards under the bias of the fastening screw. The central shank has a first portion arranged next to the head on which a plurality of longitudinal through slots define longitudinal anchoring tabs which expand radially outwards under the bias of the fastening screw following the spreading of the four anchor segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ITW Construction Products Italy S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Federico Cabrele, Michele Lucon
  • Publication number: 20090232620
    Abstract: A pneumatically drivable fastener secures drywall or other construction material to a metal stud. Each fastener comprises a driving head; and a one piece shank component, secured at one end to the driving head. Each shank component has an axial length extending perpendicularly and longitudinally from the driving head and is divided into two or three sections: (a) an optional, solid section closest to the driving head; (b) an intermediate section with grooves that define stud cutting edges; and (c) two or more forked ends opposite the driving head. A method for fastening drywall to a plurality of metal studs is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Legal Rep.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Dichiera
  • Publication number: 20080131233
    Abstract: A fastener device includes a fastener member having a planar element and having a tip for engaging into a plasterboard, and one or more teeth formed on the planar element for engaging with the plasterboard, a cutting member disposed between the planar element and the tip, one or more reinforcing ribs extended from the planar element for reinforcing the planar element, and a head secured on top of the planar element for being engaged with driving tools and for limiting the engagement of the fastener member into the plasterboard. The fastener member may include one or more ratchet projections extended from the planar element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Chun I. Yao
  • Patent number: 7241095
    Abstract: A hollow dowel pin adapted to secure together at least two mating components during the assembly thereof includes an elongate generally cylindrical main body portion, first and second mating edges, and at least one outwardly extending tab. The elongate generally cylindrical main body portion is preferably formed from a sheet member, and the first and second mating edges are disposed along a length of the body portion being spaced from one another. The at least one outwardly extending tab is formed along the main body portion and is adapted to engage one of the mating components when an end of the main body portion is frictionally held in an opening formed in the other of the mating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Driv-Lok, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Apsey
  • Patent number: 7232283
    Abstract: A new and improved fastener, uniquely adapted for securing together vertically oriented stud members and horizontally oriented track members of wall framework structures, comprises a forwardly extending pointed tip portion having a tangent ogive configuration so as to facilitate fast and accurate penetration into and through thin gauge sheet metal members without causing any excessive enlargement of the apertures formed within the thin gauge sheet metal member, and a shank portion which comprises a lower, spiral-threaded shank portion which facilitates the ease of penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal members, and which causes a mating thread to effectively be extruded within the thin gauge sheet metal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Dill, Norbert K. Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 7097405
    Abstract: A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to framing members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L O'Banion, Daniel Puzio, Robert A Berry, Alfred H Judge, Robert G Moores, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7077613
    Abstract: A pin with threads that extend along a portion of a stem of the pin interact with framing members as the pin is driven through the framing members. The interaction of the threads with the framing members cause the pin to rotate as the threads pass through the framing members and fastens the framing members together. A pin with curved wings that extend along a portion of a stem of the pin interact with framing members as the pin is driven through the framing members. The interaction of the wings with the framing members cause the pin to rotate as the wings pass through the framing members and fastens the framing members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Rudolph, Richard C. Nickels, Jr., Robert A. Berry
  • Patent number: 6905299
    Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Moores, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6817818
    Abstract: A metal piercing fastener includes an elongated body with an internal void and a securing member carried by the elongated body and adapted to grip and lock pierced work pieces together. The securing member is adapted to be accommodated in the internal void and is twisted about its longitudinal axis. The twisted securing member includes a substantial portion being thinned relative to the thickness of the elongated body to optimize resiliency of the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Evening Star International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Farrell, Michael E. Farrell
  • Publication number: 20040161319
    Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Daniel Puzio, Robert A. Berry, Alfred H. Judge, Robert G. Moores
  • Publication number: 20040161318
    Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Daniel Puzio, Robert A. Berry, Alfred H. Judge, Robert G. Moores
  • Patent number: 6719512
    Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Robert A. Berry, Alfred H. Judge
  • Patent number: 6679669
    Abstract: Various embodiments of improved fasteners for joining at least two pieces of wood are disclosed. The fastener includes a plate-like member or folded rectangular member defined between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is configured to enter the wood pieces before the trailing edge. The fastener may also include at least two corrugations formed on the plate-like member, extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The fastener includes a locking portion, having one or more projections, an adhesive, or a non-corrugated section, disposed on the plate-like member or folded rectangular member near the trailing edge, for locking the fastener within the wood pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Masa
  • Patent number: 6659700
    Abstract: A metal piercing fastener for securing a light gauge sheet metal layer to metal/non-metal substrate layer(s) includes an elongated metal body having a crown at one end a sharpened and hardened tip at the other end defining a rigid metal penetrating region. The crown receives an impact blow from a tool for driving the rigid metal penetrating tip region in the substrates to be fastened. The metal body is equipped with one or more resilient tines each twisted at the base around its longitudinal axis and which can be integral or coupled to the metal body to optimize the gripping and clamping capability of the metal piercing fastener. The resilient tine may be equipped with protruding gripping and clamping elements on each side or with ribs on one of its outer surfaces to provide spring action gripping and clamping capability during fastening. The resilient tine is capable of deflection to conform to the physical constraints of the pierced substrate opening when passing through the pierced opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Evening Star International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Farrell, Michael E. Farrell
  • Patent number: 6598820
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge case, which is formed by fastening upper and lower cases integrally and has a tape leader opening in side walls of the upper and lower cases. Within the cartridge case, a single reel with magnetic tape wound thereon is rotatably housed. A slender leader pin firmly attached to the leading end of the magnetic tape is detachably held near the tape leader opening and between the upper and lower cases. In the magnetic tape cartridge, a small-diameter pin for fastening the upper and lower cases is press-fitted near a holding portion of the cartridge case which holds the leader pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoo Morita
  • Publication number: 20030021656
    Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Daniel Puzio, Robert A. Berry, Alfred H. Judge, Robert G. Moores
  • Patent number: 6290702
    Abstract: A system for inserting a cannulated tissue anchor during endoscopic surgical procedures. The system incorporates an elongated generally cylindrical tissue anchor having a plurality of barbs outwardly extending from its body and a transverse head situated at its proximal end. The head is elongated along a major axis which is misaligned relative to the rows of barbs on the body of the tissue anchor in order to enhance retention of the anchor within selected tissue. The anchor may be inserted during an endoscopic surgical procedure by a single-handed operation utilizing an instrument having a longitudinally slidable needle for guiding the anchor into place and a longitudinally slidable push rod for pushing the anchor along the needle. The system incorporates a package/loading device to facilitate the assembly of a cannulated tissue anchor with the inserter, the package/loading device being provided with a means for guiding the inserter needle through the axial bore of the tissue anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Linvatec Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Fucci, T. Dan Moore
  • Patent number: 6276644
    Abstract: A novel cable anchor for retainment and attachment of cables and tubing which utilizes a one-piece A-shaped rigid body (11) comprising of a U-shaped top (12) having the front, back and bottom open having two extensions one W-shaped left side extension (13) and one W-shaped right side extension (14) both extensions extending in a downward direction having 40 degrees more or less between the extensions. The W-shaped extensions having a barb surface located at the extreme outer surfaces of the W-shape. The U-shaped top (12) having an attachment hole (15) located at the top center. When manual pressure is applied on the outer surfaces of the extensions causing the extensions to move closer towards each other until the extensions are touching each other in the closed position thereby allowing the A-shaped rigid body (11) to be received in a bored hole of a substructure. The U-shaped top (12) may be flattened to facilitate the attachment of a separate cable clip or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Gilbert M. Jennings, Val Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6241747
    Abstract: A barbed tissue connector is disclosed for use in closing a body wound. The connector includes an elongated body and a pointed end to facilitate insertion of the connector into tissue. A plurality of closely-spaced barbs are disposed on the body from the pointed end of the connector to a predetermined location on the body. The barbs are yieldable toward the body to make it easier to insert the connector in tissue, and the barbs are generally rigid in an opposite direction to hold the connector in the tissue. The body of the connector is substantially rigid and is sufficiently resilient to return to a predetermined position after deflection therefrom. The connector can be manually inserted into the tissue of a patient, or the connector can be inserted by means of an inserting device which is retracted after the connector is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Quill Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Ruff
  • Patent number: 6193456
    Abstract: A metal insert, in particular a threaded metal insert, adapted to be embedded in a receiving bore of a plastic part. The insert has a sleeve-like body member. At least one row of teeth projects from the peripheral surface of the body member, which teeth are circumferentially spaced with respect to each other. Each tooth is of a shape such that it diverges from a tooth front end in an axial direction and terminates in an end face extending transverse to said axial direction at a tooth terminal end. Between the teeth are gaps which taper in said axial direction while they remain open between said end faces of adjacent teeth. The teeth ensure that insertion forces for urging the insert into the plastic part are minimal, while resistance to withdrawal of the insert is maximal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Bollhoff GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Stumpf, August Borchard, Peter Jankowski
  • Patent number: 6179625
    Abstract: A removably interlockable connector assembly and process for making the assembly that include a first connector having a head on a mesa and a second connector having an opening that receives the head on the first connector. The head on the first connector and the material defining the opening in the second connector are flexible and sized, so that the head on the first connector and the material defining the opening in the second connector flex as the head on the first connector is inserted into the opening in the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John G. Davis, Richard J. Noreika, Michael C. Weller
  • Patent number: 6139238
    Abstract: A cost-effective fastener of the driven type used in strip nail or magazine fed nailing machines with specific useful features for securing laminate flooring. Generally, the fastener has a thickness of between about 0.035 inch and 0.050 inch. The fastener has a shank of rectangular cross-section with a score formed in one side. The score reduces the size of dimples cause by driving the fastener into the flooring. The score also provides for quick identification of the fastener and facilitates removal of the fastener's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Powernail Co.
    Inventor: David A. Anstett
  • Patent number: 5996297
    Abstract: A connector used in forming a composite wall structure that includes two structural layers and an insulative layer. The connector secures the two structural layers together and is insulative so as to minimize the transfer of thermal energy across the insulating layer. The connector is inserted through the insulating layer during manufacturing of the wall structure. The connectors include reinforcement attaching structures for securing reinforcement material in a substantially fixed position before and during formation of the structural layers. The reinforcement attaching structures may be integrally formed on the connector or may be included on a bracket plate that is attached to the main shaft of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: H.K. Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: David O. Keith, David M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5971688
    Abstract: A cost-effective fastener of the driven type used in strip nail or magazine fed nailing machines with specific useful features for securing laminate flooring. Generally, the fastener has a thickness of between about 0.035 inch and 0.050 inch. The fastener has a shank of rectangular cross-section with a score formed in one side. The score reduces the size of dimples cause by driving the fastener into the flooring. The score also provides for quick identification of the fastener and facilitates removal of the fastener's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Powernail Co.
    Inventor: David A. Anstett
  • Patent number: 5893856
    Abstract: A fastener for binding a layer of mammalian soft tissue to a mammalian bone includes a body portion for disposition in a bore in the bone, the body portion having means thereon for resisting movement of the body portion from the bore. The fastener further includes gripper portions extending from the body portion and extendible through the layer of tissue toward the bone to bind the tissue to the bone. The invention further contemplates a method for making the fastener, a method for binding layers of material together using the fastener, a tool for setting the fastener, and tools and fasteners in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Mitek Surgical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela A. Jacob, Edward F. Hoyle
  • Patent number: 5749692
    Abstract: A fastener is formed from carbon steel wire so as to have an elongate shank defining an axis, an enlarged head formed at one end of the shank, and a generally pointed tip formed at the other end of the shank. The shank has a ringed portion formed with annular grooves defining annular rings and with helical grooves intersecting the annular grooves and defining helical ribs. The fastener is heat-treated, zinc-plated, and chromate-coated. Substantially all of the shank or of the fastener, as a whole, is further coated with a polymeric material to resist corrosion, to improve ease of driving the fastener, and to increase holding power of the fastener when driven through a wood, plywood, or plasterboard workpiece and then through a steel framing member. Substantially all of the shank or of the fastener, as a whole, may be thus coated with the polymeric material. The polymeric material softens and flows upon penetration and rehardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Kish, Elizabeth J. Eckmann, Lawrence S. Shelton
  • Patent number: 5741104
    Abstract: A steel fastener has an elongate shank, an enlarged head formed at one end of the shank, and a generally pointed tip formed at the other end of the shank. A grooved portion of the shank is formed with helical grooves defining helical ribs and with annular grooves defining annular rings. The shank has a cylindrical portion between the grooved portion and the tip and a cylindrical portion between the grooved portion and the head. Each of the annular grooves has a root where deepest and each of the annular rings has a crest where largest. The roots define an imaginary cone diverging toward the tip. The crests define an imaginary cone converging toward the tip. The shank has an exterior surface coated with a polymeric coating, which is formed from an aqueous composition containing a water-based acrylic resin and a water-based polyurethane resin. A zinc layer and a chromate conversion layer are provided between the polymeric coating and the exterior surface of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Geronimo E. Lat, William L. Gabriel, Henry A. Sygnator, deceased, Henry W. Schniedermeier, Frederick A. Kish
  • Patent number: 5718548
    Abstract: A staple assembly 10 for use in a stapling tool (not shown) for fixing an elongate member such as a cable C onto a substrate such as a wooden beam. The staple assembly 10 comprises a staple 12 having a back 14 and legs 16 depending from opposite ends of the back 14. Also included is a saddle 18 for receiving the staple 12. The saddle comprises a body 20 and two posts 22 which depend from opposite ends of the body 20 in a parallel manner. The body 20 end posts 22 define a receptacle 24 for receiving the cable C. A groove 26 is formed along the outer surface of posts 22 and body 20 for seating the staple 18. A protuberance 28 is formed on the body 20 and extends into the receptacle 24 for engaging the cable C.In one embodiment, the staple 12 is provided with barbs 36 on the inside of legs 16 for engaging an under surface 38 of the posts 22. This prevents the staple 12 from separating from the saddle 18 during transportation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Clipmaster Corporation PTY Ltd
    Inventor: Sergio Cotellessa
  • Patent number: 5642974
    Abstract: A building assembly comprises a wooden board, a metal framing member, and a fastener having an elongate shank, an enlarged head, and a generally pointed end and fastening the board to the framing member. The shank has a ringed portion with annular grooves defining annular rings having a uniform, outer diameter, helical grooves intersecting the annular grooves, a cylindrical land having a smaller diameter and dividing the ringed portion into an axially longer subportion nearer to the tip and an axially shorter subportion nearer the head, a cylindrical land between the tip and the ringed portion, and a cylindrical land between the head and the ringed portion. The fastener is driven through the board and through the framing member wall so that the head bears against the board, so that the tip and the shank form, from the wall of the framing member, a generally annular lip projecting toward the tip and so that the lip is disposed around the cylindrical land dividing the ringed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Gabriel, Lawrence S. Shelton, Henry A. Sygnator, Elizabeth J. Eckmann
  • Patent number: 5567101
    Abstract: A lock-in grip arm shank nail provides holding power. The nail has a shank between a head for driving the and a point to penetrate the surface. The shank includes at least one set of apertures parallel to the head and capable of receiving a u-shaped wire. The u-shaped wire has its base in the aperture and arms extending on either side of the shank toward the head of the nail. The arms have a rounded tip and may include a wave shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Donald A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5557898
    Abstract: A wall construction using metal studs upon which wallboard is adhered and wood trim can be applied with a barbed finish nail that has a plurality of barbs along its shank that are flexible to retract axially along the shank as the nail is driven, and expand to catch material and hold the nail in place, wherein the nail further has a low profile head that reduces the amount of finish work required to the applied wood trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Timothy J. Dixon
  • Patent number: 5509769
    Abstract: A barbed light weight concrete fastener and plate comprises a fastener with a head and two bendable legs. Each leg has a barb and a bump protruding therefrom. The fastener is pushed through a base ply and into a roof deck of cementitious material. The legs diverge to capture a concrete wedge between them. The barbs dig into the concrete wedge to increase resistance to a pullout force. The bumps create pressure points with the cementitious material that further resist pullout. A plate may be interposed between the fastener and the base ply. The plate has a number of openings therethrough of relatively large area. The openings are filled with plugs of asphalt that adhere to the base ply. Pulling of the base ply is resisted by the plate acting against the shear areas between the asphalt plugs and the base ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Larson, Donald H. Egan
  • Patent number: 5492452
    Abstract: A fastening nail for fixing a cover membrane to a bone void which surrounds the bone of the body itself and is filled with an ossiferous material has a nail head with a larger diameter which enables receiving pressure of an impact tool for inserting a nail shaft with a smaller diameter into the bone. The nail shaft has essentially a cylindrical holding part extending to a conical tapering point part adjacent one end and is provided with a transition region between the holding part and point part having an annular shoulder with an enlarged diameter which has a conical surface merging obliquely with the generated surface of the point part in a direction toward the point of the nail and an annular surface extending substantially perpendicular relative to the holding axis of the nail. To insert the nail, the setting tool is elongated and has resilient jaws for gripping the nail and is used in combination with an auxiliary tool which has a foot with downwardly extending points for holding the membrane on the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignees: Axel Kirsch, Eberle Medizintechnische Elemente GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Kirsch, Walter Duerr