With Wearing Apparel Patents (Class 439/37)
-
Patent number: 7448874Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is made of a garment having at least one connector to receive an electronic transmission module and an electronic monitor configured to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from the electronic transmission module. The garment includes a sensor to detect the temperature of the wearer. This invention also provides a connector for making an electrical connection. This invention also provides a method for monitoring the body temperature of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Martha J. Willis Revokable Living TrustInventor: Richard Andrew Willis
-
Publication number: 20080268663Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to conductive connector attachments for use in electrically connecting printed circuit boards to absorbent products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and the like. Specifically, various configurations and methods of securely attaching conventional conductive hook and loop attachments to printed circuit boards are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Davis-Dang Hoang Nhan
-
Patent number: 7413470Abstract: A modular linking assembly of memory module packages primarily comprises a plurality of memory module components and at least a flexible connector. A plurality of USB contact fingers and a plurality of expanding fingers are formed on two opposing sides of the outer surface on each memory module component. The flexible connector has a first casing, a second casing and a plastic elastomer connecting the first casing to the second casing. The first casing has a plurality of first connecting terminals for electrically contacting the expanding fingers. The second casing has a plurality of second connecting terminals for electrically contacting the USB contact fingers. The plastic elastomer has a plurality of conductive wiring electrically connecting the first terminals to the second terminals so that the connected memory module components are electrically connected to each other to increase readable memory capacities with only one USB slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Hong-Chi Yu
-
Patent number: 7344379Abstract: A garment 20 includes magnetic interconnects 21 which serve to form mechanical connections to close garment 20 as well as to form electrical connections, for example, between power source 4 and a device 7. Interconnects 21 are formed by a first portion 22 and a second portion 23 which form a mechanical connection via magnetic attraction. First 22 and second 23 portions can be quickly coupled and decoupled and contain all the advantages of magnetic couplings, including ease of connection and simplicity of design.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: George Marmaropoulos, Giang Truong Vu, Jack Kyriakos Mama
-
Patent number: 7338289Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (100) includes a body portion defining a receiving space, a connector (200) assembled into the receiving space, a necklace cable (7?) attached to the body portion, an earpiece (73) with a connecting cable (7) electrically attached to the connector. The connecting cable is coaxial with the necklace cable which is attached with the body portion directing the connecting cable toward the connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jerry Wu
-
Patent number: 7331817Abstract: An arrangement includes a first connector coupled to a first device and a second connector coupled to a second device. A cable connects the first and second connectors. At least a portion of the cable forms a substantially oval-shaped coil. At least one of the first and second devices is a user-wearable device.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Quintin Morris, JaeHo Choi
-
Patent number: 7297002Abstract: An improved stacked rotary connector assembly wherein each connector comprises a pair of rings and the rings of each rotary connector thereof are individually split and mechanically separable. Because the input and output rings are each split and separable, any one rotary connector may be removed from the stack without requiring removal of any other rotary connector and without disturbing the input/output buses of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Physical Optics CorporationInventors: Andrew Kostrzewski, Kang Lee, Tomasz Jannson, Gajendra Savant
-
Patent number: 7210939Abstract: A wearable garment incorporates a manual interconnect device, so that a user wearing the garment can operate the interconnect device by coupling a connector, which is in turn coupled to a power source or external electronic device. Through a releasable locking action by the user, the connector is electrically coupled to the interconnect device, which is coupled to a fabric circuit integrated in the garment, such that operation of a locking action activates related ancillary equipment such as power supplies or electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics , N.V.Inventors: George Marmaropoulos, Giang Vu, Jack Kyriakos Mama
-
Patent number: 7118380Abstract: A connector assembly for a wriststrap jack is provided wherein the jack may be easily replaced in accordance with the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Credence Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Kraz, Fatjon Gurga
-
Patent number: 7025596Abstract: A method and apparatus form electrical connections between electronic circuits and conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into textile material (130). Electronic circuits (128), such as semiconductor dies, are connected to a carrier (132) and electrical connections (136) are made to conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132). Conductive stitching (202, 204, 206, 208) provides electrical contacts for both the conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132) and the conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into the textile material (130). Optionally, a thin, flexible substrate material (132) is perforated during the stitching process.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: James A. Zollo, Bonnie J. Bachman, Alan R. Beatty, Stephen O. Bozzone, Nitin B. Desai, Ronald J. Kelley, Rami C. Levy
-
Patent number: 7019702Abstract: The portable object (1) comprises a case (2, 3) containing at least one electronic circuit (11), a wristband (4, 5) attached to the case, and electrical connection means (8) for electrically connecting at least one conductive track (6, 7) of the wristband to at least one contact terminal of the electronic circuit. The electrical connection means comprise at least one electrical contact flange (8) fixed through a lateral wall (15) of the case. A first portion (8) of the flange is electrically connected to the electronic circuit (11) and a second portion of the flange being electrically connected to the conductive track of the wristband. The lateral wall (15) comprises a cavity between first and second portions of the lateral wall. An opening through which the flange passes is formed in each lateral wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere SuisseInventors: Fabien Henriet, Pierre-André Noirjean, François Simond
-
Patent number: 6863539Abstract: A quick release buckle for securing both an electrical connection and a mechanical coupling includes a multiple pin male portion of an electrical connector. The buckle also includes means for receiving the male portion of an electrical connector to form an electrical connection, a first protective housing containing one of the multiple pin male portion and the means for receiving the multiple pin male portion and capable of insertion, and a second protective housing containing one of the means for receiving the male portion and the multiple pin male portion. The second protective housing is capable of receiving the first protective housing to form a mechanical coupling. In addition, the first and second protective housings include at least one quick-release mechanism for fastening and decoupling the buckle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: George Marmaropoulos
-
Patent number: 6854978Abstract: There is described a portable electronic device of the wristwatch type including, in particular, a first electric module (32), arranged in a case (20) of the device and a second electric module (13, 22) housed in a strand (1) of the wristband and including means (11) for and electric connection with the first electric module. The case (20) of the device has two main parts, a bottom portion (24) and a top portion (23). The present invention provides means (8, 27) for introducing the connecting means (11) inside the case (20), and means (36, 44) for establishing the electrical connection between said connecting means (11) and bump contacts (33) of the first electric module (32), via compression, when the two portions (23, 24) of the case (20) are mounted.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere SuisseInventor: Pierre-André Noirjean
-
Patent number: 6854988Abstract: A mechanism for electrically connecting various electronic devices to a garment is provided. The mechanism has a sliding track adapted to support a variety of different electronic devices. The sliding track has one or more channels enabling elective electrical communication between at least one electronic device and a power source. The electronic device is adapted to be selectively supported by the sliding track such that the electronic device can slide along the sliding track. The mechanism has one or more channels having at least one conductive element disposed therein. The first conductive element is shaped to conform to one or more channels to provide an ideal electrical contact surface. The one or more channels are adapted to selectively enclose or seal the conductive element.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: George Marmaropoulos, Clive R. Van Heerden, Jack Mama, Jeremy Wright, Giang Truong Vu
-
Publication number: 20040259391Abstract: Method for electrically connecting an electrical conductor to an electronic component including the steps of providing a textile material in which at least one flexible, wire-like and/or thread-like electrical conductor is arranged, providing the electrical conductor relative to an electrically conductive contact point of the electronic component, and electrically connecting the conductor to the contact point comprising the steps of electrically connecting an at least partly electrically conductive auxiliary contact to the conductor, and electrically connecting the auxiliary contact to the contact point, wherein the auxiliary contact is a metal lamina.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Stefan Jung, Christl Lauterbach
-
Publication number: 20040229479Abstract: A heating arrangement includes a pliable member such as a blanket, mattress pad, throw, etc., having a heating element that is engageable with a power supply via a connection arrangement secured to the heating element and to the pliable member, and a connector from a power supply cord that extends from the power supply. The connection arrangement includes a housing within which the ends of the heating element are located, and a mounting member that surrounds the housing and is connected to the pliable member for maintaining the connection arrangement in place. The ends of the heating element include connector pins that are received within passages defined by the housing, and which are adapted for engagement by receivers associated with the power supply connector. A retainer arrangement is interposed between the power supply connector and the housing, for releasably maintaining the power supply connector in engagement with the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Sheldon P. Carr, Richard Zimmerer
-
Patent number: 6817867Abstract: A heating arrangement includes a pliable member such as a blanket, mattress pad, throw, etc., having a heating element that is engageable with a power supply via a connection arrangement secured to the heating element and to the pliable member, and a connector from a power supply cord that extends from the power supply. The connection arrangement includes a housing within which the ends of the heating element are located, and a mounting member that surrounds the housing and is connected to the pliable member for maintaining the connection arrangement in place. The ends of the heating element include connector pins that are received within passages defined by the housing, and which are adapted for engagement by receivers associated with the power supply connector. A retainer arrangement is interposed between the power supply connector and the housing, for releasably maintaining the power supply connector in engagement with the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Perfect Fit Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sheldon P. Carr, Richard Zimmerer
-
Patent number: 6767218Abstract: A quick release buckle for securing both an electrical connection and a mechanical coupling includes a multiple pin male portion of an electrical connector. The buckle also includes means for receiving the male portion of an electrical connector to form an electrical connection, a first protective housing containing one of the multiple pin male portion and the means for receiving the multiple pin male portion and capable of insertion, and a second protective housing containing one of the means for receiving the male portion and the multiple pin male portion. The second protective housing is capable of receiving the first protective housing to form a mechanical coupling. In addition, the first and second protective housings include at least one quick-release mechanism for fastening and decoupling the buckle.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: George Marmaropoulos
-
Publication number: 20040053518Abstract: The invention concerns a device for electric contact between an electrical supply (5) and an electrically conductive flexible material (1) consisting for the major part of fibres. The invention is characterised in that the material (1) is covered, on at least two separate overlapping zones (z1, z2), with a superimposition layer of electrically conductive adhesive and a metal strip (4). Said device is used for electric heating of the material consisting for the major part of fibres (1) by Joule heating, for example for desorption of molecules previously adsorbed on said material (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Pierre Le Cloirec, Albert Subrenat
-
Patent number: 6626009Abstract: Illuminated jewelry having a fastening mechanism that allows illuminated jewelry to be worn in either an energized or de-energized state. In the preferred embodiment, the jewelry takes the form of a necklace with an illuminated pendant. First and second electrical leads allow the necklace to be worn around the neck of a user. Each of the leads includes a connector at its distal end. Preferably, the connectors are electrical connectors with two coupling orientations. In the first orientation, the circuit is energized and illuminated. In the second orientation, the circuit is de-energized and not illuminated. Thus, the necklace can be worn around a user's neck in either an illuminated or non-illuminated state.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Calypso Worldwide Marketing, Inc.Inventor: Stephen K. Ohlund
-
Patent number: 6561814Abstract: A garment is provided comprising a fabric shell (10) hosting one or more electrical conductors (12) the or each of which is connectable to at least one of a plurality of electronic devices (14, 16, 18, 20) housed in respective pockets (P) of the fabric shell (10). The pockets (P) are detachable from the fabric shell (10), with each pocket comprising a fabric cover provided with mechanical connectors, such as patches of Velcro™, zips or press studs. The garment fabric shell (10) is provided with complementary mechanical connectors to enable the fabric cover and device to be removably attached to the garment, each pocket includes an electrical connection between a device in that pocket and one or more of said electrical conductors (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Nancy A. Tilbury, Juliette Allen, Kyriakos J. Mama, Jenni L. Arksey, George Marmaropoulos
-
Publication number: 20030068904Abstract: A glove to be worn when connecting power equipment to a multi-phase electrical panel is disclosed. On the back of the glove are indicia of the colors of wiring that are proper for connection to various row buses. The indicia are arranged in a manner analogous to a layout of the multi-phase electrical panel, thus providing a quick reference cue for which connection point should be used for a particular wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventor: Terrick R. Williams
-
Publication number: 20020146917Abstract: A quick release buckle for securing both an electrical connection and a mechanical coupling includes a multiple pin male portion of an electrical connector. The buckle also includes means for receiving the male portion of an electrical connector to form an electrical connection, a first protective housing containing one of the multiple pin male portion and the means for receiving the multiple pin male portion and capable of insertion, and a second protective housing containing one of the means for receiving the male portion and the multiple pin male portion. The second protective housing is capable of receiving the first protective housing to form a mechanical coupling. In addition, the first and second protective housings include at least one quick-release mechanism for fastening and decoupling the buckle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: George Marmaropoulos
-
Publication number: 20020076949Abstract: A wiring structure for incorporation into garments allows electrical or electronic equipment carried about the person to be connected together. The cabling structure comprises cabling of electrical conductors or optical fibres and cabling terminations in the form of connector components. The connector components facilitate connection and disconnection with the electrical or electronic equipment and in order to do so are provided in the finished garment at accessible locations. The cable terminations are mounted on fabric portions allowing attachment with garments using traditional garment construction techniques. A fabric carrier piece may be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Nancy A. Tilbury, Juliette Allen, Kyriakos J. Mama, Jenni L. Arksey, George Marmaropoulos
-
Publication number: 20020045363Abstract: A garment is provided comprising a fabric shell (10) hosting one or more electrical conductors (12) the or each of which is connectable to at least one of a plurality of electronic devices (14, 16, 18, 20) housed in respective pockets (P) of the fabric shell (10). The pockets (P) are detachable from said fabric shell (10), with each pocket comprising a fabric cover provided with mechanical connector means, such as patches of Velcro™, zips or press studs. The garment fabric shell (10) is provided with complementary mechanical connector means to enable the fabric cover and device to be removably attached to said garment, each pocket further comprising means to establish electrical connection between a device in that pocket and one or more of said electrical conductors (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Nancy A. Tilbury, Juliette Allen, Kyriakos J. Mama, Jenni L. Arksey, George Marmaropoulos
-
Patent number: 6350129Abstract: An electrical conductive strap having two conductive wires is used to communicate power and signals to batteries and electronic devices attached to the strap using conductive snaps. The strap is embedded in clothing for attaching personal wearable electronic devices to the clothing are comfortable to wear as common articles of clothing such as blouses, pants, and belts. The strap is made of woven materials such as conductive webbings, which is incorporated durable electrical conductors directly into the conductive for closely integrating digital electronics with conventional clothing.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventor: Michael M. Gorlick
-
Patent number: 6319015Abstract: A connector for use with fabric, such as when formed into a garment, employs a first connector secured to the fabric and a second mating connector associated with an external device. The connectors, when joined, pass electrical signals such as audio or data signals between the external device and the garment.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Michael J. Faunce
-
Patent number: 6210213Abstract: A carrier is disclosed for receiving and carrying an electrical connector head, such as a plug or a socket, which may be attached to the worker, such as by attaching it to clothing, a belt, or a work belt, the carrier receiving and carrying the electrical connector head of the electrical cord. The carrier has a sidewall forming a hollow body having an open end and a closed end, with the open end having a larger transverse dimension than the closed end, and an inserting channel through the sidewall extending from the open end into and at least partially across the closed end. A clip extends from the exterior of the sidewall to clip the carrier to the worker, or to an article easily carried by the worker, such as a toolbox, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
-
Patent number: 6155841Abstract: A film keyboard is sewn into an end of the sleeve of a jacket. A cable leads from it to a first plug-type connector, on whose opposite end a rubber band engages, said rubber band being supported in terms of forces at another point on the end of the sleeve. If the nebber band is located between the thumb and index finger, the first plug-type connector is thus inevitably held in such a position that it can easily be plugged into a second, corresponding plug-type connector of a mobile phone when the latter is held in the hand in the usual way. When not in use, the first plug-type connector is held concealed in the end of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Inventor: Horst Spanyar
-
Patent number: 6118667Abstract: A removable card insulator and guide prevents inadvertent shorting during the insertion or removal of an adapter card into a "hot-plug" computer system. The card insulator includes perpendicular first and second planar portions. When installed in a computer system, the first planar portion is positioned perpendicular to the motherboard, and the second planar portion is positioned parallel to the motherboard such that any components on the motherboard are positioned between the second planar portion and the motherboard. The second planar portion includes a slot through which an adapter card connector can be passed to mate with a connector on the motherboard. A step has perpendicular riser and tread portions, wherein the riser is attached perpendicular to the second planar portion, such that the tread is parallel to and offset from the second planar portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Cynthia M. Grosser, Mohanlal Savji Mansuria, Leo Harold Webster, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5980266Abstract: A conductive strap device for establishing dual electrical paths with a person's body includes a coaxial fastener structure having a spring-loaded contact pin to provide a first electrical path and a conductive member arranged coaxially with and electrically insulated from the contact pin to provide a second electrical path.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Shih-Min Hsu
-
Patent number: 5934225Abstract: A method and system for coupling electrical components to protective coated, wire embedded flexible members which utilizes electrical connectors that displace a portion of the protective coating when making contact with the underlying wires. The wire embedded flexible members include a central web. A plurality of wires are positioned within the central web. Electrical connectors effect electrical contact with the embedded wires by displacing the protective coating by melting the same and/or by being driven through the protective coating and underlying web. Single pin-type and/or U-shaped pin-type, and/or bifurcated electrical connectors can be used.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Innotek Pet Products, Inc.Inventor: Matthew R. Williams
-
Patent number: 5657201Abstract: A portable data collection terminal including an arm mounting assembly is disclosed. The terminal includes a terminal housing having a docking base protruding from its bottom surface. The docking base is configured to snugly fit in a recess defined by a thin docking member. The docking member is secured to a sleeve overlying an operator's forearm by a flexible strap. The strength of attachment between the terminal housing and the docking member is small enough to permit the terminal housing to release from the docking member if a sufficient force is applied to the terminal housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Teletransactions, Inc.Inventor: Gary Kochis
-
Patent number: 5531601Abstract: A battery pack is provided for use in applications where lightweight and flexibility are desired, such as for powering an illuminated clothing article. A battery pack is provided consisting of a first and second fabrics, each having conductive traces applied upon its inside. The fabrics are sealed together forming a battery pouch area to hold and electrically connect a battery that is placed within it. Because the pack is made of fabric, and requires no connecting wires or hard case, excess weight and bulk is eliminated, resulting in a comfortable clothing article within a natural drape.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Inventor: Eugene C. Amoroso
-
Patent number: 5403214Abstract: A grounding jack for mechanically and electrically securely coupling a device to be grounded to a ground conducting member includes a generally circular shaped grounding jack having a first end adapted to be inserted into a grounding jack receiver hole in the ground conducting member. The grounding jack receiver hole includes a first predetermined diameter. A second end of the ground conducting jack is adapted for receiving a ground coupling plug from a device to be grounded. A central bore region, into which the ground coupling plug is inserted, extends from the second end to proximate the first end, and is substantially surrounded by a grounding jack wall region.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: EMC CorporationInventor: Paul T. Tirrell
-
Patent number: 5279505Abstract: Apparatus for securely attaching a casing to a person includes an elongate strap and a strap connector having a male retainer at an end thereof. The strap connector has a female retainer at an opposite end thereof. A casing defines first and second openings connected by a passageway. The female retainer is snap-fit to the casing in the passageway of the casing through the first opening. The male retainer is snap-fit to the female retainer in the passageway through the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Comguard, Inc.Inventors: Noel Goudreau, Michael E. Reeves
-
Patent number: 5266783Abstract: An environmentally tolerant personal identification, access control and monitoring system including a dual contact limb-worn identification (ID) code-producing unit and a multiple-physical contact arrayed ID code reader are described. Momentary physical contact between the unit's dual contacts, in any position and orientation, and the reader's arrayed multiple contacts is detected by sequentially energizing contact pairs of the array until a characteristic low-impedance is sensed and then the indicated contact pair is reverse-energized to read the ID code from the ID unit. Preferably, the contact array geometry is of closely spaced, nickel-plated, planar, hexagonally shaped conductors that are group-encoded and -energized to minimize the input/output port requirements of a microprocessor and associated drive/sense electronics that accomplish the scanning of the array and the reading of the ID unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1991Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Assignee: First TracksInventor: Clarke W. McAllister
-
Patent number: 5152693Abstract: A clasp for a pair of wristbands on a digital watch having a pager with a radio frequency receiver such that the wristbands comprise an antenna that has its circuit completed and closed into a loop antenna when a user snaps the wristbands together with the clasp. The clasp has a catch shaft welded or soldered to a clasp body such that electrical contact between the antenna in the wristbands is thereby improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1992Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Shigeru Matsui, Taeko Imai
-
Patent number: 5134538Abstract: An adjustable, conductive body strap utilizing a connector securing a strip of material held in a closed loop with a mechanical connector with the interior surface of the strip of material being electrically conductive. An electrical connector connects the conductive surface of the strip of material to a connection point to provide for external electrical ground connection. The mechanical connector secures one end of the strip of material in place. The mechanical connector adjustably secures the opposite end of the strip of material.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1989Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: John W. Weiss
-
Patent number: 5051095Abstract: This invention describes a universal mounting bracket to mount a battery pack for electrical boot warmers. The mounting bracket is secured by a combination strap and clamp in such a way as to prevent the battery pack from being accidentally dislodged by pulling, pushing, lifting, rotating, or from vigorous activity while wearing the boot. Previous devices did not provide a secure mount to a boot and were easily dislodged.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1990Date of Patent: September 24, 1991Inventor: Stephen Slenker
-
Patent number: 5032948Abstract: An inexpensive grounding wrist strap and tether for draining excess electrostatic charge, which may be used once and then disposed. The strap and tether are formed integrally and include a conductive strip having a discrete resistance portion for safety considerations. The discrete resistance portion is formed by making a zig-zag pattern of cuts in the conductive strip, thereby increasing the length of the current path through the discrete resistance portion. Due to the slight resistivity of the conductive strip, the lengthened current path results in a discrete resistance being built into the strip. The cuts may be made in the strip at the same time the strip is fashioned out of a sheet of the conductive material, such as carbon loaded polyethylene.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1989Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Donald E. Klepel
-
Patent number: 5018044Abstract: A dual conductor wristband utilizing a two-wire tether having a modified phono-type plug. The wristband includes a strap and a connector case, the case having a female jack for receiving the dual connector plug. The plug diameter is smaller than conventional plugs, and the diameter of the pilot hole for the plug tip is correspondingly smaller to prevent accidental connection to a non-grounding tether. Two alternative embodiments are presented for coupling the dual connector plug to two electrically isolated backplates on the connector case. Each backplate is connected to one of the two conductive pathways on the strap.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1989Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: John W. Weiss
-
Patent number: 5004425Abstract: A magnetic connection assembly for releasably connecting a ground cord to an electrically conductive body band. Said assembly comprising a first connection member electrically connected to one end of a ground cord and a second connection member electrically connected to a body band. The first and second connection members are at least partially formed of electrically conductive material and are correspondingly sized and configured so as to be relatively positionable in a "coupled" relation, whereby electrical contact is maintained therebetween. At least one magnet is positioned in at least one of the first and second connection members so as to create sufficient magnetic attraction therebetween to hold the first and second connection members in their "coupled" relation without the need for frictional or spring loaded snaps and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1989Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Assignee: JES, L.P.Inventor: Roland Hee
-
Patent number: 4927366Abstract: An electrical connector assembly adapted to be securely attached to a portion of an electrically heated garment for allowing electrical current to be supplied through the connector assembly to at least one heating wire in the garment. In a preferred embodiment the connector assembly includes: a removable male plug for securely receiving a portion of a conductor; a female receptacle for securely receiving a portion of at least one heating wire of the garment and removably connecting with the male plug in a mating fashion, thereby electrically connecting the conductor and the heating wire; and a plurality of sewing wings integrally formed with the female receptacle and protruding outwardly therefrom for facilitating quick, easy and secure attachment of the receptacle to the garment by way of a sewing machine. In one configuration, the connector assembly is also adapted to house therein a removable fuse for providing further safety protection to a wearer of the garment.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: Environwear, Inc.Inventors: David P. Tommerson, Kevin L. Brekkestran
-
Patent number: 4878148Abstract: A crocheted fabric is formed of electrically insulating elastic yarn interlocked to a wefting yarn by a warping yarn. The crocheted fabric bears on its one surface which is disposed toward the skin plural strands of conductive yarn. This conductive yarn is interlocked to the crocheted fabric by the warping yarn. It proceeds in a serpentine path along the long axis of the grounding strap. The interior surface of the wrist bracelet bearing this prominent, and visually inspectable, conductive yarn provides reliable electrical contact to the skin. Meanwhile, the outer surface of the grounding strap reliably maintains electrically insulating qualities.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1987Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Assignee: JES, LPInventor: Roland Hee
-
Patent number: 4762497Abstract: A wrist strap can be connected through the fabric of a cleanroom garment by means of an inexpensive, removable connector comprising two molded plastic parts that can be interconnected to entrap the fabric. Protruding from a reservoir in the first of the two plastic parts is an open tube of open-cell foam which is filled with an electrically conductive gel. The foam tube protrudes from the reservoir and, when the two plastic parts are interconnected, the foam tube is compressed and transmits a squeezing force to the conductive gel, thus forcing a portion of the conductive gel through the exposed open end of the foam tube into the entrapped fabric and against an electrode in the second of the two plastic parts. This completes an electrical connection between that electrode and an electrode in the first plastic part at the base of the reservoir. The conductive gel may also be carried in a collapsible cup which is biased to force the conductive gel through the fabric to complete the electrical connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1987Date of Patent: August 9, 1988Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Richard W. Burvee
-
Patent number: 4755144Abstract: A buckle for securing a conductive strap has a conductive base for skin contact and a non-conductive cover partially attached to the base, the base having upwardly extending sides and the cover downwardly extending sides encapsulating the sides of the base. A conductive attachment element is on the cover and a conductive clip member is within the cover in electrical conduct with the attachment means and with the base continuously when the cover is closed and open.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1987Date of Patent: July 5, 1988Assignee: Plastic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Gordon, Lenard Cohen, William Hudspeth, Paul Mills
-
Patent number: 4676561Abstract: Personnel and their garments are grounded through a uniquely designed, common body/garment strap which includes:an elastic closed loop fabric member having an elastic tab extending therefrom;conductive yarns in both the closed loop member and its extension;the elastic extension or tab electrically connected to the garment; andthe closed loop member connected to ground.Thus, both the garment and operator are grounded, while the elastic conductive tab allows freedom of movement of the garment with respect to the operator's body.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1985Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Assignee: Blue Bell, Inc.Inventor: Joe H. Barrett, II