Single Hinge Patents (Class 63/7)
  • Patent number: 11744333
    Abstract: A wrist band for attaching a portable electronic device to a user includes articulating segments which may be releasably connected so as to provide the user the capability of sizing the wristband by adding or removing links as desired. A clasp is also disclosed for securing the wristband to a user. A manufacturing device and method are disclosed for machining complex surfaces on the segments and clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Erik L. Wang, Daniele De Iuliis, Wayne Cowan
  • Patent number: 11747859
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for proactively alerting the user of potential threats and taking preventive actions to deter the intruder. The apparatus tracks the rear surrounding of the user and automatically detects potential threats in the form of unwanted advances by the strangers by tracking the safety zone around the user. The apparatus then alerts the user and the intruder by giving audio and/or visual signals. The warning alert switches to an emergency alert should the intruder continue advancing towards the user. Law enforcement and user's contacts are automatically dialed as part of the emergency protocol. Such footage also gets recorded for use by the law enforcement agency. This is the first apparatus that does automatic real time monitoring and performs preventative actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Shailesh Nirgudkar, Sankalp Modi
  • Patent number: 11644873
    Abstract: A hinge includes two brackets and a sliding module. Each bracket has a support shaft and a support plate for supporting a flexible display. The sliding module includes a rail seat, two rail keys, two axle keys and two auxiliary extending frames. The rail seat has two arcuate inboard rails, two receiving slots and two arcuate outboard rails. Each rail key has a key body received in the receiving slot, a sliding protrusion slidable along the arcuate inboard rail, and an arcuate key rail opposite to the sliding protrusion. The axle keys are slidable along the arcuate key rails, and are journalled on the support shafts. The auxiliary extending frames are slidable along the arcuate outboard rails and slidably connected with the support plates. With adjustment of the rails, moving paths of the keys are adjusted to meet the requirement of bending of the flexible display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: FOSITEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: An-Szu Hsu, Chun-Han Lin
  • Patent number: 11617425
    Abstract: Various pieces of jewelry and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, these technologies enable a piece of jewelry with a region hosting (i) a hidden hinge and (ii) a decorative element. The decorative element includes a first wall and a second wall opposing the first wall such that the first wall and the second wall collectively define the decorative element when the hidden hinge is closed, thereby enabling a visually continuous appearance when viewed by an observer, and not collectively define the decorative element when the hidden hinge is open, thereby not enabling the visually continuous appearance when viewed by the observer. Therefore, by having the decorative element include the first wall and the second wall, the visually continuous appearance is enabled when the hidden hinge is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Venus by Maria Tash, Inc.
    Inventor: Maria Tashjian
  • Patent number: 11268739
    Abstract: A condenser (404) configured to condense gas phase refrigerant to liquid phase refrigerant. The condenser (404) includes a gas header (408) configured to receive gas phase refrigerant, a liquid header (410) disposed opposite the gas header, the liquid header (410) separated into at least two sections, each section of the at least two sections having a port, and parallel tubes (406) extending between the gas header (408) and the liquid header (410).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jinhui Wang, John H. Bean, Jr., Hongwei Yang
  • Patent number: 10188927
    Abstract: A golf device including a first elongated portion. The golf device may include a second elongated portion. The golf device may include an arch portion slideably engageable inside the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Peyton Webb Robertson
  • Patent number: 8567172
    Abstract: A connecting unit including an outer frame member having a pair of hole sections, a pair of first connecting sections and long holes for inserting a controller. The connecting unit further includes a holding frame body which includes through-holes at positions corresponding to the long holes, slide members which include a second connecting section which protrudes and retracts from the pair of hole sections and slide in the extending direction of the long holes by slide operation of the controller, elastic members which bias the slide members to an opposite direction of an insertion direction of the controller and a locking member which locks the slide member at a position where connection between the second connecting section and the first connecting section of the adjacent segment members is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Asami
  • Patent number: 8497838
    Abstract: A computing system translates a world space position of a hand of a human target to a screen space cursor position of a user interface. When the cursor overlaps a button in the user interface, the computing system actuates the button in response to a movement of the hand in world space that changes the cursor position by a depth threshold along a z-axis regardless of an initial z-axis position of the cursor. When the button includes an activation lock, the computing system unlocks the activation lock, prior to button actuation, if the cursor path satisfies unlocking criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Adam Jethro Langridge
  • Publication number: 20100000257
    Abstract: A purse holder apparatus includes a first arm including a first surface contact element and a first connecting portion, a second arm includes a second surface contact element and a second connecting portion, and a compression element is connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael T. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20080236195
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bangle comprising an annular-shaped cover which is formed, essentially, of two curved tubes. The tubes are connected together on one of the tube ends by a hinge and comprises a liquid tank. One tube is embodied in such a manner that it receives the liquid tank, and a spraying head of the liquid tank protrudes into a tube end of the adjacent tube. The two tubes can be displaced in relation to each other in the region of the tube end thereof which is oriented away from the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Klaus Woebke
  • Patent number: 7347065
    Abstract: A clasp assembly for jewelry to be worn as a ring or earring. As a ring, the clasp assembly for jewelry allows individuals to wear rings around finger phalanges, by locking the rings below the knuckles of the fingers without having to slide the rings over knuckles of the fingers. As an earring, the clasp assembly for jewelry allows individuals to wear an earring on various parts of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: BarbaraJayne DeGolyer
  • Patent number: 7306394
    Abstract: The hinging device (1) for pivotably attaching the links of a bracelet includes a bar (5) comprising at at least one of its ends (8) a hole (9) provided with an inner thread (10), and a screw (11) whose thread is engaged in said inner thread. The bar and the screw are provided with means (14 to 17) allowing an end portion (18) of the bar (5) to rest radially on a portion (19) of the head (13) of the screw (11) to tighten said screw in said bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Blancpain S.A.
    Inventors: Yannick Renaudet, Thierry Bergeon, Jean-Claude Probst, Olivier Paratte, Yves Bandi, Johnny Buehler
  • Patent number: 7210313
    Abstract: A bangle includes first and second bangle members, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the first bangle member is pivotally connected to the distal end of the second bangle member to permit relative movement between the first and second bangle members. A first locking member is provided at the proximal end of the first bangle member and a second locking member is provided at the proximal end of the second bangle member. The first locking member is selectively moveable between a closed position where the first locking member engages the second locking member to releasably secure the proximal end of the first bangle member to the proximal end of the second bangle member, and an open position where the first locking member is separated from the second locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Kay
  • Patent number: 7107789
    Abstract: An openable ring that is arranged to be worn about a portion of a body of a person. The ring includes first and second arcuate sections that are pivotally interconnected at one end of the ring for permitting pivotal movement of the arcuate sections between opened and closed positions. At the end opposite the pivotal interconnection, each arcuate section includes a pair of locking extensions, the locking extensions being transversely aligned with one another. Each locking extension has a locking surface which comprises a sum of more than two alternating hill and valley portions. The hill and valley portions of each respective locking surface cooperate with each other to releasably retain the arcuate sections in a closed position to define a closed ring having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an interior passage for receiving a portion of the person's body, e.g., a finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Mates A. Bruner
  • Patent number: 7021041
    Abstract: The bracelet (1) is formed of several juxtaposed links (2) made of rigid material and a flexible core (3) onto which the links are threaded. The flexible core (3) is formed over a part of its length of flexible elements (4) removably assembled one after the other. Each flexible element comprises on two opposite sides a first assembling portion (7) and a second assembling portion (6) complementary to the first assembling portion. The elements can be assembled one after the other by fitting the first and second assembling portions together to form a flexible strip. The links (2) are positioned on the flexible core to hold the flexible elements in their assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Montres Rado SA
    Inventors: Christian Verdon, Michael Bach
  • Patent number: 7017368
    Abstract: A ring of the type intended to be arranged on a body part of a wearer includes two rigid bent arms (10, 12) and an articulation (14) connecting them. The arms are mobile facing each other at the first (10a, 12a) of their two ends. A head part (16) is arranged in proximity to the articulation (14) and is arranged so as to be able to occupy a first position, called the locking position, and a second position, called the unlocking position. First and second connecting devices secure the head part respectively to the first and second arms. These locking devices are both locked when the head part (16) is in the locked position. At least the first of the locking devices is disengaged when the head part is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hartcase Corporation
    Inventor: Marco Dominique Hug
  • Publication number: 20040172968
    Abstract: Ring of the type intended to be arranged on a body part of a wearer and including:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Dominique Hug
  • Patent number: 6675612
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a bangle having a main body shaped in an openable loop. The inner side of the bangle is worn against the skin of the wearer. The bangle is a discontinuous loop having a first end and a second end engageable with the first end to thereby close the loop of the main body. The locking mechanism includes a bar attached transversely across the first end of the main body on the inner side; the bar has a front edge and a rear edge. A tongue is provided attached at a fixed end to the second end of the main body projecting from the second end, the tongue having a raised detent portion at a free end opposite the fixed end. Alternatively, the bangle is circular in cross-section and the locking mechanism is disposed in the interior of the bangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nanasi Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Nanasi
  • Patent number: 6540369
    Abstract: An engagement ring bracelet that includes a wrist band, a collet, a lid, a light, and a flasher. The collet extends upwardly from the wrist band and holds articles, and the lid selectively closes the collet. The light is disposed in the collet, and the flasher causes the light to blink. The lid is translucent and replicates a diamond so as to form a faceted lid. The blinking light and the translucent and faceted lid cause the lid to twinkle like a diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Victoria Granite
  • Patent number: 6453699
    Abstract: A method or process for fabricating a hollow jewelry article which is hollowed or bored out to an arcuate estent of 200° or greater. In accordance with this process, a metal ring model is prepared comprising a solid shank and a metal plate supported along the internal perimeter of the shank and arcuately extending at least 200° therealong. A first metal mold is produced from the metal ring model having the external shape of the jewelry article to be manufactured. From this mold, a wax model of the jewelry article is produced which is first filed down and then cast in order to form a metal model of a core insert; the core insert, like the ring model, has a plate disposed along the perimeter of the shank. This core insert is used to produce a second metal mold. This second mold may then be used repeatedly in order to form a soluble wax core insert model which is then inserted into the cavity of the first mold in order to define the hollow region of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Unimold Cast, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ervant Hashimian, Garabed Ayvazian
  • Publication number: 20020129619
    Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for a ring having a hinge and shaped to encompass a finger or other member of an individual as well as a system and method for using the apparatus. The apparatus may have two arc sections. Each arc section may have a cavity located at an end of the arc sections. One of the cavities may have a male portion. The apparatus may also have an ornament. The ornament may have a female portion sized to receive the male portion. The male portion and cavities may support the ornament when the ring is in a closed state. One arc section may be positioned towards a second arc section at the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Wolff
  • Patent number: 6388612
    Abstract: A global positioning and tracking system for locating objects including a plurality of tracking devices each releasably secured to an object and a central monitoring station. Each tracking device includes a processing device for storing an identification code unique to the tracking device, determining a location of the tracking device and generating a position signal based upon the determined location, a cellular transmitter/receiver for receiving and initiating cellular transmissions. The central monitoring station receives a location request and identification code from a user and initiates a cellular transmission including the identification code to a telephone number assigned to the tracking units. Upon receipt of the cellular transmission each tracking unit compares the identification code with its stored identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy J Neher
  • Patent number: 6260381
    Abstract: An article of jewelry has a first (5) and a second part (3) and a hinge (7) which articulatedly connects the two parts (3, 5) in such a way that the parts (3, 5) are movable between a first closed position and a second opened position. The article of jewelry is characterized in that a spring (21) is provided which forces the two parts (3, 5) into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Friedrich Zettl GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Zettl
  • Patent number: 6125657
    Abstract: A hinged hoop-style earring where a post is curved to conform to the outside shape of the back of the earring. In this design, when the earring is closed, the post, and a protruding end of the post, substantially follows the shape of a curved outer edge of the back of the earring. Thus, the post and the protruding end of the post is no longer positioned away from the surface of the earring. Instead, it substantially lies within or adjacent to the contour the curved shape of the back half of the earring and, therefore, will not distort its aesthetical appearance and will not be dangerous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Prime Time Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Esposito
  • Patent number: 5746067
    Abstract: A round bangle (20) has an improved clevis-like hinge assembly (23) and an improved bangle closing mechanism (24). The hinge assembly is in the form of two end caps, which are operatively mounted on adjacent marginal end portions of the bangle halves. A clevis-type connection is recessed in one of the bangle halves such that there is the appearance of a generally smooth continuous exterior when the bangle is closed. The improved closing mechanism includes a keeper wire (42) extending outwardly from one of the bangles within the other, with an intermediate support ball (43) and a distal button (44) located on the keeper wire. When the bangle is closed, the button passes through an opening (45) in the other bangle half to releasably lock the bangle halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Leach & Garner Company
    Inventors: Edwin F. Leach, II, Marinko Markic, Ronald E. Precourt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5651272
    Abstract: A herringbone chain necklace is divided into a plurality of segments of conventional flexible herringbone construction, with flat hinges positioned between adjacent segments. The segments pivot about hinge axes that are perpendicular to the plane of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Eduard L. Peniazek
  • Patent number: 5598722
    Abstract: An improved bangle closing mechanism (26) is adapted to releasably join two tubular arcuate bangle halves (11, 12). The improved closing mechanism has a keeper bar (28) provided with a proximal portion (29) adapted to be operatively engaged with the first bangle half (11), an intermediate portion (30) extending between the bangle halves and penetrating a narrowed opening (23) in the second bangle half (12), and an enlarged ball-like head portion (31) operatively arranged within the second bangle half. The projected diameter (d.sub.1) of the head portion is greater than the projected diameter (d.sub.2) of the narrowed opening. The head portion prevents the keeper bar from being withdrawn from the second bangle half, and facilitates sliding movement within the second bangle half as to the bangle halves are moved relatively toward or away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Leach & Garner Company
    Inventors: Edwin F. Leach, II, Marinko Markic, Ronald E. Precourt, Jr., Michael A. Gayton, Dwarika P. Agarwal
  • Patent number: 5136858
    Abstract: A ring to be worn as an article of jewelry about a portion of a body of a person includes first and second arcuate sections pivotally interconnected at one end for permitting pivotal movement of the arcuate sections between opened and closed positions. Latching members are included on each arcuate section. The latching members on one arcuate section include an elongate tongue and a pair of locking extensions located on opposite sides of the tongue, each locking extension including male and female connecting sections. The latch members on the other arcuate section include a pair of locking extensions located on opposite sides of a central bridge section, and these locking extensions include male and female connecting sections for engaging with the male and female connecting sections of the one arcuate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Mates A. Bruner
  • Patent number: 4972684
    Abstract: A bangle of a generally annular form and of a substantially rigid material, having a cavity in the form of an elongate recess open inwardly of the bangle and having opposite edges at the junction with the internal face of the bangle. A fragrance of scent container received in said cavity and releasably engaged by said edges of the cavity which are adapted to resiliently deflect or deform to permit entry and removal of the container from the cavity. An aperture in the bangle communicating the cavity with the exterior of the bangle, and a manually operable pump mounted on the container and arranged when operated to deliver scent or fragrance from the container through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Atmos Energy
    Inventor: Alexander G. Aitken
  • Patent number: 4879883
    Abstract: A ring to be worn as an article of jewelry about a portion of a body of a person has pivotally mounted, first and second arcuate sections movable between opened and closed positions. A substantially T-shaped recess is provided in the first arcuate section. This recess extends along a portion of the arc of the first arcuate section and includes an outer head portion of a wider transverse dimension than an inner stem portion. The head and stem portions of the recess are joined through upwardly facing, transversely extending supporting surfaces. The recess further has an open free end, and the stem portion of the recess includes an opening along the arcuate inner surface of the first arcuate section for communicating with the interior of the ring. The second arcuate section has an inner surface and a rigid male extending male member projecting therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Mates A. Bruner
  • Patent number: 4763490
    Abstract: A ring including a pair of semi-circular sections. The sections are pivotally connected to each other so that they can be pivoted apart to open the ring. The ring is secured together via latch means. One section of the ring is arcuate in shape and has an arcuate extending member projecting therefrom and adapted to enter and move through a mating recess formed in the other section. A primary locking spring is connected to the extending member and includes a portion adapted to engage a wall portion in the recess of the other section to lock the two sections together. An aperture is provided in the recess to enable the spring to disengaged, via the insertion of a sharply pointed instrument therethrough, thereby enabling the two sections to pivot outward with respect to each other to partially open the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Mates A. Bruner
  • Patent number: 4722179
    Abstract: A hinge for a watchband, bracelet or the like which includes adjacent interconnected elements defining therebetween a cylindrical or a spherical chamber, a cylindrical or spherical housing in the chamber, a pair of connecting studs pivotally connected to each other within the housing and projecting outwarding therefrom through cross-bores, the studs being connected to the links and the cylindrical or spherical housing totally hiding the connection through gaps at top or bottom sides of the links in any position of relative articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Bernard Tesch
  • Patent number: 4674299
    Abstract: A bracelet construction including a pair of arms that are hingedly connected at one end thereof, the bracelet arms being formed in curved configurations that provide for placement of the bracelet on the wrist of a wearer, each bracelet arm removably receiving an ornamental element and each of the ornamental elements being provided with a tab at an end thereof that is insertable into a slot in the corresponding end of the arm on which it is received, the other end of each ornamental element having an opening formed therein, the opening receiving a pin or projection that is formed as part of a hinge assembly that interconnects the arms, the arrangement of the pin and slot providing for replacement of the ornamental elements with ornamental elements of similar configurations but different colorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventor: Patricia A. Azar
  • Patent number: 4638627
    Abstract: The wristlet is primarily intended for watches and comprises a succession of links (10) hingedly connected to each other by connection elements (12) such as to enable the links (10) to pivot about the hinge axis (14). Each connecting element (12) comprises two parts (16, 18) secured, respectively, to two adjacent links, with each part having a pair of male members (22, 24; 34, 36) and a pair of female members (26, 28; 30, 32), said male and female members being interengaged with each other. The male members (22, 24) of one of the parts are generally cylindrical with their axis providing the hinge axis (14), while the male members (34, 36) of the other part are generally parallelepipedic. The bordering region between adjacent links is substantially co-planar with a line of contact between the male members of their connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: ETA SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventors: Andreas Wullsehleger, Othmar Brunner
  • Patent number: 4236384
    Abstract: An article, such as a ring structure for example, having a band and an ornamental portion affixed on the top thereof. The band is formed of two portions each being pivotally hinged with respect to one another. One end of the portion of the band is provided with a wedge shaped resilient locking member which cooperates with a lock formed in a space formed between an upper surface of the band and the ornamental portion of the ring. For opening the ring from the closed to the open position, the user inserts a key in a keyway formed in the hollow space, whereby the key causes the locking member to be released from the lock and in turn as a rotational force applied the key upon the locking member, the band portion will be caused to pivot about the pivot point thus opening the ring band permitting release from the finger. Alternate embodiments include a locking arrangement without the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Inventor: Arthur R. Daub
  • Patent number: 4055057
    Abstract: A coupling device for the opposed ends of bracelets and similar articles of jewelry of the type employing spring rings and associated eyelets and particularly for two-part bracelets the arcuate halves of which are rigid and connected in end-to-end fashion by a laterally inflexible hinge which maintains them at all times, whether the bracelets are open or closed, in coplanar relationship. Forward entry of the spring ring into its associated eyelet by a wedge action, reinforcement of substantially the entire length of the spring ring plunger by the eyelet to resist rearward or tensional uncoupling of the bracelet parts, and functional and decorative concealment of both the spring ring and its associated eyelet to prevent accidental retraction of the spring ring plunger constitute the principal features of the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Inventor: Anita M. Kolman
  • Patent number: D497567
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Cartier International B.V.
    Inventor: Théodora Hardy