505results about "Retainer" patented technology

A reclosable strap assembly includes an elongate strap having a first end including a plurality of engaging segments. A clasp includes a frame that defines a frame opening for receiving the first end. Each of the plurality of engaging segments is sized to create an interference fit between the individual engaging segment and the frame when the individual engaging segment is inserted into the frame opening.

A secure clamping mechanism formed with two spaced apart surfaces; a resiliently compressible biasing member positioned between the two spaced apart surfaces; a clamp having a drive shaft that is structured to be slidingly engaged between the two spaced apart surfaces; and an interference member for engaging the biasing member between the drive portion and at least one of the spaced apart surfaces.

An interlocking attaching system comprises a substrate adapter, an accessory adapter and a discrete locking member. The substrate adapter includes a base for affixing to a substrate object and a plurality of spaced apart raised regions disposed along a first longitudinal axis. The raised regions have slots defining a first plurality of passages oriented parallel to the first longitudinal axis and aligned with one another. The accessory adapter includes a base for affixing to an accessory object and a plurality of spaced apart raised regions disposed along a second longitudinal axis. The raised regions have slots defining a second plurality of passages oriented parallel to the second longitudinal axis and aligned with one another. The spacing between the locations of the raised regions of the adapters are dimensioned to position at least one raised region of one of the adapters between at least two raised regions of the other adapter when the adapters are in operational alignment, i.e., with their respective top sides together and with their respective passage aligned. The locking member is removably insertable through the passages on both adapters when the adapters are in operational alignment. Insertion of the locking member through the passages of both adapters when the adapters are in operational alignment interlocks the accessory object to the substrate object, and withdrawal of the locking member from the passages releases the accessory object from the substrate object.

A carrying assembly (10,110) having an easy release clip for carrying of an electronic device (12,112) is disclosed. In both a first and a second preferred embodiment, the easy release clip of the carrying assembly (10,110) allows a user to insert and remove the electronic device (12,112) in one step and without having to depress a release key. In the first preferred embodiment, the carrying assembly (10) is adjustable so that the electronic device (12) may be positioned in a horizontal position, a vertical position, or any position between horizontal and vertical. The carrying assembly (10) broadly comprises a rear panel (14), a spring component (16) including an integral leaf spring (46), a retainer button (18), and a base (20). In a second preferred embodiment, the carrying assembly (110) is fitted to a lanyard so that the electronic device (112) may be worn around the user's neck. The carrying assembly (110) broadly comprises a base (114), a catch (116), an actuator (118), and a rear panel (120) having an integral leaf spring (256).

A decorative charm and fastener system and its method for use upon an item to be worn by the user or a pet animal; the item to be worn may be a shoe, an item of clothing (including shirts, hats and caps, or the like), or a pet collar. The fundamental embodiment features a charm part and a base part that may be connected together on opposite sides of the item to be worn, with the item situated between the base part and the charm part. The system also includes an elastically compressible washer member that is placed upon the charm part. The compressible washer promotes a secure, yet temporary, connection between the charm part and base part when those respective parts are installed upon an item. Assortments of different charms thus are interchangeable for temporary attachment to the base part. Specialized alternative versions of the apparatus are disclosed for use upon the shoelaces of a shoe, as a pet collar. A variety of decorations accordingly may selectively be used in combination with a shoe, pet collar, or other item.

A holder for eyeglasses, which may include corrective lenses, sunglasses, or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a holder having a generally rectilinear body structure having a longitudinal axis, a length, front, back, and first and second side walls, a top and a bottom, and a conduit formed therethrough for the passage of the eyeglass's earpiece shaft therethrough. To facilitate a secure storage of the glasses, the end of the temple bar which engages the frame at the endpiece engages an open area formed in the front face of the holder body which terminates in sloped fashion to a point situated generally at the longitudinal axis, the open face configured to engage a wide variety of configuration temple bars. In use, the holder is situated such that its longitudinal axis is in a generally vertically aligned fashion, and is adhered, via adhesive strip, for example, to a generally vertically situated support surface, which may include a computer monitor, vehicle dashboard or other like surface. The user then deposits the free end of one of the temple bar of the eyeglasses to be stored into the conduit formed in the holder, allowing the distal end of the temple bar to fold about the open face formed at the front of the holder, and allowing the sloped contour of the open face, with gravity, to urge the supported eyeglasses to migrate to the generally longitudinal center of the support, thereby securely supporting same.

A coupling member for removably attaching an accessory to a carrier, wherein the coupling member includes an elongate portion of material having a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion. At least one hook is formed from a portion of the first end portion, wherein the hook formed from the first end portion allows the first end portion of the coupling member to be removably secured to an accessory webbing or a carrier webbing when the coupling member has been interwoven between aligned carrier tunnel segments and accessory tunnel segments of an accessory and carrier. The coupling member may optionally include a hook formed from a portion of the second end portion.

An accessory holder that is to be used in such a way to securely hold ones accessories like keys (40), cameras (44), cellular phones, pagers, tape measures, and hand drills when they are not in use and to allow the person quick access to these accessories when they are needed. The preferred embodiment uses a modified seat belt buckle to carry A set of keys (40). Female end (25) is attached to the users belt (32) bag, or other convenient location. Male end (24) is attached to the accessory. When the accessory is needed, the user pushes button (26), and the accessory falls into the users hand. To return the accessory to female end (25), male end (24) must be inserted into opening (36). Male end (24) is pushed over the spring loaded locking mechanism and a distinctive "click" is heard once male end (24) is locked in place. The accessory can be conveniently carried in female end (25) until next time it is needed.

A low-profile, durable mounting clip for holding personal devices. The mounting clip may have an essentially inverted “L” shaped configuration including a foot portion having engagement elements for attachment to corresponding engagement elements on a housing of a personal device. A leg portion provides for attachment to an undergarment or other suitable article of clothing. A heel portion located between and connecting the leg portion and foot portion allows the foot portion to flexibly and durably retract from the housing. The mounting clip may include a snap tab beam locking mechanism having a barb for interlocking with a bump provided on the housing or a rotatable cam locking mechanism having one or more radial snap tabs having engagement elements for engaging corresponding surfaces on the mounting clip. The mounting clip may have an essentially inverted “C-shaped” configuration including a first foot, a second foot, and a leg portion.

An eyeglass retainer is configured to retain an eyeglass in a desired position on the body of a user, such as the head or neck of the user. The retainer includes (i) a cord having a first end and a second end; (ii) a first connector coupled to the first end of the cord; and (iii) a second connector coupled to the second end of the cord. Each of the first and second connectors have: (i) a tubular wall defining a hollow chamber configured to receive an eyeglass earpiece therein; and (ii) an expandable opening extending through the tubular wall. The expandable opening may comprise: (i) a hole extending through the tubular wall; and (ii) a slit extending through the tubular wall. An eyeglass earpiece can be selectively mounted in each connector or a temple of the eyeglass can be mounted in each connector. Thus, the eyeglass retainer etains the eyeglass in one of a plurality of possible orientations on the body of the user.

A container which is safely and detachably securable to one's person on an article of clothing, commonly a waistband, or attached to another item to provide secure containment of personal articles, portability and convenience. A pocket is formed as a container cavity with re-sealable fastening means to retain items inside the cavity. A secure clamping mechanism is affixed to the outer wall of the container to enable the container to be detachably secured to apparel and other items. Preferably, the clamp utilizes a locking, leveraged compression clamp mechanism. Formed from the pocket or container is a clamp cover or hood which hides the clamp when the container is worn on the inside of a waistband and further aids in actuating the clamp mechanism. Formed from the back panel of the container is a flap which extends over the cavity opening and press fastens to the clamp hood providing secondary closure means and greater accessibility to the cavity or its contents. A plate secured to the surface of the container wall allows the clamp to be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the container wall enabling the container, and thus the articles contained within it to be comfortably secured, via the clamp, to apparel or other items without inadvertent or unwanted removal of the container or articles therein.

A tether for securing a variety of instruments. The tether may include a band sized to fit a human wrist, a lanyard formed as a continuous, closed loop, an interface connecting the lanyard to the band, and a lock. The lock may adjustably pinch the lanyard to form two sub-loops therefrom. By adjusting the location where the lock pinches the lanyard, the size of one sub-loop may be continuously increased or decreased, while the size of the other sub-loop may be simultaneously, continuously, and respectively decreased or increased. Accordingly, by adjusting the location where the lock pinches the lanyard, the size of the one sub-loop may continuously vary between a minimum size and a maximum size. In one embodiment, this minimum size may corresponding to an interior diameter within the one sub-loop of substantially zero.

A strap attachment apparatus is arranged to releasably secure pocket and pouch members, holsters, selected holders and other types of removable articles securely yet removably in quick-release manner onto supporting articles including packs and backpacks, luggage, bags, jackets, vests and other garments and types of support articles by releasably interwoven strap components which require no other metal, plastic or molded mechanical fasteners such as snaps, buttons, hooks, VELCRO connectors or other locking arrangement which may snag, catch or otherwise interfere with or hinder installation of and quick-release removal of the attached article.

A system for attaching safety glasses to headwear often called a “helmet” or a “hard-hat” has multiple adjustments that fit the glasses to the individual user and that allow the user to flip the glasses back and forth between in-use and removed positions. The preferred system includes a base piece that attaches to the interior or underside of the helmet, near the wearer's face at or near the junction of the helmet's bill / brim and dome. A preferred second piece receives a portion of the glasses at its distal end, and, at its proximal end, slideably connects to the base piece. The second piece may be locked at various positions relative to the base piece, to adjust, either incrementally or continuously, the distance of the glasses from the helmet. This slidable adjustment between the base piece and second piece makes it possible to adjust the glasses in a generally vertical direction, that is, generally parallel to the plane of the lenses of the glasses when being used, as best suits the particular user. The clamping or gripping mechanism on the second piece distal end allows the glasses to pivot relative to the second piece and, hence, to the helmet. Thus, the user may pivot the glasses up from the eyes, out of his line of sight, or down in front of the eyes as close to the user's face as desired. This pivoting, then, provides some horizontal adjustment in the position of the glasses relative to the eyes and nose. Further, at least some portions of the preferred system are flexible or are flexibly connected to the helmet to absorb shock created when the helmet or safety glasses are struck.

A laminated stretch cushion strap assembly having a stretchable cover, a stretchable cushion filler and a stretchable bottom or bottom fabric. The cover includes a stretchable top fabric, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric and a stretchable base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on a side opposite that of the top fabric. The stretchable bottom fabric forms with the cover an enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler is adapted to be completely enclosed within the enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler has a first cushion layer, and adhesive for securing during lamination the cover to the stretchable cushion filler, and the cushion filler to the stretchable bottom fabric. The adhesive is a second adhesive web layer positioned between the stretchable base layer and the first cushion layer to secure the cushion filler to the cover, and a third adhesive web layer positioned on the first cushion layer to secure the bottom fabric to the cushion filler. The components of the cushion strap assembly are laminated together completely by heat and adhesive. The present invention also provides a method and device for making this cushion strap.

An improved apparatus and method for holding garments, such as neckties, is disclosed. The device comprises a magnet, preferably made of a rare Earth material and magnetized to about Grade N35 or better, and a faceplate. In one embodiment, the magnet is positioned under at least a portion of the wearer's shirt while the faceplate is positioned on a portion of the wearer's necktie. The shirt and / or necktie may additionally include pockets for housing the magnet and / or faceplate. The faceplate may be decorative, and interchangeable, for prominent display in front of the necktie. Alternatively, the device may be configured to be completely hidden from view. Several means for retaining the magnet to the shirt upon separation of the garments are presented.

A one-piece clip or web end to join the cord ends of a lanyard is disclosed. The clip folds together and snap fits onto the cord ends to secure the ends together. The clip includes numerous pins extending outwardly from the clip body that mate with numerous pin pockets formed in the clip body to secure the cord ends together. The clip further includes mating locking tabs, and stabilizing ribs and recesses to facilitate the easy snap fit of the clip onto the cord ends of the lanyard without the use of special tools.

A buckle assembly for mounting a goggle on a helmet. The goggle is connected with a strap. The buckle assembly includes a first buckle having a main body. The strap is connected at an end of the main body. A buckling portion is formed on the main body. The buckling portion forms a buckling hole and a buckling flange, and a grip portion is connected to another end of the main body. A second buckle includes a main plate and a locating portion, a buckling portion which is formed of catch plates which can be bent inwards and outwards, and a claw is outwardly disposed on each catch plate for catching the buckling flange of the first buckle. A buckle locator includes a base, a locating portion for connecting the locating portion of the second buckle, and allocating portion for connecting the helmet.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an article holding apparatus affixed to the exterior of a mobile device for conveniently retaining personal articles therein. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile device attachment apparatus comprises a securing surface for positioning the mobile device attachment apparatus against a surface of the mobile device, the securing surface having a securing means thereon, and an article retaining pocket for securely holding at least a removable article therein. In another embodiment, a mobile device attachment apparatus comprises a securing panel for positioning the mobile device attachment apparatus against a surface of the mobile device and for supporting an article retaining portion, the securing panel having a securing means thereon, wherein the an article retaining portion protrudes from the securing panel, adjacent to the mobile device, and securely holds at least a removable article therein.

A swivel-linker for use in a necklace assembly for holding a pair of eyeglasses includes a necklace-side connector and a holder-loop side connector. The necklace-side connector is attachable to a necklace. The holder-loop side connector has a connector opening configured to receive an eyeglass-holder loop having an eyeglass opening passing therethrough shaped and dimensioned to receive a temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses. The connector opening is configured to allow the holder-loop-side connector to rotate about the eyeglass-holder loop when the eyeglass-holder loop is received in the connector opening. The holder-loop-side connector includes a pin protruding away from the connector opening. The necklace-side connector has a cavity configured to receive the pin and to rotatably connect the necklace-side connector and the holder-loop-side connector to allow a full rotation between the necklace-side connector and the holder-loop-side connector by a swivel axis. Rotation of the holder-loop-side connector relative to the necklace-side-connector and / or the holder-loop-side connector relative to the eyeglass-holder-loop relieves twisting induced in the necklace in response to the holder-loop-side connector receiving the eyeglass-holder loop, the necklace-side connector being connected to the necklace and the necklace being worn about the neck of a wearer with a pair of eyeglasses in a folded-closed configuration removably pendulously held in the eyeglass-holder loop with a temple piece extending downwardly from one side of the eyeglass-holder loop opening and a lens frame of the eyeglasses extending downwardly from an opposite side of the eyeglass opening.

A strap attachment apparatus is arranged to releasably secure pocket and pouch members, holsters, selected holders and other types of removable articles securely yet removably in quick-release manner onto supporting articles including packs and backpacks, luggage, bags, jackets, vests and other garments and types of support articles by releasably interwoven strap components which require no other metal, plastic or molded mechanical fasteners such as snaps, buttons, hooks, VELCRO connectors or other locking arrangement which may snag, catch or otherwise interfere with or hinder installation of and quick-release removal of the attached article.

A system for holding a headset cord comprises a female side, a male side that releasably couples to the female side and a first groove that receives and releasably holds a cord. In some embodiments, the male side comprises a cover which removably couples to a surface of the male side to cover the headset cord when it is placed into the first groove. In some embodiments, the male side couples to an interior of the female side. Alternatively, the male side is able to couple to an exterior of the female side. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter that is less than or approximately equal to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the female side is integrally formed within a closure mechanism that releasably couples a first portion of an article to a second portion of the article.