Patents Assigned to The Hillman Group, Inc.
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Patent number: 11486432Abstract: An anchor assembly for wallboard installation includes a toggle body that is elongated along a toggle body axis, the toggle body including opposed first and second arms and a slot between the first and second arms. A toggle nut is elongated along a toggle nut axis, the toggle nut mounted in the slot of the toggle body for pivot between an install orientation seated in the slot and an anchoring orientation protruding from the slot.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Hari R P Sunkara, Beesham Mahadeo
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Publication number: 20220277182Abstract: A key fob duplication device is disclosed. The duplication device may have a housing and a display device attached to the housing. The duplication device may also have a controller enclosed within the housing. The controller may read data stored in the first key fob. The controller may also determine whether the first key fob can be duplicated based on the data. When the data indicates that the first key fob can be duplicated, the controller may write the data of the first key fob and an indicator value on a second key fob. The indicator value may indicate that the second key fob cannot be duplicated. When, however, the data indicates that the first key fob cannot be duplicated, the controller may display a message on the display device, indicating that the first key fob cannot be duplicated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Rodrigo SERZEDELLO
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Patent number: 11401093Abstract: A screw bunch includes a plurality of screws grouped together in a bunch with the enlarged head end of each screw toward a first end of the bunch and the pointed tip end of each screw toward a second end of the bunch. The screws are held together in the bunch by a band structure that extends around the bunch and that engages with the shanks of a multiplicity of the screws that are located along a perimeter of the bunch. The enlarged head ends of the screws are axially staggered. The band structure may be formed by a shrink wrap plastic band that can be separated from the bunch manually to enable individual retrieval of screws from the bunch for use. A method and machinery for production of the screw bunch is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Schmidt, Byron K. Grice, Brian D. Rosner, Jordan D. Shoenhair
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Patent number: 11391062Abstract: A fabrication system is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The fabrication system may have a housing with a slot configured to receive a key blank, and a receiving unit configured to accept a shank of the key blank at the slot. The receiving unit may be configured to mechanically align the shank as it is inserted by a user. The fabrication system may also have a clamp movable between an open position and a closed position, and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move the receiving unit and the key blank to the clamp, and to move the receiving unit away from the key blank after the clamp has moved to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventor: Phillip Gerlings
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Patent number: 11361205Abstract: A key fob duplication device is disclosed. The duplication device may have a housing and a display device attached to the housing. The duplication device may also have a controller enclosed within the housing. The controller may read data stored in the first key fob. The controller may also determine whether the first key fob can be duplicated based on the data. When the data indicates that the first key fob can be duplicated, the controller may write the data of the first key fob and an indicator value on a second key fob. The indicator value may indicate that the second key fob cannot be duplicated. When, however, the data indicates that the first key fob cannot be duplicated, the controller may display a message on the display device, indicating that the first key fob cannot be duplicated.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventor: Rodrigo Serzedello
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Patent number: 11300245Abstract: An anchor assembly for hanging an object on a wall includes a first anchor component and a second anchor component. The first anchor component includes a base having front, back, top, bottom, left and right sides, and at least one wall penetrating retainer extending from the base and having a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the base and has a downwardly curved configuration. The second anchor component includes a base having front, back, top, bottom, left and right sides, at least one wall penetrating retainer extending from the base of the second anchor component and having a wall penetrating extent that protrudes rearwardly of the base of the second anchor component and has a curved configuration. The second anchor component is pivotably associated with the first anchor component for movement between an anchoring orientation and a non-anchoring orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Gary E. Will, Byron K. Grice, Dale G. Malott, Ryan Hamblin
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Publication number: 20220067471Abstract: A key fob duplication device is disclosed. The duplication device may have a housing and a display device attached to the housing. The duplication device may also have a controller enclosed within the housing. The controller may read data stored in the first key fob. The controller may also determine whether the first key fob can be duplicated based on the data. When the data indicates that the first key fob can be duplicated, the controller may write the data of the first key fob and an indicator value on a second key fob. The indicator value may indicate that the second key fob cannot be duplicated. When, however, the data indicates that the first key fob cannot be duplicated, the controller may display a message on the display device, indicating that the first key fob cannot be duplicated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Rodrigo SERZEDELLO
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Publication number: 20220048314Abstract: An engraving machine is disclosed. The engraving machine may have a housing and an engraver located within the housing. The engraving machine may have a slot disposed on the housing for receiving a cartridge including an offboard item to be engraved. The engraving machine may have an onboard storage configured to store a plurality of tags. The engraving machine may have a carrier for receiving the cartridge through the slot and for positioning the cartridge relative to the engraver. The engraving machine may have a pick mechanism for selectively retrieving a tag from the tags stored in the onboard storage and for positioning the tag relative to the engraver. The engraver may engrave the offboard item or the tag based on a user selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2020Publication date: February 17, 2022Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: David WILKINSON, Nalinikanth GARIKAPATI
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Publication number: 20220005008Abstract: A key-duplicating system comprises a network that includes a multiplicity of kiosks at a multiplicity of different locations, each of the kiosks having a customer interface and a processor coupled to the customer interface. A remote central server coupled to the kiosks is adapted to receive, from the kiosks, information identifying master keys to be duplicated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Daniel FREEMAN
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Patent number: 11204055Abstract: A sheet metal screw includes one or more of a tapered self-drilling tip, an asymmetric thread angle and/or a trilobular thread edge profile.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Farhad Lajewardi, Michael K. Falkenstein, Shreenivas Iyer, Hamid Faghidi
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Patent number: 11170356Abstract: A key-duplicating system comprises a network that includes a multiplicity of kiosks at a multiplicity of different locations, each of the kiosks having a customer interface and a processor coupled to the customer interface. A remote central server coupled to the kiosks is adapted to receive, from the kiosks, information identifying master keys to be duplicated. A key analysis module uses the information identifying master keys to be duplicated to derive information required to produce duplicates of the identified master keys, and a key duplicating module uses that information to produce duplicates of said identified master keys.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Freeman
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Patent number: 11105361Abstract: A screw includes: a head end, a shank and a tapered end, the head end including a tool engaging part, the head end located at one end of the shank and the tapered end located at an opposite end of the shank, wherein a thread is formed along the shank, the thread begins on the tapered end, extends onto the shank and terminates at a set location short of the head end, the thread being a right-hand thread and having a peripheral edge, at least a first helical portion of the peripheral edge includes a plurality of notches and a second helical portion of the thread lacks any notches, wherein the first helical portion is closer to the tapered end than the second helical portion, wherein the head includes an underside formed by a frustoconical part with a plurality of nibs. The head may also include an outer ledge.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Farhad Lajewardi, Michael K. Falkenstein, Beesham Mahadeo
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Publication number: 20210172198Abstract: An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Byron Keith GRICE, Phillip GERLINGS, John Clayton CAMPBELL, Michael James SCHMIDT
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Publication number: 20210154752Abstract: A machine is disclosed for use in duplicating features of an existing key within a key blank. The machine may have an identification module configured to capture data associated with the features of the existing key, a fabrication module configured to cut the features in the key blank based on the data, a user input device, and a controller in communication with the identification module, the fabrication module, and the user input device. The controller may be configured to regulate operation of the identification module and the fabrication module, and to receive input from a user via the user input device. The input may be indicative of the user being a first type of user or a second type of user. The controller may also be configured to selectively implement one of a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on the input.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Todd SPANGLER, Michael BURKETT, Jordan SHOENHAIR
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Publication number: 20210118038Abstract: A self-service kiosk for determining glove size is disclosed. The kiosk may have a platform for placement of a user's hand. The kiosk may also have an imaging device that acquires a digital image of the hand. Further, the kiosk may have a memory, and a processor that executes instructions stored in the memory. The processor may determine a size characteristic of the hand based on the digital image or the scan. The processor may compare the size characteristic with one or more product characteristics stored in a data structure and associated with one or more products. Further, the processor may select a product, having a product characteristic matching the size characteristic. The kiosk may also have a display for displaying information associated with the at least one product selected by the processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Michael J. SCHMIDT, Jordan Daniel SHOENHAIR, Brian David ROSNER, Byron Keith GRICE, Michael ROSENBLATT, Wendell Makoto LUCKOW
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Patent number: 10982703Abstract: A screw for use concrete and hurricane applications includes a head end, a shank and a tapered end. A high thread begins on the tapered end, extends onto the shank and terminates at a first axial location along the shank, wherein the high thread defines a high peripheral edge, and at least a first helical portion of the high peripheral edge includes a plurality of notches and the first helical portion extends from on or proximate to the tapered end and substantially to the first axial location. A low thread begins on the tapered end, extends onto the shank and terminates substantially at the first axial location such that an axial length of the low thread is substantially the same as and contiguous with an axial length of the high thread. The low thread defines a low peripheral edge that is free of any notches.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Farhad Lajewardi
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Patent number: 10940549Abstract: A machine is disclosed for use in duplicating features of an existing key within a key blank. The machine may have an identification module configured to capture data associated with the features of the existing key, a fabrication module configured to cut the features in the key blank based on the data, a user input device, and a controller in communication with the identification module, the fabrication module, and the user input device. The controller may be configured to regulate operation of the identification module and the fabrication module, and to receive input from a user via the user input device. The input may be indicative of the user being a first type of user or a second type of user. The controller may also be configured to selectively implement one of a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on the input.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Todd Spangler, Michael Burkett, Jordan Shoenhair
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Publication number: 20210043025Abstract: A self-service kiosk is disclosed. The self-service kiosk may have a housing, including a user interface. The user interface may receive from a user a selection of an item. The user interface may also receive from the user a payment for a purchase of the item. The self-service kiosk may include a fabrication system disposed within the housing. The fabrication system may fabricate the item selected by the user. The self-service kiosk may also include a packaging system. The packaging system may sealingly enclose the item in a package. Further, the self-service kiosk may include a bin that may dispense the package, including the item, to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Andy VOLKMANN, Chris LOHMANN, Michael ROSENBLATT, Roberto AIMI
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Patent number: 10854035Abstract: A self-service kiosk is disclosed. The self-service kiosk may have a housing, including a user interface. The user interface may receive from a user a selection of an item. The user interface may also receive from the user a payment for a purchase of the item. The self-service kiosk may include a fabrication system disposed within the housing. The fabrication system may fabricate the item selected by the user. The self-service kiosk may also include a packaging system. The packaging system may sealingly enclose the item in a package. Further, the self-service kiosk may include a bin that may dispense the package, including the item, to the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Andy Volkmann, Chris Lohmann, Michael Rosenblatt, Roberto Aimi
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Patent number: 10846842Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth