Patents by Inventor Colin Clinch
Colin Clinch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9032693Abstract: An assembly including a joining element and an object, the object having a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a middle layer between the first and second outer layers. The object has an opening that extends through the first outer layer and the middle layer, and the joining element is anchored in the opening. The joining element includes a proximal end, a distal end, a contact face in the area of the proximal end, a wall anchoring portion, and a tubular portion. The contact face is engaged by a vibrating tool that applies mechanical vibration and axial force to the joining element. The joining element includes a thermoplastic material at least at the circumferential surface of the wall anchoring portion and at the distal end to anchor the joining element to the first and second outer layers, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Publication number: 20150110547Abstract: An assembly including a joining element and an object, the object having a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a middle layer between the first and second outer layers. The object has an opening that extends through the first outer layer and the middle layer, and the joining element is anchored in the opening. The joining element includes a proximal end, a distal end, a contact face in the area of the proximal end, a wall anchoring portion, and a tubular portion. The contact face is engaged by a vibrating tool that applies mechanical vibration and axial force to the joining element. The joining element includes a thermoplastic material at least at the circumferential surface of the wall anchoring portion and at the distal end to anchor the joining element to the first and second outer layers, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Patent number: 8955289Abstract: A method of anchoring a joining element to a hollow core board with the aid of mechanical vibration. The hollow core board has a first and second outer layers and a middle layer disposed between the outer layers. An opening, including a mouth, is provided in the hollow core board, the opening penetrating the first outer layer and the middle layer. The joining element includes a wall anchoring portion situated between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A distal end of the wall anchoring portion is positioned into or onto the mouth with a sealing portion on a proximal end of the wall anchoring portion. The wall anchoring portion is forced through the mouth by applying mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the joining element axis, whereby thermoplastic material of the wall anchoring portion is liquefied and pressed into the first outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Woodwelding AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Publication number: 20140237939Abstract: A method of anchoring a joining element to a hollow core board with the aid of mechanical vibration. The hollow core board has a first and second outer layers and a middle layer disposed between the outer layers. An opening, including a mouth, is provided in the hollow core board, the opening penetrating the first outer layer and the middle layer. The joining element includes a wall anchoring portion situated between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A distal end of the wall anchoring portion is positioned into or onto the mouth with a sealing portion on a proximal end of the wall anchoring portion. The wall anchoring portion is forced through the mouth by applying mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the joining element axis, whereby thermoplastic material of the wall anchoring portion is liquefied and pressed into the first outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Patent number: 8756790Abstract: A first and a second object are joined with the aid of a joining element including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes facing each other are provided in the two objects and the joining element is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap between the two objects. This assembly is then positioned between a support and a sonotrode. The sonotrode and the support are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Woodwelding AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
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Patent number: 8753053Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration includes a proximal end and a distal end that are spaced from one another along an axis of the joining element. A contact face is in the area of the proximal end, the contact face being suitable for being contacted with a vibrating tool for applying, to the joining element, mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the axis. The wall anchoring portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end, and has a circumferential surface being equipped with a plurality of recesses and radially protruding energy concentrating elements between the recesses. A tubular portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end and extends distally from the wall anchoring portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Woodwelding AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Publication number: 20140010588Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration includes a proximal end and a distal end that are spaced from one another along an axis of the joining element. A contact face is in the area of the proximal end, the contact face being suitable for being contacted with a vibrating tool for applying, to the joining element, mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the axis. The wall anchoring portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end, and has a circumferential surface being equipped with a plurality of recesses and radially protruding energy concentrating elements between the recesses. A tubular portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end and extends distally from the wall anchoring portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Patent number: 8550759Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion and a wall anchoring portion. The sealing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening provided in the object wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth of the opening resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening, mechanical vibrations e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Woodwelding AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Publication number: 20120291262Abstract: A first and a second object are joined with the aid of a joining element including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes facing each other are provided in the two objects and the joining element is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap between the two objects. This assembly is then positioned between a support and a sonotrode. The sonotrode and the support are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
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Patent number: 8225479Abstract: A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Woodwelding AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
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Publication number: 20110206448Abstract: A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
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Patent number: 7950129Abstract: A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Woodwelding AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
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Publication number: 20100313517Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion and a wall anchoring portion. The sealing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening provided in the object wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth of the opening resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening, mechanical vibrations e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Patent number: 7765672Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object (10) with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion (3.1) and a wall anchoring portion (3.2). The sealing portion (3.1) is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion (3.2) has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion (3.1) envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening (5) provided in the object (10) wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion (3.1) of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth (5.1) of the opening (5) resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening (5), mechanical vibrations e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Woodwelding AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Publication number: 20080199249Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object (10) with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion (3.1) and a wall anchoring portion (3.2). The sealing portion (3.1) is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion (3.2) has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion (3.1) envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening (5) provided in the object (10) wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion (3.1) of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth (5.1) of the opening (5) resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening (5), mechanical vibrations e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
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Publication number: 20080047107Abstract: A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2005Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: WOODWELDING AGInventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
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Publication number: 20050040659Abstract: A drawer locking device for locking a plurality of drawers has respective blocking devices for blocking movement of the drawers and a connector connecting the blocking devices such that movement of any of the blocking devices caused by opening of the respective drawer causes a corresponding movement of each remaining blocking device to respective positions in which opening of the respective drawers is blocked. A method of assembling the drawer locking device comprises connecting the blocking devices with a furniture item at respective reference positions provided on the furniture item and fixing the connector to the blocking devices when they are connected with the respective reference positions. This provides a drawer locking device in which the blocking devices are fixed to the connector at spaced positions determined by the reference positions. The drawer locking device can then be disconnected from the item of furniture for refitting in an operative position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2003Publication date: February 24, 2005Inventors: Mark Baker, Colin Clinch, Jonathan Thurlbourne, Richard Nelson, Terry Armey, Troy Tedrow, Brian Fritch
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Patent number: 5282657Abstract: A door handle assembly (10) to be mounted to a door, preferably a vehicle door, the assembly having a lock mechanism operating arrangement (11), made up of an operating handle (12) and an actuation lever (13), and a handle housing (14) to which the operating arrangement (11) is pivotally attached. To facilitate mounting of the door handle assembly to the door, the actuation lever (13) projects from the operating handle (12) at a predetermined fixed angle, and the actuation lever (13) is provided with an engagement surface (26) in the form of an open recess (31) directed away from the lock mechanism. The recess is intended to abut a portion (25) of actuation means (23) for the door lock when the door handle assembly is in its mounted state and the operating handle is displaced.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: ITW Fixfast ABInventors: Colin Clinch, Per-Arne Axelsson, Kristian Ostergren