Patents by Inventor Craig Mengel

Craig Mengel 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).

  • Patent number: 7207757
    Abstract: An elongate fastener is provided for securing a pair of panels together wherein the panels includes respective bores therein. Each end of the fastener includes an expansible end portion thereon which is arranged to be received within the respective bore. A wedge member is mounted within each expansible end portion for longitudinal sliding movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position wherein the expansible end portions are expanded relative to the disengaged position. An actuator is located centrally between the expansible end portions for pivotal movement about an actuator axis which lies perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the fastener. The fastener permits a pair of panels to be mounted with one end of one panel abutted against the other panel wherein the actuator is accessible from a recessed installation aperture on an inner face of one of the panels. The resulting joint is secure while being hidden from view using a one-piece fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Craig Mengel
  • Publication number: 20030223840
    Abstract: An elongate fastener is provided for securing a pair of panels together wherein the panels includes respective bores therein. Each end of the fastener includes an expansible end portion thereon which is arranged to be received within the respective bore. A wedge member is mounted within each expansible end portion for longitudinal sliding movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position wherein the expansible end portions are expanded relative to the disengaged position. An actuator is located centrally between the expansible end portions for pivotal movement about an actuator axis which lies perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the fastener. The fastener permits a pair of panels to be mounted with one end of one panel abutted against the other panel wherein the actuator is accessible from a recessed installation aperture on an inner face of one of the panels. The resulting joint is secure while being hidden from view using a one-piece fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Craig Mengel
  • Patent number: 6299397
    Abstract: An elongate fastener is provided for securing a pair of panels together wherein the panels includes respective bores therein. Each end of the fastener includes an expansible end portion thereon which is arranged to be received within the respective bore. A wedge member is mounted within each expansible end portion for longitudinal sliding movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position wherein the expansible end portions are expanded relative to the disengaged position. An actuator is located centrally between the expansible end portions for pivotal movement about an actuator axis which lies perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the fastener. The fastener permits a pair of panels to be mounted with one end of one panel abutted against the other panel wherein the actuator is accessible from a recessed installation aperture on an inner face of one of the panels. The resulting joint is secure while being hidden from view using a one-piece fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Craig Mengel
  • Patent number: 4966421
    Abstract: Conventionally, substantially rigid parts such as panels and the like, are joined by mechanical fitments or couplers which not only require tools to asemble and disassemble but also create concentrated stress points at the junctions where the fitments or couplers are located. The present device utilizes hook and loop coupling material to detachably secure the parts together and incorporate mechanical location and aligning means between the two parts just prior to the engagement of the hook and loop fastener portions with one another thus facilitating the accurate assembly of the parts. Although designed primarily for use in various types of knock-down furniture and the like, it can of course be adapted for use with other substantially rigid parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Craig Mengel
  • Patent number: 4883331
    Abstract: Conventionally, substantially rigid parts such as panels and the like, are joined by mechanical fitments or couplers which not only require tools to assemble and disassemble but also create concentrated stress points at the junctions where the fitments or couplers are located. The present device utilizes hook and loop coupling material to detachably secure the parts together and incorporate mechanical location and aligning means between the two parts just prior to the engagement of the hook and loop fastener portions with one another thus facilitating the accurate assembly of the parts. Although designed primarily for use in various types of knock-down furniture and the like, it can of course be adapted for use with other substantially rigid parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Craig Mengel