Patents by Inventor Craig W. Gurtatowski

Craig W. Gurtatowski 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).

  • Publication number: 20220289126
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket body having a glare shield and a circuit. The bracket assembly further includes an electrical device that is electrically connected to the circuit of the bracket body. The circuit comprises a plurality of leads extending along the bracket body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Karly R. Miller, Christopher T. Schaafsma, Craig W. Gurtatowski, Danny C.F. Leitao, Dennis M. Mark, Edward F. Bulgajewski, Scott Bair
  • Patent number: 8522838
    Abstract: A grommet adapted to secure a fuel fill line to a fuel fill housing includes a body having an opening extending therethrough and a first flange coupled to the body. The first flange includes a plurality of tabs. The body also includes a second flange coupled to the body such that a channel is defined between each of the tabs and the second flange. Each respective mating tab is adapted to be received in each respective channel. The mating flange includes a plurality of slots. Each respective slot is formed between a pair of mating tabs. During installation, each tab is adapted to be inserted through a respective slot formed in the mating flange. The grommet also includes a latching device adapted to limit the radial movement of the grommet with respect to the mating flange. The latching device may be embodied as a detent adapted to be received in a recess formed in the mating flange. The grommet may also include a tactile indicator adapted to indicate when the grommet is in a predetermined radial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Gurtatowski
  • Patent number: 8382188
    Abstract: The connection of a vehicle fuel fill system access door to an access door hinge includes exposed guide members on the access door and the hinge to assist an installer in properly positioning and moving the access door relative to the hinge. Spacing structures between the access door and the access door hinge have a variable relationship for accommodating part variations. An audible sound is generated as the door is connected to indicate final positioning of the door on the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob S. Woodworth, Craig W. Gurtatowski, William A. Purdy
  • Publication number: 20120153661
    Abstract: The connection of a vehicle fuel fill system access door to an access door hinge includes exposed guide members on the access door and the hinge to assist an installer in properly positioning and moving the access door relative to the hinge. Spacing structures between the access door and the access door hinge have a variable relationship for accommodating part variations. An audible sound is generated as the door is connected to indicate final positioning of the door on the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jacob S. Woodworth, Craig W. Gurtatowski, William A. Purdy
  • Patent number: 8162375
    Abstract: A vehicle refueling assembly includes a housing through which an inlet pipe is accessed and a door assembly that can be opened and closed relative to the housing. The door assembly includes a hinge and a decorative panel. The hinge includes a seal received in a ledge of the housing when the door assembly is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Gurtatowski, Joseph L. Rodawold, Jr., Jacob S. Woodworth
  • Publication number: 20100078932
    Abstract: A grommet adapted to secure a fuel fill line to a fuel fill housing includes a body having an opening extending therethrough and a first flange coupled to the body. The first flange includes a plurality of tabs. The body also includes a second flange coupled to the body such that a channel is defined between each of the tabs and the second flange. Each respective mating tab is adapted to be received in each respective channel. The mating flange includes a plurality of slots. Each respective slot is formed between a pair of mating tabs. During installation, each tab is adapted to be inserted through a respective slot formed in the mating flange. The grommet also includes a latching device adapted to limit the radial movement of the grommet with respect to the mating flange. The latching device may be embodied as a detent adapted to be received in a recess formed in the mating flange. The grommet may also include a tactile indicator adapted to indicate when the grommet is in a predetermined radial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: CRAIG W. GURTATOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20100052335
    Abstract: An integrated inertia locking mechanism may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and is particularly beneficial in acceleration events, such as a multiple axis crash, by counteracting the forces of inertia caused by such crash. In an exemplary aspect, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will prevent the door latch mechanism, which releases the door, from releasing and the door opening during a multiple axis crash. After the crash, or when the crash force is removed, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will allow the latch mechanism to function normally, thereby permitting the door to be opened and the occupants to exit from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: JOSEPH L. RODAWOLD, JR., Craig W. Gurtatowski
  • Patent number: 7635151
    Abstract: An integrated inertia locking mechanism may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and is particularly beneficial in acceleration events, such as a multiple axis crash, by counteracting the forces of inertia caused by such crash. In an exemplary aspect, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will prevent the door latch mechanism, which releases the door, from releasing and the door opening during a multiple axis crash. After the crash, or when the crash force is removed, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will allow the latch mechanism to function normally, thereby permitting the door to be opened and the occupants to exit from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Rodawold, Jr., Craig W. Gurtatowski
  • Publication number: 20090189410
    Abstract: A vehicle refueling assembly includes a housing through which an inlet pipe is accessed and a door assembly that can be opened and closed relative to the housing. The door assembly includes a hinge and a decorative panel. The hinge includes a seal received in a ledge of the housing when the door assembly is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: CRAIG W. GURTATOWSKI, Joseph L. Rodawold, JR., Jacob S. Woodworth
  • Publication number: 20070284894
    Abstract: An integrated inertia locking mechanism may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and is particularly beneficial in acceleration events, such as a multiple axis crash, by counteracting the forces of inertia caused by such crash. In an exemplary aspect, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will prevent the door latch mechanism, which releases the door, from releasing and the door opening during a multiple axis crash. After the crash, or when the crash force is removed, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will allow the latch mechanism to function normally, thereby permitting the door to be opened and the occupants to exit from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph L. Rodawold, Craig W. Gurtatowski
  • Publication number: 20070273163
    Abstract: A door handle system may be used in many applications, including the automotive industry and specifically on the inside of an automobile door. Embodiments of the invention include a retainer in the door handle assembly to allow installation in blind areas, where the axle is only visible from the back and the handle only visible from the front. The retainer aligns with a groove in the axle and prevents the axle from backing out of the assembly. Embodiments of the invention ensure a tight fit between the handle and axle preventing the assembly from becoming inoperable if components become loose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Craig W. Gurtatowski, Stephen J. Milchuck
  • Patent number: 7201405
    Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism that may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and counteracts a crash force. When the crash force is applied, a locking tab is in a lock position to prevent a latch mechanism from releasing and opening the vehicle door. When the crash force is removed, the locking tab returns to a normal position, allowing the latch mechanism to function normally. The locking tab is attached to a weight by a cable. The weight moves and causes displacement of the locking tab when the crash force is applied and is restrained by a spring when the crash force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Le, Stephen J. Milchuck, Jr., Craig W. Gurtatowski, Paul G. Ledebuhr
  • Patent number: 7159946
    Abstract: A headrest is supported by a first rod and a second rod, the first rod being equipped with a series of positioning notches on a first side and a retaining notch on a second side. In operation, the two rods are installed into two channels in the seat, one of the channels being equipped with a headrest guide assembly. The headrest guide assembly includes a button that allows the user to selectively engage the series of positioning notches on the first side of the first rod so that the headrest can be positioned as desired. However, the headrest guide assembly will automatically engage the retaining notch on the second side and thus prevent the headrest from being removed from the seat. To remove the headrest, a tool can be inserted into a notch in the button and to insertion of the tool prevents the headrest guide assembly from engaging the retaining notch on the second side and thus the headrest can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Worlk Inc
    Inventors: Craig W. Gurtatowski, Steven R. Andrews, Simon Lorenc