Patents by Inventor David A. Doerflinger

David A. Doerflinger 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: 20230347499
    Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to a tool storage unit with an integrated power strip. In some embodiments, the power strip is movable with a compartment of the tool storage unit. In other embodiments, the power strip is stationary. The compartment is adapted to provide access to the power strip when the compartment is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Daniel Eggert
  • Publication number: 20230347500
    Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to a tool storage unit with an integrated power strip. In some embodiments, the power strip is movable with a compartment of the tool storage unit. In other embodiments, the power strip is stationary. The compartment is adapted to provide access to the power strip when the compartment is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Daniel Eggert
  • Patent number: 11654715
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing friction on a brake arm of a caster wheel brake. A washer can be positioned between the brake arm and the support arm to reduce friction in this area. Lubricant can also be provided between the brake arm and the support arm, and also between the brake arm and the brake cam, to reduce the friction in these areas. The presently disclosed embodiments therefore allow less force to actuate the brake arm as compared to prior art caster wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, William T. Sharp
  • Patent number: 11293630
    Abstract: An interactive tool storage system may include an enclosure with a storage bin and a sensor system configured to detect the interaction of a person with the storage unit. A data acquisition system may collect data from a sensor in the sensor system. The system may include a power module, electric circuit, and data circuit to operably couple the system components. A network interface may enable the input and output of electrical power and data while a data storage system with a writeable memory may collect and record sensor inputs and system outputs. The system may include a non-transitory machine readable memory to store program instructions and a data processor configured to read/write data to the system memory, manipulate data and perform logical operations, interact with sensor system and networked devices; and present a user interface through which the user may interact with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Rupak Kumar Paul, Ottoleo Kuter-Arnebeck, David A. Doerflinger, Benjamin T. Schulz, Nicholas H. Weir
  • Patent number: 11149477
    Abstract: Disclosed are latches with pre-molded or pre-assembled fasteners. The latch fastener can include a threaded portion and a lead in portion that is longer than the threaded portion. During installation of the latch, the lead in portion can be inserted into a cavity of a drawer to help align the latch against the cavity during installation. The built-in fastener frees one hand of the user during installation and the additional length of the lead in allows an easier alignment of the latch during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventor: David A. Doerflinger
  • Patent number: 11047566
    Abstract: An illumination assembly adapted to be coupled to a storage unit (such as a top portion or working surface area). The illumination assembly may be coupled to a retrofittable or integrated feature of the storage unit to direct or radiate the light into an interior containment space of a work tray (such as a drawer) of the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Ottoleo Kuter-Arnebeck
  • Publication number: 20210138628
    Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to a tool storage unit with an integrated power strip. In some embodiments, the power strip is movable with a compartment of the tool storage unit. In other embodiments, the power strip is stationary. The compartment is adapted to provide access to the power strip when the compartment is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Daniel Eggert
  • Patent number: 10959521
    Abstract: A corner reinforcement gusset with a radial or other shaped cutout at an internal corner of the gusset. The cutout can alleviate the stresses at that corner and reduce failure. The gusset can therefore better reinforce an enclosure or other object to maintain the structural stability of the object better than prior art gussets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David Curry, William T. Sharp, Todd Stevenson, Daniel Eggert, David Doerflinger
  • Publication number: 20200408399
    Abstract: An illumination assembly adapted to be coupled to a storage unit (such as a top portion or working surface area). The illumination assembly may be coupled to a retrofittable or integrated feature of the storage unit to direct or radiate the light into an interior containment space of a work tray (such as a drawer) of the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Ottoleo Kuter-Arnebeck
  • Publication number: 20200158318
    Abstract: An interactive tool storage system may include an enclosure with a storage bin and a sensor system configured to detect the interaction of a person with the storage unit. A data acquisition system may collect data from a sensor in the sensor system. The system may include a power module, electric circuit, and data circuit to operably couple the system components. A network interface may enable the input and output of electrical power and data while a data storage system with a writeable memory may collect and record sensor inputs and system outputs. The system may include a non-transitory machine readable memory to store program instructions and a data processor configured to read/write data to the system memory, manipulate data and perform logical operations, interact with sensor system and networked devices; and present a user interface through which the user may interact with the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Applicant: snap-on incorporated
    Inventors: Rupak Kumar Paul, Ottoleo Kuter-Arnebeck, David A. Doerflinger, Benjamin T. Schulz, Nicholas H. Weir
  • Patent number: 10308068
    Abstract: A caster with an elastic member that absorbs impact forces during use. The elastic member can be placed between first and second portions pivotable with respect to each other about a pin. The elastic member can absorb impact forces between the first and second portions when in use. The elastic member can further include grooves that allow portions of the elastic member adjacent the grooves to flow into the grooves during impact, further absorbing impact forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: William T. Sharp, David A. Doerflinger
  • Publication number: 20190003219
    Abstract: Disclosed are latches with pre-molded or pre-assembled fasteners. The latch fastener can include a threaded portion and a lead in portion that is longer than the threaded portion. During installation of the latch, the lead in portion can be inserted into a cavity of a drawer to help align the latch against the cavity during installation. The built-in fastener frees one hand of the user during installation and the additional length of the lead in allows an easier alignment of the latch during installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventor: David A. Doerflinger
  • Publication number: 20180319213
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing friction on a brake arm of a caster wheel brake. A washer can be positioned between the brake arm and the support arm to reduce friction in this area. Lubricant can also be provided between the brake arm and the support arm, and also between the brake arm and the brake cam, to reduce the friction in these areas. The presently disclosed embodiments therefore allow less force to actuate the brake arm as compared to prior art caster wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, William T. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20180317654
    Abstract: A corner reinforcement gusset with a radial or other shaped cutout at an internal corner of the gusset. The cutout can alleviate the stresses at that corner and reduce failure. The gusset can therefore better reinforce an enclosure or other object to maintain the structural stability of the object better than prior art gussets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David Curry, William T. Sharp, Todd Stevenson, Daniel Eggert, David Doerflinger
  • Publication number: 20180319215
    Abstract: A caster with an elastic member that absorbs impact forces during use. The elastic member can be placed between first and second portions pivotable with respect to each other about a pin. The elastic member can absorb impact forces between the first and second portions when in use. The elastic member can further include grooves that allow portions of the elastic member adjacent the grooves to flow into the grooves during impact, further absorbing impact forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: William T. Sharp, David A. Doerflinger
  • Patent number: 9980020
    Abstract: A remote locking system for a storage unit that allows a user device including a security token to remotely lock or unlock the storage unit. The user can include software or an application that communicates with the storage unit to provide locking statuses and tamper alerts for the storage unit. The storage unit can include a proximity sensor so the unit is unlocked when an authorized user device is within a certain distance of the storage unit. The system can further include a timer that disables communication between the user device and storage unit after a predetermined inactive period, so as to reduce cross-talk and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: William T. Sharp, David Doerflinger, Daniel Eggert
  • Patent number: 9375078
    Abstract: A dual-bracket roll stability device is disclosed that prevents a roll cab from tipping over when the drawers of the roll cab are in a fully-extended position. A first bracket can be coupled to a side of a roll cab and a second bracket can be coupled to a bottom of the roll cab. The brackets each include portions that extend outward to contact the ground when the roll cab begins to tip. These portions are coupled together to distribute the load along the bottom and side portions of the roll cab. Accordingly, when the drawers of the roll cab are fully extended, the stability device can maintain the roll cab's balance while remaining discrete and spatially compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A Doerflinger, Todd M Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20150130337
    Abstract: A dual-bracket roll stability device is disclosed that prevents a roll cab from tipping over when the drawers of the roll cab are in a fully-extended position. A first bracket can be coupled to a side of a roll cab and a second bracket can be coupled to a bottom of the roll cab. The brackets each include portions that extend outward to contact the ground when the roll cab begins to tip. These portions are coupled together to distribute the load along the bottom and side portions of the roll cab. Accordingly, when the drawers of the roll cab are fully extended, the stability device can maintain the roll cab's balance while remaining discrete and spatially compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: David A Doerflinger, Todd M Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7584827
    Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a frame comprising a mechanically actuated braking assembly operably coupled with at least one of the wheels and being operable between braking and non-braking conditions, a handle coupled to the braking assembly and being mounted to the frame for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis between first and second positions in each of which the braking assembly is in the braking condition, and an actuating mechanism responsive to movement of the handle from either of the first and second positions for actuating the braking assembly into the non-braking condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Daniel Guptail
  • Patent number: 7461908
    Abstract: A cabinet locking system having a drawer having a side panel disposed between a front panel and a back panel and a first corner formed by the intersection of the side and back panels. A lock bar is mounted within the cabinet adjacent a first corner when the drawer is in a closed position and the lock bar includes an aperture. A slide is provided having an integrally formed lock tab and the slide is mounted to the side panel of the drawer so that the lock tab protrudes beyond the back panel. In the closed position, the lock tab is received by the aperture so that the drawer may be locked within the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles H. Heiligenthal, David A. Doerflinger