Patents by Inventor Michael Walter Smith

Michael Walter Smith 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: 20170113632
    Abstract: A fastener clip system including a carrier and a fastener clip configured to fit over the carrier. The fastener clip includes at least one wing, where the at least one wing is configured to engage a slot in a surface, and one or more barbs that are configured to secure the fastener clip to the carrier. The barbs may include gussets that are configured to increase a bending resistance of the barbs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Michael Tirrell
  • Publication number: 20170113629
    Abstract: A fastener clip system including a carrier and a fastener clip configured to fit over the carrier. The fastener clip includes at least one wing, where the at least one wing is configured to engage a slot in a surface, and one or more hooks that are configured to secure the fastener clip to the carrier. The hooks are configured to engage corresponding retaining ledge underctus on the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Michael Tirrell
  • Publication number: 20170097109
    Abstract: A magnetic cable fastener includes a magnetic fastener, a boss, a base, and a loop coupler attached to the base. The loop coupler is attached to the base and is operable to attach to another structure. The loop coupler may be a cable, wires, electrical conduit, rope, adjustable strap, and a tie wrap or suitable object. According to one embodiment, the loop coupler may further include at least two fingers. The fingers are operative to flex or compress appropriately to permit the cables to enter the fingers. According to another embodiment, the loop coupler is a solid loop to permit for example, a cable strap to be inserted and attach the cable strap to the loop coupler. Thus, the magnetic cable fastener may secure one or more cables via the loop fingers or solid loop or other suitable cable coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 9533718
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extends from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing also has an engagement region. A first joined portion extends from the first pair of legs and a second joined portion extends from the second pair of legs with the first joined portion and the second joined portion extending and overlapping over and under each other. First locking tabs extend sideways from the first joined portion folded over against the overlapping second portion, and second locking tabs extend sideways from the second joined portion folded over against the overlapping first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Tirrell, Mark Fleydervish, Shawn Willis
  • Publication number: 20160375840
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fastener comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side is connected to the second side thereby forming a U-shaped structure. The fastener further comprises a bottom portion wherein the first side and the second side are connected, and a top portion opposite the bottom portion. The first side comprises a first engagement spring. The first engagement spring is connected to the first side in the vicinity of the bottom portion. The engagement springs have inward facing gussets connected to the bottom portion. The second side comprises a second engagement spring. The second engagement spring is connected to the second side in the vicinity of the bottom portion. A cavity is formed between the first side and the second side as will be described below. The engagement springs include an engagement region operable to adapt to variations or movement of a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 9499108
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a cup having at least one injection hole, an overmold attached to the cup and a magnet is attached to the overmold. The overmold has: a cup cover attached to an outside portion of the cup, and an inner ring attached to an inside portion of the cup. The inner ring is attached to the cup cover via the at least one injection hole. The magnet operably attaches into the inner ring. According to one embodiment, the cup cover and the inner ring are injection molded over at least one part of the cup. An optional coupler for attachment to a body panel is attached to the cup cover and is operative to flex. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, John Clasen, Michael Tirrell
  • Publication number: 20160334053
    Abstract: A magnetic bracket includes a base and at least two posts at opposite ends of the base. The posts bend upwards from the base such that at least two clips are operable to attach at the posts at opposite ends of the base. The posts have a notch between the base and ends of the posts to permit the clips to hook onto the posts. The magnetic bracket may be clipped into a vehicle chassis by removably inserting the clips into a slot of the vehicle chassis. A body panel such as a headliner having a magnetic fastener attached to the body panel may then be magnetically self-aligned and removably attached to the base having a magnetic portion. The magnetic fastener is operable to be removably attached to the magnetic portion. The magnetic bracket is attached to a non-magnetic part of a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickenson, Michael Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 9457734
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extends from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing also has an engagement region. The engagement regions include a depressed portion operable to adapt to variations or movement of a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickenson
  • Patent number: 9353890
    Abstract: A pole bracket magnetically attaches a magnetic cable fastener to a magnetic object such as a building structure such as a frame, electrical box, conduit, truss, I-beam, car body, vehicle chassis or any suitable object. For example, the pole bracket removably attaches to and holds the magnetic cable fastener to hold a cable to the building structure. The pole bracket has a base having a pole attachment portion to attach to a pole. The pole bracket also has a magnetic clip holder section coupled to the base. The magnetic clip holder section includes a snap stem portion operable to removably hold the magnetic cable fastener. As the magnetic fastener is positioned as desired via the pole bracket, the magnetic fastener is magnetically self-aligned with and removably attached to the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, John Winnie, Michael Tirrell, John Clasen
  • Publication number: 20160047493
    Abstract: A pole bracket magnetically attaches a magnetic cable fastener to a magnetic object such as a building structure such as a frame, electrical box, conduit, truss, I-beam, car body, vehicle chassis or any suitable object. For example, the pole bracket removably attaches to and holds the magnetic cable fastener to hold a cable to the building structure. The pole bracket has a base having a pole attachment portion to attach to a pole. The pole bracket also has a magnetic clip holder section coupled to the base. The magnetic clip holder section includes a snap stem portion operable to removably hold the magnetic cable fastener. As the magnetic fastener is positioned as desired via the pole bracket, the magnetic fastener is magnetically self-aligned with and removably attached to the building structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, John Winnie, Michael Tirrel, John Cleasen
  • Publication number: 20160047494
    Abstract: A magnetic cable fastener includes a magnetic fastener, a boss, a base, and a loop coupler attached to the base. The loop coupler is attached to the base and is operable to attach to another structure. The loop coupler may be a cable, wires, electrical conduit, rope, adjustable strap, and a tie wrap or suitable object. According to one embodiment, the loop coupler may further include at least two fingers. The fingers are operative to flex or compress appropriately to permit the cables to enter the fingers. According to another embodiment, the loop coupler is a solid loop to permit for example, a cable strap to be inserted and attach the cable strap to the loop coupler. Thus, the magnetic cable fastener may secure one or more cables via the loop fingers or solid loop or other suitable cable coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith
  • Publication number: 20160016522
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extends from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing also has an engagement region. A first joined portion extends from the first pair of legs and a second joined portion extends from the second pair of legs with the first joined portion and the second joined portion extending and overlapping over and under each other. First locking tabs extend sideways from the first joined portion folded over against the overlapping second portion, and second locking tabs extend sideways from the second joined portion folded over against the overlapping first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Tirrell, Mark Fleydervish, Shawn Willis
  • Publication number: 20150283957
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a cup having at least one injection hole, an overmold attached to the cup and a magnet is attached to the overmold. The overmold has: a cup cover attached to an outside portion of the cup, and an inner ring attached to an inside portion of the cup. The inner ring is attached to the cup cover via the at least one injection hole. The magnet operably attaches into the inner ring. According to one embodiment, the cup cover and the inner ring are injection molded over at least one part of the cup. An optional coupler for attachment to a body panel is attached to the cup cover and is operative to flex. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, John Clasen, Michael Tirrell
  • Publication number: 20150251624
    Abstract: A tether fastening device for an automobile body structure includes a fastener clip, at least one tether strap, a tether clip bracket, a clip strap coupler, and a bracket strap coupler. The clip strap coupler operably couples to a slot in the automobile chassis. The tether clip bracket attaches to the fastener clip when in an attached position. The bracket strap coupler is attached to the body panel. The tether strap allows for controlled detachment between the clip strap coupler and the bracket strap coupler. The strap may include a mesh to absorb the deployment energy and decelerate the body panel in a controlled manner. In the event of an airbag activation, the tether clip bracket and the fastener clip initially accelerate and then decelerate from each other. The pair of tether straps control the deceleration and separation distance of the clip strap coupler and bracket strap coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Michael Tirrell, John Clasen
  • Patent number: 8950042
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extending from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing has an engagement region, such that a distance between the engagement regions and the base plate is operative to vary continuously according to a slot thickness. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into the slot defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20140263895
    Abstract: A magnetic bracket includes a base and at least two posts at opposite ends of the base. The posts bend upwards from the base such that at least two clips are operable to attach at the posts at opposite ends of the base. The posts have a notch between the base and ends of the posts to permit the clips to hook onto the posts. The magnetic bracket may be clipped into a vehicle chassis by removably inserting the clips into a slot of the vehicle chassis. A body panel such as a headliner having a magnetic fastener attached to the body panel may then be magnetically self-aligned and removably attached to the base having a magnetic portion. The magnetic fastener is operable to be removably attached to the magnetic portion. The magnetic bracket is attached to a non-magnetic part of a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickenson, Michael Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 8627552
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a pair of laterally offset arms extending from the base plate. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into a hole (slot) defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis. At least four wings extend from the arms. Each wing includes at least one engagement portion including a depressed portion formed on each wing, wherein each depressed portion is operative to engage a portion of the hole. According to one embodiment, each arm is coupled to at least one wing at a distal end of each arm (i.e., a long arm), so that each wing extends inwardly towards the base plate. According to an alternative embodiment, each arm (i.e., a short arm) is coupled to the at least one wing, so that each wing extends outwardly away from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Michael Anthony Giugliano, Edward Sacha, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8615852
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickenson, Mark Fleydervish, John Clasen
  • Publication number: 20130340216
    Abstract: A fastener comprises a first side connected to a bottom portion and a second side connected to the bottom portion, thereby forming a U-shaped structure with the first side. A first engagement spring is connected to the bottom portion and a second engagement spring is connected to the bottom portion. At least one barb extends from the bottom. A barb stop is on the at least one barb. According to one embodiment, the barbs have inwardly bent front ends, and the engagement regions further have hindrance portions. The fastener reversibly engages the rib of a first part, such as a plastic panel and/or a pillar, and the fastener is also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of second part, such as a metal sheet and/or the frame of a car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Walter SMITH, Daniel James Dickenson
  • Patent number: 8287034
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and a boss attached to the base. The boss has two or more ratchets. According to one embodiment, one end of the boss is attached to the base and the other end has the two or more ratchets. Alternatively, either or both ends may have the two or more ratchets. A magnetic fastener has a hole with suitable shape and diameter to adjustably fasten with at least one of the ratchets and adjustably fasten the magnetic fastener. An umbrella is positioned between the base and the magnetic fastener. The umbrella is operative to flex or compress appropriately to permit the magnetic fastener to engage at least one of the two or more ratchets. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. door frame, chassis or roof. The boss may optionally be welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson