Patents by Inventor Richard N. Hatch

Richard N. Hatch 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: 4933224
    Abstract: An adapted separable fastener and method of making the same for attachment to foam objects such as seat cushions. A separable fastener member of the hook and loop-type is attached, in back-to-back relation, to a second member. The second member has upstanding elements such as loops or hooking elements which elements are ultimately surrounded and encapsulated by the foam during polymerization. The adapted fastener is thereby attached to the foam member. The elements are positioned in order to allow venting of the gaseous byproducts of polymerization. This promotes superior adhesion to the foam material and prevents delamination at the fastener-foam interface. A metal strip may be disposed within the adapted fastener so it may be magnetically held in the foam mold. A method and apparatus for adapting the fastener is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Velcro Industries, B.V.
    Inventor: Richard N. Hatch
  • Patent number: 4881997
    Abstract: An adapted separable fastener and method of making the same for attachment to foam objects such as seat cushions. A separable fastener member of the hook and loop-type is attached, in back-to-back relation, to a second member. The second member has upstanding elements such as loops or hooking elements which elements are ultimately surrounded and encapsulated by the foam during polymerization. The adapted fastener is thereby attached to the foam member. The elements are positioned in order to allow venting of the gaseous byproducts of polymerization. This promotes superior adhesion to the foam material and prevents delamination at the fastener-foam interface. A metal strip may be disposed within the adapted fastener so it may be magnetically held in the foam mold. A method and apparatus for adapting the fastener is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Velcro Industries. B.V.
    Inventor: Richard N. Hatch
  • Patent number: 4814036
    Abstract: An improvement for a process wherein a strip of fastener material is formed into the surface of urethane foam or the like during molding in a mold. The fastener material includes a backing strip having an outer surface adapted to mate with the foam material during molding and a fastener strip having an outer surface comprising one-half of a fastening system such as hook and loop fastening material. The backing strip and the fastener strip are attached to one another with their respective inner surfaces in face-to-face relationship with their outer surfaces facing outward. The fastener material fits within a longitudinal groove in the mold and the backing material overlaps the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Richard N. Hatch
  • Patent number: 4726975
    Abstract: An improvement for attaching fastener strips to other objects wherein a strip of fastener material is formed into the surface of urethane foam or the like during molding in a mold. The fastener material comprises a backing strip having an outer surface adapted to mate with the foam material during molding and a fastener strip having an outer surface comprising one-half of a fastening system such as hook and loop fastening material. The backing strip and the fastener strip are attached to one another with their respective inner surfaces in face-to-face relationship with their outer surfaces facing outward. The fastener material fits within a longitudinal groove in the mold and the backing material overlaps the groove. The invention comprises an improved apparatus including a backing strip that is wider than the fastener strip and provides exposed strips on both sides of the fastener strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Actief N.V. ABN Trust Co.
    Inventor: Richard N. Hatch