Patents by Inventor Thomas Espinosa

Thomas Espinosa 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).

  • Hold down system
    Publication number: 20080060297
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Espinosa
  • Building having a hold down system
    Publication number: 20080060296
    Abstract: A building comprises a stud wall including a bottom plate; a foundation; a tie rod operably anchored in the foundation and extending through the bottom plate within the stud wall; a metallic bridge member attached to the stud wall, the bridge member having an opening through which the tie rod extends; and a fastener assembly connecting the tie rod and the bridge member to the stud wall, the fastener assembly including an axial opening through which the tie rod extends. The fastener assembly includes an inner body disposed within an outer body, a nut securing the inner and outer bodies to the tie rod, and a spring urging one of the inner and outer bodies to move from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Espinosa
  • Fastener assembly serving as a product, or combined with other components as a product, allows automatic controlled movements in one direction and prevents movements in the opposite direction when forces are applied
    Publication number: 20070175135
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Espinosa
  • Fastener assembly serving as a product, or combined with other components as a product, allows automatic controlled movements in one direction and prevents movements in the opposite direction when forces are applied
    Publication number: 20070130857
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Espinosa
  • Fastener assembly serving as a product, or combined with other components as a product, allows automatic controlled movements in one direction and prevents movements in the opposite direction when forces are applied
    Publication number: 20070130870
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Espinosa
  • Fastener assembly serving as a product, or combined with other components as a product, allows automatic controlled movements in one direction and prevents movements in the opposite direction when forces are applied
    Publication number: 20050160690
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Espinosa