Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Rowan

Thomas J. Rowan 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: 7266932
    Abstract: The present invention provides a furniture assembly that includes rods and connection members, and that can be fully assembled without using tools or additional hardware. In one embodiment, the rods include a threaded end and an unthreaded end, and the connection members include an interior member and an exterior member, where the interior member and exterior member may be separate or of unitary construction. The exterior member includes unthreaded apertures for receiving the rods and the interior member includes an unthreaded aperture and a threaded aperture, also for receiving the rods. The rods and connection members are interconnected and gradually tightened to provide a stable furniture frame. Multi-level framing and methods of assembly are also provided. In an alternate embodiment, a connector assembly is provided for securing a plurality of rods within a connector using a leg threaded into the connector obliquely to a plane occupied by the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mio Lotta, LLC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rowan
  • Patent number: 7082734
    Abstract: The present invention provides a furniture assembly that includes rods and connection members, and that can be fully assembled without using tools or additional hardware. In one embodiment, the rods include a threaded end and an unthreaded end, and the connection members include an interior member and an exterior member, where the interior member and exterior member may be separate or of unitary construction. The exterior member includes unthreaded apertures for receiving the rods and the interior member includes an unthreaded aperture and a threaded aperture, also for receiving the rods. The rods and connection members are interconnected and gradually tightened to provide a stable furniture frame. Multi-level framing and methods of assembly are also provided. In an alternate embodiment, a connector assembly is provided for securing a plurality of rods within a connector using a leg threaded into the connector obliquely to a plane occupied by the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rowan
  • Publication number: 20040173552
    Abstract: The present invention provides a furniture assembly that includes rods and connection members, and that can be fully assembled without using tools or additional hardware. In one embodiment, the rods include a threaded end and an unthreaded end, and the connection members include an interior member and an exterior member, where the interior member and exterior member may be separate or of unitary construction. The exterior member includes unthreaded apertures for receiving the rods and the interior member includes an unthreaded aperture and a threaded aperture, also for receiving the rods. The rods and connection members are interconnected and gradually tightened to provide a stable furniture frame. Multi-level framing and methods of assembly are also provided. In an alternate embodiment, a connector assembly is provided for securing a plurality of rods within a connector using a leg threaded into the connector obliquely to a plane occupied by the rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rowan
  • Patent number: 5622118
    Abstract: A convertible support apparatus, such as a table, which has an expandable upper support surface. The convertible support apparatus is comprised of overlying and underlying support members which are connected by a pivot pin. The overlying and underlying support members slide along a stationary support to center the weight of the expanded apparatus after or during rotation of the overlying support member to a position adjacent the underlying support member. The overlying support member then drops down to a position in which the upper support surfaces of the two support members are generally flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rowan
  • Patent number: 5425313
    Abstract: A convertible table for forming an expanded table surface area. The convertible table is comprised of overlying and underlying table members which are connected by a pivot pin. The underlying table member is capable of sliding along a member connected to the table support to center the weight of the expanded table after rotation of the overlying table member. The construction of the converting mechanism permits the overlying and underlying table members to be formed in a variety of shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rowan