Patents by Inventor Thomas Jon Wilcox

Thomas Jon Wilcox 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: 11530072
    Abstract: A box closure device having a first piece, a second piece, and a hub separating the first piece and second piece is provided. The first piece can have one or more engagement portions. The second piece can extend in both directions relative to the hub and is spaced from the first piece a selected amount allowing for box flaps to fit between the top piece and bottom piece. The second piece can have a blade to assist in positioning the closure device between the interior ends of two flaps. The second piece can also have a glide. In use, the user or a machine can engage the engagement portion(s) and twist the closure device so that the bottom piece is no longer aligned with a gap between the flaps thereby locking the flaps in a closed position. Lobes can be located on the ends of the second piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Eco-Latch Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Jon Wilcox, Jack David Wilson
  • Patent number: 11267608
    Abstract: A box closure device having a first piece, a second piece, and a hub separating the first piece and second piece is provided. The first piece can have one or more engagement portions. The second piece can extend in both directions relative to the hub and is spaced from the first piece a selected amount allowing for box flaps to fit between the first piece and second piece. The second piece can have a blade to assist in positioning the closure device between the interior ends of two flaps. The second piece can also have a glide. In use, the user or a machine can engage the engagement portion(s) and twist the closure device so that the bottom piece is no longer aligned with a gap between the flaps thereby locking the flaps in a closed position. Sleeves and a tamper evident device can optionally be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Eco-Latch Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Jon Wilcox
  • Patent number: 10737829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a box fastener. The box fastener can have sides with both a top piece and a bottom piece that are separated by a gap. The bottom piece is deformable along its length. The bottom piece has a hole that is either offset or enlarged compared to a corresponding hole in the top piece to accommodate the arcuate path of a curved piercing element of arm. A seal can be provided between the top and bottom piece. The piercing element optionally can puncture the seal and the seal can be fastened around the arm that is in the locked position. Unlocking of the arm will break the seal thereby revealing evidence of an unlocking event. The fastener has a bottom with grips having angled distal surfaces. The grips provide increasing levels of grip as the thickness of the box increases, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Eco-Latch Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jack David Wilson, Thomas Jon Wilcox, James Forsythe Wilson, III
  • Patent number: 10526108
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a box fastener anchor that is removably connectable or permanently attached to a fastener and that has a tooth that can pierce a box. The anchor can have a base with two lips in one embodiment. The base has a hole between the lips with a securing ring with distally located rims that combine to form a ring. The rims and lips can be used to connect the anchor to a box fastener. The base further has a base flange at one end. The anchor also has an arm with a tooth at the distal end of the arm. The tooth has a piercing element at one end. The tooth can have a curved or straight body. The arm can mate with the base to lock the arm in a closed position. A release is provided for unlocking the arm from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Eco-Latch Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jack David Wilson, Thomas Jon Wilcox, James Forsythe Wilson, III