Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Dykstra

Thomas L. Dykstra 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).

  • Fabric securement apparatus
    Patent number: 5407522
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an enlarged sheet-like fabric to a side face of a panel which is provided with edge frame elements having retaining channels extending therealong. Each retaining channel has a film or bead of a solid adhesive therein. An edge portion of the fabric is positioned to extend over the mouth of the groove, and is then folded over an inserting member which inserts the fabric edge portion into the groove. Substantially simultaneously the adhesive film or bead is heated, as by an induction heater, and the inserting member presses the folded fabric edge portion into the melted adhesive. This contact is maintained and the adhesive is subjected to cooling to effect resolidification thereof and fixed securement of the inserted fabric portion to the channel part. The insertion preferably involves an inserting device having a plurality of blade-like rollers which insert the fabric into the channel as the edge frame of the panel relatively moves longitudinally along the set of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Insalaco, Thomas L. Dykstra
  • Fabric securement method
    Patent number: 5238515
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an enlarged sheet-like fabric to a side face of a panel which is provided with edge frame elements having retaining channels extending therealong. Each retaining channel has a film or bead of a solid adhesive therein. An edge portion of the fabric is positioned to extend over the mouth of the groove, and is then folded over an inserting member which inserts the fabric edge portion into the groove. Substantially simultaneously the adhesive film or bead is heated, as by an induction heater, and the inserting member presses the folded fabric edge portion into the melted adhesive. This contact is maintained and the adhesive is subjected to cooling to effect resolidification thereof and fixed securement of the inserted fabric portion to the channel part. The insertion preferably involves an inserting device having a plurality of blade-like rollers which insert the fabric into the channel as the edge frame of the panel relatively moves longitudinally along the set of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Insalaco, Thomas L. Dykstra