Patents by Inventor Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann

Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann 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: 7406751
    Abstract: A tensioning device for applying tension to a line extending between first and second objects. The tensioning device comprises a first engaging portion, a support surface, and first and second gripping portions defining a gripping notch. The first engaging portion is adapted to be connected to the first object. The support surface is adapted to support the line. The gripping notch is located adjacent to the support surface. The support surface supports the line to define a first line portion extending in a first direction, a second line portion in contact with the support surface, and a third line portion extending in a second direction. The third line portion is adapted to support the second object. The first line portion is pulled to place the line under tension. The gripping notch is arranged to engage the first line portion to inhibit movement of the line relative to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Randal W. Hanson, Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7152284
    Abstract: A clip apparatus or method for sheet materials comprising a clip member and a collar member. The clip member is resilient and defines a hinge portion, first and second finger portions extending from the hinge portion, and a ratchet portion formed on at least one of the first and second finger portions. The collar member is resilient and defines a latch portion, a lever portion, a latch opening, and a housing interior. The collar member acts on the clip member to place the clip member in the closed configuration. The latch portion engages the ratchet portion through the latch opening to inhibit movement of the collar member. When the collar member is in a disengaged configuration, the collar member may move relative to the clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Randal W. Hanson, Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6698071
    Abstract: A clip for sheet materials comprising a clip member and a collar member. The clip member is made of resilient material such that the clip member may be deformed from a normally open configuration into a closed position. The clip member defines first and second finger portions that do not engage each other when the clip member is in the open configuration and engage each other when the clip member is in the closed position. The collar member defines at least one latch portion, a lever portion, and a housing interior. The collar member is made of resilient material such that applying a force to the lever portion causes the collar member to deform from a normally engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Randal W. Hanson, Wilfred Joseph Hoffmann