Patents by Inventor William G. Bowes

William G. Bowes 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: 8408853
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a handle operating on the retainer, the handle being moveable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning cutout of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7976256
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Publication number: 20110129315
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a handle operating on the retainer, the handle being moveable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning cutout of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Darren WOMACK, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7594787
    Abstract: A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7547170
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Publication number: 20080279649
    Abstract: A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Publication number: 20080253856
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Darren WOMACK, William G. BOWES
  • Publication number: 20080213061
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Darren WOMACK, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7390154
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7175377
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 7070374
    Abstract: A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 6827531
    Abstract: A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 6786623
    Abstract: A vehicle combination light for use in a vehicle having a compartment includes a housing and a combination light unit arranged in the housing and directed to at least a front or a rear of the vehicle. An accessory light unit is arranged in the housing and directed to an interior of the compartment, such that the accessory light unit is aligned with an opening in a wall of the vehicle that faces toward the interior of the compartment in order to illuminate the interior of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Snyder, William G. Bowes, David Plentis
  • Publication number: 20040131440
    Abstract: A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Publication number: 20040130902
    Abstract: A vehicle combination light for use in a vehicle having a compartment includes a housing and a combination light unit arranged in the housing and directed to at least a front or a rear of the vehicle. An accessory light unit is arranged in the housing and directed to an interior of the compartment, such that the accessory light unit is aligned with an opening in a wall of the vehicle that faces toward the interior of the compartment in order to illuminate the interior of the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Snyder, William G. Bowes, David Plentis
  • Publication number: 20040131439
    Abstract: A slidably retainable fastener assembly for securing loads to a track is provided with a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a member operating on the retainer, the member being positionable in at least a first position and a second position. When the member is positioned in the first position, the member causes the retainer to disengage the track slot thereby allowing the fastener to be movable within the track slot, and when the member is positioned in the second position, the member causes the retainer to engage the track slot thereby causing the fastener to remain stationary within the track slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darren Womack, William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 6712568
    Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system that allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and that interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. Tie-down track(s) are provided that are integral with the body of the vehicle such that the exterior contour of the track(s) do not extend appreciably beyond the contour of the adjacent portions of the body. This permits the track(s) to blend in with the body of the vehicle, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the vehicle. The track(s) are provided with a predetermined region that provides for controlled deformation of the vehicle body in case of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignees: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc., Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Snyder, Darren A. Womack, William G. Bowes, Michael D. Anderson, Diane T. Allen, Stephen Ball
  • Publication number: 20020164225
    Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system that allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and that interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. Tie-down track(s) are provided that are integral with the body of the vehicle such that the exterior contour of the track(s) do not extend appreciably beyond the contour of the adjacent portions of the body. This permits the track(s) to blend in with the body of the vehicle, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the vehicle. The track(s) are provided with a predetermined region that provides for controlled deformation of the vehicle body in case of a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Snyder, Darren A. Womack, William G. Bowes, Michael D. Anderson, Diane T. Allen, Stephen D. Ball
  • Patent number: 5546989
    Abstract: A flange protector is made from a lightweight and inexpensive weatherproof material having good resistance to impact, weathering and fading. The protector has a double-walled corrugated construction. Circular end walls are connected with interior wall members that serve as impact resistant spring members and define a plurality of air channels. According to method aspects of the invention, a pipe flange is protected from impact damage by providing a flange protector having a cushioning layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Bunzl Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Bowes
  • Patent number: 5435350
    Abstract: A flange protector is made from a lightweight and inexpensive corrugated plastic material having good resistance to impact, weathering and fading. The protector has a double-walled corrugated construction. Circular end walls are connected with interior wall members that serve as impact resistant spring members and define a plurality of air channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Bunzl Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Bowes