Patents by Inventor Brock T. Cooley
Brock T. Cooley 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).
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Patent number: 11130267Abstract: A fastener including a pin and a grommet. The pin is pre-engaged to the grommet with at least one flash connection, the pin is configured to be secured to the grommet at least by the flash connection being broken, and one of the pin or the grommet moves relative to the other of the pin or the grommet to break the at least one flash connection. Further, the pin is configured to engage and be secured to a first component and the grommet is configured to engage and be secured to a second component.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James S. Tisol, Jr., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
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Publication number: 20200180197Abstract: A fastener including a pin and a grommet. The pin is pre-engaged to the grommet with at least one flash connection, the pin is configured to be secured to the grommet at least by the flash connection being broken, and one of the pin or the grommet moves relative to the other of the pin or the grommet to break the at least one flash connection. Further, the pin is configured to engage and be secured to a first component and the grommet is configured to engage and be secured to a second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: James S. Tisol, JR., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
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Patent number: 10569457Abstract: A system for manufacturing a two-part fastener may include a fastener-molding housing and an actuating assembly. The fastener-molding housing may include a fastener mold having a first mold section connected to a second mold section through a flash connection mold section. The fastener mold is configured to receive fastener-forming material to form a pre-engaged fastener having a first fastener portion within the first mold section and a second fastener portion within the second mold section. The first fastener portion is temporarily secured to the second fastener portion through a flash connection portion formed within the flash connection mold section. The an actuating assembly includes a stripper plate, a connecting member, and at least one ejection member. The connecting member is configured to securely retain the first fastener portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James S. Tisol, Jr., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
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Patent number: 10046491Abstract: A system for manufacturing a two-part fastener may include a fastener-molding housing and an actuating assembly. The fastener-molding housing may include a fastener mold having a first mold section connected to a second mold section through a flash connection mold section. The fastener mold is configured to receive fastener-forming material to form a pre-engaged fastener having a first fastener portion within the first mold section and a second fastener portion within the second mold section. The first fastener portion is temporarily secured to the second fastener portion through a flash connection portion formed within the flash connection mold section. The an actuating assembly includes a stripper plate, a connecting member, and at least one ejection member. The connecting member is configured to securely retain the first fastener portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James S. Tisol, Jr., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
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Publication number: 20170348884Abstract: A system for manufacturing a two-part fastener may include a fastener-molding housing and an actuating assembly. The fastener-molding housing may include a fastener mold having a first mold section connected to a second mold section through a flash connection mold section. The fastener mold is configured to receive fastener-forming material to form a pre-engaged fastener having a first fastener portion within the first mold section and a second fastener portion within the second mold section. The first fastener portion is temporarily secured to the second fastener portion through a flash connection portion formed within the flash connection mold section. The an actuating assembly includes a stripper plate, a connecting member, and at least one ejection member. The connecting member is configured to securely retain the first fastener portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James S. Tisol, JR., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
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Patent number: 9593701Abstract: A fastening clip assembly is configured to securely connect a first panel to a second panel. The fastening clip assembly may include a collar, a securing support extending from the collar, and deflectable beams connected to the securing support. The deflectable beams are configured to move in first and second directions when the deflectable beams are mated with one or both of the first and second panels. The first direction differs from the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Brock T. Cooley, Marc R. Risdale
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Publication number: 20150252826Abstract: A fastening clip assembly is configured to securely connect a first panel to a second panel. The fastening clip assembly may include a collar, a securing support extending from the collar, and deflectable beams connected to the securing support. The deflectable beams are configured to move in first and second directions when the deflectable beams are mated with one or both of the first and second panels. The first direction differs from the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Brock T. Cooley, Marc R. Risdale
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Publication number: 20140210132Abstract: A system for manufacturing a two-part fastener may include a fastener-molding housing and an actuating assembly. The fastener-molding housing may include a fastener mold having a first mold section connected to a second mold section through a flash connection mold section. The fastener mold is configured to receive fastener-forming material to form a pre-engaged fastener having a first fastener portion within the first mold section and a second fastener portion within the second mold section. The first fastener portion is temporarily secured to the second fastener portion through a flash connection portion formed within the flash connection mold section. The an actuating assembly includes a stripper plate, a connecting member, and at least one ejection member. The connecting member is configured to securely retain the first fastener portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: James S. Tisol, JR., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
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Patent number: 8683662Abstract: A piercing rib clip has first and second legs defining a space for receiving a rib of a component held thereby and a piercing pin held by at least one of the legs piercing the rib held between the legs.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Brock T. Cooley, James T. Kirchen
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Patent number: 8398161Abstract: A vehicle headliner attachment system for displaceable attachment of a headliner to a sunroof assembly frame. The attachment system includes at least one snap-in male connector including a distal insertion head adapted to be press fit into a corresponding elongated female acceptance slot disposed at a position adjacent to the perimeter of a sunroof opening. The male connector is releasably held at a support element secured to the headliner. The support element is oriented on the headliner such that the male connector is slideable along the elongated female acceptance slot without disengaging from the support element when the headliner is moved rearward relative to the assembly frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James T. Kirchen, David W. Edland, Brock T. Cooley, Adam C. Peterson
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Publication number: 20120272487Abstract: A piercing rib clip has first and second legs defining a space for receiving a rib of a component held thereby and a piercing pin held by at least one of the legs piercing the rib held between the legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Brock T. Cooley, James T. Kirchen
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Publication number: 20120014766Abstract: A vehicle headliner attachment system for displaceable attachment of a headliner to a sunroof assembly frame. The attachment system includes at least one snap-in male connector including a distal insertion head adapted to be press fit into a corresponding elongated female acceptance slot disposed at a position adjacent to the perimeter of a sunroof opening. The male connector is releasably held at a support element secured to the headliner. The support element is oriented on the headliner such that the male connector is slideable along the elongated female acceptance slot without disengaging from the support element when the headliner is moved rearward relative to the assembly frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: James T. Kirchen, David W. Edland, Brock T. Cooley, Adam C. Peterson
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Patent number: 7976056Abstract: A fastener clip includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, and a rigid retaining pin inserted through the opening, the rigid retaining pin having a first end secured within the body and a second end disposed outside the body, the retaining pin configured to limit the movement of a vehicle trim piece with respect to the vehicle chassis when an airbag is deployed. The fastener clip also includes a plurality of molding gates formed at an intersection between the body and the rigid retaining pin, the rigid retaining pin being subsequently movable with respect to the body after the molding gates are broken. The fastener clip further includes a pair of flexible retention legs adapted to secure the fastener clip to a vehicle chassis and a pair of flexible retention legs adapted to secure the trim piece to a vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James T. Kirchen, Benjamin H. Moerke, Jesse L. Jensen, Brock T. Cooley, Adam C. Peterson, David W. Edland
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Patent number: 7959392Abstract: A U-nut fastener assembly includes a U-nut fastener including a first arm member, a second arm member formed unitarily with the first arm member, a bite portion formed unitarily between the first and second arm portions such that the first arm member, the second arm member, and the bite portion are oriented to form a substantially U-shape. The nut includes a single helical thread having a proximal end and a distal end that are separated by a longitudinal gap. The U-nut assembly also includes a fastener device adapted to be received within the U-nut fastener. The single helical thread has a proximal end and a distal end and a gap disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The U-nut assembly is molded from a plastic material to include an anti-reverse feature that inhibits the fastener device from loosening with respect to the U-nut fastener. The anti-reverse feature is also adapted to provide a tactile indication to an operator installing the U-nut assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Brock T. Cooley
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Patent number: 7837225Abstract: A fastener for securing an airbag assembly in a motor vehicle includes first and second body components held one against another with a fastening tab of an airbag there between. A flexible collet from the body of the fastener is secured in a hole of a supporting component in a vehicle roof, and a pin pushed into the collet secures the installation. Tools and fastener structures for verification testing are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Brock T. Cooley, James T. Kirchen, Frank Otte
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Patent number: 7708511Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a collar configured to be secured to a structure, and a D-ring that may include a main ring body, end joints rotatably secured to the collar, and smooth intermediate sections integrally connecting the main ring body to the end joints. The smooth intermediate sections gradually transition the main ring body to the end joints. The main ring body may have a bow-tie cross-sectional shape that provides directional strength to the main ring body.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Andrew B. Terrill, Richard P. Gustafson, James S. Tisol, Jr., Brock T. Cooley
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Publication number: 20100072735Abstract: A fastener clip includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, and a rigid retaining pin inserted through the opening, the rigid retaining pin having a first end secured within the body and a second end disposed outside the body, the retaining pin configured to limit the movement of a vehicle trim piece with respect to the vehicle chassis when an airbag is deployed. The fastener clip also includes a plurality of molding gates formed at an intersection between the body and the rigid retaining pin, the rigid retaining pin being subsequently movable with respect to the body after the molding gates are broken. The fastener clip further includes a pair of flexible retention legs adapted to secure the fastener clip to a vehicle chassis and a pair of flexible retention legs adapted to secure the trim piece to a vehicle chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: James T. Kirchen, Benjamin H. Moerke, Jesse L. Jensen, Brock T. Cooley, Adam C. Peterson, David W. Edland
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Publication number: 20090285651Abstract: A U-nut fastener assembly includes a U-nut fastener including a first arm member, a second arm member formed unitarily with the first arm member, a bite portion formed unitarily between the first and second arm portions such that the first arm member, the second arm member, and the bite portion are oriented to form a substantially U-shape. The nut includes a single helical thread having a proximal end and a distal end that are separated by a longitudinal gap. The U-nut assembly also includes a fastener device adapted to be received within the U-nut fastener. The single helical thread has a proximal end and a distal end and a gap disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The U-nut assembly is molded from a plastic material to include an anti-reverse feature that inhibits the fastener device from loosening with respect to the U-nut fastener. The anti-reverse feature is also adapted to provide a tactile indication to an operator installing the U-nut assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: BROCK T. COOLEY
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Publication number: 20090285648Abstract: A fastener for securing an airbag assembly in a motor vehicle includes first and second body components held one against another with a fastening tab of an airbag there between. A flexible collet from the body of the fastener is secured in a hole of a supporting component in a vehicle roof, and a pin pushed into the collet secures the installation. Tools and fastener structures for verification testing are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Brock T. Cooley, James T. Kirchen, Frank Otte
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Patent number: 7549830Abstract: A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a secondary connection into the w-base fastener. This secondary connection permits the fastener to be easily extracted by providing a technique for pulling the legs of the w-base fastener inward prior to extraction of the fastener from the hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Brock T. Cooley, Wayne M. Hansen