Patents by Inventor Clifford Dent

Clifford Dent 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: 9556893
    Abstract: A connector system having first and second connector segments held together by a rod threadably received in an internal axial bore through each of the first and second connector segments. Each connector segment has a breakaway portion formed from an angled face on one connector segment that cooperates with the mating angled face on the abutting connector segment to form a V-shaped breakpoint between the two connector segments. An intermediate segment can be positioned there between to provide two breakpoints, and multiple intermediate segments can be used for additional breakpoints. Upon impact, the system breaks at the breakpoint and only the rod needs to be in most cases. A longitudinal bore through the rod permits adaption of the rod to selected loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Publication number: 20160003285
    Abstract: A connector system having first and second connector segments held together by a rod threadably received in an internal axial bore through each of the first and second connector segments. Each connector segment has a breakaway portion formed from an angled face on one connector segment that cooperates with the mating angled face on the abutting connector segment to form a V-shaped breakpoint between the two connector segments. An intermediate segment can be positioned there between to provide two breakpoints, and multiple intermediate segments can be used for additional breakpoints. Upon impact, the system breaks at the breakpoint and only the rod needs to be in most cases. A longitudinal bore through the rod permits adaption of the rod to selected loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 9140286
    Abstract: A connector system having first and second connector segments held together by a rod threadably received in an internal axial bore through each of the first and second connector segments. Each connector segment has a breakaway portion formed from an angled face on one connector segment that cooperates with the mating angled face on the abutting connector segment to form a V-shaped breakpoint between the two connector segments. An intermediate segment can be positioned there between to provide two breakpoints, and multiple intermediate segments can be used for additional breakpoints. Upon impact, the system breaks at the breakpoint and only the rod needs to be in most cases. A longitudinal bore through the rod permits adaption of the rod to selected loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 8281531
    Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Publication number: 20120031015
    Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 8037651
    Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Publication number: 20100196084
    Abstract: A connector system having first and second connector segments held together by a rod threadably received in an internal axial bore through each of the first and second connector segments. Each connector segment has a breakaway portion formed from an angled face on one connector segment that cooperates with the mating angled face on the abutting connector segment to form a V-shaped breakpoint between the two connector segments. An intermediate segment can be positioned there between to provide two breakpoints, and multiple intermediate segments can be used for additional breakpoints. Upon impact, the system breaks at the breakpoint and only the rod needs to be in most cases. A longitudinal bore through the rod permits adaption of the rod to selected loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 7748681
    Abstract: A support post assembly with mounting bracket assembly and hinge plate with defined bend lines and break points are provided to prevent or reduce damage to objects attached to the support post assembly. The hinge plate has an enhanced section having a channel formed transversely thereacross to function as a bend line when the support post assembly is subjected to a predetermined force. A section of reduced or removed material further directs the force to the weakened area to guide the bending, and openings in the bend line guide breaking or tearing of the plate. Damage is limited to the hinge plate, which is easily replaced. A mounting bracket assembly having a two-piece body for connecting or splicing support posts together includes a strap with crosspiece configured to provide a desired bend line or breakpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Publication number: 20090272053
    Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Publication number: 20070196164
    Abstract: A support post assembly with mounting bracket assembly and hinge plate with defined bend lines and break points are provided to prevent or reduce damage to objects attached to the support post assembly. The hinge plate has an enhanced section having a channel formed transversely thereacross to function as a bend line when the support post assembly is subjected to a predetermined force. A section of reduced or removed material further directs the force to the weakened area to guide the bending, and openings in the bend line guide breaking or tearing of the plate. Damage is limited to the hinge plate, which is easily replaced. A mounting bracket assembly having a two-piece body for connecting or splicing support posts together includes a strap with crosspiece configured to provide a desired bend line or breakpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 6409156
    Abstract: A breakaway bracket assembly (10) for connecting two structural members, such as a sign post (12) and a base (14). The bracket (10) has a first end strap (20) configured for attachment to the post (12) and a second end strap (22) configured for attachment to the base (14). The first and second end straps (20, 22) are integrally formed with a central section (24) that comprises a pair of flanges (28, 30) having a pre-formed brake point (34) that will fail when the first and second end straps (20, 22) are subjected to a predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Publication number: 20010016144
    Abstract: A breakaway bracket assembly (10) for connecting two structural members, such as a sign post (12) and a base (14). The bracket (10) has a first end strap (20) configured for attachment to the post (12) and a second end strap (22) configured for attachment to the base (14). The first and second end straps (20, 22) are integrally formed with a central section (24) that comprises a pair of flanges (28, 30) having a pre-formed brake point (34) that will fail when the first and second end straps (20, 22) are subjected to a predetermined load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 6210066
    Abstract: A breakaway bracket assembly (10) for connecting two structural members, such as a sign post (12) and a base (14). The bracket (10) has a first end strap (20) configured for attachment to the post (12) and a second end strap (22) configured for attachment to the base (14). The first and second end straps (20, 22) are integrally formed with a central section (24) that comprises a pair of flanges (28, 30) having a preformed brake point (34) that will fail when the first and second end straps (20, 22) are subjected to a predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Clifford Dent