Patents by Inventor Clinton Dowd
Clinton Dowd 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: 10758014Abstract: A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Velcro BVBAInventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O'Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
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Publication number: 20190082798Abstract: A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O'Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
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Patent number: 9863140Abstract: An insulation retention apparatus includes a non-gas-permeable plastic sheet. At least a first foam strip is affixed to the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet along a first side and at least a second foam strip is affixed to the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet along a second side, wherein the first side is substantially opposite the second side. An adhesive is positioned on each of the first and second foam strips, wherein the first foam strip is affixed to a first overhead structural beam with the adhesive and the second foam strip is affixed to a second overhead structural beam with the adhesive, wherein the first overhead structural beam is positioned spaced from the second overhead structural beam wherein the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet is extended therebetween, and wherein a quantity of insulation is retained on the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventors: Clinton Dowd, Jonathan Schippani
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Patent number: 9538816Abstract: A touch fastener strip includes a sheet-form material substrate having a front face, an array of fastener elements integrally molded with a resin base layer on the front face of the substrate and an array of discrete regions of resin (e.g., gripping elements) integrally molded with a resin base layer through apertures in the sheet-form material on the back face of the substrate. The array of fastener elements forms a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the front face of the fastener strip, and the array of gripping elements forms a discrete band of gripping elements extending longitudinally along the back face of the fastener strip.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Velcro BVBAInventor: Clinton Dowd
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Publication number: 20160083958Abstract: An insulation retention apparatus includes a non-gas-permeable plastic sheet. At least a first foam strip is affixed to the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet along a first side and at least a second foam strip is affixed to the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet along a second side, wherein the first side is substantially opposite the second side. An adhesive is positioned on each of the first and second foam strips, wherein the first foam strip is affixed to a first overhead structural beam with the adhesive and the second foam strip is affixed to a second overhead structural beam with the adhesive, wherein the first overhead structural beam is positioned spaced from the second overhead structural beam wherein the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet is extended therebetween, and wherein a quantity of insulation is retained on the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Clinton Dowd, Jonathan Schippani
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Publication number: 20140157556Abstract: A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
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Patent number: 8685194Abstract: A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
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Publication number: 20140017442Abstract: A touch fastener strip includes a sheet-form material substrate having a front face, an array of fastener elements integrally molded with a resin base layer on the front face of the substrate and an array of discrete regions of resin (e.g., gripping elements) integrally molded with a resin base layer through apertures in the sheet-form material on the back face of the substrate. The array of fastener elements forms a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the front face of the fastener strip, and the array of gripping elements forms a discrete band of gripping elements extending longitudinally along the back face of the fastener strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 8551377Abstract: A touch fastener strip includes a sheet-form material substrate having a front face, an array of fastener elements integrally molded with a resin base layer on the front face of the substrate and an array of discrete regions of resin (e.g., gripping elements) integrally molded with a resin base layer through apertures in the sheet-form material on the back face of the substrate. The array of fastener elements forms a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the front face of the fastener strip, and the array of gripping elements forms a discrete band of gripping elements extending longitudinally along the back face of the fastener strip.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventor: Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 8448305Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Valero Industries B.V.Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
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Publication number: 20130067701Abstract: A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
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Publication number: 20120266421Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 8225467Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 8082637Abstract: A releasable touch fastener includes a loop component and a hook component, with a particularly small overall engaged thickness in combination with a high fastening strength, both in peel and shear. The loop component is a woven material, while the hook component may be woven or molded. The molded hook component includes a scrim reinforcement for tear resistance and sewability. The fastener is useful for high cycle applications, such as on non-disposable garments, footwear and luggage.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Nancy J. Tolan, Mark A. Clarner, William B. S. Mc Dougall, Normand A. Cote, Howard A. Kingsford, Paul R. Erickson, Clinton Dowd
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Publication number: 20090064469Abstract: A touch fastener strip includes a sheet-form material substrate having a front face, an array of fastener elements integrally molded with a resin base layer on the front face of the substrate and an array of discrete regions of resin (e.g., gripping elements) integrally molded with a resin base layer through apertures in the sheet-form material on the back face of the substrate. The array of fastener elements forms a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the front face of the fastener strip, and the array of gripping elements forms a discrete band of gripping elements extending longitudinally along the back face of the fastener strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventor: Clinton Dowd
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Publication number: 20090010735Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 7181812Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the underside surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Velero Industries B.V.Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 7048818Abstract: Fastenings, including stretchy or flexible “zebra-like” and “leopard-like” appearing materials, are disclosed having spaced bands or a distribution islands of molded loop-engageable hooks or molded pre-forms for hooks, between which are bands or regions of different character. Molding is by rigid molds filled from the base region of the stems. In embodiments, linear bands or islands of fastener elements are themselves inextensible in the direction of their extent and comprise multiple rows of fastener elements. For ease of forming a uniform, elastically stretchy or flexible product, the bands or islands of fastener elements extend in the machine direction during manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: K. Theodor Krantz, Howard A. Kingsford, Martin I. Jacobs, William H. Shepard, William Clune, Paul R. Erickson, John L. Boucher, Clinton Dowd
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Publication number: 20060048347Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the underside surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2005Publication date: March 9, 2006Inventors: Wallace Kurtz, Brian Vanbenschoten, Ernesto Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
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Patent number: 6996880Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. VanBenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd