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).

  • Patent number: 10758014
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O'Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
  • Publication number: 20190082798
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O'Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
  • Patent number: 9863140
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Clinton Dowd, Jonathan Schippani
  • Patent number: 9538816
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventor: Clinton Dowd
  • Publication number: 20160083958
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Clinton Dowd, Jonathan Schippani
  • Publication number: 20140157556
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
  • Patent number: 8685194
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
  • Publication number: 20140017442
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 8551377
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 8448305
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Valero Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
  • Publication number: 20130067701
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
  • Publication number: 20120266421
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 8225467
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 8082637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20090064469
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Clinton Dowd
  • Publication number: 20090010735
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Mark A. Clarner, Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 7181812
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Velero Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. Vanbenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 7048818
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20060048347
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Wallace Kurtz, Brian Vanbenschoten, Ernesto Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd
  • Patent number: 6996880
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Brian J. VanBenschoten, Ernesto S. Tachauer, Michel Labrecque, Clinton Dowd