Patents by Inventor Craig Sommerfeld

Craig Sommerfeld 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: 8231313
    Abstract: Adjustable holding systems, as well as methods of using, may include a fixed base adapted for use on a work surface, the fixed base having a rear actuated clamp assembly secured thereto. Other systems and methods may include one or more bases adapted for use on a work surface; and a guide assembly removably securable to the one or more bases, wherein the guide assembly provides infinite vertical adjustability which can be retained without clamping. Yet other systems and methods may include a portable base securable to a work surface, the portable base having a portable base opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Allen IP, Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A Sommerfeld, Scott L Clark
  • Patent number: 7811033
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic system for use with a workpiece is described. A clamp assembly having a clamp pad is secured to the cabinet. An electrically operated tool is movably secured to the cabinet. The tool has a remote switch which when activated in turn activates the tool. A lever (e.g., a handle) is operatively coupled to the clamp assembly and the tool. When the lever is manually moved, the remote switch is activated and the clamp pad moves towards the work surface. Preferably, the tool also moves towards the work surface opening by manually moving the lever. For example, the tool utilized in this non-pneumatic system may be a drill or saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Allen IP, Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Scott L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7641424
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic clamp and drilling system with a cabinet having a work surface with a drill bit opening. A fence rests on the work surface to guide a side surface of a workpiece. A clamp is secured to the cabinet. The clamp includes clamp pad positioned above the work surface. A drill with a collet is movably secured to the cabinet beneath and at an acute angle to the work surface. The collet can hold a drill bit such that the longitudinal axis of the drill bit is parallel to the acute angle. A handle is operatively coupled to the clamp and the drill to simultaneously move the drill collet along the longitudinal axis and move the clamp pad. By manually moving the handle, the workpiece can be secured by the clamp pad and fence when the drill collet moves toward the drill bit opening in the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Allen IP, Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Scott L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7641425
    Abstract: Adjustable holding systems may include a fixed or portable base with a base opening and clamp assembly. The base opening is defined by a back surface, two side surfaces, and a partial front surface. A guide assembly may be movable within the base opening when the clamp assembly is in a clamped position. The guide assembly is interlocked with the base and is securable within the base opening such that the guide assembly has infinite adjustability within the base opening. The clamp assembly may include a spring operatively coupled to the clamp follower to accommodate variations in workpiece thickness when the clamp follower is in a clamped position. Both the base and guide assembly may have an exit hole adapted to allow waste material generated during drilling to exit a drilling area. The exit hole in the base also may be adapted to serve as a chip breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Allen IP, Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Scott L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20080219788
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic system for use with a workpiece is described. A clamp assembly having a clamp pad is secured to the cabinet. An electrically operated tool is movably secured to the cabinet. The tool has a remote switch which when activated in turn activates the tool. A lever (e.g., a handle) is operatively coupled to the clamp assembly and the tool. When the lever is manually moved, the remote switch is activated and the clamp pad moves towards the work surface. Preferably, the tool also moves towards the work surface opening by manually moving the lever. For example, the tool utilized in this non-pneumatic system may be a drill or saw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ALLEN IP, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Scott L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20080219786
    Abstract: Adjustable holding systems, as well as methods of using, may include a fixed base adapted for use on a work surface, the fixed base having a rear actuated clamp assembly secured thereto. Other systems and methods may include one or more bases adapted for use on a work surface; and a guide assembly removably securable to the one or more bases, wherein the guide assembly provides infinite vertical adjustability which can be retained without clamping. Yet other systems and methods may include a portable base securable to a work surface, the portable base having a portable base opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ALLEN IP, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Scott L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20060228180
    Abstract: Adjustable holding systems, as well as methods of using, may include a fixed base adapted for use on a work surface, the fixed base having a rear actuated clamp assembly secured thereto. Other systems and methods may include one or more bases adapted for use on a work surface; and a guide assembly removably securable to the one or more bases, wherein the guide assembly provides infinite vertical adjustability which can be retained without clamping. Yet other systems and methods may include a portable base securable to a work surface, the portable base having a portable base opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Craig Sommerfeld, Scott Clark
  • Patent number: 6726411
    Abstract: An adjustable holding device comprising a base and a guide removably secured to the base is disclosed. In one embodiment, more than two guide channels are angularly disposed within the guide to guide a drill bit, wherein the more than two guide channels provide multiple two-hole drilling combinations. In another embodiment, a step block is used to elevate the workpiece, thus allowing thinner workpieces to be accurately drilled. In yet another embodiment, a riser block is used to elevate and move the guide laterally backwards to allow thicker workpieces to be accurately drilled. In yet another embodiment, support wings can be used not only to support a large workpiece, but can also be used as a pre-drill guide for depth collar positioning along a drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Todd Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 6481937
    Abstract: An adjustable holding device comprising a base and a guide removably secured to the base is disclosed. In one embodiment, more than two guide channels are angularly disposed within the guide to guide a drill bit, wherein the more than two guide channels provide multiple two-hole drilling combinations. In another embodiment, a step block is used to elevate the workpiece, thus allowing thinner workpieces to be accurately drilled. In yet another embodiment, a riser block is used to elevate and move the guide laterally backwards to allow thicker workpieces to be accurately drilled. In yet another embodiment, support wings can be used not only to support a large workpiece, but can also be used as a pre-drill guide for depth collar positioning along a drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Todd Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20020150434
    Abstract: An adjustable holding device comprising a base and a guide removably secured to the base is disclosed. In one embodiment, more than two guide channels are angularly disposed within the guide to guide a drill bit, wherein the more than two guide channels provide multiple two-hole drilling combinations. In another embodiment, a step block is used to elevate the workpiece, thus allowing thinner workpieces to be accurately drilled. In yet another embodiment, a riser block is used to elevate and move the guide laterally backwards to allow thicker workpieces to be accurately drilled. In yet another embodiment, support wings can be used not only to support a large workpiece, but can also be used as a pre-drill guide for depth collar positioning along a drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Kreg Tool Co.
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Todd Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 5676500
    Abstract: A fixture including a clamp having a pair of opposing clamp members, one clamp member being releasably secured to a guide. In the preferred embodiment, one of the clamp members includes a circular disc that matingly engages a pocket formed in the guide. The clamp is releasably secured to the guide by a movable retainer that extends to engage and retain the circular disc when it is received in the pocket. When the retainer is moved out of engagement with the circular disc, the clamp may be removed from the pocket and used in other applications requiring a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Craig A. Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 4955766
    Abstract: A holding fixture for drilling pocket joints with a stepped drill bit. The fixture includes an L-shaped body member having a guide leg that carries an angularly disposed drill guide channel and a clamp leg that supports a clamping mechanism for securing a wooden workpiece flush against the planar surface of the guide leg. The drill guide channel has an upper stop flange and a lower end that terminates flush with the planar surface of the guide leg at a point spaced above the junction of the guide leg and the clamp leg. The stepped drill bit is secured in the chuck of a portable drill and an adjustable stop collar is positioned on the bit. The stop collar engages the stop flange so that the end of the bit is prevented from contacting the surface of the clamp leg. The wooden workpiece is secured flush to the planar surface of the guide leg by the clamp and the pocket and pilot hole are drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Craig A. Sommerfeld