Patents by Inventor Dale J. Crook

Dale J. Crook 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: 11881695
    Abstract: A one-piece injection molded plastic electrical box. The box has an integrated lid which is connected to the body of the box via a living hinge, also formed during the molding process. Four slots on either of four walls allow wires to enter the box from all sides. These openings have doors are designed to bend down, allowing space for the wires to be inserted. Once all wires are placed within the box, the top lid is closed and latched. The bent opening doors act as clamps to secure the wires by applying pressure to the wires as those doors attempt to bend back to their original orientation. This box may be installed without requiring power to be cut off to the splice connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull
  • Publication number: 20230332423
    Abstract: A hole patch system having a front portion including an adhesive rear face and a closed cell foam backer attached to the rear face of the front portion. The foam backer can be inserted into a hole and secured in place via the front portion which adheres to the surface of the structure surrounding the hole. A primary purpose is to fill abandoned wall boxes, such that the foam backer is preformed to fit the standard shape and size of wall boxes. However, holes of any shape or size could be filled using variations of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Susan G. Crook
  • Publication number: 20220131356
    Abstract: A one-piece injection molded plastic electrical box. The box has an integrated lid which is connected to the body of the box via a living hinge, also formed during the molding process. Four slots on either of four walls allow wires to enter the box from all sides. These openings have doors are designed to bend down, allowing space for the wires to be inserted. Once all wires are placed within the box, the top lid is closed and latched. The bent opening doors act as clamps to secure the wires by applying pressure to the wires as those doors attempt to bend back to their original orientation. This box may be installed without requiring power to be cut off to the splice connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull
  • Patent number: 11148463
    Abstract: A storage compartment formed from two halves designed to fit a paint lid, the two halves being connected by a living hinge or other suitable connection type. The two halves can be sealed over the paint lid. An optional magnet holds the storage compartment and lid to the bottom of the paint can, ensuring the lid remains in proximity to the paint can. A second magnet may also hold the lid in place within the storage compartment. Molded clasps or other closure elements are used to close the lid over the storage compartment. A rotatable arm can be tilted up from the storage compartment to allow for carrying of the open paint can along with the lid keeper storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull
  • Publication number: 20190322125
    Abstract: A storage compartment formed from two halves designed to fit a paint lid, the two halves being connected by a living hinge or other suitable connection type. The two halves can be sealed over the paint lid. An optional magnet holds the storage compartment and lid to the bottom of the paint can, ensuring the lid remains in proximity to the paint can. A second magnet may also hold the lid in place within the storage compartment. Molded clasps or other closure elements are used to close the lid over the storage compartment. A rotatable arm can be tilted up from the storage compartment to allow for carrying of the open paint can along with the lid keeper storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull
  • Patent number: 10091955
    Abstract: An irrigation system for watering lawns, plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants. The irrigation system includes a plurality of irrigation spikes which clamp onto and puncture into a standard garden hose. The spikes are placed into soil where desired and the garden hose is placed into a clamp opening of the spikes, where a needle pierces the hose. In a preferred embodiment, the hose is deformed by the clamp opening into an oblong shape to improve water flow through the spike. An alternative embodiment includes a remote hose connecting the clamp to the stake portion of the spike, so that the stake can be placed a distance away from the hose for remote irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Steel Table Group LLC
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull, Robert M. Coulston, Brian A. Hager, Curtis R. McMillan, Stanton W. Fernald
  • Patent number: 9127698
    Abstract: An anchoring device for a deck or dock or similar structure comprising an anchoring member, a holding plate, and a fastener. First, the fastener is threaded through the holding plate and ring assembly. Then, the holding plate and fastener is inserted through an opening in the support structure, e.g., a narrow slot between the boards on the deck or patio, and, finally, the fastener is pulled outward in relation to the anchoring member to securely affix the anchoring member and the holding plate against two opposing sides of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Brull, Brian Allen Hager, Robert Michael Coulston, Curtis Robert McMillan, Stanton Wayne Fernald, Dale J. Crook
  • Publication number: 20150181820
    Abstract: An irrigation system for watering lawns, plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants. The irrigation system includes a plurality of irrigation spikes which clamp onto and puncture into a standard garden hose. The spikes are placed into soil where desired and the garden hose is placed into a clamp opening of the spikes, where a needle pierces the hose. In a preferred embodiment, the hose is deformed by the clamp opening into an oblong shape to improve water flow through the spike. An alternative embodiment includes a remote hose connecting the clamp to the stake portion of the spike, so that the stake can be placed a distance away from the hose for remote irrigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull, Robert M. Coulston, Brian A. Hager, Curtis R. McMillan, Stanton W. Fernald
  • Publication number: 20140102040
    Abstract: A wall anchor assembly and method of installing such to a wall assembly, ceiling assembly, door, or other surface. The wall anchor assembly generally includes a thin line anchor which includes a drill guide, a threaded receiver, and a pair of cord holes. A flexible cord is threaded through the cord holes and can be used to position the anchor on the interior face of a wall assembly once a hole is drilled using the drill guide located on the anchor and the anchor has been inserted through the drilled hole. The anchor may be made from cutting a flat bar or stamping, milling, extruding, or molding the anchor from steel, aluminum, or plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Lynn R. Bean
  • Patent number: 8540792
    Abstract: A flexible cover having magnetic attachment is provided for sealing openings in a structure such as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning duct, an automobile window, or an automobile door handle or lock. Magnets or another suitable affixing device are attached at the periphery on one side of the cover. Alternatively, the magnets may be attached to one side of the cover by sandwiching the magnets between two opposing flexible covers. Gaps between the magnets permit the flexible cover to attach to objects having a curved or angular conformation. In operation, the cover is placed over the opening preventing the transmission of air, fluid material, or particulate material through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Patent number: 8038175
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and across indentations at the ends of the ribs to secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Patent number: 7914047
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Publication number: 20100313535
    Abstract: A flexible cover having magnetic attachment is provided for sealing openings in a structure such as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning duct, an automobile window, or an automobile door handle or lock. Magnets or another suitable affixing device are attached at the periphery on one side of the cover. Alternatively, the magnets may be attached to one side of the cover by sandwiching the magnets between two opposing flexible covers. Gaps between the magnets permit the flexible cover to attach to objects having a curved or angular conformation. In operation, the cover is placed over the opening preventing the transmission of air, fluid material, or particulate material through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Patent number: 7644956
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly (2) for supporting flexible duct (4) includes a frame (6) with first and second frame sections (10a, b). The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies (8). The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Publication number: 20090090819
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and across indentations at the ends of the ribs to secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Publication number: 20090079184
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Patent number: 7100248
    Abstract: A flexible tie strap includes an elongated narrow web with a fastener joined at one end. One surface of the web is equipped with a plurality of spaced apart ratchet teeth. The fastener includes an aperture to receive the free end of the web and a tongue with a pawl. The pawl is positioned to engage the web teeth to prevent withdrawal of the web through the fastener. A release tab and an anchor tab are joined to the fastener in spaced relation to each other for flexing the fastener to disengage the pawl from the teeth and release the strap from the fastener. The web of the strap may include a series of spaced apart holes to permit attachment of other devices to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Patent number: D537934
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Patent number: D580543
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Patent number: D816439
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Steel Table Group LLC
    Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull, Robert M. Coulston, Brian A. Hager, Curtis R. McMillan, Stanton W. Fernald