Patents by Inventor Daniel James Dickinson

Daniel James Dickinson 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: 7444721
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a pair of laterally offset legs joined at a head portion, wherein the legs form a clip opening at an opposite end of the head portion. A pair of arms are coupled to the pair of legs adjacent to the head portion such that the arms move substantially independently from the pair of legs, wherein the arms project toward the clip opening to form a frictional opening and to permit insertion or withdrawal of a post such that the post causes a non-compressive force between the arms when the post is withdrawn. The post may be a blade, post or tower on a body panel or any suitable flat post. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into a hole defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20080098576
    Abstract: A tether fastening device includes a tether clip and a strap to couple a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis, and a second engagement structure, such as a body panel. The strap is coupled to the tether clip and couples the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure to allow for controlled detachment. When attached, the tether clip fastens the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure. For example, the tether clip and first engagement structure may detach from the second engagement structure; however, the strap controls the acceleration, speed and distance displaced between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. According to one embodiment, the tether clip may further include a tether cap integrated with the strap and a fastener clip operative to couple to the tether cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Joseph W. Lawry, Edward Sacha
  • Patent number: 7188392
    Abstract: A spring fastener characterized by a structure having a cavity in which the rib of a first part, such as a plastic panel for example, like a pillar, may be engaged, and is also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of second part, such as a metal sheet for example, like the frame of a car. The spring fastener comprises engagement springs having a peak, engagement regions and-side cuts in the vicinity of the peak, preferably within the engagement regions. The side-cuts, of preferably triangular shape, increase considerably the lever/angle pulling force (pulling force applied on the first part and away from the spring fastener, in order to separate the first part from a second part connected together with the spring fastener). It is highly preferable that the fastener comprises barbs with inwardly bent front ends, and that the engagement regions further have hindrance portions, the combination of which highly improves the balance of insertion to removal ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Giugliano, Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Joseph William Lowry
  • Patent number: 7178850
    Abstract: A tether fastening device includes a tether clip and a strap to couple a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis, and a second engagement structure, such as a body panel. The strap is coupled to the tether clip and couples the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure to allow for controlled detachment. When attached, the tether clip fastens the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure. For example, the tether clip and first engagement structure may detach from the second engagement structure; however, the strap controls the acceleration, speed and distance displaced between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. According to one embodiment, the tether clip may further include a tether cap integrated with the strap and a fastener clip operative to couple to the tether cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Joseph W. Lowry, Edward Sacha, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6899499
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with an elastic body disposed at least under the head of the fastener. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. The elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners also provides water and gas proof properties, as well as elimination of squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: E. Vassiliou Revocable Trust
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6896461
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by adaptability of use with substrates, such as steel panels for example, of various thicknesses. This is achieved predominately by providing the fastener with legs having an origin section in the vicinity of the head of the fastener. Expansion promoters and/or anti-sliding elements improve considerably the separation resistance of objects connected with the fasteners of the present invention. Assemblies and vehicles comprising the spring fasteners of this invention, connecting two objects, one of the objects comprising a slot in which the fastener is inserted, and the other a hole, are also included within the scope of the instant invention. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further assist in the elimination of squeaking noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: E. Vassiliou Revo Cable Tryst
    Inventors: Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Richard H. Ducato
  • Patent number: 6868588
    Abstract: Assemblies comprising a fastener, which has engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20040136808
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with an elastic body disposed at least under the head of the fastener. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. The elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners also provides water and gas proof properties, as well as elimination of squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20040115027
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with an elastic body disposed at least under the head of the fastener. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. The elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners also provides water and gas proof properties, as well as elimination of squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20040093701
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20040096272
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20040083582
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance. The combination of the above structures with the presence of barbs being bent at their front portion improves immensely the ergonomic character of the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richared H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20040081534
    Abstract: Fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by snapping segments, which may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6726418
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with an elastic body disposed at least under the head of the fastener. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. The elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners also provides water and gas proof properties, as well as elimination of squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eustathios Vassiliou Revocable Trust
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6718599
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20040028498
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by adaptability of use with substrates, such as steel panels for example, of various thicknesses. This is achieved predominately by providing the fastener with legs having an origin section in the vicinity of the head of the fastener. Expansion promoters and/or anti-sliding elements improve considerably the separation resistance of objects connected with the fasteners of the present invention. Assemblies and vehicles comprising the spring fasteners of this invention, connecting two objects, one of the objects comprising a slot in which the fastener is inserted, and the other a hole, are also included within the scope of the instant invention. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further assist in the elimination of squeaking noises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Richard H. Ducato
  • Publication number: 20030053884
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with an elastic body disposed at least under the head of the fastener. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. The elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners also provides water and gas proof properties, as well as elimination of squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Publication number: 20020194710
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clements, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou