Patents by Inventor Eric J. Kato

Eric J. Kato 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).

  • Publication number: 20250230829
    Abstract: Described is a tube retainer for securing at least one tube relative to a component. The tube retainer includes a first wall, a second wall spaced from said first wall, a tube pocket, and a reinforcement brace. The tube pocket is positioned between the first wall and the second wall. The tube pocket receives the tube. The reinforcement brace is formed on the outer surface of said first wall that is opposite the tube pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2025
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Eric J. Kato, Kileean E. Bell
  • Patent number: 10527202
    Abstract: A routing clip assembly is configured to securely retain a tubular component (308). The routing clip assembly includes a tube-constraining insert (300) including a support base (310) and opposed constraining arms (320) extending from a first surface (322) of the support base. A tube-constraining channel (324) is defined between the opposed constraining arms and the support base. The constraining arms are configured to axially and radially constrain the tubular component. The routing clip assembly may also include a tube retainer (302) defining an internal chamber (303). The tube-constraining insert (300) is configured to be positioned within the internal chamber (303).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Hideki Kanie, Eric J. Kato
  • Publication number: 20180187798
    Abstract: A routing clip assembly is configured to securely retain a tubular component (308). The routing clip assembly includes a tube-constraining insert (300) including a support base (310) and opposed constraining arms (320) extending from a first surface (322) of the support base. A tube-constraining channel (324) is defined between the opposed constraining arms and the support base. The constraining arms are configured to axially and radially constrain the tubular component. The routing clip assembly may also include a tube retainer (302) defining an internal chamber (303). The tube-constraining insert (300) is configured to be positioned within the internal chamber (303).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Hideki Kanie, Eric J. Kato
  • Patent number: 9416896
    Abstract: A tube clip assembly incorporating a base having at least one tube support cradle and a displaceable lid adapted to be secured in overlying relation to the base to retain a tube in substantially stationary relation within the tube support cradle. Flexible arms are disposed on either side of the tube support cradle. The flexible arms are adapted to compressively engage the tube when the lid is closed such that a portion of the arms may bite into the tube thereby resisting both axial and rotational movement of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Kato, Thomas A. Benoit, Mark O. Lepper