Patents by Inventor Eric W. Millward

Eric W. Millward 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: 20260123718
    Abstract: A rotatable latch system is disclosed that provides controlled angular motion and mechanical retention in multiple planes. The system includes a base structure having a base neck, a base locking cap, and an angle limiting notch, and a latch defining a neck opening, a locking cap opening, and an angle limiting slot. The latch is rotatably coupled to the base structure such that the base neck and locking cap are received and retained within the latch openings, while the angle limiting slot and notch cooperate to define a limited range of rotation. The system resists both in-plane and out-of-plane disassembly forces and may include snap-fit joints, adjustable angular limits, or asymmetrical rotation ranges. The latch may include a strap slot or alternative coupling features, enabling integration with various mechanical, consumer, or industrial assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2025
    Publication date: May 7, 2026
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, Scott D. Kolasa, John S. Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20260114553
    Abstract: A surface mount assembly is provided for securing a component having multiple openings. The assembly includes a base structure and a back plate to interlock through corresponding features. The base structure defines a mounted surface with a plurality of locking tabs and a centering post extending therefrom. The back plate includes a central hub portion, a series of flexible arms extending radially outward, and multiple clip openings each having a defined locking surface. During assembly, the centering post of the base structure aligns with an alignment slot in the back plate to ensure positioning. The locking tabs of the base structure pass through the component’s openings and engage the locking surfaces of the clip openings, thereby securely retaining the component between the base structure and the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2025
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, Scott D. Kolasa, John S. Pontaoe
  • Patent number: 12220024
    Abstract: Disclosed is a buckle assembly having a female buckle component and a male buckle component. The female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component and including a housing, a button aperture, and a pocket. The pocket includes an alignment edge at an opening of the pocket. The male buckle component includes a main body, guide bars, and lateral arms. Each lateral arm is coupled to the main body and configured to deflect about a pivot point. Each lateral arm includes a flexible lateral arm, a button, locking tips, and a guide fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Eric W. Millward
  • Publication number: 20230404219
    Abstract: Disclosed is a buckle assembly having a female buckle component and a male buckle component. The female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component and comprising a housing, a button aperture, and a pocket. The pocket comprises an alignment edge at an opening of the pocket. The male buckle component comprises a main body, guide bars, and lateral arms. Each lateral arm is coupled to the main body and configured to deflect about a pivot point. Each lateral arm comprises a flexible lateral arm, a button, locking tips, and a guide fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventor: Eric W. Millward
  • Patent number: 11723438
    Abstract: An adjustment buckle assembly includes a first component having a shaft extending from a flange and a second component having a receptacle formed through a base. The shaft is configured to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle and tapers inwardly relative to a central axis extending centrally through the first component. The shaft carries a plurality of teeth that are configured to engage with a plurality of ribs carried on the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, Scott D. Kolasa
  • Publication number: 20220061467
    Abstract: An adjustment buckle assembly includes a first component having a shaft extending from a flange and a second component having a receptacle formed through a base. The shaft is configured to be at least partially inserted into the receptacle and tapers inwardly relative to a central axis extending centrally through the first component. The shaft carries a plurality of teeth that are configured to engage with a plurality of ribs carried on the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, Scott D. Kolasa
  • Patent number: 11089842
    Abstract: An example buckle assembly includes a body and a latch. The body includes an integral whistle portion. The latch is configured to snapably mate with the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, John S. Pontaoe, Thomas A. Moeller
  • Publication number: 20210169180
    Abstract: An example buckle assembly includes a body and a latch. The body includes an integral whistle portion. The latch is configured to snapably mate with the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, John S. Pontaoe, Thomas A. Moeller
  • Patent number: D945313
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, John S. Pontaoe, Thomas A. Moeller
  • Patent number: D1018371
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Millward, Scott D. Kolasa
  • Patent number: D1062522
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Eric W. Millward