Patents by Inventor Ian A. Hill

Ian A. Hill 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: 12060712
    Abstract: A structural post includes a base plate defining a plurality of through holes, and a post portion that includes at least a pair of internal walls and at least a pair of external walls. A connector block is configured to receive a locking screw and to engage with a bolt thread of a bolt. A lock plate has a plate thread that is configured to engage the screw thread of the locking screw, and the lock plate is configured to expand upon being drawn by the locking screw into tight engagement with the connector block. The expanded lock plate is configured to apply a force on one of the pair of internal walls and one of the pair of external walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Fortress Iron, LP
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 11666141
    Abstract: A telescoping countertop support bracket assembly includes a channel member that defines a plurality of through holes through a lateral wall of the channel member. Each of the through holes is configured to receive a fastener; the channel member defines a support bar receiving portion and an accessory bar receiving portion. A support bar is received by the channel member, and it is telescopically adjustable within the channel member. A countertop contact surface is supported by the support bar, and the fasteners secure the support bar within the channel member at an adjustable support length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20220403654
    Abstract: A structural post includes a base plate defining a plurality of through holes, and a post portion that includes at least a pair of internal walls and at least a pair of external walls. A connector block is configured to receive a locking screw and to engage with a bolt thread of a bolt. A lock plate has a plate thread that is configured to engage the screw thread of the locking screw, and the lock plate is configured to expand upon being drawn by the locking screw into tight engagement with the connector block. The expanded lock plate is configured to apply a force on one of the pair of internal walls and one of the pair of external walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Fortress Iron, LP
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 11493076
    Abstract: A hardware component imitating a nut/bolt/washer connection for structural members includes a base portion with a disc-shaped base plate and a cylindrical member including an outer surface in the shape of a hex nut. The disc-shaped base plate extends radially to the cylindrical member and imitates a washer. The disc-shaped base plate includes a first opening having a first diameter and the cylindrical member includes a second opening having a second diameter, where the first and second openings are concentric and said second diameter is larger diameter than said first diameter. The first opening is sized to receive therethrough a shaft of a mounting device, and the second opening is sized to receive therein a head of said mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 11486430
    Abstract: A post coupler expands laterally. The post coupler includes a first member that is hollow and has a first slanted face. A second member is also hollow and has a second slanted face that is abutted with the first slanted face. A rod extends through the first and second members; the rod has a head that is disposed at a head end and threads disposed at a thread end. A nut is engaged with the threads, and rotating the nut causes the first member to extend in a first lateral direction and causes the second cylindrical member to extend in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 11428005
    Abstract: A structural post includes a base plate defining a plurality of through holes, and a post portion that includes at least a pair of internal walls and at least a pair of external walls. A connector block is configured to receive a locking screw and to engage with a bolt thread of a bolt. A lock plate has a plate thread that is configured to engage the screw thread of the locking screw, and the lock plate is configured to expand upon being drawn by the locking screw into tight engagement with the connector block. The expanded lock plate is configured to apply a force on one of the pair of internal walls and one of the pair of external walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Fortress Iron, LP
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20220120083
    Abstract: A structural post includes a base plate defining a plurality of through holes, and a post portion that includes at least a pair of internal walls and at least a pair of external walls. A connector block is configured to receive a locking screw and to engage with a bolt thread of a bolt. A lock plate has a plate thread that is configured to engage the screw thread of the locking screw, and the lock plate is configured to expand upon being drawn by the locking screw into tight engagement with the connector block. The expanded lock plate is configured to apply a force on one of the pair of internal walls and one of the pair of external walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20220120309
    Abstract: An internal connector system of structural member includes a locking screw with a screw thread. A connector block includes a first bore hole sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the locking screw, and the connector block is configured to engage with a bolt thread of a bolt. A lock plate has a plate thread that is configured to engage the screw thread of the locking screw. Tightening the locking screw causes the connector block to expand the lock plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20210145165
    Abstract: A telescoping countertop support bracket assembly includes a channel member that defines a plurality of through holes through a lateral wall of the channel member. Each of the through holes is configured to receive a fastener; the channel member defines a support bar receiving portion and an accessory bar receiving portion. A support bar is received by the channel member, and it is telescopically adjustable within the channel member. A countertop contact surface is supported by the support bar, and the fasteners secure the support bar within the channel member at an adjustable support length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10932559
    Abstract: A telescoping countertop support bracket assembly includes a channel member that defines a plurality of through holes through a lateral wall of the channel member. Each of the through holes is configured to receive a fastener; the channel member defines a support bar receiving portion and an accessory bar receiving portion. A support bar is received by the channel member, and it is telescopically adjustable within the channel member. A countertop contact surface is supported by the support bar, and the fasteners secure the support bar within the channel member at an adjustable support length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10907680
    Abstract: A through bolted connection hardware includes a bolt having an at least partially threaded shaft and a head. At least one nut connector defines a shaft hole and a head hole that is coaxial with the shaft hole, and the shaft hole is sized to receive the shaft of the bolt and not to allow the head to fit through the shaft hole. An outer surface of the at least one nut connector has a hexagonal shape. A tube defines an axially extending threaded bore that is configured to matingly receive the shaft at a first end of the threaded bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20200229589
    Abstract: A telescoping countertop support bracket assembly includes a channel member that defines a plurality of through holes through a lateral wall of the channel member. Each of the through holes is configured to receive a fastener; the channel member defines a support bar receiving portion and an accessory bar receiving portion. A support bar is received by the channel member, and it is telescopically adjustable within the channel member. A countertop contact surface is supported by the support bar, and the fasteners secure the support bar within the channel member at an adjustable support length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10648170
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an assembly includes a first plate comprising a first primary portion and a first flange disposed orthogonally to the first primary portion. The first primary portion is configured to contact a first structural member and the first flange defining a first through hole. A second plate comprises a second primary portion and a second flange disposed orthogonally to the second primary portion. The second primary portion is configured to contact a second structural member and the second flange defines a second through hole. A cover receives the second flange. A bolt is received through the first through hole, and tightening the bolt draws the first flange toward the second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20200124080
    Abstract: A hardware component imitating a nut/bolt/washer connection for structural members includes a base portion with a disc-shaped base plate and a cylindrical member including an outer surface in the shape of a hex nut. The disc-shaped base plate extends radially to the cylindrical member and imitates a washer. The disc-shaped base plate includes a first opening having a first diameter and the cylindrical member includes a second opening having a second diameter, where the first and second openings are concentric and said second diameter is larger diameter than said first diameter. The first opening is sized to receive therethrough a shaft of a mounting device, and the second opening is sized to receive therein a head of said mounting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10597890
    Abstract: A post base includes a base member comprising post support wall and a plurality of peripheral side walls extending from the post support wall. The base member further comprises a first tab and a second tab, each extending inward. A plurality of stirrup plates each include at least one slot sized and shaped to receive one of the plurality of tabs of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10520007
    Abstract: An assembly includes a simulated nut-and-washer member and a mounting device. The simulated nut-and-washer member includes a base plate simulating a washer, and a cylindrical portion simulating a nut and having a top surface and an outer sidewall with a plurality of faces, the top surface defining a first circular opening having a first diameter. An inner annular surface is disposed radially inward from the outer sidewall and defines a second circular opening disposed coaxial with the first circular opening and having a diameter that is less than the first diameter. The mounting device is configured to be received through the first and second circular openings, and it has a head portion that is configured to contact the inner annular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20190330840
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an assembly includes a first plate comprising a first primary portion and a first flange disposed orthogonally to the first primary portion. The first primary portion is configured to contact a first structural member and the first flange defining a first through hole. A second plate comprises a second primary portion and a second flange disposed orthogonally to the second primary portion. The second primary portion is configured to contact a second structural member and the second flange defines a second through hole. A cover receives the second flange. A bolt is received through the first through hole, and tightening the bolt draws the first flange toward the second flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 10428849
    Abstract: A post coupler expands laterally. The post coupler includes a first member that is hollow and has a first slanted face. A second member is also hollow and has a second slanted face that is abutted with the first slanted face. A rod extends through the first and second members; the rod has a head that is disposed at a head end and threads disposed at a thread end. A nut is engaged with the threads, and rotating the nut causes the first member to extend in a first lateral direction and causes the second cylindrical member to extend in a second lateral direction opposite the first radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: D870545
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: D898559
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Oz-Post International, LLC
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill