Patents by Inventor Joel R. Lee
Joel R. Lee 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).
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Publication number: 20190219086Abstract: A rivet fastener assembly is configured to securely clamp together one or more components. The rivet fastener assembly includes a pin and a rivet body having a collar and a column extending from the collar. The rivet body further includes a collar stop configured to provide a positive locating feature for the pin once assembled.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Mark O. Lepper
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Publication number: 20190195253Abstract: A latching assembly includes a linear component and a base component. The linear component is configured to be coupled to a first element and includes at least one retention projection. The base component is configured to be coupled to a second element and includes a channel and at least one retention feature. The linear component is configured to be slidably received within the channel of the base component and the at least one retention feature of the base component is configured to engage the at least one retention projection of the linear component to retain the linear component within the channel of the base component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventor: Joel R. Lee
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Patent number: 8677569Abstract: A grab handle assembly with integrated articulating hook is disclosed comprising base elements and a handle pivotal on the base elements between closed and an open positions. A pivot pin is fixed to the handle and pivotally supported on a base element. A hook is pivotally supported on the pivot pin and is movable between a stored and a deployed position. In one form a resilient finger on the hook coacts with surfaces on the pivot pin to provide resistance to movement of the hook between the stored and deployed positions. The pin is configured to provide varied resistance at different hook positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Justin L. Ruzich, Walter Belchine, III, Joel R. Lee
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Patent number: 8586878Abstract: A switch engagement assembly includes a base component including a plurality of mating devices and a switch box configured to couple to the base component, the switch box including a plurality of complementary mating receptacles, each mating receptacle configured to receive a respective mating device. Also described herein is a vehicle arm rest including the switch engagement assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Walter Belchine, III, Michael L. Farmer, James Meyer, Anthony Savoia, Todd Callister, David Bonadona, Todd Henneike, Sven Carlson
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Patent number: 8550417Abstract: A retaining system for an articulating support hook held in snap-in relation to a support surface underlying a vehicle headliner. The support hook assembly includes a hook member which is adapted to pivot between open and closed positions as desired. The hook assembly is stable in both the open and the closed positions and is not reliant upon internal springs for operation. The retaining system for the support hook assembly is not dependent upon screws or other attachment elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Robert L. Charlton, Dion Harris
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Publication number: 20120319421Abstract: A grab handle assembly with integrated articulating hook is disclosed comprising base elements and a handle pivotal on the base elements between closed and an open positions. A pivot pin is fixed to the handle and pivotally supported on a base element. A hook is pivotally supported on the pivot pin and is movable between a stored and a deployed position. In one form a resilient finger on the hook coacts with surfaces on the pivot pin to provide resistance to movement of the hook between the stored and deployed positions. The pin is configured to provide varied resistance at different hook positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Justin L. Ruzich, Walter Belchine, III, Joel R. Lee
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Publication number: 20120315430Abstract: A decorated part for an assembly includes a decorative skin and a body, the skin wrapping an edge of the body so that adjacent edges of adjacent parts in the assembly do not expose the body. The process for making the part includes first vacuum forming the skin from a film, loading the formed skin into a mold and forming the body against the pre-formed skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Christopher D. ROBERTS, Douglas A. MARCINIAK, Joel R. LEE, Todd HENNEIKE, Douglas P. WENDLING, David J. BONADONA, Todd I. CALLISTER
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Patent number: 8152209Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism associated with a door latch mechanism of a vehicle obstructs operation of a door handle assembly when the inertia activated mechanism is subjected to acceleration forces from a vehicle event. Delaying structure in the inertia activated mechanism momentarily delays return to the pre-event condition during rapidly changing acceleration of the vehicle event.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Joel R. Lee
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Publication number: 20120043363Abstract: A retaining system for an articulating support hook held in snap-in relation to a support surface underlying a vehicle headliner. The support hook assembly includes a hook member which is adapted to pivot between open and closed positions as desired. The hook assembly is stable in both the open and the closed positions and is not reliant upon internal springs for operation. The retaining system for the support hook assembly is not dependent upon screws or other attachment elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Robert L. Charlton, Dion Harris
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Publication number: 20120012385Abstract: A switch engagement assembly includes a base component including a plurality of mating devices and a switch box configured to couple to the base component, the switch box including a plurality of complementary mating receptacles, each mating receptacle configured to receive a respective mating device. Also described herein is a vehicle arm rest including the switch engagement assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Walter Belchine, III, Michael L. Farmer, James Meyer, Anthony Savoia, Todd Callister, David Bonadona, Todd Henneike, Sven Carlson
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Patent number: 7988115Abstract: An articulating hook assembly adapted to pivot between open and closed positions as desired. The assembly includes a support frame, a hook pivot base of cloven construction projecting outwardly away from the support frame and a support hook adapted to pivotally engage the hook pivot base. The hook pivot base includes a pair of ear members separated by a variable width gap. At least one ear member includes a contoured inner face with a pattern of variable height surface structures including at least a first depression and a second depression with a raised height platform disposed between the first depression and a second depression. A projection finger on the support hook rides in sandwiched relation within the variable width gap such that upon rotation of the support hook between open and closed positions, the finger projection moves across the raised height platform surface between the first depression and a second depression.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Donald F. Ruffatto, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100187393Abstract: An articulating hook assembly adapted to pivot between open and closed positions as desired. The assembly includes a support frame, a hook pivot base of cloven construction projecting outwardly away from the support frame and a support hook adapted to pivotally engage the hook pivot base. The hook pivot base includes a pair of ear members separated by a variable width gap. At least one ear member includes a contoured inner face with a pattern of variable height surface structures including at least a first depression and a second depression with a raised height platform disposed between the first depression and a second depression. A projection finger on the support hook rides in sandwiched relation within the variable width gap such that upon rotation of the support hook between open and closed positions, the finger projection moves across the raised height platform surface between the first depression and a second depression.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Donald F. Ruffatto, JR.
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Patent number: 7617571Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a spring in a passenger assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes spaced supports and a canister containing a spring connected to the supports on opposite ends of the canister. Protrusions and receiving surfaces are provided on each end of the canister and on the supports for securing a position of the canister relative to the supports and resisting rotational forces exerted against the canister.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Peter A. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20090243307Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism associated with a door latch mechanism of a vehicle obstructs operation of a door handle assembly when the inertia activated mechanism is subjected to acceleration forces from a vehicle event. Delaying structure in the inertia activated mechanism momentarily delays return to the pre-event condition during rapidly changing acceleration of the vehicle event.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventor: JOEL R. LEE
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Patent number: 7578554Abstract: A system configured to allow adjustment of a vehicle seat includes a securing bracket, an extension bracket, and a latching member. The securing bracket is configured to be secured to structure within a vehicle, and includes an adjustment guide track having a plurality of recessed grooves separated by a plurality of teeth or ribs. The extension bracket is movably secured to the securing bracket and includes a fixed arm track, a lever engaging arm positioned within the arm track, and a lever operatively connected to the lever engaging arm. The engaging arm includes a curved channel. The latching member includes a boss or knob and a protuberance. The boss is positioned within the curved channel. The protuberance is configured to be retained within each of the recessed grooves. Movement of the lever engaging arm in a first linear direction causes the latching member to move in a second linear direction that is perpendicular to the first linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Jordan M. Mackey, Peter A. Sullivan
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Patent number: 7527307Abstract: A door handle assembly includes a handle pivot housing and a main handle rotatably or otherwise pivotally secured within the handle pivot housing. The handle pivot housing includes handle engaging-walls defining a handle pivot cavity therebetween. At least one of the handle-engaging walls includes an integrally formed boss extending into the handle pivot cavity. The main handle includes an arm integrally formed with a pivot joint defining a pivot axis, and a counterweight. The pivot joint rotatably or otherwise pivotally secures to the boss. The counterweight and the arm are positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis. The main handle may be configured to receive and retain a plurality of caps, which may be formed of a different material than said main handle. Each of the caps may differ in at least one of size, shape, structure, material, texture, and color.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Walter Belchine, III, Douglas Marciniak, William A. Purdy, Todd Callister, David Bonadona, Joel R. Lee
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Publication number: 20080098563Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a spring in a passenger assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes spaced supports and a canister containing a spring connected to the supports on opposite ends of the canister. Protrusions and receiving surfaces are provided on each end of the canister and on the supports for securing a position of the canister relative to the supports and resisting rotational forces exerted against the canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Peter A. Sullivan
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Patent number: 7320487Abstract: A cancel lever device is disclosed for a door handle mechanism of a motor vehicle. The device includes a cancelling portion having a first and a second side, the cancelling portion being pivotally secured relative to the door handle mechanism about a pivotal axis. The cancelling portion defines a leading edge and a biasing device is provided for biasing the leading edge such that in a first pivotal location thereof, the door handle mechanism is operable and in a second pivotal location of the leading edge, movement of the door handle mechanism is inhibited. The leading edge defines a channel and a bumper is disposed within the channel for cushioning movement of the cancelling portion when the leading edge moves from the second to the first location. The bumper includes a retaining protrusion which cooperates with the channel for retaining the bumper within the channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventor: Joel R. Lee
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Patent number: 7103939Abstract: An assist grip handle assembly that may be snap-fit to the interior of a vehicle or other structure includes a damper assembly provided with the handle assembly that does not require the use of a pivot pin. The damper assembly of the invention easily snap-fits into the assist grip handle assembly and provides improved speed control of the rotational movement of the assist grip handle. With the present invention, no special tools are required to assemble the assist grip handle assembly as the components may be snap-fit together resulting in a less complex and cumbersome assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventors: Walter Belchine, III, Joel R. Lee
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Patent number: 6988752Abstract: A pinless inside door handle assembly has a housing, a latch handle and a lock lever that snap together and require no separate pivot pin. Interrelating projections and enclosed apertures are in pivotal engagement.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Walter Belchine, III, Sven E. Carlson, Joel R. Lee