Patents by Inventor John Pontaoe

John Pontaoe 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: 11786015
    Abstract: A buckle assembly that includes a male buckle component to mate with a female buckle component into a securely connected position. The male buckle component includes a main body, a mating guide beam, and one or more lateral arms coupled to the main body to deflect about a pivot point. Each of the one or more lateral arms includes a flexible lateral arm and a button. The button engages the female buckle component via a latching ledge, which defines a sloped transition from the flexible lateral arm to the button. The female buckle component includes a housing that defines a button aperture to secure the button of the male component, a disengagement aperture proximal to the button aperture, and a pocket to receive the male buckle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John Pontaoe, Steve Keller
  • Publication number: 20230100046
    Abstract: A buckle assembly that includes a male buckle component to mate with a female buckle component into a securely connected position. The male buckle component includes a main body, a mating guide beam, and one or more lateral arms coupled to the main body to deflect about a pivot point. Each of the one or more lateral arms includes a flexible lateral arm and a button. The button engages the female buckle component via a latching ledge, which defines a sloped transition from the flexible lateral arm to the button. The female buckle component includes a housing that defines a button aperture to secure the button of the male component, a disengagement aperture proximal to the button aperture, and a pocket to receive the male buckle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: John Pontaoe, Steve Keller
  • Publication number: 20070089280
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a female connection member having open button areas, and a male connection member configured to mate with the female connection member. The male connection member may include deflectable lateral arms having buttons that are configured to be positioned within the open button areas, and at least one flexible and resilient strut member connecting the lateral arms together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20070017074
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a female connection member having button openings, and a male connection member configured to mate with the female connection member into a securely connected position. The male connection member includes lateral arms having buttons at distal ends. The lateral arms are configured to deflect about pivot points, and the buttons are configured to be secured within the button openings. A flexible and resilient floating strut connects the lateral arms together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20060168782
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a first housing having first lateral walls, and a second housing having second lateral walls. The second housing securely retains said first housing in a mated position. The first housing disengages from the second housing through manipulation of the first lateral walls at any location along the first lateral walls such that the manipulation of the first lateral walls causes the first housing to disengage from the second housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20050125961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adjusting and locking a strap. The device includes a base portion, the base portion including a base having a first and a second side and a front and a back. A first sidewall extends away from the first side of the base, the first sidewall defining a window. A second sidewall extends away from the second side of the base, the second sidewall defining a further window. A door portion cooperates with the base portion, the door portion having a first and a second edge. The door portion includes a locking bar having a first and a second end, the locking bar extending between the first and second edges of the door portion. The first end of the locking bar defines a first positioning dial. The second end of the locking bar defines a second positioning dial such that in use of the device, the first positioning dial is movably located within the window. Also, the second positioning dial is movably located within the further window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Publication number: 20030106193
    Abstract: A buckle device is disclosed for releasably fastening together a first, second and third strap. The device includes a first plug attached to the first strap and a second plug attached to the second strap. A socket is attached to the third strap and a release button is molded separately from the socket and cooperates with the socket such that when the button is disposed in a first disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are secured relative to the socket and when the button is disposed in a second disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are released from the socket. The socket defines a catch which engages an opening when the tongue is inserted into a first hole such that the first plug is secured relative to the socket. Also, the socket defines a further catch which engages a further opening when the further tongue is inserted into a second hole such that the second plug is secured relative to the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Patent number: 6463638
    Abstract: A strap retainer for a buckle assembly wherein a strap retaining portion defines a slot. One or more teeth are positioned along the strap retaining portion and extend into the slot. At least one tooth is positioned along an inner edge of the strap retaining portion. The buckle assembly may further include a first mating portion and a second mating portion, each having the strap retaining portion, that engage with a centrally-positioned housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John Pontaoe
  • Patent number: D614995
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John Pontaoe