Patents by Inventor John Zapushek

John Zapushek 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: 7448236
    Abstract: An adjustable coupler lock for locking a trailer hitch such that a trailer cannot be removed from a vehicle. The coupler lock comprises a lock body with a locking mechanism and a locking plate, and also comprises a shaft having a narrow and a flange end, and also having multiple recesses along the length of the shaft for engagement with the locking plate of the lock body. The recesses along the length of the shaft have a vertical edge which engages the locking plate such that the lock body cannot be removed from the shaft without unlocking the locking mechanism. The recesses also have a tapered edge that allows for slidable movement of the lock body along the shaft, without unlocking the locking mechanism, for the purpose of adjusting the lock to the size of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Victor Yip, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: 7353671
    Abstract: An adjustable coupler lock for locking a trailer hitch such that a trailer cannot be removed from a vehicle. The coupler lock comprises a lock body with a locking mechanism and a locking plate, and also comprises a shaft having a narrow and a flange end, and also having multiple recesses along the length of the shaft for engagement with the locking plate of the lock body. The recesses along the length of the shaft have a vertical edge which engages the locking plate such that the lock body cannot be removed from the shaft without unlocking the locking mechanism. The recesses also have a tapered edge that allows for slidable movement of the lock body along the shaft, without unlocking the locking mechanism, for the purpose of adjusting the lock to the size of the latch. The components of the coupler lock are made of stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Master Lock Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Victor Yip, John Zapushek
  • Publication number: 20080061530
    Abstract: An adjustable coupler lock for locking a trailer hitch such that a trailer cannot be removed from a vehicle. The coupler lock comprises a lock body with a locking mechanism and a locking plate, and also comprises a shaft having a narrow and a flange end, and also having multiple recesses along the length of the shaft for engagement with the locking plate of the lock body. The recesses along the length of the shaft have a vertical edge which engages the locking plate such that the lock body cannot be removed from the shaft without unlocking the locking mechanism. The recesses also have a tapered edge that allows for slidable movement of the lock body along the shaft, without unlocking the locking mechanism, for the purpose of adjusting the lock to the size of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Victor Yip, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: 7267355
    Abstract: A hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotation mechanism. The hitch assembly generally includes a hitch ball, a ball mount, and a fastener. The invention is directed to a mechanism for preventing rotation of either the hitch ball or the fastener relative to the ball mount. The anti-rotation mechanism of the present invention provides an engagement means for interlocking sections of the hitch ball or fastener with the ball mount, thereby blocking rotation of the hitch ball or fastener relative to the ball mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Irgens, Frank Scott, John Zapushek, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Van Handel, Craig Kottke, Christopher Rhode
  • Publication number: 20060279067
    Abstract: A hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotation mechanism. The hitch assembly generally includes a hitch ball, a ball mount, and a fastener. The invention is directed to a mechanism for preventing rotation of either the hitch ball or the fastener relative to the ball mount. The anti-rotation mechanism of the present invention provides an engagement means for interlocking sections of the hitch ball or fastener with the ball mount, thereby blocking rotation of the hitch ball or fastener relative to the ball mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Irgens, Frank Scott, John Zapushek, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Handel, Craig Kottke, Christopher Rohde
  • Patent number: 7104563
    Abstract: An integral locking coupler comprising a locking mechanism mechanically coupled to a set of engagement pins for securing a coupler to a receiver. The locking mechanism translates movement to the engagement pins to move them to and from an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the engagement pins engage the receiver thereby securing the coupler. When in the retracted position, the engagement pins are generally contained within the coupler housing allowing the coupler to be inserted into and removed from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Tim Makos, Chris Irgens, Joe Elliott, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: 7066483
    Abstract: An integral locking coupler comprising a locking mechanism mechanically coupled to a set of engagement pins for securing a coupler to a receiver. The locking mechanism translates movement to the engagement pins to move them to and from an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the engagement pins engage the receiver thereby securing the coupler. When in the retracted position, the engagement pins are generally contained within the coupler housing allowing the coupler to be inserted into and removed from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Tim Makos, Chris Irgens, Joe Elliott, John Zapushek
  • Publication number: 20060119074
    Abstract: An integral locking coupler comprising a locking mechanism mechanically coupled to a set of engagement pins for securing a coupler to a receiver. The locking mechanism translates movement to the engagement pins to move them to and from an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the engagement pins engage the receiver thereby securing the coupler. When in the retracted position, the engagement pins are generally contained within the coupler housing allowing the coupler to be inserted into and removed from the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Tim Makos, Chris Irgens, Joe Elliott, John Zapushek
  • Publication number: 20050151349
    Abstract: A hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotation mechanism. The hitch assembly generally includes a hitch ball, a ball mount, and a fastener. The invention is directed to a mechanism for preventing rotation of either the hitch ball or the fastener relative to the ball mount. The anti-rotation mechanism of the present invention provides an engagement means for interlocking sections of the hitch ball or fastener with the ball mount, thereby blocking rotation of the hitch ball or fastener relative to the ball mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher Irgens, Franco Scott, John Zapushek, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Handel, Craig Kottke, Christopher Rohde
  • Publication number: 20050092037
    Abstract: A cable lock that is locked and unlocked through the movement of a set of combination dials. The combination dials are used to provide a proper combination. Upon entry of the proper combination, a knob is used to actuate a lever which releases a locking clamp. A cable is passed through a cable passageway and secured therein when the locking clamp is released. The cable lock may include an unlocked position, a locked position, and a cinch position. Additionally, the lock may include a rest feature to allow the proper combination to be reset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY
    Inventors: Glenn Meekma, John Zapushek, Monica Toomey
  • Patent number: 6865914
    Abstract: A lock including a lock body, lock cylinder, a threaded member and an engagement member. The engagement member moves within the lock body to engage the threaded member in at least two different positions. One of the positions allows the lock threaded member to be tightened onto a corresponding threaded connection and then locked into place, thereby securing the object which contains the threaded connection. Another one of the positions allows the lock threaded to be loosened from the corresponding threaded connection and thereby allows the lock to be removed from the object which contains the threaded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Christopher R. Irgens, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: 6854302
    Abstract: A tool lock, especially useful in preventing theft or unauthorized use of a tool. The tool lock has a housing in which a lock cylinder assembly and locking balls are disposed. The tool lock housing has an opening at one end in which a portion of a tool, such as a pneumatic fitting on a pneumatic tool, may be inserted and secured by the engagement of the locking balls. The tool lock housing may further include a shackle portion which can be used in conjunction with a cable, either integral or separate, padlock, or chain to secure the tool lock to another object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: John Zapushek, Christopher R. Irgens
  • Publication number: 20050022618
    Abstract: An adjustable coupler lock for locking a trailer hitch such that a trailer cannot be removed from a vehicle. The coupler lock comprises a lock body with a locking mechanism and a locking plate, and also comprises a shaft having a narrow and a flange end, and also having multiple recesses along the length of the shaft for engagement with the locking plate of the lock body. The recesses along the length of the shaft have a vertical edge which engages the locking plate such that the lock body cannot be removed from the shaft without unlocking the locking mechanism. The recesses also have a tapered edge that allows for slidable movement of the lock body along the shaft, without unlocking the locking mechanism, for the purpose of adjusting the lock to the size of the latch. The components of the coupler lock are made of stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY
    Inventors: Chris Irgens, John Zapushek, Rolf Hohmann
  • Patent number: D511292
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Rolf Hohmann, John Zapushek, Chris Irgens
  • Patent number: D524142
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: D524144
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Chris Irgens, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Van Handel, Gary Burmesch, Victor Yip, Kerry Jacques, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: D525857
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Chris Irgens, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Van Handel, Gary Burmesch, Victor Yip, Kerry Jacques, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: D531008
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Chris Irgens, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Van Handel, Gary Burmesch, Victor Yip, Kerry Jacques, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: D536236
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Chris Irgens, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Van Handel, Gary Burmesch, Victor Yip, Kerry Jacques, John Zapushek
  • Patent number: D546663
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Chris Irgens, Rolf Hohmann, Mark Van Handel, Gary Burmesch, Victor Yip, Kerry Jacques, John Zapushek