Patents by Inventor Jonathon Nicholas Whaley

Jonathon Nicholas Whaley 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: 7445829
    Abstract: A washer (100) comprising wadding material and having an aperture (104) extending therethrough is disclosed. The wadding material is compressed at least around the periphery (102) of the aperture (104). The compressed wadding material is sufficiently elastic such that, when fitted to upholstery together with a tuft, the dimensions of the aperture may increase sufficiently to accommodate a tufting needle and then return to its original dimensions after withdrawal of the needle so as to, prevent disengagement of the tuft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathon Nicholas Whaley
  • Patent number: 6868797
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for the automatic tufting of upholstery units using tufts comprising a retaining link with a tuft element at either end and associated with further tufts is provided. The device comprises engagement device for a tuft device for separating the engaged tuft from the associated tufts; device for driving one tuft element and the retaining link of the engaged tuft through an upholstery unit and withdrawing the engagement device once the tuft is released; and device for automatically reloading the device with a further tuft. A method of automatically tufting upholstery units using such a device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jonathon Nicholas Whaley
  • Publication number: 20040103835
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for the automatic tufting of upholstery units using tufts comprising a retaining link with a tuft element at either end and associated with further tufts is provided. The device comprises engagement device for a tuft device for separating the engaged tuft from the associated tufts; device for driving one tuft element and the retaining link of the engaged tuft through an upholstery unit and withdrawing the engagement device once the tuft is released; and device for automatically reloading the device with a further tuft. A method of automatically tufting upholstery units using such a device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathon Nicholas Whaley
  • Patent number: 6718894
    Abstract: A device for the automatic tufting of upholstery units using tufts (22) comprising a retaining link (12) with a tuft element (14a, 14b) at either end and associated with further tufts (24, 26) is provided. The device comprises engagement device (30, 34) for a tuft (22); device (20) for separating the engaged tuft (22) from the associated tufts (24); device for driving one tuft element (14a) and the retaining link of the engaged tuft (22) through an upholstery unit (40) and withdrawing the engagement device once the tuft is released; and device for automatically reloading the device with a further tuft. A method of automatically tufting upholstery units using such a device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathon Nicholas Whaley
  • Publication number: 20030116070
    Abstract: A device for the automatic tufting of upholstery units using tufts (22) comprising a retaining link (12) with a tuft element (14a, 14b) at either end and associated with further tufts (24, 26) is provided. The device comprises engagement means (30, 34) for a tuft (22); means (20) for separating the engaged tuft (22) from the associated tufts (24); means for driving one tuft element (14a) and the retaining link of the engaged tuft (22) through an upholstery unit (40) and withdrawing the engagement means once the tuft is released; and means for automatically reloading the device with a further tuft. A method of automatically tufting upholstery units using such a device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Jonathon Nicholas Whaley