Patents by Inventor Loc B. Tieu

Loc B. Tieu 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: 7073231
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Patent number: 6952863
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Publication number: 20040052579
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Publication number: 20040049895
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Publication number: 20040052575
    Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
  • Publication number: 20020002757
    Abstract: The double hinged latch is an ambidextrous latch having corresponding activation means substantially parallel on either side of a lid substrate. During activation, a slide member drives a rotary linkage, which in turn disengage slide pins from the housing. Simultaneously, a lock link is driven by a rotary link, to secure the opposite rotary link, thereby locking the second side slide pins within the housing thereby being used as hinge. The slide members are biased by a living spring with aperture located therein. Engagement is biased by a compression spring attached to the rotary linkages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu
  • Patent number: 6230372
    Abstract: A fastener secures to a first member. The fastener comprises an attachment member and a retaining member connected to the attachment member for rotation. The attachment member has a body and a support. The retaining member is positioned between the body and the support. The support is attached to and moveable relative to the body for regulating frictional resistance between the retaining member and the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Sokurenko, Christopher J. Pinkow, Loc B. Tieu, William Wiedmann, Thomas D. Goham, Eric D. Hyp
  • Patent number: 6053070
    Abstract: A latch assembly comprises a handle, a shaft and a latching member on the shaft. The handle includes a surface having a plurality of ribs that are engaged by the shaft in operation. The ribs alone and in combination with the shaft can provide a variety of features, including retaining the assembled position of the handle and shaft, limiting sideways movement of the shaft during assembly and in operation, supporting the shaft during pivotal movements of the handle in operation and as a grip for an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Loc B. Tieu
  • Patent number: 6050618
    Abstract: A sliding-action slam latch includes an integrally molded rearwardly curving leaf spring for engaging the door panel in which the latch is mounted. A recess in the underside of the latch permits free travel of the leaf spring as the latch is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Loc B. Tieu
  • Patent number: D435780
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Southco
    Inventor: Loc B. Tieu
  • Patent number: D442463
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Loc B. Tieu, Christopher J. Pinkow
  • Patent number: D409473
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Loc B. Tieu
  • Patent number: D429618
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Loc B. Tieu