Patents by Inventor Lyle J Smith

Lyle J Smith 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: 7752720
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for attaching a trim cover to a flexible/resilient substrate, typically constructed from foam, which includes a plurality of clips that each has a base molded into the substrate. The bases each include a central “keyhole” slot that receives a corresponding key formed on a stem at a bottom of a clip projection. The clip projection defines a cavity for receiving a trim cover bead through a gap formed between a pair of legs that extend from the bottom. The stem has a length that is approximately the thickness of the slot. By passing the key through the slot and rotating the key to a locked position, the clip projection may be removably mounted to the substrate for repair or replacement as needed. The base may be constructed from a material that adheres effectively to the substrate, while the clip projection may be constructed from a material that exhibits high elasticity and wear-resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Lyle J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090165263
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for attaching a trim cover to a flexible/resilient substrate, typically constructed from foam, which includes a plurality of clips that each has a base molded into the substrate. The bases each include a central “keyhole” slot that receives a corresponding key formed on a stem at a bottom of a clip projection. The clip projection defines a cavity for receiving a trim cover bead through a gap formed between a pair of legs that extend from the bottom. The stem has a length that is approximately the thickness of the slot. By passing the key through the slot and rotating the key to a locked position, the clip projection may be removably mounted to the substrate for repair or replacement as needed. The base may be constructed from a material that adheres effectively to the substrate, while the clip projection may be constructed from a material that exhibits high elasticity and wear-resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Lyle J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7487575
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for attaching a trim cover to a flexible/resilient substrate, typically constructed from foam, which includes a plurality of clips that each has a base molded into the substrate. The bases each include a central “key-hole” slot that receives a corresponding key formed on a stem at a bottom of a clip projection. The clip projection defines a cavity for receiving a trim cover bead through a gap formed between a pair of legs that extend from the bottom. The stem has a length that is approximately the thickness of the slot. By passing the key through the slot and rotating the key to a locked position, the clip projection may be removably mounted to the substrate for repair or replacement as needed. The base may be constructed from a material that adheres effectively to the substrate, while the clip projection may be constructed from a material that exhibits high elasticity and wear-resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Lyle J Smith
  • Patent number: D659402
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Sean-Michael T. Smith, Larry B. Smith, Catherine B. Smith, Lyle J. Smith