Patents by Inventor Mark O. Lepper

Mark O. Lepper 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: 10830270
    Abstract: A fastening clip assembly configured to secure one or more components is provided. The fastening clip assembly includes a collar having a lower surface, a stem extending from the lower surface of the collar to a lead-in nose, a first leg having a first knuckle, and a second leg having a second knuckle. Further, the first leg and the second leg extend from the lead-in nose. The first knuckle is located a first distance from the lower surface of the collar, the second knuckle is located a second distance from the lower surface of the collar, and the first distance is different than the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20200240450
    Abstract: An example fastener includes a body and a clamp. The body includes a first resilient arm. The clamp is pivotably engaged with the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Patent number: 10724560
    Abstract: A fastener mounting assembly is configured to securely mount to at least one panel of a component. The fastener mounting assembly may include a base, a fastener mount extending from the base, and at least one panel-engaging member connected to one or both of the base and the fastener. The panel-engaging member(s) is configured to securely engage the panel(s) of the component to securely lock the fastener mounting assembly to the panel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark O. Lepper, James T. Kirchen, Stephen M. Everard, Brian R. Peek
  • Publication number: 20200166069
    Abstract: An example pivot nut assembly includes a pivot body and a nut. The nut is pivotably engaged in the pivot body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20190390698
    Abstract: A fastening clip assembly configured to secure one or more components is provided. The fastening clip assembly includes a collar having a lower surface, a stem extending from the lower surface of the collar to a lead-in nose, a first leg having a first knuckle, and a second leg having a second knuckle. Further, the first leg and the second leg extend from the lead-in nose. The first knuckle is located a first distance from the lower surface of the collar, the second knuckle is located a second distance from the lower surface of the collar, and the first distance is different than the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Patent number: 10494842
    Abstract: A latch assembly (100, 300) is configured to removably secure a load floor (14) within a cargo area (12) of a vehicle (10). The latch assembly (100, 300) may include a housing (102, 306) defining an opening (130, 318). The housing (102, 306) is configured to secure to the load floor (14). A latch (104, 302) is rotatably secured to the housing. The latch (104, 302) may include a central hub and opposed latching rims (114, 350) extending radially outward from the central hub. The latch (104, 302) is configured to be rotated in relation to the housing (102, 306) in both a clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction to move either of the latching rims (114, 350) out of the housing (102, 306) into an engagement position. The latch assembly (100, 300) is configured to secure to a portion of the vehicle (10) when either of the latching rims (114, 350) is in the engagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20190264722
    Abstract: A rivet fastener assembly is configured to securely clamp onto one or more components. The rivet fastener assembly includes a grommet including a collar and a column extending from the collar. A passage is defined through the collar and the column. The column includes component-engaging legs that are configured to fold and directly contact the component(s) when folded, and reinforcing legs that are configured to fold and reinforce the component-engaging legs when folded as the component-engaging legs directly contact the components).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20190219086
    Abstract: A rivet fastener assembly is configured to securely clamp together one or more components. The rivet fastener assembly includes a pin and a rivet body having a collar and a column extending from the collar. The rivet body further includes a collar stop configured to provide a positive locating feature for the pin once assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Joel R. Lee, Mark O. Lepper
  • Patent number: 10155487
    Abstract: A tethering clip assembly is configured to tether first and second components of a vehicle together before and during deployment of an airbag. The tethering clip assembly may include a securing base configured to secure to the first component, a retainer configured to secure to the second component, and one or more tethers that couple the securing base to the retainer. The securing base, the retainer, and the tether(s) are integrally formed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Zander, Jesse L. Jensen, Mark O. Lepper, Michelle Bozinovski, Tim Hutson
  • Publication number: 20180066463
    Abstract: A latch assembly (100, 300) is configured to removably secure a load floor (14) within a cargo area (12) of a vehicle (10). The latch assembly (100, 300) may include a housing (102, 306) defining an opening (130, 318). The housing (102, 306) is configured to secure to the load floor (14). A latch (104, 302) is rotatably secured to the housing. The latch (104, 302) may include a central hub and opposed latching rims (114, 350) extending radially outward from the central hub. The latch (104, 302) is configured to be rotated in relation to the housing (102, 306) in both a clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction to move either of the latching rims (114, 350) out of the housing (102, 306) into an engagement position. The latch assembly (100, 300) is configured to secure to a portion of the vehicle (10) when either of the latching rims (114, 350) is in the engagement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20170313263
    Abstract: A tethering clip assembly is configured to tether first and second components of a vehicle together before and during deployment of an airbag. The tethering clip assembly may include a securing base configured to secure to the first component, a retainer configured to secure to the second component, and one or more tethers that couple the securing base to the retainer. The securing base, the retainer, and the tether(s) are integrally formed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jason M. ZANDER, Jesse L. JENSEN, Mark O. LEPPER, Michelle BOZINOVSKI, Tim HUTSON
  • Patent number: 9771963
    Abstract: An improved fastener with an annular sealing flange disposed above a lead-in base clip portion adapted for insertion into an acceptance opening in a panel or other structure. A heat-shrunk seal is disposed about the perimeter of the annular sealing flange in partial covering relation to upper and lower surfaces of the annular sealing flange to provide an enhanced sealing relation between the sealing flange and the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20170218991
    Abstract: A fastener mounting assembly is configured to securely mount to at least one panel of a component. The fastener mounting assembly may include a base, a fastener mount extending from the base, and at least one panel-engaging member connected to one or both of the base and the fastener. The panel-engaging member(s) is configured to securely engage the panel(s) of the component to securely lock the fastener mounting assembly to the panel(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Mark O. LEPPER, James T. KIRCHEN, Stephen M. EVERARD, Brian R. PEEK
  • Publication number: 20170082129
    Abstract: A sealing fastener assembly includes a main body configured to securely connect to at least one component, and at least one hydrophobic member coupled to the main body. The hydrophobic member(s) is configured to prevent liquid from infiltrating into and through the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Mark O. LEPPER
  • Patent number: 9475525
    Abstract: A clip assembly is configured to securely connect a first structural component to a second structural component. The clip assembly may include an arc attachment member and an arc-receiving member. The arc attachment member may include a securing arc having a semi-circular rim. The arc attachment member is configured to be secured to one of the first or second structural components. The arc-receiving member may include an arc-receiving portion configured to receive the securing arc through multiple directions. The arc-receiving member is configured to be secured to the other of the first or second structural components. The securing arc is configured to be pivotally adjusted with respect to the arc-receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark O. Lepper, David W. Edland, George Siragusa, Gregory Flynn, Jeffrey Steltz, Timothy D. Pearson, Wes Sprague
  • Patent number: 9416896
    Abstract: A tube clip assembly incorporating a base having at least one tube support cradle and a displaceable lid adapted to be secured in overlying relation to the base to retain a tube in substantially stationary relation within the tube support cradle. Flexible arms are disposed on either side of the tube support cradle. The flexible arms are adapted to compressively engage the tube when the lid is closed such that a portion of the arms may bite into the tube thereby resisting both axial and rotational movement of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Kato, Thomas A. Benoit, Mark O. Lepper
  • Patent number: 9321417
    Abstract: A quarter-turn fastener and hanger assembly for connection to a base plate having a fastener receiving receptacle, including a hanger bracket having a fastener receiving hole. The fastener includes a body rotatable between an insertion position for connection to the base plate and a locked position releasably securing said hanger bracket to the base plate having a head portion to move said fastener between the insertion position and the locked position, and an attachment portion sized to pass through the fastener receiving hole in the hanger bracket and the fastener receptacle in the base plate with at least one abutment surface to abut the back surface of the base plate in the locked position. The head portion includes deformable resilient arms extending laterally outward and toward said attachment portion with ends to engage a front face of said hanger bracket to urge said at least one abutment surface into abutting relation to the back surface of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Patent number: 9303672
    Abstract: A rivet fastener includes a fastener body and a fastener pin which is inserted into the fastener body. A head of the fastener body defines a channel for receiving a head of the fastener pin, with lateral lands of the fastener body head exposed outwardly of sides of the fastener pin head. The exposed surface of the fastener body head defines hollows or recesses to accommodate tips of fingers of an installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Publication number: 20150258967
    Abstract: A connector system for connecting a wiper blade and multiple types of wiper arms, the connector system including connector having a base for attachment to a wiper blade. The connector further includes a receiving element attached to the base, the receiving element having a structure to receive and be connected to at least six different wiper arms. The connector system includes a cover attached to the receiving element, the cover including a top wall, a first side attached to the top wall and extending toward the base and a second side parallel to the first side, attached to the top wall and extending toward the base, wherein the second side has a height larger than a height of the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: llIinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark O. Lepper, Kenneth H. Teal, Liliana Minevski, James C. Fournier
  • Publication number: 20150128386
    Abstract: An improved fastener with an annular sealing flange disposed above a lead-in base clip portion adapted for insertion into an acceptance opening in a panel or other structure. A heat-shrunk seal is disposed about the perimeter of the annular sealing flange in partial covering relation to upper and lower surfaces of the annular sealing flange to provide an enhanced sealing relation between the sealing flange and the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works INC
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper