Patents by Inventor Michael E. Cole
Michael E. Cole 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).
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Publication number: 20230332868Abstract: A silent fastener for connecting a first element to a second element utilizes a strap attached to the first element and extending to the second element, the second element having a slit connecting to a flat internal cavity, and a flat tuck tab flexibly connected to the strap and receivable in the cavity with the strap tensioned and with the tuck tab in a hairpin configuration in overlaying relation to the cavity containing the tuck tab, and a second tuck tab connected to the strap and receivable in another portion of the cavity extending away from the first element, securely connecting the first and second elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Jon Laplume
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Publication number: 20230309682Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a holder to a carrier includes a platform having an outwardly facing side, an opposite back side, and laminated layers of any of a variety of materials and having a plurality of slits therethrough defined and bound by edges of the layers fused together to have increased stiffness, wear and abrasion resistance, the slits arranged in a predetermined pattern of aligned and spaced apart rows, the slits being configured to receive straps therethrough between the outwardly facing side and the back side to attach the holder to the carrier. As an exemplary embodiment the carrier can be configured for carrying the holder on a user's body, for instance as a vest, a cummerbund, a shirt, pants, a backpack, or a belt, and the holder can be configured for holding a variety of useful articles, accessories, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Patent number: 11666134Abstract: An attachment system incorporating a platform having an outwardly facing side, an opposite back side, the platform comprising laminated layers including at least one fabric layer comprising a polyethylene or para-aramid fabric, the platform having a plurality of slits therethrough defined and bound by edges of the layers fused together to have increased stiffness, wear and abrasion resistance. The slits are arranged in a predetermined pattern of aligned and spaced apart rows, the slits being configured to receive straps therethrough between the outwardly facing side and the back side to attach at least one holder to the outwardly facing side, and the platform being supported by and comprising an element of a carrier to be carried on a user's body.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: FirstSpear 6/12 LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Publication number: 20230053906Abstract: A 3 dimensional shape retaining light weight pouch and method for making the same, for mounting on a carrier such as a garment such as, but not limited to, a vest, belt, cummerbund, pack, or the like, and more particularly, that utilizes standing portions of stiffened fused together edges of laminated or composite panels of the pouch to hold the pouch in a predetermined 3 dimensional shape. The pouch is durable and wear resistant, allows easy insertion and removal of articles, accessories, and objects to be held and/or carried thereby, and is simple and easy to manufacture, while being configurable to be compatible with some known systems mounting systems such as MOLLE PALS and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Brian Rapp
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Patent number: 11578948Abstract: A silent fastener includes generally flat first and second tuck tabs flexibly connected to a first element to be connected, positionable to form a narrow V-shape or U-shape when viewed from the side, and insertable through at least one slit in an outer surface of a second element to be connected, into internal cavities within first and second portions, respectively, folded or bent in the V- or U-shape, and the second element being unfoldable or bendable to frictionally hold the tuck tabs in the cavities for connecting the elements, and the first element being further securable over one of the portions in a hairpin configuration with the received tuck tab, to further hold the tuck tabs, the tuck tabs being removable by returning the second element to the V- or U-shape. The tuck tabs being tensionable to increase the holding strength and snug the elements about a carried object.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: FirstSpear Technology Group, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Jon Laplume
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Patent number: 11490719Abstract: A 3 dimensional shape retaining light weight pouch and method for making the same, for mounting on a carrier such as a garment such as, but not limited to, a vest, belt, cummerbund, pack, or the like, and more particularly, that utilizes standing portions of stiffened fused together edges of laminated or composite panels of the pouch to hold the pouch in a predetermined 3 dimensional shape. The pouch is durable and wear resistant, allows easy insertion and removal of articles, accessories, and objects to be held and/or carried thereby, and is simple and easy to manufacture, while being configurable to be compatible with some known systems mounting systems such as MOLLE PALS and the like.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: FirstSpear Technology Group, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Brian Rapp
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Publication number: 20210153632Abstract: An attachment system incorporating a platform having an outwardly facing side, an opposite back side, the platform comprising laminated layers including at least one fabric layer comprising a polyethylene or para-aramid fabric, the platform having a plurality of slits therethrough defined and bound by edges of the layers fused together to have increased stiffness, wear and abrasion resistance. The slits are arranged in a predetermined pattern of aligned and spaced apart rows, the slits being configured to receive straps therethrough between the outwardly facing side and the back side to attach at least one holder to the outwardly facing side, and the platform being supported by and comprising an element of a carrier to be carried on a user's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Publication number: 20210127818Abstract: A 3 dimensional shape retaining light weight pouch and method for making the same, for mounting on a carrier such as a garment such as, but not limited to, a vest, belt, cummerbund, pack, or the like, and more particularly, that utilizes standing portions of stiffened fused together edges of laminated or composite panels of the pouch to hold the pouch in a predetermined 3 dimensional shape. The pouch is durable and wear resistant, allows easy insertion and removal of articles, accessories, and objects to be held and/or carried thereby, and is simple and easy to manufacture, while being configurable to be compatible with some known systems mounting systems such as MOLLE PALS and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Brian Rapp
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Patent number: 10905226Abstract: An attachment system for supporting holders on a carrier includes a platform having a front side, an opposite back side, the platform being constructed of laminated layers having slits therethrough defined and bound by opposite edges of the layers fused together to increase wear and abrasion resistance of the edges, the slits arranged in a predetermined pattern of aligned and spaced apart rows, the slits being configured to receive straps therethrough between the front side and the back side to attach at least one holder to the platform, and the platform being supported by and comprising an element of a carrier configured to be worn against a portion of a user's body, the back side and at least one element of the carrier or a backing element defining and bounding a generally flat cavity through which the back side can be accessed.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: FirstSpear Technology Group, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Patent number: 10888150Abstract: A 3 dimensional shape retaining light weight pouch and method for making the same, for mounting on a carrier such as a garment such as, but not limited to, a vest, belt, cummerbund, pack, or the like, and more particularly, that utilizes standing portions of stiffened fused together edges of laminated or composite panels of the pouch to hold the pouch in a predetermined 3 dimensional shape. The pouch is durable and wear resistant, allows easy insertion and removal of articles, accessories, and objects to be held and/or carried thereby, and is simple and easy to manufacture, while being configurable to be compatible with some known systems mounting systems such as MOLLE PALS and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: FirstSpear Technology Group, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Brian Rapp
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Publication number: 20200196742Abstract: A 3 dimensional shape retaining light weight pouch and method for making the same, for mounting on a carrier such as a garment such as, but not limited to, a vest, belt, cummerbund, pack, or the like, and more particularly, that utilizes standing portions of stiffened fused together edges of laminated or composite panels of the pouch to hold the pouch in a predetermined 3 dimensional shape. The pouch is durable and wear resistant, allows easy insertion and removal of articles, accessories, and objects to be held and/or carried thereby, and is simple and easy to manufacture, while being configurable to be compatible with some known systems mounting systems such as MOLLE PALS and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2019Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Brian Rapp
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Publication number: 20190257621Abstract: A silent fastener includes generally flat first and second tuck tabs flexibly connected to a first element to be connected, positionable to form a narrow V-shape or U-shape when viewed from the side, and insertable through at least one slit in an outer surface of a second element to be connected, into internal cavities within first and second portions, respectively, folded or bent in the V- or U-shape, and the second element being unfoldable or bendable to frictionally hold the tuck tabs in the cavities for connecting the elements, and the first element being further securable over one of the portions in a hairpin configuration with the received tuck tab, to further hold the tuck tabs, the tuck tabs being removable by returning the second element to the V- or U-shape. The tuck tabs being tensionable to increase the holding strength and snug the elements about a carried object.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Jon Laplume
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Patent number: 10281240Abstract: A silent fastener includes generally flat first and second tuck tabs flexibly connected to a first element to be connected, positionable to form a narrow V-shape or U-shape when viewed from the side, and insertable through at least one slit in an outer surface of a second element to be connected, into internal cavities within first and second portions, respectively, folded or bent in the V- or U-shape, and the second element being unfoldable or bendable to frictionally hold the tuck tabs in the cavities for connecting the elements, and the first element being further securable over one of the portions in a hairpin configuration with the received tuck tab, to further hold the tuck tabs, the tuck tabs being removable by returning the second element to the V- or U-shape. The tuck tabs being tensionable to increase the holding strength and snug the elements about a carried object.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: FirstSpear, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Jon Laplume
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Publication number: 20190000252Abstract: A vest utilizing an assembly and release apparatus and method incorporating a C-shaped clip defining a channel and a smaller slot extending along the channel, attachable to a first location on the vest. A pin of the apparatus is slidably receivable in the channel through the open end to assemble the C-shaped clip and the pin together. The pin has a tab or strip that extends through the slot, for attaching the pin to a second location on the vest. The apparatus includes at least one detent element associated with one of the C-shaped clip and the pin, cooperatively engageable with the other of the C-shaped clip and the pin for retaining the pin in the channel, and releasable in a predetermined manner to allow slidably removing the pin from the channel to provide a quiet and rapid manner of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: Trevor S. Buerck, Scott J. Carver, Michael E. Cole
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Publication number: 20180271264Abstract: An attachment system for supporting holders on a carrier includes a platform having a front side, an opposite back side, the platform being constructed of laminated layers having slits therethrough defined and bound by opposite edges of the layers fused together to increase wear and abrasion resistance of the edges, the slits arranged in a predetermined pattern of aligned and spaced apart rows, the slits being configured to receive straps therethrough between the front side and the back side to attach at least one holder to the platform, and the platform being supported by and comprising an element of a carrier configured to be worn against a portion of a user's body, the back side and at least one element of the carrier or a backing element defining and bounding a generally flat cavity through which the back side can be accessed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Patent number: 10051984Abstract: The assembly and release apparatus and method utilizes a C-shaped clip defining a channel and a smaller slot extending along the channel, both open at at least one end, attachable to a first location on a garment. A pin of the apparatus is slidably receivable in the channel through the open end to assemble the C-shaped clip and the pin together. The pin has a tab or strip that extends through the slot, for attaching the pin to a second location on the garment. The apparatus includes at least one detent element associated with one of the C-shaped clip and the pin, cooperatively engageable with the other of the C-shaped clip and the pin for retaining the pin in the channel, and releasable in a predetermined manner to allow slidably removing the pin from the channel through the open end, to provide a quiet and rapid manner of operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: FirstSpear, LLCInventors: Trevor S. Buerck, Scott J. Carver, Michael E. Cole
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Patent number: 9974379Abstract: An attachment system for supporting holders on a carrier includes a platform having a front side, an opposite back side, the platform being constructed of laminated layers having slits therethrough defined and bound by opposite edges of the layers fused together to increase wear and abrasion resistance of the edges, the slits arranged in a predetermined pattern of aligned and spaced apart rows, the slits being configured to receive straps therethrough between the front side and the back side to attach at least one holder to the platform, and the platform being supported by and comprising an element of a carrier configured to be worn against a portion of a user's body, the back side and at least one element of the carrier or a backing element defining and bounding a generally flat cavity through which the back side can be accessed.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: FirstSpear, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Publication number: 20170150805Abstract: An attachment system for supporting holders on a carrier includes a platform having a front side, an opposite back side, the platform being constructed of laminated layers having slits therethrough defined and bound by opposite edges of the layers fused together to increase wear and abrasion resistance of the edges, the slits arranged in a predetermined pattern of aligned and spaced apart rows, the slits being configured to receive straps therethrough between the front side and the back side to attach at least one holder to the platform, and the platform being supported by and comprising an element of a carrier configured to be worn against a portion of a user's body, the back side and at least one element of the carrier or a backing element defining and bounding a generally flat cavity through which the back side can be accessed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2017Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Patent number: 9565922Abstract: An attachment system for supporting holders on a carrier, including a platform with a front side having slits in a pattern of vertically aligned and spaced apart rows, for receiving one or more elongate straps in a vertical interlocking manner for supporting a holder against the front side, a back side opposing a surface of the carrier enclosing a generally flat pocket, the slits extending through the platform, defined and bounded by edges cooperable to form a barrier to passage of particulates through the slits while allowing passage of flat straps or tabs for interlockingly securing a holder against the front side and maintaining the barrier to passage of particulates through the slits about the straps, and the back side of the platform including a first fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system and the tabs including a second component fastenable to the first to secure the tabs.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: FirstSpear, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver
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Publication number: 20150335140Abstract: An attachment system for supporting holders on a carrier, including a platform with a front side having slits in a pattern of vertically aligned and spaced apart rows, for receiving one or more elongate straps in a vertical interlocking manner for supporting a holder against the front side, a back side opposing a surface of the carrier enclosing a generally flat pocket, the slits extending through the platform, defined and bounded by edges cooperable to form a barrier to passage of particulates through the slits while allowing passage of flat straps or tabs for interlockingly securing a holder against the front side and maintaining the barrier to passage of particulates through the slits about the straps, and the back side of the platform including a first fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system and the tabs including a second component fastenable to the first to secure the tabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: November 26, 2015Applicant: FirstSpear, LLCInventors: Michael E. Cole, Scott J. Carver