Patents by Inventor Michael Grinnall

Michael Grinnall 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: 11771022
    Abstract: An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Zimmer, Rick Braasch, Mitch Gravert, Michael Grinnall, Craig J. Bormann
  • Publication number: 20230058887
    Abstract: An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald A. Zimmer, Rick Braasch, Mitch Gravert, Michael Grinnall, Craig J. Bormann
  • Patent number: 11516975
    Abstract: An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Zimmer, Rick Braasch, Mitch Gravert, Michael Grinnall, Craig J. Bormann
  • Patent number: 11065757
    Abstract: A hybrid double and single wall case with two pivotally connected body portions which are single molded pieces that pivot between an open position and a closed position to respectively receive and contain a chainsaw. A portion of the body sections is configured as a double wall structure and a portion of one of the body sections is configured as a single wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: John McGarry, Pamela Jo Naeve, Michael Grinnall
  • Publication number: 20190274265
    Abstract: An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Ronald A. Zimmer, Rick Braasch, Mitch Gravert, Michael Grinnall, Craig J. Bormann
  • Publication number: 20190217462
    Abstract: A hybrid double and single wall case with two pivotally connected body portions which are single molded pieces that pivot between an open position and a closed position to respectively receive and contain a chainsaw. A portion of the body sections is configured as a double wall structure and a portion of one of the body sections is configured as a single wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: John McGarry, Pamela Jo Naeve, Michael Grinnall
  • Patent number: 10299446
    Abstract: An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Zimmer, Rick Braasch, Mitch Gravert, Michael Grinnall, Craig J. Bormann
  • Patent number: 10272561
    Abstract: A hybrid double and single wall chainsaw case with two pivotally connected body portions that pivot between an open position and a closed position to respectively receive and contain a chainsaw. The peripheral side wall of one of the body portions has an opening for receiving a scabbard with an end portion, the end portion contacting the opening and the scabbard applied to the bar of the chainsaw. A portion of one of the body sections is configured as a double wall structure and a portion of one of the body sections is configured as a single wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: John McGarry, Pamela Jo Naeve, Michael Grinnall
  • Patent number: 10167035
    Abstract: A blow molded toy cycle has a female bearing area with tapered and recess sections. A fork has a corresponding male bearing area that includes a tapered section and an annular protrusion section. A protrusion spaced at a distance from the annular protrusion extends from the shaft and has a surface to contact a top surface of the body to secure the fork when the male and female bearing areas are in contact. The fork has integrally formed tabs that to bend around an axle to form a bearing area for the axle that allows the axle to rotate within the fork. A blow molded pedal attaches to a section of the axle and has a series of ribs disposed between side sections to form a bearing area that allows the pedal to rotate around the axle. Two rear and one front wheels attach to the body and fork respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Anderson, Andrew James McDonnough, Pamela Jo Naeve, Duane David Franzen, Jr., Alan Walter Knapper, Michael Grinnall
  • Publication number: 20170274956
    Abstract: A blow molded toy cycle has a female bearing area with tapered and recess sections. A fork has a corresponding male bearing area that includes a tapered section and an annular protrusion section. A protrusion spaced at a distance from the annular protrusion extends from the shaft and has a surface to contact a top surface of the body to secure the fork when the male and female bearing areas are in contact. The fork has integrally formed tabs that to bend around an axle to form a bearing area for the axle that allows the axle to rotate within the fork. A blow molded pedal attaches to a section of the axle and has a series of ribs disposed between side sections to form a bearing area that allows the pedal to rotate around the axle. Two rear and one front wheels attach to the body and fork respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Anderson, Andrew James McDonnough, Pamela Jo Naeve, Duane David Franzen, JR., Alan Walter Knapper, Michael Grinnall
  • Patent number: 9682739
    Abstract: A blow molded toy cycle has a female bearing area with tapered and recess sections. A fork has a corresponding male bearing area that includes a tapered section and an annular protrusion section. A protrusion spaced at a distance from the annular protrusion extends from the shaft and has a surface to contact a top surface of the body to secure the fork when the male and female bearing areas are in contact. The fork has integrally formed tabs that to bend around an axle to form a bearing area for the axle that allows the axle to rotate within the fork. A blow molded pedal attaches to a section of the axle and has a series of ribs disposed between side sections to form a bearing area that allows the pedal to rotate around the axle. Two rear and one front wheels attach to the body and fork respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Anderson, Andrew James McDonnough, Pamela Jo Naeve, Duane David Franzen, Jr., Alan Walter Knapper, Michael Grinnall
  • Publication number: 20160249540
    Abstract: An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald A. Zimmer, Rick Braasch, Mitch Gravert, Michael Grinnall, Craig J. Bormann
  • Publication number: 20150083620
    Abstract: A hybrid double and single wall chainsaw case with two pivotally connected body portions that pivot between an open position and a closed position to respectively receive and contain a chainsaw. The peripheral side wall of one of the body portions has an opening for receiving a scabbard with an end portion, the end portion contacting the opening and the scabbard applied to the bar of the chainsaw. A portion of one of the body sections is configured as a double wall structure and a portion of one of the body sections is configured as a single wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: John McGarry, Pamela Jo Naeve, Michael Grinnall
  • Patent number: 8899416
    Abstract: An insert for protecting articles to be stored in a protective case. The insert is generally hollow and formed of a flexible thermoplastic material. The insert may be formed by a blow-molding process. The insert is shaped to fit within a protective case, which is also often formed by a blow-molded process. The material used to form the insert is less dense than that of the material used to form the protective case, and therefore the insert material is less stiff, softer, and more flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew James McDonnough, Duane David Franzen, Jr., Michael Grinnall
  • Publication number: 20140312591
    Abstract: A blow molded toy cycle has a female bearing area with tapered and recess sections. A fork has a corresponding male bearing area that includes a tapered section and an annular protrusion section. A protrusion spaced at a distance from the annular protrusion extends from the shaft and has a surface to contact a top surface of the body to secure the fork when the male and female bearing areas are in contact. The fork has integrally formed tabs that to bend around an axle to form a bearing area for the axle that allows the axle to rotate within the fork. A blow molded pedal attaches to a section of the axle and has a series of ribs disposed between side sections to form a bearing area that allows the pedal to rotate around the axle. Two rear and one front wheels attach to the body and fork respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Anderson, Andrew James McDonnough, Pamela Jo Naeve, Duane David Franzen, JR., Alan Walter Knapper, Michael Grinnall
  • Publication number: 20080111285
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding a case for housing an object, such as a tool, is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions located adjacent each other to create separate cavities for forming base and lid portions of a case and a punch for each portion corresponding to the outline of an object. In certain embodiments, the punch protrudes into the cavity during blow molding to create a sidewall to facilitate a press fit. In some embodiments, additional punches and/or recesses are provided to produce additional apertures or flanges in the walls of the tool case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Clay Bahnsen, Michael Grinnall, Daniel Koranda, James Wiese
  • Publication number: 20070082153
    Abstract: A system for making blow molded receptacles is disclosed generally comprising two mold portions that, when positioned adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a cavity defined by a molding surface, against which the walls of a blow molded receptacle are blown. One of the portions is a mold core, which has a base surface and a raised portion extending out from the base surface into the cavity. The raised portion has an outer surface and a side surface, which results in a corresponding, inner sidewall on the blow-molded receptacle. The raised portion houses a punch partly disposed in an opening in the side surface for punching a hole in the sidewall. In some embodiments, the side surface is substantially perpendicular to the seal between the two mold portions, and an actuator displaces the punch in a direction substantially parallel to the seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Alan Knapper, Daniel Koranda, Michael Grinnall
  • Patent number: 7182905
    Abstract: A blow molded article includes an outer wall and an article retaining feature projecting outwardly therefrom. The article retaining feature includes a distal wall and a side wall connecting the distal wall and the outer wall of the blow molded article. The side wall is generally orthogonal to the outer wall of the blow molded article, and an inner surface is defined at least partially by inner edges of the side wall, the distal wall and the outer wall of the blow molded article. The side wall has a hole integrally molded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc
    Inventors: Michael Grinnall, Duane Franzen, Terry Lucky
  • Publication number: 20070012704
    Abstract: A blow molded case is disclosed generally comprising a double wall, blow molded base portion having inner and outer case walls, and a lid portion connected to the base portion such that the lid, when in a closed position, at least partly covers the inner case wall of the base portion, which accommodates a first object. The outer wall of the base portion has a hole for receiving a second object, such as a drawer or other receptacle. In certain embodiments, the hole is a punched hole, created by extending a punch through a sidewall of the base portion substantially perpendicular to the parting line thereof. In certain embodiments, the sidewall is non-planar, and in some embodiments, the sidewall includes a recess adjacent the hole for easily gripping the second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Grinnall, David Cozzens, Clay Bahnsen, Steven Guidebeck, James Wiese
  • Publication number: 20060228943
    Abstract: A core side of a mold includes a mold surface against which the article bears during molding, a core pull and an ejector pin. The core pull includes a protuberance moveable between an extended position in which the protuberance protrudes beyond the mold surface, and a retracted position in which the protuberance does not substantially protrude beyond the mold surface. The ejector pin includes an end moveable between an extended position in which the end protrudes beyond the mold surface, and a retracted position in which the end does not substantially protrude beyond the mold surface. The protuberance is in the extended position and the ejector pin end is in the retracted position during a part retaining portion of a mold cycle, while the protuberance is in the retracted position and the ejector pin end is in the extended position during a part ejecting portion of the mold cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Grinnall