Patents by Inventor Michael P. Bratcher

Michael P. Bratcher 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).

  • Tilt-latch with bolt stop
    Patent number: 6021603
    Abstract: A tilt latch (10) for a sash window (12) has a bolt stop. The sash window (12) is disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14). The sash window (12) is comprised of a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24,26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) is adapted for releasably securing the sash window (12) to the master frame (14). The tilt-latch (10) is comprised of a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). A protrusion (80) is located either on the latch bolt (46) or the housing (42) and a lock wall (86) is located either on the housing (42) or the latch bolt (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Prete, Michael P. Bratcher, James Sharp, Jason Annes, Steven E. Schultz
  • Stop for a slidable window
    Patent number: 5806900
    Abstract: A window stop (10) for limiting movement of a sliding window along a predetermined path of window movement is provided. The window stop (10) has a housing (12) having a cavity (20) wherein the housing (12) is adapted to be positioned adjacent the path of window movement. A bolt (14), operatively associated with the cavity (20), is moveable between a first position (BP1) within the housing (12) and thereby out of the path of window movement, and a second position (BP2) extending out of the housing (12) into the path of the window movement whereby the window is able to contact the bolt (14). An actuator (16) is pivotally supported by the bolt (14) between a first position (AP1) locking the bolt (14) within the housing (12) and a second position (AP2) allowing the bolt (14) to extend to its second position (BP2). A spring (58) biases the bolt toward its second position. The bolt (14) receives forces from the window contacting the extended bolt (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Bratcher, James G. Prete
  • Sliding counterbalance assembly for a sash window
    Patent number: 5661927
    Abstract: A slidable counterbalance assembly adapted for a sash window assembly disposed within a master frame is disclosed. A coiled leaf spring mounted on the counterbalance assembly has its upper end attached to the top of the guide rail channel of the master frame. A flexible strap is attached at one end to the sash window pivot brake and at the other end to the counterbalance assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Ashland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen D. Polowinczak, James J. Prete, Michael P. Bratcher, Mark V. Murphy