Patents by Inventor Nancy Showers

Nancy Showers 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: 8192571
    Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a method that includes coupling portions of one or more members using at least one impact driven fastener. At least one impact driven fastener includes at least one penetrating portion formed of plastic, and at least one head portion having a heat deformation temperature less than about 250° F. Plastic of the penetrating portion provides the penetrating portion with a flexural strength greater than about 9500 psi. The method also includes applying heat to at least partially deform the head portion of at least one fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Utility Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela S. Tucker, Nancy Showers
  • Publication number: 20100038015
    Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a method that includes coupling portions of one or more members using at least one impact driven fastener. At least one impact driven fastener includes at least one penetrating portion formed of plastic, and at least one head portion having a heat deformation temperature less than about 250° F. Plastic of the penetrating portion provides the penetrating portion with a flexural strength greater than about 9500 psi. The method also includes applying heat to at least partially deform the head portion of at least one fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Pamela S. Tucker, Nancy Showers
  • Patent number: 7581911
    Abstract: Plastic impact driven fasteners having relatively high flexural strength and relatively low heat deformation temperature are provided. Additional embodiments relate to methods of using the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may be used in a tire retreading process. In such a case, one or more fasteners may be used to secure new tread to a tire core before and/or during a curing process. The curing process may also cause deformation of the fastener, thereby eliminating the need to remove the fasteners after the curing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Utility Composites International Limited
    Inventors: Pamela S. Tucker, Nancy Showers
  • Publication number: 20040050478
    Abstract: Plastic impact driven fasteners having relatively high flexural strength and relatively low heat deformation temperature are provided. Additional embodiments relate to methods of using the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may be used in a tire retreading process. In such a case, one or more fasteners may be used to secure new tread to a tire core before and/or during a curing process. The curing process may also cause deformation of the fastener, thereby eliminating the need to remove the fasteners after the curing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Pamela S. Tucker, Nancy Showers
  • Patent number: 6168362
    Abstract: A continuous impact-driven fastener pack made of ultra-high strength plastic composite materials, for example, thermoplastic or thermoset materials for use in standard impact driving fasteners machines. The individual fasteners have sufficient compressive strength and flexural modulus such that the fastener may be used with commodity woods for construction, furniture making, or for building boats. Further, this fastener pack is non-corrodible and provides plastic fasteners having a length/diameter ratios of a working nail or staple, e.g., heretofore unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Utility Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela S. Tucker, Nancy Showers
  • Patent number: 5795121
    Abstract: A continuous impact-driven fastener pack made of ultra-high strength plastic composite materials, for example, thermoplastic or thermoset materials for use in standard impact driving fastener machines. The individual fasteners have sufficient compressive strength and a flexural modulus such that the fastener may be used with commodity woods for construction, furniture making, or for building boats. Further, this fastener pack is non-corrodible and provides plastic fasteners having a length/diameter ratios of a working nail or staple, e.g., heretofore unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Utility Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela S. Tucker, Nancy Showers
  • Patent number: 5547325
    Abstract: A continuous nail pack made of ultra-high strength plastic composite materials, for example, thermoplastic or thermoset materials for use in standard nailing machines. The individual nails have sufficient compressive strength and a flexural modulus such that the nail may be used for nailing into commodity woods for construction, furniture making, or for building boats. Further, this nail pack is non-corrodible and provides plastic nails having a length/diameter ratio of a working nail heretofore unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Utility Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela S. Tucker, Nancy Showers