Patents by Inventor Patrick W. Laffan

Patrick W. Laffan 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: 8376820
    Abstract: An air induction system is provided for a work machine having at least one fender. The air induction system has an air inlet flow member and an air filter. The air filter is disposed within the at least one fender and accessible from outside of the work machine. The air filter is fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air inlet flow member. The air induction system also includes a conduit fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Stough, Patrick W. Laffan, John C. Spangler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8322744
    Abstract: A stroller has a frame assembly, a seat assembly mounted to the frame assembly, and a hub assembly carried by the seat assembly. The hub assembly has a hub axis, a first hub part connected to the stroller, and a second hub part connected to the first hub part and to the seat assembly. A cup holder is connected to the first hub part. The second hub part and the seat assembly can be rotated about the hub axis relative to the first hub part to adjust a recline position of the seat assembly while the cup holder does not rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Ahnert, Patrick W. Laffan, Robert T. Pike
  • Patent number: 8210563
    Abstract: A stroller includes a frame, a pivot joint assembly mounted on the frame, and a handle coupled to the frame at the pivot joint assembly. The handle rotates about a pivot axis defined by the pivot joint assembly between first and second positions relative to the frame. A latch assembly includes a projection and is movable between a latched state in which the latch assembly secures the handle in either the first position or the second position and a released state in which the handle is released for movement between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dotsey, Patrick W. Laffan, Stephen Ahnert, Devon T. Siesholtz, Branden McCorkel, Robert T. Pike, Joseph T. Grintz
  • Publication number: 20100259021
    Abstract: A stroller has a frame assembly, a seat assembly mounted to the frame assembly, and a hub assembly carried by the seat assembly. The hub assembly has a hub axis, a first hub part connected to the stroller, and a second hub part connected to the first hub part and to the seat assembly. A cup holder is connected to the first hub part. The second hub part and the seat assembly can be rotated about the hub axis relative to the first hub part to adjust a recline position of the seat assembly while the cup holder does not rotate therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Graco Childrens Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Ahnert, Patrick W. Laffan, Robert T. Pike
  • Publication number: 20100244543
    Abstract: A child seat harness system has first and second lap belt straps extendable generally toward one another. A buckle assembly of the system has first and second buckle connectors each coupled to the respective first and second lap belt straps. The buckle assembly is positioned and configured to releasably latch the first and second lap belt straps at the buckle assembly. The system has a release mechanism that is configured, when actuated, to detach the first and second buckle sections at the buckle assembly. The system also has first and second shoulder straps extending collaterally up and away from the buckle assembly. A chest clip has two clip sections, one each coupled to a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps. The two clip sections are configured to releasably engage one another and are positioned above the buckle assembly. The release mechanism also disengages the two clip sections from one another when actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Rachel Fine, Patrick W. Laffan
  • Patent number: 7798571
    Abstract: A car seat has a seat structure with a seating surface and a portion configured to rest on a dedicated seat of a vehicle when installed. The seat structure has a front and a pair of opposed sides. An instruction manual is provided with the car seat. The car seat has a compartment that is configured to receive and retain the instruction manual. The compartment is disposed interior to a part of the seat structure and has an access opening that is accessible when the car seat is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Billman, Charles E. Crane, Daniel J. Brunick, Michael N. Langmaid, Matthew A. Morgenstern, Patrick Nolan, Damaso Lamos, Patrick W. Laffan, Andrew P. Skrzypek
  • Publication number: 20100156060
    Abstract: A stroller includes a frame, a pivot joint assembly mounted on the frame, and a handle coupled to the frame at the pivot joint assembly. The handle rotates about a pivot axis defined by the pivot joint assembly between first and second positions relative to the frame. A latch assembly includes a projection and is movable between a latched state in which the latch assembly secures the handle in either the first position or the second position and a released state in which the handle is released for movement between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dotsey, Patrick W. Laffan, Stephen Ahnert, Devon T. Siesholtz, Branden McCorkel, Robert T. Pike, Joseph T. Grintz
  • Patent number: 6499205
    Abstract: A method of converting a control set from an identifiable first control pattern configuration to an identifiable second control pattern configuration. The method provides a pair of control assemblies that may be easily rotated from a first position to a second position to accomplish the conversion. Each of the control assemblies include a respective control lever, rocker assembly, and linkage rods. After rotation of the control assemblies, the control levers are interchanged and connected to the opposite control assembly to establish an ergonomic position for the control levers. The method of converting the control set is completed without the need for additional components or complex modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Patrick W. Laffan