Patents by Inventor Paul E. Gass

Paul E. Gass 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: 5992939
    Abstract: A head rest sleeve for receiving a head rest support rod having a diameter within a known tolerance range is formed of a resilient material and has a body having an axial bore. Integral with the inside of the body and disposed thereabout are at least two pairs of compressible crush ribs which protrude radially and extend the length of the body. The distance of protrusion of the ribs corresponds to the minimum possible diameter of the support rod. Located between each pair of ribs and integral therewith is a web which protrudes radially a distance corresponding to the maximum possible diameter of the support rod. When the support rod is inserted into the sleeve, the rod frictionally engages the crush ribs uniformly along its length and, when the diameter of the support rod is greater than the minimum possible diameter, compresses the ribs a uniform distance to allow the support rod to be moved in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Gass, Philip A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5902005
    Abstract: The apparatus provides a locking mechanism for an armrest of an automobile or similar motor vehicle to a structural pin or post. The mechanism includes a cap with a lateral slit into which a button and spring are assembled. The spring outwardly biases the button which is limited in its outward travel by a detent arrangement which maintains the outer portion of the button flush with the cap. In this arrangement; the spring further engages a circumferential slot on the structural pin or post thereby locking the armrest to the structural pin or post. However, in order to remove the armrest from the structural pin or post, the user pushes the button inwardly, thereby compressing the spring and moving the spring out of the circumferential notch thereby unlocking the armrest from the structural pin or post and allowing the free removal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Lewczyk, Paul E. Gass, Philip A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5782510
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a glove box or similar compartment in a motor vehicle has a receptacle in which a slide is biased from an unlocked position toward a locked position. The receptacle has two side walls and, at the locked position of the slide, a notch in each side wall. The notches, together with the slide when it is in the locked position, define an enclosed passage for a striker to which the latch assembly is designed to be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Gass