Patents by Inventor Richard L. Nie

Richard L. Nie 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: 6209370
    Abstract: A key retaining device that secures the functional section of the key while leaving the non functional section exposed for easy identification. The device is able to lock individual keys on a large key chain without interference with the non locked keys. The key can only be removed with the use of a master key. The device's simple and inexpensive design includes only five components: namely a housing to enclose the key, two deformable substrates, a unique set screw, and a master key. There is a bore inside the housing that runs longitudinally within the housing. The bore has a threaded section that contains the screw and a non-threaded section that contains the two deformable substrates. There is a blind slot at the base of the housing which runs from one side of the housing to the non-threaded section of the bore. The functional section of the key is placed through the blind slot, into the non-threaded section of bore, and between the two deformable substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Engineered Plastics Solutions Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik S. Larson, Richard L. Nie