Patents by Inventor Stephen G. Hilliard

Stephen G. Hilliard 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).

  • Publication number: 20240375892
    Abstract: An apparatus having a first body defining a chamber configured to contain a stack of elongated light sticks. The first body further defining an exit aperture communicating with the chamber and a proximate to a light stick feeding position. A second body pivotable about the first body. The second body including a movable actuator movable between a rest position and an actuated position. The apparatus having an anvil configured for a light stick within the light stick feeding position to bend around, a pair of engagement arms. The pair of engagement arms are operable to flex the light stick occupying the light stick feeding position against the anvil of the first body to fracture an internal element. The apparatus having a hinge arrangement configured to allow the pivoting of the second body around the first body. The light stick ejected in a single actuation of the movable actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, JR., Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 12025417
    Abstract: A grenade pouch lid has a rim engagement feature, and the rim engagement feature is operable to secure the planar body to an object having a disc-shaped rim when the rim engagement feature is urged against the rim. The rim engagement feature may include at least two spaced apart elements defining a space therebetween for receiving the rim. The planar body may include a slot, the slot being operable to receive one end of a strap. The planar body may include a wedge shaped portion, the wedge-shaped portion being opposed to the rim engagement feature. The rim engagement feature and the rim may have the same radius. The planar body may cover the center of the rim when the planar body is secured to the object. The object having a disc-shaped rim may be a 40 mm grenade. A grenade pouch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Force Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20240085161
    Abstract: A grenade pouch adapter for receiving a grenade is provided. The grenade pouch adapter includes a curved body having a planar surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The inner surface extends perpendicularly from a first edge of the planar surface and defines an inner contour of the curved body. The outer surface extends perpendicularly from a second edge of the planar surface. A spoon slot is located at a first end of the curved body. The spoon of the grenade is received into the spoon slot through a spoon aperture formed on the planar surface of the curved body. The spoon slot is configured to hold the spoon of the grenade in a single orientation such that a safety pin ring of the grenade is positioned facing towards wearer's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Blue Force Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20240074568
    Abstract: An adapter for attaching an accessory is provided. The adapter includes a wearable component mounting portion and an accessory mounting platform. The accessory mounting platform includes a first aperture at a first end of the accessory mounting platform, the first aperture being configured to receive a first fastener. The accessory mounting platform further includes a second aperture at the first end of the accessory mounting platform and spaced from the first aperture along a first axis, the second aperture being configured to receive a second fastener. The accessory mounting platform further includes a third aperture at a second end of the accessory mounting platform, the third aperture configured to receive a third fastener. The first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture are shaped to enable mounting of a accessory at a plurality of cant angles along a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Blue Force Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 11864600
    Abstract: A utility garment has a front garment portion adapted for positioning at a wearer's chest, a rear garment portion adapted for positioning at a wearer's back, the front portion and rear portion being removably detachable at a plurality of attachment facilities, each attachment facility including a front facility portion connected to the front garment portion and a rear facility portion connected to the rear garment portion, at least a first one of the front facility portion and the rear facility portion comprising first and second bodies, the first body defining a first cable passage and the second body defining a second cable passage, the first cable passage and the second cable passage being registered with each other and adapted to receive a single cable, and the first body and second body being spaced apart from each other to define a latch receptacle space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Force Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 11202495
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11129466
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10893708
    Abstract: A utility garment has a front garment portion adapted for positioning at a wearer's chest, a rear garment portion adapted for positioning at a wearer's back, the front portion and rear portion being removably detachable at a plurality of attachment facilities, each attachment facility including a front facility portion connected to the front garment portion and a rear facility portion connected to the rear garment portion, at least a first one of the front facility portion and the rear facility portion comprising first and second bodies, the first body defining a first cable passage and the second body defining a second cable passage, the first cable passage and the second cable passage being registered with each other and adapted to receive a single cable, and the first body and second body being spaced apart from each other to define a latch receptacle space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 10871362
    Abstract: A grenade pouch lid has a rim engagement feature, and the rim engagement feature is operable to secure the planar body to an object having a disc-shaped rim when the rim engagement feature is urged against the rim. The rim engagement feature may include at least two spaced apart elements defining a space therebetween for receiving the rim. The planar body may include a slot, the slot being operable to receive one end of a strap. The planar body may include a wedge shaped portion, the wedge-shaped portion being opposed to the rim engagement feature. The rim engagement feature and the rim may have the same radius. The planar body may cover the center of the rim when the planar body is secured to the object. The object having a disc-shaped rim may be a 40 mm grenade. A grenade pouch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 10674804
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10577197
    Abstract: Magazines for light sticks have an elongated tubular body defining a chamber configured to contain a stack of elongated light sticks, the body defining an exit aperture communicating with the chamber and proximate to a light stick feeding position, a movable actuator proximate the exit aperture and movable between a rest position and an actuated position, the body having a retention element proximate the exit aperture, the actuator having a contact portion spaced apart from the retention element, and the retention element and contact portion being operable to flex a light stick occupying the light stick feeding position in response to movement of the actuator from the rest position to the actuated position. The retention element and contact portion may be operable to eject the light stick occupying the light stick feeding position in response to movement of the actuator from the rest position to the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 10159328
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10034536
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9737129
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9528807
    Abstract: A grenade pouch lid has a rim engagement feature, and the rim engagement feature is operable to secure the planar body to an object having a disc-shaped rim when the rim engagement feature is urged against the rim. The rim engagement feature may include at least two spaced apart elements defining a space therebetween for receiving the rim. The planar body may include a slot, the slot being operable to receive one end of a strap. The planar body may include a wedge shaped portion, the wedge-shaped portion being opposed to the rim engagement feature. The rim engagement feature and the rim may have the same radius. The planar body may cover the center of the rim when the planar body is secured to the object. The object having a disc-shaped rim may be a 40 mm grenade. A grenade pouch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 9295319
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8720762
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Force Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120318834
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hilliard, Ashley A. Burnsed, JR.
  • Patent number: D725312
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Blue Force Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Hilliard
  • Patent number: D767824
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: BLUE FORCE GEAR, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Hilliard