Patents by Inventor Thomas R. HICKEL

Thomas R. HICKEL 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: 11618368
    Abstract: A void-filling apparatus is disclosed. The void-filling apparatus may include multiple end pieces secured together by multiple cylindrical elements. The end pieces may include a sheet (or sheets) of material secured to a panel, which may include a honeycomb panel. Each of the cylindrical elements may fit into a respective opening in the first and second end pieces. In some instances, the end pieces and the cylindrical elements are made of paper-based materials. However, the end pieces and the cylindrical elements are made of a paper-based material may be covered by a liquid-resistant material, resulting in a liquid-resistant void-filling apparatus. In order to maintain engagement between the cylindrical elements and the end pieces, the openings (into which the cylindrical elements are inserted) may include a diameter to promote a compression fit. Adhesive securing may also be used. Also, adjacent cylindrical elements may be equidistant from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SUNRISE MFG, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hickel, Lori H. Funk
  • Publication number: 20210245651
    Abstract: A void-filling apparatus is disclosed. The void-filling apparatus may include multiple end pieces secured together by multiple cylindrical elements. The end pieces may include a sheet (or sheets) of material secured to a panel, which may include a honeycomb panel. Each of the cylindrical elements may fit into a respective opening in the first and second end pieces. In some instances, the end pieces and the cylindrical elements are made of paper-based materials. However, the end pieces and the cylindrical elements are made of a paper-based material may be covered by a liquid-resistant material, resulting in a liquid-resistant void-filling apparatus. In order to maintain engagement between the cylindrical elements and the end pieces, the openings (into which the cylindrical elements are inserted) may include a diameter to promote a compression fit. Adhesive securing may also be used. Also, adjacent cylindrical elements may be equidistant from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas R. HICKEL, Lori H. FUNK
  • Patent number: 10836555
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for providing protection against forces directed to an item (or items) is disclosed. The packaging apparatus designed to protect the item during, for example, transport of the item subject to sudden movement by a transportation vehicle (carrying the item) that may cause other items to contact the item. The packaging apparatus may include one or more force bearing features, each of which may include a fill material positioned to provide a counterforce against a force (or forces) in a direction toward the item. The packaging apparatus is also suitable for protecting cylindrical objects (such as drums) during transport. In this regard, several force bearing features disposed on opposing sides of a base member. Further, a strap can be secured to the transport vehicle to combine to provide additional force acting against unwanted movement of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Sunrise MFG, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Sewell, Patrick M. Henley, Michael V. Ritz, Oleksiy Zimbitskyy, Thomas R. Hickel
  • Publication number: 20190077568
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for providing protection against forces directed to an item (or items) is disclosed. The packaging apparatus designed to protect the item during, for example, transport of the item subject to sudden movement by a transportation vehicle (carrying the item) that may cause other items to contact the item. The packaging apparatus may include one or more force bearing features, each of which may include a fill material positioned to provide a counterforce against a force (or forces) in a direction toward the item. The packaging apparatus is also suitable for protecting cylindrical objects (such as drums) during transport. In this regard, several force bearing features disposed on opposing sides of a base member. Further, a strap can be secured to the transport vehicle to combine to provide additional force acting against unwanted movement of the items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew W. SEWELL, Patrick M. HENLEY, Michael V. RITZ, Oleksiy ZIMBITSKYY, Thomas R. HICKEL
  • Patent number: 10150606
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for providing protection against forces directed to an item (or items) is disclosed. The packaging apparatus designed to protect the item during, for example, transport of the item subject to sudden movement by a transportation vehicle (carrying the item) that may cause other items to contact the item. The packaging apparatus may include one or more force bearing features, each of which may include a fill material positioned to provide a counterforce against a force (or forces) in a direction toward the item. The packaging apparatus is also suitable for protecting cylindrical objects (such as drums) during transport. In this regard, several force bearing features disposed on opposing sides of a base member. Further, a strap can be secured to the transport vehicle to combine to provide additional force acting against unwanted movement of the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SUNRISE MFG, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Sewell, Patrick M. Henley, Michael V. Ritz, Oleksiy Zimbitskyy, Thomas R. Hickel
  • Publication number: 20170247175
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for providing protection against forces directed to an item (or items) is disclosed. The packaging apparatus designed to protect the item during, for example, transport of the item subject to sudden movement by a transportation vehicle (carrying the item) that may cause other items to contact the item. The packaging apparatus may include one or more force bearing features, each of which may include a fill material positioned to provide a counterforce against a force (or forces) in a direction toward the item. The packaging apparatus is also suitable for protecting cylindrical objects (such as drums) during transport. In this regard, several force bearing features disposed on opposing sides of a base member. Further, a strap can be secured to the transport vehicle to combine to provide additional force acting against unwanted movement of the items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew W. SEWELL, Patrick M. HENLEY, Michael V. RITZ, Oleksiy ZIMBITSKYY, Thomas R. HICKEL