Patents by Inventor Timothy P. Coffield
Timothy P. Coffield 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).
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Patent number: 10485690Abstract: A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Craig E. Ernst, Jr., Jeffrey D. Anderson, Christopher A. J. Iannello, Martin J. Nilsen, David A. Shereyk, Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 10342352Abstract: A load bearing surface assembly includes a molded component of oriented elastomeric material and an attachment loop connected to the molded component, the attachment loop configured to receive a frame member supporting the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventor: Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 10226893Abstract: An elastomeric load hearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 10111535Abstract: An edge structure for a body support surface configured to provide generally rigid support for a suspension component, such as a load bearing fabric, while being flexible in response to a direct load, such as an occupant sitting directly on the edge structure. The edge structure is configured to have a substantially greater moment of inertia in the direction of loads applied by the suspension component than in the direction of direct loads. In one embodiment, the edge structure includes an arrangement of main beams and segmented beams. In another embodiment, the edge structure may include a beam with flex grooves. The flex grooves may be filled with a resilient material. In another aspect, the edge structure may include separate sections molded directly to the suspension component. The sections may be rotated and joined to form a peripheral edge structure. Rotation may place the suspension component under tension.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: DAHTI, INC.Inventor: Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 9976621Abstract: A thermoplastic spring and a method for manufacturing the thermoplastic spring are provided to reduce the effect of creep during use of the spring. The spring is molded and deformed to final dimensions by pre-inducing creep in the molded body.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Robert K. Strating, Dean A. Zimmerman, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 9743723Abstract: A zipper puller (110) has a one piece structure including a molded plastic body (112) and an integral molded looped tether (114). The looped tether is molded in a first size and shape, and after molding the looped tether is permanently deformed to a second size and second shape by aligning the crystalline structure of the looped tether material.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Chwan Huey Lim Chang, David A. Shereyk, John S. Pontaoe, Tun-Jen Chu, Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 9629467Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Andrew B. Hartmann, Timothy P. Coffield, Kelly E. Washburn, John F. Aldrich, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
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Publication number: 20160214310Abstract: An elastomeric load hearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching, In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Publication number: 20160081477Abstract: An edge structure for a body support surface configured to provide generally rigid support for a suspension component, such as a load bearing fabric, while being flexible in response to a direct load, such as an occupant sitting directly on the edge structure. The edge structure is configured to have a substantially greater moment of inertia in the direction of loads applied by the suspension component than in the direction of direct loads. In one embodiment, the edge structure includes an arrangement of main beams and segmented beams. In another embodiment, the edge structure may include a beam with flex grooves. The flex grooves may be filled with a resilient material. In another aspect, the edge structure may include separate sections molded directly to the suspension component. The sections may be rotated and joined to form a peripheral edge structure. Rotation may place the suspension component under tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventor: Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 9215933Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 9173496Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, John F. Aldrich, Ryan S. Brill, Matthew P. Reed, Matthew Parkinson, Jeffrey A. Weber
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Patent number: 9156211Abstract: An apparatus for forming molded edges on opposite sides of a load bearing surface including a stretching assembly integrated into a molding assembly. The stretching assembly may include localized fabric clamps that leave the center region of the fabric free (e.g. not clamped) through the process. The clamps may be arranged so that once extended to stretch the fabric, the fabric is held by the clamps in the appropriate position for molding. The fabric may be held so that opposed edges terminate in the mold cavities. The mold parts may cooperatively define two spaced apart mold cavities, and may include a mold pocket to provide space to store excess fabric. The fabric may be held against the surface of the mold cavity during the molding process, for example, using hold-down pins and special gate configurations. The molding apparatus may include an alternative stretching assembly configured to provide different amounts of stretch to different portions of the fabric blank.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 9131776Abstract: A load bearing surface assembly has an oriented, molded load bearing surface intersecured with a relatively rigid orienting member. The characteristics of the orienting member are selected such that the orienting member provides a rigid edge member for holding the load bearing surface during the orienting process and/or for mounting the load bearing surface to a support structure. A pair of orienting members are mounted to opposed edges of the load bearing surface. The load bearing surface may be integrally molded into a unitary construction with the orienting member(s). Methods for manufacturing a load bearing surface having an orienting member and a load bearing surface assembly with a load bearing surface and an orienting member are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 8857033Abstract: A method of packaging a molded elastomeric material includes the steps of (a) molding an elastomeric product; (b) orienting the elastomeric product by stretching or compressing the elastomeric product; (c) retaining the elastomeric product in an at least partially stretched or partially compressed configuration by mounting or securing the elastomeric product to a shunt; and (d) releasing the product from the shunt, whereby the product is capable of shrinking or expanding to its final position after it is removed from the shunt.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Kenneth A. Longstreet
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Publication number: 20140298658Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Andrew B. Hartmann, Timothy P. Coffield, Kelly E. Washburn, John F. Aldrich, Michael D. Stanton, SR.
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Patent number: 8691370Abstract: A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, John F. Aldrich, Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann, Kelly E. Washburn, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
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Publication number: 20130312230Abstract: A zipper puller (110) has a one piece structure including a molded plastic body (112) and an integral molded looped tether (114). The looped tether is molded in a first size and shape, and after molding the looped tether is permanently deformed to a second size and second shape by aligning the crystalline structure of the looped tether material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Chwan Huey Lim Chang, David A. Shereyk, John S. Pontaoe, Tun-Jen Chu, Timothy P. Coffield
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Publication number: 20130283492Abstract: A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Craig E. Ernst, JR., Jeffrey D. Anderson, Christopher A.J. Iannello, Martin J. Nilsen, David A. Shereyk, Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 8534648Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Joseph D. Ward
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Patent number: 8465007Abstract: A load bearing assembly includes a molded plastic retainer that supports a load bearing surface over an opening defined by a frame. The molded plastic retainer includes a first portion attached to the frame, a second portion attached to the load bearing surface, and at least one elastic connector integrally molded with the retainer. The elastic connector is oriented such that it includes a crystalline structure having a greater degree of alignment in one direction than in other directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Mark A. Carrier