Patents by Inventor Tomonari Yoshida

Tomonari Yoshida 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: 8894111
    Abstract: Slide fastener closing tools and methods of using same. In one embodiment, the slide fastener closing tool is configured to help open or close a slide fastener on an article, such as but not limited to seat, while maintaining a predetermined alignment of the tool relative to the slide fastener. Maintaining the alignment between the tool and the slide fastener reduces the likelihood that the elements of the fastener tape are damaged during opening and closing of the slide fastener. In one embodiment, the tool includes a guide plate configured to help maintain such alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Nakata, Tatsuya Deto, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140167429
    Abstract: Slide fastener closing tools and methods of using same. In one embodiment, the slide fastener closing tool is configured to help open or close a slide fastener on an article, such as but not limited to seat, while maintaining a predetermined alignment of the tool relative to the slide fastener. Maintaining the alignment between the tool and the slide fastener reduces the likelihood that the elements of the fastener tape are damaged during opening and closing of the slide fastener. In one embodiment, the tool includes a guide plate configured to help maintain such alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: YOSHIFUMI NAKATA, TATSUYA DETO, TOMONARI YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20130160627
    Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing hook fastening elements into a mold traveling along a mold assembly line are disclosed. The system can be configured to cut hook fastening tape into strips having a predetermined length based on information received from the mold assembly line, and to drop the cut strips directly into the mold at the appropriate intervals as the mold travels along the mold assembly line. Also disclosed is a system for facilitating the continuous feeding of hook fastening tape through the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sho, Yoshifumi Nakata, Hisashi Yoneshima, Tomonari Yoshida, Takanori Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8419415
    Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing hook fastening elements into a mold traveling along a mold assembly line are disclosed. The system can be configured to cut hook fastening tape into strips having a predetermined length based on information received from the mold assembly line, and to drop the cut strips directly into the mold at the appropriate intervals as the mold travels along the mold assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sho, Yoshifumi Nakata, Hisashi Yoneshima, Tomonari Yoshida, Takanori Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20120114782
    Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing hook fastening elements into a mold traveling along a mold assembly line is disclosed. The system can be configured to cut hook fastening tape into strips having a predetermined length based on information received from the mold assembly line, and to drop the cut strips directly into the mold at the appropriate intervals as the mold travels along the mold assembly line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sho, Yoshifumi Nakata, Hisashi Yoneshima, Tomonari Yoshida, Takanori Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7857383
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a soft cover for covering a seat having an inner frame. According to various embodiments, the soft cover includes a rear portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, an upper portion, and a flap portion with a medial portion. In various embodiments, the medial portion of the soft cover is configured to be recessed by engaging hooks that are attached to the inner surface of the medial portion to the inner frame of the seat and engaging fasteners along the edges of the flap portion with corresponding fasteners along the first and second side portions of the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Thanh P. Nguyen, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20100148551
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a soft cover for covering a seat having an inner frame. According to various embodiments, the soft cover includes a rear portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, an upper portion, and a flap portion with a medial portion. In various embodiments, the medial portion of the soft cover is configured to be recessed by engaging hooks that are attached to the inner surface of the medial portion to the inner frame of the seat and engaging fasteners along the edges of the flap portion with corresponding fasteners along the first and second side portions of the rear portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Thanh P. Nguyen, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6775896
    Abstract: A method of providing complementary fastener strips for securing one item to another item is disclosed. A dispenser allows for complementary fastener strips in a prebound configuration, to be dispensed and used in applications such as the manufacture of outdoor furniture cushions. The invention facilitates the efficient and cost effective manufacture of articles which utilize multiple strips of complementary fastener strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, James Hutcherson, Kiichiro Ishikawa, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030200650
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a slider to a zipper chain having cords with intervals of zipper teeth along a predetermined length of the cords separated by gaps is disclosed. First the zipper chain is pulled along a predetermined path. A gap in the zipper chain is then detected. Once detected, the zipper chain is substantially stopped. A slider is then held in place in the gap of the zipper chain. Once the slider is in place, resistance is provided as the zipper chain motion is restarted. This causes the cords of the zipper chain to tighten and attach to the slider as the zipper chain moves along the predetermined path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6449816
    Abstract: A method of providing complementary fastener strips for securing one item to another item is disclosed. A dispenser allows for complementary fastener strips in a prebound configuration, to be dispensed and used in applications such as the manufacture of outdoor furniture cushions. The invention facilitates the efficient and cost effective manufacture of articles which utilize multiple strips of complementary fastener strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, James Hutcherson, Kiichiro Ishikawa, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20020124357
    Abstract: A method of providing complementary fastener strips for securing one item to another item is disclosed. A dispenser allows for complementary fastener strips in a prebound configuration, to be dispensed and used in applications such as the manufacture of outdoor furniture cushions. The invention facilitates the efficient and cost effective manufacture of articles which utilize multiple strips of complementary fastener strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, James Hutcherson, Kiichiro Ishikawa, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20020124358
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is disclosed which includes a first fastener strip having on at least one side a first fastening surface. Also provided is a second fastener strip having on at least one side a second fastening surface that is complementary to the first fastening surface. The first fastener strip overlies the second fastening surface of the second fastener strip with the first fastening surface not facing the second fastening surface. The first and second fastener strips are releasably connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, James Hutcherson, Kiichiro Ishikawa, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6430784
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is disclosed which includes a first fastener strip having on at least one side a first fastening surface. Also provided is a second fastener strip having on at least one side a second fastening surface that is complementary to the first fastening surface. The first fastener strip overlies the second fastening surface of the second fastener strip with the first fastening surface not facing the second fastening surface. The first and second fastener strips are releasably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, James Hutcherson, Kiichiro Ishikawa, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 4980954
    Abstract: A slider for slide fasteners comprises a slider body, a pull tab for manipulating a slider and a cap-like yoke mounted on the slider body to pivotally join the pull tab to the slider body. The cap-like yoke inlcudes a pair of opposite side walls each having a pair of opposite front and rear legs having the respective engaging means. Teh slider body has a pair of front and rear studs on its upper surface at the front end and the rear end, respectively, the front and the rear studs including the respective pairs of opposite side walls having on their respective inner surface engaging projections engageable with the engaging means for mounting the cap-like yoke on the slider body, so that the pull tab is pivotally joined with the slider body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hideo Takabatake, Tomonari Yoshida