Patents by Inventor William H. Shepard

William H. Shepard 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: 9963880
    Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: David P. Kraus, Derrick Slowikowski, Ernesto S. Tachauer, William H. Shepard, Howard A. Kingsford, Peter C. Garrigus, Michael D. Murry
  • Patent number: 9752326
    Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: David P. Kraus, Jr., Derrick Slowikowski, Ernesto S. Tachauer, William H. Shepard, Howard A. Kingsford, Peter C. Garrigus, Michael D. Murry
  • Patent number: 9637926
    Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: David P. Kraus, Jr., Derrick Slowikowski, Ernesto S. Tachauer, William H. Shepard, Howard A. Kingsford, Peter C. Garrigus, Michael D. Murry
  • Patent number: 8858077
    Abstract: A reclosable package that includes a pouch of flexible material that includes a reclosable closure secured to the flexible material adjacent an opening to releasably retain the opening of the pouch in a closed state. The closure includes fastenable closure strips that extend along opposite sides of the opening and that are releasably fastenable in multiple relative positions spaced along each of two perpendicular directions. The closure and flexible material of the pouch are configured to provide a maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about a pouch axis extending along the pouch perpendicular to the closure strips, as determined at a point along the closure with the closure strips fastened, that is more than 10 times the maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about the pouch axis, of one of the closure strips as secured to the flexible material, as determined at the point along the closure with the closure strips unfastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: William H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 8778243
    Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, William P. Clune
  • Patent number: 8562769
    Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: David P. Kraus, Derrick Slowikowski, Ernesto S. Tachauer, William H. Shepard, Howard A. Kingsford, Peter C. Garrigus, Michael D. Murry
  • Patent number: 8549714
    Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, William P. Clune
  • Publication number: 20130239371
    Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, William P. Clune
  • Patent number: 8500940
    Abstract: Lightweight, hook-engageable materials capable of functioning as hook-engageable fasteners are treated and configured for use for economical and attractive displays and decorations. Laminates of the material with various substrates with associated printing are used to form visually attractive point of purchase, merchandise or trade show displays. Self-supporting or stable materials having lettering or designs on their surface are used to form banners or floor coverings. Non-woven materials with varied areal density of fibers perform those functions with particular economy. Low density knit fabrics are also useful according to broad features of the invention. Methods are shown to produce reinforced corrugated board and desirably laminated and printed materials having hook-engageable surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, George A. Provost
  • Patent number: 8413306
    Abstract: A fastener product includes an elongate strap, projections molded of resin extending from a first region of the strap, and a head element molded of resin extending from a second region of the strap. The head element includes a hole sized to receive an end of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, William H. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20130008113
    Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: David P. Kraus, JR., Derrick Slowikowski, Ernesto S. Tachauer, William H. Shepard, Howard A. Kingsford, Peter C. Garrigus, Michael D. Murry
  • Publication number: 20130001820
    Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: David P. Kraus, JR., Derrick Slowikowski, Ernesto S. Tachauer, William H. Shepard, Howard A. Kingsford, Peter C. Garrigus, Michael D. Murry
  • Publication number: 20130000237
    Abstract: A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: David P. Kraus, JR., Derrick Slowikowski, Ernesto S. Tachauer, William H. Shepard, Howard A. Kingsford, Peter C. Garrigus, Michael D. Murry
  • Patent number: 8314283
    Abstract: A medical wrap includes a flexible, sheet-form substrate with a discrete medical function delivery region having a surface adapted to be placed against a patient's skin to provide a desired medical effect. The substrate carries a field of fibers exposed on one side thereof for engagement by fastener elements, and an array of fastener elements extending from a side of the substrate opposite the exposed fibers. The fastener elements each have a respective stem extending integrally from a film of resin disposed in a band across the substrate and encapsulating surface features of the substrate. The fastener elements are constructed to snag the exposed fibers when the substrate is wrapped about a patient in an overlapping manner, to secure the wrap about the patient with the medical function delivery region in a desired position. The wrap is useful as a hot or cold pack, medical dressing or drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Howard A. Kingsford, Holly Isabelle, George A. Provost, William H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 8231816
    Abstract: A method of forming a medical wrap including a flexible, sheet-form substrate with a discrete medical function delivery region having a surface adapted to be placed against a patient's skin to provide a desired medical effect. The substrate carries a field of fibers exposed for engagement by an array of fastener elements. The fastener elements each have a respective stem extending integrally from a band of resin extending along the substrate. The fastener elements are constructed to snag the exposed fibers when the substrate is wrapped about a patient in an overlapping manner, securing the wrap about the patient with the medical function delivery region in a desired position. The wrap is configured for use as a hot or cold pack, a medical dressing, or drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Howard A. Kingsford, Holly Isabelle, George A. Provost, William H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 8048507
    Abstract: A carpeted surface is protected with a temporary carpet protection sheet that includes a lightweight non-woven or knit fibrous material laminated with a resin backing into which at least portions of fibers of the fibrous material are embedded, or to which resin of the fibers is directly and chemically fused. Male touch fastener elements extend along the backing and are arranged in spaced apart fastening regions adjacent the longitudinal edges of the fibrous material. The male touch fastener elements are configured to be both releasably engageable with the hook-engageable fibers of the fibrous material, when the protection sheet is arranged in overlapping fashion, and releasably engageable with looped carpet tufts. A protection system features multiple lengths of such protection sheet joined by hook seaming tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: David Blaire Townsend, William H. Shepard, Scott Billings
  • Publication number: 20110253289
    Abstract: A method of forming a substantially air-impermeable composite material includes introducing a sheet-form film and a loop material into a nip formed between a first roll and a second roll, introducing molten resin into the nip between the film and the loop material, and allowing the molten resin to cool so that the film becomes attached to the loop material by the cooled resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventor: William H. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20110249919
    Abstract: A reclosable package that includes a pouch of flexible material that includes a reclosable closure secured to the flexible material adjacent an opening to releasably retain the opening of the pouch in a closed state. The closure includes fastenable closure strips that extend along opposite sides of the opening and that are releasably fastenable in multiple relative positions spaced along each of two perpendicular directions. The closure and flexible material of the pouch are configured to provide a maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about a pouch axis extending along the pouch perpendicular to the closure strips, as determined at a point along the closure with the closure strips fastened, that is more than 10 times the maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about the pouch axis, of one of the closure strips as secured to the flexible material, as determined at the point along the closure with the closure strips unfastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: William H. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20110189423
    Abstract: A carpeted surface is protected with a temporary carpet protection sheet that includes a lightweight non-woven or knit fibrous material laminated with a resin backing into which at least portions of fibers of the fibrous material are embedded, or to which resin of the fibers is directly and chemically fused. Male touch fastener elements extend along the backing and are arranged in spaced apart fastening regions adjacent the longitudinal edges of the fibrous material. The male touch fastener elements are configured to be both releasably engageable with the hook-engageable fibers of the fibrous material, when the protection sheet is arranged in overlapping fashion, and releasably engageable with looped carpet tufts. A protection system features multiple lengths of such protection sheet joined by hook seaming tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: VELCRO INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: David Blaire Townsend, William H. Shepard, Scott Billings
  • Patent number: 7785691
    Abstract: A material for covering a surface of a home or building is provided in the form of a flexible laminate having a fastening side comprising a sheet-form fastener component, and an opposite side formed by a sheet of paper laminated to the fastener component to increase the dimensional stability of the fastener component for covering and fastening over a wide area. The fastener component can have either hooks or loops. The laminate is particularly useful for laying flooring with low backlash between adjacent pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, George A. Provost