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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Lafayette, CA, United States of America

Merle R Hoopengardner

This inventor holds 14 USPTO granted patents. Top assignees: Step Loc Corporation, Jac Tac, Inc., Orcon Corporation. Active years: 1977-1998.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Merle R Hoopengardner. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/merle-r-hoopengardner

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 14

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.1

ph-index = 9

Forward Citations = 214(Granted Patents)


Company Filing History:

goldMedal9 out of 9 
 
Step Loc Corporation
 patents
silverMedal2 out of 2 
 
Jac Tac, Inc.
 patents
bronzeMedal2 out of 31 
 
Orcon Corporation
 patents
4. 1 out of 834,513 
Other
 patents

Years Active: 1977-1998

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14 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 5824175 - Carpet seaming tape and method (1998-10-20),
2. 5595041 - Carpet installation method using flexible carpet base (1997-01-21),
3. 5453150 - Carpet seaming apparatus and method (1995-09-26),
4. 5450698 - Flexible carpet base (1995-09-19),
5. 5384001 - Carpet seaming apparatus and method (1995-01-24),
6. 5304268 - Method for producing adhesive carpet pads (1994-04-19),
7. 5184445 - Method for installing flexible carpet base (1993-02-09),
8. 5160770 - Carpet pads having pressure sensitive adhesive (1992-11-03),
9. 4990399 - Carpet cushion with adhesive (1991-02-05),
10. 4797170 - System for holding carpet in place without stretching (1989-01-10),
11. 4714514 - Baseplate construction for an iron used to face seam carpet with hot (1987-12-22),
12. 4557774 - System for holding carpet in place without stretching (1985-12-10),
13. 4058423 - Carpet repair disk and tool (1977-11-15),
14. D245392 - Carpet repair tool (1977-08-16),

Title: Merle R Hoopengardner: Innovator in Carpet Technology

Introduction

Merle R Hoopengardner is a notable inventor based in Lafayette, CA, who has made significant contributions to the field of carpet technology. With a total of 14 patents to his name, he has developed innovative solutions that enhance the installation and durability of carpets.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is the "Carpet Seaming Tape and Method." This invention features a hot melt carpet seaming tape designed to minimize seam peaking at carpet joints. The installation method utilizes a seaming iron with a grooved base plate and connected liquid channels, allowing for effective seam welding of carpet backings. As the carpet edges come together behind the iron, the backings are seam welded by the liquid adhesive, creating a strong butt joint that significantly enhances the seam's strength. The carpet seaming tape includes a narrow hot melt adhesive strip, preferably less than two inches wide, which, when used in conjunction with seam welding, prevents significant peaking at the seam when the carpet is stretched.

Another innovative patent is the "Carpet Installation Method Using Flexible Carpet Base." This invention involves a wall base for wall-to-wall carpeting made from a rubbery plastic material. It features a flat planar portion that engages the wall and an outwardly extending bead designed to cover the edge of the carpet. The bead has a convexly curved upper surface and a flat lower surface, providing rigidity that allows for easy tucking of the carpet edge under the bead using a blade-type tool. This wall base can be installed prior to carpet installation and remains in place even when the carpet is removed and replaced.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Merle R Hoopengardner has worked with several companies, including Step Loc Corporation and Jac Tac, Inc. His work has focused on developing practical solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of carpet installation.

Collaborations

Merle has collaborated with notable individuals in the industry, including Hollis H Bascom and John J Greci. Their combined expertise has contributed to the advancement of carpet technology.

Conclusion

Merle R Hoopengardner's innovative patents and career achievements have significantly impacted the carpet industry. His dedication to improving carpet installation methods showcases his commitment to innovation and excellence.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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