Archives West Finding Aid

This collection contains materials related to Robert (Bob) E. Gillis and his work, including materials related to the Oval Intention, the Grip Clip™ tarp, and Grip Clip™ tent fasteners. It includes the original patent documents associated with Bob’s inventions and copies of patents by other inventors for tent-related products. Related to the patents are records he created for the patent application to The United States Patent and Trademark Office. Located under “Patent Application Records,” these documents mostly contain copies of Bob’s patents and patents from inventions with similar designs, as well as copies of Bob’s tent designs and other tent-related gear advertised in catalogs and magazines. These documents, originally held in a bound binder, were kept together in one folder or, if necessary due to size, separated into two folders. “Supporting Documentation for Patent Applications” are also related to the patents, but do not appear to have been submitted with the patent application. These folders include correspondence from Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP, billing information, papers and correspondence from The United States Patent and Trademark Office, drafts of patent applications, copies of patents, copies of sketches, and other records relating to patent applications. The collection also consists of original sketches and notes of Bob’s inventions, including ten journals which document his design process. Other materials include Shelter Systems catalogs, records, and magazine clippings as well as records of McGillis Products. Finally, the collection houses license agreements from The North Face and Sierra Designs, who partnered with Bob to sell his tent products.