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Robert E. Gillis papers

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_ORA 006

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

  • Creation: 1975-2010

Language of Materials

Material in English

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Robert E. Gillis papers must be obtained from the Outdoor Recreation Archive Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Historical Note

Robert (Bob) E. Gillis is the owner of Shelter Systems and is known for his innovative designs in the tent industry. In the 1970s, Bob contributed to the development of the Oval Intention, the first geodesic backpacking tent using tensegrity design principles, an innovation that transformed the tent industry. Bob is also the inventor of the Grip Clip™ tarp and Grip Clip™ tent fasteners, which are two rings that hold the tent fabric together to prevent any condensation or rain from seeping in. He came up with this design after realizing the holes from the sewn tent’s fabric panels were letting water into the tent. Bob invented other distinctive techniques for the tent industry and has been granted 18 U.S. patents for his designs. Bob also started his own business, Shelter Systems in 1978 which sell his tent products, including Greenhouse tents. In 1994, Bob Gillis partnered with Mitchell W. McCoy and created McGillis Products. This partnership functioned to conduct general business for Bob’s fasteners and other associated products.

Extent

10 boxes (5 linear feet)

Abstract

This collection contains patent documents related to Robert (Bob) E. Gillis and his inventions, including the Oval Intention, the Grip Clip™ tarp and Grip Clip™ tent fasteners.

Arrangement

The Robert E. Gillis papers are arranged by subjects in relation to his patents. All the patent documents and Bob’s personal journals are arranged chronologically. Other records are arranged alphabetically by invention name or business.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated to USU Special Collections and Archives by Judith Rocchio in 2020 and 2021.

Related Materials

Outdoor Recreation Catalogs (ORA 001)

Outdoor Recreation Serials (ORA 002)

Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian outdoor industry collection (USU_COLL MSS 548)

Processing Information

Processed in December of 2020

Title
Guide to the Robert E. Gillis papers 1975-2010
Author
Finding aid/Register created by Monique Davila and Clint Pumphrey
Date
©2020
Description rules
Finding Aid Based On Dacs (Describing Archives: A Content Standard)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)