Patents by Inventor Frank L. Wheeler

Frank L. Wheeler 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: 8453403
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. The sections of the apparatus of the current invention are initially pivotal in relation to one another. Following position in a desired configuration, one embodiment of the current invention provides a tab or protrusion carried by one section which is compressed against the base portion of an adjacent section to preclude further pivotal movement. In another embodiment, the pivotal connection between adjacent sections is further compressed, crimped or swaged to preclude further pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Flex-Ability Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank L. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7941983
    Abstract: The current invention provides a runner for constructing curved surfaces. The runner has at least two sections with each section having at least two layers. The layers used to prepare the sections are substantially identical. However, when assembled to form a section one layer is reversed compared to another layer. Alternatively, each section may be integrally formed. Adjacent sections are pivotal with respect to one another until secured on a desired radius. The runner of the current invention is suitable for constructing curved walls, archways and other curved structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Flex-Ability Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank L. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20090183460
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. The sections of the apparatus of the current invention are initially pivotal in relation to one another. Following position in a desired configuration, one embodiment of the current invention provides a tab or protrusion carried by one section which is compressed against the base portion of an adjacent section to prelude further pivotal movement. In another embodiment, the pivotal connection between adjacent sections is further compressed, crimped or swaged to preclude further pivotal movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Frank L. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20080115427
    Abstract: The current invention provides a runner for constructing curved surfaces. The runner has at least two sections with each section having at least two layers. The layers used to prepare the sections are substantially identical. However, when assembled to form a section one layer is reversed compared to another layer. Alternatively, each section may be integrally formed. Adjacent sections are pivotal with respect to one another until secured on a desired radius. The runner of the current invention is suitable for constructing curved walls, archways and other curved structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Frank L. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6637173
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. A method of forming a curved structure comprises providing runners having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having track portions, and each runner further having two strap members slidably engaging each of the track portions. The method also includes oppositely placing the runners in a curved position such that the runners are substantially aligned and attaching studs between the runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Flex-Ability Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank L. Wheeler