Patents by Inventor Fred L. Givens

Fred L. Givens 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: 11851833
    Abstract: A barrier is formed from one or more intermediate posts situated between a pair of end posts. Long flexible cables interconnect the end posts and extend adjacent each intermediate post. Each cable is wrapped one or more times around each post. End posts may include dual columns that permit cable windings around both columns. A spike embedded within the end of each cable enhances the purchase that can be gained by a clamp that presses the cable against the end post. The clamp has contact elements with converging side walls that grip the cable near the spike. To maintain the spike in place, a wire rope clip grips the cable over a constriction in its contained spike. Each cable is enclosed by a cable cover extending between adjacent posts. The cable cover is suspended at each post by a pair of tiltable hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Nichols, Fred L. Givens, Bryan L Hudson
  • Patent number: 11761231
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 11060320
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 10604962
    Abstract: A barrier framework is formed from vertical posts and horizontal rails. Infill sections cover major openings in the barrier framework. Elongate junction elements overlay each rail and join adjacent infill sections. Edges of the infill sections fit within channels formed in the junction elements. Each junction element has an H-shaped cross-sectional profile, with the arms on one side shorter than those on the other. A cover element encloses the shorter arms of each junction element and clamps infill material against the longer arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Fred L. Givens, Michael D. Elmore, Bryan L. Hudson, Robert W. Nichols
  • Patent number: 10577825
    Abstract: Structural components of a barrier, including posts, rails and pickets, are formed from a conductive substrate that is encased in a corrosion-resistant nonconductive coating. These structural components are assembled by aligning fastener openings in a pair of components, and joining the paired components with a conductive bolt. The shank of the bolt has an enlarged section of peripheral longitudinal ridges that forms an interference fit within each of the aligned fastener openings. Forming this interference fit abrades away the nonconductive coating within the openings, and allows the shank to form a conductive link between the joined structural components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Fred L. Givens, Michael D. Elmore, Bryan L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 10538939
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 8523150
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7980534
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7896318
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7621510
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7282659
    Abstract: A panel, such as a fence panel, is assembled by a projection welding process from a plurality of upright members and a plurality of rails. The rails and upright members are first assembled into a flat panel framework, which is introduced into a welding area having multiple welding stations arrayed in a series of rows. Paired welding stations in adjacent odd- and even-numbered rows are positioned on opposite sides of the panel framework. Each welding station is characterized by at least two laterally spaced electrodes of opposite polarity, both situated on the same side of the panel framework. One electrode contacts an underlying rail, while the other electrode contacts an underlying upright member. A welding current transmitted between the electrodes causes an internal weld to form between the upright member and the rail at a projection within the rail channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7159853
    Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7071439
    Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed within as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 6811145
    Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: D465856
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Fred L. Givens, Cary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: D466620
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: D467669
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventors: Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: D468028
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventors: Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme