Patents by Inventor James R. Tate

James R. Tate 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: 5577363
    Abstract: A door or other structural panel of the type which has a pair of opposed, congruent sheets spaced apart by a frame to define a separation space between the sheets which may be filled with a core, such as foam. The edge of each sheet has a zig-zag portion which defines a ledge on the outer side of the sheet and a ridge on the inner side of the sheet. The frame member between the sheets at each edge has on each of two sides a projecting flange and a projecting hook which interlock with the zig-zag portion of the sheets to create a mechanical engagement between the sheets and the frame member. The flow of liquid foam into the separation space is controlled by a rib projecting inwardly from the sheet and by a resilient foam block slightly compressed between the sheets. Methods of manufacturing such panels are provided, including by sliding the beams onto the sheet edges and tapping the beams into a rigid state, and by employing temporary frame members which can be removed and re-used after the foam hardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Tate, Allen E. Lee, Bryan P. Zacher, Vernon D. Olson